What is this market up to? It seems to me that anyone can find "facts" to back up their opinion. Sellers point to those that say Wall Street (a formidable contributor to our local economy) is expecting "phenomenal bonuses" and that the spring market (usually begining here in mid-January if the winter is mild) will once again bring a flurry of activity. So they hold their prices in wait for the post holiday season when thoughts of sugar plums have faded into fond memories and nesting instincts once again surface. Buyers, converesly, anticipate a precipitous drop in prices with every mention of Fed meetings, unemployment reports, and other indices. Everyone waits and watches each factor. Remember, talk of the "Real Estate Bubble" was just that for seven years - talk. Who knows? The market eventually catches up to whatever theory as it is so often cyclical.
I feel one thing is certain in this uncertainty. It is a great time to be a buyer of real estate here in Greenwich. For the last seven years, sellers had been in the driver's seat, calling all the shots. During that time, I had found myself, more than once, turning to a buyer/client to say that the multi-million dollar property that they were interested in might be gone if they did not act very quickly. I am a pragmatic person but the market was white hot and those were the market conditions to deal with.
Now, they have more inventory to choose from and the possiblity to negotiate a fair price with a seller more willing to listen. It all comes down to motivation. Does the buyer need a home and does the seller want to move on with their plans?

I have to share this with you... The Greenwich Water Club, opened in February of this year, is one fabulous place! Situated on the Mianus River, it offers lovely water views despite the looming presence of I-95 nearby. The facility is absolutely beautiful with a mix of not only the newest machines and equipment but a wonderful staff of friendly trainers eager to help sculpt you to perfection. The restaurant, finally opened in late August, has a nautical theme and is elegantly understated. The food is always fresh and flavorful and is a great place to bring friends and clients. My only regret is that the pool is seasonal. I have heard rumors that they were considering placement of a bubble to enclose it for the winter but could never figure out if it was a true consideration or if my husband was just trying to start a movement. The place is so nice and spa-like that I always feel that I'm being spoiled so I hardly ever miss more than a day or two from my workout routine. Believe me, this is a first for me! If I ever go missing check the ladies locker room... I can't decide what I like more, the plush robes, the steam room, the sauna, the beautiful dark wood lockers with shiny brass knobs, the shelves brimming with everything you need from Q-Tips to mousse to Witch Hazel, to emery boards, to... they have thought of everything!

If I compare myself to many of my colleagues, I seem to be ahead of the technology learning curve. I created my own website. I make my own virtual tours for my listings. I can even handle making a playlist on my iPod Nano. But I have only to overhear a conversation between my kids to see how much I have yet to learn about this space age. I may feel like a smarty pants at the office when someone asks me how to get MS Word to stop deleting things when typing (the insert button and, yes, that was a real question) or, simply, how to move text around. The holes in my knowledge are apparent (glaringly, at times). For this reason, please forgive me for stating the obvious. I am sure many of my "Aha" moments will be "Duh!" for many of you.
So, that being said, "Hi!"
I understand this blogging stuff is a way to get the word out and I thought I'd give it a try. My mission, should you care to accept it, is to talk about the goings on in my little part of the world. I am no savvy insider on the much talked about hedge fund world nor am I privy to the happenings at any country club. Simply, I have lived in Greenwich for twenty years (a newcomer to many here) and have loved every minute of it (mostly)!
I am a real estate agent in a town with about 62,000 residents and just over 800 agents. Yup! One in every 77.5 persons is an agent. And yet, I still love my job!
I would like to have a conversation with you about why it is so great to live and work here. So please be patient and of good humor. Contribute your thoughts. I have much to learn!