If you are interested in seeing the apartments just contact me at 203-554-0951. If youre reading about this for the first time, the general rule of thumb for rent here is $2000/mo for a one bedroom, $3000/mo for a two bedroom and $4000/mo for a three bedroom in a luxury setting.

Whether this is your first time buying a house or you’ve done it before, here are a few tips for how to prepare for a successful search in today’s market.  With 25 years of experience in this community, I’ve got lots more where these came from – so feel free to contact me, even if you just have questions. No obligation. No kidding.

1. A TRAIN RUNS THROUGH IT. Be aware that popular real estate web sites that offer “estimated” home values, market trends etc., are completely database-driven. They cannot take into account intangible factors such as property condition, neighborhoods, and potentially negative factors such as wetlands or easements or compromised locations.  You’ll need to consult a licensed Realtor for the “full” story.

2. YOUR CREDIT MUST BE “SQUEEEKY” CLEAN. Real estate mortgage markets have changed drastically over the past few years, and underwriting has really tightened up. I highly recommend you get a copy of your credit report and clear up any problems BEFORE applying for a mortgage. You can obtain a single report from all three credit reporting agencies through the FTC approved website www.Annual Credit Report.com.

3. HAVE CASH ON HAND. One of the first expenses incurred in the home buying process is an inspection of the property. Hire a licensed inspector, and be sure to budget $400-$800 for this expense. Also remember to talk to your Realtor about closing costs, which can be considerable.

4. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Be sure you learn all you can about things like the most popular streets and neighborhoods, parking availability, local zoning
regulations, commuting times, nursery school, and private school options as well as special education programs.

5. ALL TOWNS ARE NOT THE SAME. Have to have nightlife? Prefer to walk around town? There is no shortage of local blogs and websites that will give
you the flavor for Fairfield County and its many towns.  They cover everything from local eateries to family activities. Exploring these websites is a great way to get a sense of the ‘personality” of a community and what it’s like to live there. I have compiled a list of 20 great Fairfield County blogs and websites, and would be happy to email it to you – just drop me a request here. 0r call me at 203-554-0951.  In the meantime, here’s one to get you started.   TheGoldCoastStandard.com

 According to the new census, a full 23% of Darien,Ct’s residents are under the age of 18…this is the highest in the state. Come on up. Plenty of people to play with.

This video speaks for itself..another great Darien Ct resource…another great reason to raise a family in Darien CT.

What a difference today. For those moving here from New York City,Darien now has a vibrant night life owing largely to a bunch of new restaurants that have opened in town.We have so many now that Darien has its own Restaurant Week coming up starting February 6. In 1985 we had no restaurants much less a restaurant week!

Participating Darien restaurants include, Matsuri,Rory’s,Cesco’s,Phil’s Grille,Chuck Steakhouse Scena Wine Bar and the Goose. Also opening that week,will be a brand new place Darien Social on the corner of Tokeneke Road and the Post Road.

Most meals will be three courses and have a pirx fixe of $20.12 to $30.12. Looking for house that weekend?Come up and stay for dinner.

The owners,Also and Barbara set up the most yummy buffet. All the dishes were totally authentic and delicious. Little crispy purses of mushrooms and peppers, fabulous Italian cheeses, homemade gnocchi in red sauce, bruschetta and biscotti still warm from the oven were among the offerings. The full menu contains pastas,and yummy entrees including a special lasagna served in its own little pot. Prices seem reasonable (just like Darien real estate) from $10-$25.

I guess I’ve been a little behind the curve on this one, since nearly all my fellow Realtors had already been to the place,multiple times in fact.

The atmosphere casual and intimate, the lights are dim and there are a limited number of tables so be sure to make a reservation.My favorite trick with new restaurants is to wander in on a Monday evening when they are quiet and you can have the attention of the chef.

I’ve just made a reservation for Friday evening so I’ll give a full report. If my meal is anything approaching the quality of the offerings at the William Pitt party, brava to Cesco’s.

Just one more reason to buy a home in Darien!!

.<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a><a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a><a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a>

Rowayton,CT , Seaside Village on the CT Gold Coast

Rowayton is a shore town,and homes are located close together in a charming mix of old, seaside houses and grander, waterfront manses. Pricing is similar to that of Darien and of course, water views carry a premium. Also in the spirit of full disclosure, taxes in Norwalk are higher than here in Darien but for many the feel of the place more than offsets the cost. William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty has produced a nice video on Rowayton real estate and I offer it here for you to consider.As always to see what’s on the market in Rowayton contact me here via the blog or at my email , kmbrewer2@aol.com.

http://media.onlinewalkthru.com/index.php?pid=135&cid=24&eid=366&mid=410&username=wpittsir&password=wpittsir

However,recently there has been a rash of burglaries that have left residents unnerved. Now,in the spirit of full disclosure there has always been the odd burglary but mostly crimes of opportunity, i.e unlocked cars and homes. Now though, there have been four or five” break ins” that seem to have been committed by professionals.

Of all things, these people enter  homes by breaking through a wall or even removing parts of a roof and “dropping in”, as it were. Presumably this is to circumvent alarm systems and break directly into master bedrooms or areas that don’t contain motion sensors. Pretty slick. No one has been harmed or to my knowledge even at home when these crimes occur which leads one to believe these are experienced criminals who “case the joint”. (too much Law and Order,sorry)

That said, this is among the worst things that has happened here in recent memory and I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky.After all,it’s just stuff.