Tuesday, December 18, 2018

9 Reasons to Buy a Waterfront Home in Connecticut Today

Thinking of buying a lakefront property?


If you dream of buying a waterfront home in Connecticut, you’re not alone. Most Americans are homeowners. In fact, the National Multifamily Housing Council reports that more than 65% of people in the U.S. own their homes.

CT Waterfront Homes for Sale

Being a homeowner is an American dream, and despite the financial and economic setbacks our country has faced in the past, many still value the stability and safety of owning a home.

Nine solid answers to the question “Why?”

Owning a home is not just about achieving a dream. If you want solid reasons why now is the best time to purchase a CT lakefront home, take a look at the following reasons below:

1. It is worth it!


Connecticut is a beautiful state with plenty of charming, coastal towns. It has plenty of gorgeous scenic views no matter what season, and there are so many things to explore and enjoy. It has 96 miles of coastline, giving you a lot of options where to choose your waterview home.

Just think of all the great memories you can create with your loved ones. If you buy a vacation property, you don’t have to worry about spending money on rent because you already have a property available. If you buy a primary home, you’ll enjoy the wonderful lifestyle Connecticut offers its residents all-year round.

2. The interest rates are still relatively low.


The current interest rate stands at 4.38%, and though this may be higher than the previous four years, it is still historically low. Studies predict that the interest rate will still climb higher next year, which will make paying the mortgage more challenging. If you decide to buy a house next year, you’ll have to plan for a higher housing expense.

CT Waterfront Home

3. House prices will continue to rise.


Home prices have increased in the last 12 months, and it will continue to inflate in the coming months and years. Waiting for the prices to drop or at least stabilize before buying could mean waiting for years and letting your money go to rent when you could be paying already for your own home.

4. A property is a great investment.


An investment is a thing or asset that you purchase with the idea that it will generate income in the future. How can a beachfront home in Connecticut be an investment?

If you buy a vacation home, you can rent it out on months that you will not be using it. It is a great way to pay for the mortgage. That way the property is generating income and the money you are paying the bank does not come from your own pocket.

What if you want to use the property as the primary home? You can lease out a portion of the house! This way, the house is generating income, and you are only paying a portion of the mortgage cost.

5. Make the most out of your money.


Whether you are renting or paying a mortgage, you are taking out money from your pocket and giving it to someone to cover the cost of living in a home. Why not pay for something that will be yours in the future?

Waterfront Homes in CT

6. Earn a real estate income while living in the same property.


Thanks to websites like Airbnb, it is now possible for homeowners to earn a passive income by renting out homes for a period of time.

Many people visit Connecticut beaches and lakes, so you’ll definitely have a source of income.

7. It is a form of forced saving.


Paying a mortgage for a home in Connecticut is forcing you to save for your future. It is helping you save some money for your retirement.

8. Buying a home gives a significant tax break.


When you become a homeowner, you can take advantage of the tax deduction on mortgage interest. If you itemize the deductions on your taxes, you can reduce your taxable income by deducting the interest on the home mortgage.

9. It diversifies your investment.


It is always a good idea to not put your eggs in one basket. If you enjoy investing, you can add real estate investment on top of your stocks and other business ventures.

Owning a Connecticut waterfront real estate property has so many advantages! Embrace your dream and prepare for your future by buying a coastal property in Connecticut today.

Call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297 to discuss the kind of home you are looking for.


In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 9 Reasons to Buy a Waterfront Home in Connecticut Today on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Hl1n2W6tA&list=PLsSVjUfpUE5N4OMyAUePZlBIz_54lhHWQ&index=8&t=0s

Friday, October 5, 2018

HGTV’s Top Upgrades to Boost Your Waterfront Property Value

Considering a home sale


If you’re thinking of putting your Candlewood Lake home up for sale, renovating it can make a significant difference in its price.

Connecticut Luxury Waterfront Homes for Sale


But not all renovations boost sale price. Before you start buying supplies and contacting local contractors, step back and plan carefully. Some projects are more effective at increasing home value, while others are better left unadded.


Start by consulting your local real estate agent. He or she knows the best upgrades that can increase the price of your home for sale in Candlewood Lake CT.


Doing your due diligence and planning smartly can help you decide the best upgrades that will give a higher return on your investment.


Top upgrades to increase home equity


HGTV shares several renovations that will both pay off and boost your home's value.


1. Update the bathroom. You don't have to spend a lot of money to improve the look of your bathroom. There are many simple upgrades you can do that will increase the comfort and style of your bathroom, as well as add equity to the home.

Here are some cost-effective updates for a minor bathroom remodel.


  • Replace the toilet seat and lid instead of replacing the whole toilet unit.
  • Updating the lighting fixtures to make the bathroom appear brighter.
  • Replace a bathroom faucet.
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint. 
  • Recaulk around the bathtub. 
  • Improve bathroom ventilation system. 
  • Replace broken or cracked floor tiles. 
  • Replace or install a new shower door.


2. Enhance the landscape. When you're selling a home, the first impression is crucial. Buyers make up their mind in the first few seconds they’ve seen your home, so make the most of your home’s curb appeal.

Make sure that you have an attention-worthy landscape. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it must have charm to create the impression that you take care of the house and your yard.

What are some things you can do to update your home’s landscape?


  • Add color with perennials or seasonal flowering shrubs.
  • Use one color and use plants with different heights to create dimension. 
  • Make sure your pathway is clean of any overgrown grass.
  • A lush, beautiful lawn is inviting. Maintain your lawn by aerating, fertilizing, and weeding it.
  • Adding a focal point like a winding flagstone walkway or a fountain. 


Waterfront Homes Connecticut


Spending a little amount of money on your curb appeal will make the home look more appealing, which buyers will pay more for.


3. Give your kitchen a minor renovation. The kitchen is one of most well-used part of the home, especially if you are using your Connecticut lakefront home as the main home.

These upgrades will not only add equity, it will also make the kitchen a favorite spot in the house.


  • Adding recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting. 
  • If you have a more expensive house, replace your countertop with a stone or glass countertop.
  • Cover your old vinyl floor with a floor leveler and install a second layer of vinyl floor. You’ll have great floors at a budget-friendly price.
  • Paint the cabinets.
  • Change drapes and window molding.
  • Replace the lights to make the kitchen brighter.
  • Replace any old appliances and switch to energy ones that will give your home buyer huge savings in the long run. 


4. Exterior improvements. Did you know that vinyl siding replacement has a recoup rate of 95%, and a steel door replacement has an ROI of 91%?


Lakefront homes are beautiful, but they are also more exposed to harsh elements. The constant exposures easily damage the sidings, so check your sidings to see if it needs replacement.


Check out these other exterior improvements you can make.


  • Create an inviting outdoor space like a deck, patio, or porch. 
  • If you have a pergola or planning to install one, use load-bearing columns like fiberglass composite columns. 
  • Make the home look more modern by removing old awnings from doors and windows. 


5. Renovate the basement. Increase your home footage by improving the basement. A finished basement is an additional living space and can be converted into a family room, an extra bedroom, a game room, or a home office.


6. Replace old windows. Showcasing your surroundings scenic beauty is important when you live in a waterfront home. Replacing your windows will help the views stand out even better. New windows also let natural light in much better, reducing the need to turn on electric lights which saves you from the additional cost.


Choose energy-efficient windows. These windows help seal the heat better, so you can enjoy the maximum use of your energy.


7. Upgrade your floors and walls. Painting your walls is the most cost-efficient way to upgrade and brighten up your living space.


If your carpet floors are already worn out, rip it up and check what’s underneath. You can also choose to replace your floor with hardwood, laminate or tile.


You can learn more updates here: https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures.


Renovations are not cheap, so plan your updates well. If your Candlewood Lake home is well-maintained and structurally sound, the updates will only mean a few cosmetic changes.


Learn the best renovations for your waterfront home. Call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297. Let’s discuss the best updates that will boost your home value.


In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view HGTV’s Top Upgrades to Boost Your Waterfront Property Value on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aMRftqj3HE

Monday, August 13, 2018

How to Quickly Attract Buyers to Your Waterfront Home


Save the best home selling tips

Are you planning to sell your waterfront home soon? If you're a first-time seller, you may want to stock up on home selling tips and tricks that you can use to sell your property.


Connecticut Luxury Waterfront Homes for Sale

You may also want to lower your expectations on how soon the home will sell.

Though many people love waterfront homes and the idea of owning a waterfront property is something many have been toying with for years, not all will want to buy nor can afford to buy one.

Waterfront homes are considered "luxury homes" though many are in the affordable to moderate price range. That's because lakefront homes are usually vacation homes, a place to escape during summer, or when you want to get away and take a break from all that's going on in life.

To sell your lakefront home successfully, you have to step up your game.

Simply sticking a "For Sale" sign on the yard and advertising on newspaper and magazines are not enough. In today's very competitive real estate market, you need to have a solid understanding of how to market your beachfront home.

Here are the best tips that will help you sell your lakefront home soon and for the best price.

1. Price it right from the start. Your home's listing price is vital. It is the determining factor of whether the house will sell or not. If you price it too high, your home will sit on the market until it most likely expires.

Homes that remain unsold for months give the wrong impression to buyers. They might think that something is wrong with the home. This stigma will make it more difficult to sell.

On the other hand, if you price it too low, you are leaving money on the table. As a seller, you would want to see your house value increase instead of decrease, and selling it at a super discounted price is saying you desperately wanted to get rid of the house.

The key to right pricing is finding the sweet spot based on your research of the  comparative market analysis and your understanding of the local market. This can be difficult if it is your first time to sell a property, so it would be to your advantage to hire a seasoned local real estate agent.

2. Get help from an experienced local real estate agent. Notice that I said experienced and local.

You need an agent who knows and specializes in selling waterfront homes. Though technically a real estate agent should be able to sell any property, selling is easier if you're doing it for a specific niche, so there are agents for waterfront homes, luxury properties, single family homes, horse farms, etc.

Find an agent who is seasoned in selling waterfront homes because he or she knows how to market your home best. They know who they'll sell to, they know the waterfront lifestyle, they know what buyers want.

Also, look for a local real estate agent. He or she is more familiar with the local market as well as the laws and special considerations.


3. Boost the curb appeal! If you're selling a waterfront home, don't just think about how the front yard looks. There's so much more to look at in a waterfront property. You also have to consider the viewing area and the view.

What is the viewing area? Is it a deck or a patio?

Can you see the view directly or is it partially obstructed by heavy foliage?

What kind of view do you have? Are you looking at a beach, a lake, a river, or a pond?

Is the area surrounding the water clean?

These questions are just some of the things that will help you boost the curb appeal of your waterfront home. You have to remember that buyers are expecting a view, and that's one you have to deliver. Maximizing the view by clearing out some of the overhanging branches and wildly grown shrubs to vastly improve the view. 

Luxury Waterfront Homes for Sale in Connecticut

 4. Don't forget to stage it!  When buyers step inside a waterfront home, they expect to see an extension of the waterfront lifestyle in your home.

That means there should be an outdoor living space like a deck or patio where you can enjoy the view.

That means there should ba a nautical theme or decor in the house.

That means there should be plenty of blues, greens and grays in the house decor because these colors reflect their outside setting.

That means doors and windows must be framed to showcase their views.

These are a few of the many things you can do when staging so your home becomes more inviting and relaxing - the two things waterfront homes are known for.

Make your home Instagram worthy! Your Realtor® will hire a professional photographer to take beautiful photos and videos of your home for marketing purposes. Your home should look impeccable and stunning in photos to easily catch a buyer’s attention.

Knowing what to do and preparing a plan makes home selling easier.

When you’re ready to sell your home, call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297. I offer a free home valuation and you are under no obligation to list with me.  I’ll be waiting for your call!


In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How to Quickly Attract Buyers to Your Waterfront Home on my YouTube channel: 

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

57 Taagan Point Rd Danbury CT 06811-3838 | Upscale New Construction Waterfront Home for Sale

Enjoy lakeside living at its finest



How would you like to live on a private waterfront retreat on the shore of the largest lake in Connecticut?

Direct Lakefront New Construction Home for Sale

Enviably positioned on direct level waterfront on Candlewood Lake is a new construction that offers the best of privacy, comfort, and modern conveniences.


With 3,024 square feet of gorgeous living space, it features 3 ample-sized bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an open floor design, multiple sitting spaces, and stunning lakefront views, this home is perfect for entertaining and relaxing anytime of any season.


Light and space grace every room of this new residence.


If you've been dreaming of a waterfront property where you can escape the city noise and enjoy a peaceful retreat with the best relaxation, this new construction waterfront home on Candlewood Lake is what you are looking for.


Perfect as either a main home or a vacation home, it delivers lakeside living at its finest. You may never want to leave!


Danbury - a premiere lifestyle in a scenic setting



Some places seem to have it all, and Danbury is one such place. Ranked as the seventh best city to live in every state by 247wallst.com, it offers its residents an amazing lifestyle. It is the most livable city in Connecticut and one of the most livable in the US.


This newly constructed home is ideally positioned.


The local schools are all within a three-mile radius of this home, and Downtown Danbury is only 12 minutes away, close enough so you can easily drive there to meet friends or enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant, but far enough to have the privacy that you need.


It is also only an hour drive away from Manhattan, you can easily drive to your business meetings and be back after a couple of hours to relax and go boating.


If you enjoy an active lifestyle, there are many things to do in this city. This property ends right on the waters of Candlewood Lake so you can go swimming, water skiing, fishing, and enjoy all your other favorite watersports anytime.  


If you love music and art, there are plenty of museums and cultural centers in the area, so you can easily visit anytime.


Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces



This upscale lakefront home on Candlewood Lake appears as a two-level Contemporary Colonial style home when viewed from the street.


When you look at it from the lake, you will see three levels making its way down the gently sloping land.

New Construction on Candlewood Lake

The front door opens to a gorgeous kitchen which boasts of white oak hardwood floor, sleek white soft close Wolf cabinets, marble counters, and a generous-sized pantry. This kitchen comes with an electric cooktop, a refrigerator, and a dishwasher.

Upscale New Construction Waterfront Home on Candlewood Lake for Sale

To the left side of the kitchen is an amply-spaced dining area that can comfortably fit a six-person dining table and chairs. Large windows let the plenty of natural light and let you enjoy the view of the front yard.


Whether you are entertaining a crowd or preparing a simple meal for your loved ones, this kitchen is ready for you!


The kitchen flows into a spacious great room which boasts of neutral-toned walls, recessed lighting, a wooden staircase leading to the upper level, and a brick surround gas fireplace to keep you warm.


Warm and inviting with its polished hardwood floor, this room is the perfect spot to welcome friends and visitors into the house. It also offers multiple sitting possibilities for outdoor views or around the fireplace.


You'll also love the indoor to outdoor flow this living room offers. A large wall of glass looks out on the first floor deck and on to the water view beyond.


Furnish this living space with a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and some wall decor and you have a great room for relaxation.


Step out of the living room and onto a fabulous large deck that offers a fantastic view of the backyard and the lake.


Fabulous sunsets are yours to enjoy every day on this deck. This is also the best spot for barbecue parties and alfresco meals.


Set it up with some cool outdoor chairs and table and you have the perfect setup for relaxing and enjoyment.


Sleep your worries away in this home's well-appointed bedrooms.



All three bedrooms of this beautiful new construction waterfront home on Candlewood Lake are located on the upper level and offer amazing views.


The master suite is luxurious and spacious. It features white oak hardwood floors, large windows, a walk-in closet so you can have all the space that you need, and an exquisite master bathroom.


It also has a private balcony which presents you with a breathtaking view of the waters, you'll feel like you're on the water's edge. It delivers the serenity and heightened connection to nature that you seek.


The master bathroom is gorgeous and can easily rival a luxury bathroom. With its beautiful tile floor and walls, double sinks, a free standing tub, and a curved shower, enjoy pampering yourself each night if you choose.


The two other bedrooms have French doors that open to a front balcony.


More living spaces on the lower level



This lakefront home has so much to offer.


If you need more space, head to the lower level and you'll find an enormous L-shaped great room with two large sliders. You can turn this space into a family room, an entertainment room, a home gym or anything that you wish. There's also a full bath available on this floor for convenience.


Outside the sliders is a cement patio, perfect for a hot tub.


This patio offers an amazing view of the beauty of nature around you.


Beyond it is a fabulous backyard that ends right on the waters of Candlewood Lake. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity this home brings.


Truly, this is a home that caters to all your needs, wants and more. It has an energy efficient propane HVAC. It also has its own dock, so bring your boat and enjoy the easy access to the lake.

Candlewood Lake New Construction Home for Sale

Go boating anytime you want.


Experience the luxurious, serene lifestyle you deserve in this direct waterfront Candlewood Lake new construction.


Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to make this exclusive residence yours. This Candlewood Lake direct waterfront property is priced to sell at $1,300,000.

Call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297. Let my skills and experience work to find the best Connecticut waterfront property for you.


In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 57 Taagan Point Rd Danbury CT 06811 3838 Upscale New Construction Waterfront Home for Sale on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/PEuAA9K7fVg

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

What Are the Top Amenities for a Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in CT?

Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Connecticut - The features and amenities of luxury waterfront real estate in CT matches that of a five-star resort.

Luxury homes come in all shapes and sizes


Each CT luxury waterfront home for sale is as customized and different as its owners.

They vary in features, location, sizes, and style. It could be a 10-acre beach property on Westport, or a 5-acre riverfront property in New Hartford. It could be a 4-bedroom country home or a 7-bedroom English Cotswold manor.

One thing is sure. Whatever features and amenities each home displays easily matches that of a top-notch resort or five-star hotel. And clients recognize it on sight.

The trending features buyers want


What are these features that make a waterfront property opulent?


1. Exceptional views

One of the best-identifying features of a high-end real estate property is its views. The views alone can make a huge difference to the property’s purchase price.

Expect luxury homes in Connecticut to deliver breathtaking views of any kind of waterfront or of the verdant land. 

Known for its picturesque views and stunning vistas, Connecticut offers serene natural settings all throughout the year. It can’t get any better than that.

Connecticut Luxury Waterfront Real Estate  - One of the best-identifying features of a CT Luxury Waterfront real estate is its views.

2. Fully-automated homes


All home-buyers expect some sort of automation from the home they’ll buy. This is to be expected. After all, we are in the gadget generation, and home automation is one of the things we have easily incorporated into our lives.

But luxury homes take automation to the next level. Expert a high end coastal real estate to be fully automated - security, lighting controls, temperature controls, entertainment and sounds management - everything is controlled by a touch on the system or on the phone or through voice recognition.

3. Gourmet Kitchen


The heart of the home, the kitchen used to be a room to cook and prepare meals. Today, it is part of the entertaining space, so expect luxury waterfront homes to have spacious kitchens that can easily accommodate a group of people.

Granite, Carrara marble, Brazilian Blue Stone, and other semi-precious stones combined with quartz are among the most common countertops in these fancy homes.

Though homeowners rarely cook, ultra luxury kitchens feature top of the line kitchen appliances, a wine fridge or cellar, warming drawers, and a walk-in pantry - everything that a chef needs to prepare for parties and catering. Some homes will even have multiple dishwashers, cappuccino-makers so you can make your favorite drink anytime, and wine pouring devices.

4. Spa bathrooms


What spells opulence better than a spa-resort bathroom? Million dollar waterfront homes offer the experience of enjoying a luxurious bath every day.

Heated flooring, steam shower, rain shower head, double vanities, and jacuzzi tubs are all amenities that will make bath time a relaxing, pampering experience.

5.  Entertainment rooms and private gyms


Convenience right at your doorstep, that’s what luxury homes offer.

Why go to the trouble of driving to the movies when you can enjoy it at home? Or why waste time driving to the gym when you can hire a personal trainer and workout in your private gym?

Private screening rooms are among the sought-after features of high-end homes, where the rich can enjoy an escape from reality in their comfortable seats and deluxe sound system. It’s not just for you. It’s for your guests as well, those who are seeking some time-out from their incredibly busy lives.

Private gyms are also among the in-demand features because of the convenience and time efficiency it offers.

Some properties have indoor basketball courts, others have indoor pools, and still some have swanky bars, all designed for entertaining.

Connecticut Luxury Waterfront Properties  - CT Luxury Waterfront Properties offer stunning views of nature all year round.

6. Indoor - outdoor living

When it comes to indoor-outdoor living, expect all expensive coastal homes to feature indoor spaces that can easily transition to outdoor retreats with just a slide of a glass door or wall.

Be it an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room or a cabana, such spaces provide an escape from the confines of the home and offer the best views while relaxing or entertaining.

From fire pits, koi pounds, to infinity pools and spacious paver patios with tastefully selected outdoor chairs, all these outdoor spaces add warmth and lend luxury homes an elegant yet cozy appeal.

If you’re in the market for a CT waterfront home, you’ve come to the right place.

Call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297. Let me help you find the luxury waterfront home you deserve. 



In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What Are the Top Amenities for a Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in CT? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM8_sx0ie0M&feature=youtu.be