Erika Portanova Songer, Realtor

09/24/2026

🍎🍂 Looking for something fun to do in Connecticut this weekend?

From local festivals and apple pies to classic cars and fall foliage, there’s plenty happening around our community! Save this post and pick a few events to add to your calendar. 🏡✨

Which one are you checking out? Tell me in the comments! 👇

09/18/2026

📍 New to Market 📍 Take a look at this fantastic new property that just hit the market located at 1951 Burr Street in Fairfield. Reach out here or at (203) 258-1831 for more information!

Listed by Lindsey Rosen

Erika Portanova Songer, Realtor

Welcome to this quintessential New England colonial, lovingly cherished by the same owner for over four decades. Nestled on 2 flat, picturesque acres, this timeless home offers serene, private living while remaining centrally located. A sweeping circular driveway creates a warm arrival, while the...

09/17/2026

Date night plans? 🍸✨

From elevated cocktails to cozy spots made for good conversation, these three Fairfield County favorites are worth adding to your list.

Save this for your next night out—and tell me which one you'd pick! 🥂

09/16/2026

📍 Reduced Price 📍 This recently reduced home at 86 Crown Street in Trumbull won't last long, so, don't wait to set up a showing! Reach out here or at (203) 258-1831 for more information!

Erika Portanova Songer, Realtor

Welcome to "The Grid", a coveted section of Trumbull, close to everything - highways, shopping, schools, and all amenities. Friendly, walkable neighborhood. Lovely ranch-style home with welcoming front deck. Offering 3 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath. Primary Bedroom features two closets, incl...

09/16/2026

Have you ever lost a home in a multiple-offer situation and wondered if you could have done something differently? 🏡

Let me introduce you to one of the most underused tools in a buyer's arsenal — the escalation clause.

Here's how it works. Instead of blindly throwing your highest number at a home and hoping for the best, an escalation clause lets you make a smart, strategic offer. You start with a comfortable offer price, and then your contract automatically escalates — in set increments — above any competing offer, up to a maximum amount that you're comfortable with.

So instead of guessing what the other buyers are offering and either overpaying out of fear or losing out by underbidding, your offer does the work for you. It's competitive without being reckless. It's strategic without being stressful.

In a market like Fairfield County — where well-priced homes in towns like Trumbull, Shelton, Milford, and Fairfield can attract multiple offers within days — knowing how and when to use an escalation clause can be the difference between getting the keys and starting the search all over again.

Now, it's not the right move in every situation. There are times when a clean, strong offer is a better strategy. That's where having an experienced agent in your corner makes all the difference — someone who reads the situation, knows the market, and helps you craft the offer that actually wins.

That's exactly what I do for my buyers in Fairfield County every single day. 💬 Ready to make your next offer your best one? DM me the word OFFER and let's talk strategy.

09/15/2026

Paint is one of the few updates that can completely change how a home feels—without a major renovation. 🎨🏡

If you're getting ready to sell, this isn't the time to choose your favorite color. It's the time to choose a color that helps buyers see the home's potential.

Soft whites, warm beiges, greiges, and light grays tend to make rooms feel brighter, cleaner, and more spacious. They also create a neutral backdrop, making it easier for buyers to picture their own furniture, style, and memories in the space.

Sometimes, the goal isn't for buyers to notice the paint. It's for them to notice everything else.

📩 Not sure which updates are actually worth making before you sell? I'd be happy to help you prioritize the ones that can make the biggest impact.

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

Let's talk about the home inspection — because there's a lot of confusion around what it's actually for. 🏡

I've had buyers come to me nervous that asking for an inspection is going to scare off the seller or kill the deal. And I get it — in a competitive market like Fairfield County, it can feel like every little thing might cost you the home you've fallen in love with.

But here's the truth. A home inspection isn't about finding reasons to walk away. It's about walking in with your eyes wide open.

Think about it this way. You're about to make one of the largest financial decisions of your life. A few hundred dollars and a couple of hours with a qualified inspector gives you a complete picture of exactly what you're buying — the age of the roof, the condition of the HVAC system, the state of the foundation, any plumbing or electrical concerns that aren't visible to the naked eye. That information is invaluable.

And here's what most buyers don't realize — the inspection report is also a negotiating tool. If the inspector finds something significant, we can go back to the seller and request repairs, a price reduction, or a closing credit. That's not killing the deal. That's protecting your investment.

Now, there are situations in extremely competitive markets where buyers choose to waive an inspection to strengthen their offer. That's a conversation worth having with your agent on a case-by-case basis. But going in blind without understanding what you're taking on? That's a risk I never want my buyers to take.

In Fairfield County, I always make sure my buyers feel informed, protected, and confident — from the first showing all the way to closing day. 🏡

Thinking about buying in Fairfield County? DM me the word INSPECT and let's talk about how I protect my buyers every step of the way. 💬

09/12/2026

Don't miss this stunning home and property in Monroe, CT. Stop by my Open House today (1 to 3 PM) at 490 Cutlers Farm Road.
Four bedroom Colonial with numerous updates throughout, including a new roof, new mechanicals. Stunning heated salt water pool surrounding by plantings, flowers and gardens.
Asking price $985,000.

09/11/2026

📍 New to Market 📍 Take a look at this fantastic new property that just hit the market located at 1303 Melville Avenue in Fairfield. Reach out here or at (203) 258-1831 for more information!

Listed by Aili DiBonaventura

Erika Portanova Songer, Realtor

Finding the perfect location just got easier! Welcome home to this updated raised ranch, ideally situated just minutes from schools, shopping, and town amenities. Step inside to a bright, open-concept living area designed for modern life. The finished lower level adds fantastic flexibility with a...