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

I may have mentioned in the past the highly regarded status of the Cheshire school system, but as a lifetime Cheshire resident, it may be hard to take my word for it alone. However, if ever there was evidence of the amazing Cheshire education system, it would be the most recent visit from members of a group from the country of Azerbaijan.

Representatives from the former Soviet Union-bloc country came to Cheshire to research the model of education that they would like to bring to their own schools. What better form of flattery than a foreign country modeling off of Cheshire's school system?

They began their tour in Chapman Elementary School, then on to Cheshire High School, observing daily activities in the two different levels of education. Armed with cameras and video equipment, the group watched students share work with their classrooms, inquired about the importance of parental involvement in Cheshire schools, and admired how student's accomplishments are put on display throughout the halls and classrooms.

Sometimes we take our education system for granted.  When faced with a country that is impressed and inspired by what we consider to be mandatory in our schools, we realize how lucky we are.

If school system is important to you in your move, then Cheshire Connecticut is definitely a community to consider. As a lifelong Cheshire resident and Cheshire grammar school alum, I can attest to its wonderful education system. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about Cheshire schools.

On an important side note, if you have heard talk of Chapman Elementary School closing, have no fear. Chapman School parents, past and present will not allow this to happen.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

We are all slowly stripping off our winter layers, the air feels lighter and we all have an extra spring in our step. Spring is definitely on its way to Cheshire - a very popular time for many to put their homes back on the market.

One of your first steps as a seller is to make your home look as presentable as possible. You know what that means - Spring Cleaning!  Now that it is lighter and we can see a little better, dust and cobwebs stands out even more.  There is no better time then when the weather gets warmer to clean the home.

Before you get started, a little spring cleaning history...

The origins of spring cleaning date back to the Persian New Year. Iranians called it "khooneh tekouni" which translates to "shaking the house." On this first day of spring, they would clean their homes from top to bottom. Another possibility of its origin was the ancient Jewish practice of cleaning the home before Passover. In North America and Northern Europe, back before the invention of the vacuum cleaner, March was thought to the be best time for dusting because it was warm enough to open the windows and doors, but not warm enough to invite the insects in.  

Okay. Now that we have sufficiently put it off, it's time to get cleaning.  Cleaning an entire house is a very overwhelming process.  These are just a few tips and tricks to get you started.

1) Pick a bright day you can open up the blinds and let the sun shine in.

2) If it's warm enough outside, open up the windows to let the house air out.

3) Always start at the top when cleaning any room - Ceiling to walls to floors.

4) Walls: Clean the walls first with a cloth or microfiber mop. Then, if its safe for the walls, take a damp cloth to remove any sort of residue. (Tip: A mild vinegar is great for removing stains)

5) Window Coverings: Wash any fabric drapes and air dry them out outside.

6) Windows: Once again, using that spray bottle of vinegar along with a newspaper is a great way to really make the windows shine.

7) Carpet: Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the carpeting, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum up.

As you go along, pay close attention to places and things that may need repairing. Spring cleaning is the perfect time for this because you are going to be getting up close and personal with areas of your home you may not normally notice.

If you are looking to put your Cheshire home on the market this spring, don't hesitate to contact me.  I can be a great resource for Cheshire vendors that may be able to help you with the cleaning jobs that are too overwhelming to do on your own. Until then, keep that spring in your step!

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

It's March. The smell of spring is in the air, and people are itching to get outside and celebrate.  That can only mean one thing - It's St. Patrick's Day in Cheshire!  So you may know that three-leaved shamrocks are lucky and that catching a Leprechaun will lead you to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but you may not know the real history of St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick is the most commonly recognized Saint of the Patron Saints of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day used to be celebrated as a religious holiday, but became public in 1903. In fact, there was even a law introduced that required all pubs to be closed on St. Patrick's Day. It wasn't until the mid-1990's, however, that the Irish government decided to capitalize on the day and use it to showcase Ireland and its culture.  Today, St. Patrick's day is celebrated in Ireland, America, and beyond by Irish and non Irish alike.

How does Cheshire celebrate St. Patrick's Day? For starters, Sally Bowman Real Estate is hosting the business after hours for the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce this Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be Irish food, green beer, door prizes, and the perfect opportunity to meet people in the community. Call the Chamber at 203-272-2345 if you would like to join us.

It's always a good time to go to a few of Cheshire's local pubs, but on St. Patrick's Day, it's even more enjoyable than usual. I highly recommend the Victorian House  or the Waverly Tavern, a long time Cheshire business celebrating its 18th anniversary this March.

If you're looking for a place to take the kids, then a big parade is just the ticket. The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade is sure to be a day full of excitement for any kid, young or old. It is actually Connecticut's largest single-day spectator event.

If you're looking into Cheshire real estate, St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to come see a close-knit community have a good time and welcome in Spring with open arms.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Unfortunately, since the ice at Cheshire's Mixville Pond has melted away, you'll have to go inside to watch a game. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for some great hockey games in Cheshire and the surrounding areas...

Cheshire is lucky enough to be have a premier franchise in the American Hockey League within close reach. The Hartford Wolf Pack is a primary development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers. They play at the XL Center in Hartford, not far from Cheshire, and a great place to take family and friends for a good game and a overall fantastic time.

Take a look at some of the upcoming games - always with a promotional event thrown in - to make the night even more memorable.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Lowell Devils
Date and Time: Saturday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Go Green Night: St. Patrick's Day Celebration and the Mighty Ploughboys Perform Live!

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Springfield Falcons
Date and Time: Saturday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m.
Event: CT Youth Sports Night: The Wolf Pack will honor Connecticut sports teams and organizations throughout the game.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Date and Time: Saturday, March 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Boy Scout Celebration Night: The Wolf Pack helps the Scouts of America celebrate 100 years.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Springfield Falcons
Date and Time: Saturday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Fan Appreciation Night: Players will be wearing the 2009-2010 Specialty Jerseys which will be given away to fans at the end of the game!

The caliber of players that have played for the Wolf Pack is pretty high. Ronnie Sundin, a defenseman for the Wolf Pack in 1997-1998, went onto win a Gold Medal with the Swedish Olympic Team in the 2006 Olympics. And then there's Derek Armstrong, an AHL MVP and member of the Wolf Pack for 4 years, now plays for the Los Angeles Kings, averaging 12 goals and 39 points per campaign. The Wolf Pack themselves were 2000 AHL Champions.

On top of their success, the Hartford Wolf Pack is always getting involved with Hartford and the surrounding communiites. Going to one of the Wolf Pack's games is a guaranteed good game and good time. Of course, if you can't make it out to Hartford, the State Champion winning Cheshire Rams (Cheshire High School's Hockey Team) aren't a bad game to watch either.

If you are ever looking for fun things to do in Cheshire, please don't hesitate to ask.  With all of Cheshire's athletic talent, a sports game of any kind is always a guaranteed good time.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

It's tax return season! A time when we are always a little overwhelmed and filled with fear that we are missing out on money returning opportunities. With all of the recent tax credits, there is even more of a reason to pay special attention to what is available to homeowners.  With a little help from the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, I'm here to make sure that you go into this tax season prepared.

1) Take advantage of the tax credits.
There are a lot of people who qualify for them and may not even know they do.  It's not just for first time home buyers, but also for repeat homebuyers. If you bought a house or are going to buy a house between January 1st and April 30th, you are most likely eligible for either the $8,000 tax credit (First Time Home Buyer) or the $6,500 credit (Repeat Home Buyer). Educate yourself on what you need to know about the credits so you don't risk missing out on a good amount of money.

2)  There are still other tax deductions in effect from the past.
Don't overlook other ways you could be eligible for money. IRS publication No. 17 is a great resource found at www.IRS.gov.

3) Two good general rules to remember:

• Homeowners can usually deduct the interest they pay on a mortgage as long as it is less than $1 million.
• Homeowners can typically deduct the interest they pay on home equity loans as long as they are less than $100,000.

4) If you are making efforts to conserve energy in your home, you could be eligible for tax credits. Check out IRS form 5695 to find out more about the energy-related credits.

5) Work out of your home? Could be yet another opportunity for a tax credit! Take a look at the IRS site for more information.

To look at the full New Haven Register article, click here. If you have any questions for me about the tax credits, or are looking to buy a home in Cheshire or its surrounding areas before the April 30th deadline, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

In the winter time, there is nothing more enticing than curling up with a good book. The Cheshire Public Library is a great place to start. Most people underestimate how much is available through your local library. It is such a great resource for children's activities, events, programs, and of course, books!

For the Kids
A unique item that the Cheshire Library offers is the Lit Kit. Great for daycares, birthday parties, or just to take home and enjoy with the kids - they each include picture books, a teacher resource book, DVD and Music CD and an idea packet full of songs, games and snack ideas. There are also so many events geared towards children listed every month on the event calendar.

Teens: Stuff They'll Actually Like!
Looking for a way to keep your teen busy and out of trouble?  The Cheshire Library offers a great variety of programs geared towards teens.

• The Cheshire Anime Club reads and discusses Anime and Manga, watches Anime movies and even serves Japanese snacks!
• The Teen Games Drop-In offers Wii games like Rock Bank and DDR and board games like Monopoly, Boggle, and Life.  
• Give your teens a chance to be leaders and join the Teen Book Board. They have the opportunity to write reviews, talk about books and decide which books to buy for the library - all while enjoying pizza!

Adults
The events calendar offers a lot of great opportunities that are educational, fun, and best of all, free! Book talks and book signings, Speakers and demonstrations (check out the upcoming "Pure and Simple Chocolate with Maria" on March 4th), and a great variety of concerts. They also have museum passes available to rent out, computer workstations, internet classes and quiet study rooms.

If you have any questions about fun things to do in Cheshire, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I know this town very well, and it always has something to offer.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

You can't run away from it - pink bows, heart-shaped boxes and Miley Cyrus Valentine cards. Whether you have a sweetheart or not, Valentine's Day is everywhere. While some love the gushy romance of the day, others have come to despise it. The great thing about any holiday though, is that it is an opportunity to celebrate and find something fun in your community. Since there is always something happening in Cheshire and the surrounding areas, lets find ways to celebrate whether you choose to be romantic, or just learn something new.

Find the history in Valentine's Day with a visit to the Litchfield History Museum. They are offering a Valentine's Workshop where you can explore the Society's vast collection of cards, handwritten poems and intricate patterns. Be inspired by the Romanics of the Victorian era and learn how to create a real Valentine. Because it is also available to children, it is the perfect excuse to pique their interest about the past.

On Friday, check out the Connecticut Film Festival's Valentine's Weekend Event. If you haven't been to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, this is a good time to pay it a visit. They feature films, shorts, animations and award-winning documentaries.  This event is filled with educational events and films including the Connecticut grown film "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, shot throughout New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. What could be more romantic than Hollywood-style film screenings? The film festival goes throughout the weekend.

At the end of the day, don't forget your sweetheart. For all of you choose to embrace the romance of the holiday, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Pink Petunia Florist in Cheshire. Crimson roses, pink tulips, red carnations shaped like hearts, classic red tulips and beautiful satin ribbons to tie them all together.  This family owned and operated business takes great pride in their premium flowers and are sure to impress you.

If you ever want to know the upcoming events in Cheshire, shoot me an email. I would be happy to point you in the right direction. I hope you find the joy in this Valentine's Day, at least until the next holiday.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

February 2010 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 137 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $479,225.

Cheshire Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 33 properties with sales pending and 114 properties that closed in the past 6 months.  The average sold price for Cheshire is $391,999 and the average time on market is 91 days.

Absorption Rate/Supply: The current month supply of homes on the market is defined as the ratio of the current inventory of active listings compared to sales.  In other words, given recent sales activity, one can estimate how long it would take for the entire inventory of active listings to sell, assuming no new listings were to appear on the market.  At the present time it will approximately five and a half months to sell all of the current active listings, without adding any new homes for sale.  

Data and charts based on the last 6 months, data provided by the Multiple Listing Services.

You may have been hearing a lot about the FHA guideline changes. "The standards are tightening!" or "Hurry up and get your condo before the FHA changes the game!" If you're new to buying a home, you may not know exactly what FHA is all about to begin with. Here is a little background for the newbies...

FHA loans were created long before subprime loans became widely available to help borrowers who couldn't get conventional home loans because they had low credit scores or limited resources. As you can imagine, this type of loan became very popular for a lot of people who never thought they would be eligible to be a homeowner. After the market bust, those new homeowners were unable to pay their mortgages, the FHA was responsible for paying the banks and the result was a severe drop in its reserve fund.

The FHA now has no choice but to make changes to their rules and regulations to improve their financial position.

The new guidelines for FHA backed mortgages require:

Higher insurance premiums. Mortgage insurance costs under the new guidelines have been increased from 1.75 to 2.25 percent of the loan.

A minimum credit score of 580 to obtain a 3.5% down payment. Borrowers with a lower score will be required to put down at least 10 percent.

A reduction on how much the seller can help the buyer, from 6 percent to 3 percent. This change will give borrowers a greater financial stake in their home purchases.

If you're curious about Cheshire's lending limits, take a look at the FHA's requirements for Connecticut. If you have any questions about how this may affect you, please email me at Sally.Bowman@gmail.com.

These changes should not dramatically affect a new homeowner's chances of getting a loan. The changes are just a step in the right direction in order for the housing market to get back on track. If anything, it will force homeowners to be more financially responsible and help the FHA continue to offer affordable mortgages to new homeowners who need them.

Don't let it deter you from investing in one of the most rewarding purchases you will ever make. I am always here if you have any questions about the FHA guidelines, or even just a general question about Cheshire Real Estate.  Keep that American dream alive.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert