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

The spring and summer months bring a number of events to place on our calendars. As we near the end of May (can you believe it?) and transition into June, there is plenty to do in and around Cheshire. As your Cheshire Real Estate Agent and community resource, I wanted to remind you of a few events taking place in the coming weeks. I think you’ll find something worth checking out. 

Memorial Day Parade: Hooray for a 3-day weekend! The Memorial Day Parade is coming up this Sunday! Make sure to bring your dog(s) in support of the Cheshire Dog Park, as parade marchers will be marching with Paws Pet Resort. The parade is free to all guests and will take place at Highland Elementary School. The fun starts at 1:30pm so get there early and save a good spot! 

Strawberry Festival: Get ready to celebrate the 75^th year of the Cheshire Strawberry Festival. Taking place in the center of Cheshire at the First Congregational Church, the event will include rides, hot dogs, hamburgers, crafts and of course, plenty of strawberries! All this and more is happening Saturday, June 9 from 11am-4pm. That’s only five hours to get your strawberry fix so I suggest making your way over first thing. 

Herb Fest Country Fair: Take a lesson in health and wellness by visiting the Herb Fest Country Fair in West Granby. Open to the public for just a small fee of $5 will be workshops, demonstrations, bake sales, an information table, family activities and so much more. This is a great opportunity to experience local food and herbs, and also truly a great way to spend time with the whole family. This is going down June 2, rain or shine so I hope to see you there! 

Connecticut Irish Festival: This event comes along with another big celebration. Celebrate 50 years at the Connecticut Irish Festival at the North Haven Fairgrounds in North Haven. This is the longest running Irish festival in New England and even the whole United States. Join visitors from both near and far to enjoy Irish music, dancing, sport and fare. I plan to see you there on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday June 24. Also - I heard they are looking for volunteers. 

So there you have it. I hope this list has given you some ideas for future family outings. While I love providing community news, I have a hankering for real estate. If you are ready to embark on your next Cheshire real estate endeavor, feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to being your go-to guide for all things Cheshire! 

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 173 homes listed as of May 11th and 16 of the 173 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,501 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $456,778. Finally, these homes have an average of 159 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $252,943 with a total inventory of 58. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,493 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 136 days on the market.

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

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If you’re buying a home or have bought a home in the past, you know that there may be times when you feel in the dark about what’s going on with your transaction. In the world of real estate, we Cheshire real estate agents throw around a lot of jargon that might have the average home buyer asking “what did they just say?” Don’t worry. Your Cheshire real estate agent is here to fill you in on the meaning of some important words in any real estate transaction. 

Earnest Money: This is one of the most questioned real estate terms to date. When you are preparing an offer, you are asked to write an earnest money check. This lump of money is held onto and put into escrow once the offer has been approved by all parties. If the transaction goes through, the earnest money deposit will go towards a portion of the down payment at closing. 

Disclosure: When it comes to disclosures, the rules behind them vary from state to state. Disclosures are the things that the current homeowner or seller is required to disclose to a potential homebuyer. Most states, however, require that the seller fills out a form with everything they know about the home. When you’re buying your Cheshire home, don’t assume that you’re being informed of everything. If you have specific questions about the home’s safety, condition, or whatever it may be, ask the seller or discuss with your agent how you can get the answers you need. 

Escrow: Escrow works equally for both the buyer and the seller. When you are in the escrow part of your transaction, it means you have made your down payment and it is being held by a third party. Escrow is either handled by a title company, an attorney, escrow company or real estate broker. 

Contingency: Often times buyers see this term on a real estate listing and assume it’s game over. But that isn’t the case. When a home status says “contingency” or “contingent” this means there is an offer on the property but the offer requires that the buyer (or seller) fulfills another obligation before the transaction can close. For example, perhaps the contingency is that the buyer sells their current home. Other contingencies include obtaining financing or performing a home inspection. Be sure to discuss any contingencies with your agent, as they can be negotiable. If you feel you need more time to schedule a home inspection or locking in financing, it’s possible that it can be worked into your offer. 

When it comes to your real estate transaction, never hesitate to stop and ask questions. While your Cheshire real estate agent will do their best to keep you in the loop, we know things might not always be crystal clear on your end.  If you ever have any questions on how the buying process works, feel free to contact me anytime and I’ll give you the full rundown. 

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 166 homes listed as of May 4th and 15 of the 166 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,475 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $453,426. Finally, these homes have an average of 166 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $256,780 with a total inventory of 61. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,505 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 125 days on the market.

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

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When the weather is warm we tend to spend more time working on household projects both in and outdoors. With that in mind, spring and summer are the perfect times to make those quick upgrades around your Cheshire home. If you don’t have the wallet to support some fixer-uppers, there are plenty of little things you can do around the house on a strict budget. 

Shop at the Dollar Store: Some people look down upon dollar stores, thinking “you can’t get anything good” there. Well, when it comes to Do It Yourself home projects, the dollar store might be the perfect place to get any straggling items. For small tools like wrenches, pliers or screwdrivers, head to the dollar store for the ultimate deal. For those of you who frequent the dollar store, you know what I mean. Let’s persuade the non-believers! Here are some more benefits: 

-If something you bought at the dollar store breaks, not the end of the world – it was a dollar. 

-If you need a tool for a one-time upgrade, why spend more than you have to?

-If you ever need multiple of something, buying items that cost only a dollar is the way to go! 

Free Smoke Alarm: Sometimes a smoke alarm can be free. Check with your local fire department. As these devices are considered life-saving, you definitely need them installed in your home (you might be able to get the installation for free, too!)

You Don’t Need a Leaf Blower: You don’t need an expensive leaf blower to get rid of the remnants from fall. All you need is your very own lawnmower. All you need to do is raise your lawnmower deck to its highest level and get going! If you do happen to have a leaf blower, be generous. Lend it to your neighbors and friends so they can save a couple bucks. 

Get a Shower Timer: Save money on your water bill and help save the planet all at the same time! While an automatic timer can cost over $100, it will slash a good chunk of money each year from your water-heating bill. We all cherish our hot showers, but there comes a time when it can be excessive. Instead of you normal 20-minute shower, use the timer to cut it down to 10. 

Ventilate Your Roof: This is a double whammy. Ventilating your roof will help cool your home in the summer and also prevent ice dams in the winter. You can achieve these results by installing intake vents and a solar-powered fan that draw out warm air. 

These are just a few ways to make simple upgrades to your Cheshire home. For more ideas, check out www.ThisOldHouse.com or ask your Cheshire real estate agent. Another great thing about summer is that it’s an awesome time to buy Cheshire real estate. If you’re looking for your next home in Cheshire, feel free to contact me anytime! My team of seasoned agents and I will guide you through the entire process. 

May 2012 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 127 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $482,133.

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 155 homes listed as of April 27th and 17 of the 155 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,528 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $464,600. Finally, these homes have an average of 168 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $252,543 with a total inventory of 62. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,485 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 125 days on the market.

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 147 homes listed as of April 20th and 13 of the 147 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,507 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $461,903. Finally, these homes have an average of 155 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $229,222 with a total inventory of 57. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,391 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 121 days on the market.

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

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Spring is in the air and that can only mean one thing (well maybe more than one): it’s a great time for Cheshire real estate. For us Connecticut folk who endure cold winters and brisk fall seasons, the spring and summer months bring on an indescribable angst to take advantage of everything Cheshire has to offer…including finding or selling your Cheshire home.

Ask yourself this questions: Would you rather go to an open house when it’s snowing or when it’s warm and dry outside? If you’re answer is the latter that is just one reason why spring is the perfect time to sell your home. Now that the timing is down, read on to find out how to prepare for those eager buyers. 

Prepare: You can’t just decide to sell your home and put it on the market the next day and expect it to sell. While this could happen, it’s a long shot. Selling your home takes time and effort, and could include a few months of preparation. Prepping your home to sell could involve a variety of things, including cleaning/de-cluttering and making repairs or home improvements. A buyer is more likely to purchase a home that they think looks nice, and closely resembles their own standards and personal style. Consider some mild redecorating, painting or rearranging furniture to make your home’s best features stand out. If you’re unsure of how this should be done, your Cheshire real estate agent can be very helpful with their eye for what works. 

The Price is Right: When deciding to sell your home, you will also need to decide at what price. Your real estate agent can help you with this, and will conduct the appropriate local market research to determine a fair and realistic price. To start, try looking at similar homes in the area and take notes on pricing. However, just because you find a home that is similar to your own and on the pricey side, it doesn’t mean that you should price your home the same. Exact location of a home plays a big part in pricing. As a seasoned Cheshire real estate agent and an area native, I can help you determine the best price for your home while considering all factors. 

Market: When selling your home you want to make sure it is seen everywhere possible, right? And as a home seller you may not be fully aware of just how many sites and tools are available. Luckily, Sally Bowman Real Estate is up to date on the latest marketing trends in the industry and has the skills, knowledge and a full-fledged marketing team to ensure your home is marketed in the best way possible. Today, marketing goes beyond the “for sale” sign in your front yard and running an ad in the newspaper. While these tactics are still necessary, you will want to market your home both off-line and online. 

These are just three examples of how to get your home sold quick and efficiently. If you’re in the position to sell, feel free to contact me and we will get started on a smooth transaction. If you’re looking to purchase your next (or first) Cheshire home, I have some great properties to show you. 

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
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For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 138 homes listed as of April 13th and 10 of the 138 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,556 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $470,096. Finally, these homes have an average of 160 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $233,598 with a total inventory of 53. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,417 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 128 days on the market.

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
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