Fab Real Estate Blog

A recent poll of Sherman, Connecticut residents, conducted by the Sherman Open Space and Land Acquisition Fund Advisory Board and the Sherman Conservation Commission indicates that town residents in the small rural town overwhelmingly support preserving open space within the town.

Sherman, Connecticut, is often referred to as the fastest growing town in the state, per capita.  With approximately 4,000 residents, it is still a small town that has maintained its rural charm and feel.

The recent poll, which had a 26% response rate from citizens, demonstrates that town residents are willing to pay higher property taxes if it means funding open space acquisitions.  66% of respondents are willing to pay $100 more in taxes, and an additional 31% of respondents are willing to pay $200 more in annual property taxes.

Additional poll results includes:

• More than 60% of town residents believe Sherman is growing too fast
• 29% believe Sherman is growing at the right pace
• 80% believe preserving open space should be a high priority for the town
• More than 80% feel it is "critical" or "important" to preserve open space

The town of Sherman, CT, is currently in talks to purchase Towner Hill, 80 acres of forest land on Route 37.  The town also is interested in Happy Acres Farm, 100 acres along Route 39.

New Milford, Connecticut Real Estate Update
February 2007

Closed home sales in New Milford, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
In February of 2007, there were 17 single family home sales closed in New Milford, CT.
List Prices ranged from $264,900 - $1,875,000.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $254,500 - $1,575,000.

The average closed real estate sales price for single family homes in New Milford for the month of February was $504,552.
The median closed sales price was $369,000.
On average, these homes sold for 96% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 32 - 533 days, with the average being 252 days of market time.

This compares to 24 single family homes closed in February, 2006, with an average closed sales price of $397,338 and a median closed sales price of $385,000.

Condos:
In February of 2007, there were 13 condominium sales closed in New Milford, CT.
List Prices ranged from $119,900 - $409,900.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $110,000 - $388,500.

The average closed real estate sales price for condos in New Milford for the month of February was $199,588.
The median closed sales price was $182,000.
On average, these homes sold for 97% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 1 - 176 days, with the average being 87 days of market time.

This compares to 5 condos closed in February, 2006, with an average closed sales price of $169,200 and a median closed sales price of $175,000.

Currently available homes for sale in New Milford, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
Currently, there are 270 single family homes for sale in New Milford, CT.
List Prices range from $195,900 for a one-bedroom antique colonial home to $3,200,000 for a 20 acre estate with an 8,000 square foot main home and four additional detached residences.

Condos:
Currently, there are 67 condos available for sale in New Milford, CT.
Studios:  There are 2 available for $70,000 - $121,500.

New Milford, Connecticut, is the southernmost town in Litchfield County and is known as The Gateway to Litchfield County.  The town borders the northeastern shores of Candlewood Lake.  Several lake communities surround its Candlewood Lake shores, and typically offer a private beach for residents, boat docks and other amenities.  New Milford enjoys a population of about 28,000 residents.

This Market Report prepared by:
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Data compiled from the Consolidated MLS and believed to be accurate.

Brookfield, Connecticut Real Estate Update
February, 2007

Closed home sales in Brookfield, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
In February of 2007, there were 7 single family home sales closed in Brookfield, CT.
List Prices ranged from $319,900 - $774,000.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $305,000 - $804,782.

The average closed real estate sales price for single family homes in Brookfield for the month of February was $531,540.
The median closed sales price was $565,000.
On average, these homes sold for 98% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 22 - 486 days, with the average being 186 days of market time.

This compares to 4 closed sales in February, 2006, with an average sales price of $431,537.

Condos:
In February of 2007, there were 5\4 condominium sales closed in Brookfield, CT.
List Prices ranged from $249,900 - $275,900.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $205,000 - $265,000.

The average closed real estate sales price for condos in Brookfield for the month of February was $230,500.
The median closed sales price was $226,000.
On average, these homes sold for 96% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 42 - 285 days, with the average being 128 days of market time.

This compares to 4 closed sales in February, 2006, with an average sales price of $261,250.

Currently available homes for sale in Brookfield, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
Currently, there are 148 single family homes for sale in Brookfield, CT.
List Prices range from $310,000 for a ranch in a lake community to $1,925,000 for a contemporary Candlewood Lake waterfront home.

2 Bedroom Homes:  There are 4 available from $359,900 to $575,000.
3 Bedroom Homes:  There are 48 available from $310,000 for a lake community ranch to $1,650,000 for a waterfront home.
4+ Bedroom Homes:  There are 96 available from $350,000 for a cape home to $1,925,000 for a spacious Candlewood Lake waterfront contemporary home. 

Condos:
Currently, there are 29 condos for sale in Brookfield, CT.  List prices range from $185,000 - $649,900.

1 Bedroom:  There are 5 available from $185,000 - $288,900.
2 Bedrooms:  There are 17 available from $219,900 - $509,000 for a luxury townhome in an Active Adult community.
3 Bedrooms:  There are 6 available from $438,000 - $649,900 for a detached home in a condo community.
4 Bedrooms:  There is 1 available for $429,900.


Brookfield, Connecticut, is located between Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah, creating a multitude of water recreation opportunities in the town.  Several lake communities border Candlewood Lake, and typically offer a private beach for residents, boat docks and other amenities.  Brookfield enjoys a population of about 16,000 residents.

This Market Report prepared by:
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Data compiled from the Consolidated MLS and believed to be accurate.

Danbury, Connecticut Real Estate Update
February, 2007

Closed home sales in Danbury, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
In February of 2007, there were 25 single family home sales closed in Danbury, CT.
List Prices ranged from $257,500 - $999,999.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $246,000 - $950,000.

The average closed real estate sales price for single family homes in Danbury for the month of February was $379,203.  The median closed real estate sales price was $342,000.
On average, these homes sold for 98% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 12 - 328 days, with the average being 130 days of market time.

This compares with 18 closed sales in February, 2006, with an average closed sales price of $455,897 and a median closed sales price of $430,000.

Condos:
In February of 2007, there were 17 condominium sales closed in Danbury, CT.
List Prices ranged from $119,900 - $539,900.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $119,000 - $539,900.

The average closed real estate sales price for condos in Danbury for the month of February was $276,941.
The median closed sales price was $270,000.
On average, these homes sold for 98% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 21 - 380 days, with the average being 119 days of market time.

This compares with 42 closed sales in February, 2006, with an average closed sales price of $279,418 and a median closed sales price of $262,450.



Currently available homes for sale in Danbury, Connecticut:

Single Family Homes:
Currently, there are 260 single family homes for sale in Danbury, CT.
List Prices range from $202,900 - $3,300,000.

2 Bedroom Homes:  There are twenty-four available from $220,000 for a small ranch to $1,100,000 for an updated waterfront home.
3 Bedroom Homes:  There are 121 available from $202,900 for a bank-owned fixer property to $3,300,000 for a contemporary home with level, direct frontage on Candlewood Lake.
4+ Bedroom Homes:  There are 115 available from $265,000 for a small hi-ranch to $1,400,000 for an antique stone colonial in a Candlewood Lake community. 

Condos:
Currently, there are 273 condos available for sale in Danbury, CT.
List prices range from $89,000 - $825,000.

1 Bedroom:  There are 20 available from $89,000 - $499,900 for a new unit under construction.
2 Bedrooms:  There are 198 available from $164,900 - $825,000 for a unit in a new Candlewood Lake community.
3 Bedrooms:  There are 48 available from $209,000 - $638,000 for a new unit currently under construction.
4 Bedrooms:  There are 7 available from $339,000 - $618,000.


Danbury, Connecticut, a former military depot during the American Revolution, is a diverse community of about 78,000 residents that borders New York State to the west and the southern shores of Candlewood Lake.  Several lake communities border Candlewood Lake, and typically offer a private beach for residents, boat docks and other amenities.  Danbury enjoys a convenient commute location to lower Fairfield County and Westchester County, New York.  Danbury is situated just about an hour by car to Hartford, Connecticut and New York City.

This Market Report prepared by:
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Data compiled from the Consolidated MLS and believed to be accurate.

Sherman, Connecticut Real Estate Update
February 2007

Closed home sales in Sherman, Connecticut:

In February of 2007, there were 2 home sales closed in Sherman, CT.
List Prices ranged from $430,000 - $1,900,000.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $415,000 for an updated contemporary home to $1,500,000 majestic 1840's colonial on 47 acres.

The average closed sales price was $957,500.  The median closed home sales price was also $957,500.

On average, these homes sold for 96% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 58 - 277 days, with the average being 168 days of market time.

(The above numbers are skewed due to only two homes having closed sale)

This compares to 3 homes that closed sale in February, 2006 with an average closed sales price of $588,333 and a median closed sales price of $590,000.

Currently available homes for sale in Sherman, Connecticut:

Currently, there are 61 homes for sale in Sherman, CT.
List Prices range from $320,000 for a hi-ranch home on under a 1/4 acre to $2,750,000 for spacious chateau style estate on nearly 10 acres.

Sherman, Connecticut is a small semi-rural community of about 4,000 residents that borders New York State to the west, New Fairfield to the south and hugs the northwestern shores of Candlewood Lake.  Several lake communities border Candlewood Lake, and typically offer a private beach for residents, boat docks and other amenities.  The northernmost town in Fairfield County, Sherman is often cited as being the fastest growing town in Connecticut per capita, yet still retains its rural roots and charm.

This Market Report prepared by:
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Data compiled from the Consolidated MLS and believed to be accurate.

New Fairfield, Connecticut recently transformed two historic houses into mobile homes...

Through the efforts of Preserve New Fairfield and town leaders, along with a generous donation of the homes from a town resident, the historic homes The Parsonage and the Hubbel House recently made their 1/4 mile trips down the road to their new home, at the site of New Fairfield's future Senior Center.

View of the Parsonage being rolled out onto Route 37.  The Hubbel House is further down the road, nearing it's new home.  I don't think either ever quite made the 45 MPH speed limit...

The houses were moved on March 4, 2007, after a brief delay caused by the homes' trailers getting stuck in the mud in their original location.  They now sit adjacent to their new foundations, awaiting the final prep work needed for them to be permanently situated.

The Hubbel House is an example of Greek Revival architecture, and is named after its first-known owner, Gideon Hubbel (1761-1838), who was a private in the Connecticut troops during the Revolutionary War.  This house has had several owners and occupants over the years, including its time spent as a gift shop, a book store, an antique store, and even the offices of the Citizen News newspaper.

Here the Hubbel House sits on it's wheels, adjacent to it's new foundation.

The Parsonage was built sometime around 1840.  This home had several owners before being sold to the Congregational Church of New Fairfield in 1903 for $1,000.  It was used as the home of the church's pastor until the 1950's, thus becoming known as The Parsonage.  During the first half of the 1900's, the home was also utilized for social and charity events, a woodworking group for boys, the Hobby Club for girls, and also as a teen center in the 1940's and 50's.  The home was sold to the Cassidy family in 1960, who lived there until 2005.  This home is also sometimes referred to as The Cassidy House.

Here The Parsonage rests on its trailer after making the trek along Route 37.

The two homes will be fitted onto the new permanent foundations and transformed into New Fairfield's first museums, showcasing town history and also that of Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in the state of Connecticut.

The homes as they sit today, awaiting their final placement onto their new foundations, just across the temporary bridge over the stream behind the future Senior Center.

The mud-encrusted wheels of the trailer underneath The Parsonage.

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

New Fairfield, Connecticut Real Estate Update
February, 2007

Closed home sales in New Fairfield, Connecticut:

In February of 2007, there were 11 home sales closed in New Fairfield, CT.
List Prices ranged from $250,000 - $1,270,000.
Closed Sales Prices ranged from $230,000 - $1,322,000.

The average closed real estate sales price for New Fairfield was $495,604.
The median closed real estate sales price for New Fairfield was $392,500.
On average, these homes sold for 98% of their list price.
Days on Market ranged from 10 - 285 days, with the average being 124 days of market time.

This compares with 7 closed sales in February, 2006, with an average sales price of $363,428 and a median sales price of $342,500.


Currently available homes for sale in New Fairfield, Connecticut:

Currently, there are 113 homes for sale in New Fairfield, CT.
List Prices range from $150,000 - $5,500,000.

1 Bedroom Cottages:  There are three available from $199,000 - $300,000
2 Bedroom Homes:  There are twenty-one available from $209,000 for a 720 +/- square foot ranch to $880,000 for a home with Candlewood Lake water frontage.
3 Bedroom Homes:  There are forty-six available from $245,000 for a bank-owned as-is ranch to $1,795,000 for a spacious, newer home with direct frontage on Candlewood Lake.
4+ Bedroom Homes:  There are forty-three available from $333,000 for a ranch home on a main road to $5,500,000 for a palatial, gated home with more than 17 acres of Candlewood Lake water frontage. 

New Fairfield, Connecticut is a small community of about 14,000 residents that borders New York State to the west and Candlewood Lake to the east.  Several lake communities border Candlewood Lake, and typically offer a private beach for residents, boat docks and other amenities.  New Fairfield enjoys a convenient commute location to lower Fairfield County and Westchester County, New York.  New Fairfield is situated just over an hour by car to Hartford, Connecticut and New York City.

This Market Report prepared by:
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Data compiled from the Consolidated MLS and believed to be accurate.

Today the temperature reached the upper 50's.  After last week's bitter cold and winds, it felt like a warm summer day.

I had a few hours off this afternoon, so I parked my poor, dirty, filthy Honda in the driveway and washed the car.  Surrounded by snow.  Yes, my lawns were still covered in snow and ice.  I don't think I've ever washed a car surrounded by snow before.

I must have removed about 10 pounds of dirt, sand and salt from the car today.  I swear I heard it sigh, "Thank you," while it was drying...

I'll admit...the water was cold.  But it still was fun.  After a long winter, you forget how nice it is to be able to spend some time outside in short sleeves.

Of course, I used my trusty Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash system.  I laughed at my father when he suggested I buy one.  These gizmos never work.  But, this one does.  I'll never wash a car without it.

It's a great little toy.  Wash the car, let it air dry, and almost no water spots!

Yes, this is a picture of it laying in the snow earlier today, after I finished using it.

You gotta love New England in March!

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

REALTOR Magazine posted a great article online today titled, Seven Ways to Get Rid of Pet Odors.  One item they left off, that I've heard rave reviews about, is Nature's Miracle, to remove smells from pet accidents.  Nature's Miracle is readily available in most pet stores.

When selling your home, it is imperative to remove any and all odors, including those pesky pet odors. Pet bedding should be washed frequently.  Litter boxes should be cleaned at least daily, if not throughout each day.  If a pet has been having "accidents" on your carpets, it may be best to replace the carpeting prior to your home going on the market - this is the only sure-fire way to remove stains and smells.

Personally, I am allergic to cats.  If a cat has been having accidents in a home outside of the litter box, my eyes will be itchy within seconds of entering the front door.  But, if the cat has not had accidents, and the house is clean, then even though I am allergic, I may not know a cat lives in that home until he is rubbing up against my leg.  That's what every seller with pets needs to strive for.

If a buyer views your home and notices odors - from your pets, from last night's dinner, or even from your teenagers' dirty laundry - they will focus on those odors instead of whether or not your home will become their new home.  If your house smells, you may have just lost a buyer.

Selling a home with pets is not easy - I've done it myself a few times.  Here are a few quick tips to keep your animals from deterring potential buyers:

• Vacuum up pet hair once or twice a day
• Keep those litter boxes clean and out of sight
• Clean up the backyard every time your dog goes outside
• Keep pet bowls and toys hidden during the day
• Take the pets with you during open houses
• If possible, take the pets with you each time the home is shown; otherwise, keep them in their crates
• If you have birds, vacuum around the cage throughout each day and keep their cages clean
• Keep fish tanks clean and water sparkling - it shows you care

Believe it or not, not everyone loves animals.  And it is possible some buyers may not love your pets as much as you do.  While marketing your home, maintaining the home as if pets do not live there is a must.

It's a lot of extra work for a home owner if they have pets when they are selling their home.  But, it's worth it when the end result is that you sold your home!

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

This Saturday night, before you go to bed, be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, as we begin Daylight Savings Time three weeks early this year. 

While it is thought that starting Daylight Savings Time early will save energy (if it stays light later in the day...that's less electricity we will need to use to light our homes and businesses...), there are dissenting opinions which doubt that any substantial energy savings will actually occur.

Sunday morning, check your computers, PDAs and other technology tools to make sure they have all been updated accurately.  If they have not changed their time overnight, then check to see if there are available updates to download to adjust for this new Daylight Savings Time schedule.  It may make sense to check for those updates before Sunday.

While you're at it, take this opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.  Replacing the smoke detector batteries twice each year - coinciding with when we change our clocks - ensures that you will be protected in your home in the event of fire.

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

According to the March, 2007 issue of Connecticut Magazine, Sherman, CT is the Number 3 small town in the state of Connecticut (population 3,500 - 6,500).

Sherman ranked #1 among similar size towns in terms of Crime, as it had the lowest crime rate in this category, which is based on the number of major crimes committed in 2002 - 2004 per 1,000 population.  Sherman ranked #9 in terms of Education, #3 in terms of Economy, and #6 in terms of available Leisure activities.

However, Sherman also ranked #25 out of 25 in terms of Cost of Living, which calculates the median price of a house and the local property tax burden.

Overall, Sherman ranked #3 in this population group of Connecticut small towns.

Sherman is a rural community, and is the northernmost town of Fairfield County, Connecticut.  Its population of nearly 4,000 residents has approximately doubled in recent years.  The town borders the northwestern shores of beautiful Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in the state of Connecticut, and also borders New York State to the west.  Rural small-town New England charm, along with the beauty of Candlewood Lake, make Sherman an enticing area for residents and visitors.

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale

According to the March, 2007 issue of Connecticut Magazine, Redding, CT is the top small town in the state of Connecticut (population 6,500 - 10,000).

Redding ranked #1 among similar size towns in Economy, which rated each town based on income, grand list, unemployment rate, mill (tax) rate and aid to children.  Redding ranked #2 in terms of Education, #3 in terms of Crime, and #8 in terms of available Leisure activities.

However, Redding also ranked #22 out of 23 in terms of Cost of Living, which calculates the median price of a house and the local property tax burden.

Overall, Redding ranked #1 in this population group of Connecticut small towns.

Redding is a rural community located in Fairfield County, Connecticut.  The town is dedicated to maintaining its rural character and charm, maintaining open space, and excelling in education.

Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale