In a market of similar 2 bedroom homes in Norwalk, Eclipse really stands out. Upon entering the front 3-season porch and sun-room, you already appreciate the charm of the home. This comfortable inside/outside space has many windows, allowing for the breeze of the summer days to come naturally chill the days/evenings.

Into the home, you enter into the living room, with hardwood floors into the open kitchen space - and boy are they beautiful. There is a formal dining room, that combines well with the living room and kitchen. The kitchen is well-maintained, and recently updated. It has lots of extra cabinet and counter space, as well as all the appliances you need, including dishwasher. There is also a cooler for wine, a bonus for those who appreciate a cool wine on a warm summer evening. The cabinets are Craftmade, and of the best quality, and it really shows.

The two bedrooms are through a hallway directly from the dining room, with the kitchen right at the center, allowing guests to have easy-access. On either side are the bedrooms, both with hardwood floors, and of good size for such a quaint home. As you go through this space, you notice character everywhere, from the trim and moldings indicative of the early 1900 construction in Norwalk, and the curved entrances into certain rooms.

The real potential value here is located in the attic space, just a walk up from the dining room. With some imagination, this space can be converted to additional living space.

Rounding off a perfect home for first-time homebuyer, the full unfinished basement, and 1 car detached garage round off a home worth taking a look at.

All of this, is located within walking distance of parks, schools, transportation, and some of my favorite restaurants in town. You can't beat this location!

This well-maintained home needs no work, unless you have the vision to expand it upwards - possible thanks to walk-up attic space. Otherwise, what you get is a great home, perfect for those looking to test the Norwalk area, or for the investor looking for a small property to start your fortune. However you ultimately use it, it is a space worth seeing!

Recently, I have had the fortune of listing and selling homes that tend to have most of what today's buyer is looking for, and 4 Blue Mountain Road is no exception. Though the layout is unique, and the home has no basement, there are so many unique and wonderful features of the home. 

When you drive up to the home, you immediately notice a large, well-manicured lawn and flower beds. There is a 1 car garage, a door leading to the garage, and a large front deck, perfect for sitting and enjoying your coffee in the morning, or in the evenings, as the sun sets at the back of the home, leaving a cool, shaded place for enjoyment. 

When entering this well-maintained ranch, there is a formal dining room in front of you, a formal living room to the left, and the kitchen to the right. The hard wood floors track through all of these rooms, but the kitchen is what really catches the eye. As you enter this great room with high ceilings, with beams through the kitchen, a skylight letting in additional natural light, and recessed lighting. The kitchen itself is completely updated, with a large island, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a large chef-quality gas-stove, and more counter and cabinet space than you can imagine. There are many features to describe in this kitchen, but I will leave the rest to those who visit - for now, I will describe it as a 'caterer's quality kitchen'.

This kitchen is enhanced by the family room directly attached to it - a space also with high ceilings, and a comfy atmosphere. There is a fireplace at the center of the room, and access to the back patio as well as the laundry/mud room, garage, and half bath. This half bath is fully updated, and no work needs to be done in any of these spaces.

Into the living room, on the other side of the entrance, you find another comfortable room, with a large, brick fireplace at the center of the room. At the end of this room, you will find access to the three bedrooms, and two additional bathrooms. The bedrooms are all of large size, with other types of character, such as built-ins and a unique, re-purposed door from 5 Mile River connection in the master bedroom to its en-suite bathroom. Both of these bathrooms, the hallway bathroom specifically, are newly updated. 

What really stands out in this home, is the multiple entertaining spaces that center on the large back patio. Before we exit the home, from the living room, there is a trapezoidal sun-room, with many windows and screens on either side. This room has slate floors, and wood beams above your head - it leads outside to this back patio, 

Shaded by the trees of the woods, and the roofs of the home, this blue-stone back patio gets sunlight during the morning and afternoon, and is otherwise shaded throughout the evening. Not yet mentioned, but what really makes this space an excellent entertaining space, is that the home wraps around the patio, leaving the fully-fenced yard to do the rest of the work, creating immense privacy. There are spaces for a dry bar, the back of the fireplace is open so additional fires can be made - in other words, cooking in the back yard. The mature plantings, and flower beds, and the rest of this back yard round off a home meant for entertaining.

Not to forget, this home is in a neighborhood surrounded by large homes, and only a few minutes from different sorts of shopping parks, schools, and more. 

This is no cookie-cutter home, and that is a beautiful thing. This home cannot be done justice without seeing it, as all the updated, finished spaces lend value to entertain in a way that was intended with the original builder. If you seek something that no other buyer can have, then this is the home for you.

The past five years for the spring market in Lower Fairfield County has been consistent until this year. The past few years have seen everything selling. This spring has been somewhat of an outlier, with certain price points moving, and others sitting stagnant, with few exceptions.

In this case, the New Canaan, Darien, Wilton markets have been unusually stagnant, where usually these are the markets most desired by buyers, if they are able to afford them. My opinion is that buyers are out there, but the inventory is so vast that finding the right home, priced well, is out of reach. Westport on the other hand is becoming more and more like New Canaan was, where everyone wants to get into this market.

The real bright spot in the market has been below $500,000 in the Stamford, Norwalk, and Fairfield markets (Trumbull as well). These price points don't tend to exist in other markets, so those seeking Fairfield County will move to these cities, to avoid unnecessarily expensive homes.

As a buyer under $500,000: Get ready for a tough market, and low, less desirable inventory. You might have to settle if you are in a rush, but with patience, and the right agent, you can find those gems. There are ways to find new homes that are not currently on the market, so if your agent is only using MLS, then find another agent!

As a buyer over $500,000: Get ready to have a plethora of options. You will have the leverage, so take advantage of it. Look in other towns and cities, because there might be opportunities to be the cheapest home in a great neighborhood (which is a good thing).

As a seller under $500,000: If you have your home on the market and it isn't selling, something isn't right. If you don't have your home on the market, but are considering, do it NOW. It is a seller's market for you.

As a seller above $500,000: Your patience is going to be necessary. The market will soften a bit after this huge inventory push, that is typical of the spring and early-summer time frame. If you are getting no showings, and getting no offers on your home on market, get a new agent. If you are considering listing, either wait, or expect a much slower process.

Despite an odd market, we are still listing champions, especially in Norwalk. Here is the current Hanson Realty Group inventory, with Joe's inventory linked to a blog post. There is more to come, so let me know if you would like to follow the progression of our new listings. Here is current inventory with prices:

15 New Canaan Way, Norwalk, $699,00
2 Silwen Lane, Norwalk, $426,960
182 Silvermine Avenue, Norwalk, $499,000
279 Silvermine Road, New Canaan, $1,148,690
35 E Hills Drive, New Canaan, $450,000
10 Leslie Lane, Norwalk, $669,000
4 Blue Mountain Road, Norwalk, $567,315
2 Eclipse Avenue, Norwalk, $298,315
1 Horizon Drive, #10, Norwalk, $225,000
25 Grand Street, #234, Norwalk, $225,000
41 Valley View Road, Norwalk, $468,738
59 Barbara Drive, Norwalk, $445,150
3370 Madison Avenue, #17B, Bridgeport, $65,000
207 W Rocks Road, Norwalk, $513,213
115 Fillow Street, #4, Norwalk, $268,155
17 Grey Hollow Road, Norwalk, $648,833
160 Strawberry Hill Avenue, $499,838
43 Old Rock Lane, Norwalk, $949,419
7 Sheridan Street, #2, Norwalk, $180,763
18 Eastwood Road, Norwalk, $424,676
47 Comstock Hill Avenue, Norwalk, $647,833
18 Red Oak Lane, Norwalk, $875,379
29 Old Rock Lane, Norwalk, $864,290
5 Hillside Place, Norwalk, $235,000
4 West Lake Court, Norwalk, $1,250,000

Important Details:
Property Address: 15 New Canaan Way, Norwalk
Listing Price: $699,000
Status: RENTED
Bedrooms: 4-5    |     Bathrooms: 4.5     |     Square Feet: 3,178
Garage: 2 Car Attached    |    Central Air    |    Excellent Condition  |  HOA: $450/m

I said certain things about my last listing, 10 Leslie Lane, indicating this was a perfect purchase for a buyer. I might say the same thing about this home, but for different reasons.

This home also has it all, it is a colonial style home, located in West Norwalk, literally seconds from the Merritt, but not so close that the highway causes additional noise pollution. It is tucked back in a cul-de-sac of an association of similar homes, that is routinely maintained generating a complex of beauty.

As you enter the home you immediately enter an airy space, complete with cathedral ceilings and skylights fully providing ample natural light to the room. As with all center-hall colonials, you have the option to go right up the stairs. This living room also features hardwood floors, and a charming 2-sided gas fireplace that connects the living room to the dining room. The dining room also has great natural light, due to large, double-pane windows on two out of three walls. This space opens into an eat in kitchen, also in immaculate condition.

The eat-in-kitchen is a large space, with clean-white cabinets, and green countertops. The extra space allows for a kitchen table, next to the windows and back door overlooking the lush, green yard. The kitchen has everything you would imagine, dishwasher and large refrigerator, and sink overlooking the cutout into the living room. There is also no absence of counter or cabinet space.

Down the first-level hallway, there is access to the garage, the basement, and a laundry room. It also features an expansive in-law suite or master suite on this level, complete with walk-in closet and full bathroom. The basement has 9+ foot ceilings, and a huge floor plan, perfect candidate for a future, finished basement. The potential in this home does not stop there - if you have no need for a master bedroom on the main level, opening a wall into that bedroom from the kitchen would create a den or family room. Or, full demolition of the kitchen and this wall would create the possibility of creating a HUGE chef-quality kitchen. The possibilities here are endless, and depending on your budget, possibly inexpensive with some creativity. 

Otherwise, upstairs, you get a spacious floor plan, one of the biggest I have seen. This leads to large bathrooms, bedrooms, and closet space. The master suite features a double sink, jacuzzi tub, and stand-up shower. The walk-in closets in this room, and the other bedrooms are also the shopper's dream. Otherwise, with a third level walk-up, there is an additional room, for a playroom, den, or otherwise, with it's own full bathroom.

Given the other homes on the market that are currently listed, and the turn=key property before you, this home at $699,000 is truly priced to move. With all the checks on a checkoff list for buyers, including the ability to expand and change, with great potential, this home is yours for the taking!

Important Details:
Property Address: 10 Leslie Lane, Norwalk CT
Listing Price: $669,000
Status: CLOSED @ $645,000
Bedrooms: 4    |     Bathrooms: 3.5     |     Square Feet: 2,576
Garage: 2 Car Attached    |    Central Air    |    Excellent Condition  |  In-Law Apartment

There is a certain pleasure in listing a home that literally has every checkoff mark for a buyer, and 10 Leslie Lane gives you everything you are seeking in Norwalk. In this case, I will list these for you:

Needless to say, there is more, but these are generally exactly what buyers are seeking in a home, especially under the $700,000 mark. Let me tell you about my experience walking through this great home.

Upon arriving on the street, immediately you notice the neighborhood is full of well-maintained homes, all more expensive than 10 Leslie Lane, inherently increasing the value of this home. At the end of this cul-de-sac, the home has great curb appeal upon arrival. The brand new driveway sticks out, and takes one thing off a list that might otherwise be necessary for a new buyer.

The grounds are well-maintained, with plantings all over the home, front and back. The yard in back also appeals to a buyer seeking entertaining and fun space.

When entering the front door, you are greeted by a foyer, and a classic center-hall colonial. Straight ahead, you end up in the kitchen, with brand new tile floor. The kitchen is spacious, and has some stainless steel appliances, as well as recessed lighting, and a bay window. All of this, in good condition.

At the back of the kitchen, you notice the great room, with cathedral ceilings, wood beams, a wood-burning stove, hardwood floors, and so much space. There is also a sunroom off this space, as well as a half-bath, and closets. You can go directly to the back deck with awning, and back yard from this room. But, you get to appreciate how epic this room really is, and how comfortable it can be for you and your family/friends when entertaining.

There is also a formal living room, and dining room, one with new carpet, the other hardwood floors, both of good size. The living room also has a fireplace. These extra spaces give a homeowner enough real estate for a huge party, or a small gathering, whichever you prefer.

The upstairs has new hardwood floors in the four bedrooms, and master suite. The master suite has a walk-in closet, and private bathroom. The other bedrooms are all spacious, and would share the hallway bathroom. If you needed more storage, the attic is there to fulfill your needs.

This home has a bonus, full-finished basement, that can be used in many ways. You can make this apartment into an in-law area, with only a few stairs to access from back, or no stairs from the two-car garage. This apartment has two rooms, a partial kitchen, and a full bathroom. Perfect for many purposes.

There is excess storage on all floors, as well as newer windows, and plenty of natural light. Combine all of this with access to New Canaan, and a backyard that abuts the Dolce Walking Paths, and you have a home with so many awesome features that make it likely to run off the market.

As I mentioned, this home has all the little things you might want, and the potential to invest some sweat equity into the home, thus increasing the value over time. Situated in a perfect location, on a cul-de-sac, with Fox Run as the elementary School in West Norwalk, and with new floors, driveway, and more, your dream home awaits. It has it all, ready for a new buyer to take it an run!