Linda Dunsmore

These essential tips will make your downsizing experience smoother.

Today I’m with my friend Bridget Flynn, a professional organizer and move manager to share with us her expert tips on downsizing.

When moving to a larger house, you have more space to accommodate your belongings. However, downsizing to a smaller place presents difficulties, and many clients often stress about it. To help with this, Bridget always advises her clients to consider their new lifestyle during this transition, which might be due to empty nesting, retirement, or a desire for a simpler life.

One crucial tip is to declutter while keeping your vision for the new life in mind. Ask yourself if each item will serve you, if it’s sentimental, or if it’s broken. Sentimental items are common but can pose storage challenges.

“Items that can serve multiple purposes are essential.”

To manage sentimental items, I suggest allocating one big bin per family member. Additionally, you can create a photo album with pictures or snippets of fabric to preserve memories without clutter.

Another important aspect is choosing multi-use items since downsizing reduces space for entertaining or hobbies. Items that can serve multiple purposes are essential. For example, your kitchen table may need to function as both a formal dining area and a home office.

Measuring your new space is another tip. Failing to do so can lead to furniture not fitting through doors, causing inconvenience. Measure your furniture and create a simple floor plan to ensure everything fits comfortably.

These tips are critical for a successful downsizing experience, ensuring your new space doesn’t feel crowded and feels like home. If you want more information on this topic, feel free to call or email me, and I’ll connect you with Bridget.

How I helped recent clients fulfill their dreams of living near the water.

Today, I’d like to share a fascinating story that I believe you’ll find intriguing. Just over a year ago, in the summer of 2022, I began working with some clients who had a unique desire: downsizing from their spacious home and their expansive one-acre property. Their goal was not only to reduce their living space but also to find a new residence near the waterfront.

For months, we meticulously scoured numerous houses in waterfront communities across Fairfield and Norwalk. Eventually, they fell head over heels for a place that I find myself in right now–Marvin Beach.

What makes Marvin Beach so irresistible to them, you ask? Well, it boasts a plethora of amenities. Nestled on a peninsula, it’s surrounded by water on three sides. On one side, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of Norwalk Harbor, with the lively SoNo district on the opposite shore. The other side faces Charles Cove, home to a private marina exclusively for Marvin Beach residents–a rather cool perk. And, at the tip of the peninsula lies the popular Shore and Country Club, featuring a stunning waterfront beach area along Long Island Sound. Here, you’ll find opportunities for boating, sailing, tennis, and a refreshing pool–a dream come true for any water enthusiast. It’s no wonder this area is in high demand, with houses being snapped up almost as quickly as they become available.

“Homes in Marvin Beach are always in high demand.”

In fact, over the past 15 months, there has been only one property listed for sale in all of Marvin Beach and the Gregory Point area– and that property happened to be a foreclosure, unfortunately not suitable for my clients’ needs. Faced with this scarcity of listings, I had a choice: wait indefinitely for the perfect opportunity to arise or take matters into my own hands.

I embarked on a proactive journey, identifying around 15 homes that I believed might pique my clients’ interest. I reached out to each homeowner with heartfelt letters and followed up diligently. After some patient coaxing, one couple finally agreed to allow us to tour their home. The moment my clients set foot inside, they knew it was the place for them. We engaged in further negotiations, hoping they would agree to sell.

I’m delighted and proud to announce that my clients did purchase the home, and they’ve since settled in, brimming with happiness. They’ve found their dream home in their dream location. Do you have a real estate dream of your own? Call or email me; I’d love to help you achieve it.

Unlock the secrets to a seamless move with Bridget Flynn.

Today, I’m joined by Bridget Flynn, a seasoned organizer and move manager, to address some common questions and concerns many clients have when considering professional assistance for their move. From cost to time investment and suitability, we’ll dive into the details that can make your move smoother and more stress-free:

Question 1: The Cost Concern
Client’s Worry: “Will hiring a moving manager cost me more?”
Bridget’s Insight: Bridget emphasizes that moving will always come with costs, and hiring a professional is an investment. It’s an investment in saving time and reducing stress. A moving manager ensures a seamless move and guides you through the process, offering peace of mind that is worth every penny.

“A moving manager’s role is adaptable, designed to meet your specific needs, and ultimately ease the transition to your new home.”

Question 2: The Time Dilemma
Client’s Worry: “If I hire someone, won’t I have to spend all my time with them?”
Bridget’s Insight: Bridget clarifies that hiring a moving manager actually saves time. They handle logistics, details, and keep you informed. You don’t need to be with them throughout the move. You can choose how much or how little time you spend with your moving manager, depending on your preferences.

Question 3: Suitability and Needs
Client’s Worry: “Is this service suitable for my needs? Do I need it?”
Bridget’s Insight: Bridget emphasizes that every move is unique. A moving manager tailors their services to your specific needs. An initial assessment helps determine what level of assistance is required, ensuring a customized solution rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The key takeaway is that a moving manager’s role is adaptable, designed to meet your specific needs, and ultimately ease the transition to your new home. If you have more questions or need guidance on your move, don’t hesitate to call or email me. Remember, every move is unique, and your solution should be too. I’m Linda Dunsmore, here to help you make informed decisions about your move.

Sharing my list of trusted contractors who can help with your projects.

There are many people out there who are thinking about getting some work done on their homes—are you one of them? If so, there are a few things you need to know. You may be considering a project because rates are too high to move, there’s not enough inventory to move, you need some regular maintenance, or you’re getting ready to sell. Whatever the reason, know that I’m here to help. 

Don’t worry, I’m not offering to do the work for you. However, I am offering you access to my list of trusted contractors. I’ve worked with many contractors for my own house and for helping clients with projects, so there are professionals that I have vetted and that my colleagues have vetted. With all of this experience, I can help you hire the right person. 

Whether you need a roofer, electrician, plumber, painter, septic person, handyman, general contractor, tile person, or something else, I have a list with all of the above and would love to help you. Plus, I can help you by giving suggestions on what to fix that would be most beneficial if you’re getting ready to sell. 

Know that you can call or email me to ask about any of these ideas and I would be happy to help you. I hope to hear from you soon!

Here’s what movers will and won’t handle for you when moving.

I am here today with Bridget Flynn, a master home organizer and move manager, to discuss how to have a stress-free move, especially on the moving day. After putting in all the work of packing up your stuff, it would be nice to just sit back and let the movers take care of everything, right? But there are some things that movers will and will not do.

One thing they won’t do is move flammable liquids. It may seem obvious, but with all the stress of a move, people tend to forget these little things. So let’s talk about the flammable liquids they won’t take. The first one is paint, including house paint, varnish, stains, and aerosols. Bridget always advises her clients to leave the current colors in the house for the new owners and then check with the local transfer station for a paint recycling program or inquire with companies like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore if they accept these items.

“Unfortunately, movers can’t take care of everything.”

The second thing they won’t take is gas-powered items. When taking inventory of your home, note items like gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, or snow plows. You can save the gas for your car or give it to a friend. For items like barbecues or outdoor grills that use propane tanks, movers won’t take those either. You can find a friend to take the propane gas tank or return it to the place where you bought it.

Lastly, movers won’t take motor oil, but you can take it to your transfer station or call your mechanic to see if they’ll recycle it for a fee.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any other questions about organizing, real estate, or moving, feel free to call or email me. I’d love to hear from you!

What buyers and sellers need to know about our market this summer.

As summer is in full swing and you’re taking time off for a summer break, you may be thinking about your future, including your real estate needs and goals. To help you make informed decisions, I’m here with an update on the Fairfield County housing market so far in 2023. 

You have probably heard that interest rates are high, but know that this hasn’t impacted buyer demand. Buyers still need to buy and they have a variety of reasons, including a growing family, not wanting to rent, and wanting to get out of New York City. Whatever their reasons, buyers are out in full force. 

Sellers, on the other hand, seem reluctant to sell their houses. Many of them locked in a 3% interest rate and don’t want to give that up, or they just don’t know where to go. Also, many sellers have heard on the news that prices are crashing, so they’re concerned they might have missed their opportunity to maximize their sales price.

“The Fairfield County housing market has shifted a lot so far in 2023.”

Fortunately, that isn’t the case, and what you hear on the news isn’t always true. So far this year in Fairfield County, new listings are down by 29%, which is crazy! Therefore, the supply of new houses for sale is only at two-and-a-half months. This year and last year, the inventory has been ridiculously low. 

All of this means that prices are going up, not down. Prices across Fairfield County on average have increased by almost 5% so far in 2023. Therefore, if you’ve been considering selling, please don’t think you’ve missed the market because you haven’t. This is a perfect time to get your home ready for what is normally a very strong fall market. 

If you want to talk about this in more detail or want the statistics for your area, know that I’d be happy to help you. Call me anytime—I look forward to hearing from you!

What buyers and sellers need to know about our market this summer.

As summer is in full swing and you’re taking time off for a summer break, you may be thinking about your future, including your real estate needs and goals. To help you make informed decisions, I’m here with an update on the Fairfield County housing market so far in 2023. 

You have probably heard that interest rates are high, but know that this hasn’t impacted buyer demand. Buyers still need to buy and they have a variety of reasons, including a growing family, not wanting to rent, and wanting to get out of New York City. Whatever their reasons, buyers are out in full force. 

Sellers, on the other hand, seem reluctant to sell their houses. Many of them locked in a 3% interest rate and don’t want to give that up, or they just don’t know where to go. Also, many sellers have heard on the news that prices are crashing, so they’re concerned they might have missed their opportunity to maximize their sales price.

“The Fairfield County housing market has shifted a lot so far in 2023.”

Fortunately, that isn’t the case, and what you hear on the news isn’t always true. So far this year in Fairfield County, new listings are down by 29%, which is crazy! Therefore, the supply of new houses for sale is only at two-and-a-half months. This year and last year, the inventory has been ridiculously low. 

All of this means that prices are going up, not down. Prices across Fairfield County on average have increased by almost 5% so far in 2023. Therefore, if you’ve been considering selling, please don’t think you’ve missed the market because you haven’t. This is a perfect time to get your home ready for what is normally a very strong fall market. 

If you want to talk about this in more detail or want the statistics for your area, know that I’d be happy to help you. Call me anytime—I look forward to hearing from you!

How to move from being overwhelmed to tackling your decluttering.

Is decluttering something you find intimidating? To help with this, I sat down with professional organizer Bridget Flynn. This is part two of our decluttering series, so click here if you missed part one. We came back to discuss this topic because it is very important and something a lot of people struggle with. For example, how do you even figure out where to start? 

Decluttering can be very overwhelming, especially with our packed schedules. Therefore, Bridget likes to tell her clients that if they want to declutter on their own but feel overwhelmed, they should just take it one box at a time. 

Start with your storage boxes. Most people have a lot of storage space and boxes, so they won’t be able to do it all at once. Therefore, just take one box out first and put it on a cleared-off table or countertop, and then start sorting the items into four categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep.

“Take things one box at a time.”

Then tackle the spaces that you go into more often, like your kitchen. If your items are loose, you could put them into boxes, then handle the process just like we said with storage. Sort your items and put the ones you want to keep in boxes for your movers to pack later. I always recommend having movers pack your items. 

This tip will help your decluttering be more manageable. Then set goals for yourself, either tackling a certain number of boxes or working for a certain amount of time. If you need any help with decluttering, organizing, real estate, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out! I would be happy to put you in touch with Bridget if needed. Call or email me anytime, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Everything buyers need to hear to prepare for their home inspections.

If you’re about to buy a home, congratulations! This is a very exciting process. However, you should also know that some parts of the process can be challenging. Today, I’m here to talk about the biggest hurdle you face when buying a home: the home inspection. I’m discussing why this is so important, and I’m getting expert advice from experienced home inspector John Koch with Home Quest Home Inspection. 

Let’s start with the qualifications a home inspector should have. In Connecticut, they need to be licensed. However, their license doesn’t necessarily mean they have experience. You should look for someone who has thousands of inspections under their belt and produces a good report with high-quality information. 

When a home inspector goes to a home, the main things they will be focusing on are the roof, the mechanicals, the windows and doors, the electrical, and the plumbing. They’ll note smaller things in the report, but they’ll mainly focus on the big problems like structural issues.

“The inspection is the most important part of the purchase process.”

A good home inspector will take the time to be thorough and will clearly explain any issues to the buyer. No home is perfect, so a good inspector will categorize issues so buyers know if they’re serious issues and need immediate attention or not. 

After the buyer reviews the written inspection report, they will discuss it with their Realtor to decide on serious issues related to health and safety. Then the agent will discuss those with the seller’s listing agent and try to negotiate a resolution. The seller can either agree to make the repairs before closing, or they can give the buyer a credit so they can make the repairs after closing. 

The inability to come to a negotiated agreement on perceived serious repairs is the most common reason that transactions fall apart and don’t progress to contract. That’s why I say the inspection is the most important part of the purchase process. Therefore, if you want help with buying a home and navigating inspections, I would be happy to assist you! Call or email me anytime, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Join us for a special event in our community - O’Neill’s 5k Run. This annual fundraiser, held in memory of Annie Curtin, is not only my favorite event but also an opportunity to make a positive impact. Let me share with you what makes it so special.

In August 2010, tragedy struck when Annie Curtin, a vibrant and joyful six-year-old, passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. Annie had just graduated from kindergarten at Rowayton Elementary School, leaving behind a legacy of love and happiness. To honor her memory, Annie’s family, with the support of O’Neill’s Irish Pub, initiated a 5k fundraising run through the charming streets of Norwalk’s SoNo neighborhood.

“Let’s come together as a community and support a worthy cause.”

Year after year, O’Neill’s 5k attracts hundreds of runners, raising tens of thousands of dollars. The Curtin family carefully selects local organizations that benefit children to receive the proceeds from this inspiring event. This year, the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center, which offers mental health and behavioral support to children and adolescents, will be the beneficiary. Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 11, and be part of this incredible cause.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in this fun-filled family event. The O’Neill’s 5k Run is perfect for everyone, including children. After the run, get ready for an unforgettable after-party. Indulge in delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively live music. The atmosphere is vibrant and upbeat, leaving you with a heartwarming feeling. It’s no surprise that this event has become a beloved tradition.

Join us at O’Neill’s Irish Pub, a beloved institution in Norwalk known for its unwavering support of local causes. Make sure to mark June 11 on your calendar and register for this extraordinary event. Your participation will make a difference in the lives of children while also giving you an unforgettable experience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email.

These things are essential if you want a hassle-free packing experience.

Let’s discuss a topic that many people dread when it comes to moving: packing. Joining us is Bridget Flynn, a home organizer and move manager with years of experience, to share with us her expertise on the topic.

Packing can be overwhelming, and many people wonder what supplies to buy. Bridget shares that she has her go-to supplies, and one of them is moving boxes from Home Depot. Not only do they have a selection of sizes, but also great prices. She recommends buying more medium and small-sized boxes than larger ones.

“Home Depot has a great selection of moving boxes.”

Among the other things she likes to use are totes. Her top choice is the Weather-tight brand from the Container Store. They can be pricey but are also known for their durability and secure-locking mechanism. Sterilite brands are also a good option, available at Home Depot, Target, and Amazon. She suggests you get the ones that will clip on the sides or else the lids will just go flying off.

Also, when it comes to protecting fragile items, try to use packing paper instead of bubble wrap, as it offers better cushioning without causing breakage from constriction. She prefers U-Haul’s packing paper for its affordability. Lastly, don’t forget jumbo Sharpies with a chisel tip to label your boxes clearly.

For more information from Bridget or help with home maintenance, feel free to call or email me. I’m always happy to help.

Spring is my favorite time of the year, and there are so many reasons why.

Spring is a time of renewal and beauty, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. As I was enjoying the warm sunshine, I was inspired to take a tour of my neighborhood and show you some of my favorite signs of spring. From blooming trees to new wildlife, there are so many reasons to love this time of year.

First on the tour is a beautiful cherry tree in my front yard. When it’s in full bloom, it’s a sight to behold. The delicate pink blossoms are truly breathtaking, and I love looking at them every day. I’m always hoping it doesn’t rain too much, though, as the blossoms can fall off quite easily.

Next, I’m lucky enough to have a neighbor with a stunning magnolia tree. This tree is mature and absolutely enormous, and when it blooms, it’s like nothing else. The petals are so big and bold, and the color is just gorgeous.

“Spring is a time of renewal and beauty, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year.”

Another sure sign of spring is the daffodils that pop up all around town. These bright yellow flowers are so cheerful and welcoming, and they always bring a smile to my face. It’s such a joy to see them sprouting up after a long, cold winter.

But spring isn’t just about plants and flowers. It’s also a time when new life emerges. This year, I was graced with a beautiful mourning dove who decided to build her nest in a wreath on my front door. She’s so peaceful and serene, and it’s been fascinating to watch her sit so still and dedicated to her eggs.

Of course, with the arrival of spring also comes the opportunity to dine outdoors. Many of our local restaurants here on Washington Street in SoNo have opened up their outdoor seating, and it’s such a treat to be able to enjoy a meal in the fresh air.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, now is the perfect time to list it. With everything in bloom, your property will look its best, and buyers will be eager to see it. Plus, if you act quickly, you can still close before the end of the school year, which is ideal for many families.

So don’t wait any longer. Give me a call, and let’s talk about how we can get your home listed quickly so that you don’t miss out on this hot spring market. There’s never been a better time to sell, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

These three tips can lower your interest payments and save you money.

Did you know there are ways to lower your mortgage payment? I think we all know that we’re not going to see 3% mortgage rates again any time soon, but there are still ways to keep things affordable. Here are my three favorite strategies: 

1. Buy points. This is a one-time payment with which you can lower your rate. For each quarter of a percentage reduction, you would pay 1% of the mortgage. We can sometimes work this into your mortgage amount or get the seller to pay for it. If you’re going to live in your house for at least four years, this will be financially worth it.

“These methods can help you save thousands of dollars throughout the life of your loan.”

2. Get in an extra mortgage payment. If there is any way that you can sneak in extra mortgage payments during a year, you can save a lot of money in the long run. You can do this by paying for your mortgage every four weeks instead of every month, or even by making an extra payment when you get a bonus. On a $475,000 mortgage, this method could save you $156,000 over the life of your loan and reduce the length by six years. 

3. Stop paying for private mortgage insurance. This is my favorite method because it doesn’t cost anything. If you have over 20% equity in your home, you can cut private mortgage insurance from your monthly payments, and this can add up. Talk to a lender about getting an appraisal to see if this is possible for you. 

This can get complicated, so if you’d like to talk about your situation or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or email me anytime, and I would be happy to hear from you.

Real estate investment is a fantastic way to generate passive income.

Did you know that 90% of the world’s millionaires have created wealth by investing in real estate? Have you ever thought about investing in real estate? Well, I did recently and I thought you might be interested in discussing the criteria I used when selecting my investment property.

First, the golden rule of real estate is location, location, location. When you’re investing, a property in a great location will not only hold its value but also increase in value. I chose a location near the beach, at the Jersey Shore in Long Beach Island. This location is a popular vacation spot. Even better, it’s within a two-hour drive of over 20 million people, giving me access to a huge pool of prospective tenants.

Next, you have to calculate your return. You want to take a worst-case scenario on the rental income that you expect to collect and then deduct from that the expenses you’ll incur to keep the house going. Ideally, you’d like to be cash flow positive. But breaking even is fine because you will still win from the increase in the market value of the investment property itself over time.

“90% of the world’s millionaires have created wealth by investing in real estate.”

I decided to go with a short-term rental property. It’s much more work than going with a traditional property that leases for 12 months. However, the returns are greater. It also gives me the added benefit of allowing my family to use the property as well. It’s a combined enjoyment vacation home, and I earn passive income. For me, that’s the best of both worlds. Short-term rental properties are booked more frequently and rent for a higher rate if they look stylish and have desirable amenities.

I chose a house on a very quiet corner with spectacular sunset views over the bay from its great rooftop deck. It’s a short walk to the beach and a huge number of shops, restaurants, mini golf, coffee shops, and ice cream. I was able to get this property for a good price because it was a 1980s construction that needed a refresh. After renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, eliminating all the popcorn ceilings, and adding a gas fireplace, I doubled the rental rate.

There are so many real estate investment options out there. If you have any questions about this topic or real estate in general, please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email. I would be happy to serve as your resource for all your real estate needs.

Three tips to help you get the most money possible from your spring home sale.

How should you prepare your home to sell on the open market? This time of year can be busy for real estate, so your home needs to be in tip-top shape if you want it to stand out. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry—I’m here to help. Today I’m sharing a few simple tips to help get your home ready for the spring selling season. 

First, take a deep breath. You don’t have to totally renovate your kitchen and bathroom. Instead, picture what a hotel looks like when you first enter it. It should look clean, inviting, and neutral, so that’s what you should strive for. To get your home to look like that, begin with the three D’s: 

1. Declutter. Go room by room and sort your belongings into three piles: The donation pile, trash pile, and keep pile. You’ll need to organize everything for your move eventually, and getting it out of the way will have the added benefit of lowering your stress level.

“Make it easy for buyers to see themselves living in your home.”

2. Depersonalize. I don’t just mean putting away your family photos. Go through your home and smooth over what makes it too unique for the open market. Flowery wallpaper or bright paint colors will need to be removed since they make it too difficult for buyers to picture themselves living in your home. 

3. Deep clean. Your home should sparkle inside and out. I would seriously consider hiring a professional cleaning company; you’d be surprised how much a professional cleaning can transform your home. After the inside, focus on your curb appeal. Powerwash, paint, and do whatever else it takes to make the front of your house shine. 

If the anticipation of selling your home is getting to you, please give me a call or send an email. I’d love to go over a comprehensive selling plan with you. I look forward to hearing from you!

Three market facts that indicate now is still a fantastic time to buy.

Are you considering buying a home but feeling uncertain because of all the negative headlines? It’s understandable to be hesitant, but don’t let fear prevent you from making a smart real estate decision. Here are three facts to help you make an informed choice:

1. The current interest rates are historically low. Although rates have risen slightly, the 50-year average rate for a 30-year mortgage is around 8%, making today’s rates in the 6% range still very favorable.

“Don’t try to time the market–it’s impossible.”

2. Inventory is still extremely low. In Fairfield County, for example, there is less than two months’ supply of homes available for sale. That is extraordinarily low. As a point of comparison, before the pandemic, inventory levels were about six months supply or more. In some towns, they were 9 and 10 months of supply. With no sign of a housing crash in sight, it’s an excellent time to buy.

3. The median rental rate has almost doubled in the past decade. If you’re planning to stay in your home for four to five years, buying a home is a smart decision. It helps lock in your monthly payment and shields you from inflation and rising rents.

Don’t try to time the market–it’s impossible. Instead, focus on your unique situation and goals. If you’re renting or in a home that no longer suits your needs, don’t wait. Take advantage of the current market conditions and make the move. Call or email me if you have any questions about real estate. I’m happy to help.

These three tips will help you as you try to balance buying and selling.

Similar to the age-old question about the chicken and the egg, what should people do first, buy or sell? Many people have asked me that, and my answer depends on the specific situation. However, one thing that’s universal is you need to be prepared so you can minimize your stress. To help with this, here are three things you should focus on when you’re worried about buying and selling at the same time: 

1. Get a mortgage preapproval. It’s very important that you do this step, and if you need help finding a lender, I have some great ones that I can hook you up with. By speaking with a lender and going through the preapproval process, you can find out whether or not you qualify to buy your new home without selling your current one. Then you would have the freedom to find your dream home, secure it, and then list your current home for sale.

“This will help you navigate buying and selling at the same time.”

2. Start preparing your home for the market. Even if you haven’t found a new home, it’s never too early to start working on getting your current home ready for sale. Figure out what needs to be fixed and get those things done, whether it’s touching up paint, fixing a broken cabinet, or decluttering. That way you’ll be ready to list your home quickly and you’ll minimize the amount of time that you’re paying for two houses. 

3. Have your Realtor negotiate a leaseback agreement. If you can’t afford to buy a new home while you’re still in your old one, this can truly help you. This agreement allows you to stay in your home after closing, usually for around 60 days, which is a great amount of time to find a new home and move in. 

I have successfully used these strategies with countless buyers and sellers, so I can help you too! If you’d like to go through your situation in more detail, don’t be afraid to call or email me anytime. I would be happy to help you.

Here are the highlights of Fairfield County’s housing market in 2022.

2022 is a wrap! Today I want to give you my take on what was a really memorable year in real estate. The spring market last year was so difficult for buyers. You got to tour a house for 15 minutes and then had to decide how much over asking price you had to bid—just a little bit over asking wasn’t going to do it. 

You had to waive contingencies, like an appraisal, mortgage, and sometimes even the inspection contingency. If you miraculously managed to beat out the 24 other bidders, excitement quickly turned to panic and doubt. You start to realize you may have gotten caught up in the bidding frenzy and don’t even love the property. It was such a rush that many buyers backed out of transactions.

“There is no sign of a housing crash here.”

Fortunately, the market slowed considerably in the second half of the year. That was driven by a combination of mortgage rates rising and what I like to call buyer fatigue. Buyers were fed up with all the bidding wars and decided to just enjoy a post-COVID summer.  

In spite of the market shift, Fairfield County finished 2022 on a very strong note. The average selling price across the county was 2.6% over asking, and the average price increase across the county was 5% over 2021. Meanwhile, towns like Norwalk, Wilton Weston, and Fairfield had price increases ranging from 8% to 11% over asking. Westport came in at an astounding 29% over 2021. These higher prices were caused by the lack of listing inventory. The number of sales last year was down 23% over 2021, and new listings were down by 21%.

There is no sign of a housing crash here. If you’d like to talk about the real estate market of your town in more detail, just call or email me. I’m always here to help!

You can still get top dollar if you price your home correctly.

If you’ve been paying attention to housing market news, you’ve probably heard about decreasing sales, rising interest rates, and increasing inventory. Do these factors mean we’re heading for a housing market crash? According to the experts, the answer is no. Instead of crashing, our housing market is correcting.

During the crazy housing market caused by low interest rates and the increased flexibility of remote work, prices skyrocketed. In fact, the average home price increased by 10.2% from July 2021 to July 2022. The truth is that the crazy pandemic market wasn’t sustainable. According to Moody Analytics, 210 metro areas were overvalued by 25% or more.

If you’re looking to sell your home soon, what does this all mean for you? Fortunately, the media claims of a housing crash are exaggerated. You can still sell for top dollar in this market, but you have to be smart about how you approach things. Here are three tips to help you get top dollar for your home in a correcting housing market:

1. Don’t price your home too high. If you do, you could end up “chasing the market.” In this scenario, your initial price is too high, and buyers won’t look at your home. You could try lowering your price, but by that point, the market may have changed again. This is a seller’s worst nightmare—if it happens, you may even have to take your property off the market and try again later.

“You have to be careful about how you price your home.”

2. Work with a real estate professional to look at comparable sales in your area and find a goldilocks price. This isn’t too high or too low, but just right. This can be difficult to do on your own in a correcting market, but professionals have access to market data that will make the process much easier. The only issue with this option is that if you base your price on old data, the market may shift again. Then, your price could risk being too high, and you’ll face all the same problems as the first option.

3. Price your home slightly below market value on purpose. This is my preferred option. It seems odd, but this will guarantee that your home is the most attractive deal in your area. If everything goes according to plan, buyers will flock to your house, and the competition among them will naturally bring the price up to or above market value. If your home doesn’t get bid up to over the asking price that is a good indication the current market won’t support a higher price. This is a fantastic option to get offers in quickly and avoid sitting on the market for too long.

The bottom line is that sellers can still achieve fantastic results in this market as long as they do their research and price their homes correctly. If you would like to discuss which strategy might be best for you, don’t hesitate to call or email me. Make it a great day!