Somehow May always seems to fly, with a flurry of spring events filling each weekend. And we have weekday inspiration for you too! We hope this calendar helps you capture the moments as you enjoy the beauty of life in Fairfield County, CT.
Unhappy with your property assessment? Applications for appeal are due February 20th! Have questions, or need advice? Give us a call.
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.
Even at significant expense, upgrading things beyond cosmetics can have enormous value in a market where buyers seek “new” with no work required. Energy saving, environmentally friendly solutions - many with tax rebates and credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, are available and should be considered when making any home improvements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
