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rown Harris Stevens is expanding its presence in Connecticut with the addition of two new brokers and a new outpost in Southport, an affluent area within Fairfield. Andrew Whiteley and Wendy Ryan, former William Raveis agents, have joined BHS after over a decade with their previous firm. The duo will operate from BHS' seventh location in the state, citing the brokerage's extensive network as a key factor in their decision.

    Ryan noted that feeder markets like Greenwich, the Hamptons, New York City, and Palm Beach drive interest in Southport and lower Fairfield County. Whiteley and Ryan previously led William Raveis' top team, Team AFA, with combined sales volume of $115 million in 2023. They declined to comment on which listings they'll bring to BHS.

    The pair's move comes as prices in Fairfield County continue to rise, with the median sale price increasing by nearly 63% since the pandemic. Ryan attributed the surge in interest in Southport to its growing reputation among New Yorkers seeking more than just a summer home. However, the region's inventory has plummeted, leaving buyers with limited options.

    Whiteley noted that only 53 homes are currently listed in Fairfield, compared to over 400 before the pandemic. To address this shortage, he's working on a new development project in Southport Village, which will add 18 townhouse apartments to the market next spring. With such a small inventory, Whiteley believes these units would sell quickly if available today.