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.
Comfort Food
As we stay safe at home, many are rediscovering their kitchens, cooking and baking like never before and getting the whole family involved. Making our lists and picking up essentials on a weekly, no longer daily, basis. But still we yearn for our favorites, those local businesses that have made their mark in our communities and our lives….
Prep to become a homebuyer!
To rent or buy a home isn’t just a financial decision, it’s also about comfort and your vision for your life. When that vision clears and home ownership is in view, will you be ready? As one of the most important financial transactions of your life, you need to make sure your finances are in order before beginning the home-buying process.
In Times Like These….Take A Hike!
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.
Spring is Here!
Now is the perfect time to get started on your spring cleaning. Improve the air quality, your mood and see your home in a brand new light! And it’s a mandatory first step if you are thinking of selling your home. Today’s home buyers want properties in pristine, move-in condition. Selling or staying, make productive use of these days at home…
Let the Learning Continue!
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.
Bridge Loan Services
A bridge loan is a short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to help you make an offer on a new one, without rushing to sell. Compass Bridge Loan Services gets you access to competitive rates and dedicated support from industry-leading lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your loan payments fronted
FEMA Compliant or Not?
You found your dream home near the water, but were snapped back to reality upon hearing the words - it is not FEMA compliant. Were you right to panic? Not necessarily, after all you were looking at homes by the water. You always can and should obtain flood insurance - it is just a matter of cost.
Share the love
We at KMS Partners like to take a more modern approach to the holiday that is essentially inescapable this time of year. Yes, we adore spending the holiday with that special someone, but we also enjoy that the holiday gives us the opportunity to show our love for friends, co-workers and kids in our lives! Our favorites places to shop for Valentines…
The Legendary Westport Country Playhouse
In 1930, Weston residents Lawrence Langner and his wife, Armina Marshall, purchased a cow-barn-turned-tannery on what was then the fringes of Westport. As co-founders of New York’s Theatre Guild, they were excited by the opportunity to offer new plays, reinterpretations of classics & tryout new talent away from the spotlight of Broadway.
Listing Your Home During the Holidays
‘Tis the season to…celebrate with family and friends, shop for gifts…and yes, list your home! Sure, the holiday season is a busy time of year. But we believe it’s also one of the best times to be on the market for a number of reasons…
The Arc of Life
We help young couples buy their first home. We’re there as their families grow, and when they need more space. If they relocate -- across town, or across the country -- we work with them to replicate the house they’re selling, or perhaps try something entirely new. Years later, when they become empty nesters, we work together to find a smaller, more manageable space.
David's experience with Luciano Paving
Who should you call when your driveway need to be replaced? My recommendation is Luciano Paving.
When it became clear that the driveway needed to be torn up and repaved with some attention to drainage, I called four vendors for opinions and estimates. What a process!!
Credit Scores Do Matter
Taking steps to improve your FICO® Score can be very helpful before applying for a mortgage or bridge loan because a higher score can help you secure the best terms and interest rates available. Here are some actions that can help improve your score over time…
Compass Concierge — now even easier!
Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is designed to make it easier than ever to get your home market-ready. Compass Concierge helps you sell your home faster and for a higher price. From painting to flooring, Concierge transforms your home with zero upfront costs and no interest.
Sunday's seem made for brunch...
Spend Sunday morning as you wish and then head out for a late breakfast/early lunch that will tide you over until dinner. Absolutely perfect for #realtor life, where hosting Sunday afternoon open houses is the norm.
Over the years, we’ve all tried many places – some have come and gone while others have stood the test of time. Give our current favorites a try and let us know what you think.
Prep Your Home Now!
It never hurts to plan ahead. If you’re thinking of selling your home, now is the time to start preparing. That’s true whether you’re putting it on the market soon, two years from now (when you’re due for a work reassignment), or even five (fingers crossed the last kid finally graduates!).
Summer is NOT Over Yet — Enjoy that Cocktail Outdoors!
Summer’s un-official end doesn’t mean the days of sipping a cocktail outdoors are over. We’ve scouted out a few locations that have outdoor patios designed just for that …. AND have a happy hour line-up to entice you.
Just Who Were the Bankside Farmers?
In the fall of 1648, five men from Fairfield — Thomas Newton, Henry Gray, John Green, Daniel Frost and Francis Andrews — acquired land from the Native American Machamux tribe, on what is now Beachside Avenue and Sherwood Island. They earned the “Bankside” nickname, because of their location on the banks of Long Island Sound.
You've Found Your Place in this World, Now Make it a Healthier Home
On average, we spend 65% of our time at home. Hopefully, we at KMS Partners have helped you to find a home in which you can be happy, feel comfortable and at peace. Now let’s make sure that it is a healthy environment too! Here’s some tips to get you started.