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.
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.
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.
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.
Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start to summer. While many families may be beach-bound, bringing kids to a parade or memorial service is a great way to honor our fallen heroes and pay tribute to those who have served in the military. Join in the local parades, ceremonies and festivities around Fairfield County as we honor and give thanks to veterans who have served.
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.
When it comes to life in Fairfield County, there are plenty of gems. Some of them out of the way, others in plain sight – they’re the spots that make a hometown a “home.” We’ve got a few favorites, exceptional for visiting during the beautiful autumn days we have here in Connecticut. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
…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.
At KMS Partners at Compass, we love every aspect of homes: buying them, selling them, doing whatever we can to make the folks we work with feel part of a broader community. At a time when so many of us are sheltering in place, it’s more important than ever to think about – and actively work for – those who lack the luxury of shelter.
Keeping social distances in our current environment is wise and responsible. And while outdoor activities in your yard are great, you may need to venture off the beaten path now and again. We’ve rounded up some lesser known but beautiful spots to explore in and around Fairfield County.
Working from home is not that different for many of us, but keeping children engaged while doing so can make it a little more complicated. Educators are working hard to adapt to this new normal. We've compiled a list of instructional yet fun websites that may also help keep your children engaged during this transition.
One unexpected delight of home-buying here is discovering gorgeous backyard gardens. The Westport Historical Society even sponsors a special “Hidden Gardens” tour. But another type of garden is hidden in plain sight. Community gardens -- town-owned, group-run and wildly popular -- have sprouted all over Fairfield County.
