The real estate market in Connecticut has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few years, with home prices soaring in some areas while others experience more modest growth. As a homeowner, buyer, or investor, understanding these trends is crucial for making informed decisions. But how do you know if your town is thriving or if it's on the brink of a bubble? At Seaport Real Estate Services, we’ve developed an interactive map that offers real-time insights into the market dynamics of every town in Connecticut. In this blog, we'll dive into how this tool can help you navigate the complexities of the current market and what it could mean for your real estate decisions.

The Power of Real-Time Data:

One of the biggest challenges in real…

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Tax rates, even within a state, are not universal! In Rhode Island, commercial mill rates or tax rates differ compared to residential rates in many towns, but are the same in others. Based on the 2024 data, the average residential property tax for the 39 municipalities in Rhode Island is approximately 14.35, while the average for commercial property is about 20.37. Interestingly, 27 of the municipalities have a higher commercial rate! Why is there this discrepancy? What do some towns provide that makes the mill rate different?

A higher commercial tax rate often reflects the higher level of services available within the area. This discrepancy might also indicate the degree of reliance on property tax within the municipality. Tax rates tend to be…

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Real Estate Taxes in Rhode Island vary greatly by town and are typically correlated to the services which each town provides to its residents. A town with a lower Mill rate may not offer services such as public water and sewer, perhaps waste disposal, or a firehouse. Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in Rhode Island for 2024 is 14.43 with the highest being West Greenwich at 24.51 and the lowest being Little Compton at 4.96.

2024 RI Mill Rates

How to Calculate Rhode Island Property Taxes

The formula to calculate Rhode Island Property Taxes is (Assessed Value x Property Tax Rate)/1000= Rhode Island Property Tax. Take the…

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Connecticut's real estate taxes can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2024 is $28.93, with the highest being Hartford at $68.95 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

2024 Mill Rates CT

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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CandO

On a quiet morning, I stand by the window of my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, observing the ever-changing skyline. Older buildings, once familiar landmarks, are being knocked down and replaced with modern structures. Yet, amidst this transformation, my gaze settles on the Capital Crescent Trail—a constant through the years, much like the enduring values that guide my life.

Years ago, I embarked on a career with a burgeoning company called Realty Information Group, which later evolved into CoStar Group. This experience wasn't just about aiding corporate growth—it was about discovering my own capabilities and potential. The bustling streets of Bethesda and the challenges of early career life served as my proving grounds. Each week, as…

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Tik Tok Ban

In recent weeks, the buzz around the potential U.S. government ban on TikTok has reached a fever pitch. With nearly 170 million American users engaged on the platform, the prospect of losing such a prolific source of entertainment and connection has sparked significant public debate. However, the issues at stake extend far beyond TikTok’s vast user base, touching on critical concerns regarding national security, data privacy, and the influence of foreign powers in American digital spaces.

The Heart of the Matter:

At first glance, TikTok is a vibrant social media platform where creativity and content reign supreme. Yet, beneath the surface, the implications of its operations are vast and complex. Owned by ByteDance, a company based in China,…

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MV Realty Scam

In real estate, the ethical standards we uphold not only define our business practices but also cultivate the trust we establish with our clients. The recent legal challenges faced by MV Realty in Florida highlight crucial aspects of transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. This blog post explores the implications of the MV Realty lawsuit for the industry and underscores the critical role of due diligence in protecting both agents and homeowners.

The MV Realty Case: An Overview MV Realty, known for its unique homeowner benefit agreements, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Attorney General. The company is accused of deceptive practices by securing 40-year contracts with homeowners that require a 3% commission from any…

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The reality of price reduction is that when a seller lowers their price, the buyer may not know that the price has been reduced, and they likely don’t really care, because they will begin their negotiation from the new, lower price. When this happens, the seller gets no credit for reducing the price, and that is a shame. Also, after a seller or builder has done a price reduction, they are much less likely to entertain the thought of another one. So, reducing price is not always the best option if that leaves no further room for negotiations, which is understandable.

 When the buyer looks for financing, they are seeking the lowest interest rate available on the mortgage, with 0 points. As you know, a buyer can pay a point or two and get a lower interest…

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Original article from Claire Bessette of The Day | January 16, 2024 7:02 pm • Last Updated: January 16, 2024 9:49 pm Norwich ― New York-based real estate developers Ernest and Alfred Tollja learned about Norwich in 2018 from a persistent Norwich comedian who drove to their comedy theater nearly every night and pressured them to buy a building in his hometown. Six years later, the two brothers, originally from Albania, own more than a dozen apartment buildings in Norwich, with a total of 117 apartments. That comedian, however, has moved to upstate New York, the pair said Tuesday. On Thursday, they completed the purchase of three prominent lower Broadway buildings that are part of a larger revitalization…

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I’m Andrew O’Reilly from Seaport Real Estate. Today, I’m not just a real estate professional, but also a fellow homeowner sharing my personal experiences and insights into the unique challenges of Connecticut’s real estate market.

 Our Family's Dream and the Market Reality

My family, like many in Connecticut, dreams of a new home – closer to the beach, with a bigger yard, a more spacious primary bath, and a walk-in closet. However, the current market makes this dream a complex decision. Our story reflects a widespread dilemma affecting homeowners throughout the state.

Interest rates have risen sharply, making new mortgages considerably more expensive than just a few years ago. We secured a mortgage at an incredibly low rate of 2.5%…

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