A Barbecue Menu for Entertaining at Home in Weston and Westport this July 4th
Posted on July 2, 2009
Filed Under Tips and Advice for the Homeowner | Leave a Comment
It’s the July 4th holiday and the perfect time to BBQ. Chef Michele at VIP Chef Services and Catering, (www.vipchef.com) shared some BBQ tips in a previous post and now she has a menu to share with us.
Hope you have a delicious 4th!
Remember we are always here to answer your real estate questions.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
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Here is a wonderful upscale menu to inspire some new ideas to incorporate for your next BBQ Bash with friends:
STARTERS
“Watermelon cups” with shots of Petrone
(substitute your libation of choice)
Guacamole in Wonton Cones
Grilled Shrimp with Aji Verde
BUFFET
Spinach Salad with Fresh Strawberries & Brie, Balsamic-Poppy Vinaigrette
AnchoRubbed Steaks with Cuban Espresso Sauce
Stuffed Mini Lobster Tails with Vanilla Saffron Sauce
Stuffed CriminiMushrooms with Gorgonzola
Organic Quinoa Salad with Swiss Chard
Corn on the Cobb with Melted Butter dusted with Cumin
SWEET FINALE
Kahlua Chocolate Brownies
Red, White & Blue Fruit Parfaits
If you would like the recipes for any of the ideas mentioned, contact Chef Michele at VIP Chef Services at spectacularlife@snet.net or call 203.221.7711.
Michele Gabay Liguori oversees VIP Chef Services & Catering, an upscale boutique firm specializing in creative cocktail receptions and amazing events as well as private chef services. She is also an invited speaker with “Getting Beyond Pasta, Pizza & Nuggets - How to transition your Kids to Eat Healthy”. www.vipchef.com
Westport and Weston Real Estate Market Statistics for June 2009
Posted on July 2, 2009
Filed Under Local Real Estate Market | Leave a Comment
Here is a link to Westport and Weston real estate statistics for the month of June. Subscribe to this Blog and you will receive a notice when the stats are available. Keep in mind that the most meaningful way to look at the market is by the segment that you are in. We can provide those statistics to you.
Call us for a market evaluation of your home, at no charge to you.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
July 4th Celebration and Fireworks in Weston
Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Weston, Connecticut - Events and Activities | Leave a Comment
Fireworks, food and music at Weston’s Family Fourth Celebration on Saturday, July 4. Come on out and join family and friends at this wonderful community event.
It takes place at the Weston Middle School field starting at 4:30. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 3-17 and children under two are free.
Performances include; the Westport Community Band, led by Sal LaRusso, from 6:15 to 7:15; the Magic Genie, Nissan Eventoff, performing during the evening; The Straight Note Chasers Band performing before and after the fireworks display; The Professor Harold Hill Memorial All-Kazoo Band, made up of any willing member of the public, thanks to the Kiwanis Club donating 200 kazoos.
Fireworks begin around 9:15.
Parking in the School Road parking lots or at St. Francis of Assisi Church where shuttle buses will run from 7 until after the fireworks.
As of today the weather looks like it will be good, but just in case, the rain date is Sunday, July 5.
Enjoy your 4th!
Hope to see you there.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
July 4th Fireworks Celebration in Westport
Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Westport, Connecticut - Events and Activities | Leave a Comment
Get ready to celebrate! The fireworks, hosted by Westport P.A.L., will be held at Compo Beach at sundown on Friday, July 3.
Come on out and join your friends and neighbors in this wonderful community activity. 
Tickets are available at the Westport Parks and Rec office at Longshore during business hours and at Westport Police Headquarters anytime. They are $30 per car and must be purchased in advance.
Compo Beach will close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 p.m. for fireworks ticket holders. The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:15PM.
As of today, the weather looks like it will be good, but just in case, the rain date is Monday, July 6.
Hope to see you there.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Real Estate Home Appraisals … what’s going on?
Posted on June 29, 2009
Filed Under Local Real Estate Market, Mortgage Update, National Real Estate Market | Leave a Comment
Weston and Westport buyers and sellers ….. It’s a new world out there in terms of real estate appraisals. There are changes you need to know about when buying or selling a house, so we asked Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer with NE Moves Mortgage, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker, to give us his perspective.
Let us know if you have any questions. There is no obligation. We would be happy to help.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
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Appraisals……what’s going on?
On May 1, 2009, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with the NY State Attorney General instituted the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), to enhance the independence and accuracy of the appraisal process.
The HVCC forces a firewall between lenders and home appraisers. Gone are longstanding relationships between a local lender and a local appraiser. Now, lenders and brokers are forced to use appraisal management companies (ironically - or maybe not so ironically-many of which are owned by the big banks). These companies hire independent appraisers across the country and call on them to do the local appraisals. This rule, however, DOES NOT apply to FHA, VA or jumbo loans over 725k.
The new HVCC is increasing processing times, thus causing contingency dates to be extended and in some cases moving closing dates out.
The revised code in short…..
No employee, director, officer, or agent of the lender, or any other third party acting as joint venture partner, independent contractor, appraisal company, appraisal management company, or partner on behalf of the lender, shall influence or attempt to influence the development, reporting, result, or review of an appraisal through coercion, extortion, collusion, compensation, inducement, intimidation, bribery, or in any other manner including but not limited to:
(1) withholding or threatening to withhold timely payment or partial payment for an appraisal report;
(2) withholding or threatening to withhold future business for an appraiser, or demoting or terminating or threatening to demote or terminate an appraiser;
(3) expressly or impliedly promising future business, promotions, or increased compensation for an appraiser;
(4) conditioning the ordering of an appraisal report or the payment of an appraisal fee or salary or bonus on the opinion, conclusion, or valuation to be reached, or on a preliminary value estimate requested from an appraiser;
(5) requesting that an appraiser provide an estimated, predetermined, or desired valuation in an appraisal report prior to the completion of the appraisal report, or requesting that an appraiser provide estimated values or comparable sales at any time prior to the appraiser’s completion of an appraisal report;
(6) providing to an appraiser an anticipated, estimated, encouraged, or desired value for a subject property or a proposed or target amount to be loaned to the borrower, except that a copy of the sales contract for purchase transactions may be provided;
(7) providing to an appraiser, appraisal company, appraisal management company, or any entity or person related to the appraiser, appraisal company, or appraisal management company, stock or other financial or non-financial benefits;
(8) allowing the removal of an appraiser from a list of qualified appraisers, or the addition of an appraiser to an exclusionary list of disapproved appraisers, used by any entity, without prompt written notice to such appraiser, which notice shall include written evidence of the appraiser’s illegal conduct, a violation of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) or state licensing standards, substandard performance, improper or unprofessional behavior or other substantive reason for removal (except that this prohibition will not preclude the management of appraiser lists for bona fide administrative reasons based on written, management-approved policies);
(9) ordering, obtaining, using, or paying for a second or subsequent appraisal or automated valuation model (AVM) in connection with a mortgage financing transaction unless: (i) there is a reasonable basis to believe that the initial appraisal was flawed or tainted and such basis is clearly and appropriately noted in the loan file, or (ii) unless such appraisal or automated valuation model is done pursuant to written, pre-established bona fide pre- or post-funding appraisal review or quality control process or underwriting guidelines, and so long as the lender adheres to a policy of selecting the most reliable appraisal, rather than the appraisal that states the highest value; or
(10) any other act or practice that impairs or attempts to impair an appraiser’s independence, objectivity, or impartiality or violates law or regulation, including, but not limited to, the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z, or the USPAP.
The bottomline, it is a whole new world out there, nothing like we have ever seen before, and only time will tell, if this new process really works.
Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer, NE Moves Mortgage, LLC
Cell: 203-816-7879
Email: james.hanrahan@nemoves.com
Online application www.nemmortgage.com/jameshanrahan
Home Sales Continue Rising Trend
Posted on June 23, 2009
Filed Under National Real Estate Market | Leave a Comment
The real estate news continues to get better.
According to the National Association of Realtors®, “Sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit, May’s increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005.”
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected an improvement. “Historically low mortgage interest rates clearly drew buyers into the market, and housing remains very affordable even with a recent uptick in rates,” he said. “First-time buyers also are being drawn off the sidelines by the $8,000 tax credit, which is helping to absorb inventory. However, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan.”
According to Freddie Mac, “the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.86 percent in May from a record low 4.81 percent in April; the rate was 6.04 percent in May 2008. Last week, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed at 5.38 percent; data collection began in 1971.”
If you would like to know about the local market and what your home is worth, call us for a free market evaluation.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Spacious 2BR House for Rent in Old Hill, Westport
Posted on June 18, 2009
Filed Under Featured Homes | Leave a Comment
Located in the beautiful estate area of Old Hill. Dramatic and spacious 2-story home with open floor plan and great light.
Immaculate condition, newer carpet, paint, window treatments and appliances. Private screened porch and patio, washer and dryer. Convenient; walk to town, mini bus route. Totally separate from main house. No smoking, no pets. Owner pays electric, water, trash, lawn care, snow removal. Offered at $2,750 per month.
• Quiet and private setting.
• Cental Air
• Screened porch
• 2-story brick fireplace
• Natural stone patio
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Prestigious Greens Farms Colonial in Westport
Posted on June 15, 2009
Filed Under Featured Homes | Leave a Comment
It doesn’t get better than this! Beautifully renovated, better than new, colonial set on 1 acre. Ideally located on a cul de sac street, this 6 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath home tells a tale of symmetry and style.
Boasting great curb appeal with a new mahogany front porch this special home invites you in to enjoy all it has to offer. Infused with dramatic surprises of color and design, you are treated to large spacious rooms and an easy flow for both casual living and formal entertaining.
Formal living room with fireplace and formal dining room flow into the oversized gourmet kitchen and large family room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling. French doors open to the deck and flagstone patios with extensive stonework as well as the private yard with pool site.
Great detailing with many custom features, large walk-out rec room, 3 car garage and so much more. Unfinished lower level offers additional 500sf of possible living area. Minutes to the beach, train and all of the conveniences of Westport.
• Built in stereo system (kitchen, family rm, master bedrm & bath, Lower level rec room and outdoors)
• 400 amp electrical service
• 6- Zone heating / cooling system
• New furnace & Water heater
• New security system
• Automatic sprinkler system (front lawn & landscaped beds)
• New washer and dryer
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Mortgage Update for Westport and Weston Buyers and Sellers
Posted on June 15, 2009
Filed Under Mortgage Update | Leave a Comment
Weston and Westport buyers and sellers ….. Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer with NE Moves Mortgage, LLC, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, provided us with this update on the mortgage market that we are sharing with you. Let us know if you would like to discuss your real estate financing needs. We would be happy to help.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Market Comment
Mortgage bond prices had another volatile week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. US debt concerns played the biggest factor in rate swings as worries continued that countries would shift out of US dollar holdings. Russia indicated a willingness to move some reserves from US Treasuries to International Monetary Fund bonds. Retails sales rose 0.5% as expected but the positive figure reinforced the belief that the economy is turning. Oil prices continued to escalate hitting over $72/barrel. For the week interest rates rose by 1/4 point.
The consumer price index Wednesday will be the most important release this week. Strength in the other economic data will do little to help mortgage interest rates improve.
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index is widely accepted as the most important measure of inflation. The CPI is a measure of prices at the consumer level for a fixed basket of goods and services. The National Statistics Office and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics of the Department of Agriculture collect price data for the computation of the CPI. Since it is an index number, it compares the level of prices to a base period. By comparing the level of the index at two different points in time, analysts can determine how much prices have risen in that period. Unlike other measures of inflation, which only factor domestically produced goods; the CPI takes into account imported goods as well. This is important due to the ever-increasing reliance of the US economy upon imported goods. Analysts primarily focus on the core rate of the CPI which factors out the more volatile food and energy prices.
High oil prices continue to weigh heavily upon the financial markets. The health of the economy remains uncertain. The Fed has itself in a precarious position of wanting to stoke the economy amid the real possibility of increased inflation.
Market participants expect the consumer price index to be critical heading into the Fed’s meeting next week. Inflation friendly data may lead to improvements in mortgage interest rates. However, unexpected consumer price spikes may push interest rates higher in the short-term. A cautious approach to float/lock decisions is prudent.
Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer, NE Moves Mortgage, LLC
Cell: 203-816-7879
Email: james.hanrahan@nemoves.com
Online application www.nemmortgage.com/jameshanrahan
Mortgage Update for Westport and Weston Buyers and Sellers
Posted on June 8, 2009
Filed Under Mortgage Update | Leave a Comment
Weston and Westport buyers and sellers ….. Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer with NE Moves Mortgage, LLC, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, provided us with this update on the mortgage market that we are sharing with you. Let us know if you would like to discuss your real estate financing needs. We would be happy to help.
Miriam Luck and Dee Cohen
203-858-8568 / 203-856-2336
Homes@WeKnowWestport.com
www.WeKnowWestport.com
Mortgage bond prices had another terrible week pushing mortgage interest rates considerably higher. Personal income, outlays, construction spending, ISM Index, and payrolls data came in stronger than expected. This did little to help the already shattered bond market. Oil prices continued to escalate hitting over $70/barrel. The Fed attempts to keep rates in check were not very effective as selling pressure continued. Bernanke tried to calm the markets by reiterating forecasts of tame inflation but his words fell on deaf ears among bond traders.
The Treasury auctions will once again take center stage, as the market has to deal with additional supply. Continued strength in the economic data will do little to help mortgage interest rates improve.
Payrolls
Last week was a prime example of the divergence between the unemployment rate and payrolls figure along with the risk of floating into important data. Unemployment came in at 9.4%, higher than the expected 9.2%, while non-farm payrolls fell 345,000, not as much as the expected 520,000 decline. Mortgage bond prices fell and rates spiked higher. Bond traders hoped the report would provide a solid indication that the labor market remained weak. Unfortunately it left more uncertainty. The unemployment figure is derived from a household survey while the payrolls number comes from an employer report.
Energy prices have risen considerably stoking inflation fears amid record debt levels. As a result the low mortgage interest rates that everyone considered a given have quickly gone away. The Fed continues to purchase mortgage bonds in an effort to keep mortgage interest rates low but they face a daunting task as the selling pressure continues. The Fed still has over $700b marked for purchasing additional mortgage bonds. The question remains whether that will be enough to help rates turn lower. So far it appears additional measures are needed.
Jim Hanrahan, Sr. Loan Officer, NE Moves Mortgage, LLC
Cell: 203-816-7879
Email: james.hanrahan@nemoves.com
Online application www.nemmortgage.com/jameshanrahan
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