Seaport Real Estate Services Blog - Tim Bray

Which towns in CT allow Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)?

While Connecticut state law requires all towns and cities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) either by right or by special permit, individual towns and cities have the ability to create their own regulations and restrictions related to ADUs. As a result, some towns may not allow ADUs or may impose stricter regulations on them.

There are a variety of reasons why a town may not allow ADUs. One common concern is related to the potential impact on the character of a neighborhood or community. Some residents may worry that the addition of an ADU will change the nature of their community or that it will have a negative impact on property values. Other concerns may be related to traffic, parking, or overcrowding.

In addition, some towns may…

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Reasons Why Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) can help the housing crisis

1.     Increased Housing Supply: ADUs create additional units within existing residential lots, which can increase the overall housing supply in a given area. This can be especially helpful in high-  demand areas with limited housing availability.

2.     Affordable Housing: ADUs can provide affordable housing options for low-income families, young professionals, and older adults who want to age in place. By creating smaller, more affordable units, ADUs can help address the affordability crisis that many communities are facing.

3.     Multigenerational Housing: ADUs can provide a solution for multigenerational families who want to live together but also value their privacy. By creating separate living spaces, ADUs can allow family members to…

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Relocating to Groton Connecticut

Groton is a charming coastal town located in New London County, Connecticut, in the United States. This picturesque town is situated on the eastern shore of the Thames River and is home to a diverse community of residents. Groton offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to call home for those seeking a laid-back, coastal lifestyle.

The lifestyle in Groton is relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The town offers a variety of parks and nature preserves, including Bluff Point State Park and Haley Farm State Park, where residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor…

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as accessory apartments, in-law apartments, or granny flats, are small, self-contained residential units that are located on the same lot as an existing single-family home. In Connecticut, ADUs are allowed in some towns and cities, but not all.

ADUs are designed to provide affordable housing options for families or individuals who want to live close to their loved ones or generate additional rental income. These units can be attached to the main house or detached and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as rental income, multigenerational housing, or additional space for a home-based business.

In Connecticut, the state legislature passed a law in 2021 that requires all towns and cities to…

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Stonington Borough Real Estate Market Update

Stonington Borough is a charming coastal town located in the southeastern corner of Connecticut. The real estate market in Stonington Borough is known for its mix of historic homes and waterfront properties, situated between many local businesses, shops, and restaurants.

One of the biggest draws of the Stonington Borough real estate market is its waterfront properties. The town is situated on the Long Island Sound and has several marinas, making it a popular spot for boating and water activities. Many homes in Stonington Borough offer spectacular waterfront views and have easy access to the water. These properties can be quite expensive, but they offer a unique lifestyle and a chance to enjoy all the water activities.

The town also has a…

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The Impact of CoStar Acquiring Realtor.com

The acquisition of Realtor.com by CoStar Group could have several impacts on the real estate industry, including:

1. Increased market dominance: CoStar is already a major player in the commercial real estate data and analytics space, and the acquisition of Realtor.com, a leading consumer-facing real estate website, could give the company even more market dominance.

2. Increased access to data: CoStar's access to data and analytics could be further enhanced by integrating Realtor.com's consumer-facing data into its platform, allowing the company to provide even more detailed information and insights to its customers.

3. Increased competition: The acquisition could lead to increased competition for other real estate websites and…

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Are Zillow Estimates More Accurate than a Realtor?

Both Zillow and realtors can provide valuable information for buyers and sellers in the real estate market. However, the reliability and accuracy of the information provided by each may vary.

Zillow is a popular website that provides real estate information, including home value estimates (Zestimates) and property listings. Zillow's data is crowdsourced, meaning it relies on users to provide information, which can lead to inaccuracies. Zillow's Zestimate algorithm may not take into account certain factors that would affect a home's value such as the condition of the property, updates and renovation, location, and market conditions. Zillow Zestimate is considered a starting point to get a rough idea of a home's value, but it's not a substitute for…

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5 Steps to Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent can make a huge difference when it comes to buying or selling a home. A good agent will have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you find a great real estate agent.

1. Look for an agent with experience in your area. An agent who is familiar with the local market will be able to give you valuable insight into the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities that are important to you. They will also be able to help you find homes that meet your specific needs and preferences.

2. Look for an agent with a good reputation. Ask friends, family, and…

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Five Things to do Before Investing in Commercial Real Estate

Investing in anything requires determination and careful planning. Real estate is no exception. While investing in real estate is an amazing financial opportunity (consistent returns, passive income, and growth potential), it's important to understand that increased reward requires increased responsibility. As always, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a commercial-certified expert (reach out to us for more info), but here are some tips we think you should do before deciding to invest or purchase commercial real estate. 

Determine Goals and Needs

Before jumping into any decision, it's important to know why you're doing it. Are you looking for an investment property? Do you need business space? Are you interested in developing? Determining…

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Why so many real estate agents fail.

There are several reasons why many realtors fail in their careers. Some of the common reasons include a lack of experience, inadequate training, and an inability to adapt to changing market conditions.

One of the main reasons why many realtors fail is a lack of experience. Real estate can be a complex and competitive industry, and inexperienced realtors may struggle to navigate the challenges and pitfalls of the business. In order to succeed, realtors need to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the industry.

Another reason why many realtors fail is inadequate training. In order to become a successful realtor, individuals need to have a strong foundation in real…

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