May proved to be another strong month for Fairfield real estate, despite the continued coronavirus shutdown. One of last month’s bigger obstacles for buyers was a lack of inventory. More sellers entered the market in May as coronavirus restrictions began to be eased. The number of new listings jumped from 61 to 136, and the number of homes for sale increased slightly. Pending sales (the number of accepted offers) were up and showings to contract were down, both indicating strong buyer activity. The median sales price increased from $645,500 last month to $662,500 in May and is up 4% for the year. Although the number of homes for sale is down sharply from last May (608 to 442), this may indicate a more balanced market. Compared to last year, the months of supply is much closer to a balanced market between buyers and sellers, where as last Spring buyers had a strong advantage. With less homes for sale and strong buyer demand, the median sales price is up compared to last year. Buyers also have a great advantage with the lowest interest rates on record. 3.15% for a 30-year fixed rate by the end of May. Do you know anyone looking for more information about their real estate market? I’d be happy to help.
12 Month Sales Activity
Housing Stats
(change from previous month)
| Median Sale Price: | $650,000 |
| change: | -0.76% |
| YTD change: | 1.72% |
| Units Sold: | 93 |
| change: | 30.99% |
| Active Listings: | 441 |
| change: | 7.30% |
| New Listings: | 192 |
| change: | 40.15% |
| Days on Market: | 67 |
| change: | -15.19% |
| Months of Supply: | 7.20 (Buyer's Market) |
| change: | 2.86% |
Economic News:
Stock Market: From its record highs in mid-February and early March, the stock market experienced shattering declines of more than 20% by March 23rd. Since then, despite record unemployment and a nationwide economic standstill, the markets have recovered nearly 75% of its losses by the end of May.
Unemployment: While weekly filings of unemployment claims since the start of the coronavirus outbreak have slowed, by the end of May, the total number of unemployed had reached 42 million Americans. Even while people are starting to get back to work, an additional 1.9 million people filed for unemployment in the last week of May. Unemployment numbers are expected to drop sharply June as more businesses re-open.
Real Estate: There has been a nationwide boom of home purchases during the coronavirus economic downturn. By the end of May, mortgage applications for new home purchases were up 17.5% from a year ago. Sales prices were up 3.9%. While millions of Americans have lost their jobs, those able to work from home have been buying in record numbers.
Stock Market: From its record highs in mid-February and early March, the stock market experienced shattering declines of more than 20% by March 23rd. Since then, despite record unemployment and a nationwide economic standstill, the markets have recovered nearly 75% of its losses by the end of May.
Unemployment: While weekly filings of unemployment claims since the start of the coronavirus outbreak have slowed, by the end of May, the total number of unemployed had reached 42 million Americans. Even while people are starting to get back to work, an additional 1.9 million people filed for unemployment in the last week of May. Unemployment numbers are expected to drop sharply June as more businesses re-open.
Real Estate: There has been a nationwide boom of home purchases during the coronavirus economic downturn. By the end of May, mortgage applications for new home purchases were up 17.5% from a year ago. Sales prices were up 3.9%. While millions of Americans have lost their jobs, those able to work from home have been buying in record numbers.
Real Estate Trends:
Rising Share Of First-Time Buyers As Investor Buyers Retreat: First time homebuyers are jumping into the market while investors became more cautious.
Decline In Sales In Urban Areas And Condominiums: Share of homes sold in the urban area or central city dropped further than rural areas, and condominium sales dropped steeper than single family sales dropped.
Increasing Use Of Virtual Tours/Showings/Open Houses: Social distancing measures resulted in fewer in-person client showings and an increase in virtual tours and open houses.
Rise In Contract Cancellations Related To Job Loss: The termination of homes under contract have risen due to job loss or other corona virus related issues.
Prices Remain Firm And Listings Are Starting To Revover: Listing prices have remained steady as sellers have been in no rush to sell homes at a lower price. Record low interest rates have kept buyers in the market.
Rising Share Of First-Time Buyers As Investor Buyers Retreat: First time homebuyers are jumping into the market while investors became more cautious.
Decline In Sales In Urban Areas And Condominiums: Share of homes sold in the urban area or central city dropped further than rural areas, and condominium sales dropped steeper than single family sales dropped.
Increasing Use Of Virtual Tours/Showings/Open Houses: Social distancing measures resulted in fewer in-person client showings and an increase in virtual tours and open houses.
Rise In Contract Cancellations Related To Job Loss: The termination of homes under contract have risen due to job loss or other corona virus related issues.
Prices Remain Firm And Listings Are Starting To Revover: Listing prices have remained steady as sellers have been in no rush to sell homes at a lower price. Record low interest rates have kept buyers in the market.
Low Budget Home Improvement Ideas Prior To Listing:
During this time of social distancing, homeowners who are waiting to list can use the time to make a big difference in their home with upgrades that don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple DIY projects can enhance a home and make spaces more appealing for buyers when homeowners are ready to move forward with their home sale. These are classics, and they still provide low cost, high impact value:
Lighting: Consider changing old lighting styles with modern/classic fixtures. Glass pendant lights in the kitchen make a big impact. Blown glass and geometric shaped pendants are becoming popular.
Paint: Still one of the simplest and least expensive DIY projects that has a dramatic impact on the homes appeal to buyers. Some popular colors for 2020 include Sherwin Williams Naval, Pantone Classic Blue, Behr Back to Nature, Benjamin Moore First Light, Graham & Brown Adeline, Dunn-Edwards Minty Fresh…
Curb Appeal: New flowers, fresh mulch and trimmed shrubs make a big difference. A well-designed front porch is also popular.
Smart Home Upgrades: Smart thermostats, smart switches and plugs, smart locks and energy monitoring systems are a big plus with buyers.
Cabinet and Doorknobs: Changing out old interior doorknobs to new ones that compliment other finishes in the home is an easy, inexpensive way to add a fresh look to the home. New cabinet hardware is also an inexpensive way to bring new life to an older kitchen.
During this time of social distancing, homeowners who are waiting to list can use the time to make a big difference in their home with upgrades that don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple DIY projects can enhance a home and make spaces more appealing for buyers when homeowners are ready to move forward with their home sale. These are classics, and they still provide low cost, high impact value:
Lighting: Consider changing old lighting styles with modern/classic fixtures. Glass pendant lights in the kitchen make a big impact. Blown glass and geometric shaped pendants are becoming popular.
Paint: Still one of the simplest and least expensive DIY projects that has a dramatic impact on the homes appeal to buyers. Some popular colors for 2020 include Sherwin Williams Naval, Pantone Classic Blue, Behr Back to Nature, Benjamin Moore First Light, Graham & Brown Adeline, Dunn-Edwards Minty Fresh…
Curb Appeal: New flowers, fresh mulch and trimmed shrubs make a big difference. A well-designed front porch is also popular.
Smart Home Upgrades: Smart thermostats, smart switches and plugs, smart locks and energy monitoring systems are a big plus with buyers.
Cabinet and Doorknobs: Changing out old interior doorknobs to new ones that compliment other finishes in the home is an easy, inexpensive way to add a fresh look to the home. New cabinet hardware is also an inexpensive way to bring new life to an older kitchen.
Time To Sell?
If you have been thinking about selling, now could be the best time in months to put your house on the market. Because of coronavirus, many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes: fearful of infected strangers entering their home and a lack of desire to look for their next home for similar reason. This caused a lack of inventory and a stall to the Spring market. However, buyers are out there, and ready to take advantage of never seen before low interest rates. By the end of May, the 30-year fixed rate was 3.15%! We have have seen an increase in buyers from New York City wishing to leave behind the city crowds for a taste of what Connecticut living has to offer. Prices have remained steady, and in some towns increased. Days on market in most towns have decreased as has the # of showings to contract. The market is moving in the right direction for sellers, and buyers are getting great financing options to afford the house and lifestyle of their dreams. Safe showing options (such as virtual tours) are available. If you have been thinking of selling, talk to your Realtor of choice for more information.
If you have been thinking about selling, now could be the best time in months to put your house on the market. Because of coronavirus, many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes: fearful of infected strangers entering their home and a lack of desire to look for their next home for similar reason. This caused a lack of inventory and a stall to the Spring market. However, buyers are out there, and ready to take advantage of never seen before low interest rates. By the end of May, the 30-year fixed rate was 3.15%! We have have seen an increase in buyers from New York City wishing to leave behind the city crowds for a taste of what Connecticut living has to offer. Prices have remained steady, and in some towns increased. Days on market in most towns have decreased as has the # of showings to contract. The market is moving in the right direction for sellers, and buyers are getting great financing options to afford the house and lifestyle of their dreams. Safe showing options (such as virtual tours) are available. If you have been thinking of selling, talk to your Realtor of choice for more information.
Fairfield Sales Trends: January-May
May Single-Family Home Sales
(OLP: original list price • LP: list price • SP: sale price • DOM: days on market)
| Address | Style | sq ft | BR | BA (f/h) | OLP | LP | SP | SP/OLP | DOM |
| 34 Mayflower Circle | Raised Ranch | 1,588 | 3 | 1/1 | $499,000 | $499,000 | $480,000 | 96% | 30 |
| 96 Louvain St. | Cape Cod, Colonial | 1,554 | 3 | 2/1 | $545,000 | $539,000 | $525,000 | 96% | 145 |
| 35 Old Dam Rd. | Contemporary | 1,888 | 4 | 3/0 | $777,700 | $649,000 | $625,000 | 80% | 413 |
| 1858 N. Benson Rd. | Colonial | 3,200 | 4 | 3/1 | $845,000 | $845,000 | $800,000 | 95% | 71 |
| 1337 Burr St. | Colonial | 4,668 | 5 | 3/1 | $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 | $965,000 | 92% | 80 |
| 153 Brookfield Ave. | Colonial | 1,309 | 3 | 1/1 | $449,900 | $449,900 | $435,000 | 97% | 85 |
| 59 Southfield Rd. | Cape Cod, Colonial | 1,128 | 2 | 2/0 | $489,900 | $489,900 | $490,000 | 100% | 19 |
| 57 Pine Creek Ave. | Raised Ranch | 1,868 | 3 | 2/1 | $790,000 | $580,000 | $535,000 | 68% | 287 |
| 940 Hulls Hwy. | Colonial | 3,080 | 5 | 2/1 | $820,000 | $580,000 | $570,000 | 70% | 161 |
| 529 Riverside Dr. | Colonial | 1,835 | 3 | 1/1 | $689,000 | $675,000 | $655,000 | 95% | 44 |
| 542 Merwins Lane | Split Level | 2,560 | 4 | 3/0 | $799,000 | $775,000 | $725,000 | 91% | 231 |
| 53 Old Dam Rd. | Colonial | 3,188 | 3 | 2/1 | $1,099,000 | $1,099,000 | $995,000 | 91% | 79 |
| 350 Bennett St. | Raised Ranch | 1,132 | 3 | 2/0 | $380,000 | $332,120 | $273,914 | 72% | 72 |
| 64 Henry St. | Other | 1,628 | 4 | 3/1 | $840,000 | $710,000 | $710,000 | 85% | 103 |
| 287 Senese Dr. | Colonial | 3,900 | 4 | 4/0 | $899,900 | $899,900 | $850,000 | 94% | 45 |
| 471 Hulls Farm Rd. | Colonial | 6,580 | 4 | 5/1 | $2,395,000 | $2,395,000 | $2,325,000 | 97% | 38 |
| 187 Westway Rd. | Colonial | 7,177 | 7 | 7/2 | $3,295,000 | $3,000,000 | $2,750,000 | 83% | 252 |
| 39 Adley Rd. | Cape Cod | 1,434 | 2 | 1/0 | $310,000 | $279,900 | $265,000 | 85% | 148 |
| 91 Henderson Rd. | Colonial | 1,662 | 4 | 1/1 | $520,000 | $475,000 | $315,000 | 61% | 177 |
| 306 Nutmeg Lane | Colonial, Split Level | 1,488 | 3 | 2/1 | $468,000 | $468,000 | $435,000 | 93% | 57 |
| 558 S. Pine Creek Rd. | Cape Cod | 1,595 | 4 | 1/0 | $499,900 | $474,900 | $450,000 | 90% | 108 |
| 1509 Brookside Dr. | Colonial | 3,064 | 5 | 2/2 | $725,000 | $725,000 | $715,000 | 99% | 16 |
| 90 S. Pine Creek Rd. | Colonial, Farm House | 2,918 | 4 | 2/1 | $769,000 | $769,000 | $750,000 | 98% | 44 |
| 4250 Congress St. | Colonial | 3,521 | 4 | 4/1 | $895,000 | $850,000 | $830,000 | 93% | 108 |
| 23 Barton Rd. | Colonial | 1,946 | 4 | 2/1 | $695,000 | $695,000 | $650,000 | 94% | 101 |
| 180 Hill Brook Lane | Colonial | 3,567 | 3 | 2/1 | $749,000 | $749,500 | $750,000 | 100% | 34 |
| 236 Verna Hill Rd. | Colonial | 2,723 | 4 | 2/1 | $839,000 | $839,000 | $780,000 | 93% | 35 |
| 177 Nichols St. | Colonial | 3,846 | 4 | 4/1 | $1,175,000 | $1,125,000 | $1,060,000 | 90% | 216 |
| 55 Lee Dr. | Cape Cod, Colonial | 1,985 | 3 | 3/0 | $789,000 | $789,000 | $730,000 | 93% | 156 |
| 71 Spruce St. | Colonial | 2,016 | 3 | 3/0 | $799,000 | $799,000 | $799,000 | 100% | 108 |
| 140 Fence Row Dr. | Colonial | 7,739 | 4 | 5/2 | $1,585,000 | $1,550,000 | $1,500,000 | 95% | 70 |
| 56 Shoreham Terrace | Cape Cod | 1,176 | 4 | 1/0 | $419,000 | $364,900 | $346,875 | 83% | 211 |
| 270 Merwins Lane | Colonial | 4,884 | 5 | 4/1 | $1,398,000 | $1,398,000 | $1,398,000 | 100% | 41 |
| 1772 N. Benson Rd. | Ranch | 1,512 | 2 | 1/0 | $325,000 | $325,000 | $328,000 | 101% | 2 |
| 192 Partridge Lane | Ranch | 2,000 | 3 | 2/0 | $565,000 | $565,000 | $575,000 | 102% | 43 |
| 22 Charles St. | Colonial | 1,928 | 4 | 1/1 | $595,000 | $595,000 | $580,000 | 97% | 23 |
| 370 Flintlock Rd. | Colonial, Other | 3,220 | 4 | 4/1 | $754,900 | $734,900 | $675,000 | 89% | 86 |
| 344 Crestwood Rd. | Colonial | 3,707 | 5 | 3/1 | $989,000 | $729,000 | $720,000 | 73% | 719 |
| 141 Toll House Lane | Ranch | 1,008 | 3 | 1/0 | $359,900 | $359,900 | $352,000 | 98% | 2 |
| 12 Reynolds Dr. | Colonial | 2,250 | 4 | 3/0 | $539,900 | $524,900 | $527,400 | 98% | 153 |
| 23 Ludlowe Rd. | Colonial | 2,030 | 3 | 1/1 | $695,000 | $670,000 | $670,000 | 96% | 43 |
| 103 Osborne Lane | Colonial, Split Level | 3,488 | 4 | 3/1 | $875,000 | $875,000 | $875,000 | 100% | 25 |
| 111 Shelter Rock Rd. | Colonial | 4,150 | 4 | 3/1 | $999,999 | $999,999 | $917,000 | 92% | 126 |
| 351 Half Mile Rd. | Colonial | 3,061 | 4 | 2/1 | $995,000 | $995,000 | $985,000 | 99% | 24 |
| 73 Blake Dr. | Colonial | 3,200 | 4 | 3/1 | $1,199,000 | $1,099,000 | $1,055,000 | 88% | 245 |
| 127 Oldfield Rd. | Colonial, Farm House | 3,814 | 5 | 4/1 | $1,185,000 | $1,185,000 | $1,055,000 | 89% | 90 |
| 45 Edge Hill Place | Colonial | 3,126 | 4 | 3/0 | $725,000 | $679,900 | $647,500 | 89% | 95 |
| 725 Westport Tpke. | Contemporary, Ranch | 3,248 | 4 | 2/1 | $649,000 | $649,000 | $600,000 | 92% | 221 |
| 190 Adley Rd. | Ranch | 1,691 | 3 | 2/0 | $369,000 | $310,000 | $277,500 | 75% | 83 |
| 4 Arbor Terrace | Cape Cod | 1,578 | 3 | 1/0 | $475,000 | $419,900 | $360,000 | 76% | 249 |
| 1330 Mill Hill Terrace | Colonial | 2,273 | 3 | 2/1 | $670,000 | $599,999 | $525,000 | 78% | 411 |
| 1071 S. Pine Creek Rd. | Colonial, Farm House | 2,362 | 4 | 2/0 | $839,000 | $799,000 | $785,000 | 94% | 80 |
| 137 Partridge Lane | Colonial | 3,200 | 4 | 3/1 | $889,900 | $889,900 | $885,000 | 99% | 15 |
| 1566 Bronson Rd. | Colonial | 4,228 | 4 | 4/1 | $999,000 | $999,000 | $999,000 | 100% | 76 |
| 30 Fallow Field Lane | Colonial | 4,472 | 5 | 3/0 | $599,700 | $529,700 | $450,000 | 75% | 200 |
| 215 Hurd St. | Cape Cod | 1,730 | 4 | 2/0 | $525,000 | $525,000 | $500,000 | 95% | 79 |
| 2120 Mill Plain Rd. | Colonial | 1,816 | 3 | 2/1 | $549,900 | $549,900 | $549,900 | 100% | 27 |
| 65 Elderberry Lane | Colonial | 3,558 | 4 | 3/0 | $710,000 | $710,000 | $680,000 | 96% | 19 |
| 55 Sconset Dr. | Colonial | 3,562 | 4 | 4/1 | $1,000,000 | $990,000 | $950,000 | 95% | 111 |
| 93 Buckboard Lane | Colonial | 3,394 | 5 | 2/1 | $709,900 | $709,900 | $675,000 | 95% | 71 |
| 120 Palmer Bridge, Unit #120 | Colonial | 3,350 | 3 | 3/1 | $737,900 | $737,900 | $720,000 | 98% | 40 |
| 120 Palmer Bridge, Unit #120 | Colonial | 3,350 | 3 | 3/1 | $737,900 | $737,900 | $720,000 | 98% | 40 |
| 18 Fairfield Woods Rd. | Bungalow | 577 | 1 | 1/0 | $199,000 | $199,000 | $199,000 | 100% | 86 |
| 39 Windsor Rd. | Ranch, Split Level | 3,310 | 3 | 2/0 | $599,000 | $599,000 | $586,000 | 98% | 43 |
| 81 Taunton Rd. | Colonial | 2,489 | 3 | 2/1 | $689,000 | $675,000 | $655,000 | 95% | 210 |
| 85 Patrick Dr. | Colonial, Contemporary | 2,595 | 4 | 3/1 | $729,000 | $729,000 | $710,000 | 97% | 33 |
| 231 Woodrow Ave. | Colonial | 2,600 | 4 | 3/0 | $799,999 | $799,999 | $775,000 | 97% | 15 |
| 173 Blaine St. | Cape Cod | 1,590 | 3 | 1/1 | $428,500 | $399,900 | $355,000 | 83% | 68 |
| 863 Oldfield Rd. | Colonial | 1,520 | 3 | 1/1 | $539,900 | $524,900 | $530,000 | 98% | 83 |
| 243 Hill Brook Lane | Colonial | 3,321 | 4 | 2/1 | $679,000 | $679,000 | $650,000 | 96% | 29 |
| 101 Lakeview Dr. | Colonial | 3,300 | 4 | 3/1 | $869,000 | $869,000 | $855,000 | 98% | 5 |
| Units Sold: 71 | $729,000 | $709,900 | $675,000 | 95% | 79 |
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