Celebrating Tower Cottage with ‘Bubble & Brew’

We recently hosted a fun Broker’s Open House event at one of our premiere in-town properties at 48 East Ridge Road with the ‘Bubble & Brew’ food truck! Realtors from the local area toured the home and enjoyed gourmet scones, croissants, tea, coffee and more on a beautiful, sunny Tuesday morning.

An iconic presence since it was a summer home for Jackie Bouvier Kennedy’s aunt, the beautifully updated Tower Cottage is a stone’s throw to all the Village has to offer including shops, restaurants, theaters, art galleries, spas, fitness studios and more!

Offered for sale at $2,475,000, the architectural treasure features original detailing & charm, yet is also perfectly suited for a modern lifestyle. Built in 1880 by renowned architect Charles B. Northrup, the impressive wrap-around porch leads into a spacious front hall with well-proportioned rooms, fabulous flow, 10-foot ceilings, 4 fireplaces & classic architectural details that cannot be reproduced today. The new kitchen features white custom cabinetry, Carrera marble countertops, a Bertazzoni stove, two wall ovens, separate full-size SubZero refrigerator & freezer units, & the original coal stove. Other rooms include a formal dining room, living room, breakfast room, butler’s pantry, 6 bedrooms, library & an office. Expansive views of the lawn, gardens, or gunite pool can be enjoyed from every window, but are most impressive from the three-story turret. Truly the definition of a Signature Property.

Click here to see more, or contact me to set up a showing.

Ridgefield is #1 Safest City in Connecticut, #2 in USA!

Ridgefield is a fabulous place to live…and a safe one too!! According to SafeWise, Ridgefield ranks as Connecticut’s safest city and America’s second safest. Read below for more details about how Ridgefield stacks up, as well as the SafeWise methodology for raking the cities.

A Closer Look At America’s Safest Cities

Nationally, violent crime is actually down over the past three years, with 70% of the safest cites in America residing in the Northeast. To find out more about the health of the nation, click here.

30% of America’s 100 safest cities are in New Jersey. Connecticut claims second place with 14, and two of those are in the top three.
16 of these cities made the list for the second consecutive year, and New Jersey is home to five of them.
It’s harder to find one of the safest cities in the West or the South—those regions have only five cities each on our list.
The Midwest is home to 20% of the country’s safest cities.
The top three cities (Hopkinton, Massachusetts; Ridgefield, Connecticut; Madison, Connecticut) each reported zero violent crimes in 2017—and each has a median income of more than $100,000.⁴
93% reported fewer than 10 total violent crimes, and only six cities reported any counts of murder.
22 cities had fewer than 100 property crimes, and 70 had fewer than 200. Only two cities reported more than
500 property crimes—Johns Creek, Georgia, and Carmel, Indiana (the two largest cities on the list).
42 cities have populations under 20,000, and all are under 100,000.
Carmel, Indiana is the largest city on the list, with 93,098 citizens. Even with a big population, Carmel still managed to limit violent crime to just 0.18 incidents per 1,000 people.
59% of the safest cities in America have a median income over $100,000.
Only two cities are below the national median income of $57,652—Laguna Woods, California, and Manchester Township, New Jersey.

A Closer Look At Connecticut’s Safest Cities

Overall, the Constitution State is well below national averages for both violent and property crime. Proving the point, 95% of the cities on our list saw fewer than one violent crime per 1,000 people, according to FBI data.

With such a low violent crime rate (it’s just 2.55), it’s no surprise that residents named digital security their top concern in our State of Safety study. And the numbers confirm this finding—just 6% of the people we spoke to reported a personal experience with violent crime in the past year, but 16% reported experiencing a digital security issue.

85% of the safest cities are on the list for the second year.
80% reported 25 or fewer total violent crime incidents.
Connecticut’s crime rates are better than the national averages, with 2.55 violent crime incidents per 1,000 people and 19.53 property crime incidents. Nationwide rates are 4.49 for violent crime and 27.11 for property crime.
95% of the safest cities had fewer than one violent crime per 1,000 people in 2017.
Even though 16% of our State of Safety respondents had a personal experience with digital security in the past year, that’s eight percentage points below the national average of 24%.
Having someone access sensitive information is the primary digital security fear, with 73% naming it their top concern.
Being robbed is the top violent crime worry, and safest city reporting supports that—only three cities had zero incidents, and the reports ranged from one to 25, with a total of 146 being reported among all cities, which makes it the second-most common violent crime after aggravated assault (166).

** Data courtesy of SafeWise and first published on their site 03/14/2019

Ridgefield’s Luxury Sales Continue To Shine With ‘Ridgeview’ Welcoming New Owners

150 Oscaleta Road is nothing short of stunning and recently sold for $2,050,000. The private oasis basks in the splendor of 50+ mile views of the Hudson Valley and is the latest in a continuing trend of strong luxury sales in the Ridgefield market over the last couple of years. The property was represented by Karla Murtaugh of Neumann Real Estate.

The materials choice at Ridgeview reflects a harmony with nature, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, while exhibiting a wow factor rarely seen. The interior and exterior of the property incorporate Connecticut fieldstone, pine timbered ceilings, hemlock beams, and more. Never-ending rolling wilderness unfolds before your eyes, kaleidoscopic sunsets await, and the seasons provide an ever-changing backdrop from the impressive two-story great room.

Meticulously updated over the years, the residence features: an exquisite new Chef’s kitchen with a sparkling glass backsplash, white cabinetry, professional stainless steel appliances and grey granite counters; a master suite with exposed beams and soaring two-story windows throughout the room; a spa-like marble master bath; private deck with a hot tub; an infinity pool, which appears to drop off the edge of the world; 4.3 beautifully landscaped acres and a spectacular, detached multi-car garage with a radiant-heated epoxy floor and room for twenty cars! And if that wasn’t enough, an indoor basketball hoop complements the outdoor hoop adjoining the regulation-size tennis court with a sport court overlay.

There are not enough words to describe the peace and tranquility of this very special property.

Ridgefield’s 2018 Year In Review

Ridgefield Market Snapshot
The Ridgefield Real Estate market for single-family homes faced an interesting year in 2018 with a tumultuous mid-term election and the challenge of attracting businesses to the state. Combined with the new tax structure – the effects of which have not yet come to pass – and a bear market, Ridgefield sales rallied remarkably well showing a drop in volume, but no appreciable drop in value. Overall, the number of homes sold was down 11 percent with 329 homes selling in 2018 as compared to 370 in 2017. The total sales volume also decreased by 13 percent resulting in a total of $236,085,651 transacting as compared to $273,224,044 in 2017. The median sales price decreased only slightly from $642,500 to $641,260 (a difference of 0.2 percent) and the average home price fell by only 2.8 percent from $738,443 in 2017 to $717,586. Homes also continued the trend of selling at 96.5 percent of their listed price as in previous years.

In Condo News
As in 2017, there was a total of 70 condominium sales in Ridgefield in 2018 ranging in price from $129,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Fox Hill, to $865,000 for a 3,200 square foot condominium on Sunset Lane. The average sales price was $330,174, while the median sales price was $235,000. This is down slightly from last year when the average price was $384,920 and the median price was $250,000. Of note, 3 luxury condos on Main Street are also due to close in the $1.3 million range in the early part of 2019.

The Luxury Market
The luxury market in Ridgefield-defined as homes selling for $1.5 million and above-continued to show decent market activity with 9 luxury homes selling in 2018, as compared to 13 homes in 2017. Of note, we represent 4 additional properties priced over $1.5 million currently in contract to close in the first part of 2019. Overall, we have noticed buyers are taking longer to commit to luxury purchases and are instead searching for just the right home-one that includes all the features and amenities they are looking for. As a Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist, in 2018 I was proud to represent 10 out of the 18 buyers and sellers who purchased luxury homes priced between $1.525 and $2.55 million.

Fairfield County News
Overall, Fairfield County experienced slight decreases in both the number of properties sold and median sales prices in 2018. Redding, Norwalk, Wilton and Fairfield showed an increase in values over last year, which is welcome news for homeowners in Wilton and Redding where home values had plummeted almost 10 percent back in 2017. Weston was able to rally back after being down 22% in mid-year unit sales. New Canaan continues to post double digit decreases in sales as a result of an increase in supply compared to demand especially in the upper price points.

Looking Ahead
In 2019, the buyer’s market will continue with the biggest discussions centered on mortgage rates and available inventory. In terms of inventory, we hope to see sellers continue to list their homes, attracting solidly qualified buyers who still see this market as a good time to buy. In 2018, Ridgefield lacked entry-level inventory in the under $600,000 range as well as the $800,000 – $1.2 million range. We are hoping to see that turn around in 2019. The two largest groups of buyers and sellers will continue to influence the market with Millennials moving to the better value of the suburbs and baby-boomers downsizing, thereby freeing up more inventory. Ridgefield continues to be a desirable place to live with its top-ranked schools, great cultural attractions, world-class dining and amazing sense of community.

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Homes For The Holidays – 124 Silver Spring Road, Ridgefield

Homes For The Holidays – 174 North Salem Road, Ridgefield

Homes For The Holidays – 165 Mopus Bridge Road, Ridgefield

Ridgefield Market Report November 2018

November 2018 showed prices and volume of sales holding steady as compared to 2017. The month ended with the number of closed sales at 23 properties which is the same number of properties that sold in November of last year. However, more properties opened Escrow in November 2018 than 2017, reflecting anecdotally what we saw as a busy fall market. The median sales price is slightly up over last year for the month and is on par year-to-date. Inventory is about 21% lower than at the same time last year.

To see an overview of how November looked, you can click for a snapshot of the market.

MEDIAN SALES PRICE and CLOSED SALES
The number of closed sales was exactly the same as last year with 23 properties selling in November 2018 and 2017. In YTD, sales are down 12.7% vs 2017 with 303 properties selling as compared to 347 by the same time last year. The Median Sales Price increased to $652,000 compared with $645,000 in November 2017, while the YTD median sales price remained around the same with a 0.2% increase to $641,260 this year.

PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT
The number of properties that opened escrow was above the same time last year with 30 properties going under deposit in November as compared to 22 last year, representing a 36.5% increase. With regard to the year-to-date deposits, there are now 327 properties that have taken a deposit as compared to 339 by this time last year.

DAYS ON MARKET and INVENTORY
The months of inventory remains low with only 9.3 months of inventory available compared to 13.6 last year. The number of new properties entering the market is still cause for concern with only 34 new properties listing this past month. Year to date the number of new properties available for sale is also down with only 606 listed for sale this year as compared to 633 last year. The average days on market increased slightly over November 2017 with homes spending an average 180 days instead of 171 on the market before selling. Year to date, the average days on market time is sitting at 133 days, as compared to 169 days last year.

Click here to see a price breakdown of the Ridgefield Real Estate Market.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your needs, or for my complimentary Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your home’s worth in today’s market.

We continue to lead the market with the most comprehensive, proven marketing initiatives allowing your home to be in front of the widest audience possible on a local, regional, national and global level. We recognize your home is your biggest asset and both buyers and sellers experience an unparalleled level of customer service when working with us. Contact us today!

November Market Snapshot

Breakdown By Price

Karla Murtaugh of Neumann Real Estate is Ridgefield’s only Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist for five years running

Karla Murtaugh of Neumann Real Estate joined more than 250 agents at the invitation-only, Fall 2018 Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist Conference held at Christie’s flagship auction house at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. The annual conference is designed to further affiliated agents’ knowledge in the important luxury asset classes of art, jewelry and, of course, real estate, in order to better serve their valued clients.

Speakers included top producers in real estate sharing the secrets of their success, Christie’s specialists with insights into how to elevate client service through the auction house, and an economist providing a look at what 2019 might hold. At the conclusion of the conference, attendees were designated as a “Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist” by Christie’s Education. Christie’s International Real Estate is the real estate arm of Christie’s, the world’s leading art business and a global brand synonymous with luxury for over 250 years.

“This conference is invaluable as it gives both a high-level overview of the luxury industry, while providing concrete information and resources that benefit buyers and sellers at all price points,” said Karla Murtaugh. “Unparalleled market knowledge, exceptional marketing and top-notch customer service are my hallmarks; buyers and sellers expect you to have an understanding of not only the local real estate market, but of national and global influences as well, and Christie’s provides that.”

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “One of the hallmarks of the Christie’s brand is exemplary client care. This conference provides network agents the opportunity to better understand and leverage Christie’s full spectrum of expertise in art, luxury goods, and real estate. The agents who attend are proven experts in their local markets, motivated to pursue continuing education in the luxury market and well-deserving of being designated a Luxury Specialist.

About Christie’s International Real Estate

Christie’s International Real Estate has successfully marketed high-value real estate around the world for more than 30 years. Through its New York City brokerage and invitation-only Affiliate network spanning 49 countries, Christie’s International Real Estate offers incomparable services to a global clientele at the luxury end of the residential property market. The company has offices in London, New York City, Hong Kong, Moscow, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, and its affiliated brokerages have recorded approximately US$500 billion of real estate transactions over the last five years. (Data as of June 30, 2018). For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

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