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

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 109 homes listed as of January 13th and 6 of the 109 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,594 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $478,190. Finally, these homes have an average of 236 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $264,303 with a total inventory of 44. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,507 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 213 days on the market.

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

Has your Cheshire home been tested for Radon? If not, now is the perfect time to get it done! If you didn’t know, January is National Radon Action Month. As your Cheshire real estate agent, it’s my duty to inform you of the proper precautions you must take in order to protect yourself and your family from radon exposure. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon (also known as a radioactive gas) is found at some level in almost every home and takes the life of over 20,000 people each year. I don’t mean to frighten you, but this is serious! If the presence of radon is a concern for you, follow these steps to ensure it will not be harmful.

1. Find a Radon test kit: Test kits are available for purchase online. Complete the test kit order form online at http://sosradon.org/test-kits and send in your request via mail or fax. Some state programs also offer low-cost or free kits. Get in touch with the State Radon Contact of Connecticut for more information. Some home goods and hardware stores also sell radon testing kits. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully for proper placement and information on where to send it afterwards to get your reading.   

2. If You Are Buying a Home…and the home has already been tested for radon, ask the seller for the test results of the most recent radon test. You may also want to request that a new test be conducted by a professional radon tester. If a radon test has not yet been conducted, request it as soon as possible with your own specific preferences. You have the upper hand in deciding who will do the test, what type of test will be done and when to do the test.  

3. If You Are Selling a Home…and your home has already been tested for radon, review the facts and make sure it was done correctly. If so, provide the test results to the buyer. If your home has not been tested for radon, get the test done as soon as possible and preferably before your home goes on the market.

4. Find Out More: The presence of radon in your Cheshire home can be dangerous and life threatening. While smoking causes cancer in an estimated 160,000 people a year, radon can cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers alike. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an international radon project to help countries around the world increase awareness, collect data and promote action to reduce radon risks. Radon in our homes is the main source of exposure and up until now has not received widespread attention. Get the facts about radon and make sure your family is safe from its dangers. If you are buying or selling a home, take the proper precautions to radon-proof your home before it’s on the market or before you move in.  

Stay safe, and have a great week!

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 106 homes listed as of January 6th and 5 of the 106 Cheshire homes was actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,564 square feet and 3 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $471,674. Finally, these homes have an average of 257 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $262,877 with a total inventory of 44. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,493 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 194 days on the market.

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn

Whether you are moving a mile away from your Cheshire home or across the country, moving is a big job that takes a considerable amount of planning. If your plan is to throw everything into boxes on moving day and load them into the truck last minute, you’re in for a rude awakening. Without a proper moving plan, you’re bound to overlook important details that could lead to costly mistakes. As your Cheshire real estate agent, my job is to make sure you are educated throughout your entire buying or selling process. If you’re moving in the near future, I have prepared a list of moving “dos” to ensure a successful and low-stress move.

1. Have a plan: As mentioned above, it is important to have a detailed plan for any move, near or far. Packing everything up at the last minute just won’t do! To alleviate the burden of last-minute packing and planning, stick to a schedule with a moving checklist. It’s never too early to start planning your move, so my advice is to start planning as early as 60 days prior to the big day. Early planning includes researching estimates from different moving companies, gathering moving supplies and coordinating travel arrangements. The more you get done early, the better!

2. Set a Budget: With the costs of selling a home and buying a new one, it’s easy to forget about the additional costs of moving. Other than the obvious expenses like a moving truck, crew and packing supplies, there are tons of additional expenses along the way that can do damage to your wallet if you’re not careful. For example, along with moving your stuff, you are also moving yourself. If the move is long distance, you will need to factor in the cost of flights, gas and meals along the way.

3. Pack it Right: We all know packing is a pain in the butt. That’s why it’s good to start early to avoid unnecessary stress as well as damage issues if you don’t take the time to pack correctly. If it’s in your budget, your moving company can even pack your belongings for you. If you will be doing the packing yourself, here are a few quick tips to get the job done right: 

    -Use Quality Packing Materials
    -Label EVERYTHING
    -Don’t wait until the last minute!

4. Explore Insurance Options: Typical moving insurance may not be much help if an accident happens (and they DO happen). Basic carrier liability only reimburses you for a small percentage of the original price of a damaged item. So, if you want to get more from the $900 television you just bought last year, you may to want to consider additional coverage.

5. Take Only What You Need: It’s hard to accept, but many of us have a small hoarder inside. Moving is the perfect time to plan that overdue yard sale. Think of it this way, selling the things you don’t need can be put towards your moving expenses! Taking everything you own with you will only add onto your moving expenses, so it’s best to start early and eliminate any useless or unwanted items.

Whew! That’s a lot to think about, isn’t it? If you’ve ever moved before, you know just how stressful it can be. But with the proper accommodations and planning, your move can be a little less stressful.  If you’re thinking of moving to, or within the Cheshire, CT area, give me a call and I would be more than happy to show you around. If you’ve already got your move scheduled, contact me and I’ll help you load the truck.

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

Find Sally Bowman Real Estate on Facebook
Follow Sally Bowman Real Estate on Twitter
Connect with Sally Bowman Real Estate on LinkedIn