Thinking of Selling? Call Judy 203-257-5892

The only name you need to know for  real estate in Fairfield County -

Judy Szablak

203-257-5892 or Toll Free (855) GET- JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 3/1/2014

Rates have dropped  a bit from this time last week, so it's great news for early 2014 home buyers.  The 10 year treasury is at 2.65%.  If you were to take a look a closer look at the interest rates, then you would see that there has been an upward trend going back to May of 2013.  Anyone looking to close within the next short term period, then you might be better off locking into a rate now.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          4.5%             APR 4.557%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.5%             APR 3.594%

Conventional 5/1 ARM                 3.250%          APR 3.167%

Conventional 7/1 ARM                 3.500%          APR 3.419%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 780 and a 20% down payment.  If you would like a customized rate quote for your own specific loan scenario then please feel free to email me at nima@primeres.com or call me directly at 203.913.6016.

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

"You could List your home with any agent-

or.... List your home with Judy, and sell it""

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 The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

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 Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Steps to Making A Home Purchase in 2014

Thinking about buying a home? Great! But please remember, even if you have a few prior home purchases under your belt,  there are changes to local customs and standard contingencies that were not necessary even a few years ago. There are also additional situations you might get yourself in, where having a seasoned, professional and experienced Realtor (like me) would be of  great benefit to you.

Making an offer on a home can be intimidating, whether it's your first home, your second home, or even  your fifth or sixth home. It's almost like asking that girl or boy you had a secret crush on in high school for a date. Of course, there is very little risk of making a fool of yourself during the bidding process, but you really should know how to play your cards the right way before you "tip your hand", so to speak.

Once you’ve decided on the home you want to buy, your Realtor will draft a binder agreement, which is a pre-printed form that is filled out  with the address of the property, conditions of sale, and contingencies.  This agreement is to be signed by you and accompanied with a one percent deposit check.  Also, I include a pre-approval letter from the bank or mortgage company, as well as the state required signed disclosure forms.   This binder agreement will in turn, be submitted to the sellers agent, or directly to the seller (FSBO's)

That's when we really begin. The seller can respond in one of three ways: accept the offer, "counter" it with a different price and/or terms, or reject it.

If you choose to make what  could be considered to be  a low offer-

Most sellers assume, especially in a buyers market, that you would bid below asking price, unless the home was priced below market value in order to sell it immediately.

But,  if you bid 20 percent below what a seller wants, it may be a tougher negotiation. Many experts advise against subtracting more than 10 percent from the owner’s asking price, although you can  certainly sweeten a relatively low offer price by guaranteeing the seller a quick closing, few or no contingencies,  and/or  a larger deposit.

When a "Highest and Best Offer" is requested.

Sometimes there are multiple bids on a property, or the sellers ( or their agent)  get restless during negotiations and ask you to submit your highest and best offer for the home. Don’t go that extra mile if you are not 100 percent sure that you want this particular property. A highest and best bid is just that. Think of it this way- if your H&B bid was for $800,000 and  you were upset if you found out that you struck out on negotiations because $805,000 was the winning number, that you would not be upset that you didn't bid the 805k.  You would be at ease because you gave it your best shot, or offered the very top amount that  you would pay. If the sellers wanted just $100 more, you would feel the same way. It was enough.  That, by definition is highest and best.

... And tere’s nothing wrong with agreeing to pay the seller’s full asking price without negotiating at all . If the home of your dreams  is worth the price it is listed at, and you really want it, go ahead and just offer to pay the full asking price. There is no shame in that.  Do you want to see your dream home slip through your fingers because you want to pay $1,000 less for it? Another buyer may show up five minutes after you, eager to pay that difference- or push you both into a bidding war, where you end up paying OVER asking price.

Which leads us to ..... Bidding wars

If you find yourself in a bidding war situation, it is entirely up to you as to what your next steps are.  It can be very frustrating.  As one of a sometimes unknown number of rivals in a bidding war, you’re competing against each other blindfolded. Neither you nor your agent will know what price the other offer or offers are, and what any terms of those offers are.  *Refer to Highest and Best Bidding.
Every offer situation is different. Each home is different. There are a few standard "rules" for offers, but remember if something is important to you, put it in writing.

It is always best to keep email records, and if possible written records of all of your correspondence, questions, and written documentation, including any changes to agreements made with any involved parties.

Here comes the shameless plug- The first best step is to call me (203) 257-5892 :)

 Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 2/24/2014

Rates have remained at approximately the same levels for the last 30 days.  The 10 year treasury is at 2.73%.  If you were to take a look a closer look at the interest rates then you would see that there has been an upward trend going back to May of 2013.  Anyone looking to close within the next short term period then you might be better off locking into a rate now.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          4.5%             APR 4.557%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.625%         APR 3.719%

Conventional 5/1 ARM                 3.250%          APR 3.167%

Conventional 7/1 ARM                 3.500%          APR 3.419%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 780 and a 20% down payment.  If you would like a customized rate quote for your own specific loan scenario then please feel free to email me at nima@primeres.com or call me directly at 203.913.6016.

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

"When You Deserve the Best, You Deserve Judy"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Protect Yourself from a Home Fire

Just yesterday, a fire ravaged a condominium in Westport. Luckily, no one was injured, but we thought is was the perfect time to post a few fire safety tips, especially if you smell smoke. We don't want this happening to you.

Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

    When did I first notice the smell?
    What was going on when I noticed it?
    In what area is the odor the strongest?
    Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
    Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

    HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
    Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
    Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
    Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
    Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
    Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
    Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
    Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

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The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

• When did I first notice the smell?
• What was going on when I noticed it?
• In what area is the odor the strongest?
• Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
• Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

• HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
• Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
• Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
• Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
• Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
• Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
• Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
• Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

- See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/safety-1/sniff-out-home-fires/#sthash.D9VugJzL.dpuf

Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

• When did I first notice the smell?
• What was going on when I noticed it?
• In what area is the odor the strongest?
• Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
• Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

• HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
• Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
• Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
• Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
• Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
• Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
• Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
• Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

- See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/safety-1/sniff-out-home-fires/#sthash.D9VugJzL.dpuf