Blog — Bondi Realty Group

Local Summer Market update- Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, CT – 2016 – Second quarter sales are in!!

Happy Summer everyone! The temperatures are finally warming up and the sunshine is abundant as we approach the 4^th of July to celebrate the birth of our country. The weather is perfect for the upcoming weekend and the beach is ready for picnics and fireworks.

There has been steady activity since the early spring and the buyers are shopping and looking for their homes. The first time homebuyers are very selective and do a lot of research before making their decision. Most of them do their shopping on major real estate websites such as Zillow and Realtor.com. Mortgage rates are great and are coming in around 3.5 to 3.75%. These super low rates are keeping our housing market strong.

Here are the latest statistics from Consolidated Multiple Listing system.

As we enter the summer marketplace, Norwalk’s housing market is holding steady in activity. The inventory of active and pending listings is up compared to last quarter. We currently have 517 single family homes and 196 condos for sale at this time. Even though inventory is up, there are many overpriced homes in poor condition for sale, resulting in stagnant listings. Buyers are being very picky. They prefer a home that is in move in condition and will pay a higher price for it.

Norwalk home sales have increased significantly from last quarter. Sales from April 1 to June 30th are showing 205 single family and 89 condos sold.

Westport’s active housing inventory is also on the increase. Currently, active & pending listings show 469 single family and 13 Condos for sale. Sales numbers are up from April 1^st to June 30th. Westport’s second quarter numbers are good, showing 127 single family and 7 condos sold.

Wilton’s current active inventory is up from last quarter too. The numbers are showing 295 single family and 17 condos for sale. Last quarter’s sales numbers are up significantly with 79 Single family homes and 13 condos sold.

We are finding there are an abundance of first time homebuyers ready to purchase their new homes. As a result we are seeing prices starting to increase very slowly in the lower price points. This is causing buyers to get caught up in multiple offer bids. If your one of those buyers, my advice is don’t hesitate. Get out there; you may miss out on that one home that’s right for you.

The importance of working with a seasoned experience Realtor comes into play for both buyers and sellers. Our job as professionals is to guide you through the transaction and hold the deal together. Bondi Realty is a local real estate company. We understand our hometown marketplace. Keep us in mind when you are ready to make the right move!

Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990

Fourth of July Fireworks dates- Fairfield County 2016

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Thursday, June 30th

Westport: The Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Westport Parks and Recreation Department will be holding the annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on June 30 at Compo Beach. Rain date for the event is on July 1, 2016.

Friday, July 1st

Stamford: The City of Stamford’s 2016 Fireworks event will be held on July 1st (raindate July 2nd) at 9:15/9:20pm at Cummings Park.

Saturday, July 2nd

Darien Town Fireworks: Darien Town Fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016. Fireworks will begin when it gets dark. The raindate is Sunday, July 3rd.

Fairfield: July 2nd-Come Celebrate Independence Day with an explosive Grucci Firework show. Fireworks explode just after dark, usually around 9:15 PM, from a barge off of Long Island Sound so the show can be seen easily from either Penfield or Jennings Beaches.

Greenwich: Fireworks Display at Greenwich Point on July 2 at dusk sponsored by the Town of Greenwich to be held at Greenwich Point. Normal rules for Greenwich Point access will be in effect the day of the fireworks. Greenwich Point will be closed at 8:30 P.M. or when the maximum number of cars for the available parking spaces has been achieved. Fireworks Display at Binney Park on July 2 at dusk sponsored by the Town of Greenwich to be held at Binney Park.

Sunday, July 3rd

Norwalk: July 3rd Fireworks and Concert at Calf Pasture Beach. Dusk-4th of July Fireworks

Monday, July 4th

New Canaan Family Fourth Celebration: This year’s New Canaan July 4th celebration will be held on Monday, July 4th (5:00pm – 10:00 pm) at Waveny Park. The New Canaan “Family Fourth” is always one of the premier events in town. Activities include picnicking, live music, food & drink stands… and of course, tons of fireworks! The pass fee will be $35 for residents. The fireworks will be at 9 p.m.

Rowayton: Rowayton Fireworks will light up the sky offshore from Bayley Beach Friday evening, July 4th (rain date July 5th). The fireworks, sponsored by the RCA, will be launched from a barge beginning at 9:15pm. The performance will last approximately 30 minutes.

Weston: WESTON PARKS & RECREATION & FAIRFIELD COUNTY BANK PRESENT:WESTON’S FAMILY 4TH CELEBRATION 2016, Monday July 4, 2016; WESTON MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD: GATES OPEN AT 4:30 P.M.

Wilton: 8:30 AM: Freedom Run Road Race (5K) , 9:30 PM: (Approximately) Fireworks! The Parks & Recreation Department will be selling 4th of July Booster Parking Passes. Those vehicles without the booster pass will be charged a fee of $20.00 per vehicle the night of the event. All monies collected go to offset the evening’s cost. By becoming a 4th of July Booster, you will receive a guaranteed parking pass to your choice of lots adjacent to the concert and fireworks area. Spaces are limited and passes are issued on a first come, first serve basis.

Norwalk, Westport, Wilton 2016 First quarter sales numbers

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Local Spring Market 2016 update – First quarter sales are in!!

Happy Spring! Mother Nature hasn’t gotten the memo yet, but after a mild winter we are ready for sunshine, warm temperatures and a strong real estate market. Inventory is slowly starting to increase, but more is needed as the buyers are responding to the change in seasons and Sunday open houses have a steady pace of activity. The surge in activity has resulted in multiple offers on many properties and prices are slowly on the increase. So if you were thinking of listing your property for sale, now is the time.

Here are the latest statistics from Consolidated Multiple Listing system.

As we enter the spring marketplace, Norwalk’s housing market is showing lots of activity. The inventory is up compared to last quarter. We currently have 429 single family homes and 189 condos for sale at this time. Even though inventory is up, there are many overpriced homes in poor condition for sale, resulting in stagnant listings. Buyers are being very selective. It’s very difficult for some people to purchase a home that needs work and still have money left over to fix it up.

Norwalk home sales are down from last quarter. Sales from January 1 to March 31st are showing 115 single family and 60 condos sold. Even though sales numbers are lower, there was still good activity over the winter months and we are still waiting for some properties to close.

Westport’s active housing inventory is also on the increase. Currently, active listings are 424 single family and 12 Condos for sale. Sales numbers were down from January to March. Westport’s first quarter numbers are showing 67 single family and 5 condos sold.

Wilton’s current active inventory is up from last quarter. The numbers are showing 259 single family and 20 condos for sale. Last quarter’s sales numbers are down with 28 Single family homes and 7 condos sold.

We are finding there is an abundance of first time homebuyers ready to purchase their new homes. As a result we are seeing prices starting to increase which is causing buyers to get caught up in multiple offer bids. If your one of those buyers, my advice is don’t hesitate. Get out there; you may miss out on that one home that’s right for you.

The importance of working with a seasoned experienced local Realtor comes into play for both buyers and sellers. Our job as professionals is to guide you through the transaction, so that you can make the right decision when buying or selling a property. Local is best!!

Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
Helping you make the right move!

5 Reasons to list your home right now 2016

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5 Reasons why you should consider listing your home right now 2016

I know the misconception in the real estate market is to take your home off the market during the winter months. We find that more serious buyers continue to look at this time. With inventory low and this year’s weather being so mild, it’s so much easier to view and inspect your property. The home buyers are out there looking at any inventory that’s available. You have a much better chance of getting your price now than in the spring when competition heats up and everyone else puts their home on the market.

First time home buyers

First time home buyers are moving out of their apartments. High rent prices are driving new buyers into the market place. Rental prices are on the increase and show no signs of slowing down. Many of our buyer clients complain that they are throwing money out the window by renting. They would like to put roots down and start building equity. Rising rental prices could motivate tenants to make the leap into home ownership. Rent prices locally have risen 15% in the past five years and income growth hasn’t kept up. Every time there is an increase, it triggers the decision process on whether renters should go into the market and buy.

Low housing Supply

Currently there is very little good inventory. Make your property one of the homes that stand out with little to no competition. Your home has a very good chance of selling for market value right now. Most of our current inventory is dated, tired or in need of many repairs. There are also plenty of homes that are still overpriced. As we turn the corner in the real estate marketplace with values stabilizing, homeowners are finding that they are at a financial comfort level and can now sell.

Low interest rates

Whether you believe that mortgage rates are going up soon or not, many would-be buyers are concerned that they will lose buying power if they wait too long. It helps sellers when buyers can afford a larger home due to low mortgage rates. There’s the other side of this coin as well. If you sell now with the plan to buy right away, you’re getting the same low interest rate advantage. The money you take away from your sale, though possibly somewhat lower than if you wait a while, will go farther in financing another home.

Cash investors

With volatility in the stock market, many investors are looking for properties that will provide income. Your home or condo may be just right if the numbers work. Cash buyers are nice to work with as there is no mortgage financing to worry about. We worked with many investors and there are a lot of great opportunities.

Holding Costs

Don’t forget holding costs: Does your home need a new roof or major work? Waiting a year to get a 1 percent or 2 percent bump in selling price can be a mistake if your costs exceed that amount. If there is a real estate property tax increase, that’s extra holding cost. Air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical problems can jump up unexpectedly. Consider your normal repair and maintenance costs in relation to an unknown bump in price if you wait a year or more.

Contact Bondi Realty today for your free market analysis. We are Norwalk’s #1 Real Estate Firm. Local is best!!

Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990

Norwalk Westport Wilton Real Estate forecast for 2016

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Local Real Estate News forecast for 2016

Happy New Year! 2015 was a very good year for our local real estate market.

We are looking at another good year ahead as our economy stays on track! I expect more first time home buyers will be searching for their new home. They are always looking for properties on line, watching home shows on television and calling our office for more information. We love their enthusiasm and excitement, especially when they find that perfect home to raise their family. Many homeowners who are thinking about selling and waiting for values to increase may be ready to put their house on the market very soon. This will create a nice balance which will translate into a good market for all.

Low mortgage rates are still currently in effect for the start of 2016, with many small banks offering fantastic loan programs. Smart buyers should take advantage of these rates to purchase their new homes.

Here are the latest statistics from Consolidated Multiple Listing system.

As we enter 2016, Norwalk’s housing market activity is holding steady. The inventory is similar compared to last year at this time. We currently have 237 single family homes and 123 condos active on the market. As always, the well maintained and recently remodeled homes listings that are priced correctly sell quickly and for the highest price. There are currently 86 homes under contract. Last quarter numbers (October to December) show 155 single family and 68 condos sold.

Westport’s active housing inventory is also holding steady. Currently, active listings are 240 single family and 4 Condos for sale. There are 37 homes under contract. Westport’s last quarter numbers are showing 93 single family and 6 condos sold.

Wilton single family and condo sales are similar numbers last year at this time. The current active inventory is up with 131 single family and 11 condos. There are 14 homes under contract. Last quarter numbers are showing 41 Single family homes and 2 condos sold.

This is great news for home sellers & buyers. Sales are moving in the right direction and prices are holding steady with no huge increases on the horizon. We think the winter market will be strong this year if the weather cooperates. So if your home is currently listed, try to keep it on the market through the winter months. If you’re thinking of selling, consider listing before the spring hits as inventory is down and buyers are actively house hunting.

Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990

Bondi Realty Gives Back to Our Community Norwalk CT

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Small business owners give back to our community

It’s been 28 years since I decided to become a Realtor. There are many challenges that came with this decision, but I have learned to overcome them. Life’s lessons have helped me become the person I am today, which I apply every day in my business. You should treat others as you want to be treated. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep calm, helping everyone keep the line of communication open between all parties involved throughout the buying or selling process. Have a great team in place to help handle whatever comes up.

This time of the year compels you to reflect on what is important in your life. Family, friends, good health and giving back to the community, not only does it connect you to like-minded people, it’s just vital to our lives.

We at Bondi Realty Group created a non-profit called Reggie’s Pet Project Inc. This 501C3 organization is named after our beloved Dachshund who was a member of our family for 20 years. Reggie was an energetic happy little dog who had a huge personality in a tiny body. He was such an inspiration to us as he aged and just never wanted to give up. We still miss him every day and want to help others keep their pets in their lives as long as possible.

Reggie’s Pet Project Inc. provides financial assistance to pet owners who are unable to cover the full cost of their pet’s critical or emergency veterinary care. Our mission is to enhance and preserve the quality of life of animals by providing access to necessary medical care and education. Based on established criteria, Reggie’s Pet Project provides financial grants to animal owners who are unable to partially or fully cover the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care. As many people today experience increasing economic challenges, their pets are suffering too. The number of people who cannot afford critical medical care for their sick or injured pet is growing at an alarming rate.

In what is being labeled as ‘economic euthanasia,’ these beloved companions are being euthanized because their owners cannot afford the often unexpected cost of treatment needed to save their lives. Reggie’s Pet Project Inc. was created to address this tragedy. What started out as a beautiful vision to stop the surrender and euthanasia of beloved family pets, has become a supportive center where families in crisis can get a helping hand to save their pets’ lives.

While there are wonderful charitable groups focused on finding homes for pets without families, Reggie’s Pet Project Inc. will work in conjunction with local veterinarians dedicated to saving the lives of pets that are already in loving homes, but whose families cannot pay for all or part of the emergency or critical care they need to survive.

Reggie’s Pet Project Inc. relies solely on donations to continue its mission of providing access to life saving veterinary care and to enhance and preserve the quality of life for these loving pets.

This is very near and dear to our hearts. We work hard to make our business a success. When a sales transaction is completed successfully, we take part of the commission funds and donate them to Reggie’s Pet Project. We have saved the lives of several dogs and cats. These family members are forever grateful that we could help. It puts a smile on our face to know we can do this. However, we can’t do this alone. I love writing the real estate articles to help guide the consumer through the real estate process and have appreciated all the great feedback along the way. We are now asking for your help so we can continue to help others. Please consider donating to a wonderful cause. You can either contact us or donate directly though the website www.reggiespetproject.org.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Fabulous New Year!

Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC

203-899-9990