New Listing!  61 Plattsville # B2 was just listed at $1,750 / month.

This Norwalk townhouse in nearly new, having been built in 2005, and offers 2 BR, 2.5 Baths, reserved OFF/ST parking, W/D in unit, and a huge basement for storage.

For more information about this specific Norwalk townhouse rental unit, visit:  http://cmls.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=6a908722-d304-4588-9640-6546fd0e1eed&Report=Yes

For information on other rental properties in Norwalk, and any other questions regarding real estate in lower Fairfield County, visit: www.ToddTurcotte.com

 

As a buyer, there are many benefits to having your own real estate agent represent you in buying process.

Some buyers don’t even realize that there is no fee to work with a real estate agent in our area of Connecticut.  Here in lower Fairfield County, the seller pays the real estate agent fees and commissions.  The buyer basically gets their own representation for free.  Realtytimes.com reports that 89% of buyers in today’s market are using their own agent, up from 69% in 2001.

But why don’t buyers just represent themselves?

Most buyers don’t represent themselves because the buying process has become more complicated.  Today’s market is filled with foreclosures, short sales, and many other situations where it helps to have the advice and guidance of an agent.  How should I present my offer?  What type of inspection should I do before closing?  Should I ask the seller for any concessions or credits?  These are some of the questions your real estate agent can help you answer.

Why should a buyer get their own agent when they can go directly to the listing agent?

Some people would assume work with the agent who has the property listed.  This is certainly an option, and many homes are purchased using this method every year.  If an agent represents both sides in a sale, they must disclose their dual agency to both the buyer and seller.  However, one aspect most buyers don’t know, is that the listing agent has fiduciary responsibility to the owner or seller of the home, even if they represent both the buyer and the seller.

Having your own agent when buying a home, means that they are tuned-in to exactly what you want (or at least they should be).  This way you only have to explain your situation, and what you are looking for in a home, one time.  As you look at homes, your agent can narrow down the search criteria more and more until they find that perfect home for your situation.

For more info on “buyer agents,” check out this article from Realtytimes.com: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20120117_youragent.htm

 

For questions and information on Norwalk area real estate, visit www.ToddTurcotte.com

 

 

 

Just Rented!  9 Glenwood Ave # 3 just rented for $1,850 / month.

This 2 BR Norwalk townhouse is BRAND NEW, with stainless steeel appliances, granite kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, a full basement with laundry and storage, OFF/ST parking, a

New Listing!  25 Maple St. # 4 was just listed for $900 / month.

This 1 BR near the center of Norwalk offers and updated kitchen and bath, laundry in the building, and OFF/ST parking.  It won’t last long at this price!

For more information about this specific 1 BR for rent in Norwalk, visit: http://cmls.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=2c1120e0-6fc4-4d73-b166-46645d59be15&Report=Yes

For info about every rental in Norwalk, visit www.ToddTurcotte.com

 

New Listing!  6 McAllister was just listed for $374,000.

This 3 BR, 2 Bath Ranch features a finished basement and a 1 car garage.  This property is a potential short-sale.

For more info about this home, check out th

Welcome to the year 2012, the year of the “home buyer.”

Perspective is everything.  That can certainly be applied to our current real estate market in the US.  If you are a seller, who purchased your home in 2005-2007, the current real estate market probably gives you indigestion.  Your home is likely worth much less than you paid for it, and you are “upside down” in your mortgage.

If you in the market to purchase a property, things are looking great!  Here is what we know:

1. The bursting real estate bubble, along with a slew of foreclosures, has suppressed prices to levels not seen since 2000-2003.
2. Interest rates are still near record lows, around 4% for a 30-year fixed.  Rates are even lower for a 15 year fixed rate.
3. The worst of the housing crisis seems to be behind us.
4. Rent increased in 2011, and that trend is expected to continue in 2012.

 

2012 will be a great time to buy a property.  In most cases, you can pay less each month for a home you own, than you would to rent a comparable property.  Not only is your monthly payment a little less, you are paying down principle each month, and building equity.  As rents continue to rise, you can rest assured that your mortgage payment will not (if you have a fixed rate mortgage).  Taxes and insurance on your property may increase, but your mortgage payment will not.

Most economists are reporting that the housing market should stabilize in 2012.  There are still a lot of foreclosures that need to be processed.  The speed an efficiency that bank’s process the foreclosures (foreclose on the property, and sell on the open market) should increase in 2012, however the low interest rates should help keep prices stable.

No matter if you are a first time home buyer, purchasing an investment property, or buying a second home, 2012 will be a great year to enter the market.

For insight on the top 5 reasons to own a home, see this Quicken Loans.com article:  http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/top-5-reasons-buy-home-2012

 

For more information, or to contact me with any questions, visit www.ToddTurcotte.com

 

 

 

 

Just Reduced!  126 Washington St. # 201 was just reduced to $1,795 / month.

This SoNo 1 BR is right in the heart of the action in downtown Norwalk.  Walk to shopping, restaurants, bars, metro north train, and Vet’s Park.

For more information about this specific unit, CLICK HERE

 

For questions about this property, and to search every listing in Fairfield County, visit www.ToddTurcotte.com

 

Just reduced!  5 Elmcrest Terrace # 7 was just reduced to $269,000.

This Norwalk condo was built in 2005, and features a granite kitchen, bath, and full basement!  It also offers OFF/ST reserved parking.

For more information about this particular unit, CLICK HERE

 

For information about Norwalk real estate, and to ask any questions, visit www.ToddTurcotte.com and contact me!

Tax time is here!  Most people aren’t a fan of organizing their finances to file their taxes.  Whether you file them yourself, or go to your CPA, it is a good idea to know which deductions work in your favor.

Here is an article from inman.com, with the top tax breaks for homeowners:

http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/taranichollenelsoninmancom/top-5-tax-breaks-homeowners

 

Feel free to ‘contact me’ via www.ToddTurcotte.com with any questions.

New Listing!  1 Thames St. was just listed for $259,900.

This 3 BR colonial house in Norwalk offers a large living room, charming 3 season porch, large deck, and newer stainless steel appliances.  For more info about this specific Norwalk house for sale, CLICK HERE

For more information about every propertie