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Archive for the 'Ridgefield' Category

Art Walk - Another Awesome Ridgefield 300th Event You Can’t Miss

August 12th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Local Events, Ridgefield

The streets of Ridgefield come alive with home grown art this Saturday night August 16. Local Ridgefield artists will transform Main Street stores into art galleries as the Ridgefield 300th Anniversary Celebration hosts the first-ever Art Walk Ridgefield.

Several of our Ridgefield friends including Jean Linville and Noelle Carr are participating artists and our Keller Williams office is hosting some of their work.

This unique event will kick off in Ballard Park at 5:30 p.m. with a lively talk about “300 Years of Art in Ridgefield,” and maps will be provided showing participating Art Walk businesses. Children’s artwork will be displayed in Deborah Ann’s Chocolates and the Orange Elephant.

Check out the Ridgefield 300th website for information on this great event as well as all the other special events throughout the year.

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Ridgefield, CT Real Estate Market Report: Home Sales August 2008

August 11th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Market Data & Statistics, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate

Do we have a national weather report? You know, just one report like “in the US today it will be sunny day in the mid-80’s…” Never seen that? It doesn’t work because weather is local.

It can’t be done with real estate either… just like weather, real estate is local. So all these headlines shouting “20% foreclosure rate” and “prices down over 30%” might apply to other locales but I can tell you they’re not talking about Ridgefield, CT!

Ridgefield Real Estate Report

What we’ve seen thru the beginning of August is a real estate market that remains active and still shows significant activity. Year-to-date, the number of transactions still trail last year by about 30% and, by looking at the Ridgefield median home price, prices have only dropped about 10% over the last 18 months. Inventory has started to wane as the good houses (best condition, best price) are quickly bought while the others will continue to linger on the market. Buyers are still blessed with access to low mortgage rates and Brad and I keep relationships with the best mortgage professionals in the business so you can be certain that with a good credentials, borrowing money will never be a problem.

A closer look at the numbers reveals an interesting trend this year: sales activity is focused on the lower end of the market. The graph shows a distinct shift in 2008 from Ridgefield luxury real estate and more towards the entry and mid levels. We’re definitely seeing more young families getting into town for the terrific schools and other sought-after amenities while owners at the high end are holding onto their homes and anticipating better times to come.

I can’t say exactly when things will bottom-out but I can tell you that just like the weather, the report is local but it is also affected by many larger forces. As the election shakes out, oil prices drop back to reasonable levels and the banks realigned themselves with manageable lending behavior, the Ridgefield real estate market will see some gains again. It might not be until 2009 or 2010, but all markets are cyclical and we’ll ride this out better than 98% of the rest of the country.

Don’t ever hesitate to call us if you have any questions about this information or anything else. We’re always available to help in any way we can.

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How to Find Out What the Tax Man Thinks Your Fairfield County House is Worth and Why it Matters

August 8th, 2008 categories: Market Data & Statistics, Redding, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate, Wilton

You’re just a few clicks away from knowing what any house is worth! Whether you’re buying a house, selling a house or just living in your house for the time being, it’s always good to know the local tax assessment. Assessments in Connecticut are updated every 5 years and represent 70% of a homes true market value.

Take Ridgefield for example. In 2007 the Tax Assessor (Al Garzi), worked with a vendor to revalue every property in town. Based on actual sales, they objectively assign a dollar value to each parcel in order to fairly divide up Ridgefield’s tax burden. If a house has recently changed ownership, it is likely that that the new assessment will reflect this transaction price.

When I value a home for sale or purchase, I present my client with 4 different market valuation models based on several factors. The tax assessment is a major input to my valuation model for any individual home. Not only the assessment for that particular house, but the assessments for all the comparable houses that have recently sold and are currently on the market.

Contact us to learn more about how to accurately model the value of any home. Weather you’re buying, selling, or just tracking the value of you current home, it’s important to keep an accurate read on it’s market value.

Online Tax Assessments for Ridgefield, Redding, Wilton and other area towns in Fairfield County

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The 5 Best Ways to Chill Indoors in Ridgefield This Summer

July 30th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Keep Your Kids Busy, Recreation & Sports, Ridgefield

The sun doesn’t always shine around here. And sometimes it shines too bright so you need a respite from the heat and humidity. Here’s 5 great ways to beat the heat and entertain yourself and your family indoors this summer.

Enjoy the Great INDOORS in Ridgefield, CT

WEIR FARM -Weir farm has served as home and inspiration to 3 generations of artists. The art center sustains the legacy of American Artist J. Alden Weir. This National Historic Site (operated by the National Park Service) offers guided tours, art history programs and an art gallery throughout the summer. NOTE: Indoor gallery is not air conditioned.
DANBURY DUCK PIN LANES - Small pins big fun! Never been? You gotta try duck pin bowling. These are small pins and small bowling balls and it great family fun. Great for kids birthaday parties too. Learn more: Small Pins Offer Bowlers a Big Challenge - New York Times
SUGARBEADS - This beading studio in Copps Hill Common provides the best selection of the finest beads found today. Everyone, novice to professional will be comfortable stringing this extraordinary collection beads (over 5000 types).
THE RIDGEFIELD LIBRARY - The Ridgefield Ferguson Library is more than just books! The library folks provide programs and activities all summer long. Reading programs for kids and adults, a movie series and more. Check it all out at their website.
THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE - The Ridgefield Playhouse sure doesn’t take the summer off. World class Live music, comedy and first-run movies right right here in town! Don’t miss The Second City Comedy Troop, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Rankin or the new Kitt Kittredge movie.
THE RIDGEFIELD RECREATION CENTER - Enjoy the pool, gym and workout facilities all summer long. The Ridgefield Rec Center offers organized activites including basketball, yoga, dog obedience, ballroom dance, swimming lessons and more.

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The 5 Best Ways to Chill in Ridgefield This Summer

July 18th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate

Summertime in Ridgefield is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy what makes living here so much fun. The menu of things to do to is limitless. Here I’ve pulled together 5 great outdoor activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Ridgefield, CT

CHIRP - Catch a CHIRP concert in Ballard Park. Every Tuesday night Ridgefielders enjoy some of the best live music from around the world. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy the show.
GREAT POND at MARTIN PARK - Beat the heat at Ridgefield’s Martin Park. Enjoy the sandy town beach on Great Pond. Lifeguards are on duty everyday from Memorial Day through Labor day. Bring your lunch and eat in the picnic pavilion. Swim out to the floats, swim lessons available. Open 10:00 - 7:00 every day.
BENNETTS POND STATE PARK - Hiking trails abound in Bennetts Pond State Park. Located partly on land where the Famous Fox Hill Inn once stood, Bennetts Pond offers the best hiking in the region. This trail system offers miles and miles of fireroads, meadows, rock formations, forests and hills. Trails interconnect with Lakes Windwing, Pine Mountain and Hemlock Hills recreation areas.
RIDGEFIELD FARMERS MARKET - Bring home Summer’s bounty from the Ridgefield Farmers Market. Pick up the finest locally grown, organic produce, artisan breads and more to make your weekend eating truly spectacular. The Ridgefield Farmers Market is open every Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 on the green across the parking lot from Cellar XV on Danbury Road.
SALE-A-BRATION - Shop yourself silly and have a blast at this summer’s Sale-A-Bration, Ridgefield’s annual Main Street event. Tied into this year’s 300th Anniversary celebration, Main Street is closed for the festivities featuring dancing, bands, clowns and Ridgefield’s fantastic local merchants. Don’t miss it - TOMORROW!