Darcy Goes Global

It was a warm September evening, and the setting sun glinted off the boats of Southport Harbor.  I was being interviewed by a handsome Norwegian journalist and 'snapped' by another handsome Norwegian photographer.  Passers by stopped to look.  I felt pretty special!  It is interesting to see that the luxury real estate market in Fairfield County is considered a newsworthy topic to readers in Norway.  But then again, we are a global economy, and local events are affected by economic forces from across the globe.  This able Norwegian journalist is here on assignment, to cover news in the Tri-State area and relay it to his readers at home.  He will have lots of things to write about!

Upcoming Events

For all those animal lovers, Westport Animal Shelter Association (WASA) will be hosting a Top Dog contest and outdoor festival at Compo Beach this coming weekend .  Saturday, Oct 23 from 11 to 2. Best kisser, dog/owner lookalike contests, etc. plus food, music, and shopping, all geared to help promote the Animal Shelter.  Bring your 2 and 4-legged friends (leashes please) and join the fun!

Surge of Inventory expected for 2011

If my sources are typical of all Fairfield County Sellers, then there is going to be a lot of new inventory coming on in the spring of 2011!

Several sellers are getting their houses spruced up now, in anticipation of the spring market.
One of my clients has a painting company; his projects spanning the tri-state area are mostly people getting their house ready for selling in the spring.
People whose listings are expiring this fall tell me they are waiting for the spring to re-list.

If I am a seller, I will want to get my house out there before the floodgates open! 

Marketing a lifestyle

Hi all you sellers! Despite the press saying the market is soft, there are still people out there looking to buy! Have you have noticed lately the number of buyers coming from urban areas, especially New York? I have. One thing they are really attracted to, is the Fairfield County lifestyle, which combines sophistication with healthy and wholesome living. What do I mean by that? Organic markets, top quality restaurants, wonderful shopping, lots of happening events in the arts, and a thriving commercial base all contribute to an environment of sophistication. But we also have our simple, wholesome pleasures not found in the city: pick your own apples, hayrides, harvest festivals, pick your own halloween pumpkin, halloween parades, real trick or treating where neighbors meet neighbors on the street to exchange greetings and treats, nature walks, local volunteer efforts, high school car washes, etc. Fall is the perfect season to highlight the "lifestyle" of living here: get out those fall decorations for the house, pumpkins, candles redolent of pumpkin spices, change up some minor decor using warm colors of the fall. Anything that evokes images of nature, harvest, family, neighbors, thanksgiving (not just Thanksgiving) will strike a note that can often be missed in the city. Give it a try!