Karla Murtaugh Chosen To List $5.25 Million Zen-Like Estate

Recently featured in Ridgefield Magazine, Strawberry Ridge, located in the desirable town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is a large, private estate owned by investment banker and NYU professor, Gerald Rosenfeld and producer, Judith Zarin. Offered at a price of US $5.25 million, the property is being presented by Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, and exclusive affiliate Neumann Real Estate. Featuring a mid-century modern design by architects Donald Billinkoff and Yvan Prokesch, the structure accentuates a series of wings that encompass the best of living in every season.

“When we designed this home we had two goals, “ says Zarin. “First, to turn the traditional Colonial residence into a contemporary home that still looked appropriate in its location, and second, to have a home which provided fun and comfort in all four seasons of the year.” The owners also renovated and recently sold a modern, 6500 square foot townhouse in the West Village and are currently renovating a new apartment on the Upper West Side in preparation for the move back to Manhattan.

“It is rare to find a property that so perfectly marries modern minimalism with such warmth and comfort,” says Karla Murtaugh, who is brokering the property for Neumann Real Estate. “Strawberry Ridge is a perfect country residence for someone who appreciates clean, uncluttered lines in a bucolic setting, yet still wants to remain close to the action and accessibility of New York City.”

Located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in beautiful Fairfield County, the wonderfully renovated and expanded 11,272 square foot residence sits behind natural privacy walls in one of Ridgefield’s premier enclaves. A striking front entrance opens to reveal a central reception area offering access to both wings of the home. The contemporary, vaulted design of the “summer” wing includes a sleek European kitchen, which seamlessly gives way to a breakfast area, and a large family room with multiple large-pane glass doors. An expansive great room and elevated gym lead to a stunning indoor pool with a spa and waterfall. Off the great room, the sumptuous screened porch with a built-in grill acts as a living room during the warmer seasons, and the recent addition of a stone fire pit and treehouse add to the unpretentious, zen feel of the property.

The “winter” wing can be defined as romantic classicism married with modern minimalism. The glass sunroom provides views of the beautifully terraced, outdoor living room designed by landscape architect Diane Devore of Fairfield, Connecticut. The formal living room features wall-to-wall views, while the large dining room – at once formal and elegant – is made equally soft and inviting with a plethora of maple paneling and a warm, stone fireplace. A relaxed library will satisfy the most discerning of book aficionados, while the original glass finial at the bottom of the circular stair to the private living quarters reflects the home’s three-century heritage.

The private, upper level spaces of the home continue to impress. The master suite is positively breathtaking with its exposed beams, comfortable fireplace, and incredible views of the guest house and woods beyond. The manicured 7.59 acre property has been meticulously sculpted to reflect the roots of contemporary design in Puritan tradition. The grassy stepped living room, and cedar and gravel walking path meandering around the perimeter of the property blend seamlessly with the outdoor pool, sport court and tennis court.

See more information about this spectacular home here. Contact me directly at 203-856-5534 for a private showing.

The Truth About Mold

Mold is one of the world’s most successful organisms – it will find its way into any location, even unexpected ones. However, that is not to say that mold is an inevitable – or even likely – problem to arise in your home. Mold grows under very specific conditions, all of which are easy to prevent.

Mold reproduces with spores, which are invisibly small organic particles that float everywhere. Although these spores are in the always in the air, when mold begins to grow, the spores may rise to levels that cause health problems and increase the likelihood that it will become a problem and spread. Outside of bread and other foods, the most likely place in your home for mold and spores to grow is on a wet surface, as it cannot grow without some kind of moisture.

To defeat mold before it begins, check your home to see if there are areas of high moisture or areas with direct water leaks. Fixing these issues should keep your house free of mold indefinitely. Keeping the relative humidity to less than 60 percent is also a good rule of thumb in ensuring your home remains inhospitable to fungus. Introducing a dehumidifier into a moist area, such as a basement in the summer time, is often an effective method to curb problems.

Mold can also grow in ducts and other HVAC systems. If the air in your home is causing problems, resulting in an increased difficulty when breathing particularly for those afflicted with respiratory issues, have your ducts checked to see if they need cleaning. Advanced filtration systems can also be installed in places that are predisposed to mold, but for most homeowners, this is not necessary.

Once it becomes established, mold can affect your health in a number of ways. Inhaling large amounts of spores can exacerbate allergy problems or cause other irritation. Although mold is generally not particularly harmful some varieties of mold, such as black mold, produce directly toxic substances called mycotoxins. However, the primary concern with mold is their effect on respiratory health.

If there is already mold in your home, it may be possible to clean it yourself. According to the EPA if there is less than 10 square feet of surface mold, scrubbing it off a hard surface by using detergent and water is generally enough to get rid of the problem. Soft or porous surfaces that have mold on them will likely need to be thrown away. Carpeting or curtains can get mold in various crevices and spaces in the material, and may therefore be impossible to clean. Painting over mold is not an acceptable way to treat mold. While cleaning the mold, make sure to wear gloves and goggles and avoid breathing the spores by wearing a respirator. If there is mold on an item that is particularly valuable, or the area of mold measures more than 10 square feet, contact a professional.

Although there is plenty of buzz about mold these days, in reality, mold is unlikely to pose serious problems for most homeowners. Usually, few areas in a home are prone to mold growth. By keeping tabs on moisture around your home and taking a few simple precautions, you should be able to remain mold-free forever.

If you’re thinking of selling and are concerned about the possibility of mold in your home prior to listing it, contact me for more information. I would be happy to assist you to get home ready for the upcoming real estate market.

Ridgefield Market Report for February 2014

February 2014 unit sales of Single Family Homes in Ridgefield were strong when compared to the same time last year, and when comparing the year to date results. Overall, I’m very optimistic that the market will continue to improve with a slow and steady rise in sales price and a decreased days on market as we start to build inventory.

The Median Sales Price of a single family home increased in February to $610,000 from $436,250 a year ago, however the number of units sold dropped from 18 to 10. The year to date sales showed the same trend with the unit sales figures dropping from 38 to 26, but the median price increasing from $507,500 YTD 2013 to $686,000 YTD 2014. Typically, the low number of closed sales during this time of year can be attributed to the busy holiday season, however early 2014 sales were further impacted by the weather including storms and frigid temperatures.

The number of homes the went under contract in the month of February was 37, as compared to 29 last year despite the horrible weather conditions. I feel a good number of buyers have chosen to delay viewing and purchasing homes until slightly later in the season.

The Average Days on Market in February also showed a marked decrease from last year with 199 days compared to 239. February Months Supply of Inventory and new Properties for Sale also decreased relative to last year’s numbers. It is clear we have more buyers than inventory in certain price segments. We expect this trend to continue into the spring selling season, which is good news for sellers deciding to list early.

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

Should You Buy A Home With A Septic System?

Septic systems are ubiquitous in Ridgefield and the surrounding towns and are simple enough to maintain that anyone can successfully navigate one. Often, the idea of a septic system may be unfamiliar – and even daunting – to new buyers, but in truth, following a few basic rules will keep your system healthy for years to come. Having a detailed home inspection – including checking the septic system – will ensure it is in good working order when you purchase the home. Here are 5 tips every septic system owner should follow:

1. There is a large financial incentive to maintain your septic system as yearly maintenance generally costs around $200-300 per year, while replacing a whole septic system usually costs up to $15000 or even more depending on the size and location of the system. An average system should be pumped every 2-3 years depending on the size of the tank and number of people in the house. Calling a reliable septic company will ensure your tanks are properly attended to.Poorly maintained septic systems can create hiccups in selling a home and may delay sale or require fixing to meet code.

2. Avoid introducing large amounts of water into the system at once. Draining a hot tub, for example, can disrupt the chemistry of the system and should be avoided or done slowly. The same goes for long showers, doing multiple loads of laundry in sequence, or any other water-heavy activity.

3. Do not send certain chemicals and materials down the drain. The rule of thumb to use is that only water, toilet paper, and waste should be flushed. Most house cleaning supplies are also okay when used in moderation and according to the product guidelines. Drain cleaners, though, must be universally avoided as they can destroy the delicate chemical balance of your septic system almost immediately. In addition, many products that you might have around the house, such as paint, varnish, or antifreeze can ruin your system’s chemistry and should not enter the system. Septic systems rely upon the health of their bacteria, so anything that will disrupt the lives of these simple organisms, even unexpected things such as chemotherapy drugs or large quantities of anti-bacterial soap, can cause problems.

4. You should know about your septic system’s location. If the system was constructed in the last 30 years, the town should have files that will show you the locations of each of the components. It is important to know where your leaching field and main tank are. Waste flows into the main tank, where materials that are lighter than water rise to the top and materials that are heavier than water sink to the bottom. In between is a layer of mostly water. Every time one gallon of water enters the system main tank, another gallon will exit out into the leaching field, which is a set of underground pipes that drain water into the ground. In a properly maintained system, only liquids will ever leave the tank. However, when certain elements are introduced into the system, it can fail, causing solids to either back up or enter into the leaching field. Fixing a malfunction such as this can be very expensive.

5. Your septic system’s health is not merely a function of what enters it. Most importantly, the leaching fields require special attention. Avoid planting plants directly above the leaching fields. Roots, for example, can enter the field and disrupt its functioning. Also try to avoid driving over the field as this can compress the soil and make it difficult for water to leach out. During the winter months, avoid shoveling snow off of the leaching field. Snow acts to insulate the ground, making the field less likely to freeze and fail. The leeching field can also be damaged directly, such as by accidentally severing one of the pipes or other physical damage. Knowing the location of each of the system’s components is vital to maintaining the system.

Although septic systems may seem difficult, in reality they are quite simple to maintain and own. Maintenance is as easy as keeping some simple rules in mind and calling a septic company to inspect and pump the system regularly. Although transitioning to a more rural suburban life might be tough at times, your septic system will be a breeze. For more detailed information about the maintenance and science of your septic system, you can consult the following in-depth sources from the New Hampshire DES and West Virginia University’s National Environmental Services Center.

7 Tips for Creating a More Energy Efficient Home

With one of coldest winter’s on record upon us, energy costs are a major concern for most home owners in Fairfield County. Not all homes were designed with energy efficiency in mind, but there are many simple ways to cut down on electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Below are a few tips to get you thinking about how easy it is to help the environment and your pocketbook.

1. Find out where your inefficiencies are. Performing a Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit is one great way to find out how to make your home more efficient. These tests will find areas of inefficiency, among other things, which will allow you to understand the extent to which you’re wasting fuel and electricity on a daily basis. A Professional Energy Audit is another alternative if you are really looking for concrete solutions to an aging home, or one that is extremely inefficient.

2. Replace home utilities with more efficient versions. Tankless water heaters, for example, are considerably more efficient than those with tanks. Replacing just one light bulb with an LED light bulb could save up to $125 over the course of the bulb’s life. Alternately, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) provide smaller but comparable savings to an LED bulb. Large appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and stoves usually constitute 20% of a home’s energy usage. Upgrading to new Energy Star appliances can result in considerable savings to you in the long run.

3. Improve the efficiency of the fixtures already in your home. Replacing air conditioning and heater filters is one easy way to increase the efficiency of these high-energy systems. Another simple way of reducing energy costs is installing more efficient shower-heads and other water infrastructure. Using less water generally means heating less water.

4. Increasing the efficacy of your insulation can also be a moderately easy fix. Exposed insulation, as is likely to be found in your attic, will often visually demonstrate the problems that it may have. Look for darkened areas in the insulation. This may indicate that there is a leak or hole near this area of insulation, which not only reduces the efficiency of that area, but may indicate that outside air and/or water is penetrating into unwanted places. Any part of your home that is not insulated is money out the door and should be addressed.

5. Sealing cracks and areas where warm or cool air can escape to the outside is a definite energy saver. Adding weather-stripping around your attic opening can increase the efficiency of your home. Around doors and windows, check to make sure that the areas between your home and the outside are properly separated. Your baseboard, attic hatches, mail slots, and window frames are all likely suspects for inefficiencies in your house.

6. Installing double-paned skylights is another great way of reducing energy usage while also increasing the beauty of your home. Replacing a few hours of light per day with sunlight is good for both your energy costs and resale value. Also look into light shelves, clever installations that can move natural light deep into your home where it would otherwise would not go.

7. There are also high-tech options for reducing your home’s energy usage. Some modern thermostats can be controlled by a number of devices such as smart phones, and can be programmed to help your energy usage become more transparent. For example, the Nest Learning Thermostat can learn your schedules and habits to automatically adjust your home’s heating and cooling to be more efficient. As heating and cooling your home is one of the largest energy expenditures, products such as geothermal heat pumps now have strong tax incentives and can keep your home comfortable for a fraction of the cost of heating oil.

Although making major changes to your home can be difficult and initially expensive, the savings you earn in the long run and during resale can justify many home improvement costs. If you have made specific green improvements to your home, be sure to tell your realtor about them when listing your home for sale. Don’t forget to sign up below to receive more informative articles, listings and community happenings.

Ridgefield Market Report : 2013 Year In Review

The Housing Recovery

After the worst housing downturn since the Great Depression, we are back in full force. After 8 years of correction as a result of the “housing bubble”, it is safe to say all the characteristics of a normal real estate market have returned. Prices remain stable, median selling prices are improving and overall market activity is the highest it has been in 5 years. Consumer confidence has increased, which has brought more buyers into the market, and sellers are feeling more confident that they are not selling their home in a sliding market. All price segments posted positive gains, while homes valued up to $800,000 continue to dominate the market. The popular price category of $900,000 – $1,000,000 tripled in volume when compared to 2012. The market for homes priced over $1 million grew 46% – a strong indicator of buyer confidence.

Connecticut’s #1 Town.

Ridgefield unit sales were up 45%. This demonstrates confidence that Ridgefield is a destination for many new buyers, while some sellers are also trading up or down to stay here. Buyers see the outstanding value Ridgefield has to offer – quality lifestyle, cost of living, top rated education and a vibrant community. In fact, Ridgefield experienced the highest increase in annual unit sales when compared to all towns in Fairfield County.

The Road Ahead.

We saw buyers react to the uptick in interest rates this summer, though interest rates are still low by historic averages. Since values are on the incline, we expect the buyer pool to increase in a last ditch effort to catch the market before prices and interest rates rise. Sellers are feeling more confident as they prepare for the Spring Selling Season, but realize that certain fundamentals still apply. Homes in “turn-key” condition will continue to outpace the competition in terms of achieving the maximum selling price and lowest days on market. A fair number of sellers who used this strategy had multiple offers on their home – from wonderful starter homes to sophisticated properties priced in excess of $1 million. Supply and Demand will continue to drive the Real Estate market.

Download Ridgefield Market Report 2013 Year In Review

http://108.179.243.173/~d5o7l0g4/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/140101-2013-Year-in-Review-V9-Ltr2.pdf

Ridgefield Equestrian Property Listed For $55 Million

A former dairy farm owned by one of Canada’s most important rail men is heading to market for $55,000,000. The property, which spans over 100 acres, features luxe accommodations for horses and humans alike. Hunter Harrison, the current owner, had planned on settling down at the property indefinitely, but after once again returning to the rail industry and spending much of his time elsewhere, he has decided to sell. Surrounded on all sides by rolling hills, the property takes full advantage of the considerable natural beauty in Ridgefield.

Stretching along both sides of Old Stagecoach Road, the expansive estate features a range of equestrian and human amenities. For the horses, Harrison installed a 3.5 acre jumping field, two barns, indoor and outdoor riding rings, and multiple enclosed outdoor areas. In addition to their gorgeous barns, the horses have access to an equine spa and treadmill.

No expense was spared for two-legged inhabitants of the farm either. The property features two smaller homes in addition to the 14,500 square foot main house. Even with a lavishly appointed living room featuring 38 foot ceilings and multiple fireplaces, the main home is easy to overlook in light of the sheer variety and quality of the property’s amenities. In addition to the extensive equestrian facilities, the home is equipped to meet any sportsman’s desires. It also features a 7-car garage, a golf room with virtual golf, a wine cellar, and a koi pond. Rounding out the home’s recreational features are a Jacuzzi spa and a waterfall behind the house.

This property represents the height of luxury and an exciting development in Ridgefield real estate. The owner’s choice of Ridgefield attests to the rustic charm of the town, while also confirming the relevance of Ridgefield in the current luxury market.

Sally Slater of Douglas Elliman holds the listing. She aims to expand the home’s marketing to the emerging areas of equestrian interest in the Middle East and China.

For what’s happening in the Ridgefield Real Estate market, sign up below or view my comprehensive market reviews.

New On Our Website – Real-Time Real Estate Market Reports

Being informed about the real estate market in your chosen town is crucial when determining pricing, or reviewing purchasing options. I believe that constantly examining and interpreting what’s going on in home sales allows me to gain much needed insight into how real estate is trending, so I’m very excited to announce the availability of a new tool for your complimentary use – “Know My Market“.

This great resource allows you to search towns or zip codes in Fairfield County, and provides you with a comprehensive snapshot of what the local real estate market is doing. Using charts and graphs, it allows you to gain insight into:
1. Median sold price
2. Average days on market
3. Properties that opened escrow
4. New properties for sale
5. Months of supply of inventory
6. Closed sales

To use Know My Market, simply start typing in the town or zip code you want to research, click on the drop down menu when you see it listed, and choose what type of home you’d like to see reports for. Then scroll through the graphs to gain a clearer picture of what’s going on in that local market. You can even save the report and print it out.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, seller, investor, or in the market for a luxury home, starting here will help you gain valuable information. To learn more about my interpretation of the Ridgefield and area real estate market, view my comprehensive Mid-Year or Year In Review Market Reports.

To get a copy of the 2013 Year In Review Real Estate Market Report delivered directly to your inbox, sign up below or contact me directly.

6 Handy Tips For Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

When you sell your home, you are not merely selling a building on anonymous acreage. Home buyers are looking for more than statistics and size. When people buy homes, they are heavily influenced by emotion; by what they see both outside and inside the home. Before you show your home, be sure to take a few extra steps to ensure that you’ve maximized your value.

1. Curb appeal is the first thing any prospective buyer will notice. From the lawn to the walkways to the home itself, you need to make a good impression from the road. Make sure your lawn in in good condition, the grass remains mowed, and all vegetation is in presentable condition. Remove dead shrubs and trees. Merely keeping the edges around your walks, driveways, and terraces neat and tidy can have a powerful aesthetic effect. Fixing and improving anything immediately in a buyer’s path is sure to earn a great return.

2. Patios and other outdoor features can get overgrown quickly. Weed and manicure any outdoor area, especially those directly around the patio.

3. Minor details in the exterior of your home can be important. Keep trims in order, make sure the house has been painted recently, and keep all exterior elements well maintained. The condition of your gutters, exterior lights, and even the doorbell can subtly change a buyer’s opinion.

4. Inside, minor details become important. In every room, keep the following ideas in mind. Any cracks in ceilings, walls, or windows should be fixed before showing the home. All wallpaper, woodwork, and paint should be in great condition. Floors should be clean or recently refinished. Carpets should be secured to the ground. To accentuate your home’s best features, arrange furniture in ways that show off the shape and size of the room to add to a buyer’s impression of the house. You may even want to considering staging to help with this. Very large pieces that can be visually disruptive should be stored elsewhere. Your home should invite potential buyers to imagine how they might change the home, while still showcasing it as it is.

5. Clutter or uncleanliness in any form can also dissuade potential buyers. Even the insides of cabinets should be neatly arranged. For cabinets, also replaced old or outdated hardware, remove grease stains, and be sure that everything is aligned neatly. Beds should be made, couch pillows arranged, and counter-top appliances should be neat. Consider buying storage baskets for office paper supplies, bathroom commodities and closet storage.

6. It’s also important to be aware of problems that may come up during the closing. If you have an unused buried oil tank, your buyer is likely to request that you remove the tank before the sale goes through. Similarly, anticipate issues that may come up during the final home inspection. Asbestos, lead, mold, roof issues, and other health or structural problems are best resolved at the earliest possible time.

There are a number of homes in Ridgefield and the neighboring towns of Redding, Wilton, Westport and Weston, that I’ve helped prep for the market. If you want more advice about what you should do to get your Fairfield County home ready for sale, contact me directly. I would be happy to take a tour of your home, provide you with a complimentary market analysis for your home, and help you determine what measures you can take to maximize your home’s value.

Tag Archive for: Selling

The Housing Recovery

Connecticut’s #1 Town.

The Road Ahead.