What Makes a LEED Home Different?     Recently here in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut two new LEED homes designed by Trillium Architects have been built. The first one is a renovation in Darien that just was certified LEED Platinum the highest rating by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) and the second a new build in Rowayton seeking to earn LEED Platinum or Gold. What makes a LEED Home different? Below are some of the specifications that go beyond the basic building and energy code to make a home more sustainable, energy efficient, healthier and comfortable to live in. 6 inches of EPS foam board insulation under the basement slab with additional layer of insulted floating floor panels above the slab. 2 by 6 24” o.c. advance wall framing. Wrap exterior wall in 1 inch structural... 07/20/2012

 1925 Colonial Renovation Earns LEED Platinum Certification in Darien, Ct.     Usually LEED certified homes are new built but not this 1925 Colonial home in Darien, Connecticut that sits on 1/7 in town acre property (6,222 sq. ft. lot) originally with 1476 square feet of living space. The advantage of this in town lot is that you can walk to the park, downtown and train station. The finished renovation gives the home 2858 square feet and achieved a HERS rating of 37/100. A Home Energy Rating System, HERS is based on performance of the home compared to a new home built to the latest energy standards. A new home if built correctly will have a HERS Index score of 100 while a typical resale home averages 130, the lower the score the more efficient the home is.  The renovation resulted in a ... 07/19/2012

2nd Quarter, 2012 Real Estate Report for Darien, Connecticut. July 16, 2012. Year to date single family homes in Darien, Connecticut have seen an increase of homes sold compared to last year with a 12.71% improvement. Yet with increased activity the median sold price has dropped year to date compared to last year by 19.63% from $1,449,500 in 2011 to $1,165,000. On the Darien MLS there are 145 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $399,000 for a 1920 ranch style home on 0.27 acres up to a $26,000,000 for a 5.25 waterfront estate on Contentment Island in the Tokeneke Association.             DARIEN MARKET REPORT UPDATE ~ June 27 – July 10, 2012 9 New Listings 10 Price Changes 8 Accepted Offers 7 Deposits 34 Closed   To see the  year end report for Darien, Ct. for the past 3 y... 07/16/2012

Are you looking to sand and refinish hardwood floors in Darien CT?   It's amazing what a difference refinishing your hardwood flooring can make.  Your floors will look brand new and you even have the option to change the color.  You can go light, dark, mid tones, or red tones. It can really give your home (or room) a whole new look.   If you have hardwood underneath your carpets, we can restore the beauty of the hardwood underneath. It's amazing what a big difference this can make in your home.  And, believe it or not, it is usually less expensive to refinish your floors than to recarpet.  Refinishing your wood floors will also improve your home's value and it will be easier to clean and maintain.   At Floor Coverings International, we are a shop at home service.  We will bring the "sto... 07/12/2012

Title Insurance for Connecticut Real Estate. Title Insurance is a onetime purchase when purchasing a home or refinancing a mortgage that covers losses that may result from defects in the title. These policies insure that a property is free and clear of liens, mortgages or other claims against the property. A “title search” is a search usually done by an attorney or a title searcher who will review the records of the property at the town clerk’s office and should reveal any liens, judgments, restrictions, easements or anything else attached to the property. Title insurance is offered to mortgage lenders and property owners to protect against losses if there are defects in the title. The premium for Lender’s is based on the amount of the loan. The premium for Owners is based on the purcha... 06/22/2012

Real Estate Market Report for Your Connecticut Home by Town. How many homes sold in your town last month? What was the average price? These and many more questions are answered on a town by town basis with the William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty monthly Local Market Tracker Report. This monthly updated report is FREE at the WPSIR’s website and the information is provided by your local MLS (multiple listing service) that is paid for by dues from you town’s active real estate agents and brokers. These reports are broken up into 42 separate towns, below are a preview of some of the statistic’s provided, go to www.williampitt.com to see full report.  * For Litchfield County, Connecticut reports are broken up into 19 towns, please go to the WPSIR affiliate Litchfield Hills Sotheby’s ... 06/12/2012

   DARIEN Market Trends May 2012     Darien, Connecticut is currently a Buyer's market with 9.4 months of inventory (based on absorption rates over the past 12 months).  Prices have continued to decline over the past 12 month, but more homes are selling and inventory is lower.  The Average List to Sales Price is also increasing. If you are interested in buying or selling in Darien, Connecticut, please contact Gail Robinson, REALTOR, at 203-521-0768.   06/12/2012

Broker's Favorite Open House, Darien, Ct. ~ June 7th, 2012. In Darien, Connecticut real estate agents and brokers get to get a first look at homes new to the market through Broker's Open house. Today four homes caught my eye be it the price, new construction, large space or just incredible views. Take a look below and to get more information on each property click on picture. ~ 2,484 sq. ft. Cape style home on 0.21 acres within walking distance to town & train, $699,000. ~ Quality New Build, 5,745 sq. ft. on 0.35 acres, 4 beds, 3/2 baths, gourmet kitchen, $2,495,000. ~ 6,444 sq. ft. High end Nantucket style colonial on 1.6 acres surrounded by land trust, $3,195,000. ~ 8,274 sq. ft, secluded direct waterfront retreat with rare, private sandy beach and breath taking views of L.I. Sound, $... 06/07/2012

WPSIR Broker’s Open House Darien, Rowayton & New Canaan, Ct  June 5th, 2012. William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty Broker's Open house preview for June 5th, 2012 has selected 4 home offered by WPSIR. Two of the homes are in Darien along with one each in New Canaan and Rowayton. The two Darien homes are:- ~ 3,259 sq. ft. Colonial on 2 acres just reduced $100K to $1,545,000. ~ Beautiful landscaped and views with this waterfront property on Pear Tree Point Road along the Goodwives River, 4,114 sq. ft. with 0.83 acres offered at $4,375,000. New Canaan ~ 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home on 2.92 acres in South New Canaan just reduced to $1,120,000. Rowayton ~ Spectacular water views, open floor plan, part of the Thomas Place community with 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths offered at $2,595,000. Click ... 06/05/2012

  DARIEN Market Trends April 2012   We are still clearly in a Buyer’s Market, but there is good news.  The Average Number of Homes Sold per Month for single family homes is increasing.  Unfortunately, Months’ Supply on Market is rising as fewer homes sell, and both Average List Prices and Average Sales Prices have declined over the past year.  It would take 13.4 months to sell off all the inventory on the market (12 months rate is used for absorption analysis).  The high end markets in Fairfield County are still experiencing a strong Buyers Market.  Homes at the luxury level in Darien as well as the rest of Fairfield County are still selling more slowly than homes at the mid or lower end of the market. 05/29/2012

Broker’s Favorite Open House, Darien, Ct. May 25, 2012. There are currently 170 single family homes listed on the Darien MLS with 10 of them being new listings this week. On this week’s Broker’s favorite open house tour 2 are new listings and 2 have been on for a couple of weeks. ~ 2325 sq. ft home, 0.54 acres on a dead end street walk to town and train. ~ Move in ready, beautifully renovated Nantucket shingle styled home 4112 sq. ft. on 0.54 acres. ~ 3483 sq ft 1951 home on 1.06 park like acres, perfect for a renovation to suit your style, on a dead end street. ~ Redone to the max in 2005 stunning French Normandy Tudor in a private sought after neighborhood 4221 sq. ft. on 0.88 acres with pool   To view pictures and information click on links below.   Broker's Preview, Darien, CtDavid ... 05/25/2012

Darien, Ct. Weekly Real Estate Market Update May 16 – 22, 2012. May 24, 2012. The Darien Real Estate market has been busy with 15 new listings this week, 16 accepted offers and 6 Deposits. On top of that there were 11 closings with sale prices between $624,000 up to $2,410,000. Year to date there has been 72 single family homes closed recorded on the Darien MLS. Currently on the Darien MLS there are 172 single family homes listed for sale starting off with a 1200 square foot cottage for $399,000 up to $26,000,000 for an 8500 square foot water front home on 5.25 acres.   Darien, Ct. Weekly Market Update May 16-22, 2012 Darien Market ReportMay 16 - May 22, 2012 New Listings List Price     31 Edgewood Rd $509,000     22 Thomasina Ln $645,000      25 Wakemore St $675,000     4 By Rd $895,00... 05/24/2012

Broker’s Favorite Open House May 17, 2012 ~ Darien, Ct. Today in Darien, Connecticut for Broker’s Open house there were 27 homes to preview. The prices ran from $6,800 Nash Island waterfront rental up to a double lot waterfront piece on Brush Island listed at $7,750,000. But today we are going to concentrate on four properties in the low to mid-range for Darien market. ~ The first home is a two family home with 1,432 sq. ft. on 0.27 acres. ~ Move in ready 3,250 sq. ft. home on 0.40 acres. ~ Extra-large lot of 1.62 acres with pond view and 5,735 sq. ft. ~ New high end construction 5,200 sq. ft. on 0.50 acres.     Broker's Favorite ~ Darien, Ct. 5/17/12David Popoff Newsletter | May 17, 2012 73 HeckerDarien, CT Price | Beds | Baths | Sq. Ft. $710,000 4 2 1,432 14 Clock AvenueDarien, CT Pri... 05/17/2012

FREE Guide Book to Darien, Connecticut. The Darien Board of Realtors, Inc has put together a wonderful  FREE on line guide with pictures, information and links about Darien, Ct. The online presentation includes:- DARIEN AT A GLANCE ~ providing a brief history, demographics and description of Darien, Ct. EDUCATION ~ Description of local public schools, nursery schools and after school playrooms. BEACHES & PARKS ~ 205 acres within Darien make up the 12 park facilities that include woodlands, playing fields, playgrounds, ponds and beaches. LEISURE ~ A guide to club organizations, restaurants, shops, arts and entertainment. TOWN SERVICES ~ Town services and the Darien Library. PLACES OF WORSHIP ~ The town’s 12 churches and their community wide services and resources. TRANSPORTATION ~ Just 5... 05/15/2012

Lower Home Prices, Lower Mortgage Rates = Opportunity in Darien, Ct. May 2012. May 10th, 2012. With rental rates rising nationwide owning a home seems more affordable now with mortgage rates yet again hitting a record low along with the declining home prices. In Darien, Connecticut the median sold price year to day compared to last year is down 23.5% at $1,140,000. Another indication of a strong buyers market is that new listings are up 26.51% year to date compared to last year in Darien, Ct. Currently on the Darien MLS there are 177 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $399,000 through to $8,950,000 and one listing at $26,000,000 with a 8500 square foot home on 5.25 acre waterfront property.           If you would like to sign up for the WPSIR real estate e-mail newslette... 05/09/2012

April 26th, 2012 Broker's Open House, Darien, Connecticut. Four homes that shined this week on Broker's Open House tour that include:- ~ Classic expanded colonial saltbox on 2 acres. ~ An updated contemporary home with energy efficient solar hot water and heating. ~ High end new construction, 4000+ sq. ft. ~ 1999 Unique Architectural detailed designed by Roger Bartels in Tokeneke Assoc.   Broker's Favorite ~ Darien, Ct. 4/26/12David Popoff Newsletter | April 26, 2012 4 Hunt RoadDarien, CT Price | Beds | Baths | Sq. Ft. $1,645,000 5 4 3,259 43 Huckleberry LaneDarien, CT Price | Beds | Baths | Sq. Ft. $2,199,000 5 5 5,803 305 Middlesex RoadDarien, CT Price | Beds | Baths | Sq. Ft. $2,299,000 4 3 4,166 48 Old Farm RoadDarien, CT Price | Beds | Baths | Sq. Ft. $4,995,000 6 6 8,289 April 26t... 04/25/2012

Connecticut’s District & School Reports. The Connecticut Education Data and Research (CEDaR) portal by the State Department of Education’s is now updated and available for the public. The CEDaR portal provides longitudinal data in the form of District and School Snapshots, data tables and agency publications such as the Strategic School Profiles and data bulletins. Go to the Strategic School Profile for your town to see what each school is doing. These down loaded PDF’s provide such information as:- Type of School and Enrollment Programs and Instructions School Staff & Location School Diversity Student Performance and Behavior Schools Improvement Plans and Activities Supplemental School Information As well as the Strategic School Profiles that are provide on CEDaR there are:- Annual Per... 04/25/2012

   DARIEN Market Trends March 2012     Darien, Connecticut is currently a strong Buyer's market with 12-13 months of inventory (based on absorption rates over the past 12 months). Prices have continued to decline over the past 12 months and fewer homes sold. The amount of orange areas on the chart above shows at a glance that we are still clearly in a Buyer’s Market. The Average Number of Homes Sold per Month for single family homes has slowed, Months’ Supply on Market is rising as fewer homes sell, and both Average List Prices and Average Sales Prices have declined over the past year. It would take 12.5 months to sell off all the inventory on the market. While this figure is high, it is in line with a number of other towns in Fairfield County. The areas in green show two positive indi... 04/21/2012

Annual Giant Tag Sale by The Darien Boy Scouts May 6, 2012.      Check out one of the largest tag sales in Connecticut on Sunday May 6th, 2012 sponsored by the Darien Boy Scout Troops 35 & 53, Rain or Shine from 8:30 am to 4:00pm. Tag Sales are a great way to Reuse & Recycle helping the local community and the environment by knowing that items that are being donated will be used by another family. This win win situation gets even better because it also raises money to support the local Boy Scouts and all donations are tax deductible. For donations drop off dates will start April 18th or if you have a large heavy item you can call the Boy Scouts for a pick up, click here to reserve a pick up time and date. The annual Darien Boy Scout's Tag Sale starts at 8:30 am on Sunday May 6th, 2012 a... 04/13/2012

Darien, Connecticut Real Estate Report 1st Quarter, 2012. April 10th, 2012. Year to date single family homes in Darien, Connecticut have seen an increase of homes sold compared to last year with a 3.45% improvement along with new listings jumping up 48.65%. Yet with increase activity the median sold price has dropped year to date compared to last year by 11.18% from $1,275,000 in 2011 to $1,132,500 for first quarter 2012. On the Darien MLS there are also an additional 78 single family homes that are under deposit and/or have accepted offers. With that there are also 180 single family homes for sale ranging in price from a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage listed at $395,000 up to a 2003 built 6433 square foot waterfront home listed at $8,950,000.   If you would like to see the the year end ... 04/10/2012