Seaport Real Estate Group Blog - Tim Bray

Rising Tide of Red Signs: Navigating Commercial Real Estate's Rough Waters

Alarm bells are ringing nationwide due to concerns about commercial loan defaults. Unlike residential loans, commercial loans typically operate on a non-recourse basis, allowing borrowers to simply return the keys to the bank if they can't meet their obligations. These loans usually reset every 3-5 years, and many that originated around 2018 are approaching this critical period. The prevailing concern is that numerous commercial properties won't produce sufficient cash flow, leading to a wave of defaults and property surrenders.

Thanks to data from my former company, CoStar Group, I am well-positioned to monitor the situation. Across the country, there are 1,661 properties that are either in default, bank-owned, or undergoing the foreclosure…

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How Climate Change is Reshaping Insurance and the Housing Market

The growing ferocity and frequency of extreme weather events, tied intrinsically to the rapidly changing climate, have sent shockwaves through sectors that once thrived on predictability and historical data – notably, the insurance and housing markets. Jacob Bogage’s recent Washington Post article encapsulates the urgency and gravity of the situation, focusing on how major insurers are pulling away from covering the very natural disasters that are increasing in frequency.

Insurance companies, at their core, are in the business of evaluating and pricing risk. Historically, they've spread these risks across various geographies and disaster types, ensuring that catastrophic payouts in one region are balanced by calmer conditions elsewhere. However, as…

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A Father-Son Voyage Creating Media for Vanquish Boats

We at Seaport frequently receive requests to assist in producing videos for neighboring enterprises. We take great pleasure in lending our support however we can. In the attached video, you'll see how my son Christian and I collaborated with Colony Video to generate media content for Vanquish Boats, a company based in New Port, Rhode Island. Not only was this a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our father-son bond, but it was also an incredibly fun experience.

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Harmony of Luxury and Wilderness: The Ultimate Riverside Estate Experience

Crafted by an acclaimed housewright using the highest quality materials and bespoke finishes throughout, this remarkable estate is tucked away amidst the pristine wilderness that borders the tranquil Lieutenant River. It offers an unparalleled level of privacy and tranquility, with a rich tapestry of birdlife. The meticulously maintained grounds comprise formal gardens enveloped by woodlands, with no other signs of human habitation in sight – save for the occasional kayaker drifting by.

While this estate provides a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, its location is also convenient, being a mere seven-minute drive to grocery stores and I95 Exit 70, making it the perfect choice for commuters or city residents seeking the security of a second home. The…

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Unveiling Real Estate Appreciation Trends in New London County Over 24 Years

Investing in real estate is a significant decision, and understanding how property values have appreciated over time is crucial for both buyers and sellers. In this blog, we delve into 24 years of data from various towns in New London County, revealing average sales, typical home sizes, sales prices, and yearly appreciation rates. Join us on this insightful journey as we explore the real estate landscape of New London County.

1. Analyzing Appreciation Rates: Appreciation rates are a key indicator of a town's growth and desirability. Let's explore some noteworthy findings.

• Stonington: With a staggering 9.89% average yearly appreciation rate, Stonington has been a lucrative market for homeowners and investors alike. Its charm and natural beauty…

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WARNING!!! 5 Hidden Dangers of Choosing Realtors from Leading Websites

WARNING!!! 5 Hidden Dangers of Choosing Realtors from Leading Websites

It's important to acknowledge that many outstanding real estate professionals in the marketplace excel in research, valuation, and marketing. These dedicated agents work tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the best possible service and expertise. However, when searching for a realtor, some consumers may be tempted to use the convenience of top websites to find an agent, which might not always be the best approach.

While there's no doubt that some excellent realtors can be found on these platforms, relying solely on these websites might lead to potential pitfalls:

 There are several reasons why relying solely on them may not be the best idea, and here are five…

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CT's Highest Residential Sales Per Town for the the 1st Quarter 2023

In the first quarter of 2023, Fairfield County had 6 of the top 10 residential real estate sales in the state, totaling $29,315,000 out of the $69,597,777 sold. Litchfield County featured 2 of the top ten sales with a total of $4,600,000, while New London County had 1 sale in the top ten, amounting to $3,750,000.

Top 10 Luxury Homes: Connecticut's Prestigious Properties of Q1 2023

	1. 360-364 Laurel Rd, New Canaan - $5,995,000 A luxurious generational family compound with a sports complex, less than an hour from NYC.
	2. 15 Parsonage Rd, Greenwich, CT - $5,995,000. A stately six-bedroom Georgian Colonial with an attached three-car garage and possible pool site.
	3. 15 Blue Water Hill,…

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The Adverse Impacts of Withholding Cobrokerage Commissions in Commercial Real Estate

In recent years, the commercial real estate industry has seen a concerning trend where commercial brokerage firms opt not to offer co-brokerage commissions to buyers' agents. The withholding of these commissions can have significant negative consequences for property owners, buyers, and the industry's reputation as a whole. 

Adverse Impacts of Not Offering Cobrokerage Commissions

1. Reduced Market Exposure

Cobrokerage commissions incentivize buyers' agents to bring their clients to a property, which expands the pool of potential buyers. By not offering these commissions, commercial brokerage firms limit the property's exposure to the market. This can lead to longer times on the market and, ultimately, lower sale prices.

2. Lower Sale…

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Should the Grey Water from Washing Machines be expelled into the Septic System?

Professionals in the real estate industry often face complex issues involving regulations and guidelines that impact their clients' properties. One such issue is the disposal of wastewater from washing machines into septic systems. To ensure the best outcomes for clients, real estate professionals must conduct thorough due diligence and vet the sources of information they rely on. The case of Tim Bray, broker/owner of Seaport Real Estate Services, highlights the importance of obtaining accurate information from reliable sources, especially when dealing with matters that can have significant consequences for homeowners.

Due diligence is the process of gathering and analyzing information to make informed decisions. This often involves researching…

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Embracing the Value-Driven Approach

In today's fast-paced and competitive real estate market, many realtors are experiencing frustration with the current business landscape. The growing emphasis on marketing, lead generation, and sales tactics has overshadowed the fundamental principles of the profession: providing exceptional value and service to clients. However, there is a better way to succeed in this evolving industry by focusing on adding value to the consumer through extensive research, advanced valuation techniques, and personalized service rather than solely relying on marketing strategies and Lead generation. 

The Value-Driven Approach

At its core, the value-driven approach emphasizes the importance of understanding client's needs, preferences, and goals. This approach…

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