Weekend Homes & Shoreline Living in Connecticut - with David Mayhew

  How Wire Fraud Is Affecting the Real Estate Industry Buying or selling a home is often the largest financial transaction most people ever make — and it’s increasingly under attack by sophisticated online criminals. Wire fraud has become one of the most serious and fast-growing threats in real estate, costing buyers, sellers, and agents millions of dollars each year. The Bottom Line  I know. It's unusual to start an article with the bottom line, but this subject is too important. The bottom line (according to me) is:  if the recipient will accept a personal check or bank check send one. Avoid sending a wire if at all possible. Here's why:  What Is Wire Fraud in Real Estate? Wire fraud in real estate typically happens when a criminal impersonates a trusted party — such as a real estate agent, title company, or attorney — to trick someone into sending money to a fraudulent bank account. These scams often target the buyer’s down payment or closing funds, but can ...

Should You Wait for a Lower Interest Rate? One of the most common questions I hear from buyers is, “Should I wait for interest rates to go down before I buy?” It’s a fair question — after all, everyone wants the best possible deal. But here’s the perspective I always share: You’re buying a house — but you only “rent” your interest rate. What does that mean? When you buy a home, you’re locking in your property, your neighborhood, your lifestyle — the place you’ll live and make memories. But your mortgage rate? That’s temporary. You can always refinance when rates go lower. Waiting for the “perfect” rate can backfire. While you wait, prices may continue to rise, and you could lose out on the right home in the right location. And if rates don’t drop — or worse, if they go up — you’ll have missed your chance to lock in before costs climb higher. Here’s the simple truth: If you find a home you love and it fits your budget today, that’s the time to move forward. You can change y...

I recently spoke with a homeowner interested in selling his small, three-bedroom, one-bath home — just over 1,000 square feet — in a desirable shoreline neighborhood. His first question to me was, “Will you reduce your commission?” I replied that we could discuss commission once he was ready to meet in person, so I could view his home and provide a proper market analysis. I also explained that commission is a key element of any effective marketing strategy — it directly impacts the visibility and desirability of a property and that would be evident when I provided him with a marketing plan tailored specifically for his home. Apparently, he didn’t like that answer. Instead of scheduling a meeting with me, he chose to meet with other agents, shopping around for the lowest commission. Eventually, he found someone who agreed to a discount and let me know he no longer needed my services. Based on the value of his home I estimate he may be saving $2,500 to $5,000. But is he really saving? Hi...

Considering a Move to New Haven? Spotlight on Westville, East Rock, and Wooster Square New Haven isn’t just Yale University and world-famous pizza—though both are part of the city’s magic. For those looking to put down roots here, three neighborhoods consistently rise to the top of the list: Westville , East Rock , and Wooster Square . Each has its own personality, charm, and mix of amenities that make them appealing for renters, homeowners, and condo-seekers alike. Westville: Artsy and Village-Like If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels like its own small town within the city, Westville might be your match. Nestled near West Rock Ridge and Edgewood Park, it’s surrounded by natural beauty while still being connected to downtown by a short drive or bus ride. Westville’s beating heart is along Whalley Avenue, where you’ll find art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and a steady flow of community events. The Westville Village Renaissance Alliance often hosts seasonal fes...

If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities north of New Haven. INLAND TOWNS NORTH OF NEW HAVEN Hamden (I-91 exit 10, Wilbur Cross Parkway/Route 15 exits 60, 61, 62) Hamden, often called “The Land of the Sleeping Giant,” combines suburban convenience with abundant green space. It’s home to Sleeping Giant State Park (a two mile mountain range that many say looks like, yes, a sleeping giant), the Farmington Canal Trail, and several town parks. The community offers diverse neighborhoods and a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and cultural spots—helped by its connection to Quinnipiac University. Proximity to New Haven and major highways makes it a popular choice for commuters. Click here  for the Hamden town website. Click here  for the Hamden town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click he...

A number of my friends—especially those living in New York City—and several of my residential real estate clients have been buzzing with the same question lately: How will Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela train, debuting August 28, affect travel between Manhattan and the Greater New Haven area? The short answer? Not much. The new Acela, officially called the Avelia Liberty , is sleek, modern, and capable of hitting speeds of 160 mph. That’s an impressive number and great for marketing—but here’s the catch: between New York City and New Haven, trains are still at the mercy of old-school infrastructure. Tight curves along the shoreline, century-old signaling systems, and track geometry all mean that, in practice, the average speed along this stretch will only see a modest bump. Connecticut is working on it. A major project—already underway—includes smoother track, upgraded bridges, and improved overhead power lines, with completion slated for the end of 2028. When it’s done, portions of ...

  If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities west of New Haven. SHORELINE TOWNS WITH BEACHES AND TRAIN STATION Milford (I-95 exits 34-40) Milford is a vibrant coastal town with a charming village, a scenic harbor, and more than 17 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound. It offers a mix of beaches, parks, and recreational amenities including Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach. The historic Milford Village Green hosts events year-round, and the town center features boutique shopping, restaurants, and cafés. Milford also benefits from a Metro-North train station, making it a convenient spot for commuters and weekenders. Click here  for the Milford town website. Click here  for the Milford town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click here  for the Niche Report Card for ...