While not until the end of the month this year, Thanksgiving is already in the air. With unending thanks for your support & friendship to KMS, we prepare this concierge list of events and ideas to enlighten, entertain, inspire and help you and yours appreciate life in Connecticut.
Those of us in Connecticut breathe a sigh of relief as hurricane season comes to a close. While our premiums may be impacted by weather events nation-wide, we certainly empathize with others dealing with catastrophic devastation, and the resulting clean-up, rebuilding process. Is your home properly insured?
Today, we are noticing that an increasing desire to be together, for companionship and shared experiences, is driving relocation. While the great recession in 2007-2008 may have created a financial need, the Covid pandemic spurred an emotional one. Living in the same household is not necessarily the goal, but being in close proximity to family is important.
In our years of real estate, the KMS Team at Compass has seen it all. We listen to, offer advice and respect our clients immensely - even when they opt to sell their home by owner. Affirming what we already know — we work hard for our clients — they learn several things along the way. While things may work out in the end, professional guidance can help maximize the value and minimize the stress surrounding your real estate sale.
Maintenance-free, single-family style living has an appeal to those accustomed to single-family homes but no longer interested in the upkeep – snow removal, lawn care and the like. The bottom line? People love Westport and all its fabulous amenities, including its beaches and waterfront recreation facility, Longshore Club Park. Moving from a single family home to a condominium is no longer just down-sizing, it is right sizing in style.
Heaps of sweet lobster meat on a buttery toasted frankfurter bun....a favorite summer treat for most New Englanders! We decided to take an unscientific survey, polling the KMS Team to find THE best lobster roll in or around Fairfield County. The results were inconclusive. Whether you are a Connecticut purist or a fan of the traditional Maine lobster roll, we have some great options for you!
Maintenance-free, single-family style living has an appeal to those accustomed to single-family homes but no longer interested in the upkeep – snow removal, lawn care and the like. The bottom line? People love Westport and all its fabulous amenities, including its beaches and waterfront recreation facility, Longshore Club Park. Moving from a single family home to a condominium is no longer just down-sizing, it is right sizing in style.
Most municipalities mail tax bills this month. They’re a reminder of the costs & obligations of home ownership, and of the many amenities we get for our dollars. One mill equals a dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. “Mill rate” is another way to say “property tax rate.” By state law, property is reevaluated every five years.
From the hilltop of the Old Hill neighborhood, the views of Westport Connecticut are stunning. It is from this vantage point that we take note of the character and charm of historic homes whose preservation helps keep the fabric of our area unique.
As the holiday season kicks off this week with Thanksgiving, we thought we’d share some holiday indulgences. Traditionally turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, but we here at KMS are all about the extras. Try some new sides or desserts as we all get ready to roll into December.
The colors, beauty and flavors of autumn extend well beyond pumpkin-spiced lattes! Here in Fairfield County we celebrate the arrival of fall with outdoor recreation, apple-picking excursions, festivals and dining on seasonal fare. Did someone mention German Apple Pancakes or Eggplant Torre? Luckily for us, there are several new places to try this fall. Featuring nearly every cuisine on the planet, in every kind of spot and for all sorts of budgets, Westport & Fairfield have your palates covered.
Some of the best places to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather are found at an Aspetuck Land Trust preserve (ALT). Through gifts of land, money, time and talents, ALT has amassed and maintains 45 trailed preserves and 140 open spaces for public enjoyment and education. Each is different; all are worth visiting. Read on to happy trails!
One of the great benefits of living in Fairfield County is the chance to see Broadway theater. Many of the best plays and musicals in the world are just a train ride away. But another great benefit is: You don’t have to go to New York to see thought-provoking, entertaining, top-shelf theater.
We have definitely seen sparked interest for properties with outbuildings among those looking for housing. Curious about the possibilities of Accessory Dwelling Units? Give us a call.
We are pleased to welcome Lisa Holler to the KMS Team! Coming from Brooklyn, NY where she worked on a large real estate team, Lisa's philosophy "of putting the client's needs above my own and being as transparent as possible" fits perfectly with ours.
Starting from the ground up, Fairfield County takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Wakeman Town Farm in Westport has a wealth of programs and relies heavily on volunteers. Similarly driven is Lachat Town Farm in Weston. Sustainable Westport, Fairfield & Weston work hard to achieve the state's Net Zero goals.
New to the area, looking for a way to meet people and put your talents to work? Lived here a long time, but looking for a new volunteer activity? Do you have school-aged children or none at all? Whatever your passion, you can get involved in our schools! Think volunteer efforts are limited to baking brownies for PTA fundraisers? Think again.
Fairfield County offers so much potential homeowners: Astonishing beauty. Superb schools. Wonderful amenities, like libraries, culture and recreation. But for many, what sets Westport and Fairfield apart from other communities is our beaches.
Despite the fact that Connecticut home price growth has more than quadrupled income growth over the past two years and many believe a recession is on the horizon, we anticipate demand in fabulous Fairfield County to remain strong.
Historically low inventory means slim pickings for a new home, right? Not necessarily. Because you don’t necessarily have to replace your current residence with another house. Several exciting new projects offer Fairfield County residents innovative new ways to live. You just have to think outside the “housing” box.
It’s summer and that means the beach, sailing, golf, tennis, grilling, outdoor concerts and surprise … the library. You read that right. With countless outdoor attractions, one of Westport’s most popular is inside. It’s an attractive riverfront destination. Yet it’s what goes on beneath the soaring roof, on three magnificent floors, that makes it our go-to spot even on the most gorgeous day.
…other people took advantage of the pandemic to “right-size.” They traded single family homes for condominiums or townhomes. They’re delighted to not even think about lawn mowing, tree trimming and snow shoveling. Condos are moving quickly with year-to-date sales in Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Wilton all more than 56% over prior year levels.
And no market sizzles more than Weston. The little (in population) town is big (in square miles, lot size and amenities). It boasts a prime location: between the beaches of Westport and Fairfield, and the hills of Redding, Easton and Wilton. And – surprise! – there’s a lot more going on in Weston than people may think. (Why else would Keith Richards have lived there for years?)
There’s a lot to love about Fairfield. It’s diverse, dynamic, and drawing plenty of attention. It's home to two universities, which add to the local economy and the vibrancy of the town. Among the biggest attractions: Fairfield’s dining scene. From sit-down to takeout, Italian to Asian, indoors and out, you’ll eat well all over town.
When introducing our towns, we love recommending restaurants to potential buyers and new homeowners. There are many great ones, featuring every cuisine and style. This February, we especially love the faith that so many people have in our restaurant scene. Despite the pandemic, folks from all over Fairfield County support their favorite places.
