As realtors we understand the importance of location, are intrigued by history, appreciate fine craftsmanship and admire architectural design. As we look forward to our 2026 move across the river into the historic Westport Bank & Trust building, we are in awe of those that had the foresight to create, maintain and improve the building and the town of Westport.
Due to rising wages and change in birthdate requirements for kindergarteners, preschool in CT has gotten more complex, costly and competitive. Prior to 2024-5 school year, children attaining the age of 5 by January 1st could begin kindergarten in the fall, as a 4 year old.
Now, many children with September-January birthdates attend a "5s" program at a preschool. This change created additional staffing, space and resource needs for preschools, adding to already rising costs.
October is brimming with pumpkin spice and Halloween-themed activities, but Fairfield County offers much more this month! We've curated a list of events and ideas to enlighten, entertain, and inspire you, helping you and your loved ones to appreciate your home even more.
September acts as a charming transition from summer's warmth to autumn's refreshing chill— a perfect month to venture out and discover new things in Fairfield County, CT. Our curated selection of events and ideas is designed to enlighten, entertain, and inspire you and yours.
While, thanks to COVID, almost all private clubs have waiting lists for members, we are very fortunate to have some excellent public courses in our area. From fun 9-hole, par 3 courses to those offering greater challenges, the list is impressive! New to the sport or an accomplished player, why not try something new this spring?
It's so easy - and seemingly cheaper - to decorate your home upon moving in and then do absolutely nothing forever afterward. As real estate professionals, we see this delusion daily and all know this type of complacency is indeed very.....expensive!
Throughout this busy year, we received numerous questions and feedback from our clients about their moving experience. Our goal is to help minimize stress from the entire process of buying or selling a home. Hopefully you will find these tips helpful in planning your next move.
We’d like to thank Tom Ayres, Partner at Daigle & Travers Insurance, for so thoroughly explaining why homes are often insured for more that what the homeowners paid for them. Required reading for first-time homebuyers & an excellent refresher for all in these times of ever-rising replacement costs and frequent natural disasters.
Whether ghosts or spirits occupying a house is something you’ve experienced first-hand or only in the movies, everyone has felt the tingle on their neck when confronted by a strange noise or creak in the night. Most of us feel that tingle just talking about these stories — yes, this client’s experience is just one of several we’ve heard through the years.
We always caution against relying on a "zestimate". Zillow itself claims these to be a "starting point" and encourages buyers, sellers and the just curious to do their own research.
The KMS Partners team has met several times this summer for a socially-distant cocktail at Compo beach. While business is inevitably discussed, food (of the restaurant, and sometimes the homemade variety) is too! Here, in no particular order are the local mentions from a recent summer’s eve…
We’ve said it before, COVID has changed the way we all look at our houses. We want private offices, in-law suites, craft rooms, home gyms — and truthfully, some separation and privacy. A home with outbuildings sounds pretty attractive to those housing adult children seeking space outside of city living.
Years ago, friends moved to Connecticut from the Midwest. They were given a perfect going-away present of a book Fun with the Family — Connecticut, by Doe Boyle. Hiking, biking, rafting — even a twist on bowling was discovered in their new home state. We asked for some of their favorites…the list was long, so we picked just a few to get you started.
As the saying goes, “nothing is certain but death and taxes”. Yes, no matter where you live in the United States, taxes are a certainty. When considering a move across state lines, it’s important to understate the tax implications. Biased for sure, but we think the “bang for your buck” is a lot better in Connecticut than the surrounding states!
The trend to move within the tri-state region is not new but it is accelerating in our direction! Whether the pandemic has shortened the timelines of those planning to move at some point or making people rethink their definition of home, we the team of KMS Partners, stand ready to help.
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.
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….
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.
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.
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…
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.
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
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.
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…
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.
