Katie Scinto, building manager of The Renaissance and daughter of one of the region’s most prominent developers, says that an exceptionally strong turnout at recent housing events offers ample evidence that area residents are tired of waiting for a market turnaround and are ready to make a move.
The Renaissance recently hosted a standing room only crowd at a Nov. 5 cocktail party it threw for residents and would-be buyers interested in checking out the luxury condominiums. Against a backdrop of live jazz provided by The Joe McWilliams Trio and martinis, fine wines and cheese served on the rooftop penthouse, Scinto said that many in the relaxed and jovial crowd expressed an upbeat optimism that defies a steady drumbeat of dismal housing news in the national media.
“There’s so much negativity in the press about the state of the housing market, but this event proved that people are ready to step out of their comfort zones and take a market recovery into their own hands,” said Scinto.
“I think we blew them away with everything this place has to offer,” agreed Sarah Morris and Ken Banks, sales associates with William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, which helped host the event.
Scinto, whose father, R.D. Scinto, owns roughly 2.5 million square feet of office and industrial space in Fairfield County, added that she’s seeing a fundamental shift in homebuyer preferences away from excessively large living spaces to more manageable, but smartly appointed homes.
“Despite all the negative news we’ve been hearing, the attitude in Fairfield County runs counter to what you’re seeing at a national level,” said Scinto. “We were pleased with how responsive our visitors have been to the timeless value that’s represented at The Renaissance.”
Recent housing data supports Scinto’s claim that housing is turning a corner in the region. While the number of homes sold during the first five months of 2011 was down nearly 16% statewide (compared to the same time period a year ago), average sales prices rose by an average 14.7% in Fairfield County, and 3.08% statewide, according to market data.
Condominium homes at The Renaissance, Scinto said, appeal to buyers of all ages who are attracted to a maintenance-free lifestyle with an accent on comfort, convenience and luxury. The 17-floor building containing both apartments and condominiums is home to a diverse mix of residents from young families with babies to snowbirds, business professionals and others.
The two- and three-bedroom homes there come in four different floor plans and range in size from 1,700 to 2,300 square feet, all with generously sized walk-in closets and plenty of storage space. The entire building is serviced by a backup generator that continued to supply power during the recent snowstorm and Hurricane Irene that crippled the area and caused prolonged power outages statewide.
Occupying the highest point in Fairfield County, The Renaissance offers residents 360 degree, bird’s eye views of Long Island Sound and Fairfield County. Along with stunning sunsets and views of the reservoirs and spectacular autumn foliage, residents enjoy a fitness center, massage room and sauna and yoga center. Just steps away are Il Polio, the highly regarded Italian restaurant, as well as a bank, delis and dry cleaners, all on the grounds of the Enterprise Corporate Park campus.
Contributing to a community feel among the building’s 168 units is the building’s Intranet site where residents can advertise a car for sale, post an event or recommend a restaurant. The Intranet site is a useful communications tool that residents can also use to make maintenance requests or secure a package delivery with the front desk concierge.
For more information on The Renaissance, contact Sarah Morris at (203) 913-5889 or Ken Banks at (203) 767-7157. Or visit YourRenaissanceAwaits.com.
The New Homes division of William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage and Insurance, which is marketing 10 available homes at The Renaissance, continues to build on a 30-year track record providing marketing, sales and consulting services to developers, builders, investors and financial institutions. It specializes in identifying profitable business opportunities through land and development research. The division has won awards in every available category from the Home Builders Association of Connecticut, including those for achievements in marketing, development and sales collateral.
