Westport CT Real Estate | Jillian Klaff Homes » Blog http://jillianklaffhomes.com Real Estate Specialists Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:15:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Westport Real Estate Dressed to Sell http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/fairfield-county/westport-real-estate-dressed-to-sell/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/fairfield-county/westport-real-estate-dressed-to-sell/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:45:00 +0000 DarrylO http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=3812

If you are purchasing or selling your home, you are, no doubt, already familiar with the term “home staging”.  You’re probably going through the do and don’t list right now, neutral colors, remove clutter, light a candle… The general idea is to make your home more attractive to buyers by presenting  a “neutral canvas” to imagine their lives, their furniture etc. in your home. And of course to present your home and its special features to best effect.

With this reasoning you might think that an empty home would offer the perfect “neutral canvas” but this is not always the case. The same inability to imagine your life in a cluttered home can also happen when you are presented with an empty home.

This is the special challenge of marketing new construction.  Have you ever toured a magnificent new home and felt overwhelmed? Thought to yourself, “What would I do with this space? How would I fill it? Does this match my lifestyle?”

So when I was contacted by Holly Jaffe, who represents the West Coast home staging company, Meredith Baer & Associates, I contacted my client, the preeminent luxury home builder, Milton Development. The result…You can come see for yourself this Sunday!

Meridith has done a superb job of transforming this beautiful Milton Development new construction into a home that looks truly lived in and is so warm and inviting it is difficult to leave. The staging also accentuates the impeccable attention to detail and fine craftsmanship of Milton Development’s work. The end result is spectacular!

Meredith Baer has been staging vacant homes for over ten years in California by imagining who could live in them and then telling their story through a wonderful mix of unique and elegant furniture and accessories. 2009 was their best year yet which shows how staging is an effective way to sell a house. They assert that their staged homes typically sell at 15-20% over asking price , in 15-20% less time. We are certainly hoping that this is the case with 31 Woody Lane!

Her work has been featured on Home and Garden television, ABC, NBC,The Discovery Channel, LA Times Magazine , Brentwood Magazine, Wallpaper Magazine and more.

Come see for yourself at the open house this Sunday and please come back here to leave your comments!

Public Open House
Sunday February 28, 2010 – 1-4 PM
31 Woody Lane in Westport Ct

Related article:
Westport News – Meridith Baer makes east coast debut in Westport

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/fairfield-county/westport-real-estate-dressed-to-sell/feed/ 1 CT Mortage Rates – Feb 12, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-may-8-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-may-8-2009/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:20:29 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1998 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.250% 4.393% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.125% 5.374% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 4.875% 5.027% 30 YR Fixed High Conforming 5.000% 5.116% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.750% 5.903% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 3.500% 3.323% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.500% 3.597% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.500% 3.597%

Last Updated On: Friday, Feb 12, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 60 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.
CT Licensed 1st & 2nd Mortgage Lender/Broker 15524, 15525 – MA Licensed Mortgage Lender/Broker MC3299, MC3326 -
Licensed by the NH Banking Dept Mortgage Banker/Broker 11083MB – RI Licensed Lender/Loan Broker 20051918LL, 20051919LB – NY Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Banking Department LMBC 106535

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-may-8-2009/feed/ 0 CT Mortage Rates – Feb 5, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/ortage-rates-for-ct-may-1-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/ortage-rates-for-ct-may-1-2009/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:02:35 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1951 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.250% 4.393% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.125% 5.374% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 4.875% 5.027% 30 YR Fixed High Conforming 5.000% 5.116% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.750% 5.903% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 3.500% 3.345% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.500% 3.597% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.500% 3.597%

Last Updated On: Feb 5, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 60 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.
CT Licensed 1st & 2nd Mortgage Lender/Broker 15524, 15525 – MA Licensed Mortgage Lender/Broker MC3299, MC3326 -
Licensed by the NH Banking Dept Mortgage Banker/Broker 11083MB – RI Licensed Lender/Loan Broker 20051918LL, 20051919LB – NY Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Banking Department LMBC 106535

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/ortage-rates-for-ct-may-1-2009/feed/ 0 Accessorize a soothing environment http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/accessorize-a-soothing-environment/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/accessorize-a-soothing-environment/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:12:38 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=3531

Before you buy anything new, consider which accent pieces should go and which have truly earned a place in your heart. Often, what you part with will give you the greatest peace of mind. That’s because household clutter can lead to stress.  Besides, being organized can look as good as it feels. Stylish storage pieces make everything easy to find. Leather bins keep magazines and catalogs at bay, while decorative boxes put paper in its place. Since electronics, such as computers, TVs, and stereos, have become less cumbersome, they free up space for the essentials, like CD and DVD holders.

Candles are always comforting, and the endless choices continue to grow. For those who have little hands and paws at home, the new battery-operated candles offer a great alternative to traditional wicks. Pillows and throws are pretty enough to display every day. Add some to your sofas and chairs to encourage family and friends to sit down and stay awhile. Trays, which can be used for entertaining, are also perfect for paperwork that needs to be transported from one room to the next.

Mood lighting adds an element of warmth to any setting. The right mix of floor and table lamps can take a room from dull to high-drama with the flip of a switch. Proper lighting is also essential when creating a cozy reading corner or home office space. Surround yourself with family photos for that oh-so-familiar feeling. Just one look at the friendly faces inside your favorite frames is enough to make anyone feel welcome. Black-and-white photos have a classic feel while color adds a hint of fun. Whatever you decide, group the frames together for more impact.
Read more………Jan issue
]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/accessorize-a-soothing-environment/feed/ 0 CT Mortage Rates – Jan 29, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-week-ending-april-3-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-week-ending-april-3-2009/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:56:04 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1877 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.250% 4.393% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.125% 5.374% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 4.875% 5.027% 30 YR Fixed High Conforming 5.000% 5.116% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.750% 5.903% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 3.500% 3.345% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.500% 3.597% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.500% 3.597%

Last Updated On: Jan 29, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 60 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-week-ending-april-3-2009/feed/ 0 Monthy Housing Newsletter – January 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/market/monthly-housing-newsletter-%e2%80%93-april/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/market/monthly-housing-newsletter-%e2%80%93-april/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:12:28 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=2002
  Westport, CT – Single Family January 2010

  Current Month Prior Month % Chg Prior Year % Chg
Unit Sales 14 21 -33.3% 5 180.0%
Average Sale Price $1,826,250 $1,312,148 39.2% $688,212 165.4%
Median Sale Price $1,280,000 $942,000 35.9% $866,060 47.8%
Sales to List Price Ratio 90.4% 89.6% 0.9% 82.2% 10.0%
Inventory 323 290 11.4% 315 2.5%
Months of Supply 14.9 13.9 7.5% 14.7 1.8%
Market Time for Sold (Days) 138 154 -10.4% 121 14.0%
Price per Sq Ft for Sold $450 $385 16.7% $328 37.2%
 

 
  
Westport Sales – Sales in January were 14. This is up 180.0% from 5 in January of 2009. Sales/list price ratio in January moved up to 90.4% from 89.6% in December.
Price – Median price in January was $1,280,000. This is up 47.8% from $866,060 in January of 2009. Average sale price (most recent 3 months) is $1,412,746, down moderately from $1,633,516 in 2009.
Houses for sale in Westport – Inventory of 323 in January was up 11.4% from 290 in December and up 2.5% from 315 in January of 2009.
Market Time – Days on market of 138 in January was down moderately from 154 in December but up considerably from 121 in January of 2009. Months of supply in January moved up to 14.9 from 13.9 in December.-

Fairfield (Single-family residential)
Norwalk (Single-family residential)
Weston (Single-family residential)
Westport (Single-family residential)
Wilton (Single-family residential)

Please feel free to contact us at 203.858.2095 if we can be of any assistance.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/market/monthly-housing-newsletter-%e2%80%93-april/feed/ 0 CT Mortgage Rates – Jan 21, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-27-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-27-2009/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:04:41 +0000 Jillian Klaff http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1775 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.250% 4.393% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.125% 5.374% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 4.875% 5.027% 30 YR Fixed High Conforming 5.000% 5.116% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.750% 5.903% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 3.500% 3.345% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.500% 3.597% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.500% 3.597%

 

Last Updated On: Thursday, January 21, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 30 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-27-2009/feed/ 0 CT Mortgage Rates – Jan 15, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-18-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-18-2009/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:54:16 +0000 Jillian Klaff http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1736 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.250% 4.393% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.250% 5.502% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 4.875% 5.027% 30 YR Fixed High Conforming 5.000% 5.116% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.750% 5.903% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 3.625% 3.537% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.625% 3.663% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.625% 3.663%

Last Updated On: Friday, January 15, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 30 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortgage-rates-for-ct-march-18-2009/feed/ 0 CT Mortage Rates – Jan 7, 2010 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-april-23-2009/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-april-23-2009/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:16:57 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=1923 Mortgage Rates for CT Product Interest Rates Annual Percentage Rate 15 YR Fixed Conforming 4.375% 4.520% 15 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.125% 5.374% 30 YR Fixed Conforming 5.000% 5.161% 30 YR Fixed Jumbo 5.625% 5.781% 30 YR Fixed Super Jumbo 5.875% 6.035% 5/1 YR ARM Conforming 4.000% 3.551% 5/1 YR ARM Jumbo 4.500% 3.607% 5/1 YR Portfolio Arm 4.500% 3.607%

Last Updated On: Friday, Jan 07, 2010

The rates and APR above are based upon the following assumptions: a 20% down payment, $1,500 in finance charges, and 30 days prepaid interest, 1 point, and a 60 day rate lock. The rates and APR will vary depending upon the actual down payment percentages, points and fees for your transaction. Rates are subject to change without prior notice and may vary with your unique credit history, and terms of your loan. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimates and subject to change.

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rates/mortage-rates-for-ct-april-23-2009/feed/ 0 Tips for a productive workspace http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/tips-for-a-productive-workspace/ http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/tips-for-a-productive-workspace/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:06:47 +0000 admin2 http://jillianklaffhomes.com/?p=3472
In many ways, it seems our society is returning to its roots. Ages ago, when a person’s job was tending the land right outside his front door, such a thing as work/life balance didn’t have to exist; work and life were one in the same. These days, there are many people who are going back to this model—albeit a modern version of it—by forgoing an out-of-the-home job and working professionally within the home. With so many people merging home and work to create a space that will satisfy both requirements, the need for a productive and efficient environment has never been greater.
It may seem daunting to try to merge these two seemingly disparate realms of life, but consider it a simple rebranding for your home. Perhaps you’ve been working from home for a while now and haven’t made it a point to set up your own space. Or maybe you’re hoping to devote more time to your favorite hobby in 2010 and know a dedicated space would help you focus. Either way, the same rules apply, although the money and time you choose to invest in your work space will differ. Read on for our favorite tips for fleshing out a productive work space within your home.

Workspace Tips

]]> http://jillianklaffhomes.com/blog/real-estate-tips/tips-for-a-productive-workspace/feed/ 0