Showing posts with label listings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label listings. Show all posts

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Check out our Property of the Week

Located on a quiet road, surrounded by other lovely homes is this beautiful cape in Stratford's north end neighborhood.  

Featuring:

3 bedrooms
2 full baths
Hardwood floors
Fireplace
Spacious backyard
One car garage
Large full size basement with high ceilings
Extra room upstairs can be used as a 4th bedroom 


Rich in history, Stratford, CT is home to a plethora of beaches, parks, restaurants and New England charm.  With an affordable price tag, ease of public transportation and a growing sense of community, this home is a must see.


Click below to view the virtual tour...






For more information, contact:
 
Compass Real Estate Group, LLC 

 
Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
(203) 255-7410(Office)
(203) 659-6633(Fax)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Spring Ahead to Wilton

Perhaps it's time to shake the doldrums of Winter and celebrate Spring in a new space.  Think walking distance to shops and eateries, basking by the pool on a leisurely afternoon and enjoying a warm sunset on a private patio.

Make yourself at home in this 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom townhouse w/loft that offers easy living on 2 levels. This spacious home features a living room, dining room, kitchen, skylights, large windows, fireplace and built-ins.








Enjoy the coming outdoor season on the lovely private brick patio. Brand new Weber gas grill and patio furniture are provided.

Also on the exterior, a carport, pool and short walk to Wilton Center makes this townhouse a desirable place to call home.

$2650/month







For more information on this property, contact:

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

(203) 255-7410
www.compassreg.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

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:
  1. Oregon
  2. South Carolina
  3. North Carolina
  4. District of Columbia
  5. South Dakota
  6. Nevada
  7. Texas
  8. 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:
  1. New Jersey
  2. Illinois
  3. New York
  4. West Virginia
  5. Connecticut
  6. Utah
  7. Kentucky
  8. Massachusetts
  9. 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

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Get The Most Out Of Your Job

Real Estate Professional Job Opening

 

After a very successful 2013, Compass Real Estate Group, LLC has grown and opened its doors in a new location of Southport,CT.  We are looking to expand even more by adding Licensed Real Estate Professionals to our organization.  Full-time and Part-time positions are available.

 

Requirements:

 

·         Licensed Real Estate Professional preferred, but willing to train the right person

·         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:

 

·         Generous commission

·         Flexible schedule

·         No desk fees

·         Supportive and energetic atmosphere

 

 

 

 

Join a company that is making its mark in the Real Estate community!

Contact us for more information:

 

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC

354 Pequot Avenue

SouthportCT  06890

 

(203) 255-7410

 

info@compassreg.com

 

And check us out at: www.compass-reg.com





Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Why Can't I Sell My Home?



I remember stumbling across this blog a few months ago.  It's written by Julia Sweeten from hookedonhouses.net


Makes you wonder why some houses stay on the market for months, maybe years at a time...




6 Real Estate Photos 

That Have Me Baffled


by HOOKEDONHOUSES on SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
dirty feet in real estate listing key west
1. Does this listing photo from Key West make you want to kick up your feet by the pool and stay awhile…or just keep on walking to the next house?
panaramic kitchen photo bad mls listings
2. Using a panoramic shot of the kitchen in this listing might not have been such a great idea…
light fixture with banana peel
3. Nothing sells a house faster than a close-up of a light fixture with a banana peel, right?
bedroom with stripper pole
4. Liane Jamason came across this listing that boasts “a pool private enough so you can skinny dip” and “modern raspberry shag carpet” in the bedroom that includes a “50 Shades of Grey dancer pole and mirror on the ceiling with disco ball.”
So many questions. Since when do the words modern and raspberry shag carpet belong together? Why did they have to put the image in my head of the homeowners skinny dipping? And as Liane asks, what is Winnie the Pooh doing in the Shades of Gray bedroom, anyway? (Maybe we don’t want to know…)
cleaning up a FSBO in Albuquerque
5. They’re cleaning this For Sale By Owner in Albuquerque for you as we speak!
red paint on kitchen floor Asheville-Pat
6. Maybe that woman could take that mop on over to this house in Asheville next?
by HOOKEDONHOUSES

So before taking the photos that are representing your home, 

keep these tips in mind:

On the Interior:

  • Different rooms look best at different times of the day, so give yourself a day to take the pictures.
  • Interior photos are best taken when shafts of light are coming through the windows; it creates a welcoming mood.
  • Shoot rooms from an angle to make them appear larger.
  • Get dynamic shots by capturing images at a low angle or with something in the foreground. 
  • A photo should only contain two walls of the room; taking three walls creates a shoebox effect.
  • Make sure window treatments are straight, blinds are drawn or consistent with other windows in the shot.
  • If a room is empty, bring in a prop to give it a sense of scale. 
  • If a room is full, tidy up clutter and position furniture so it doesn't mask the architectural features of the home.

On the Exterior:

  • Keep the sun behind you, shining on the front of the home.
  • If there are heavy shadows from trees, take the photo on an overcast day.
  • When using a wide-angle lens, take exterior photos from a ladder or the top of your car.
  • Be sure to remove garbage cans, cars, decorations, or any other clutter in the yard.

Happy Selling!


Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
354 Pequot Avenue
Southport, CT  06890
(203) 255-7410

www.compass-reg.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Standing Out In The Crowd

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 home you see in the newspaper 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

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Celebrate the New Year Here...

Talk about a fresh start for the new year... This beautiful ranch style home in Easton has recently been the lucky recipient of a complete renovation.  Located in a quiet neighborhood and just minutes from the Merritt Parkway, this home is packed with many desirable features.  $707,000














As the new owner of this home, you'll appreciate that all the exterior features have been completely updated, including a new roof, new siding, new windows, new stone walkway, and a recently paved driveway.  The exterior also features a 2 car attached garage and a deck overlooking 1 acre of level yard and trees.


On the interior, you'll enjoy an open floor plan with approximately 2,800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room with fireplace, dining room, a large gourmet eat-in-kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and viking range, hardwood floors throughout and a full basement.  






The newest additions to the home are a family room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace, bedrooms that showcase the design expertise of California Closets, and a new central air system.





 To find out more about this amazing property, contact:

Chris Constand
203.545.8242

Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
203.255.7410

www.compass-reg.com



Thursday, December 26, 2013

Ring in the New Year in a New Home...


Located in the Old Hill neighborhood of Westport, CT, this attractive colonial boasts an impressive floor plan with 4,300 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, living room with fireplace, formal dining room, family room, large bonus room and master bedroom suite with a renovated bath.





On the exterior, this home features a screened porch, patio, private level yard with an in-ground pool and pool house. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac yet conveniently close to shopping, restaurants, the beach and public transportation makes this home quite desirable. $6100 month.






Compass Real Estate Group, LLC
354 Pequot Avenue
Fairfield, CT  06825
(203) 255-7410


www.compass-reg.com



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Good Things Come In Small Packages

If you're familiar with Norwalk, CT, than you're familiar with SoNo.  Overlooking the Norwalk River, SoNo offers so much to do all within walking distance.  An urban atmosphere nestled among tons of diverse shops and restaurants make this part of Norwalk quite desirable.  So you can imagine scoring a residence in this part of town can be challenging.  With such a great location, nothing stays on the market for long.


Located in the heart of SONO, this 1 bed/1 bath End Unit apartment for $184,900 offers many features including a very bright and open floor plan, freshly painted and recently updated bath with marble and granite, modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, hardwood floors throughout, and French doors leading to a very spacious deck. A most desired location in Norwalk, it offers everything within walking distance... steps to the train, shopping, restaurants, parks, nightlife, movie theaters, museums, and the water. Call Compass to ask about the rental option on this great apartment. (203) 255-7410






Of course, at Compass Real Estate, all of our agents are natives of the Fairfield County areas.  So we recommend checking out these awesome places to visit in the SoNo district...

FOR A PUB STYLE LUNCH: The Brewhouse Restaurant, http://sonobrewhouse.com/

FOR A WATERFRONT DINNER: SoNo Seaport Seafood, http://www.sonoseaportseafood.com/

FOR A DECADENT DESSERT: Chocopologie, http://chocopologie.com/

FOR FUN: Maritime Aquarium, http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/


To find out more about the SoNo neighborhood, check out:    http://www.visitsono.com/



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

(203) 255-7410

www.compass-reg.com



Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Spread Some Holiday Cheer

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and now today is known as "Giving Tuesday".

Do you know someone who is looking to be in a new space before the holidays?  

Give them the gift of a new home!  Well... maybe just the information on it. 



Here are two of our featured properties...


Marion Road
Westport, CT

Located in the Old Hill neighborhood of Westport, CT, this attractive colonial boasts an impressive floor plan with 4,300 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, living room with fireplace, formal dining room, family room, large bonus room and master bedroom suite with a renovated bath.

On the exterior, this home features a screened porch, patio, private level yard with an in-ground pool and pool house. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac yet conveniently close to shopping, restaurants, the beach and public transportation makes this home quite desirable. $6100/month






Chatfield Street
Stamford, CT

Only a short walk to the Springdale train station.  This home features an updated kitchen and bath, newer appliances, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room with fireplace, dining room, hardwood floors throughout, deck overlooking a fenced-in yard, basement with theater and off-street parking.  Close to all that Springdale has to offer.  $2600/month






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

(203) 255-7410

www.compass-reg.com





Thursday, November 21, 2013

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...



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



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

(203) 255-7410


www.compass-reg.com