Editors Note: This was written during one of the worst recessions in our countries history. We may not be in an extreme market downturn but the advice is timeless.

Of the sixty or so surveys that you guys sent to me a large majority of them dealt with fear. The fear that whatever you buy will be worth less money the very next day after you purchase the house.

This is a very valid concern. I completely understand where you are coming from.

When I bought my first home it was near the height of the real estate market here in Stratford CT. The year was 2004 I believe.

We were so excited to be getting an affordable home in a good neighborhood. Prices were rising so quickly and with every passing month it seemed like houses in Stratford were getting more expensive.

We could have waited to buy a home. There were plenty of nice places to rent here in Stratford at the time. But we weren’t buying a house as an investment. If we were than the absolute worst time to buy a home was when we did. Prices were sky high and of course they came tumbling back down.

Our house is now worth less than what we paid for it! But, so what. We live here in Stratford. We don’t make money or lose money because the value of our home is down. We still own a great home and have a mortgage that we can afford.

We are not moving anytime soon. Sure, out home is a little small for the four of us by todays standards. But that’s ok. We bought and house and have a house that we call a home here in Stratford. Who cares what the value of the home is.

I know many of you wont agree with me. I’m not sure that if I was looking for a home in Stratford right now I would agree with me. I might keep signing six month leases and shop homes for the next eighteen months before I buy.

It’s a scary real estate environment for investors but I truly do believe that buying in a market downturn is a great strategy when you are looking for a place to live. Barring any catastrophes there’s no way that in ten to fifteen years your home won’t be worth more than it is today.

Any questions? Use the contact form below. If I don’t have an answer I’ll put you in touch with someone that will.

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There’s a nice house in the North End of Stratford that is for sale on Clifflawn Road. It’s a nice McNeil colonial with some features that I really like. Other than good curb appeal it has a garage and a fireplace. Two of my favorite features here in a home in Stratford.

A first floor laundry room is also an added bonus as well as the one and a half bedrooms. The school district is a desirable one that includes: Eli Whitney Elementary School, Flood Middle School, and Bunnell High School.

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As always, there are lots of houses to rent in Stratford CT.

I can give you access to all of the houses to rent in Stratford that are listed on the Fairfield County Connecticut multiple listing service (ct mls) , a.k.a. – the real estate agents database. If you access Stratford rentals through my website you will have unrestrained and receive uncensored listings. I never strip out any of the key information like the houses address.

I can offer you two ways to find a house to rent in Stratford CT. You can let me do the work for you or you can do the work for yourself. Just fill in the form below and let me know what works best for you.

I think that you’ll find that the best houses to rent in Stratford CT are available on the ct mls. Quite often, the most serious and professional landlords are the ones that list their rentals with an agent. It’s usually a good indication that the house is well taken care of and that the landlord respects his house as well as his renters.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule but I have been in lots of houses here in Stratford and helped many people look for a house to rent in Stratford CT. The best houses are usually listed on the real estate agents database of houses.

Happy House Hunting,

Scott Jenkins