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.
Offering discretion and quality, the Compass Private Exclusives program provides the flexibility to share details about the your property to selective audiences, without divulging details to the general public. As an off-market listing, your home will not appear on public home search websites.
Furnishings can make a house look & feel like home. If the furnishings are tasteful, in good condition and appropriate for a home’s architecture, the spaces feel more welcoming — enticing buyers to stay, forever.
Hopefully the rise in market prices has put you in a position to recognize a gain on the sale of your home. The first step in calculating the gain is to identify your home’s cost basis - meaning everything that you spent to pay for, improve or prolong the life of the product (aka your home).
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.
Like you, most homeowners in Fairfield County are keenly aware of that we are in a sellers’ market for real estate. Stories of multiple offers and selling prices over list have many people thinking this may be the time to sell. If you are at all tempted, or would simply like to know what your house might be worth presently, we’d love to offer you a complimentary market analysis.
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 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.
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…
‘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…
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.
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!).
Netflix premiered the eight-episode series on the virtues of the “KonMari Method” of tidying! First outlined in Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, a resurgence has begun. The series sparks joy in those she helps through the tranformation.
With the KMS Team at Compass you'll get the benefit of years of collective experience in the real estate industry: More ideas, more perspectives, collective marketing ideas, more resources and more negotiation experience.
We all know the expression “caveat emptor”: It’s Latin for “let the buyer beware.” But the seller needs to be aware too. And that’s never more important than when you’re selling your house. Listing it is only the first step…that moment when strangers first walk through your door – is when the reality of selling first hits.
We’ve got doctors to keep us healthy, financial advisors to grow our money, and lawyers because, well, you know. At KMS Partners, we are advisors in every sense of the word. We are coaches, counselors and therapists. We are there for you when you’re selling and buying -- but even when you’re not ready for a transaction. We’re here to help -- before, during and after a sale. And if you need a referral to a good doctor or electrician: Just ask.
Buying a house is often the most important financial transaction you’ll make in your life. There are many reasons you should trust it to a person, not a pixel. For example, we can help with pricing. Sure, you can find it online. But what does that price mean? Is it fair? What about comparables? Is there room for negotiation? We’re there when you walk through the front door of a house….
Your friend mentions her house is “broker protected.” Your real estate agent casually mentions “CMA” and “MLS.” You drive by a sign for an “Open House” -- are you invited? Every industry and profession has its own language.
