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Gail Robinson, GRI, e-PRO - Black Rock Connecticut Real Estate

Third Quarter 2008 Real Estate Report for Black Rock

Black Rock Harbor

As in the rest of Fairfield County, number of homes sold in Black Rock has slowed down. At this time last year 29 single family homes had closed between 1/1/07 and 10/1/07, whereas only 18 single family homes closed during the third quarter of 2008. In Fairfield 648 homes had sold in the third quarter of 2007 compared to 434 this year. In Bridgeport 409 homes had sold in third quarter of 2007 compared to 306 in the third quarter of 2008. The inventory of homes for sale in Black Rock remains at normal levels, so prices have not been under as much pressure as in Bridgeport or Fairfield. Black Rock sale prices actually increased by 6% from a median of $316,000 for Q3 2007 to a median of $336,000 for Q3 2008. This compares favorably to sales in Fairfield and Bridgeport where prices have decreased. In Fairfield sale prices decreased by 3% from a median of $610,000 for Q3 2007 to $600,000 for Q3 2008. Bridgeport sale prices have decreased by 20% over the past year, from a median of $249,000 for Q3 2007 to $199,000 for Q3 2008.

Sales at the high end of the market have slowed significantly in Black Rock. There is an overabundance of inventory at the high end with five homes on the market priced over a million dollars. Black Rock has had one sale over $600,000 in 2008 for $849,000, a home with water views of Ash Creek, which sold for full list price and had multiple bidders. It went under contract in 37 days. In the mid-range from $350,000 to $450,000 inventory is low with only 6 homes on the market. Homes in this price range in top condition are in demand by buyers.

Contrary to popular belief, there is mortgage money available from a number of lenders. However, standards are high and borrowers must have excellent credit (720 FICO score or higher) and be willing to provide verification of their financials. Mortgage money is expected to free up over the next 1-2 months due to the "bailout" approved by Congress.

Progress on the Black Rock Train Station and the influx of upscale retail stores, restaurants, and cafes along Fairfield Avenue has a positive impact on buyers' perceptions of Black Rock. Black Rock is becoming more well-known and is viewed as a desirable community given its access to Long Island Sound and the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary as well as our small-town feel within a sophisticated urban setting. Our sense of community with interesting and talented residents, attracts people from the suburbs and even from Manhattan, who are looking for cultural events and coastal living at an affordable price.

Weekend Events in Black Rock - October 9 to October 12

The Acoustic Café (335-3655) - The Apple Pirates and Tim Walsh will perform a free show tonight (10/9) from 9 PM - Fro will play Friday evening (10/10) at 9 PM ($5), Darian Cunning ($5) and Phil Marchisotta will play from 9 PM. There will also be an Open Mic night on Tuesday (10/14) at 9 PM ($3) and an Open Blues Jam on Wednesday (10/15) at 9 PM ($3) hosted by The Fairfield Trio. Abby Lappen, Casey Desmond, Chad Hollister, Jo Williamson, Kath Bloom & Tom Hanford, Nik Rael, Sam Weiser, Sonia of Disappearfear, Soulfarm, Todd Giudice, and Todd Mack will perform at a fundraiser for the FODfest tour - Friends of Danny Pearlman. Admission is free, but donations are being accepted.

Ray Kelly's Pub (333-6278) - Bobby Wheeler will play tonight (10/9), The Grapes on Friday night (10/10), and Skakedown on Saturday night (10/11)

The History of Fayerweather Yacht Club and Black Rock Harbor

"The History of Fayerweather Yacht Club and Black Rock Harbor"

To be held Monday, September 29th at 6:30 PM at the North Branch Library 3455 Madison Ave, Bridgeport.

Robert Kranyik will relate the history of the yacht club, whose original structure was built in 1772 by Samuel Smedley and Samuel Sturges of Fairfield and was part of the main waterfront of Black Rock known as the "Upper Wharves".

It was a storehouse for many of the goods that reached Black Rock from the West Indies, China and other parts of the world and also served as the customs house.

For more information, call Audrey, Bridgeport Community Historical Society at 337-2048 weekdays

Weekend Events in Black Rock - September 19-21

The Acoustic Café (335-3655) - The Adam Ezra Group will play Friday evening (9/19) at 9 PM ($5). There will also be an Open Mic night on Tuesday (9/23) at 9 PM ($3) and an Open Blues Jam on Wednesday (9/24) at 9 PM ($3)

Cafe Tavolini (335-1111) - Steve D'Agostino will play at 9:30 PM on Friday evening (9/19)

Ray Kelly's Pub (333-6278) - The Grapes will perform on Friday night (9/19), and Katie Pearlman on Saturday night (9/20)

Captain's Cove (335-7104) - Chris Barber performs Friday night at 6 PM, Timeless on Sunday (9/21) at 3 PM, Rush Hour on Sunday (9/21) at 7 PM

The Green Room (384-2233) - Nardy Boy plays Friday night and The Problematics, Planeside, and The Injections will play Saturday night

Weekend Events in Black Rock - September 12, 13, & 14

The Acoustic Café (335-3655) Ryan Montbleau and Philadelphia's Jim Boggia play Friday night (9/12) at 9 PM ($10) ages 21+. There will also be an Open Mic night on Tuesday (9/16) at 9 PM ($3) and an Open Blues Jam on Wednesday (9/17) at 9 PM ($3). www.acousticafe.com

Baxter's (335-2395) - The Jon Slow Band on Friday night (8/29) http://baxtersofblackrock.com

Captain's Cove (335-7104) - The Blue Steam Band on Saturday (9/13) at 9 PM, The Bernadettes on Sunday (9/14) at 3 PM, Hot House on Sunday (9/14) at 7 PM www.captainscoveseaport.com

Lady Luck (572-0372) - Simple Jim on Friday (9/12)

Ray Kelly's Pub (333-6278) - The Josh Douglas Band on Friday (9/12) and Pimpinella on Saturday night (9/13)