Following up on the interest of color, it is interesting to note that Pantone (the people that provide standard palettes for a number of industries, mainly graphics, fashion and interior design) has declared that the color of the year for 2008 is Blue Iris. The reasoning behind the selection of this color is one that you may or may not agree with. (To read more about the color of the year go to http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/fashion/20COLOR.html) But we think the most important point to come out of this story is that color is powerful. Color evokes emotion, brings us back to a comfortable place and makes us feel at home. We invite you to come and see the floor plans available at The Reserve at Poplar Plains and imagine yourself surrounded by not only luxury and the beauty of nature, ... 06/05/2008

We have been getting a lot of questions about the decor in the model home. It is really quite beautiful and perhaps most notably it is comfortable. There is nothing stuffy about the decor and everyone who comes through the door remarks on the fact that they can move right in. That is what the builders had in mind when they partnered with Lillian August to create a home that captured the lifestyle of Westport. In addition to the furnishings, there have been quite a few questions about the color palette seen throughout the house.  All paint used in our model home is by Benjamin Moore and some rooms feature wallpaper of the highest quality including Ralph Lauren and Schumacker.  Following are the colors that are seen throughout various rooms in the model: Master: Palladian BlueFamily room:... 06/02/2008

Perhaps one of the things that got the most attention at our Grand Opening was the 432-bottle wine cellar in the model home. People just loved being able to go to the finished basement and envision getting a great bottle of wine out of the cellar, taking it to the theater room and relaxing with a great old movie. What an escape! And here are some great ideas for the elevator that we heard. Easy access to seasonal clothes stored in the basement. Easy access to seasonal sporting goods in the basement. Simplify the moving day. Make the cleaning crew happy - you won't have to worry about them damaging walls or carpet by brining cleaning supplies up and down the stairs. Make it easier for an older beloved pet to be a part of the family on all living levels. Makes it easier while pregnant for... 06/02/2008

Success! At our grand opening we welcomed nearly 100 people through our fully furnished model home and the feedback was fantastic. Everyone responded to the warm gender-neutral paint colors and the cozy feel to every room. Some of today's guests were prospective buyers who all appreciated the craftsmanship of the homes here at The Reserve. They talked a lot about the available floor plans working for them and their families very well. They also took note of the ideal location - close to the Merritt Parkway and yet feeling like it's miles from the stress of everyday life.  We had photographer Margie Avellino on hand to chronicle the event, and pictures will be available highlighting the day. 06/02/2008

It was 5 o'clock and time to call it a day.  Before getting in my car, I went to the trunk, to retrieve everything I had tossed there, earlier, before taking out this afternoon's buyers. There it was, the library book I forgot to return, this morning.  Should I wait 'til tomorrow and incur the 25¢ late fee.  I couldn't do it - I'm a REALTOR® - in this market, we can't afford to waste any money.  So, I took the slight detour and headed for the library. What was going on?  As I pulled in, I was greeted by a parking lot filled with fire trucks.  A couple of dozen people were milling around.  Parents held on to their small children, waiting to hear when they would be able to retrieve their belongings.  There were firemen spread around the area, but there didn't appear to be any sense of eme... 05/31/2008

Greens Farms UpdateMarch 2008Well, it is hard to tell if 2008 has started!  After three full months there have been only 3 homes sold.  This is 70% below the prior year.   Prices are off significantly too.  Based on just three sales I wouldn't read too much into the price trends, there are just not enough sales.  However, that is the real point.  No one is buying.   Greens Farms had a phenomenal year in 2007.  What makes 2008 different?  We will just have to wait and see which issue is becomes the real driver - the mortgage crisis, the election, layoffs in the NYC Financial sector, the war in Iraq or something else we haven't thought of yet?Like a good page turner, this year in Westport Real Estate is going to keep us on the edge of our seat!Greens Farms UpdateYear to Date Sales of Sing... 04/26/2008

Westport Homes for SaleThe number of homes on the market is rising each month and catching up with last year's totals.  This is good for buyers because it translates into lots of choices with sellers competing for their dollars.   From a Sellers point of view, it means that the "buyers market" of recent years is continuing.   Buyers can be fussier and take more time to make up their mind.  Updated Homes continue to sell faster than those that are dated or need work.     20072008 Jan220193-12%Feb270248-8%Mar295289-2%Apr317304-4%May312  Jun322  Jul313  Aug305  Sep272  Oct292  Nov248  Dec227    04/19/2008

Westport Real Estate and Home Sales UpdateMarch 30, 2008Westport continues a trend of lackluster first quarters in terms of units sold.  Only 43 homes sold in Jan, Feb and March combined.  This is down 34% from last year and down over 50% from 2006!  The Average Selling Price is up but this is driven in part by the small number of homes sold.  The Median Selling Price is up 7% from last year but below the 2006 level.  And even though this number appears stable, the general feeling is that prices are down and buyers are getting more for their money this year.Westport had a strong finish last year and we are hoping for the same this year. The second quarter has begun and time is running low.......where, oh where, have the buyers gone? WESTPORT UpdateYear to Date Sales of Single Family Hom... 04/19/2008

I thought this would be a longer article especially with the Greens Farms neighborhood in Westport, CT coming off such an exceptionally strong 2007 with 47 homes sold. That't right almost one per week.  Well after two full months of the new year, we have sold exactly ZERO homes.  This year is starting off to be the slowest in a long, long time.   Our local economy is fine.  The national crisis in the mortgage sector is having an impact just the same.  Stay tuned for more updates...hopefully some homes will sell soon!PS Some help is on the way, 2 have sold so far in March. That puts us on track for 8 this year....down just a little from 47 in 2007. 03/30/2008

 Westport Home Sales UpdateFebruary 2008The local market is feeling the effects of the economic fallout from the rest of the country.  While local conditions are fine and 2007 turned out to be surprisingly strong, the turmoil at the Federal Reserve on lowering interest rates and managing inflation is keeping buyers sitting on the sidelines.  Buyers appear to be waiting for lower rates - which means lower monthly payments - on the home of their choice.  Until the Fed is done making moves, buyers will continue to be hesitant to buy.Prices are running ahead of last year but in the same range as 2006. Unit Sales the last two years have started slow.  So we are left to waiting for the warmer temperatures to see if they help heat up the real estate market.The lowest priced home sold in the fi... 03/14/2008

Lexus of WestportI know this is a blog about Fairfield Real Estate and Home Values.  However, sometimes you just have to take a moment to recognize great service.  Lexus of Westport is known for their tremendous care and concern for their customers.  I am now riding in my third Lexus...an ES 350.  I have been impressed with the quality of the car and the quality of the service for a long time now....I felt compelled to share my most recent experience.  It began 15 minutes before kick-off on Super Bowl Sunday.  Dad called to say my Mom needed to go to the hospital.  He called an ambulance for Mom.  I picked him up and we drove to the Emergency Room.  I won't go into all the details but Mom is doing fine.  Dad and I watched the Superbowl on The Emergency Room TV above her bed.  We waited ... 02/19/2008

Greens Farms Real Estate - 2007 Yearend UpdateHot, Hot, Hot!  That's the best description of the Greens Farms Real Estate Market.  Home Values are shooting skyward faster than a Flash Gordon rocket!  Obviously, this neighborhood in Westport, CT is not impacted in the least by the nationwide Mortgage Crisis.  Unit Sales are up over 20% from last year.  Amazingly, the Median Price and Average Selling Price are both up over 56% from two years ago.   This could well be the hottest Real Estate market in the country.  Three of the top five sales went for over Asking Price.  Here are the top two examples:  65 Turkey Hill - Martha Stewarts former abode - had an Asking Price of $4.5 Million and sold for $6.7 Million while 132 Beachside was Asking $9 Million and closed at $10.4 Million.  This is ... 02/14/2008

Westport Real Estate and Home Value YTD Update for 2008Westport Home Sales started off slow in 2007 and looks like this year is just the same.  The first quarter of last year was slow but the 2nd and 3rd quarters picked up steam both in unit sales and in Selling Price.  The weather has been exceptionally warm and our typical winter snows have yet to fall.  So we can't blame the weather.However, we may be the victim of improving interest rates. With all the talk of the recent Federal Reserve reductions and the anticipation of more, buyers could be holding off to see just how much their buying power improves.To see the homes on the market today throughout any of the towns in Fairfield County, please visit my web site at http://www.tetreau.com/ WESTPORT Update Year to Date Sales of Single ... 02/12/2008

Westport 2007 UpdateWestport finished another stellar year.  Unit sales held steady at just over 400 homes - not quite up to the 2002-2005 levels.  However, the Average Selling Price and Median Selling Prices continue to appreciate.   The Median Price jumped 7% to $1,383,500 and the Average Price reached a record $1,682,273.  The local economy is strong and Westport like many of the neighboring towns continues to outperform the rest of the nation.On the Low side, Westport had two sales less than $400,000 both on Crescent Park Road.   These were balanced by 11 sales over $5 Million.   The top two for the year came in at $7,500,000 and 10,400,000.  It should be noted that the $10.4 Million sales was well over the Asking Price of $9 Million.  And for those celebrity watchers, Martha Stewar... 02/01/2008

Fall at the Old Mill Beach in Westport Connecticut, As the leafs on the tree's turn back to there natural colors,There is no one to be found as these are summer cottages are no empty, There is no road leading out to these cottages but only a walking path.So if you are looking to get away from it all this is the place to due it. Only 45 minutes from New York city.  11/18/2007

                                                                         Martha Stewart, Westport's Wonder Woman is moving on.      The famous farmhouse in Westport, Connecticut is pending sale.  The home was originally listed May 22, 2006 for sale price of $8,995,000.  After 167 days,  (November 6, 2006),  the listing contract was cancelled.   January 24, 2007 Turkey Hill reappeared on the multiple listing service as a new listing  for the sale price of $4,500,000. A reduction of almost a 1/2  off the original price.  (I will refrain from any remarks about a K-Mart special.)     The six fireplace Federal-style situated on four acres (two acres sold separately to the same buyer) has the luxurious amenities of a heated pool, converted carriage house, glorious gardens, greenhouses and par... 05/04/2007

    Chris and I  had a friend, Carol Bancroft, that suffered and died from ALS last year.  In memory of her independent and undying spirit, I am posting this event to support the Connecticut Chapter of ALS Association.       Saturday, March 24, 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM      THE INN AT LONGSHORE IN WESTPORT     Black Tie OptionalThere will be an open bar, fine dining and wine, a silent auction and dancing to the fantastic ETA Music.    Join us for an evening of fun and good spirit---Tickets are $130, or $1170 for a table of 10.  Ticket price is tax deductible to the extent the law allows.Call for more information and to purchase tickets, Call Lori or Andy at 203-847-5050    03/06/2007

Visit my blog at http://mkatz.realtownblogs.com/ Want to know what's happening in Westport?  Visit my blog.  You'll find the new season's schedule for the Levitt Pavilion, where to buy buttons for First Night, what show is opening at the Playhouse and so much more. Need to know what's happening in Real Estate?  Check out the quarterly market statistics reports.  You'll find number of single family homes and condominiums sold, in Westport, and their average selling prices. Update:  You can find it all here, on my AR blog. 12/13/2006