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CAPTURING FALL BEFORE IT’S GONE

By Kathleen Moniello | Oct 20, 2026

Why we’re photographing some homes now for winter listings. This fall, we’ve already completed seasonal photography for three homes in Branford, Hamden, and Madison, even though none of them will be coming to market until winter. Why photograph a home months before it’s listed? Because some opportunities don’t wait. Connecticut’s fall colors only last for […]

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HIGHER RATES, STEADY CONNECTICUT PRICES

By Kathleen Moniello | Oct 20, 2026

Mortgage rates have kept climbing this fall. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.28% as of October 1, compared with 6.34% a year earlier. That’s a meaningful jump for anyone who needs financing. tradingeconomics Despite higher mortgage rates, homeowners in Greater New Haven and Middlesex County continue to benefit from strong market […]

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A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT: FROM YALE HOMES TO THE KOERNER CENTER

By Kathleen Moniello | Oct 20, 2026

Some stories come full circle in the most wonderful way. Over the past couple of years, we had the privilege of representing two retired Yale professors in the sale of their homes, and the two properties could hardly have been more different. The first was a large Guilford home that served as the backdrop for […]

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Life Doesn’t Wait for Lower Rates: Navigating Today’s 7% Mortgage Market

By Kathleen Moniello | Sep 18, 2026

Mortgage rates have once again crossed the 7% threshold, a level many buyers and sellers hoped was behind us. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, average mortgage rates have risen from approximately 6% in late February to 7% this month and may remain there for the foreseeable future. While […]

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A Silver Lining in a Broken Ankle?

By Kathleen Moniello | Sep 15, 2026

Sometimes life’s unexpected challenges bring valuable gifts. Recently, we met with a new couple who had been referred to us by a friend. During our Zoom conversation, we talked about their desire to age in place in their home. As we spoke, we realized they were in their early 70s.  Our immediate thought was, “Good for […]

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Blog 20: A Warm Conclusion to Our Downsizing with a Purpose Series

By Kathleen Moniello | Apr 14, 2026

Reaching the end of a downsizing journey is no small accomplishment. If you’ve followed this series—whether step by step or at your own pace—you have done meaningful work. Not just logistical work, but emotional work. Reflective work. Courageous work. Downsizing is often talked about as something practical: fewer belongings, a smaller space, a move. But […]

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Blog 19: Creating a Coordinated Action Plan and Timeline

By Kathleen Moniello | Apr 14, 2026

Downsizing with a Purpose Downsizing is rarely difficult because people don’t know what to do. It becomes overwhelming because there are so many steps, so many decisions, and so many moving parts happening at once. This is where a clear, coordinated action plan makes all the difference. A thoughtful plan turns a complex transition into […]

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Blog 18: Why Professional Support Can Make All the Difference

By Kathleen Moniello | Apr 14, 2026

Downsizing with a Purpose By the time many families consider professional help during a downsizing journey, they’re already feeling stretched—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Downsizing is often described as “just organizing and moving,” but those who have lived through it know better. Downsizing is not one job. It is many jobs layered together—emotional, logistical, physical, and […]

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Blog 17: Unpacking Your New Home With Intention

By Kathleen Moniello | Apr 14, 2026

Downsizing with a Purpose After move day, it’s tempting to believe the hard part is over. In reality, unpacking marks the beginning of a new and equally important phase: settling in. This is where your next chapter starts to feel real—not through logistics, but through comfort, routine, and a renewed sense of belonging. Unpacking is […]

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