Local community and real estate information for Cheshire CT by your Cheshire Real Estate Experts, Sally Bowman Real Estate

Here we go again. 2012 is well under way and we are looking back on the results of 2011. That’s a good thing though, right? How else will we determine what we need to work on this year if we don’t evaluate the outcome of last year? The New Year is still fresh, and that means there is plenty of time to strategize how to make 2012 the best it can be. In terms of Cheshire real estate, that will be easy.  With experience and community knowledge, as well as a clear vision of getting the job done, there is no reason why 2012 shouldn’t see an increase in home sales as well as the price they are selling for. Let me tell you what I mean with a trip down memory lane.

2011 wasn’t the greatest year in terms of Cheshire real estate. For home sellers specifically, the gray cloud above the real estate market was particularly subpar. Throughout the year, only 259 Cheshire homes sold which is a 14% decrease compared to the almost 300 homes sold in 2010. On the other hand, while the amount of homes sold was down, the average sales price was up. Overall, the average sales price of a Cheshire home was up 11% from the previous year. This is good news for the sellers who were able to sell their homes, as the 11% increase indicates the price they received was either above the list price or close to it. While the average list price of a home is around $390,000, the average selling price is only $340,000. In 2012, sellers need to become more realistic about what their home is worth, and what it will logically sell for.

So what types of homes are out there? As you may already know, an abundance of homes on the market are short sales and foreclosures. While a heavy percentage of Cheshire homes fall under this category, the fact remains true to the entire country. In Cheshire, about 13% of all homes for sale are short sales or foreclosures, and about 8% of all homes sold in 2011 were distressed properties. That means that 2012 will bring even more of these homes to the market, allowing buyers to land a deal and sellers to get their homes sold quickly.

Should these trends continue, it is time for home sellers to evaluate the market, comparable homes and their own home in order to determine the right price for a successful sale.  As your Cheshire real estate agent, I will help you determine the best and most realistic price for your home. Not only will we figure out the ideal price, but we will also prepare an aggressive marketing plan that will put your home above the rest. 2012 is all about results -- and for Cheshire home buyers and home sellers, I believe we can achieve them. If you are in the position to buy or sell a home, feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to making your real estate experience a success.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 105 homes listed as of February 10th and 4 of the 105 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,549 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $471,414. Finally, these homes have an average of 245 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $202,975 with a total inventory of 41. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,272 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 197 days on the market.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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Most people invest in homeowner’s insurance to protect themselves from property damage. However, it’s the little things we love that can cause a spike in your insurance rate. In fact, liabilities from accidents that occur on our properties are too often the culprit. As an experienced Cheshire real estate agent, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to rising insurance rates, and if there is one thing we can learn from it, it’s that it is better to be educated before mishap strikes.

From our furry friends to toys such as trampolines and swimming pools, here are several possible causes for rising insurance rates in Cheshire:

The Pooch: I know. I don’t want to admit this anymore than the rest of you, but owning a dog is and can be a big liability. While all of us dog owners have loveable, adorable pets, the truth is in the fact that millions of people are bitten by dogs each year. In fact, over 50% of dog bites occur on the owner’s property and they account for 1/3 of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims. Some insurers “don’t like” certain breeds of dogs and will charge more or even reject clients with pit bulls or Rottweilers. If your dog has a history of violence (and I’m sure it doesn’t) don’t be surprised if your premiums are higher.
Note: The same goes for exotic pets. Chances are your insurer will want nothing to do with your pet monkey or family of tarantulas.

Treehouses: An overwhelming amount of accidents occur in the home. According to the National Safety Council, falls account for 26% of all accidental injuries at home, and thousands of people are treated for fall-related injuries everyday. Treehouses can play a big role in these statistics because of their height. Many times going up is easier than coming down and even with the best intentions accidents can happen. Many insurers have treehouse exclusions or will even reject applicants based on the height of stability of the structure.

Jewelry: Standard homeowners and renters insurance usually only covers up to $2,000 for personal items and valuables. That doesn’t even cover the cost of most engagement rings! Getting coverage for your most prized jewelry in the case of loss or theft will not only increase your premiums, but it will also require an appraisal of the property and policy riders detailing the value of the items you want covered.

Trampolines: Yes, these are fun – but if you choose to have one be prepared for your insurance rates to soar. If you have a trampoline, chances are you or a family member has experienced some sort of injury from it, big or small. With the large number of emergency visits as a result of trampolines, it is not uncommon for an insurer to refuse coverage to properties that have them. To get coverage for your trampoline, you will undoubtedly pay more.

Home Businesses: Covering a home business without a doubt adds to your premium, due to the higher risk of loss. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers about $2,500 for business equipment in the home, but it doesn’t cover business liability if a client, customer or supplier was to be injured on your property.  Of course you could start a home business and not notify your insurer, but then if something were to happen you would not be covered.

As your Cheshire real estate agent, I feel that it is a part of my job description to inform you of anything in your home purchase that could cause extra fees or expenses. In the case of homeowner’s insurance, there is a long list of things that could be considered a liability, and it’s important to keep them in mind as you continue to make decisions as a Cheshire homeowner.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 113 homes listed as of February 3rd and 3 of the 113 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,563 square feet and 3 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $472,933. Finally, these homes have an average of 238 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $255,467 with a total inventory of 49. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,471 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 191 days on the market.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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While we’re still in the month of February, there is plenty to plan for in the upcoming months. March and April bring the sweet introduction of spring, along with great sporting events and community gatherings to look forward to. As your Cheshire real estate agent, I get a first hand look at what’s up and coming in and around the community. So mark your calendars, here’s what’s to come!

Inaugural Benefit Dinner
The Cheshire Community Food Pantry is hosting an Inaugural Benefit Dinner. The theme will, of course, be March Madness and team attire is highly encouraged, although not required. Party favors will be provided, and will include dinner stations, live and silent auctions and entertainment provided by POWER STATION. Act fast! Tickets are $75.00 per person: contact me for details on how to purchase. Tickets will not be sold at the door so if you are interested in attending the sooner you get your tickets, the better! For more information on the event and details about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Cheshire Community Food Pantry’s website. Did I mention there will be prizes? Yes. There will be raffle prizes up for grabs.

Where: Aqua Turf Club, Southington, CT
When: March 9, 7pm-12am

The Fireman’s Ball
Can you believe it? The Cheshire Fire Department is celebrating their 100th anniversary! The Cheshire Fire Department has been serving Cheshire, CT, since 1912 and will commemorate its anniversary through a special celebration. The event will take place in April with plenty of entertainment provided by Steve Lippia and his 10 Piece Orchestra, as well as an abundance of food. Hot and cold appetizers will be served, followed by beef carving stations, turkey and pasta. Dessert won’t be left out, as coffee and sweets will be available after dinner. The cost for the event is $75.00 per person and tickets can be purchased from any Fire Department member, the Cheshire Fire Headquarters or any of the three Cheshire Fire Stations. Not unsurprisingly, tickets are selling fast! Don’t wait until they’re gone.

Where: Aqua Turf Club, Southington, CT
When: April 14th, 8:00pm (doors open at 7:45)

American Heart Month
February marks a special month devoted to the importance of heart health. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America, and therefore American Heart Month is the perfect time to reflect on those we love who have, or are suffering from a heart condition. In support of this cause, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging everyone to wear red throughout the month of February. Additionally, take the time to learn about causes and prevention of heart disease and ways to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. I care about all of my fellow Cheshireites and hope you stay informed! 

These events will creep up before you know it. Make sure to get your tickets because they are both events you don’t want to miss. For more community and real estate updates, keep in touch with my Sally Bowman Real Estate blog or drop by my office for a chat.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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February 2012 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 96 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $493,347.

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 113 homes listed as of January 27th and 6 of the 113 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,562 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $473,918. Finally, these homes have an average of 233 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $253,968 with a total inventory of 49. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,462 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 187 days on the market.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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Icicles hanging off the eaves of your Cheshire home may be beautiful, but they are also a fair sign of trouble. While the forces of nature are allowing these icicles to form, it’s a combination of nature and neglect that allow them to turn into something greater and even more dangerous: ice dams. Ice dams are thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves, as a result of snow covered roofs and freezing weather.  

While we already have to worry about one of these things possibly falling and harming us, we also have to think about the damage they can do to our homes. Ice dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles and cause water to back up and pour into our homes. When that happens, the aftermath is less than glorious. Warped floors, peeling paint, and sagging ceilings are all possible outcomes of unattended ice dams, and can easily be prevented or fixed if already formed.

Here are a few tips: 

Take Pictures
When you see icy or frosty build-up, take pictures of it to help you determine the location of an interior inspection. This will keep you ahead of the ice dam so you can prevent damage before it happens. 

Heated Cables
If heated cables are an option for your home, make sure to install them before bad weather hits. Heated cables challenge ice dams that lift shingles and cause leaks. Using heated cables allows you to equalize your roof’s temperature by heating it from the outside, rather than blowing cold air from the inside.

Blow in Cold Air
You can just hack away at ice dames with a shovel or hammer, right? Wrong. Doing this is dangerous and bad for your roofing. If the ice dams have already caused leakage into your home, try this quick tip: take a box fan to the attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where the water is leaking in. The cold air will freeze the water in its tracks.

Rake It
Using a long-handled aluminum roof rake, pull off the snow while you stand safely on the ground below. A rake with wheels will change the exterior temperature of your roof without damaging any shingles.

As a Connecticut native and personal victim of ice dams, (and Cheshire’s favorite real estate agent) I’m more than happy to help you get rid of ice dams. If ice dams are harming your Cheshire home, there is one easy way to learn more about them and how to prevent them from causing costly damage. Mark your calendars, Cheshire! The Cheshire Public Library will be hosting an ice dam tutorial this February.

Where: Cheshire Public Library
When: February 22, 2012 @ 7:00pm
RSVP: February 15th (860) 372-4406
Sign Up: www.cheshirelibrary.org

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 112 homes listed as of January 20th and 7 of the 112 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,573 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $477,820. Finally, these homes have an average of 228 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $255,091 with a total inventory of 48. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,471 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 232 days on the market.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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One thing that I have come to realize over my years as a Cheshire real estate agent is that many home sellers are reluctant to put their homes on the market during the winter months. With the drastic drops in temperature, the sometimes unforgiving weather and snow covering the ground, I can see why people would think it’s unwise to market a property during this time. (Also, the winter is a pretty lazy time of year so preparing your home for sale might not sound like fun up against movie days in front of the fire.) However, one thing my real estate experience has taught me is that selling a home during the winter can actually be beneficial for both home buyers and sellers alike.

Winter brings an advantage for home buyers as there is less competition in that department. Moving is a chore, and it becomes even more of a hassle when you’re battling snow, ice and cold weather. Homes may also be priced lower to avoid the house sitting on the market for several months. As a homeowner who wants to sell their property, listing your home during the winter will no doubt be challenging. But there are ways to make the experience less stressful and thus successful. Check out these tips to winter home selling and get your Cheshire home sold!

1. Set a Fair Price: On top of being in a market full of foreclosures and super affordable home prices, winter brings yet another expectation of discounted prices. During the winter months, home buyers are expecting to find homes priced to sell. In order to get a lot of foot traffic through your home, it’s crucial to price it fairly, realistically and accurately. Since buyers are looking for the ultimate bargain, you’ll want to avoid low-ball offers by pricing your home accurately from the get-go. The more realistic the price, the more likely you are to get realistic offers.

2. Keep it Festive: While it may look gloomy outside, you want to embrace just the opposite for the interior of your home. First impressions are extremely powerful, and you want buyers of any kind to be swept off their feet when they enter your home. Even if you are not there to greet the visitors, you can still enchant them by creating a cozy atmosphere. Try setting the table with your finest china, or set out a plate of cookies. You can even provide hot cider or coffee. This will give them something warm to absorb after being in the cold weather, as well as provide a lasting impression.  

3. Rearrange and De-Clutter: The last thing a potential home buyer wants to see is an unkempt and cluttered space when they walk into your home. Well before the first showing, start thinking of ways to make your home appear more spacious while maintaining a homey feel. Start de-cluttering by removing any over-personal items from view and place in an off-site storage area. Make sure that the kitchen, bathrooms and main bedrooms have been primped and cleaned. Next, you can try rearranging your furniture so that each room is showing its maximum potential. Set the scene and help home buyers see themselves living happily in the house!

4. Warm It Up: Before a showing, turn up the thermostat just a couple of notches. You always want to be thinking “warm and cozy.” Keeping your home at a warmer temperature will add a welcoming touch and keep the buyers inside your home longer. Often times sellers stay away from turning the heat up due to heat costs, but if they buyers are uncomfortable they won’t stay long. If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the showing will give the house a little ambiance. If you have a word burning fireplace, it is a nicely added touch to light it if you will be present during the showing.

5. Enhance Your Curb Appeal: I know this one can be a little bit tricky, especially if there’s snow on the ground – and we all know how it starts looking a bit dull as the dirt and grime settle in. While you cannot grasp the vibrant spring and summer colors, you can still capture a pristine look to your winter home. To achieve great winter curb appeal, rid you yard of any leftover leaves and branches, and keep your walkways and driveway clear of snow. The last thing you want is someone breaking a bone as they slip on your sidewalk! Look at it this way: if the buyers have trouble reaching the front door, the home won’t sell as easily.

As your Cheshire real estate agent, it’s important to me that I fill you in on the best tactics to buying or selling a home in Cheshire. Don’t let the cold temperatures and rough weather get you down this winter season. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the job will get done with the help of your Cheshire real estate agent! Contact me to get started.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert
Cheshire Homes

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