Skolnick's Scoop on Westport's Market Oct.1, 2012

What’s really happening in Westport’s Real Estate market so far this year? Buyers seem to believe that prices are finally steady while sellers are sure prices are on their way up. Of course, without a crystal ball, no one can truly tell the future, however, based on a comparison of 2011 to 2012 sales, the market is certainly stable, with great values for buyers. Current values are estimated to be close to those in 2003. Anyone who purchased a home after 2003 who is selling now should expect to lose money on the sale side, but hopefully recoup the loss when they buy another home. Interest lending rates continue to be historically low, but the time period to receive a mortgage commitment from a bank is considerably longer than in the past, often taking a few months instead of a few weeks.

Presently there are 321* houses on the market in Westport, with an average list price of $1,829,552. The most expensive home listed for sale is priced at $27,500,000., located on Beachside Avenue, owned by two of Westport’s most famous residents, offering 6.56 acres, a 8716 square foot main house plus a free standing gym on over 2 acres and 420 feet of direct waterfront access. The least expensive home on the market in Westport is listed for $309,000. on Crescent Park Road with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a fireplace in 1152 square feet on .12 acre .

In 2012, 277 homes have closed (sold) year to date, with a median list price of $1,485,000., and a median sales price of $1,225,000. The most expensive home sold in 2012 in Westport closed for $5,250,000. It is new construction located on Minute Man Hill on 1.23 acre, offering 7600 square feet, an in-ground pool and walking distance to the beach. The least expensive sale was $390,000., located on Frescenius Road.

In 2011, during the same time period, 286 homes also sold in Westport. With a median list price of $1,399,000, and median sales price of $1,085,625 . The most expensive home sold last year during the same time period closed for $6,300,000 on Bluewater Hill Road. The home featured sweeping views of the sound, a pool, 7500 square foot house on 1 acre with tennis courts as part of the Bluewater Hill association.

Typically, the most closings happen in May, June, July and August , and in 2012 it was no different. During May 32 homes closed, June 54, July 49, August 39 and last month, in September 22 homes closed. These stats are similar to 2011, when in May 42 homes closed, June 54, July 36, August 43 and September 26 homes closed. Although we are on par with last year, we do still have quite a bit of inventory. As of October 1, there are 369 homes on the market with a total market volume of $788,304,205. Currently we have 17 months of inventory available for sale compared to the same time period in 2011 when we had 15 months of inventory available to sell.

The bottom line, the Westport Market is alive! Properties are selling when priced correctly. Our buyers in Westport are well educated. They know the market, and are not willing to overpay. Based on the median dollar listing amount of active homes compared to the median of actual sold listings this year, it appears that we have a large quantity of overpriced listings. The market will not allow you to under price your home (the price will be bid up by savvy buyers), but the market will allow you to hold on to your overpriced listing for years! Price it right and be ready to negotiate.

*These statistics are based on the homes listed for sale through the Greater-Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service as of October 1, 2012.