Beautiful New Construction in Westport $1,699,000 Public Open house Sunday, May 22 3-5 p.m.

Exceptional opportunity for those seeking exceptional quality and attention detail, state of the art design and craftsmanship. This architect designed home offers 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, finished on 4 levels. Spacious gourmet kitchen open to the family room with fireplace French doors to patio, a formal living room with built ins, dining room with butlers pantry, and mudroom complete the first floor. Tremendous value, close to town, train, all Westport amenities.

$1,699,000

Open House Sunday  May 22  3-5 p.m.

Gear Up for Summer

OUTDOORS

• Inspect the siding and trim on the house for cracks and make any needed repairs.
• Touch up any areas where the paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped.
• Scrub both sides of window screens with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun. Repair any holes or tears, or replace the screen material before reinstalling.
• Have your air conditioning unit inspected and serviced as necessary.
• Trim shrubs and plants so they don't touch the house, restrict air flow around air conditioning units, or obstruct walkways.
• Clear debris from gutters and eaves to allow rainwater to drain properly and prevent mosquito breeding.
• Seal cracks in the driveway.
• Test irrigation and sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
• Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate

INDOORS

• Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency. Depending on your model, the coils will be located either on the bottom or on the back of the appliance.
• Empty and clean dehumidifier pans and hoses according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Take area rugs outside. Shake or beat them, and allow them to air out.
• Dust off ceiling fans and check for proper balance and operation - adjust as necessary.   
• Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in during the months ahead.
• Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
• Check door and cabinet hinges; adjust and lubricate any that stick or squeak.
• Air it out on dry, breezy days! Open basement windows to remove dampness and open the upstairs windows to get some fresh air flowing throughout the house.

Thanks to David Leopold at Pillar to Post Home Inspectors for content.

April Showers Bring More Sales

Despite less than ideal weather conditions, all of the towns in Mid-Fairfield saw increased activity in April. 

Westport led the way in April with increase of homes going to contract up 105%.  On a yearly basis 151 single family homes have gone to contract, up 54%.  From the perspective of the Median Sales Price, it currently stands at $1,397,500, an increase of 11.8%.  Closed sales are up 96 compared to 86 at the end of April 2015.  This is an increase of 17.1%.  In terms of new listings coming to the market, April actually saw a decrease compared to April, 2015.  However, year to date the number of homes on the market is up 16%.  Early indications in May are showing increased new listings.  Given the wet weather that we’ve had it is likely that we will have a later than normal spring market.

Wilton also saw an impressive jump in April sales activity.  43 homes went to contract compared to 22 in April, 2015.  That’s a 96% increase!  Year to date there have been 86 homes that have gone to contract compared to 59 last year at this time.  That represents a 46% increase. The median price has remained relatively flat.  Currently standing at $875,000, this is an increase of 1.7%.  New listings were also down in April in Wilton, though for the year they are up 8%.  Closed sales are up slightly 46 vs. 43 through April 2015.

Weston has been lagging its neighbor to its west, Wilton, in 2016.  The median price of $749,000 is about 16% lower than Wilton.  Weston did have a good April with 24 homes going to contract compared to 16 in April, 2015.  On a yearly basis homes going to contract is up nearly 11%.  New homes coming to the market was also down in April, but for the year are up nearly 16%.  Closed sales are up slightly from 33 to 34 this year. 

Fairfield saw all of the same tendencies as its neighbors.  New listings were down in April, but up 8% so far for the year.  Pending sales were up in April, and for the year are up 40%, though closed sales are only up 8% through April.  The median price has been slowing gain ground in Fairfield, up 6.2% for the year to $582,000. 

Multiple offer situations are on the increase for new listings that are well priced and in excellent condition.  Mortgage rates remain near historic lows.