We’re celebrating the 84th annual Academy Awards with a “pop-up” party at Shake Shack®in Westport on Sunday, February 26th as a run-up to the big event. Stop in from 3 – 5 for an irreverent afternoon of fun and festivities. Bone up on your Westport film trivia and compete in a lively contest (hint – you’ll have to know about more than Paul and Joanne!). You can also complete your Oscars ballot and turn it in at the party – the entrant who picks the most of this year’s winners gets the grand prize.

Our host, Shake Shack, will be offering their usual fare, and is creating a delicious
 RED VELVET CARPET CONCRETE for the occasion. Admission is free but the food tab is on you. The first 84 guests to show up at the n’Oscars will receive a special n’Oscar NON-SWAG BAG from Westport Cinema Initiative.

So, get out that red carpet-worthy attire, your hippest weekend garb, or dress as your favorite star.  And, bring your friends. No reservations necessary.

Tons of planning and work goes into preparing to compete and stand out in front of the critical eye of the judges. The judges are clearly knowledgeable and looking for specific features in each participant.

Buyers are searching the same way in the market: with a critical eye. Because of their leverage, they are more discerning now than ever before. Condition, location and price are all important components and buyers are being unforgiving when selecting a home.

So, is your home “Best In Show” according to buyers? Proper pricing is the first form of marketing. Almost every flaw can be cured through appropriate pricing. We suggest having a few written price opinions and evaluate the “comparable” sales in detail. How does your home stack up against current homes on the market? Are you being considered first and do you stand out amongst the active listings? Look at your home with your “buyer’s hat” on. Buyers search from the bottom up and they are looking for VALUE.

Condition is also important and they are expecting the home to be move-in ready. As a homeowner, you have control over how your home is presented in the market. Stagers are in high demand, and a good stager can consult with you to develop a solid plan. Minimal changes including clearing out, repositioning furniture, and cosmetic work can have a large impact on the appeal of your home. One of the transformational stagers we work with is Birgit Anich.

Making your home “Best In Show” will place your home in the position of giving you the most access to qualified, motivated buyers. Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can guide you in maximizing your investment. Contact us at (203)253-9222 if you need assistance or access to the resources that can help you develop your listing strategy.

Our clients are at the center of what we do every day. In working with buyers and sellers, we see the challenges and the stress that they endure in their search (as a buyer) or during their listing period (as a seller).  The time frame between an agreement and closing is fraught with many obstacles. It has become even more mind-boggling (and, in some cases, ridiculous) than it was just a few years ago. The reduction of comparable sales, decrease in equity and the increase bank regulations are added to the complex mix. Experience, knowledge and the ability to navigate through the maze become valuable pluses. Also, understanding the nuances of the process and local community are the common threads of any client-focused agent.

A New York Times poll stated the 89% of all Americans believe that homeownership is important. And, N.A.R. (The National Association of Realtors) may provide the reasons. They cite these statistics:

• Home sales in this country generate more than 2.5 million private-sector jobs in an average year. For every two homes sold, a job is created.
• Each home sale touches dozens of different professions.
• Every home purchased pumps up to $60,000 into the economy over time for furniture, home improvements, and related items.
• Housing accounts for more than 15% of the Gross Domestic Product, making it a key driver in our national economy.
• Housing has led this country out of six of the last eight recessions.

Despite the challenges, there are overwhelming reasons to support homeownership. We understand that homeownership boils down to our ability to help clients make connections with their new home. The additional reward for my agents is a personal and long-lasting connection with their buyers and sellers.

Homeownership is at the heart of what we do and it is great to celebrate it on Valentine’s Day.

Here is my personal commitment to you whether you are a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant:

1. We will do a diligent search to get you as many answers as possible to assist you in making good decisions. We have access to top professionals in other fields including attorneys, inspectors, and real estate related vendors.

2. We will give you the straight scoop, and our professional opinion based upon our combined years of experience. If you are listing your home, we will explain our suggested listing price and back it up with tangible market information. We will never overestimate a listing price in order to secure a listing. If you are a buyer, we will scour all sources to find a potential match for you. We will never steer you in the wrong direction or cost you precious market time and frustration.

3. We will communicate with you on the level and timing you need. If my agents don’t ask what works for you, please tell them and they will execute based upon what is in your best interest. And, we will make any adjustments along the way to make sure you are comfortable and we are giving you the information you need.

4. We will respond to you immediately, especially during stressful times in the process. If we don’t know the answer, we have resources that we can connect with. We promise not to “go underground” and to keep your buying, selling or rental process moving.

5. We will protect your interest in negotiation and “fight tooth and nail” to get you to your goal. We will exhaust every possibility during your negotiations. We will also give you our perspective if we feel something is not right for you to help you explore all of the possibilities.

6. We will treat all parties involved with respect. This will include everyone: the co-broking agent, the inspector, attorneys, stagers and the party on the other side. Effective communication between parties ensures that problems get solved quickly, and others are avoided.

7. We will keep apprised of the latest real estate information and education for our own professional development in order to be the best we possibly can. This includes market information, marketing techniques, negotiation courses, technology, social media, continuing education and real estate designations. You will benefit from our professionalism.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations of the real estate process and our role in it. Over many years, we have developed lasting relationships with our clients. So, you are important to us and we have a strong commitment to you.

Anton Tomaj

Anton is entering the real estate field after an extensive background in mortgages and construction. He also owned a restaurant for many years in Port Chester, New York. “Anton brings his interesting experiences to real estate”, notes Melissa Riley, “His knowledge of construction and in-depth understand of the mortgage market will create an advantage for his clients”.

“My focus has always been on my clients”, added Anton, “Doing the extras whether I was dealing with a buyer or other agents is the foundation of how I conduct my business.”

Anton was licensed in 1992 and is looking forward to working with his buyers and sellers in lower Fairfield County, including Stamford, Norwalk, and Westport. He currently lives in Stamford. He can be reached at (203)667-4482 for additional information on the market.

This winter season had an early start with the destructive snow storm we had in October 2011, but stalled through the holidays. As we enter February it feels oddly like Spring. We all feel a little more chipper and hopeful. Buyers are very active in the market, and attending open houses in droves. There is a distinct “buzz” in the market and negotiations are taking place.

I hope the sunny, clear weather holds on and we have a mild winter. It will bode well for buyers , sellers and the real estate market. So, stay away Old Man Winter! See you next year!

Liz Sheldon is a lifelong resident of Manhattan and attended schools there. She became familiar with Fairfield County while her family summered in Westport over many years.

“My family spent time in and around Westport and enjoyed all of the amenities and culture that the area offered,” mentioned Liz, “When it was time to establish roots with my husband and children, I wanted to come back to the same area that held so many fond memories.”

Being interested in the real estate process drove her to secure her Connecticut real estate license. “Liz is natural in working with people”, added Manager Melissa Riley, “Her focus will be on building relationships with her clients and helping them get acclimated to the area.”

She will be focusing on working with buyers and sellers in Westport, Wilton and Weston. She can be contacted at (646)386-6805 at Prudential CT Realty, 272 Post Road East in Westport.

We welcome Liz Sheldon to our strong, dynamic team in Westport!