Real Estate
40 Swifts Lane Diane Farrell on Real Estate

Historic 18th Century Home with a 20th Century Story in Darien: Farrell on Real Estate

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A historic home can offer a one-of-a-kind experience for a buyer who can appreciate it. When you walk through the doors of this house for sale at 40 Swifts Lane in Darien, you realize that you are being transported back in time, to an age when things were tremendously different. Entering its main living room, with its enormous fireplace, you wonder what life was like back in 1719, when the home was built. To give you a frame of reference, 1719 was the year that Moses Mather, the first ordained minister of Darien’s first parish, was born.  

As you take a look around at its multiple stone fireplaces, wood paneling, wide-planked chestnut floors and large wooden beams overhead, you can’t help but wonder what this 5,000-square-foot house has seen. Part of its history came in the early 20th century, when the house was actually moved to Swifts Lane from its original Southington location in the mid 1920s.

Real Estate
Flower Diane Farrell

Looking to Sell? Some Outdoor Improvements Bring Returns on Investment — Some Won’t: Farrell on Real Estate

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Despite our recent bouts with wintery weather, spring really is on the way. And if you are dreaming about getting outdoors and doing some planting, you will be happy to know that landscaping improvements bring big returns on investment for the homeowner. In fact, outdoor projects have been shown to get back well over a 100 percent return on investment and many times, much more. The ever-important value of curb appeal, which is largely dependent on your landscaping, can add significantly to your home’s overall value. Easy and low-cost gardening improvements include adding color with annuals, perennials or flowering shrubs in beds or in pots.

Real Estate
17 Sunnyside Ave

Sell Now or Later? Some Things to Consider: Farrell on Real Estate

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With spring on the horizon, you may be considering if 2018 is the year to sell your home. One of the most compelling reasons to put your home on the market this year is that current interest rates, just above 4 percent, are still low by historical standards. They can help make a transaction easier for both the buyer of your home and for your next home purchase. Rates are predicted to rise and the current low rates can serve as an impetus for potential homebuyers to purchase sooner rather than later. Another factor to consider is that with the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2017, there may be added interest from people moving from areas with higher property taxes, such as nearby Westchester County.

Real Estate
Curb appeal lawn

Top Ways to Spruce Up Your Home If You’re Gearing Up to Sell It: Farrell on Real Estate

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Despite Punxsutawny Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, you may be giving some thought to selling your Darien home in this spring’s real estate market. Making your home as inviting and attractive to buyers as possible should be a priority when putting it up for sale. Traditionally a time of higher demand for homes, spring may present the right opportunity for you to sell, but may also bring increased competition among sellers. And although Darien is much sought after for its school system, easy commute and beaches, you will undoubtedly be best served by making your home stand out as the best in its price range. Removing clutter and organizing storage spaces is an important place to start.

Real Estate
Diane Farrell Houlihan Lawrence head shot thumbnail 18-01-10

Return on Investment for Home Improvement Projects: Diane Farrell on Real Estate

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With thoughts of spring on everyone’s mind at this time of year, homeowners may be exploring ways to renew their single biggest investment, their home. When choosing among home improvement projects, return on investment and budget are important considerations. What may seem surprising to some, is that smaller remodeling projects and improvements to curb appeal have proven to bring the biggest return on investment to the homeowner. A small project that consistently nets one of the biggest returns is the addition of attic insulation. Since homes lose the greatest amount of heat through the roof, this project becomes an investment in energy savings as well as home value.

Real Estate
Nine Clocks Lane

Sales Prices Rise in Darien in Last Quarter of 2017, But Demand Higher for New and Renovated Houses

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The average sales price for a home in Darien increased by 13 percent in the last quarter of 2017 versus the same time period in 2016 (the median sale price increased by 9.2 percent increase for the same time period). Overall, the average sales price for a home in Darien rose by 1.4 percent in 2017, from $1,682,576 to $1,706, 371 and sale prices averaged 96 percent of list prices. Buyers continued to place a premium on newly constructed or recently renovated homes in 2017, choosing a lower-maintenance lifestyle. They also demonstrated a strong preference for homes in areas close to town, trains and schools. Trends in the real estate market in 2017 reflect high levels of inventory in the luxury categories.

Real Estate
45 Hancock Lane Darien aerial

Darien Sees Increase in Home Sales, Median Price Up in 2017

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Residential home sales in Darien saw an overall increase of 15 percent in 2017, with 299 homes sold in 2017 versus 260 sold in 2016, according to data from the Darien Multiple Listing Service.  

(You can find out more here about the Hancock Lane home shown above.)

The median sales price rose by 4.3 percent, from $1,380,000 to $1,440,000. The town saw the most sales in the $1,000,000 to $1,499,999 price range, with 104 homes sold, and the largest increase in the $2,000,000 to $2,499,999 range, with 43 sales representing a 79.2 percent increase over 2016. ____________

Diane Farrell is a realtor with Houlihan Lawrence in Darien. A 20-year town resident,  she is a board member of the Tree Conservancy of Darien.

Real Estate
12 Heather Lane 18-01-11

Heather Lane Home Sells For $1.4 Million and Other Darien Home Sales

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These properties recently were sold in Darien, according to records in the Town Clerk’s Office:

 

—9 Littlebrook Road North — Liza Karpiak to Robert Martin and Natalie Martin, sold Dec. 21, filed Jan. 5, $1,222,500

—12 Heather Lane — Catherine Killian to Sebastian Bartolotta and Ashley Bartolotta, sold Jan. 21, filed June 5, $1,400,000 — PICTURED

—116 Camp Ave. — Frederick Tobin and Carroll Tobin to Xiaoke Zheng and Ximin Liu, sold Jan.

Real Estate
19 Christie Hill Road Darien 12-28-17

Christie Hill Road Home Goes for $1,375,000: Darien Home Sales

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These properties recently were sold in Darien, according to records in the Town Clerk’s Office:

—19 Christie Hill Road — Peter Wagner and Beverly Wagner to Joseph Notaro and Simona Notaro, sold Dec. 19, filed Dec. 21, $1,375,000 — PICTURED

—26 Ward Lane — Steven Lee and Jewon Lee sold to the GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust on Aug. 21, then sold to Kelly Genova on Nov. 14, both transactions filed Dec.

Real Estate
23 Patricia Lane 12-21-17

Patricia Lane Home Sells for $1.8 Million and Other Darien Home Sales

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These properties recently were sold in Darien, according to records in the Town Clerk’s Office:

 

—17 Raiders Lane — M.L.R. Corp, of the same address, to Old Sunswyck Road LLC, sold Nov. 30, filed Dec. 5, $1,475,000

—10 Wrenfield Lane — Barbara Upson and Stewart Upson Jr. to William Parsley and Amy Parsley, sold Dec. 4, filed Dec. 7, $1,162,500

—34 Lake Dr. — Jill Tomasello and Cynthia Potter to Timothy Brassil and Charlene Brassil, sold Dec.

Real Estate
Stephen Tyng Mather Home 04-23-17

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Dec 14 to 21

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Here’s Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien and Rowayton real estate Dec. 7 to 14, 2017:

 

This week’s Darien highlights:

0 New to Market Listings in Darien
1 Price Reductions in Darien
1 Accepted Offers in Darien
6 Closed Sales in Darien
0 Open Houses in Darien

 This week’s Rowayton highlights:

0 New to Market Listings in Rowayton
0 Price Reductions in Rowayton
0 Accepted Offer in Rowayton
1 Closed Sales in Rowayton
0 Open Houses in Rowayton

Price Changes

Address
Town
Original Price
Previous Price
Current Price

31 Buttonwood Lane
Darien
$1,895,000.00
$1,850,000.00
$1,825,000.00

Accepted Offers

Address
Town
Latest Asking Price

23 Rocaton Road
Darien
$1,675,000.00

Title Passed

Address
Town
Listed Price
Sold Price

23 Patricia Lane
Darien
$2,395,000.00
$1,830,000.00

10 Harbor Road
Darien
$1,850,000.00
$1,499,000.00

10 Rocaton Road
Darien
$1,250,000.00
$1,222,500.00

74 Gardiner Street
Darien
$1,495,000.00
$1,185,000.00

2 Phillips Lane
Darien
$1,150,000.00
$1,085,000.00

38 Edgerton Street
Darien
$869,000.00
$847,500.00

9 Little Brook Road
Rowayton
$850,000.00
$700,000.00

— More about Deirdre McGovern here

___________

See also:

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Dec 7 to 14 (Dec. 14)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 30 to Dec 7 (Dec. 7)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 16 to 30 (Nov. 30)
Roland Drive Home Sells for $2.28 Million and Other Darien Home Sales (Dec.

Real Estate
19 Bailey Ave. Darien

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Dec 7 to 14

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Here’s Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien and Rowayton real estate Dec. 7 to 14, 2017:

 

This week’s Darien highlights:

3 New to Market Listings in Darien
3 Price Reductions in Darien
5 Accepted Offers in Darien
2 Closed Sales in Darien
6 Open Houses in Darien

 This week’s Rowayton highlights:

0 New to Market Listings in Rowayton
0 Price Reductions in Rowayton
1 Accepted Offer in Rowayton
0 Closed Sales in Rowayton
2 Open Houses in Rowayton

New Listings

Address
Town
Sq Feet
Price

91 Noroton Avenue
Darien
4600
$1,850,000.00

5 Robinson Street
Darien
2634
$955,000.00

8 Clocks Lane
Darien
1206
$794,500.00

Price Changes

Address
Town
Original Price
Previous Price
Current Price

202 Mansfield Avenue
Darien
$2,700,000.00
$2,395,000.00
$2,295,000.00

6 Wildcat Road
Darien
$2,495,000.00
$2,295,000.00
$2,195,000.00

9-11 Park Lane
Darien
$919,000.00
$919,000.00
$869,000.00

Accepted Offers

Address
Town
Latest Asking Price

8 Alpine Lane
Darien
$1,595,000.00

693 Boston Post Road
Darien
$1,200,000.00

2 Highland Avenue
Darien
$1,197,000.00

5 Robinson Street
Darien
$955,000.00

17 Maple Street
Darien
$759,000.00

72 Crooked Trail Road
Rowayton
$736,000.00

Title Passed

Address
Town
Listed Price
Sold Price

34 Lake Drive
Darien
$1,449,000.00
$1,380,000.00

3 Cliff Avenue
Darien
$925,000.00
$880,000.00

Open Houses

Address
Town
Price
Date & Time

134 Five Mile River Road
Darien
$3,375,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

25 Five Mile River Road
Darien
$2,375,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

37 Witch Lane
Rowayton
$1,799,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

25 Wilson Avenue
Rowayton
$1,196,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

19 Bailey Avenue
Darien
$999,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

9 Park Lane
Darien
$869,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

8 Clocks Lane
Darien
$794,500.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

12 Ledge Road
Darien
$725,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

— More about Deirdre McGovern here

___________

See also:

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 30 to Dec 7 (Dec. 7)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 16 to 30 (Nov. 30)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 9 to 16 (Nov. 16)
Roland Drive Home Sells for $2.28 Million and Other Darien Home Sales (Dec.

Darien Home Sales
2 Rowland Drive

Roland Drive Home Sells for $2.28 Million and Other Darien Home Sales

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These properties recently were sold in Darien, according to records in the Town Clerk’s Office:

15 Country Club Road — Gregory Barber and Amy Barber to Justin Donatello and Vanessa Donatello, sold Nov. 28, filed Dec. 1, $1,195,000

15 Bates Farm Lane — Jonathan Thackeray to Peter Aerni and Taryn DeClerico, sold Nov. 30, filed Dec. 1, $1,595,000

2 Roland Dr. — Mark Hamlin and Christina Leman-Hamlin to John DeVilliers and Alexandra DeVilliers, sold Nov.

Real Estate
48 Edgerton Street Darien 12-07-17

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 30 to Dec 7

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Here’s Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien and Rowayton real estate for Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 2017:

This week’s Darien highlights:

4 New to Market Listings in Darien
4 Price Reductions in Darien
5 Accepted Offers in Darien
10 Closed Sales in Darien
11 Open Houses in Darien

 This week’s Rowayton highlights:

2 New to Market Listings in Rowayton
1 Price Reduction in Rowayton
0 Accepted Offers in Rowayton
0 Closed Sales in Rowayton
2 Open Houses in Rowayton

New Listings

Address
Town
Sq Feet
Price

75 Bluff Avenue
Rowayton
6116
$8,700,000.00

49 Christie Hill Road
Darien
2600
$1,725,000.00

90 Brookside Road
Darien
3906
$1,600,000.00

104 Leeuwarden Road
Darien
3613
$1,475,000.00

72 Crooked Trail Road
Rowayton
1360
$736,000.00

25 Hale Lane
Darien
900
$520,000.00

Price Changes

Address
Town
Original Price
Previous Price
Current Price

27 Pheasant Run
Darien
$1,737,000.00
$1,737,000.00
$1,695,000.00

23 Rocaton Road
Darien
$1,749,000.00
$1,695,000.00
$1,675,000.00

23 Goodwives River Road
Darien
$1,525,000.00
$1,525,000.00
$1,479,000.00

81 Crooked Trail
Rowayton
$1,215,000.00
$1,185,000.00
$1,135,000.00

18 Catalpa Terrace
Darien
$749,000.00
$699,500.00
$665,000.00

Accepted Offers

Address
Town
Latest Asking Price

32 Pasture Lane
Darien
$6,250,000.00

13 Greenleaf Avenue
Darien
$1,875,000.00

17 Mclaren Road
Darien
$900,000.00

23 Catalpa Terrace
Darien
$849,500.00

23 Hillside Avenue
Darien
$679,000.00

Title Passed

Address
Town
Listed Price
Sold Price

106 Pear Tree Point Road
Darien
$6,875,000.00
$6,875,000.00

2 Roland Drive
Darien
$2,749,000.00
$2,280,000.00

70 Kensett Lane
Darien
$1,995,000.00
$1,850,000.00

15 Bates Farm Lane
Darien
$1,725,000.00
$1,595,000.00

17 Raiders Lane
Darien
$1,899,000.00
$1,475,000.00

10 Kensett Lane
Darien
$1,520,000.00
$1,475,000.00

125 Christie Hill Road
Darien
$1,395,000.00
$1,450,000.00

15 Country Club Road
Darien
$1,295,000.00
$1,195,000.00

21 Crimmins Road
Darien
$1,265,000.00
$1,175,000.00

283 Noroton Avenue
Darien
$1,125,000.00
$1,099,000.00

Open Houses

Address
Town
Price
Date & Time

134 Five Mile River Road
Darien
$3,375,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

315 Noroton Avenue
Darien
$2,475,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

6 Wildcat Road
Darien
$2,295,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

2 Settlers Trail Unit 5
Darien
$1,995,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

28 Hillcrest Avenue
Darien
$1,995,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

126 Wilson Avenue
Rowayton
$1,799,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

48 Edgerton Street

— PICTURED
Darien
$1,695,000.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

27 Pheasant Run
Darien
$1,695,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

20 Juniper Road
Rowayton
$1,250,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

19 Bailey Avenue
Darien
$999,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

68 Edgerton Street
Darien
$899,000.00
Sunday, 1:30-3:30 PM

17 Bailey Avenue
Darien
$824,500.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

259 Hoyt Street
Darien
$689,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

— More about Deirdre McGovern here

___________

See also:

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 16 to 30 (Nov. 30)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 9 to 16 (Nov. 16)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 2 to 9 (Nov.

Real Estate
Open house 4 Sunset Road 11-30-17

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 16 to 30

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Here’s Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien and Rowayton real estate for Nov. 16 to 30, 2017:

This week’s Darien highlights:

2 New to Market Listings in Darien
4 Price Reductions in Darien
7 Accepted Offers in Darien
5 Closed Sales in Darien
21 Open Houses in Darien

 This week’s Rowayton highlights:

0 New to Market Listings in Rowayton
1 Price Reduction in Rowayton
2 Accepted Offers in Rowayton
2 Closed Sales in Rowayton
4 Open Houses in Rowayton

New Listings

Address
Town
Sq Feet
Price

47 Five Mile River Road
Darien
4900
$2,795,000.00

22 Hilltop Road
Wilson Point
4932
$1,875,000.00

36 Catalpa Terrace
Darien
3550
$1,599,000.00

Price Changes

Address
Town
Original Price
Previous Price
Current Price

19 Academy Street
Darien
$2,095,000.00
$2,095,000.00
$1,950,000.00

44 Kensett Lane
Darien
$1,695,000.00
$1,695,000.00
$1,675,000.00

14 Tory Hole Road
Darien
$1,373,900.00
$1,373,900.00
$1,288,000.00

22 Woodbine Street
Rowayton
$899,000.00
$860,000.00
$845,000.00

19 Darien Close
Darien
$805,000.00
$805,000.00
$798,000.00

Accepted Offers

Address
Town
Latest Asking Price

40 Blueberry Lane
Darien
$3,499,000.00

12 Nolen Lane
Darien
$2,699,000.00

63 Andrews Drive
Darien
$2,050,000.00

146 Holmes Avenue
Darien
$1,749,000.00

44 Holly Lane
Darien
$1,625,000.00

8 Burchard Lane
Rowayton
$1,150,000.00

116 Camp Avenue
Darien
$999,000.00

51 Leroy Avenue
Darien
$925,000.00

57 Crooked Trail Road
Rowayton
$851,567.00

Title Passed

Address
Town
Listed Price
Sold Price

118 Delafield Island Road
Darien
$7,950,000.00
$6,800,000.00

69 Bluff Avenue
Rowayton
$3,295,000.00
$2,900,000.00

11 Harbor Road
Darien
$2,225,000.00
$2,225,000.00

12 Wildcat Road
Darien
$1,780,000.00
$1,670,000.00

45 Cedar Gate Road
Darien
$1,475,000.00
$1,303,000.00

42 Goodwives River Road
Darien
$1,390,000.00
$1,225,000.00

57 Crooked Trail Road
Rowayton
$857,000.00
$851,567.00

Open Houses

Address
Town
Price
Date & Time

134 Five Mile River Road
Darien
$3,375,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

175 Brookside Road
Darien
$3,295,000.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

25 Five Mile River Road
Darien
$2,375,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

20 Indian Spring Trail
Darien
$2,295,000.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

4 Sunset Road—PICTURED
Darien
$2,195,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

390 Middlesex Road
Darien
$1,995,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

28 Hillcrest Avenue
Darien
$1,995,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

19 Academy Street
Darien
$1,950,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

7 Winding Lane
Darien
$1,895,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

18 Stony Brook Road
Darien
$1,745,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

27 Pheasant Run
Darien
$1,737,000.00
Sunday, 1-4:00 PM

48 Edgerton Street
Darien
$1,695,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

12 Abbey Road
Darien
$1,449,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

2 Highland Avenue
Darien
$1,197,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

21 Barringer Road
Darien
$1,149,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

19 Bailey Avenue
Darien
$999,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

22 Steepletop Road
Rowayton
$919,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

22 Woodbine Street
Rowayton
$845,000.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

17 Bailey Avenue
Darien
$824,500.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

20 Thomes Street
Rowayton
$799,000.00
Saturday, 12-2:00 PM

23 Hoyt Court
Darien
$799,000.00
Sunday, 12-2:00 PM

11 Raymond Heights
Darien
$799,000.00
Sunday, 2-4:00 PM

12 Ledge Road
Darien
$725,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

259 Hoyt Street
Darien
$699,500.00
Saturday, 1-3:00 PM

26 Thomes Street
Rowayton
$679,000.00
Sunday, 1-3:00 PM

— More about Deirdre McGovern here

___________

See also:

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 9 to 16 (Nov. 16)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Nov 2 to 9 (Nov. 9)
Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: Oct 19 to 26 (Oct. 26)
Goodwives River Road Home Sells for $1.225 Million and Other Darien Home Sales (Nov.