CT Waterfront Real Estate

Choose Connecticut

Known as the constitution state, home to Yale University, and famous for its huge mansions and old money, Connecticut is a beautiful place with many picturesque views wherever you go, especially those found along the water.

With its 96 miles of coastline and over 30,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs across the state, it offers various water activities for you to enjoy. You can go sailing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and more.

It's no wonder people are flocking to this locality, seeking to own a piece of this state’s waterfront property.

Whether you are looking for a main home or a secluded lakefront vacation home, Connecticut’s waterfront real estate has something for you.

What kind of community feel are you looking for?

Connecticut has many shorelines and  lakeside communities, and each of them offers unique attributes and amenities. The following neighborhoods are just some of the many you can choose from.

Are you looking for a lakeside community where you can enjoy your favorite water sports and activities, but still be in proximity to the city? Candlewood Lake is a great option for you. Many people like this lake because it's just the right lake size to have fun, and it borders five different towns so you can visit different places at any time.

Located in western Connecticut, Candlewood Lake is the largest manmade lake in the county. Along its shores are some of the most expensive real estate properties you can find in the region.

Do you prefer a luxury community? Most waterfront communities in Connecticut have several listings, but Darien has the longest list of million dollar homes. This is not a surprise considering that Darien is the nation’s wealthiest community according to Consumer Advocate. Coveted high-end properties dot the coastline of Darien, so you’ll definitely find the luxurious lifestyle you want in this community.

Perhaps you prefer a place with fewer homes so you can enjoy privacy and retreat? Lake Lillinonah community is a perfect choice. A light residential area and surrounded mostly by wooded areas, peace and serenity abound in this neighborhood.

How about owning a right to the center of the lake? If this sounds great for you, the community of Lake Zoar is where you should be.  Unlike other lakes, lakefront properties on this community own their shoreline right to the center of the lake! You can build a house on the shoreline and create a great dock and pier system so you can fish and enjoy your water sports anytime.

Another community you cannot not miss is the affluent neighborhood of Westport. Located in lower Fairfield County commonly referred to as the Gold Coast, Westport offers direct waterfront properties. Enjoy living just a few steps to the beach in one of the safest communities you can ever live.  

Prices and home features

With its reputation as one of the country’s wealthiest states with plenty of old money residents, expect a Connecticut waterfront property to be quite pricey. 

The price range differs in each neighborhood but you’ll find that there are many waterfront locations that offer a good price range, from the affordable to the million-dollar homes.

Built in various architectural styles, the homes reflect their owners’ elegant tastes. Sweeping water views, lush foliage, spacious homes with the best amenities and comforts, high end appliances, all these are yours in any of Connecticut’s waterfront residences.

Looking for a lake home in Connecticut? Call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt, at 203-994-4297. As a long time resident and one of Connecticut’s premier Realtors®, let me make your real estate transaction smooth, easy and hassle-free.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view CT Waterfront Real Estate on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-ViyiSdW8BA

🏡What Are the Closing Costs of Selling a Home in New Canaan CT

Three kinds of costs when you’re selling a home

People often ask me,”If I were to sell my home, about how much will it cost me?” We all know there are more than just the closing costs when selling your house in New Canaan, CT.

I’m thrilled to share with you the different stages of costs that you need to be aware of when you’re in the process of selling your property, from starting to sell it until the day you hand your keys to the new owner.

• The costs when you are gearing your house to sell - To attract other people to view your house, you need to prepare it and make it appealing and irresistable. Take care of the maintenance and repairs that you have been putting on hold. Prioritize them.

Talk to me, Debbie Laemmerhirt, to understand what to focus on. Focus on your walls, doors, and curb appeal. Ask referrals from friends and local stores who usually have business cards by the desk. Ask around and get quotes until you decide which one you like best. Always go with the one who can give you the best value.

Let’s take a look at this breakdown:

• Home repairs, maintenance
• Staging your home
• Pre-sale inspection

The costs will vary depending on the size of your home and scope of what needs to be improved.

• The costs of being in contract to sell your home. Yes, that’s right! It’s possible that there are still costs linked when your buyer gets your home inspected.

In New Canaan, CT, the buyer normally pays for the licensed home inspector who will perform the inspection. However, you can still be on the hook in case the pool and the septic tank need to be opened for inspection. Again, these can be eliminated if you had your pre-sale inspection.

Closing costs are the most expensive part of selling your home!

If you’ve made it through preparing your house, your escrow and now you’re meeting the new owner, this is where closing costs come into play.

• Pay off mortgage loan balance
• Unpaid property taxes
• Unpaid association fees
• Commission (It usually defaults to 5-6% of sale price)

• Attorney fee
• Recording fees
• Conveyance taxes
• Capital gains taxes (A topic that you should best discuss with your accountant)

It is lucrative to choose an attorney that specializes in real estate transactions. This is also to be at peace that you’re being represented correctly and protected in the sale of your asset. Don’t forget about the taxes!

In the entire state of Connecticut, towns normally charge .25% of the sale price while the state charges .75% of the total sale price. But take note that there are particular towns that charge higher than .25%. Just don’t forget to consider the 1% sales tax.

This topic is huge when you visit my website at Closing Process When You Sell a Home in New Canaan CT.

Work with the best REALTORⓇ in town!

New Canaan is a great place in Fairfield County,  CT. I know this place with all my heart and I know that it’s not difficult to sell your house in this location. It’s known as one of the most prosperous communities in the United States. It’s close to high-rating schools, recreational facilities and top-notch amenities.

I can be with you until the closing day and come in prepared with the documents and will make sure there are no unanswered questions when it comes to your home.  It makes good business sense to be with you through the entire process.  

Call me, Debbie Laemmerhirt, at  203-994-4297. Let’s make this a one of a kind partnership!

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 🏡What Are the Closing Costs of Selling a Home in New Canaan CT on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj5N7flgLaE&list=PLsSVjUfpUE5OAap-hqJzsgaA0FLEpQp9U&index=1

What's My Westport CT Home Value?

The benefits of knowing your home’s value

Are you planning to sell your Westport CT home? Maybe you are thinking of having improvements made. Whether you are considering staying or moving, the following are some ways you can benefit from knowing your home’s value.

1. When you plan to sell your home: To price it correctly and competitively, you want to know the right value of your home.

2. When you plan to get a credit line: When you want to borrow cash against the house, your home’s value comes into play.

3. When you want to do home improvement: If you are thinking of making your home more comfortable, you would first want to know if its worth is still in the range of average home prices in the neighborhood. If your home is among the high end ones in the area, and you still improve it without knowing its worth, you’ll have a difficult time selling it if and when the time comes.

4. When using the home as collateral: Perhaps you need to use the home as a collateral for the business you are putting up.

5. When determining the amount you need for your home insurance: It is important to know actual replacement cost value of your home in case of a disaster.

It could also be that you have no compelling reason to know your home’s worth, just a need to know because it has been many years since you’ve checked and you are curious.

How to determine your home’s worth?

When you have an immediate plan to do any of the things above in the near future, you will want to have your home value right away.

You may be tempted to do it yourself, especially if you think you are familiar with the real estate market and conditions in Westport.

Other homeowners prefer to use the online home value calculator.

Both options are okay, but as a REALTOR® for 12 years, let me say both are risky and there are consequences if the results may not even be close to the right market value of your home.

I have observed many homeowners overprice their home when they are the ones doing the valuation. Online home value calculators are not accurate, and are to be used as a starting point of home valuations, not the actual estimated market value itself.

If the home’s estimated value is off by $10,000 - $15,000, that’s a lot of money on the table. Ask yourself if you are willing to lose that amount just to get your home sold.

If the estimated value happened to be higher than the market price, your home will languish on the market.

What is the best way to know your home’s value?

Request a valuation from at least three real estate agents or REALTORS® in your area.

Real estate agents use the comparative market analysis tool to know your home’s worth.

We can provide you with a list of sold homes in your area which have the same home style, square footage, lot size and age of the home. We can also provide you with a list of your competitors - active homes for sale in Westport CT, so you can check if the price you have in mind is in the range of their home prices.

The CMA has information you can use to come up with the right value for your home.

But more than that, as professionals, we have the experience, knowledge and skills you can put to use.

We can help sell your home for top dollar, and in the shortest amount of time.

We are not miracle workers, but amazing REALTORS® like me know the right ways and techniques to take your home off the market fast. You can know more about me when you visit https://HomesInConnecticutForSale.com/?s=about+Deborah

When you want accuracy and a full report of how your home’s value is estimated, call me, Deborah Laemmerhirt at (203) 994-4297. I can give you a free valuation and you are under no obligation to list with me. My passion is helping my clients enjoy the real estate process, whether they are selling or buying.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What's My Westport CT Home Value? on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZWQs87WZMlI