The Golf Coast Standard

Darien Stroll-Why We Live Here-Darien Real Estate and Relocation

I had a great time making this. If you’ve forgotten why you live here, watch this. If you’re thinking of moving here, well you really need to see it. Enjoy. Karen Brewer.

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Darien Real Estate and Relocation- Weekly Market Report October22,2009

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CAN WE TALK? Darien Real Estate and Relocation

Suppose you’re thinking of dipping your toe in the water of the Darien or Fairfield County real estate market. Where do you begin? The agent your friend had is no longer in the business or maybe you’ve had a poor real estate experience in the past.

Where can you go when you’ve found a home on the Internet that looks interesting or you’re just wondering how your home has fared in this recession.In other words,you want more information but are not ready to commit to  an agent.

 Many of you have commented here and on other sites about just that. The truth is that, for better or worse Realtors may be  in the only profession that offers time, advice and information -FREE.

We have been known to, at a moments notice, drop everything to show a home,give a tour of town,or offer a price opinion with no obligation whatsoever. And that is exactly what  I’m offering here. If you’ve haven’t figured this out by now,I am as no-pressure as it gets. Maybe you’ll want to buy or sell a home. Maybe not. Or maybe you’ll be able to refer me to someone who does. It’s as simple as that. So if you have a question or want  more information,give me a call  at 203-554-0951 or contact me at kmbrewer2@aol.com. No kidding.

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Darien Real Estate and Relocation,Market Report October 15,2009

Here is this weeks’ report for new listings,deposits,accepted offers and closings.Of note this week,the house on Renshaw Road bindered in one week. Not exactly a trend but notable all the same.Also, as I have mentioned before pricing is the key. If you price 20% or more than the market will bear,your home will likely languish. Get closer and get real and you will get a buyer.

 

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Darien Open Houses…Sunday,October 18,2009

Just a reminder that all open houses for this week are available by clicking on the left on Property Search and Open Houses.

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Darien Real Estate-Market Report,October 8,2009

Below is the Darien Real estate market report for this week,October 8,2009. As has been the norm these days,lots of price reduction and notably few new listings Call me for information on any of the properties listed here at 203-554-0951.

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Darien Real Estate,Can You Trust Your Agent?

Today I met with a young couple who is quickly outgrowing their present living space.and were thinking of relocating to Darien,CT. They knew very little about Darien real estate market and I was called in to do a price opinion on their Fairfield home as well.

We sat on a hard backed sofa, as they peppered me with questions about the market, inventory in Darien and New Canaan and how I’d arrived at my pricing advice .

They were wary and tense like I was about the try to sell them a set of encyclopedias or something. (anyone remember those?)

After a while,I suggested that they contact a mortgage broker and find out how much home they could afford.Then, when they were ready, we could look at  a few properties in order to see what their dollars could  buy. After all,there was no rush.Homes are not exactly flying off the market.They needed to get familiar with the market and its dynamics before making any decisions.

Soon they realized that I had no encyclopedias in my briefcase and everyone relaxed. Sounds goofy,I know, but that was the best part of the meeting.Real estate agents deservedly or not have a trust rating just a notch above that of a used car saleman.Putting people at ease can be a bit of a challenge.

 Its great to connect with people and have them know they can trust you.Its not exactly missionary work ,but it feels good anyway.

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Darien Commuter Parking-Update

A few months ago,I published a post about the process for obtaining a parking permit in the Darien,Ct commuter parking lots. I mentioned then that the process was under review, and the town hoped to authorize additional spaces at both the Noroton Heights lots and the Darien station.Below is the article that ran in this weeks’ paper with the details of new, “incentivized” parking spaces.

TUESDAY  Sept. 29 — For the price of $200 and a few extra steps, you can own a Darien incentive railroad parking permit. Read the rest of this entry »

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What Makes News in Darien,Ct…..

A couple of out of town readers have asked what types of things make news in a town like Darien.In order to answer that I’m offering a brief list of items that appeared in this weeks’ Darien Times,one of two local newspapers. If you want to read  thefull articles just go to, www.DarienTimes.com.

• “Candidates Want More Downtown Progress”-This is a “two fer”. There is an upcoming election for First Selectman and also issues around the development of downtown Darien.(Downtown is coming along but needs lots more.retail,rental units,sprucing up etc.)
• “High School Lights Still Leading to Contention”-An ongoing battle between the Darien High and Noroton Heights neighborhood residents continues to simmer. The neighborhood residents contend that night games and lights would be disruptive to the area and the peacefulness of the neighborhood.(give me a break)
• RTM Affordable Housing Update-This one is complicated.Basically the town purchased a piece of property at 35 Leroy Ave and their has been a two year political squabble over its proposed use. Best to read the full article on this.(personally I cant read another word about it)
• “Paint the Town Pink” and other philanthropic events …Darien has a great history of philanthropic events and organizations.This weeks even include among others, creating a “Mile of Pink” for survivors and supporters of breast cancer by  standing side by side throughout the downtown. Pink T-shirts are available for sale….pretty neat,huh?
• Fall author series opens at the New Darien Library.-always good stuff
• Local sporting events scores and schedules….we beat Danbury in football last week  31-0!
• Police Blotter-Nothing notable this week. A couple of driving infractions although there was a rash of car break-ins in past weeks.Im pretty sure they caught those guys though.

Hope this gives you a flavor of  what makes pretty typical news in Darien,CT. It could be a lot worse.

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This Weeks Open Houses-Darien Real Estate,October 3-4,2009-Darien Real Estate

Just a reminder that this weeks Darien Open houses can now be found by clicking on the Open House tab  (immediately to the left)Simply enter desired town and price range,print, and jump in the car!

As always, call me at 203-554-0951 if you need more information,get there too late,too early, whatever……..

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