If you are planning a painting project for your home in Rowayton CT, it's important to understand the value of proper preparation.   You've probably heard that the final look and durability of a paint job is largely dependant on the amount and quality of the preparation.  A layer of paint is only about the thickness of a human hair; so it won't hide defects or fix a faulty substrate.   Although it can be very time consuming, good preparation is worth every effort as it will improve the quality and longevity of the finished surface.   There are various levels of preparation as well.  If you are using a professional Rowayton painter for your interior painting project, it is important to have a mutual understanding of your expectations of the finished surface to determine how "perfect" the... 08/10/2012

The Mischievous Rowayton Gnome Growing up in Rowayton I always suspected there was something a foot. As a child I was always blamed for leaving the bike at the ball field, the toys at the beach, not closing the refrigerator door, not washing my feet…… And then in later years strange things kept happened, keys not where you left them, socks missing out of the dryer, fishing poles and water ski are found at the beach, food disappearing….. Now I have proof that there is something amiss in Rowayton, I have seen the mysterious, the ever evasive Mischievous Rowayton Gnome. Yes it’s true, and I have pictures to prove.  Just after sunrise this morning while walking the dogs a blue, red flash caught the corner of my eye. Making sure to rub all the sleep out, I took a second look and a then look ... 07/12/2012

Connecticut BBQ Marinated Lamb Kebabs with Mint Pesto. We like to entertain and this recipe is perfect for it since you can prepare it before hand and then just a simple grill. Serve with herb rice or rustic bread is perfect. Enjoy. We get our boneless leg of lamb from Costco, it usually comes 4 to 5 pounds and an affordable price of $5.99 per pound, and you will need to trim off the fat and tissue.Kebabs  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil    1/4 cup white wine 4 large garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon pepper4 large tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary  2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt 1 lemon for juice 1 teaspoons coriander powder 4 to 5 pounds trimmed boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes 3 large red & Green bell peppers, cut into 1 1/4-inch squares 2 large red onion, cut into 1 ... 05/12/2012

Lower Home Prices & Mortgage Rates = Opportunity in Rowayton, Ct. May 2012. May 10th, 2012. With rental rates rising nationwide owning a home seems more affordable now with mortgage rates yet again hitting a record low . In Rowayton, Connecticut the median sold price year to day compared to last year has started to move up with a 6.29% increase and at a median price of $1,275,000. Currently in Rowayton, Ct. (Darien MLS) there are 56 single family homes listed for sale ranging in price from $625,000 through to $4,997,000 that is a 3600 square foot waterfront property in the Bell Island Association with both sunrise and sunset views.     If you would like to sign up for the WPSIR real estate e-mail newsletter please send request to e-mail dpopoff@wpsir.com and mention if you like the:    ... 05/10/2012

Rowayton School Carnival 2012, May 11 & 12.      The Rowayton School Carnival is getting ready for a fun filled weekend this May 11th and 12th  the annual two day event. Fun for the whole family from games and rides to music and good eats something for everyone to enjoy. You can purchase ahead of time Unlimited All-Rides Bracelets: $20 for Friday, 5/11 and $30 for Saturday, 5/12. Bracelet & Ticket Pre-Sales: May 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 at 3:00PM at Rowayton School. Or buy the day of PTA-activity tickets: 30 for $25 or individual tickets for $1. Times are:- Friday, May 11th from 6p – 10pm Saturday, May 12th from 10am – 5pm   For more information visit Rowayton School Carnival Facebook page.     View Larger Map David Popoff is a Connecticut license real estate agent in lower Fairfield County. He ha... 05/08/2012

  ROWAYTON Market Trends Report March 2012       The Rowayton, Connecticut real estate market has show an uptick over the past three months in almost all indicators, including Sales Price and Number of Homes Sold.  Given the small number of sales in this market area, market statistics are dramatically affected by additional few sales and a few direct waterfront home sales can change the average price. The amount of inventory that the market can absorb declined over the past 12 months. We use the 12 month absorption rate instead of the 3 or 6 month rate to determine inventory absorption, which means that it would take about 16-17 months to sell every home currently on the market in Rowayton. Although it is still a Buyers Market in Rowayton, it is in line with many other Fairfield County... 04/22/2012

Rowayton & Norwalk Year End Housing Report 2011. January 25th, 2010. Rowayton is the Sixth Taxing District of the city of Norwalk, Connecticut located on Long Island Sound and 45 miles away from New York City with its own Metro North train stop. Over the course of the year the community holds many events such as the July 4th fireworks, River Ramble, Summer Music Festival and Memorial Day Parade to mention a few. Currently in Norwalk there are 288 single family homes for sale ranging from $139,900 up to $4.7 million. Out of that there are 41 single family homes for sale in Rowayton, 06853 ranging from $419,000 to $4,495,000.* Below are the housing statistics for Rowayton & Norwalk along with Homes Sold by Price Range Chart provide by WPSIR monthly “Local Market Trend” watch newsletter. I... 01/25/2012

 Things to see and do around Rowayton. FOODRowayton Seafood & the restaurant  you will not see the market menu on the website but it is the same seafood as the restaurant on a simpler level but get take out from the fishmarket window and eat outside on the picnic tables by the boats, 1 hour before sunset is a perfect time, bring your own beer. Valet Parking through the guy a couple of bucks or park 4 blocks away down behind the post office (public parking)Sails is the second restaurant in town, $25-30 entree's same as the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood.Rowayton pizza has outdoor sitting and on the weekends sometimes live music by the local college kids.Brendan's 101 great ice cream and sandwich, breakfast & coffeeRowayton Market professional chef, great food, deck in back over 5 mile ri... 01/22/2012

Here is a picture of our Christmas Cactus that we got as a house warming gift back in 2004. It was originally 6 inches tall but now is 3 feet wide siting on our dining room table. Merry Christmas to all and Best Wishes for the 2012 New Year.         David Popoff is a Connecticut license real estate agent in lower Fairfield County. He has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years and now reside in Darien since 2004. Green Affiliations. Realtor GREEN designation by the National Association of Realtors. David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).   Associate member and an accredited Certified Green Professional (CGP) of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the local chapter HBRA-Fairfield C... 12/23/2011

 Connecticut Calamari. View Larger Map   I got this recipe from an old timer in Rowayton, Ct. Not many of them around since home prices have gone up with the average sales price hovering around $1.3 million.This is an easy recipe that only takes minutes to cook. We like to get our seafood and produce locally at the farmers market and local fishmonger.5 baby squid, 4 to 8 inches long2 jalapeño, sliced into 1/4 inch wheels-rings1 minced garlic clove1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs2 table spoons olive oil2 table spoons vegetable oil2 table spoons of butterSalt & Pepper.Lemon wedge Clean the squid and cut into rings use the tentacles as well. Your local fishmonger can clean the squid for you or click here to see how Method B. Pat dry squid and lightly salt.In a... 12/05/2011

A foggy morning in Rowayton, Connecticut on this December day.             David Popoff is a Connecticut license real estate agent in lower Fairfield County. He has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years and now reside in Darien since 2004. Member of the Multiple Listing Service, MLS. Darien  Greenwich  Greater Fairfield County Member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, CAR. Member of the National Association of Realtors, NAR. Green Affiliations. Realtor GREEN designation by the National Association of Realtors. David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).   Associate member and an accredited Certified Green Professional (CGP) of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the local c... 12/05/2011

Open House Today Rowayton, Ct. 11/20/2011. Come visit me at Open House today in Rowayton, Connecticut at 5 Old Witch Court from 1 to 2:30 pm. Originally offered at $710,000 it is now listed for $645,000 with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths Colonial style home on 0.29 acres. Today there are nine open houses in Rowayton, Ct. to view more on open homes click here. Year to date for Rowayton there have been 42 single family homes sold at an average sales price of $1,350,667. For more local housing statistics click here and go to Housing Data.   View Larger Map David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.   A life time resident of Fairfield County he has worked throughout lower Fairfield County for over 30 years and now resides in Darien, Ct since 2004.  Member... 11/20/2011

Rowayton’s Mysterious Wrap Party, 11-12-11~ Where Will It Be? As you drive through Rowayton you will notice signs throughout town about the Wrap Party but what is it? Where is it? All we know is when, on November 12, 2011 from 7pm till midnight. We dug a little deeper and found out a little more information……. The Wrap Party, while some details remain a mystery (like the location), we can tell you this: More than 350 guests we expect will be setting foot on the very same floor (and maybe eat the same food?) as some of Hollywood’s top stars. The Wrap Party proceeds will benefit Rowayton School PTA, guests from the entire community are welcome and encouraged to attend as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime evening The details are not disclosed but this will be the one and only party held in t... 11/03/2011

Refinishing a Family Heirloom This Armoire is from the late 1800’s, early 1900’s and was in the entrance hall  of the main house back on the old Virginia family farm of my wife’s great grandfather. It is approximately 8 feet tall, 4 ½ feet wide and 2 feet deep made out of walnut with some burl pieces. By the time it was passed onto my wife this summer it has had many DIY repairs and adjustments to accommodate such items as TV’s, wires, stereo, book case and who knows what else.  It arrived at our home here in Darien, Connecticut from Florida with broken feet, busted hinges, cracked sides, and a few unidentified pieces that have fallen off over the years. Needless to say this honey-do list item turned into a summer project out in the garage. First I had to take the whole cabinet apart, r... 10/30/2011

    October 10, 2011   3st quarter of 2011 market housing data for single family homes in Rowayton, Connecticut.   Rowayton had 1 sale in September at $742,500 but as of today there are 8 other homes under deposit and 66 single family homes for sale.   For the 3rd quarter Rowayton had 8 sales which are down from the 16 sales for 3rd quarter of 2010 with an average sales price of $1,164,125 compared to $1,587,969 of 2010.   Year to date homes sales total 40 which is up from 37 (through Sept 2010) along with the median sales price being the same as ytd 2010 of $1,312,000.           To view additional housing statistics of Rowayton and other New England States click here.   Rowayton has a population of about 3,569 with an estimated median household income of $110,498 in an area of 1.197 sq... 10/10/2011

  Hurricane Recovery Connecticut. Yes, hurricane Irene was in a foul mood when she came to Rowayton, Connecticut and the rest of the state but we are recovering. The majority of damages were fallen trees, branches and electrical wire lines. The coast did get flooding averaging about 3 to 4 feet here in Rowayton, Ct. as you can see from the pictures below. The good news is the majority of homes made it through and no one got hurt. CL&P are doing a great job putting wires back up and restoring electricity.       David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.    A resident of Fairfield County for over 40 years with 30 years of work experience throughout lower Fairfield County and now resides in Darien, Ct since 2004. Member of the Connecticut Associa... 08/30/2011

  Kids being Kids, Rowayton Ct.   Sometimes kids just need to be kids and have some old fashion fun. Below is the creativity of some local youths at the Rowayton Elementary School playground during this summer’s recess.     David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.   A life time resident of Fairfield County he has worked throughout lower Fairfield County for over 30 year. He grew up in Rowayton and now resides in Darien, Ct since 2004.  Member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, CAR. Member of the National Association of Realtors, NAR. NAR Green Designee. David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).   Associate member and an accredited Certified Green P... 08/03/2011

  Why I Chose Real Estate OR Should it be Real Estate Chose Me.   Living in Vienna, Austria during my middle school years with all the different architecture from centuries past had a huge influence on me and I do believe Real Estate chose me. Being able to walk through these historic buildings with many of them being in families for generations one begins to appreciate the history of a home and the work that goes into them. Once back in the United States for High School I proceeded to work with the local craftsmen in my neighborhood of Rowayton, Connecticut and continued on through University up in Kingston, Ontario running a College Pro home improvement franchise.  My love for Connecticut and the wonderful four seasons brought me back where I soon joined Professional Realty in Norwalk... 07/26/2011

Friday's Photo ~ 5 Mile River, Rowayton, Ct.               Just picked up my lobsters from Rowayton Seafood and had to take a picture perfect photo off the back deck of 5 Mile River. What a great way to start off the July 4th Weekend.         David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.   A life time resident of Fairfield County he has worked throughout lower Fairfield County for over 30 year. He grew up in Rowayton and now resides in Darien, Ct since 2004.  Member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, CAR. Member of the National Association of Realtors, NAR. NAR Green Designee. David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).   Associate member and an accredit... 07/01/2011

  Elementary School Garden Growing Strong in Rowayton, Ct. The Rowayton Elementary Schools garden is taking off this spring. Each class from kindergarten through to fifth grade has its own plot, along with a few extra potting around the perimeter. There are now picnic tables with in the newly fenced in compound.     Rowayton lies at the mouth of the Five Mile River and is the Sixth Taxing District of the City of Norwalk. With a population of under 4,000 with approximately 1,500 households this water front community has kept it’s village like character.     David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.   A life time resident of Fairfield County he has worked throughout lower Fairfield County for over 30 year. He grew up in Rowayton and now resides... 06/10/2011