Karen Brewer

Buyers Category

Darien Real Estate,New Listings,Week of December 1,2010.

 I can’t believe we are closing in on another year end! Here are the Darien real estate statistics for the first week of December, 2010.Usually by this time of year things are in the drip mode with precious little going on. If I may continue with the coffee metaphors we  are seeing things  continue to perk along. Nothing over the top but moving forward.Last year at this time, the market actually took off  in the last weeks of the year and defied the seasonal swing.Lets see how we progress in 2010.

Are You a Passion Pusher?

This post is completely disconnected from the topic of  Darien real estate. Being the author of this blog has given me a certain confidence in my writing.As a result, and on a lark,I submitted a freelance article to The New York Times regarding how todays parents tend to overprogram our children. and overuse the word “passion” to describe their activities.

I am proud to say that this past Sunday,November 14,the article was published in the Metropolitan section of the paper.I’m aware that many people have attempted to get a byline in the paper and somehow, I managed it on the first try. I think its a little like winning the lottery after buying only one ticket. Nevertheless, I accept it  humbly as a little pixie dust that someone sprinkled on me. Hope you enjoy the article.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/complaint-box-passion-pushers/#comment-796897

Beautiful Condo in “The Falls” Silvermine/Norwalk CT,$699,000

Having just sent my last child off to college this fall,my husband and I have been strongly considering downsizing.We don’t want the hassle of grass to mow and plow but still need space for the three kids when they come home for the holidays.We aren’t quite ready to move but I did find a great free standing condo in the Silvermine area of Norwalk in a small  development called, The Falls. Built in the 1980′s,  The Falls at Silver Creek has an amazing setting. Many of the units, and this one in particular have a direct view and walk out features onto the waterfalls and river.

This unit at The Falls in Norwalk was the original model for the development  and has 2600 sq. ft.  (not including the finished basement)2 bedrooms including a Master suite with master bath and walkin closet.There’s a two story living room with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the waterfall and river, a big kitchen, formal dining room, a library/office and wet bar too. Oh and did I mention- NO MOWING!

This home is very competitively priced at $699,000, drop me a line to schedule an appointment or for more information

Darien Real Estate Market Report,October and YTD 2010

Disappointing numbers have been posted this month in Darien real estate due to a market seems to be settling into a familiar seasonal cycle. Last year at this time the Darien CT market remained fairly strong through the end of December.

Given these numbers, and from the way Darien Novemeber reale estate sales look to be heading, the year end will probably finish  with a whimper. That said the  home sales market during the previous nine months made a remarkable comeback over 2009.

Prices continue to moderate and sellers are much more realistic in their expectations. Lets see what the change in governmental dynamics brings us in the new year and beyond.

Buyers however, should note that interest rates are LOW, and prices are probably as low as they will be, making this the perfect storm for any first time buyer.

In a town like Darien Ct which possesses the triple threat of waterfront,schools and a reasonable commute to NYC, why wait?

Darien Homes for Sale,Condominiums…Middlesex Common

Not everyone who moves to the town of Darien is ready for a white picket fence,two dogs and a acre of land.Many people,particularly first time Darien buyers and downsizers are more interested in condominium life. If that’s you’re situation Darien has several complexes to choose from.

Most of the Darien condos were built in the 1980′s and have features typical of that building period.Open floor plans,lofts, and high ceilings are commonplace among condos built around that time. Almost all of the Darien condos are within walking distance to the Darien train station making them popular among local commuters.

MIDDLESEX COMMONS is located in the center of downtown Darien and is within easy walking distance to the brand new Whole Foods market.Its also across the street from the Darien Sport Shop,Darien Theatre and various restaurants making it perhaps the most convenient of all the condo developments. There are 60 units in the complex and there are three units for sale ranging from $475,000 for a 900 sq ft one bedroom unit, to $749,000 for over 1400 ft of living space.        

There is a clubhouse and pool on the premises as well as a guest cottage for overnight guests . Middlesex Common is built in townhouse style and most units are multilevel.They vary in condition depending on the tastes of the homeowner but in my experience all are spacious and lovely.Most kitchens have been updated even since the 1980′s and many have a lovely view of the on premise pond. Pets are of course welcomed.

Currently there are three units for sale in Middlesex Common yourself.Don’t hesitate to email me,kmbrewer2@aol.com  to make an appointment to see them for yourself.                                                                                                                          .

Darien Homes for Sale,Market Report,Week of October 13

Noroton Heights In Line for a Facelift,Darien Real Estate

Noroton Heights is a neighborhood within the Town of Darien.It is currently anchored by a series of strip mall style o retail establishments located across the street from the Noroton Heights Metro North train station. A local developer, Tom Golden, has submittedand been approved for new,mixed use  development zone that will incorporate retail,  office,and residential space.It’s a sorely needed project in an area of town with a dense population .See the details below as published online at Darien Patch.

P&Z Approves Golden’s Noroton Heights Rezoning Plan

The changes allow for a combination of retail, office, and residential development.

Darien Real Estate and Homes for Sale, Year to Date Report

Darien Real Estate,Let the Market Do the Talking…..

Interesting thing happened this week in the Darien Real Estate Market, twice.

Two homes came on the market (I cant ethically tell you which ones) very competitively priced. In one case, the owners just wanted to sell the home quickly and deliberately under priced the market.The second home, also listed by a motivated seller was priced at around 2004 levels because in fact that is where the Darien real estate market is at the moment.One was a home that is completely remodeled and the other was a small cape on a modest street that needed lots of work.

Both homes bindered within days of being listed with multiple offers.Pricing is everything. What both these homes had in common was a Realtor who knows the market and how to accurately price a prooperty.It didn’t matter what the homeowner wanted or needed to get for these Darien homes.It was strictly economics.

The buyers are out there if sellers will just allow the market to work.

Darien CT Real Estate Market Report,September 29,2010