Love Dachshunds? We do too!! There will be plenty to see at the 14th Annual Dachshund Reunion in Westport CT.
Location: Jessup Green in front of the Westport Library June 2, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy!!!
Understanding the term- Mid Century Modern
Understanding the term “Mid – Century Modern”
The term mid- century modern is sometime mistaken as any style structure built between the1940’s and 1960’s. It’s more then that, a distinctive form of architecture some times called “California Contemporary”, mid –century modern architecture is usually defined through its clean lines, open floor plans, walls of glass, and the feeling of living within nature. These buildings constructed between the 1940’s through the late 1960’s by innovative architects with their simplistic styles were ahead of their time. Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Stamford, and especially New Canaan all have some very fine examples of this type of architecture currently for sale.
Some of the local pioneers of mid-century modern architecture are John Black Lee, Victor Christ-Janer, George Nemeny, and a group called the Harvard Five; John Johansen, Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, Eliot Noyes and Phillip Johnson.
Phillip Johnson designed the famous Glass House in New Canaan. This house which is on the National Historic Register was his primary residence until his death in 2005. The house and all of its out buildings is open to the public for tours.
There are developments in Norwalk that could be considered true mid-century modern style. Village Creek was the first modern development in Norwalk. Built in 1950 this forty home community was designed by notable architects like Klaus Grabe, Percy Ifill, and Edger Tafel. This forward thinking community is situated along Long Island sound between Outer Road and Dock Road.
Another mid- century modern community consists of thirty homes built between 1952 and 1955. Located in West Norwalk along five Mile River on Prince’s Pine Rd. and Alewives Rd. these homes were featured in Homes and Garden magazine specifically because of the way they were built using innovative materials and each home was sited by the developer to sit perfectly into the landscape.
Norwalk has some examples of mid –century architecture outside of these developments. A very early example is the R.P. Ettinger house designed by Kahn and Jacobs in 1940 and is located on the border of Norwalk and Westport. There is also a uniquely designed home built in 1954 by R.W. Vansummern nestled along the Silvermine River. A mid-century home situated along Five Mile River in West Norwalk home originally designed in 1952 by George Nemeny and built for the President of the Burndy Corporation is also a fine example of mid-century modern.
The New Canaan Historical Society has been very proactive with bringing awareness to the public in regards to the many fine examples of mid- century modern homes though out their community. Check out the New Canaan Historical Society’s modern home survey. The Westport Historical Society through its exhibit “When Cool was Hot” featured many fine examples of Westport and Weston’s mid-century modern homes and the furniture designs prevalent to this style of architecture.
Information about most mid -century modern homes is difficult to find. Despite their recent construction, many of these structures have changed hands many times and their histories have been lost in the process. The mid-century modern architects are now just beginning to be recognized by the enthusiast who wants to purchase this type of architecture knowing that it’s truly a form that will continue to be appreciated for years to come.
As a mid -century modern enthusiast, I’m hopeful in the near future that the public starts to really appreciate all that this form of design has to offer. For further information on local mid -century homes for sale please contact us.
Peter Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990
Get ready, Get set, Go!
Get ready, Get set, Go!
The first time homebuyers are out hitting the streets. They are qualified and ready to buy their first home. Prices are at the lowest point in ten years and the smart people know its time to make a deal. Rental costs are at an all time high and are becoming more difficult to find. Add to these great interest rates and you have the perfect storm.
Some buyers are still waiting for the bottom of the market to hit. Hello, that time is already here in certain price ranges. The sweet spot in Norwalk are homes that are priced under $400,000.
Here is the latest update for the first quarter statistics.
Inventory in Norwalk is about the same as last year with 412 single family and 212 condos on the market right now. Single family sales are about the same as last year. The numbers show 76 homes and 41 condos sold the first quarter. The big difference is that the homes which have offers and contracts on them are showing a total number of 179 as of April 1st. If all of these properties close soon, the numbers for next quarter will be much higher showing an upward trend of better numbers for home sales in the very near future.
Westport inventory is showing 338 single family homes and 18 condos for sale right now. Single family sales are up from the same time last year. There were 63 single family and 4 condos which sold in the first quarter of 2012. The next quarter numbers are off to a good start with a total of 73 properties that are under contract at this time.
Wilton single family inventory is up from the same time last year showing 206 single family homes. Condo inventory is down, showing only 13 for sale. Wilton numbers are exactly the same as last year with 29 single family homes recorded as sold. Condo numbers are down with only 1 sold the first quarter. Home sales are looking positive for the next quarter with a total of 45 under contract so far.
As we enter the second quarter it appears that things are finally turning the corner. Buyers are feeling more secure and are willing to take the plunge into home ownership. Sellers are probably hoping that prices will start to climb, but that doesn’t appear likely. There are still many short sales to contend with at this time which have a negative effect on home prices. My suggestion is if you have been thinking about buying a property, get qualified for a mortgage, hire a professional Realtor at Bondi Realty and go!!!
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990
Home Rentals for pet owners
Home rentals for Pet Owners
Are you trying to find a house or apartment rental that will accept your pet? My experience has shown it’s not very easy to find a rental that tolerates pets. Your selections are very limited with landlords who are more accepting of pets and responsible owners.
Following these steps will help you conduct a successful search for animal-friendly rental housing.
No one likes the hassles involved with moving; much less finding rental housing that accepts pets. Contact a real estate agent several months before you plan to move. It’s best to start your search and work with a real estate agent and landlord who has pets themselves or who share your love of animals.
Try to understand and look at a home or apartment rental with the landlord’s perspective. They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn’t safely confine their animals or pick up after them. Sometimes tenants sneak in pets or destroy the landlord’s property. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors with regards to barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.
This is why if you are looking for an apartment, house, or condominium to rent, you must be able to sell yourself as responsible pet owner. Show that you are committed and would be a good choice by providing responsible pet care and being a responsible neighbor.
Addressing your landlord’s prior experience may show you how to present your own request most effectively.
The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:
As part of your offer to rent it may be a good idea to include a letter of reference from your current landlord verifying that you are a responsible pet owner. You may also want to include a letter from your veterinarian stating you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered showing that he or she is healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.
Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet’s waste.
Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Make it clear to the landlord, that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.
Let your prospective landlord know that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property.
Once you have been given permission by a landlord to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves.
We love pets and know how to help you find a great place to live! Call us today!!
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990
Staging Facts for Home Sellers
Staging facts for home sellers
If you really want results and would love to stand out above the competition when you sell your property, then consider hiring a professional home stager.
A small investment in staging can result in a much higher price for your home.
Birgit Anich is a professional stager and lifestyle market specialist. The results from her expertise are amazing. Check out her website www.BirgitAnich.com
Here is what she has to say about home staging and the local real estate market.
How to Reveal the True Value of Your Home
When selling real estate – or any other product – there are always two sides that need to be considered. There is a difference between the PRICE and the VALUE of a property.
1. The PRICE is the amount of money you are asking for the property.
2. The VALUE is whether the buyer perceives that your property is worth or desirable for that price.
The perceived value is influenced by many factors, such as location, condition, features, appeal, and comparison to other listings in your market area. If your house has been on the market for some time and you have not received offers or not the offer that you desired to achieve, this is an indication that the buyers do not perceive the value of your property worth the price you are offering it for.
When selling your house you are in business and it is important to understand today’s real estate buyers and what they consider valuable in their decision when making their single largest expense. Buyers today are not buying the same way as buyers from just a few years ago. Due to a large selection of homes available to them on the market, buyers can afford being picky and in what they want to have. So what are some things buyers looking for?
- A move-in-ready home: most buyers do not want to purchase projects when they make their single largest expense. They want to be able to move in and immediately continue with their life without having to spend more money and time.
- Buyers are looking for a lifestyle. They do not just buy a house, they buy a home, a lifestyle they are dreaming of.
- Updated kitchen and bathrooms
- High-end finishes for appliances
- Curb appeal
So, what does this mean for you as the home seller? Are you showing your house at its best value to your buyers?
What are some of the things you can do to reveal the true value of your house?
- Take care of all repairs.
- Hire a real estate agent – pricing is their expertise.
3. Consult with a professional home stager on how to prepare your house for sale to show the maximum value to your target buyers. The home stager will consult you not only on how to update most cost efficiently different areas to achieve the highest return on investment, but also how you make your property stand out from your competition.
4. Update your kitchen and bathrooms. Your home stager can work with you on the best way to achieve the updated look without breaking your bank. Believe it or not, there are many ways to update a bathroom without having to completely renovate.
5. Arrange for a pre-listing home inspection. You show buyers that you have addressed any defects and thus add value and weight to your disclosure statement. It will eliminate or reduce buyers’ concerns.
6. The curb appeal gives the first impression when driving up to your house – make sure that this impression is a lasting one, so buyers get excited to visit your property. Consider hiring a professional landscaper.
7. Never sell a house vacant – real estate gurus will tell you that trying to sell a house empty is one of the biggest mistakes. But don’t just put any furniture in. Remember you are selling a lifestyle and added value to stand out from your competition. The right choice of furniture, furniture placement, accessories, artwork, lighting, rugs are critical for your success as each item that you add sends buyers a conscious and unconscious message to feel connected with the house. Call a professional home stager who specializes in vacant real estate staging.
Once you show buyers the maximum VALUE the house will sell faster and buyers are willing to pay more. The spring real estate market is just around the corner. Right now is the best time for you to get prepared to show the maximum value of YOUR house and consult with a professional stager. Don’t take the “let’s see how it goes and if it does not work, we can still hire a stager later” attitude. The most traffic drawn into your house will be within the first 2-4 weeks. If you don’t get the attention of buyer’s real estate agents and buyers looking online, you are wasting all this time on the market. Your house will then become a stale listing that they will not come back to visit, even if you have made changes. You then just compete on price and not the true value of your home. So, act BEFORE putting your house on the market and show it at its best value right away.
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990
Fairfield County Real Estate News Update 2012
Real Estate News Update 2012
Happy New Year! What does the local real estate market hold for us this year?
Does anyone really know? With first time buyers’ dipping their toes in the water, my guess is that it should be an active year in real estate. The rental market is still strong, but rents are increasing at such a pace that smart qualified buyers should be choosing to purchase a home instead of rent.
Let’s take a look at what is really happening out there in our local real estate market. I believe our current local real estate market has faired better then the rest of the country. We haven’t seen as many foreclosures as the rest of the country and our job market have shown signs of picking up. Here are a few statistics from Consolidated Multiple Listing system.
As we enter 2012 I can tell you that Norwalk’s housing market is showing signs of stability but the banks are still being cautious and reserved with their lending. In January of 2011 there were 327 single family homes on the market and 194 condominiums for sale. January of 2012 shows single family inventory at 320 and condominium inventory at 198. That is a slight decline in single family numbers. Condo numbers show a slight increase in the inventory.
Norwalk home sales are down from last year. 505 single family homes and 227 condos sold in 2010. Sales from 2011 are showing 440 single family homes and 192 condos sold for the year. This could be attributed to more people renting last year than purchasing.
Norwalk’s last quarter is showing the following numbers: 101 Single family homes sold and 44 condos. These numbers are very similar to the June- October quarter.
Westport’s housing numbers are also down. Current inventory shows 229 single family and 13 condos for sale this year. They are also reporting a decrease of home sales for 2011. 350 single family homes sold in 2010. 2011 is reporting sales of 344 single family homes, but condo sales are up from 23 sold in 2010 to 35 sold in 2011.
Wilton single family sales numbers are up from last year! Current inventory shows 132 single family and 9 condos for sale. 165 Single family homes and 25 condos sold here in 2010. Sales for 2011 are showing 177 Single family homes sold along with 17 condos.
Last quarters numbers are as follows: Single family homes – 35, but no condo sales last quarter.
As 2011 progressed the housing prices continued to slump. Our prices have declined 25 to 30% from the high point of the housing market. Mortgage rates and home prices are at an all time low and there are fantastic deals to be had. Short sales are still coming on the market and if you have some patience you can score a great buy!
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990