By Judy Szablak
The spring market is upon us, and competition is becoming fierce. There are almost 140 homes available in Westport in the $1 million to $2 million range alone.
Featured Home: This home at 19 Duck Pond Road is listed at $3,350,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of The Higgins Group/Westport
Sometimes the only stumbling block in getting a showing, and subsequent offer, on your home lies solely on how it appears from the outside.
The importance of one’s initial impression, commonly referred to as curb appeal, cannot be overlooked—even when your home’s interior is superb in every way.
When most homeowners think about staging their property, they are primarily concerned with the interior, and may tend to forget about the exterior.
The first rule of exterior home staging is that the outside appearance of the home should at least mirror the quality of what the interior has to offer.
For example, a magnificent home on poorly manicured property, or with overgrown greenery, will not sell for as much, or as quickly. Homes with curb appeal have proven across the board to sell for more money. First impressions make or break the sale.
Market Stats: There are now 343 homes that are actively on the market, and their average list price is $2,109.932. These properties that are currently available have been listed for average of 101 days, and the median price is now $1,362,500.
The highest asking price for all homes currently on the market is $19.9 million and the lowest available priced home is $375,000.
Thirteen new listings came on the market in the last seven days, and one home came back on the market after being under deposit. Ten properties had a price change.
Sixteen properties have gone under the initial deposit stage, which we call CTS, and 14 properties went into pending status, which means that the conditions have been satisfied, and the property is scheduled to close.
The average price of these fourteen pending properties was $2,042,357 and they were on the market an average of 104 days.
Closings: Six homes were reported as sold in the last week, and their average list price was $1,198,381. Average market time for these sold properties was 126 days. There were 68 status changes in the last seven days.
Condos: There are 18 condominiums that are available, and they have been listed an average of 176 days. Their average listing price is $675,305, and the median price is $572,250. The highest priced condo in town is listed at $1,495,000 and the lowest offering price is $335,000.
There were no new listings this past week, and no properties came back on the market after being under deposit. No properties had a price change. One property went into the CTS stage, while three properties entered into the pending stage of deposit.
No condominiums were reported as sold in the last seven days. There were four status changes.
Rentals: If you are interested in renting year round, either furnished or unfurnished, there are 73 homes or apartments available. The median price is $3,650 per month and the average price is $5,479 per month. These year-round rental opportunities have been on the market an average of 65 days.
There are now 52 short -term rental opportunities that are available, and they have been on the market an average of 45 days. Their average price is $19,451, and the median price is $13,000. 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 GFC-CMLS and represents activity through our local MLS system. Private sales are not included in these statistics.
Featured Home: This home at 19 Duck Pond Road is listed at $3,350,000
Located in beautiful and picturesque Saugatuck, this four-bedroom waterfront home is well sited for privacy on its .75-acre property.
This nautically themed and romantically set 3,456 square foot shingle-style colonial home overlooks the Saugatuck Yacht Club, and the interior design and decor is inspired by a luxury yacht’s salon and staterooms.
Special attention was given to the styling of the each of this homes eight rooms. Even the design of the windows is beautifully executed with matching arches to compliment the refined details.
The two-story entrance has an aristocratic flavor, and the centuries-old tradition of the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality is present as a finial on the gently curved staircase to the second floor. The wall to your left is also highlighted by a a tasteful seascape mural.
The living room is simply spectacular with cathedral ceilings, a fireplace and magnificent views, and French doors to a 535-square-foot mahogany deck. .
A reading nook is perfectly tucked away with built-in seating and shelving and takes wonderful advantage of the breathtaking views as well.
The family room has wainscoting and chair rails, and access to the brick patio, and french doors to the main level office.
The dining room has tall windows in a rounded wall overlooking the water and affording more outstanding views.
The custom-designed gourmet cherry kitchen has exceptional detailing, premium stainless steel appliances and a granite top. The matching butlers pantry has a mini-refrigerator and wine cooler.
There are a total of four bedrooms and three full and one half baths. The master bedroom privacy suite has a balcony, and the verde green marble master bath has a glass enclosed shower and soaking tub.
Professionally landscaped property, and attention to specific nautical detail inside and out make this particular waterfront home a truly rare find, indeed.
Annual taxes are $29,540
Listing/photo courtesy of The Higgins Group/Westport
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(Editor’s Note: Judy Szablak of RE/MAX- Fairfield County CT Realtor since 1984 is author of “The Art of Buying or Selling a Home,” and is featured on HGTV’s real estate show, “Desperate to Buy.” Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit her blog at www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com.
