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

The 4th of July is upon us here in Cheshire CT. You can just picture all of Cheshire coming out to play on this long anticipated, picture perfect summer weekend.

Children run around with firecrackers, smells of delicious barbecue fill the air from backyard grills, and neighbors become a little bit closer after spending another blissful Independence Day together. The classic movie The Sandlot comes to mind when all of the kids are gathered on the field for their annual 4th of July night baseball game...

There was only one night game a year - On the 4th of July... the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks, giving us just enough light for a game. We played our best then because, I guess, we all felt like the big leaguers...under the lights of some great stadium.

It may be a movie, but growing up in Cheshire means having that same simple childhood experience portrayed in The Sandlot. It means being surrounded by neighbors who know each others' names. It means friendships begin with children's play dates and extend to parents and beyond. It means community gatherings for for big holidays like 4th of July, or for no reason at all.

For this 4th of July, come out and celebrate with Cheshire. It's a wonderful town to call home. If you are looking for Cheshire real estate, I would love to be the one to show you around.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

The wonderful thing about a town like Cheshire, CT is that it truly is an old fashioned community with modern conveniences. Just this last week was the 100 year Birthday Celebration of R.W. Hine Hardware Store.

My family bought this store in 1979 when I was 11 years old. I worked at R.W. Hine all the way through high school to college, up until 2003 when I began working with Real Estate in Cheshire.

I went form selling people the nuts and bolts to fix their houses, to selling the whole house. I could not have asked for a better education in real estate. It was the perfect place to learn all about houses, along with a little about plumbing, electrical and construction.

Established in 1910, R.W. Hine Ace Hardware is a family owned and operated hardware store well known among the community for their amazing customer service.

A quick look at the R.W. Hine Facebook Wall and it is obvious how much this store means to the Cheshire community. One wall post says "When I used to come back home, I loved walking around Hines...Glad you still exist."

If you long to be a part of a community in which the local hardware store could exist for 100 years and still be going strong, then give me a call. Growing up here, I know Cheshire Connecticut like the back of my hand. There's nothing I love more than showing homebuyers beautiful Cheshire homes and the community that surrounds those homes. When it comes to community ties, Cheshire's bond is unbreakable, but we are always welcome to newcomers.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

You Are Cordially Invited to the First Congregational Church Strawberry Festival!

When: Saturday, June 12
Where: First Congregational Church, 111 Church Drive, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
Time: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Parking: Free, located behind the church.
Website: www.cheshirecongregational.org

Join the entire town of Cheshire for a day of food, family and fun!

Start off with juicy hot dogs and hamburgers, then go watch the live entertainment while the kid play games, watch the magic show, bounce on the Moonbounce, take a pony ride or enjoy the petting zoo. Of course, don't forget to fill up on lots of strawberries - from strawberry pies, to chocolate dipped strawberries, to the best strawberry shortcake around!

73 years and still going strong, the Cheshire Strawberry Festival is an institution in this town and is not to be missed! As an added bonus, The Cheshire Historical Society’s antiques and collectibles show will be held at the same time on the grounds of the Cheshire Historical Society next to the church.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Cheshire's love for sports has always made us a little bit of a competitive community. We love to win and are not afraid to show our pride. The strength of the Cheshire community, however, does not stop at sporting events. One particular organized event that we have come to be known for is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Time and time again, Cheshire has broken records for funds raised and the number of participants involved. We have reached records as high as $579,873 in 2006 and have been in the top 25 nationwide since 1999. The funny thing is, as exciting as it is to "win" at something like this, the victory does not mean nearly as much as the cause.

Thousands upon thousands of people will gather this June 11th-12th once again at Cheshire High School to honor and remember their family and friends that have been struck with cancer. Teams of cancer survivors and their families, corporations, clubs, hospitals and churches lap the Cheshire High track lined with thousands of luminary bags that light up the night.

People make lifelong connections and emotions run high. Participants who may never have been touched by Cancer are happy to join and learn something new, while others who have find new friends who understand their plight. It's a long night, but it's worth every minute. The funds raised help support the American Cancer Society's programs of research, education and service to patients and their families.

Come prepared and get your luminarias at any of the following Cheshire businesses: Paul's Restaurant, Oliver's Supermarket, or Bagelicious.

Check out Cheshire's Relay for Life website for more information. The event will begin at 5 pm on June 11th and end at 2 pm on June 12th. I look forward to seeing you there!

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

You are cordially invited to attend Cheshire's Memorial Day Parade on Sunday May 30th 2010. Held by the Veterans Council of Cheshire, this year, the parade will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

Starting at Highland Elementary School, the 2 mile long parade runs through Route 10 all the way to Cheshire High School.

We often celebrate holidays without knowing exactly what it is we are celebrating. Of course Memorial Day is known as the unofficial start to summer. A time for family gatherings, barbeques, picnics and sporting events, it really is a wonderful time to bring the Cheshire community together metaphorically shouting "Summer is here!" But it is always nice to have a reminder as to why we celebrate Memorial Day - to celecommemorate U.S. men and women who died while serving the military.

If you are interested in being a part of this year's parade, or would like to enter a float, please call 203.272.2743. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm. The deadline to register is May 21st.

For a little preview of the Cheshire High School marching band before the parade, click here.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

May is finally here and we are all slowly coming out of cold weather hiding and looking for ways to mingle with friends and family in the community. What do you feel like doing with your upcoming weekends in Cheshire now that the weather is getting nicer?

Looking for arts and culture? Or maybe you are looking to get active or contribute to a good cause. What about just a fantastic night full of good food and live entertainment? Cheshire has it all available this May. A variety of choices for all different ages, tastes, and occasions...

Raw Data: The Weather Project works by Suzan Scott
When: Re-occuring Monday through Friday until May 13th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kohn-Joseloff Gallery, Cheshire Academy, 10 Main Street
What: A one woman show highlighting the work of painter Suzan Scott presented in the Kohn-Joeseloff Gallery in Cheshire Academy. The exhibit will feature selected paintings, photographs and digital art based on Scott's exploaration of work based on the sky, named "The Weather Project." Suzan has exhibited widely in galleries in Connecticut and accross the country.

Cheshire YMCA Sea Dog 5K & Healthy Living Expo
When: Sunday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bartlem Park, 525 South Main Street Route 10
What: This is the first annual Healthy Living Expo for Cheshire. Featuring a 5K Run/Walk and Kids Doggie Dash Fun Run, its goal is to raise Cheshire's awareness of health and wellness issues and educate the community about all of the health related services and products available to Cheshire's residents. Among other charities, the money raised through this event will go towards the Strong Kids Campaign, providing kids, teen, and families programs they would not normally have access to. If that is not enough incentive to get involved, they also offer prizes, T-shirts and a post race party to all registered runners!

Live Entertainment at a few of Cheshire's Favorite Eateries:
C.J. Sparrow's Pub & Eatery Entertainment Schedule
When & What: May 13th Ken Safety's Open Mic Show
When & What: May 14th Big Fat Combo CD Release
When & What: May 15th Tall Horses

The Funky Monkey Cafe & Gallery Entertainment Schedule
When & What: May 15th Ross Riskin
When & What: May 22nd Stand Up Comedy
When & What: May 28th Live Music with Johnny Neon of Neon Dust
When & What: May 29th Live Music with Parker's Tangent
Call 203-439-9161 to reserve a table.

If you're looking for somebody to show you some beautiful Cheshire Real Estate, show you around, or just show you a good time, don't hesitate to call me.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

May 2010 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 125 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $463,643.

Cheshire Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 55 properties with sales pending and 101 properties that closed in the past 6 months.  The average sold price for Cheshire is $358,432 and the average time on market is 120 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 take a little less than five 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.

Featured Listing of the Week: 40 Loray Court

A beautiful Vermont setting in Cheshire! With a desirable open floor plan, this four bedroom and three bathroom contemporary home contains an intimate feel throughout. Walk  into the living room and you will be amazed by the cathedral ceiling and large wooden staircase leading up to the bedrooms. A form al dining room, elegantly lit by chandelier overlooks a picturesque view – the perfect location for enjoying the company of those closest to you. The immaculate kitchen is sure to be appreciated by the food connoisseur in your brood and offers a breakfast bar for quick meals or an eat-in area for many home cooked ones!

Master bedroom suite has a double door closet, an ideal first floor location and convenient access to the hot tub on your private deck. With a balcony off of each second level bedroom, you can let in a cool breeze and enjoy the vast scenery during any time of year. Go into the screened porch and bask in each season with a cup of coffee and a book, or bring company to pass the time with. Added bonuses include a three car attached garage and a lower level with office and media room. Take a look - you won’t be disappointed!

Please give me a call if you are interested in checking this one out. All I can say is that the house has been very well taken care of, the formal dining room is fantastic,  and one look at the gazebo and you will fall in love with this property. On top of it all, the caliber of this Cheshire home at this price is unheard of; you can be sure that this is one of those gems that you won't be able to get at this value for much longer.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience."
-James Beard

Food has always been a way of bringing people together and a large part of defining a community. When you leave home, often, one of the things you miss the most is the food you could only get in your hometown.

What would you miss if you had to leave Cheshire? The delicious Blackie's hot dogs topped with their special relish? Or would it be the perfect pizzas with thick crust, quality cheese and amazing sauce that only Rossini's could serve?

Here is your perfect opportunity to sample and delight in all of Cheshire's best food and make a contribution to a Cheshire foundation in need. This Thursday, April 15th is the 7th Annual Taste of Cheshire. It will be held at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville, CT from 7 pm to 11 pm. More than 25 different Cheshire restaurants will be there to make your mouth water. Plus, there will be a silent auction and a performance by famed stand-up comedian Moody McCarthy, featured on "Last Comic Standing" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

The event will benefit the Cheshire Education Foundation's effort to build Science Centers in each of the town's elementary schools. The goal of the Cheshire Education Foundation is to make Cheshire's science program a model within the state of Connecticut. Tickets will be $35 per person or $350 for a table of 10. Go to www.cheshirenewcomers.com for more information.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert