Gorgeous Updated Cape in Fairfield

 

 

We've received multiple inquiries on the property we posted last week in the University neighborhood of Fairfield, so we've decided to showcase another one this week.

Again, in the University area, is a completely renovated Cape, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1,640 square feet of living space.  (More pictures below)

Listed at $464,900

CAPE COD STYLE, TOTALLY RENOVATED FOR TODAY'S LIVING, EVERYTHING NEW: SIDING, ROOF, PLUMBING, ENERGY SAVING ELECTRIC SYSTEM, LED THROUGHOUT, ENERGY EFFICIENCY GAS HEATING SYSTEM,TANK LESS WATER HEATER, DECK, CENTRAL AIR, KITCHEN, BATHROOMS. GORGEOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN, GRANITE COUNTER TOP ISLAND, TOP OF THE LINE SS APPLIANCES, EUROPEAN STYLE MARBLE THROUGHOUT 2 FULL BATHROOMS, WHITE OAK FLOORS, SURVEILLANCE CAMERA SYSTEM.


Contact our office for more information on this property:

(203) 255-7410

info@compassreg.com

WWW.COMPASSREG.COM

 

  

Information and pictures courtesy of the MLS

Southport Office Space Available

Beautiful and recently remodeled loft style office space in the heart of downtown Southport.  Space provides kitchen, conference room, copier and internet access.

Five offices available, approximately 80-100 square feet each. 3 exterior (window) and 2 interior.  Exterior offices $550. Interior offices $450.  Furniture is available for offices (included in price).

Gated parking lot.  Space is partially occupied by a real estate firm, so industry related tenants are ideal.

Call (203) 255-7410 for more information.    

IS HIRING A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY RIGHT FOR ME?

Have you recently invested in or acquired a piece of property that might take a little more time and energy to maintain than you originally thought?  Owning an additional property can be a great investment, especially with the real estate market back on the rise, but the property won't take care of itself.  It needs renters, contractors, landscapers; the list goes on and on.  Perhaps the work that's involved is better left to a management firm specializing in real estate properties.  Taking the plunge and investing in someone to manage your property can initially be a difficult decision; so a better understanding of what a property management firm offers can help guide you to your solution.

FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER…

Are you considering taking on the duties of a Landlord?  Be aware that becoming a property manager yourself is a full-time job.  Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you prepared to show, screen and negotiate with potential tenants?

Are you equipped to regularly perform property inspections?

Would you be willing to coordinate, administrate and negotiate all improvements and repairs while also being on-call 24 hours, including weekends and holidays?

If you answered “no” to any of those questions, but you would still like to enjoy all of the benefits of rental property ownership without all of the headaches, then a property management company is the way to go.

FOR THE RELOCATER…

The relocation process is stressful enough; imagine having to care for a property when you’re in a completely different state.  Having a professional team dealing directly with tenant issues, coordinating maintenance and repairs, and surveying your property before, during and after tenant occupancy is extremely beneficial in this situation.  A property management company monitors current market conditions to ensure that you are receiving competitive rates, while also providing you with a lower vacancy rate, as tenants won’t have to wait for you to travel in order to view the property.

FOR THE ACCIDENTAL LANDLORD…

It’s possible that you may have recently become what the real estate market refers to as an “accidental landlord”.  This means that you either invested in a new property or relocated and are still holding onto an existing property that just won’t sell.  In either situation, you are now responsible for two mortgage payments, which can be financially unimaginable.  In this case, a property management company can help with providing tenants to ease your financial burden, along with presenting skilled professionals to handle the responsibilities of a landlord.

FOR THE INVESTOR…

Investors and Associations turn to property management companies for many reasons. A large number lack the skill, information, experience, or background to allow them to make sound decisions. If the real estate function is neglected or improperly performed, the investor will soon realize that the problems created demand a disproportionate share of their time. Property owners must therefore assess the services and benefits of hiring a professional property management firm.

Contact Compass Real Estate Group for more information.

www.compassreg.com

(203) 255-7410

Real Estate in Fairfield County

Make a fresh start in a firm that's making its mark in the 

Fairfield County real estate market.  

If your goal is to escape the corporate structure of a big box agency

 and enjoy the benefits of a boutique firm, look no further.

Licensed Real Estate Professional Job Opening

Located in the heart of Southport, CT, Compass Real Estate Group is a boutique real estate firm that has built its reputation on catering to the individual needs of our clients.

Compass Real Estate Group is actively recruiting 

Licensed Real Estate professionals.

Requirements:

·         Licensed Real Estate Professional, experience preferred

·         Desire to work independently

·         Ability to work comfortably with buyers and sellers while showing                   properties, negotiating contracts, etc.

·         Strong work ethic with excellent communication skills

Benefits:

·         Competitive commission

·         Flexible schedule

·         No desk fees

·         Supportive and energetic atmosphere

Contact us for more information:

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

(203) 255-7410

kim@compassreg.com

Stunning property in Easton with so many features worth seeing

What better way to spend the summer, than relaxing on the patio, taking a dip in the pool and enjoying the serenity of Easton, CT. A spacious and modern architectural home with high ceilings open to above designed for a very private lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. Perfect home for a large family with separate master bedroom suites on each floor. Central see-through fireplace between kitchen and living room. Large pool and patio area designed for entertainment. A car lovers estate with 3 car garage, workshop and car-port for 2+1 vehicles. Energy efficient building in solid materials with high efficiency gas hot water boiler and radiant floor heat.  High quality, low maintenance materials interior and exterior. Sprawling property surrounded by private woods and the sounds of nature, a quiet and tranquil way of life. Paved driveway and parking areas. Close to R15 (Merrit Parkway) and shopping. $890,000

Click on the link below for the virtual tour...

Virtual Tour

To schedule a viewing of this property, contact:

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

203.255.7410

www.compassreg.com

Open House this Sunday, 5/18/14, Shorefront Park, Norwalk

As you drive through the pillars into this great waterfront community, you will find this well built home on an oversized corner lot.

Home is in need of TLC with endless potential.

Upper level has partially finished bonus rooms adding an additional 640 square feet of living space. 

A short walk to the water, you can soak in the views of the Sound and private beach area.  Only minutes from restaurants, shopping, and culture in Historic Downtown Sono and a walk to the train station, this house is the epitome of "Location, Location, Location".

Take a look this Sunday, May 18th from 1:00 to 3:00.

2 Shorefront Park, Norwalk, CT

For more information, contact:

Victor Vitti

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

(203) 829-4881

or Lindsay Cichowicz (203) 247-3654

Big Box Agency or Boutique Firm? How do you choose your real estate agent?

The real estate market, especially in Fairfield County, CT, is exceptionally competitive.  With so many traditional "big box" companies, it's hard for the smaller independent firms to stand out in the crowd.  So how do you know if you should choose a big box agency or small real estate firm to help you buy or sell your home?

The majority of the time, a real estate union happens like this...

• You make the decision to buy a home.  
• You start scouring the real estate section of the paper or spend hours scrolling through countless real estate websites.  
• You finally find your dream home and dial up the agent who's representing it, only to find that the home you spent hours searching for is now pending a sale.  
• However, by making that connection, you now have a real estate agency who has found a potential buyer. 
• A relationship is formed and a contract is signed.

Let's face it, most of the time, the first home you see online is not the one you end up buying. So the most important thing to do before venturing out in the real estate market is to select the right agency.

Call me partial, but I've seen what goes on behind the scenes of a smaller agency, and I know many of our clients enjoy the individual experience they get from working with a boutique firm.  

Our agents are natives of the area; they know the ins and outs of each neighborhood and have connections galore.  They know that word of mouth and reputation count, so they're conscientious to give each person the attention they require, which is why the majority of our business comes from referrals of satisfied clients.

But to be fair, I've listed the pros and cons of both Big Box and Small Firms (c/o Colin Ryan for the Placester Real Estate Marketing Academy)...

"Independent real estate firms come in all shapes and sizes. Some have only a couple agents, while others have multiple offices. Nevertheless, because they don’t have to answer to tyrannical corporate policy, independent brokers are often more adaptable and give agents more direct input on policies and programs. Since they’re founded locally, independent companies also have a local authority, with a reputation for offering a more personal touch and deep knowledge of the area."

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

(203) 255-7410

www.compass-reg.com

Article by Kim Fromentin

Wallpaper City

When I asked a friend of mine (who's a real estate agent) why the house down the street from me was on the market for 3 years, he responded with a roll of his eyes and said "Ugh, wallpaper city."

It got me thinking about wallpaper and the love-hate relationship we've formed with it.  Whether you like it or not, it's a design trend that refuses to completely remove itself from the world of home decor. While it waited patiently through a decade of bold paint colors, it has recently made a comeback, returning for the most part as an accent.

If you're hesitant to conform to this trend, take a look at the photos below.  You might change your outlook...

A Little Goes A Long Way

Whether you're a wallpaper fan or not, you don't have to go overboard with the design.  A 360 degree view of the same print can sometimes cause a headache.  Accenting one wall (primarily the focal point of the room) can bring interest without being overwhelming.  On the opposite walls, choose paint colors that pull tones from the wallpaper as seen in the pictures below.

Choosing To Be Bold

Personally, not my taste, but for others who absolutely insist on wallpaper in their homes, it might be.  A bold print can certainly bring a room to life, but it must be paired with furniture that doesn't scream or clash.  Also staying in the color family and style of your decor helps to pull everything together.

Subtle Hints

A tonal look can add a delicate touch to your room.  It can bring an understated sense of texture if your desire is to showcase your furniture more than your walls.  An elegant and safe choice if you're just dipping your toe into the wallpaper pool.

When You Can't Make Up Your Mind

Choosing two different prints in the same color family can really make a statement.  And this option is for those who go back and forth between wallpaper samples, asking friends and family members for their opinions, letting swatches hang on the wall for months at a time, and so on.  Why choose one when you can do both?

Ultimately you'll be the one staring at it, so take your time in making your decision.  And remember, even the most beautiful wallpaper can be a disaster if it's not hung properly, which is why we've attached a link (c/o DIY Network) on how to hang the newest addition in your home...

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/tips-for-hanging-wallpaper/index.html

And when you get sick of the wallpaper, we've also attached a link on how to remove it...

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-remove-wallpaper/index.html

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

(203) 255-7410

www.compass-reg.com

Article by Kim Fromentin

Price Reduction on 333 Hollister Street in Stratford

Announcing a price reduction on 333 Hollister Street, 

a 1,332 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story. 

Now $184,900

Click on the link below to learn more about the property, take a virtual tour, and get in touch with
Compass Real Estate for a viewing...

Property information

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
354 Pequot Avenue
Southport, CT  06890

(203) 255-7410
www.compassreg.com

Easter Dress Code

Hop on the trail to get your table ready for the occasion...

Warm weather, tulips, pastels, all indicative of spring.  Easter also falls into that category, and if it's your turn to host, your table setting can give you a chance to showcase your design skills.  Whether the choice is to go overboard or simple and sophisticated, we've posted a few designs to inspire...

FANCY

Elegant, chic, formal; however you may refer to it, this design is not just about the china or stemware, it's about lighting, textures and overall mood.  This option not only features candles and floral arrangements, but your creative side as well.  Preparing individual menus, place cards, color schemes and festive accessories go hand in hand with the fancy Easter table.  These table settings display an attractive sophistication and can add a serious amount of style to your feast.

               

SIMPLE

Cozy, casual, informal; this style is what most of us are used to.  But don't let "simple" be confused with "uninterested".  The simplest tables can also be the most chic.  And remember, these beautiful tables will soon be full of color and life when the food is added.           

KID-FRIENDLY

If you have kids, then you already know keeping them seated at the table for a long period of time can be a challenge.  Rather than sitting on pins and needles, hoping they don't break your great grandmother's fine china; exchange the elegant white tablecloth and expensive flatware for butcher paper and crayons and let them go to town.  When they're happy, you're happy.  And you can enjoy your meal while they're entertaining themselves.     

The decision to go elegant, festive, casual or kid-friendly is up to you.  Your table should reflect your own personal style and traditions.   Putting too much emphasis on being perfect is bound to raise the stress levels.  So take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the holiday!

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
354 Pequot Avenue
Southport, CT  06890

www.compassreg.com

*pictures c/o Southern Living, HGTV, BonBon Rose Girls

Make Way for Spring & Summer

A most anticipated action with the arrival of spring is to free yourself of cabin fever and finally emerge into the great outdoors.  Here is a great article c/o HGTV featuring inspired outdoor ideas.  Just click on the link below...

Dreamy Decks & Patios

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

Southport, CT  06890

(203) 255-7410

www.compassreg.com

Moving? Check out the most popular states Americans are relocating to...

A recent migration study by United Van Lines reveals the top locations in the United States where people are moving.

c/o unitedvanlines.com

UNITED VAN LINES’ ANNUAL MIGRATION STUDY REVEALS OREGON AS TOP MOVING DESTINATION OF 2013

ST. LOUIS - After four straight years as runner-up, Oregon has finally made it to the winner’s circle, and Michigan can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Those are the key findings from United Van Lines’ 37th Annual Migration Study, which tracks the states the company’s customers move to and from during the course of the year. The study found that Oregon is the top moving destination of 2013, with 61 percent of moves to the state inbound ones. And after 16 consecutive years at or near the top of the outbound list, Michigan appeared in the balanced category for 2013. Michigan had claimed the top outbound spot from 2006-2009. The District of Columbia (57 percent inbound) fell to the number five position on the inbound list after five consecutive years as the top moving destination. New additions to the 2013 top inbound list include South Dakota (57 percent), Texas (56 percent) and Colorado (55 percent). “As the nation’s largest household goods mover, United’s shipment data illustrates national state-to-state migration trends,” said Carl Walter, vice president of United Van Lines. “We’ve been tracking the number of inbound and outbound domestic moves for nearly 40 years, and through our study are able to identify the states that are attracting or losing residents.” “Business incentives, industrial growth and relatively lower costs of living are attracting jobs and people to the Southeastern and Western states such as South Dakota, Colorado and Texas,” said Michael Stoll, economist, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. “We’re also seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest as young professionals and retirees are drawn to amenities including public transit, green space and the local arts and entertainment scene.” United has tracked migration patterns annually on a state-by-state basis since 1977. For 2013, the study is based on household moves handled by United within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. United classifies states as “high inbound” if 55 percent or more of the moves are going into a state, “high outbound” if 55 percent or more moves were coming out of a state, or “balanced” if the difference of inbound and outbound is negligible. Moving In The top inbound states of 2013 were: Oregon South Carolina North Carolina District of Columbia South Dakota Nevada Texas Colorado The Western U.S. is represented on the high-inbound list by Oregon (61 percent) and Nevada (56 percent). Nevada remained on the high inbound list for the third consecutive year. The Carolinas each made the top five with South Carolina at 60 percent and North Carolina at 58 percent inbound moves. North Carolina has been on the high inbound list every year since 1993, and South Carolina has held a spot on the top inbound list 16 out of the past 18 years. Moving Out The top outbound states for 2013 were: New Jersey Illinois New York West Virginia Connecticut Utah Kentucky Massachusetts New Mexico New Jersey (64 percent) continued to top the high outbound list claiming the top spot for three out of the past four years. Illinois (61 percent) held steady at the number two spot after falling from the top spot in 2011. The Northeast is the most prominent region on the high-outbound traffic list. In addition to New Jersey, New York (61 percent), Connecticut (59 percent) and Massachusetts (56 percent) are also included. Kentucky (56 percent) joined West Virginia (60 percent) as the only Southern states to appear on the high outbound list. New Mexico (55 percent) and Utah (58 percent) represented the Western U.S. on the list. Balanced Several states gained approximately the same number of residents as those that left. Those states include Nebraska, Tennessee, Iowa, Alabama, Louisiana and Indiana. Michigan appeared on the balanced list for the first time since 1997. “After 16 years with a migration deficit, Michigan has joined the balanced category due to improvement in its economy over the past two years,” said Stoll. “Despite having an unemployment rate higher than the national average, home sales and home prices are up showing an increased demand for housing, the state’s per capita income is up, and automakers in Detroit have rebounded and are hiring.” To view new and archived press releases from United, visit the United Van Lines Newsroom. Compass Real Estate Group, LLC 354 Pequot Avenue Southport, CT  06890 (203) 255-7410 www.compassreg.com