Judy Szablak Joins Coldwell Banker in Westport CT

WESTPORT, Conn.  (February, 14, 2013) - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., is pleased to welcome lifelong Fairfield County  resident Judy Szablak to the company’s Westport-Riverside office.  Szablak will provide residential real estate services in Westport, Fairfield, Weston and the surrounding communities in southern Fairfield County.

With nearly 30 years of experience serving homebuyers and sellers, Szablak has consistently been recognized for her sales achievements. Her expertise and success as a real estate professional has attracted media attention and invitations to serve as a guest on several programs.

She has appeared as a real estate expert on HGTV and served as a guest on Fairfield County Focus, a local show about business and politics that airs on WSHU.  Additionally, Szablak has served as a guest on “Morning Living”, a program airing on Martha Stewart Living Radio.

“Judy’s extensive knowledge of the real estate market, her professionalism and her focus on providing superior service, has gained her the admiration and respect of her clients and colleagues. She is tremendous asset to the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage team, and I am very pleased that she has joined the Westport-Riverside office,” said Lisa Passavant, sales manager of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Westport-Riverside office.

Szablak is the author of "The Art of Buying or Selling a Home", which was published in 2005. She regularly writes a real estate column that is published  on WestportNow.com.

Dedicated to her professional development, Szablak has successfully completed comprehensive educational and training courses to earn several professional designations, including Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Negotiation Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Graduate, Realtor Institute.

Szablak can be reached at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Westport-Riverside office located at 472 Riverside Avenue at (203) 227-8424.

The Spring Market Has Already Arrived in Fairfield County CT

The Spring Market is Here!

Real estate experts and economists agree that the real estate industry is gaining momentum.  If you were hoping to put your home on the market for the traditional Spring selling season, be advised that Spring has already sprung.  

Need proof?  Here are just a few of the latest headlines from some of the most respected news organizations:

• Home Selling Season isn't Waiting Until Spring this Year – L.A. Times, Jan. 20
• Housing Offers Hope of Strength in the Economy – New York Times, Jan. 24
• Housing Emerges as Economic Bright Spot After Years in the Dark – Washington Post, Jan. 28
• Home Prices Climb by Most in Six Years as U.S. Market Firms – Bloomberg, Jan. 29  

Essentially, low interest rates, rising rents, and a positive economic outlook are driving buyers who want to realize the dream of homeownership. With limited housing inventory, buyers are competing against one another for those properties that are priced well. The competition is resulting in bidding wars, which is driving up housing prices.  

The message is clear for sellers.  Right now is a prime opportunity to sell a home. Sellers need to ensure their property stands out from the competition with proper price positioning and home presentation.  If the home is priced right, and is in good condition, it will sell.  

Buyers shouldn’t sit on the fence either.  With a lack of inventory, competition for that perfectly priced dream home is becoming fierce.  Come prepared with solid financing, be ready to make a quick purchase decision, and be reasonable with your offer and expectations.  In some communities and price points, the buyer’s market has already tipped towards a seller’s market.  

As all real estate is local, what may be happening in some parts of the country may be different than what is taking place in Easton, Fairfield, Southport, Norwalk, Trumbull, Weston and Westport.

If you need help deciphering the market, please contact me and I will provide you with a competitive market analysis and review current market conditions with you.  I will use this information along with a review of current inventory, recent comparable sales prices and other data to advise you.  

In addition, I know which properties currently on the market will impact you, and can guide you on the optimal listing price to sell your home. If you are buying, I can help you decide an appropriate purchasing price so you can make the right offer on the right home for you.  

Changing seasons are inevitable, so take advantage of this season while it’s here. 

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

This Week's Edition of National Real Estate News 2/11/2013 (Video)

This week's national real estate news update - Trulia released their booming market list,  Freddie Mac exten ded foreclosure extensions until April 30, 2013, the best places to buy foreclosures, and home inspections are for sellers, too. Click here for more- about moving, home buying strategies and interest rates.

Click here for this months newsletter and our video news channel.

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

Safety Steps for Winter House Projects in CT

During the Winter, both the ground and the roof can remain slippery for weeks, making your first-of-the-year outdoor projects more challenging. Fortunately, you can tackle your outdoor to-do list without sacrificing safety.

Here’s how.

Dress for success. Before venturing outside, layer your clothing from head to toe to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. It’s best to dress in three layers—a first layer that “wicks” moisture away from your body, an insulating layer that traps heat and a protection layer that stands up to the elements. If you get too warm, you can always shed a layer.

Navigate slippery surfaces. It’s no surprise that winter precipitation can leave driveways and sidewalks slick, but sometimes a thin layer of ice is hard to spot. If you suspect slippery surfaces, wear flat footwear with good traction and walk slowly with your knees slightly bent. Try these tips to prevent painful falls and slips.

Shovel smart. Clearing away snow is good workout—15 minutes of it counts as moderate physical activity—but too much too fast can take a toll on your body. Warm up first to boost your heart rate. Grab a small shovel and remember to bend with your knees, not your back. Get more shoveling pointers from the National Safety Council.

Climb with care.  Whether you’re removing snow from your roof, taking down outdoor holiday decor, pruning trees or attempting any other outdoor activity involving a ladder, wait until the ground is dry, and be smart about ladder use. Better yet, hire a professional to complete these tasks.

Un-decorate attentively. As you un-string lights, be careful not to damage tree limbs and plants. Keep the strands tangle-free and watch your step to avoid stepping on bulbs as you pack up the strands. And just as you did at the beginning of the season, check strands for any signs of damage, discarding those that are frayed or damaged.

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 at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

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:

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

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

Nemo Storm Totals For Southwestern Connecticut

According to the National Weather Service, the accumulated snow totals are as follows for the following communities in Southwestern Connecticut.

If you see a link on any community below, please click on it, "Like" the Town page, and feel free to share pictures of that town on its dedicated Facebook page.

If you don't see your town's facebook page listed below in the storm totals, check for your town's page here

   BRIDGEPORT            30.0   658 AM  2/09  COOP OBSERVER      
   DARIEN                22.1   500 AM  2/09                                                                   
   GREENWICH             15.5   315 AM  2/09  PUBLIC                              
  MILFORD               38.0   615 AM  2/09  PUBLIC         
  NEW CANAAN            22.0   600 AM  2/09  CT DOT
  NEWTOWN               15.1   103 AM  2/09  PUBLIC    
  NORWALK               22.0   730 AM  2/09  PUBLIC
  OXFORD                36.2   600 AM  2/09  SKYWARN SPOTTER       
 SHELTON               26.5   700 AM  2/09  PUBLIC       
  STRATFORD             24.0  1200 AM  2/09  PUBLIC        
  WESTON                26.5   800 AM  2/09  SKYWARN SPOTTER  
  WESTPORT              18.2   900 AM  2/09  SKYWARN SPOTTER 

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

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:

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

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