Tag Archive for: Community

Run Like A Mother Will Be Virtual For 2021

Every year since it’s inception, Karla Murtaugh Homes has been a proud sponsor of Ridgefield’s Run Like a Mother® national 5K race series.  This year, Run Like  Mother is teaming up with the ZOOMA Women’s Race Series to host a virtual event on Mother’s Day Weekend.  The Run Like A Mother series focuses on celebrating mothers across the nation and now in its 14th year, has hosted races in Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio and its original race Ridgefield. During this time, founder Searfoss opened Ridgefield Running Company and Darien Running Company and authored, See Mom Run-Every Mother’s Guide to Getting Fit and Running Her First 5K.

“I am incredibly excited to see Run Like a Mother join forces with ZOOMA,” said Megan Searfoss, founder of Run Like a Mother. “It is a natural step forward for ZOOMA and Run Like a Mother to join forces. Both series offer inspiration and content for women from beginner runners to experienced.”

Sarah Ratzlaff, owner of ZOOMA Women’s Races and Skirts Sports added, “While the races are virtual this year, we hope the celebration of Run Like a Mother continues to be part of everyone’s Mother’s Day weekend.”

As part of the Run Like a Mother 5K package, ZOOMA will offer virtual training programs, an online run community, and race day gifts including a shirt, a finisher’s medal and an inspirational bracelet from Momentum Jewelry.

Race registration opens today at www.runlikeamother.com.

In Real Estate Timing is Everything!

Christie’s auction house broke another world record this week by auctioning off the world’s first purely digital artwork where bidding started just two weeks ago at $100, sold for a record $69M.

Not all of us can afford the world of alternative investments, but navigating the tides of the recent real estate market can be just as intimidating. With the exodus of buyers from NYC in 2020, Ridgefield and other Fairfield County towns have been experiencing an uptick in sales and demand not previously experienced. Recently however, NYC is starting to see interest return and Christie’s International Real Estate NYC Brokerage has been fielding questions from NYC die-hards with upsizing and downsizing questions, investors looking to buy up assets, and first-time homebuyers looking to get in while prices remain relatively low.

With this being said, the suburbs continue to be attractive to many urban buyers. As you have been reading, inventory is low and bidding wars are still occurring on properly priced homes. People are reflecting on their new work-life balance and what that means in terms of housing. Buyers – keep the faith! We are in constant contact with sellers getting their homes ready for spring market. With the vaccine providing a light at the end of the tunnel, the market is starting to open up.

Whether you’re looking for your dream home or wanting to list your current home for sale, our up to minute knowledge will help you navigate this new normal and set you up for success. Reach out at 203-856-5534 or karla@karlamurtaugh.com to see how we can help.

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.

Karla Murtaugh Receives Luxury Specialist Designation From Christie’s International Real Estate

After attending Christie’s International Real Estate’s Luxury Specialist conference specializing in insights about the global economy, evolving business strategies and luxury trends in art, collectibles and home design, Karla Murtaugh was awarded the exclusive “Luxury Specialist” designation for expertise in high-end client service. This is the sixth year that Karla Murtaugh has been granted the Luxury Specialist designation.

Welcoming over 700 brokers from 24 countries, including 26 U.S. states, this year’s event was held virtually, attracting the largest number of participants in the history of the forum. At the conclusion of the conference, attendees were designated as a “Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist” by Christie’s Education.

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “Our agents are experts in their local markets, the reason their companies were invited to join our exclusive network. This conference, offering continuing education in the luxury sector, allows them to build on their local reputations with an appreciation for the full scope of the interests of high-end clients.”

In addition to representation from across the United States, attendees joined from Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin and South America, Asia and Australia.

Speakers included Elliot Eisenberg, internationally acclaimed economist renowned for making the science of global money policies clear and logical; and Michael S. Smith, the interior designer appointed by President Barack Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House and responsible for the 2010 makeover of the Oval Office.

Participants also heard from Christie’s International Real Estate executives and their industry-leading peers who provided insights into managing their businesses in a volatile environment, digital approaches for buying and selling homes, managing client relations and leveraging PR and social media to build personal brands.

Karla Murtaugh Homes Sponsors The Prospector Theatre, Ridgefield

As we all know, 2020 has been a challenging year for many non-profits. Living and working locally, Karla Murtaugh Homes is committed to partnering with and supporting local businesses, and is once again proud to sponsor the Prospector Theater. The Prospector was obviously impacted by the lock-downs and restrictions due to Covid-19, however, in our recent call with the Theatre we were encouraged to learn how they have pivoted to keep every employee – known as “Prospects” – working this entire time. Here are couple of ways their ingenious staff have furthered the Prospector mission to “Sparkle On”.

1. Technology played a starring role as Prospects worked on standard operating procedures, new moviegoing guidelines, video productions, grants, graphic design, daily flash challenges, continuing education classes, virtual service-learning experiences, and more.

2. Prospects have experimented with new alternate revenue streams including an expanded retail line, online gourmet popcorn orders, discounted theater rentals, virtual birthday packages, and curbside concessions. Each one of these new offerings creates dozens of jobs for Prospects while fueling their mission and business.

3. The Prospector reopened its doors on June 17th, 2020. Social distancing seating arrangements, plexiglass partitions, contactless payments, designated one-way traffic, hand sanitizer stations, and more made the Prospector the gold standard for safe moviegoing practices, with several competitors reaching out to the Prospector for guidance.

The Prospector’s work is needed now more than ever. Since March of 2020, an additional 1,000,000 Americans with disabilities have lost their jobs, bringing the unemployment rate to 85%. Karla Murtaugh Homes has been there with unending support for the Prospector’s mission since it opened. It’s not too late – you can join us in helping this important Ridgefield beacon of light by seeing a movie, purchasing a gift card, making a donation, or becoming a sponsor – like us! For more information, visit www.prospectortheater.org

Karla Murtaugh Homes Sponsors “Homes For The Holidays” at the Lounsbury House

The Holidays are looking different this year, but I am consistently amazed at the creativity of the businesses and community leaders in our fabulous town of Ridgefield. I am proud to support the Lounsbury House gingerbread-styled home tour of some of Ridgefield’s most iconic properties. If you get a chance, go online to LounsburyHouse.org and vote for your favorite! Voting closes December 20.

 

Giving Thanks

It is with truly heartfelt thanks that we enter this Holiday Season. For many it will be very different from the festivities of years’ past.

Gatherings will be smaller, and family and friends will be “zoomed” in from all corners of the globe. We humans have proved we are nothing if not resilient during these unprecedented times!

Enjoy the calmness that this year will bring, with time to look back on the people in our lives who enrich us every day. Start new traditions and reach out virtually to that person you’ve been meaning to reconnect with, but are always too busy to sit down with.

And even more importantly, remember those who are far less fortunate than ourselves – those who have suffered job loss and furloughs. Celebrate the remarkable health care providers who have been on the front lines during this pandemic and continue to risk so much. Give where you can and celebrate the joy that comes from it.

If nothing else, 2020 has proved that our homes are truly our safe haven. We are honored to have assisted so many buyers and sellers this year as they begin their next chapter.

Although this Thanksgiving may look different, the spirit is the same – give thanks and enjoy one another!

Ridgefield Posts Record Sales In Q3 2020

Q3 2020 Rises Beyond Expectations

After Covid-19 took the wind out of our sails in March and April, the Ridgefield real estate market has rebounded with enthusiasm posting record sales that far outweigh 2019. Year-to-date, a total of 358 homes have sold so far this year, outpacing 2019 by 39% and the total sales volume stands 55% higher than 2019 at $280,255,426 vs $180,307,075.

In Q3 specifically, we have seen 201 sales vs 108 in Q3 2019. Additionally, our total sales volume in Q3 2020 posted a 108% gain over the same timeframe in 2019 registering $160,858,383 in sales. Sales in Q3 reflect deposits taken from May to August in most cases.

Our days on market and months of inventory are also lower than in 2019, which is concerning given the number of buyers still looking to move to our area. There are currently only 117 homes on the market, which corresponds to 3 months of available inventory.

Luxury Sales Are Strong

Sales are up in all price points with strong gains in the over $1 million category.  In 2019, there were 37 homes that sold for over $1-million by this time, while there have been 79 year-to-date in 2020. The trend continues when looking at Luxury Homes sales in particular (over $1.5-million) where there have been 25 recorded sales as opposed to only 12 in 2019. There are also 13 additional luxury properties currently under agreement and set to close in Q4 2020.

Prices Are Up

The average sales price was up 12 percent year over year and in Q3 2020.  Year-to-date it sits at $782,836, and in Q3 it was $800,290.  The median sales price was up 11 percent in Q3 sitting at $720,000 compared to $650,000 and 6 percent in the year-to-date with 2019 registering a median value of $635,000 and 2020 $673,750. We have seen a good number of homes selling at or above their listed sale price in a short amount of time. Homes that are updated and priced properly are often in receipt of multiple bids.

Fairfield County Snapshot  

We are experiencing increases in sales and property values throughout Fairfield County with the number of sales increasing 17 percent, median sales price up 12 percent, and total dollar volume up a record 40 percent since 2019. Darien, Greenwich and Westport saw the largest gains in the number of sales and values.

Looking Ahead

We wish we had a crystal ball to have a clearer vision for the market going forward, but with the election, Covid-19 and job security all looming as issues in Q4 and beyond, we are somewhat uncertain what the future holds. Interest rates are holding at historic lows, and we are also seeing more cash transactions in the upper segment of $1-million purchases. One thing we can say is that inventory is low and there are many buyers looking to purchase. If we can continue to list homes, the market will continue to grow. So, if you have been reevaluating your lifestyle and think that making a move would be good for you, now is the time! We offer a complimentary market analysis and would be happy to provide you with a concrete analysis of what your home is worth.  For buyers, our expertise in negotiating in a strong seller’s market means you will get unparalleled representation in a competitive marketplace. Contact us today at 203-856-5534 or karla@karlamurtaugh.com