October News From My Desk to Your Door
In my experience, nothing makes me more appreciative of being home than a trip away. I recently enjoyed such a trip, a long-planned, big trip. In many senses, it was a trip home. Many of you know that I was born and raised in Africa. That is where my family and I visited family and friends. A meaningful component of our trip was a long-time dream of mine, going on a safari to Chobe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. To witness majestic wild animals different from those we have here, and to see these animals in their habitat, different from what we have here, was a magnificent and humbling experience for us.
I am feeling enriched and very thankful for the sights, the people, and the cultures we enjoyed. I am also glad to be home, to be back in Westport, Connecticut, USA. As Dorothy says in The Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home. I truly believe her words!
“It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!”
Winnie The Pooh
Jillian
Jillian Klaff Online Resources
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October Notes and Newsworthy
Don’t miss this great opportunity to help out Homes with Hope! Come be a part of this fun comedy-filled evening and support this wonderful Westport-based organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Fairfield County. October 15th, at Fairfield University – Tickets.
New Town Codes Take Effect “There are three new codes in town and across the state governing fire safety, fire prevention, and building regulations. Westport fire and building officials have issued a statement reminding architects, contractors, and other professionals in the design and building fields that the new codes take effect Oct. 1.”
Dog Days are Back – at Compo Beach “Dog days return to Compo Beach as of Oct. 1, but humans accompanying Fido and Fifi and Rex and Rover to the waterfront are advised to conform to the town’s rules of canine conduct to avoid winding up in the official doghouse.”
Free Photo Sessions at the Beach! Right in time for the Holidays! Shoot Photography is offering free mini photo sessions at Sherwood Island on Oct. 16th.
October Community Events
- 10/22 Window Painting Contest! Come join the fun at the annual Halloween Window Painting Contest sponsored by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce
- 10/27 Westport Library’s Film Festival – Enjoy the screening of award-winning narrative, documentary, and animated short films.
- Craftwestport 11/5 Sponsored by the Westport Young Woman’s League, Connecticut’s largest indoor fine crafts festival – Unique and handmade original fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography, and fine art; as well as functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media & more at the Staples High School Fieldhouse.
Get helpful resources here:
- COVID Updates – get the latest from the CT Portal regarding testing sites, free kits, and rates.
- Patch
- CT Government
- Town of Westport
- Westport Public Schools
October Area People and Places
Westport Weston YMCA Spooktacular Halloween Party is fun for the whole family! Halloween games, face painting, spooky crafts, and playtime at the Y. Put on your costumes and come join the fun on Oct., 22nd, 5:00-6:30 pm.
Westoberfest! Octoberfest is Oct. 15th, in Westport sponsored by the Westport Downtown Merchants, this festive-filled day includes live music, food, vendors, apples, pumpkins, giveaways, and of course, beer tasting! Come on Downtown and join in the fun!
Kudos to Staples Scholars Cheers to the Westport scholars: (And teachers!) “Twelve seniors at Staples High School have qualified as semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The Staples semifinalists are among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, fewer than 1 percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.
Pick your Pumpkin Patch – Where to Pick Your Pumpkin! Check this list of nearby places where you can find your perfect pumpkin and follow the steps to make the perfect jack-o’-lantern!
16 Timber Lane | New Construction
2 Hyatt Lane LP: $2,350,000 CP: $2,800,000 Over Ask – 9 Offers and 48hrs
October Market Stats
As of September 30, the number of single-family home listings sold so far this year is 364, compared to a total of 558 sales in 2021 and a total of 639 sales in 2020. The average sale prices however are up so far this year by a remarkable 31.7%. This month’s market report offers a great graph comparing the average list prices and sale prices from 2004 to September 2022.
For more market info over the last 30 days, click here.
Look for my monthly email providing you with the latest Westport and Fairfield County Market Area Reports!
October New Construction
The holiday season is fast approaching and one way to look at this time of year is as a planning stage for next year. This viewpoint works well if you are thinking of buying a piece of land and building the house of your dreams. This is an opportunity to take your time looking at land parcels for sale or build packages, and then getting started on the design that meets your needs. Autumn is a time of change. If you want a change in your home, now may be the time to make a change. Questions about the inventory? Give me a call and I’ll get you a list. Start the plan. Start the process.
I can help you make smart moves in the building process. (Pictured above are two of my recent listings in Westport, 16 Timber Lane, and 50 Roseville).
October Final Thoughts
I can’t believe it’s already Fall! The High Holidays have come and gone and precious time with family will be remembered for days and months to come. We are kicking off the new fall season with a lot of action and have been very busy, but I was able to fit in a recent quick trip to Florida to be a part of the Coldwell Banker Celebration of Success. I am honored to be among the agents recognized and so enjoy helping my clients.
As I reflected, there is no place like home. And, what makes a house a home is not only the bricks and mortar but also the people in the house, in the neighborhood, and in the community. After traveling so many miles in the last few months, I want you to know that I am most appreciative of my home, my family, my neighbors, and my community this includes you. Thank you for your trust in me and the real estate services I’ve been providing for you.
Halloween and the winter holidays will be here before we know it, so right now is a great time to think about getting into that new home you have always wanted. Let’s start the process now so you can be in and settled to enjoy all of the wonderful memories this upcoming season.
So, if you are thinking of selling your home, or buying/building a new one this fall or winter, contact me today! I am always ready and happy to help you with all of your real estate needs. I value excellent service and efficiency in meeting my client’s every need. And, I am excited and ready to help you! Call, text, or email me today! I have the real hard facts for really smart moves!
