Connecticut Ranks 1st In The Nation for AP Exam Performance

According to the AP Cohort Data Report released by the College Board, for the first time ever Connecticut ranks best in the nation on student performance of advanced placement (AP) exams with 34.5 percent of 2020 high school graduates in Connecticut earning a score of 3 or more on an AP exam.

The report offers a measure of participation and performance that shows success on the Advanced Placement® (AP®) Exam in the overall context of equity and access. It represents only U.S. public school students because no central source of enrollment and demographic data is available for nonpublic schools for all states. Compared to the national average, Connecticut saw noticeable increases in the class of 2020 with respect to exam participation and performance among students from low-income families, and Black and Hispanic students. The total number of the state’s graduating class who took an AP exam in high school increased by over five percent in the last five years.

Graduating seniors use AP to get a head start in college. They use AP to:
1. Stand out in college admission
2. Earn college credits
3. Build college skills, and
4. Advance into higher-level courses

Because most colleges in the United States award credit and placement for qualifying AP Exam scores, the 2021 AP Exams will cover the full course content so that students are accurately placed into higher-level courses where they will succeed when they arrive on campus.

College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the
SAT® and the Advanced Placement® Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools.

120 Prospect Ridge Featured In Hearst Papers “On The Market”

Our beautiful listing at 120 Prospect Ridge, Ridgefield CT was featured in Hearst Newspapers “On The Market” section this past week. Profiling exceptional properties throughout Fairfield County, Meg Barone interviewed Karla Murtaugh to get the scoop. Here are some excerpts from the article:

The classic architecture of the 1920s-era house at 120 Prospect Ridge in Ridgefield works in concert with its updates, amenities and location to create a living and entertaining space worthy of the 21st century lifestyle.

The circa 1928 masterpiece is a “lesson in timeless architecture and sophisticated living,” according to Karla Murtaugh, the listing agent.

The 15-room house, its sizable guest cottage, and heated in-ground saltwater swimming pool sit on a gated one-acre level property in the Village Center within walking distance of many attractions.

At 5,986 square feet this house is a comfortable size. “It’s just the right size. It’s not a McMansion. That’s the allure of this property. People are looking for comfortable and not over-the-top. This house is very gracious,” Murtaugh said.

The master suite features a huge dressing room, a private balcony looking over the yard and a marble bath. Three other bedrooms are also en suite. Above the detached two-car garage is the guest cottage. It includes a vaulted great room, bedroom, full bath and lower level kitchenette. Either the guest house or the third level in the main house could serve as an in-law or au pair suite.

Murtaugh said the house is “beautifully sited and surrounded by Green Giant evergreens and blossoming rhododendrons.” The professionally landscaped grounds include multiple patios and pergolas, organic garden beds and perennial gardens.

This house is on the market for $2,450,000.

 

Visit our feature page to take a virtual tour. Text or call 203-856-5534 or email karla@karlamurtaugh.com for more information or to schedule an in-person tour.

Continued Good News In The Ridgefield Real Estate Market!

Coming off a stellar year in 2020, Ridgefield real estate sales continue to impress. With numbers far exceeding 2020’s incredible start to the year, 2021 promises to again post increasing prices and decreased sales times, as long as we can procure the inventory to keep the market moving. With a wealth of qualified buyers waiting in the wings for the perfect house, now is the time to jump into the market if you’ve been contemplating a move.

Prices & Volume
The number of sales in January 2021 exceeded 2020 by 48% with 34 homes sold as compared to 23 in January 2020. There was a rise in overall sales volume as well, with 2021 seeing $30,591,500 sold in the first month of the year compared to $19,658,000 in 2020. The median price this month was where the steepest overall gains were seen with a sales price of $856,000 vs $620,000 in 2020. The average sales price rose from $854,696 to $899,750 this year.

Inventory & Days On Market
In an unprecedented first, the available inventory has dropped to 3 months! In comparison, at this time last year there was 8 months of available inventory on the market. In addition, the days a house remained on the market before entering contract currently sits at 59 days as compared to 132 days in January 2020. For a breakdown by price point of recent sales, see the chart below or DOWNLOAD the chart.

Now Is The Time To Sell
With a continuing number of buyers looking for privacy, space and the suburbs, it’s certainly a good time for sellers. Buyer demand is at an all time high and there is very limited inventory. To find out what your home is worth or for a complimentary consultation, please reach out to us at karla@karlamurtaugh.com or call 203-856-5534. We’d love to discuss our outstanding marketing campaigns and platinum level of service.