Stop by and see these two distinct property types…a rental at 158-160 Stephens Lane, Fairfield for $1800 monthly (and note if you need 3 bedrooms you can rent and decide just where you want to live permanently! Terrific rental option!) Open today from 11-1!

And 235 Millard St. Unit 1C is open from 2-4. The contrast in (this snowy winter I mean) winter and summer for this next unit is amazing! This dynamite condominium option is a beach, walking, town centric unit that is city slick and comfortably gracious. Stop by and see for yourself. I’ll be able to show you another unit (a finished, already sold unit)for comparison purposes and for those of us who are sometimes imagination challenged!

Additionally, we are having a drawing for some lucky Open House attendee today! If you come to the open house and fill in a ticket your name could be drawn to win the Super Bowl Sandwich Platter…which will be delivered to your game day celebration next Sunday!

More info: mbgrasso@kw.com

Lots of planning goes into Open Houses…if you do them properly. Tuesday, January 18th  at 1:00 is our initial training for agents. Come to our office  with your laptops so you can make every moment of every open house work for your seller, your new buyers and YOU! If you have questions first, feel free to email me  at mbgrasso@kw.com.

Every month I try to think of pertinent information for people who enjoy scrutinizing the real estate trends. Get this one…the most homes sold in Fairfield during the month of November were between $300,00 and $400,000! There were 9 homes in that range. All of the other 100,000 range increments were below that with some having no sales. So, if you are a buyer in that range look at FAIRFIELD! If you are a seller and your home is not in that range but perhaps should be, it is time to  retool your strategy! You can search yourself with the Listingbook tool. It is the MLS for consumers. Email or text me for information on how to participate as it is by invitation only! mb@marybethgrasso.com

My good friend and colleague, Wayne Chmura is hosting this open house for me today. Stop in to see this sweet, small and deceivingly efficient bungalow by the beach! Can a person talk about potential and “all you need” in the same breath? If one can, and you are wondering what I am talking about, come see the lot and view of the water and you’ll know what I mean! The address is 11 1st AVenue, Stratford, CT 06615! See you there

You think I’m kidding? I am not sure how else to express the transformation that can happen. If you stop by today, you won’t have to wonder or imagine it   yourself. Unit 1C is not finished…it is just gutted (sounds like I am cleaning fish…which I do not:) The unit directly above it is Unit 3C. It is going to be open for us today as well. So come over if, even if you aren’t looking to purchase right now but, you want to see direct and concrete potential. So, for all of you with no vision or the ability to conceptualize…see you between 1 and 3 today at 235 Millard St. in Fairfield. (it is right off Reef Road…you can follow the signs!)

Calling all REALTORs, head over to the Gaelic Club to learn more about how we are doing as a community and what Ken Flatto, First Selectman has to share with us!

Every house needs a family room…and if it doesn’t have one, the owners make some room the room where they hang out, chill out, or relax! This new listing at 30 Jackman Avenue, in the Stratfield section of Fairfield has an awesome family room. It is off the kitchen, in the rear of the home and perfect…obviously for many ages For more  photos visit: www.marybethgrasso.com  The open house is this Sunday, 9/19/2010 from 1-4 p.m.

Spending an average time of a little over three months on the market, 180 houses have sold since the beginning of the year. With an average listing price of $276,107 and average sale price of $263,065, many sellers are forced to settle for less than they wished to receive. Only one single family home has topped the million dollar mark, finally selling for $1,325,000 on June 1 after being on the market for 348 days, with its waterfront view and beach rights. Here is a picture:

Here are some Stratford condominium statistics since the first of the year:

• 50 condos have sold.
• Average Market Time- 136 days
• Average List Price- $189,125
• Average Sale Price- $175,595

The two most expensive condos sold were bought at $454,000 and $470,000, both residing in Maple Oak Reserve. This new construction 55 and over complex appeals to many adults living and active lifestyle, with over six models to choose from and a club house with a fitness center. Here are a few pictures:

For more information on the Stratford Real Estate market, call Mary Beth Grasso at (203) 257-5748 or visit her website marybethgrasso.com

With only 50 single family houses sold since the beginning of the year, the impact of the struggling economy is reflected not only in this low quantity, but also in the diminished value of the homes sold. The most expensive single family house sold in  Monroe since January first was at $708,000, while the average was at $396,820. Being listed at an average of $414,136, it took a median market time of 85 days before the house sold. The market does seem to be on its way up with 15 houses sold already in this month of June.

Condos in Fairfield sometimes carry a higher pricetag than houses in the neighboring towns, but the amenities and community atmosphere make up for the greater expenses. Here are some quick Fairfield Condo Facts since January first:

• 35 condos have sold
• Average Market Time- 131 days
• Average List Price- $470,565
• Average Sale Price- $449,243

The suburban community of Stone Ridge at Fairfield sold four condos since the beginning of the year. Quality construction combined with custom finishes has all the pull of single family houses without the price. Here are a couple of pictures of the community, inside and out:

If you have any interest in this condominium complex or any other condos in Fairfield County, please feel free to email Mary Beth Grasso at mb@marybethgrasso.com