Realtors retain positive outlook

Area realtors expressed little concern about last week’s historic decline in global capital markets and largely agree it’s too soon to know what the impact will be.

“In times of economic uncertainty — whether driven by market volatility or global trade tensions — real estate remains one of the most reliable investments,” observed Elyse Harney Morris of Elyse Harney Real Estate. “Unlike the stock market, which can react instantly to news and speculation, real estate is grounded in tangible value, especially in regions like Litchfield County. We continue to see strong interest in existing homes, and the current market has not shown signs of slowing due to increased building costs. If anything, those higher costs have made move-in ready homes even more attractive. I believe we’ll continue to see people investing in properties here as a way to diversify their assets, secure a foothold outside the city and enjoy the lifestyle this beautiful area offers. In a shifting economic landscape, real estate up here isn’t just a safe harbor – it’s a smart move.”

One real estate broker largely confirmed Harney’s viewpoint.“It’s too early to tell. We remain in a high demand market … Properties priced properly are going under contract in fourteen days or less, in some cases, within the first two days of listing with multiple offers and closing above list price.”

Andrew Gates, a real estate agent with Houlihan & Lawrence in Millbrook commented, “No one can tell if the tariffs will have any direct effect on our local market, which as everyone knows is driven by demand from second home owners, largely based in New York City. However, if the stock market continues to correct to the downside, that is likely to put a chill on demand. Having said that, it’s always possible that if things feel unstable for any particular reason, people may seek a safe and secure refugee upstate. On the supply side, I’m renovating my fifth house … and have yet to see upward price pressure on building materials, but very tight availability of labor in the construction space remains an ongoing issue”.

More pessimistic brokers are concerned that buyers will walk away from already signed contracts or simply stop looking at the same time that potential sellers will wait and see what happens on Wall Street. John Harney of William Pitt Sotheby’s observed succinctly, “When there is uncertainty buyers stay on the sideline.” All agree that the direction of the local real estate market changes slowly and don’t anticipate an immediate change in our high demand real estate market.

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Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

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These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

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Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and the home for American illustration

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
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— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

Her commitment to illustration is deeply personal. Plunkett grew up watching her father, Joseph Haboush, an illustrator and graphic designer, work late into the night in his home studio creating art and hand-lettered logos for package designs, toys and licensed-character products for the Walt Disney Co. and other clients.

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Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

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