Before beginning your search for a property in Westport, CT, it is wise to take into account the features that many homeowners have spent money on to renovate over the past two years. This can help you prioritize the amenities you are looking for, identify where sellers invested money prior to listing their homes, and streamline your house hunting process. When you know and clearly communicate your expectations to the real estate agent you have partnered with, they will work to show you only properties that meet your needs. Below are some of the most popular features that buyers are currently searching for in a new home in our local market.

Spectacular views

One feature that Connecticut buyers have always loved is their view. view of the Long Island Sound. Many Westport luxury homes have spectacular views of Sherwood Mill Pond, Long Island Sound, and the placid shores of Old Mill Cove Beach. To maximize these valuable views, buyers prefer homes with large windows and unobstructed visibility from inside the house. Landscaping plays to this strength, and so does enhancing the outdoor living spaces to allow residents to take in the sights while relaxing on a deck, patio, or porch.

Infinity pools

Pools have long been a sought-out feature for those buying Westport luxury homes, but current trends have amplified this desire. Infinity pools are swimming or reflecting pools designed to allow water to flow over one or more edges, creating a visual effect of having no boundary. Infinity pools give the illusion of having no separation between the water and the surrounding landscape—allowing owners to fully submerge themselves in the experience of a heated pool.

Heated floors

Westport homes with radiant-heated floors in the master bath, bedrooms, or kitchen are increasingly popular. Heated floors provide uniform heat, require no maintenance, emit no noise, and are 25% more efficient than forced-air systems. Heated floors add both luxury and functionality to any home, and are particularly nice during the cold Connecticut winters.

Smart home technology

Home automation has become an increasingly important benefit for prospective luxury buyers in every real estate market—and Westport’s neighborhoods are no exception. Smart homes are both convenient and eco-friendly, and feature technology to regulate appliances, lighting, climate, entertainment, and security systems. Smart home systems can auto-regulate or be managed from afar, allowing homeowners to control any of the technologies using voice or smartphone activation.

Guesthouses

Detached guest houses are ideal for buyers with large extended families or who plan on entertaining guests at their homes. Luxury buyers in Westport are looking for vacation rental opportunities—as well as the chance to host family and friends—and a well-appointed guest house delivers an opportunity to do both.  Guesthouses can also be used as dedicated home office spaces for those who are working remotely and need peace and quiet.

Updated Kitchens

Westport luxury home buyers gravitate to houses with kitchens that are both spacious and functional. Commercial-grade appliances, stone or marble islands, large pantries, and separate prep kitchens are just a few of the amenities buyers are searching for in a new kitchen.

Home gyms, theaters, and luxury master baths

Work, entertainment, exercise, and relaxation all begin at home for luxury buyers. Homes that are curated toward these luxurious demands—with state-of-the-art home gyms, theaters, and posh master bathrooms—stay on Westport’s market for a very short amount of time.

Renovated master bath

Luxury buyers in Westport are more or less expecting their master bathrooms to be renovated and up-to-date in terms of fixtures and efficiency. Luxury master bathrooms in Westport homes typically include heated floors, soaking tubs, marble or granite countertops, and fresh tiling.

Tips for buying Westport luxury homes

The Westport real estate market is competitive for buyers, with homes selling for an average of 2% above the list price. Many homes receive multiple offers and bidding wars are not uncommon. Below are some tips to help make the process less stressful:

• Get pre-approved.
• Streamline the offer process and show sellers you are a good-faith buyer by visiting a mortgage lender to get pre-approved for a loan. Once you are approved, you will be issued a letter that you can take with you when you start looking at Westport luxury homes.
• Make a strong offer. 
• Work with your agent to create a strong offer that is at or above the listing price, has a down payment of at least 20%, and drops common contingencies.
• Be prepared to act fast. 
• Connecticut luxury homes sell quickly, especially when priced competitively.  Be prepared to make an offer on the spot by having your financing and other paperwork in order before viewing a property.
• Work with a well-connected Westport real estate agent from the Riverside Realty Group.. 
• An agent who has connections with sellers, other agents, and industry professionals is your greatest asset when buying homes in a competitive market. Your agent can let you know when homes have just been listed or will be listed in the near future, and can also connect you with sellers who are listing their homes off-market.

If you’re ready to take the next step in finding the perfect Westport home, reach out to the customer service experts at The Local Realtors for trustworthy guidance through every step of the luxury home buying process.