Seaport Real Estate Services Blog - Tips & Advice

The Pandemic Market Was the Exception, Not the Rule | Seaport Real Estate Services

Posted by Tim Bray on February 12th, 2026

Series: When the Market Changes: Lessons From Real Estate Cycles

Over the past several years, the real estate industry has experienced one of the most unusual markets in modern history.

From 2020 through much of 2023, many areas across Connecticut and Rhode Island saw:

• Record-low inventory
• Multiple-offer situations as the norm
• Rapid appreciation
• Buyers competing aggressively
• Sellers controlling negotiations

For many in the industry—especially newer agents—this became their baseline understanding of real estate.

But there is an important truth that often gets overlooked:

The pandemic-era market was the exception, not the rule.

A Surge of New Agents in an Unusual Market

During this period, real estate…

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The 10-Year Treasury Hits 4.8%: What This Means for Real Estate

Posted by Tim Bray on January 17th, 2025

The 10-Year Treasury Hits 4.8%: What This Means for Real Estate

As the 10-year Treasury yield reaches 4.8%, the ripple effects are being felt across the real estate market, impacting buyers, sellers, and investors. Here are my thoughts on what this shift means and how we can respond to this evolving environment.

Higher Treasury Yields and Borrowing Costs

Treasury yields often set the tone for other interest rates, including mortgages. As yields rise, borrowing becomes more expensive, directly affecting affordability for homebuyers.

For homebuyers, these higher mortgage rates can significantly alter the landscape. Monthly payments increase, forcing many to either reconsider their budgets or put off purchasing altogether. This reduced…

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2024 CT Mill Rates

Posted by Tim Bray on July 30th, 2024

Connecticut's real estate taxes can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2024 is $28.93, with the highest being Hartford at $68.95 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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The Trail of Discovery

Posted by Tim Bray on May 23rd, 2024

On a quiet morning, I stand by the window of my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, observing the ever-changing skyline. Older buildings, once familiar landmarks, are being knocked down and replaced with modern structures. Yet, amidst this transformation, my gaze settles on the Capital Crescent Trail—a constant through the years, much like the enduring values that guide my life.

Years ago, I embarked on a career with a burgeoning company called Realty Information Group, which later evolved into CoStar Group. This experience wasn't just about aiding corporate growth—it was about discovering my own capabilities and potential. The bustling streets of Bethesda and the challenges of early career life served as my proving grounds. Each week, as…

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The Impending TikTok Ban and Its Broader Implications

Posted by Tim Bray on April 24th, 2024

In recent weeks, the buzz around the potential U.S. government ban on TikTok has reached a fever pitch. With nearly 170 million American users engaged on the platform, the prospect of losing such a prolific source of entertainment and connection has sparked significant public debate. However, the issues at stake extend far beyond TikTok’s vast user base, touching on critical concerns regarding national security, data privacy, and the influence of foreign powers in American digital spaces.

The Heart of the Matter:

At first glance, TikTok is a vibrant social media platform where creativity and content reign supreme. Yet, beneath the surface, the implications of its operations are vast and complex. Owned by ByteDance, a company based in China, TikTok…

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Ethical Real Estate Practices: Lessons from the MV Realty Lawsuit and the Importance of Due Diligence

Posted by Tim Bray on April 19th, 2024

In real estate, the ethical standards we uphold not only define our business practices but also cultivate the trust we establish with our clients. The recent legal challenges faced by MV Realty in Florida highlight crucial aspects of transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. This blog post explores the implications of the MV Realty lawsuit for the industry and underscores the critical role of due diligence in protecting both agents and homeowners.

The MV Realty Case: An OverviewMV Realty, known for its unique homeowner benefit agreements, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Attorney General. The company is accused of deceptive practices by securing 40-year contracts with homeowners that require a 3% commission from any…

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Temporary Buydowns: An Alternative to Price Reductions.

Posted by Tim Bray on February 20th, 2024

The reality of price reduction is that when a seller lowers their price, the buyer may not know that the price has been reduced, and they likely don’t really care, because they will begin their negotiation from the new, lower price. When this happens, the seller gets no credit for reducing the price, and that is a shame. Also, after a seller or builder has done a price reduction, they are much less likely to entertain the thought of another one. So, reducing price is not always the best option if that leaves no further room for negotiations, which is understandable.

 When the buyer looks for financing, they are seeking the lowest interest rate available on the mortgage, with 0 points. As you know, a buyer can pay a point or two and get a lower interest…

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The Beauty of Cancellation or Last Minute No Show.

Posted by Tim Bray on December 11th, 2023

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often find ourselves meticulously planning every minute, leaving little room for spontaneity. However, life has a funny way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, such as last-minute cancellations or no-shows. While these moments may initially be met with frustration or disappointment, there's a hidden beauty in embracing them. Let's explore how unexpected cancellations and no-shows can be opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a fresh perspective on life.

1. Unexpected Free Time

Cancellations open up a slot in your schedule that you didn't anticipate. Instead of viewing this as time wasted, consider it an opportunity. This newfound free time can be used for self-care, pursuing hobbies…

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Commercial Property Owners!!! Do not make these mistakes before selling.

Posted by Tim Bray on December 5th, 2023

Maximizing Long-Term Value in Real Estate and Business Sales: Top 5 Strategic Mistakes to Avoid

By Tim Bray, Broker/Owner, Seaport Real Estate Services

Hello, I'm Tim Bray, the broker/owner of Seaport Real Estate Services and a graduate in Real Estate & Urban Economics from UConn. Through my years of experience, I've seen how focusing on short-term gains can lead to long-term challenges in real estate and business sales. Let's explore the top five strategic mistakes to avoid for maximizing long-term sale values.

1. The Pitfall of Underreporting Income Underreporting income, particularly through cash transactions, may offer short-term tax benefits, but it drastically reduces your property's perceived profitability and legal standing. Accurate…

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Better to let a fool win a debate than to lose your peace. Wisdom lies in choosing your battles

Posted by Tim Bray on November 30th, 2023

"Have you ever found yourself in a debate where winning seemed less important than maintaining peace?" 

Better to let a fool win a debate than to lose your peace. Wisdom lies in choosing your battles.

In today's increasingly polarized world, where opinions and beliefs often clash with high intensity, the value of preserving relationships and inner peace becomes paramount. This perspective is not just about avoiding conflict; it's about recognizing the deeper importance of human connections and personal well-being over the fleeting triumph of winning an argument.

The Cost of Winning at All Costs:

1. Relationship Strain: Insisting on winning an argument, especially on sensitive topics, can strain relationships. Friends, family members, and…

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