Tag Archive for: Westport

Inventory Is Increasing, But It’s Still A Seller’s Market

Spring is here, and it’s a fabulous time to list your home! If you’ve been on the fence about selling, we understand. It’s been a tumultuous two years. But the real estate market shows that inventory is starting to rise, and if you’d like to capitalize on this exciting spring market to earn a fabulous price for your home, Karla Murtaugh Homes at Compass would love to help. And if you’re looking to buy, inventory is climbing and you may have more options in the coming weeks, so definitely don’t give up!

“Thankfully, the market isn’t as frenzied now as it has been in past months, and more people are feeling comfortable about selling. Inventory is still relatively low at this point, so it’s a great time to take advantage of a seller’s market,” said Karla Murtaugh.

According to Connecticut Magazine, at the start of 2022, statewide inventory sat at less than a two-month supply, more than four months less than the typical market, so inventory will be the most important thing to watch in 2022. The Multiple Listing Service’s year-end report for 2021 showed the months supply of inventory down nearly 38 percent from 2020, to 1½ months statewide. Months supply describes the amount of time it would take to sell all the homes on the market, given current market conditions. Historically, moderate price appreciation comes with about six months’ supply, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“One thing to keep in mind if you’re thinking of selling is that research shows a staged home generally sells faster and for more money. The real estate market is highly competitive and staging will give you a leg up on the competition”, said Karla.

“When a potential buyer enters your home, you want to provide a backdrop for them to experience the home—a place where they can see how rooms function and how the home ‘feels’. You want them to say WOW!”, she continued.

One of Karla’s favorite things about having joined Compass is the Compass Concierge program, which is designed to prepare your home for the market. From deep cleaning to cosmetic improvements, Compass Concierge assesses opportunities to elevate your home’s value. The program will provide a tailored plan for updating and staging your home, and the means to execute it. Compass fronts the costs associated with home-selling improvements and only collects payment for the services rendered at the time of the property’s closing.

In addition, Karla’s own staging programs are designed to work within your budget and comfort level, and can either use your existing furniture and accessories, or bring in additional items. Most importantly, staging lets you get an objective opinion as seen through a “buyer’s eyes” – it’s not a reflection on your personal style or taste, but about getting you the most bang for your buck and top dollar on your sale.

For everything you need to know about selling your home, check out the Karla Murtaugh Homes Seller’s Guide. Be sure to connect to the team at karla.murtaugh@compass.com for your complimentary consultation.

Embrace The Green!

St. Patrick’s Day is next week! And while you’re getting your green on and planning for this fun holiday, don’t forget to exercise your green thumb. Plants and shrubs could be looking a little overgrown by this time of year, so spend a little time sprucing things up.

Especially if you’re planning to list your home for sale, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. Sasha at Greenway Landscaping is a great resource if you’d like to invest in an expert opinion on how to cut back your plants. Or head to Ridgefield Hardware which has plenty of chemical-free products to choose from.

If you prefer a more natural approach to your lawn, you may enjoy this terrific piece in 068 Magazine about the “Pollinator Pathway”: https://068magazine.com/068-feature-benefits-of-a-natural-back-yard-march-april/

In this article, Sarah Breznen, Director of Education at the Woodcock Nature Center, stresses the importance of researching specific native plants. “The pollinator pathway is a great resource, and I would always urge everyone to go on there because they have a list of plants, what habitat they’re good for, when they bloom, what host species use them,” says Breznen. “So, they can kind of pick what would be most beneficial for their backyard.”

David McCarthy, Executive Director of the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, is another supporter of chemical-free yards. “An organic lawn is something that’s more sustainable over the long term,” explains McCarthy. “When you introduce things like pesticides, herbicides, and you’re spreading those around you are basically creating a dead zone.”

Also, don’t forget to clean your gutters out after the winter! Clogged gutters can be a major cause of spring flooding in homes, and it’s imperative to keep your basement dry.

Enjoy celebrating the return of the sun with some green beer and green lawns! Wishing everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We Love Fairfield County Giving Day!

One of our favorite things about Ridgefield is the philanthropic nature of this community. There are so many outstanding organizations working tirelessly every day to make this world a better place, and it’s our honor to support them. In honor of Fairfield County Giving Day, a 24-hour challenge and our region’s biggest philanthropic event coming up on February 24, it’s our pleasure to outline just a few of the wonderful charities based here in Ridgefield. Most of them are participating in Fairfield County Giving Day so be sure to check them out on social media for details:

  1. The Prospector Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing competitive and integrated employment to people with disabilities through the operation of a premium, first-run movie theater. Almost 85% of Americans with disabilities are unemployed. Open every day of the year, the Prospector Theater was built as a solution to this problem. Meaningful employment is vital to a person’s mental, social, financial, and emotional health. For more information please visit http://www.prospectortheater.org/.
  2. The Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club has long been a cause very close to my heart. The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield is a youth activity center designed to offer programs for school-aged children after school and during vacations in five core areas: The Arts, Character & Leadership, Education, Health & Life Skills, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.
    Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys & girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Together with my friend Christine Carnicelli, I was lucky enough to be honored as the 2020 Champion For Youth, while Christine received the 2021 honor at their most recent gala. To learn more please visit http://www.bgcridgefield.org/.
  3. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is a regional professional orchestra founded in 1964 with the mission to enrich the cultural life of the citizens of Ridgefield and surrounding communities by presenting professional live orchestral concerts. The RSO also strives to increase the appreciation for music through community involvement and educational programs for people of all ages and abilities. We have enjoyed many of their wonderful performances at the Ridgefield Playhouse and the Ridgefield High School auditorium! For more information please visit http://www.ridgefieldsymphony.org/.
  4. RVNAhealth (formerly RVNA or Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association) is a private, non-profit, mission-driven organization founded and focused on care. RVNAhealth provides healthcare where patients want it most – in their own homes, while striving to prevent further illness through many health and wellness programs. Their experienced team of caregivers provides home health care services in the comfort of your ‘home’ whether it is a private residence, assisted living or skilled nursing facility, or hospital, and also in their ‘home’ at the Center for Exceptional Care in Ridgefield, and across the 36 surrounding towns they serve. RVNAhealth is always planning an enjoyable fundraiser and we’ve enjoyed several of their events including the upcoming annual Spring Breakfast! To learn more please visit http://www.RVNAhealth.org/.
  5. The Iris Fund was founded several years ago by a Ridgefield resident and is dedicated to research that will determine what triggers full-term labor to end pre-term birth. The Iris Fund exclusively supports the research being conducted by a Mechanical Engineer and OBGYN (Drs. Myers and Vink) at Columbia’s Preterm Birth Prevention Center. They believe all women deserve to know how their bodies work during labor and are inspired that those same answers will save and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable babies. The Iris Fund also recently partnered with The Tiny Miracles Foundation and local florist Three Roots Education to deliver fifty beautiful floral bouquets to moms spending Valentine’s Day in local NICUs. For details please visit https://www.theirisfund.org/.
  6. Lyme Connection provides education, prevention, support and advocacy related to the increasing problem of tick-borne diseases in our community. Lyme Disease is a huge issue in our area, and Lyme Connection is a unique community-based organization, founded by families impacted by tickborne disease. They offer prevention programming as well as patient support services and educational events. Lyme patients and their families benefit from free monthly support groups, seminars, annual conference and health fairs. Medical and mental health providers take part in the professional programs Lyme Connection offers to improve patient care. To learn more please visit https://lymeconnection.org/.
  7. The Ridgefield Theater Barn was founded in 1965 when a handful of Ridgefield residents banded together to form a small theater group dedicated to providing community theater. Housed in a rustic converted dairy barn leased from the town of Ridgefield, the Workshop continues to produce an ongoing series of comedies, dramas, and musicals. The cast and crew of every show run the gamut from raw amateurs to seasoned professionals. All participants, whether on stage or off, are volunteers, including actors, dancers, musicians, seamstresses, carpenters, singers, electricians, and individuals who just offer willing pairs of hands to do anything from painting scenery to taking tickets at the door. With cabaret seating at candlelit tables, they offer superior entertainment, so BYO refreshments and join us!

Antique Homes Are Amazing, But Do Your Homework

There are some beautiful antique homes in our area, and these can be some of our favorites to help clients buy and sell. The unique charm of older homes can be just the character your family is looking for, and there is nothing cookie-cutter about these properties! They are often located in well-established neighborhoods with mature landscaping.

Older homes can have amazing character traits and historical features that most new homes simply do not have, like huge wood-burning fireplaces, beautiful wood trim and moldings, and ceilings with rustic wood beams that can be harder to find in newer, more modern homes.

There can be some challenges however, and we created this list to help prepare you if you’re thinking of purchasing an antique home. Be sure to consider the following:

  • Enlist the help of a top realtor like us who has decades of experience in this area. We know what red flags to look for, and how to negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal especially when it comes to replacement expenses.
  • Most older homes contain items that eventually need to be replaced. Some examples with considerable price tags may include roofing, furnace, water heater, decks, windows and fencing. It is important to find out the age of each of these items when you’re considering an older property. Structural issues, older plumbing and outdated electrical may also need to be addressed depending on the age of the home.
  • Antique homes in the northeast especially can require updated weatherstripping and insulation to ensure you’re not wasting money on an unnecessarily high energy bill. Speaking of bills, it can be more costly to insure an older home than a modern home so you may want to check with your homeowners insurance company.
  • Depending on the needs of your family, the floor plan in an older home might require some renovation and remodeling. Smaller rooms might need to be opened up to create a more open floor plan and additional bathrooms might be needed if you have a larger family or frequent houseguests.
  • You may want to find out if there are any historical societies or neighborhood restrictions on remodeling. Some older homes and neighborhoods have restrictions in terms of the type and style of remodeling that can be done.

    • Fortunately, our team loves antique homes and would be honored to help you find yours, even if it means resolving some of these issues! Reach out to us today.

    Top Outdoor Living Trends, According to Google

    Summer is here! Even as the world reopens, homeowners and home buyers are putting more weight on outdoor spaces to enjoy at home. So, what’s trending in outdoor spaces? Living Spaces, a furniture retailer, recently spotlighted Google trends data to showcase what is seeing the highest uptick in interest as homeowners spruce up the outdoors.

    Indoor-outdoor spaces: “Cozy, private, and shaded space outdoors” is trending—all through comfy couches, ambient lighting, and multifunctional, weather-resistant furniture, according to Daniela Lopez, a Living Spaces designer. Indoor-outdoor spaces have posted one of the largest increases for 2021, jumping about 156% over the last year, according to Google searches.

    Backyard play sets: The kids are getting their own private spaces outside too, including backyard play sets, tree houses, and even giant sidewalk checkers games or outdoor reading nooks. The Google Trends report shows backyard play sets have risen about 7% over the past year.

    Gardening: Container gardening is gaining popularity, which has increased spots all around outdoor space for pots of flowers or fruits or vegetables. Edible gardens have seen a 20% increase in searches over the past year and sustainable gardens a 9% increase.

    Backyard basketball court: Sports and hobbies have gained popularity in the pandemic and half-court basketball courts don’t have to take up a ton of space. Google Trends notes “backyard basketball court” has seen a 42% interest over the past year.

    Front porch: The front porch has become an extension of the indoor space and a place during the pandemic for drive-up parties or socially distanced gatherings, Lopez notes.

    Hot tubs: In creating an entertainment getaway, hot tubs have grown in popularity too. Hot tub searches are up 4.11% over the past year.

    View more outdoor trends, according to Google, at LivingSpaces.com.

    Top Ten Summer Staycation Ideas to Enjoy Within Driving Distance of Ridgefield

    School is OUT here in Ridgefield and after the past year we’ve all earned some rest and relaxation. With so many fabulous outing opportunities within driving distance of Ridgefield, why would you ever leave the area? Here are a few of our favorites!

    1. Strawberry picking at Jones Family Farms. For over 150 years, the Jones family has been working the lands on their farm in Shelton, Connecticut. Today this 400-acre farm offers one of the finest harvest-your-own picking experiences due to the high quality crops and the knowledgeable, friendly farmers and staff. Click here for details: https://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/farm.

    2. Martin Park Beach right here in Ridgefield offers refreshing pond swimming and boating activities in a natural, spring-fed pond. With docks, kayaks, paddleboard rentals, playground, volleyball net, Wibit Slide, Zoom Floom, and Water Mat, Great Pond is one of the gems of Connecticut. Click here for details: https://www.ridgefieldparksandrec.org/martin-park-beach.

    3. The Spray Bay at the Ridgefield Rec Center is a 2,800 square foot, zero-entry water playground beloved by kids of all ages. Spray Bay play time is included with a Family Recreation or Family All-Inclusive Membership; drop-in rate available for non-members, which also includes recreation swim. Click here for details: https://www.ridgefieldparksandrec.org/spray-bay

    4. Yoga and trails at Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton. Trails are open to the public 365 days a year from dawn until dusk for family and individual use unless noted. Trails and grounds close at sunset. There is no cost to visit the grounds. Visitors are welcome to explore our grounds, visit our birds of prey and use our playground during daylight hours. Registered yoga teacher Jessica Outlaw will hold several outdoor classes throughout the summer. Click here for details: https://www.woodcocknaturecenter.org/yoga.

    5. At Silverman’s rustic animal farm in Easton, CT, you can see, pet, and feed all sorts of unusual animals, including buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long-horn cattle. Picnic tables are available in the park area. Silverman’s also offers pick-your-own raspberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and much more! Click here for details: https://www.silvermansfarm.com/animal-farm/#farm-rules.

    6. Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT is a great place to get your beach fix. Connecticut’s first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island Sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. Click here for details: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Sherwood-Island-State-Park.

    7. Ridgefield Golf Course is a public course offering memberships, clinics, special events and more. Click here for details: https://ridgefieldgc.com/.

    8. Ridgefield Library offers an incredible variety of free programming from Summer Reading and STEAM programs to Storytime in the shade of the Ballard Park Gazebo. All programs are free and open to the public, though programs with limited space grant preference to Ridgefield residents. Click here for details: https://ridgefieldlibrary.org/.

    9. At Weir Farm National Historical Park in Wilton, CT you can visit the home and studio of America’s most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists. Set amidst more than 60 acres of painterly woods, fields, and waterways, you’ll soon see why Weir described his home as the “Great Good Place.” Weir’s farm is a national legacy to American Impressionism, the creative spirit, and historic preservation. Click here for details: https://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm.

    10. Lasdon Park, Arboretum, and Veterans Memorial, located in nearby Katonah, New York is Westchester’s Public Garden with 234 acres of landscape consisting of ornamental display gardens, containers, orchard, tree and shrub collections, conservatory with tropical plants and changing exhibitions, greenhouses, forests, meadows, and hiking trails. Click here for details: https://www.lasdonpark.org/.

    And because we couldn’t pick just ten…!

    11. Storm King Art Center is an incredible 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York’s Hudson Valley, where visitors experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under open sky. Since 1960, Storm King has been dedicated to stewarding the hills, meadows, and forests of its site and surrounding landscape. Click here for details: https://stormking.org/.

    Ridgefield High School Ranks Well in US News & School Report 2021

    Every year the U.S. News Best High Schools rankings offer us a snapshot of the top-performing public high schools in the country. In the 2021 report, nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. The 2021 rankings were based on data from the 2018-2019 school year and does not reflect issue arising from Covid-19 disruptions.

    Darien took the top Connecticut honors and placed at #201 in the country. Overall, Fairfield County had stellar results with Weston High School placing #3 in CT and #354 nationally, Staples High School in Westport ranking #4 and #380 respectively, New Canaan High School #5 and #387, Greenwich High School #7 and #454; and Ridgefield High School #8 an #469.

    U.S. News does not collect any information directly from high schools. The data used to produce the Best High Schools rankings and published on usnews.com came entirely from the following third-party sources:

    1. The Common Core of Data is the U.S. Department of Education website, updated annually, that contains basic data on enrollment, student ethnicity and other profile information on all public high schools in the U.S. The department collects the data directly from the schools, school districts or state departments of education, which is reflected on usnews.com.

    2. Statewide math and reading level assessment tests and high school graduation rates data used in the 2021 rankings in almost all cases is from the 2018-2019 school year. This data in most cases is from each state’s education agency website or directly from state education agencies.

    3. The College Board was the source of the Advanced Placement examination data for each public high school, when applicable, that was used in rankings calculations. The AP exam data used in the analysis is for 12th grade students in the 2018-2019 school year.

    4. International Baccalaureate was the source of the IB examination data for each public high school, when applicable, that was used to create calculated values. The IB exam data used in the analysis is for 12th grade students in the 2018-2019 school year.

    The Benefits Of Using A Buyer’s Agent To Purchase Your Home

    Buying a home is one of the major milestones in life and it shouldn’t be stressful! At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we offer a Platinum level of service to each and every client we work with – partnering with you in your home search and providing you with exceptional market knowledge, negotiating skills, and market insight at every stage of the process.

    Signing a Buyer’s Agency agreement or an Exclusive Right To Represent Buyer agreement means you are protected – the agent has a fiduciary duty to represent you to the best of their ability, in confidence, and always acting in your best interest. These agreements are required in order for us to show you homes on the market and serve to benefit you throughout the buying process.

    Using a buyer’s agent you always know you are truly being represented with only your interests in mind. A good buyer’s agent will counsel you on how to make the offer, what contingencies to waive, how best to negotiate, what inspection items to address/request and just generally what to expect in the current tumultuous real estate market.

    A great buyer’s agent will provide:

    1. UNSURPASSED MARKET KNOWLEDGE
    Every quarter, we release our “Interpreting The Market” real estate report outlining how the market is doing and where we think it’s going. Based on sound analysis of trends, home sales and current values, as well as a wealth of anecdotal information from our representation of multiple buyers and sellers, we offer the most comprehensive analysis, resulting in your real estate success.

    2. REAL TIME INFORMATION
    Aligned with the latest search technology, we match our buyers quickly to relevant homes on the market. Priding ourselves on up-to-the-minute communication and familiarity with the inventory through agent previews, broker open houses and broker relations, our buyers are always ‘in-the know’ when it comes to the latest price changes, recent sales and new-to-market homes.

    3. EXPERT NEGOTIATING SKILLS
    Using skills honed in almost two decades in the business, Karla Murtaugh Homes has seen it all. It’s a challenging, fast-paced market right now, and if you’re lucky enough to find a home you want, you’ll need a seasoned agent to get you to the closing table. From the initial offer to the repair requests, it’s important to balance the seller’s market with your best interest.

    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.