Ridgefield Market Report for December 2014

December showed mixed results in the Ridgefield single family home market. Although the Median Sales Price was slightly decreased at months end, 2014 finished strong with a higher Median Sales Price overall than the previous year. The Days On Market for both December year over year and 2014 overall was lower than previous, and the number of Closed Sales actually increased in December 2014 compared to December 2013. For full recap and analysis of the 2014 home market, please read our “Interpreting The Market Report” found in the February issue of Ridgefield Magazine, or come back and visit KarlaMurtaugh.com to download it.

MEDIAN SALES PRICE and CLOSED SALES
December 2014 saw the median sold price of a property in Ridgefield decrease from $650,000 in 2013 to $640,00 in 2014, representing a 1.5% drop. The number of closed sales actually increased to 35 in December 2014, compared to 34 during the same time period last year. Overall, on the year-to-date, the median price has increased 1.8% over 2013, rising from $650,000 to $661,500. Closed sales are lower than the same time period last year with a total of 331 properties closing since the beginning of the year compared to 389 this time least year; a decrease of 14.9%.

PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT
Reflecting strong interest by buyers in December of this year, the number of properties under contract increased by 30.0% over the same time last year, with 26 entering escrow compared to 20 last year. In the year-to-date figures, 346 properties have opened escrow since the beginning of 2014, as compared to 369 last year.

DAYS ON MARKET and INVENTORY
The Average Days On Market decreased in December 2014 with properties spending an average of 187 days as compared to 218 days during the same time last year. Overall, in year-to-date figures, the days on market has decreased by 21.0%. The months supply of inventory has also decreased to just 10.1 months, down from 14.3 months during the same time last year.

NEW PROPERTIES FOR SALE
The number of new properties listed in December totaled 12, which is down from last year’s 21 properties. In the year-to-date figures, 2013 outpaced 2014 for properties listed 654 to 622, a decrease of 34.9%.

For a full graphical analysis of Ridgefield’s December 2014 real estate market, click here. You can also take advantage of my complimentary Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your home’s worth.

http://108.179.243.173/~d5o7l0g4/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/KMMReport-Dec-2014.pdf

Ridgefield Market Report for November 2014

Overall, sales figures are down for single family home sales in November 2014 as compared to the same time last year. This is also true in the overall year to date.

MEDIAN SALES PRICE and CLOSED SALES
November 2014 saw the median sold price of a property in Ridgefield decrease significantly from $757,000 in 2013 to $538,500 in 2014, representing a 28.9% drop. The number of closed sales also decreased to 14 in November 2014, compared to 18 during the same time period last year. Overall, on the year-to-date, the median price has increased 2.5% over 2013, rising from $650,000 to $666,000. Closed sales are lower than the same time period last year with a total of 296 properties closing since the beginning of the year compared to 355 by this time least year, a decrease of 16.6%.

PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT
Reflecting strong interest by buyers in November of this year, the number of properties under contract increased by 52.0% over the same time last year, with 38 entering escrow compared to 25 last year. In the year-to-date figures, 330 properties have opened escrow since the beginning of 2014, as compared to 349 over the same time period last year.

DAYS ON MARKET and INVENTORY
The days a listed home spends on the market increased in November 2014 with properties spending an average of 152 as compared to 129 days during the same time last year. Overall, in year-to-date figures, the days on market has decreased by 22.4%. The months supply of inventory has also decreased to just 8 months, from 12.3 months during the same time last year.

NEW PROPERTIES FOR SALE
The number of new properties listed in November totaled 16, which is down from last year’s 23 properties. In the year-to-date figures, 2013 outpaced 2014 for properties listed 633 to 610, a decrease of 3.6%.

For a full graphical analysis of Ridgefield’s November 2014 real estate market, Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your home’s worth.

http://108.179.243.173/~d5o7l0g4/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/KMMReport-2014-NOV.pdf

Happy Thanksgiving From The 33rd Annual Turkey Trot!

In the spirit of promoting good health and Thanksgiving cheer, every year I proudly sponsor the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield’s Turkey Trot 5K, and this year was no exception. Despite the weather, I joined the record crowd of runners and onlookers. It never ceases to amaze me how much community spirit our little town manages to muster and how fortunate we are to have organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club in our community. Every year this wonderful organization provides after school care, and community focused leadership and philanthropic groups to keep our youth engaged in supporting themselves and the community.

The words of the Boys and Girl’s Club Mission Statement sum it up:

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

I’m also reminded of a quote I came across recently:

“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion and our unique talents. Someone will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have potential to turn a life around. It is overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.”
– Leo Buscaglia

So to everyone who came out to support loved ones, the Boys and Girl’s Club and our community, I say thank you and I hope you are having a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Ridgefield Safest Town In Connecticut

As reported in the Danbury News-Times, the personal finance website ValuePenguin.com researched 2012 crime numbers in 90 municipalities across the state and published its analysis last week. If you judge mainly by the prevalence of violent crime — or the lack of it — Ridgefield is the safest place to live in Connecticut.

Ridgefield led seven other Fairfield County communities that ranked among the state’s 10 safest — including Darien, Wilton, Redding, New Canaan and Greenwich.

“We’ve always fared well when it comes to safety, and I think it has a lot to do with the sense of community that we have and the caring that neighbors do for each other,” said First Selectman Rudy Marconi to the News-Times. “But it also has to do with luck. If you had a social scientist analyze what we are doing here, you wouldn’t find it any different than what they are doing in Wilton and New Canaan and Redding.”

The rankings correspond to an index number based on the assumption that violent crimes such as murder and rape are much more of a safety concern to people than property crime. The state average was 336.

Ridgefield’s violent crime index was Connecticut’s lowest at 39 — even compared to towns with similar geography and demographics. The state’s cities had higher index numbers and were deemed more dangerous.

In Ridgefield, Marconi said the police department deserved credit for the top safety score but added the town’s generous spirit of volunteerism and its culture of compassion was equally responsible for the strong sense of security.

With a host of cultural and volunteer opportunities available to residents, it’s easy to see why a strong sense of community is fostered in Ridgefield. The upcoming Ridgefield Holiday Stroll, Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K benefitting the Boys and Girls Club, recent opening of the Prospector Theater which employs adults with disabilities, as well as a myriad of community groups and organizations all working together for the common good of Ridgefield and surrounding area residents, lends itself to a strong sense of “watching out for your neighbor.”

If you’re looking move into Connecticut’s #1 small town, contact us at karla@neumannrealestate.com or call/text 203-856-5534.

Ridgefield Market Report for October 2014

October was a mixed month for Ridgefield single family housing sales. The median sales price
decreased significantly from $680,000 in October 2013 to $560,000 in October 2014, which represents a drop of 17.6% The number of properties that sold also decreased from 23 in October 2013 to 12 during the same time this year – a 47.8% decrease. However, the good news is that the properties entering escrow/under contract rose sharply to 35 from 23 in October 2013 – an increase of 52.2%. Overall, sales and median price are still lagging behind last year’s numbers as we head into the Holiday season.

MEDIAN SALES PRICE and CLOSED SALES
October 2014 saw the median price of a property in Ridgefield decrease significantly from $680,000 in 2013 to $580,000, and the number of properties sold also decreased to 12 in October 2014, compared to 23 during the same time period last year. Overall, on the year-to-date, the median price has increased 3.5% over 2013, rising from $650,000 to $672,500. Closed sales are lower than the same time period last year with a total of 282 properties closing since the beginning of the year compared to 337 by this time least year, a decrease of 16.3%.

PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT
Reflecting strong sales, the number of properties under contract in October 2014 increased by 52.2% over the same time last year, with 35 entering escrow compared to 23 last year. In the year-to-date figures, 311 properties have opened escrow since the beginning of 2014, as compared to 324 over the same time period last year.

DAYS ON MARKET and INVENTORY
The days a listed home spends on the market continues to decrease in 2014 with properties spending an average of 152 days on the market during October 2014, as compared to 172 days last year. Overall, in year-to-date figures, the days on market has decreased by 24.2%. The months supply of inventory has also decreased to just 9.5 months, from 14.7 months during the same time last year.

NEW PROPERTIES FOR SALE
The number of new properties listed in September totaled 39, which is down from last year’s 46 properties. In the year-to-date figures, 2013 outpaced 2014 for properties listed 610 to 594, a decrease of 2.6%.

For a full graphical analysis of Ridgefield’s October 2014 real estate market, download the report. You can also take advantage of my complimentary Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your home’s worth.

http://108.179.243.173/~d5o7l0g4/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/KMMReport-Oct-2014.pdf

Once In A Lifetime Opportunity To Tour Deer Run

OPEN HOUSE

26 Giles Hill Road, Redding, CT 06896

Sunday, November 9, 1:00-4:00pm

Fabulous Mission Style Manor Home Resides on Pristine Farmland and Connecticut Forest

Under big skies… 1 hour from NYC… 300 breathtaking acres…
Scenic vistas, a lake for boating and fishing, age-old cattle trails, stonewalls, and pristine forests make this unique offering unmatched anywhere in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Whether you want to stable horses, raise cattle, design your own executive golf course, cultivate a vineyard, or simply live a life of peace and splendor, Deer Run’s 300 ranch acres are the answer. Historically used as a cattle-grazing farm, deep stonewalls line the 130 acres of fertile pasture, while hiking and riding trails meander through the additional 170 acres of timberland and orchards. A 7-acre lake, boathouse, and naturally occurring ponds and water sources dot the property. The private, 7 bedroom, 9 bath Mission-style Manor home was designed to permit distant views from every room, and provides numerous indoor and outdoor amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor basketball court, tennis court and a billiards room. Caretakers quarters available. Consisting of five land parcels, acreage options and subdivision possibilities exist. Don’t miss out. Join us for this fabulous opportunity!!

AT-A-GLANCE

Ridgefield Market Report for September 2014

September was a positive month for Ridgefield single family housing sales. The median sales price held fairly steady, while the number of units sold increased. The number of days a property spent on the market decreased by 45% over the same time last year, indicating properties are still in demand by buyers, and the number of properties that entered escrow (went under contract) increased by 144%! The number of closed sales year-to-date is still lagging behind the same time last year, but the overall median sales price is up over 2013. In my opinion, it’s a strong fall market for sellers, and as interest rates remain low, a great time to invest as a buyer.

MEDIAN SALES PRICE and CLOSED SALES
September 2014 saw the median price of a property in Ridgefield decrease very slightly to $697,500 from $702,000 in 2013 (0.6%), while the number of properties sold increased to 33 in September 2014, compared to 27 during September of last year. Overall, on the year-to-date, the median price has increased 6.0% over 2013, rising from $642,250 to $681,000. Closed sales are lower than the same time period last year with a total of 270 properties closing since the beginning of the year compared to 314 by this time least year, a decrease of 14%.

PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT
Reflecting a good end to the quarter, the number of properties under contract in the month of September increased by 143.8% over the same time last year, with 39 entering escrow compared to 16 last year. In the year-to-date figures, 276 properties have opened escrow since the beginning of 2014, as compared to 301 over the same time period last year.

DAYS ON MARKET and INVENTORY
The days a listed home spends on the market continues to decrease in 2014 with properties spending an average of 127 days on the market during September 2014, as compared to 232 days last year. Overall, in year-to-date figures, the days on market has decreased by 24.6%. The months supply of inventory has also decreased to just 9.3 months, from 21.0 months during the same time last year.

NEW PROPERTIES FOR SALE
The number of new properties listed in September totaled 59, which incidentally almost equaled the 58 new properties that were listed for sale in September 2013. In the year-to-date figures, 2013 outpaced 2014 for properties listed 564 to 555, a decrease of 1.6%.

For a full graphical analysis of Ridgefield’s September 2014 real estate market, download the report. You can also take advantage of my complimentary Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your home’s worth.

http://108.179.243.173/~d5o7l0g4/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/KMM-Report-Sept.pdf

You’re Invited To Ridgefield’s Finest Homes

Neumann Real Estate-Christie’s is excited to welcome you to our very special Open House event happening this Sunday, October 5th. Starting at 11:00am, the Neumann agents are hosting multiple Open Houses around town. The owners of these homes have graciously thrown open their doors and welcome you to tour the fabulous properties.

Listed below are five wonderful residences that I represent, and who will be participating in this event. Click on any one of them for more information.

For a full list of Open House times and addresses, see our ad in this week’s Ridgefield Press. I hope to see you there Sunday!

103 New Street | $595,000 | Open 11:30am – 1:30pm

22 Manor Road | $1,375,000 | Open 11:30am – 1:30pm

16 Bayberry Hill Road | $995,000 | Open 12:00pm – 2:00pm

42 Peaceable Street | $1,195,000 | Open 2:00pm – 4:00pm

24 Lewis Drive | $1,345,000 | Open 2:00pm – 4:00pm

It’s Going To Be A Fabulous Fall in Ridgefield!

It’s been a busy few months with vacations, the start of school and lots of activity in the Ridgefield Real Estate market! I feel fortunate to have been able to help many buyers and sellers during the month of August and would just like to say thank you for your referrals and continued trust in my services. I’m also pleased to welcome my marketing manager, Jana Williams, as the newest Realtor to my team. She joins Sally Walter and myself in offering the best customer service in the business. As always, we work hard to stay abreast of market trends and conditions, and you can’t beat the exposure you get through our personalized international, national and local marketing plans. Below is a list of the properties my buyers or sellers closed on in August and a couple of properties that are currently under contract. If you, or someone you know is in the market to buy or sell a home, the best compliment I can receive is a referral.

SOLD