Bridgeport Real Estate Blog

Surprise, Suprise, on Tuesday March 14th, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate the same. This is the rate the Federal Reserve charges banks to borrower money. The range is presently at ZERO Percent 0.00. 

The vote was unanimous making it the fourth consecutive month that the board agrees to leave the rate alone. Only one FOMC member did not agree making a 9 to 1 vote.

The Fed Funds Rate has been near zero or at zero percent since December 2008. Its is not a surprise because they have stated they will not expect to change the rate until at least 2014.

The Federal Reserve expects moderate economic expansion in the next few quarters and an slow pace of improvement in the national Unemployment Rate.

The Fed still beleives that housing remains “depressed”, Labor conditions have “improved further” and Household spending has “continued to advance”.

With respect to inflation, the Fed said that rising oil and gasoline prices will “push up” inflation temporarily, but not over the long-term.

After the FOMC’s statement, mortgage markets worsened slightly, pressuring mortgage rates higher. Which translates to a slightly higher rate to you today.

The FOMC’s next scheduled meeting is a two-day event slated for 4/24 or 4/25 2012.

Want to know how these things really affect you? Call Good Living Realty and one of our agents will help you. No obligation necessary.

Eddie Gutierrez

Sunday, February 26, 2:00 pm

1691 Main St, Bridgeport, CT | Get Directions »
$20

Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving, but in a defiant response, one Walk MS team is doing just the opposite. The G TEAM: Good People, Doing Good Things, is hosting its second annual Zumba for MS fundraiser for the 2012 Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power.

Join us at The Zumba for MS on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 1691 Café/Lounge in Bridgeport right off of Route 25. Proceeds will go to benefit the Connecticut MS Society. We are moving for those who can't. Help shake it for a cause.

The cost for the event is a $20 donation to the G TEAM's Walk MS fundraising efforts; includes Zumba instruction from six area certified Zumba instructors: Diana Figueroa, Heatherly Law, Nina Merlonghi, Elisa Irizarry, Jackie Vasquez and Gabby Molina. The event begins with a quick demo on basic Zumba steps and modification moves. Then each instructor will lead 20 to 30 minutes sets each. A true Zumba-thon!! At the end of the workout there will be refreshments and a drawing for prizes. Everyonewelcomed, no experience necessary.

For ticket/wristbands or more information on the Zumba for MS fundraising event, contact Cynthia at 203-258-9821 or gteammswalk@yahoo.com. Also you can go to 1691 Café/Lounge at 1691 Main Street, Bridgeport, or call 203-908-3853 to register in advance.

So when is the best time to buy a house? Do home buyers purchase homes in the Winter. Do they really go out in the snow? In cold temps? 

While, Yes, yes they do.

I was told in real estate training that there are 4 types of buyers

1) SUPER MOTIVATED BUYER: needs to move in 30-90 days, a lease is running out or some life changing event dicates the quick move

2) NOT SO FAST BUYER: needs to move but has time  - no rush. (These buyers can look at short sales - talk about that later) 120-180 days

3) Very Distant Future: want to buy but need to save for down payment or repair credit. 180 days - 365 days

4) Tire kickers -  won't buy -  just browsing

So who is looking -  Category 1 and 2 are and some will go through great lengths. I had several clients come in during huge NorEaster Storms because they did not want to miss out on a specific home.

So if your serious about finding your new place  - get those long johns, heavy socks, waterproof boots, parkas, gloves and scarfs our because our team is not afraid of brave the elements with you. So let's ride down to Lordship, Paradise Green, North End or even the South End. For a free  -  no hassel consulation call 203-257-9954

Home Sellers -  Prepare your home during the Winter:

1) Clean up the walkway and driveways

2) Keep it CLEAN inside  -  this is important!!

3) Make repairs  - weather permitting but if the boiler has a leak that won't fair well.

4) Paint in the can $25 -  Paint on the wall $1000 (something neutral preferably)

5) Turn on heat -  keep it warm and inviting

6) Create ambiance -  staging a dining room with your China and linens or even arranging for the fireplace to be on for the showing will help

7) Use Timers  & leverage technology to help turn on lights

8) Share information -  want the buyer to notice something specific  - use a little card to point it out

Our team can help you prepare and get the most out of staging on a budget - 

Respectfully -  Eddie Gutierrez

This property is well under market for the neighborhood and offers lots of space. Needs work but well worth the effort. Buy for yourself with 203k FHA loan or if your a contractor this is a great project with sure fire returns. The Trumbull school system is always in high demand - no brainer, this is a good buy any way you look at it.

Run don't walk -  this is not a sleeper - it will sell quickly!

Eddie Gutierrez 203-257-9954

So here is the deal.I have had clients that say they are NO good homes and that one's they like always end up with multiple bids. I empathized, but never really grasped the idea fully until the tables were turned.

So I am out looking for a home and some of the towns we have considered have been: Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown and Orange and Woodbridge (biggest reason we decided on these towns were the school districts all rated 8,9 and 10 according to Greatschools.

So I am not picky, (at least I thought I wasn't) - until I go out and everything we have come across has one thing or another. So, I gave myself the advise I give others: THERE IS NO PERFECT HOUSE - get the one that meets most of what you are looking for and make it your own - good advise right, sounds like I had this moment of true wisdom.

We look some more and still. We have seen a lot of homes and still. We finally see one and NOT perfect - but we liked it. Listed way to high - so we offer and wait. NO GO.

So I ask 

WHERE IS THE INVENTORY?

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD HOUSES GONE????

The truth is that I need to adjust my mindset -and I think buyers in my situation may agree -otherwise I will be searching for a very long time to find missed opportunities that would have been good places to settle down in.

Note to seller's: staging is important to highlight features and fellow agent's Pictures are important - like really important.