By Judy Szablak
Special to WestportNow
Floor plan versatility ranks high for Westport homebuyers, with adaptability and function being more in demand than ever.
Featured Home: This home at 8 Iris Lane is listed at $899,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of the Higgins Group/Bedford Square
The top three characteristics include homes that contain in-law suites, properties that incorporate a home office, and those that include or have the possibility of a main level master bedroom suite on either the first or second level.
The most recent National Association of Realtors’ Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report shows that demand for homes that have multigenerational possibilities are on the rise, and as per our Multiple Listing Service, 18 percent of our inventory either includes an in-law suite, or has that possibility.
One ever increasing “must have” is the dedicated home office, primarily due to the fact that more and more people are telecommuting; and exactly one-third of our available inventory incorporates this feature.
Another attribute which is growing in popularity is having the flexibility to choose the location of master bedroom on either the main or upper level.
Currently there are 104 homes available that have bedrooms on both floors, and 46 show a master bedroom on the main floor, which includes 23 ranch-style homes.
Market Stats
There are now 327 homes actively on the market that have been listed for an average of 135 days, with a cumulative market time of 219 days. The average list price is now $2,152,189 and the median price is now at $1,590,000.
A home on Beachside Avenue is the highest priced property for sale at $22.5 million, and the lowest available priced single-family is a three-bedroom home on Crescent Park for $378,500.
Eleven new listings came on the market in the last seven days, and two properties came back on the market after being under deposit, or temporarily withdrawn. Fourteen properties had a price change.
Eight properties have gone under the initial deposit stage, which we call CTS or Show, and nine properties went into pending status, which means that the conditions have been satisfied, and the property is scheduled to close.
The average price of those nine pending properties was $1,224,878. There are currently 22 homes in CTS/Show status throughout Westport, and another 38 properties scheduled to close townwide, with an average price of $1,557,708.
Closings: There were eight single-family homes reported as sold in the last week, and they were listed on average at $1,463,362 with an average market time of 114 days. There were 64 status changes in the last seven days.
Condos: There are 21 condominiums that are available, and they have been listed an average of 69 days, with an average cumulative market time of 125 days. Their average listing price is $607,706 and the median price is $529,000.
The highest priced condo in town is listed at $1,125,000 and is a three- bedroom home at Terra Nova Circle, and the lowest priced unit for sale is a two-bedroom home on Bridge Street for $234,933.
There were three new listings in the last seven days, and no properties came back on the market. No properties had a price change, and one home took an initial deposit. No homes entered into pending status.
There is one property townwide in CTS/Show status, and one property is currently scheduled to close which is listed at $790,000.
No sales were reported during the last week. There were four status changes.
Rentals: If you are interested in renting year round, either furnished or unfurnished, there are 85 homes or apartments available. The median price is $4,750 per month and the average price is $6,464 per month. These year round rental opportunities have been on the market an average of 77 days.
There are 49 short-term rental opportunities that are available, and they have been on the market an average of 112 days. Their average price is $10,490 and the median price is $8,000. Please note that seasonal rental prices are sometimes listed as an aggregate price for the season, or they can be listed as per the monthly rental cost.
Source — Market data is compiled from the SmartMLS and represents activity through our statewide MLS system. Private sales are not included in these statistics.
Featured Home
This home at 8 Iris Lane is listed at $899,000.
This beautifully remodeled and deceivingly spacious seven room cape in the sought after Greens Farms area is full of charm along with thoughtful upgrades throughout.
This 2,515-square foot home has an open floor plan that has managed to maintain the original character from when it was originally built in 1952.
The living room has crown molding, a stunning marble fireplace with decorative mantel, and a large bay window which give the room much light. An arched doorway to the foyer gives the room added character.
Crown molding and a chandelier with ceiling medallion in the dining room create an elegant feel and opens via an L-shape to the living room.
A beautifully remodeled custom designer white kitchen has top of the line stainless steel appliances including a sub zero refrigerator, as well as a breakfast bar and a center island.
The octagonal breakfast nook bay designed by Peter Cadoux has two French doors that lead outside to the 537-square foot stone patio with sitting walls, which overlooks the private .72-acre property.
The kitchen is open to the family room with crown molding, where the sunlight pours in through double French doors with tall glass panels on either side.
The versatile floor plan can easily incorporate a master-bedroom suite on either the first or second floor. Two bedrooms on the main level each have their own bath, and another two bedrooms are upstairs, along with a newly remodeled luxurious bath with radiant heated floors.
The finished lower level includes a recreation room that is finished to main level standards, and adds another 444-square feet of living area.
Extras and items to note — four bedrooms, three full baths, one fireplace, audio system, security system, public water and sewer, cul-de-sac location
Annual taxes are $9,784.
Listing/photo courtesy of the Higgins Group/Bedford Square.
(Editor’s Note: Judy Szablak of Coldwell Banker Westport — Riverside, Fairfield County CT Realtor since 1984 is author of “The Art of Buying or Selling a Home,” and featured on HGTV’s real estate show, “Desperate to Buy.” Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit her online at http://www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com.
