Linda Raymond

Buyers, in the current 2026 Fairfield County real estate market, depending on the competition at the moment you are bidding, you may face multiple offers, or you could have leverage to negotiate. Remember to have your budget set, down payment saved, and credit score in good order. Avoid taking out other loans or financing other large purchases when preparing to buy a home! If you see something you like, be prepared to have your agent submit a complete and competitive offer, including your pre-approval or proof of funds. If you need to sell your house first, talk to your agent as soon as possible to determine your strategy.

Sellers entering the Fairfield County Connecicut real estate market now, in the winter of 2026, benefit from low competition. The spring market in real estate begins January 1st and ramps up from there! If you are also looking to buy but worry about finding your new home, you have options to protect your transition when you list your house for sale. You are protected when you list your house for sale “subject to finding suitable housing”. This means you are under no obligation to sell your house until you have found the new home to move into. Another option is to sell your house and rent it back until you’re ready to move. This puts cash in your pocket and positions you as a strong buyer. You could also request a long closing to give you time to find your new home. Additionally, it’s possible to buy before your sell with a bridge loan. Talk to your agent about a strategy that works best for you. Putting your house on the market enables you to be a more competitive buyer while expanding the housing choices for everyone out there shopping for a home!

Here's a behind-the-scenes story! https://lindaraymond.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=126307&action=edit

My Journey into Real Estate- In case you'd like to know a little about me, I came to Westport in Fairfield County from New Jersey, just before entering the eighth grade. After attending Staples High School in Westport, I went to Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated as a biology major before returning to the area for my first job as a research assistant at Yale. I continued my schooling part-time and earned a Master's degree from SCSU. My career then moved to corporate health and productivity in Stamford, where I worked for consulting firms serving companies seeking to improve their employees' health. I worked closely with the employees of our corporate clients. My years in the corporate world shaped the professional skill profile I utilize for my clients today. I evolved into program design and management for employee health and productivity in large companies like IBM with dispersed national populations. I worked with my team to develop and deliver innovative programming with a range of delivery strategies to engage employees through their benefits and occupational health departments. After 13 years of facilitating programming and data management for employee populations, I felt the need to connect with individuals again. It's personal and monumental- After purchasing my first home in 2004 in the Fairfield, Connecticut Beach Area, I was amazed by how intense, emotional, and complicated the home-buying and moving process really was. If you're like most, your home is your largest asset and also holds tremendous emotional value, so it's not surprising that making a move is a monumental endeavor. Add to this the challenges of the market conditions and the complexities of the process, and the stress can be over the top! Your home is our castle. It's where you live, love, grow, and now, where many of us work as well. It's where we are safe and sound. So my current passion is to you through this transition so that you can achieve the optimal terms and outcome for your priorities and can enjoy peace of mind at the same time. Since 2005, I have been back to working one-on-one with people here in Fairfield, Westport, and surrounding areas to guide them through the transition of one cherished home to their next! My Unique Background, Strong Relationships, World-Class Resources, Tech-Savvy Approach, & Market Insights Ensure the Best Results for My Clients. Putting my business skills and experience to work for you, I provide the input, insights, and resources you need to feel confident in making informed decisions, achieving your best outcome, and ensuring you are thrilled with your end result. Your castle. My mission.