Beware of These 5 Hidden Costs When Selling Your Home

If you’ve been thinking about listing your property for sale, you probably already know about the obvious costs associated with selling, such as real estate commissions and closing costs.
However, there are also such things as “hidden” costs, which include a variety of smaller expenses that you need to factor in to avoid unsettling surprises and help ensure that you get top dollar for your biggest investment. Read on to get a brief overview of these hidden costs of selling a home.
Week 6: Real Estate Trends. John Engel’s Real Estate Column for the New Canaan Sentinel

Inventory: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) listing inventory remains historically low and August is supposed to be the peak month. NAR shows continuous dropping inventory since the financial crisis of 2008. Strangely, Manhattan is the opposite. Inventory for August should be the seasonal low in Manhattan but they have not been experiencing […]
Week 5: Thoughts on the Revaluation. John Engel’s Real Estate Column for the New Canaan Sentinel

by John Engel New Canaan Values Since the Last Valuation have Gone up 35% Connecticut requires every town to conduct a town wide property revaluation every five years to reset the “Grand List”: a list of all taxable residential and commercial property assessed at 70% of the fair market value as of Oct. 1, […]
Week 4: Our Architectural Heritage in New Canaan. John Engel’s Real Estate Column for the New Canaan Sentinel

by John Engel The Glass House Welcomes a New Chapter with Kirsten Reoch Philip Johnson’s Glass House has stood as a testament to architectural innovation for nearly 70 years and his six distinct houses in New Canaan are just the tip of the iceberg. We are also home to gems from other luminaries like Frank […]
5 Questions Your Real Estate Agent Cannot Answer, and Why

It’s best to hire a trusted and knowledgeable real estate agent to help you in your house-hunting journey. Expect them to be your go-to person for almost all the advice you’ll need regarding the complicated, and often stressful, homebuying process.
And yet, if you ask them certain questions, you might be puzzled to find them feeling tongue-tied. Be aware that there are some queries that your realtor couldn’t answer legally. This is because some things are off-limits under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a federal law enacted in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, religion, sex, skin, color, nationality, or family/economic status.
Week 3: How is the market in 2023? John Engel’s Real Estate Column for The New Canaan Sentinel

How is the market in 2023? by John Engel Sept 8, 2023 New Canaan Inventory By Property Type, 2014-2023 The standout story for 2023 revolves around the glaring lack of inventory. This scarcity significantly impacts the price and transaction volume in the New Canaan real estate market. The inventory shortage has overshadowed the effects of […]
Week 2: Timing the Market and Rent vs Buy Analysis. John Engel’s Real Estate Column for the New Canaan Sentinel

Timing the Market and Rent vs Buy Analysis by John Engel Sept. 1 2023 Prices are up in New Canaan and throughout Fairfield County. Interest rates are now up over 7% and we cannot ignore the effect that decreased affordability is having and could have on the New Canaan market. Certainly, it is causing many […]
Week 1: The Real Estate Column by John Engel. John Engel’s Real Estate Column for the New Canaan Sentinel

August 25, 2023 John Engel, Real Estate Page Editor The first question I have for you is, “Why do we need another newspaper in New Canaan?” We already have a daily blog and a weekly paper. The answer: Look at The Greenwich Sentinel and now the new New Canaan Sentinel, and you’ll see a different […]
Unlocking New York Real Estate Opportunities: A Comprehensive Analysis of Q2 2023

In the dynamic world of real estate, staying informed is crucial to capitalize on opportunities and make sound investment decisions. This comprehensive analysis delves into the state of New York’s real estate market during the second quarter of 2023. By exploring market trends, pricing dynamics, and emerging opportunities, this guide aims to equip investors with valuable insights for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of New York real estate.
Essential Mortgage Tips for Baby Boomers: A Guide to Avoid Costly Mistakes

As baby boomers enter a crucial stage of life, ensuring financial security becomes paramount. This comprehensive guide is specifically tailored to address the unique needs and concerns of baby boomers in the mortgage market. By avoiding costly mistakes and making informed decisions, baby boomers can pave the way for a secure and comfortable future.
