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

December 2011 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 112 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $485,365.

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 132 homes listed as of November 25th and 2 of the 132 Cheshire homes were actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,565 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $460,586. 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 $241,342 with a total inventory of 59. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,452 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 171 days on the market.

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

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After months of searching you have finally found the perfect Cheshire home. Good thing, too, because you weren’t sure if you could withstand another open house that sparked zero interest. Now that you’ve actually found a place where you can picture your future, it’s time to make sure that you’re asking the right questions to make sure the transaction is a perfect fit for everyone involved.

Before you make an offer, it pays to ask a handful of questions. While the answers could potentially cause you to rethink your bid, it’s important to get all the information on the table to help you feel more confident with your decision. As your Cheshire real estate agent, I am here to walk you through every step of the home buying process, and that includes being honest and true with any questions or concerns you may have. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home in Cheshire, make sure to consider these questions.

1. What is the property worth in today’s market?
For ethical reasons, your Cheshire real estate agent (me) cannot tell you how much to offer (I would if I could!). Instead, feel free to ask me for information about comparable sales and I will provide you with plenty of comparables within the area, price range and that have recently sold. I can also provide you with information on how long homes are staying on the market and for what percentage of the asking price they are selling for.

2. Is the seller flexible on the asking price?
Whether or not you’re questioning the asking price of the home, it’s always a good idea to ask the selling agent how firm the seller is on the price. Presenting a low ball offer up front could be insulting to the seller and cause you to lose your chances at getting the home altogether. When asking this question, it’s important that you keep it within the lines of “how flexible are they on the price?” rather than “how much less will they take?” to get a feel for the situation without offending anyone. Remember, not all sellers are willing to bargain, even in a tough market.  

3. Are there any foreclosures in the area?
Here’s the question that most seller’s and seller’s agents hate. But, in today’s competitive real estate market, it’s not a bad idea to inquire about foreclosures in the area you’re searching in, and furthermore to ask if there are any others for sale in general, foreclosure or not. Foreclosures typically cost less, and this will play into your buying decision. With foreclosures in the neighborhood, it’s safe to say there will be a lot of price competition and you may be able to offer less money.   

4. Is the property in a flood plain?
Living in a flood plain can require flood insurance, an extra expense that you may or may not be willing to commit to. If you’re unsure if the Cheshire property you’re interested in is in a flood plain, just ask me and I will gather the information for you in no time. If we find out that the property is indeed in a flood plain and that’s not something you’re interested in, I will compile a list of other properties to consider. If you are still interested, it’s beneficial to ask to see the previous owner's insurance bills to make an educated decision on whether or not it’s affordable for your budget.

5. Is paperwork available for the mechanical systems?
While the home description may boast updated appliances and mechanical systems, it’s in your best interest to request full documentation to prove it. Not only will receipts and other appropriate documentation become a benefit should an appliance ever malfunction, but it could also come in handy when it comes to repairs. Let’s say you want the hardwood flooring in the hallway to match that of the kitchen. Without a receipt, it will be difficult to find an exact match. With a receipt and date of purchase, it will be much easier to find the exact hardwood the previous owner purchased.

There's a lot to think about when buying a home, isn't there? Luckily your Cheshire real estate agent is here to guide you along the way. If you are starting your home search in Cheshire, feel free to contact me directly and I can answer any questions you may have. For more information about the real estate market and Cheshire community info, keep on reading my Sally Bowman Real Estate blog.

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 134 homes listed as of November 18th and 5 of the 134 Cheshire homes were actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,552 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $457,606. Finally, these homes have an average of 220 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $243,207 with a total inventory of 59. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,459 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 172 days on the market.

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

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When Thanksgiving rolls around in Cheshire, we all have one thing on our minds. No, it’s not turkey…and it’s not grandma’s mashed potatoes either. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep! It’s FOOTBALL. While many of us will tune in for the NFL games scheduled to take place throughout Thanksgiving Day, there’s a surefire way to kick off the day and get into the holiday and football spirit.

The Cheshire Rams will take on the Southington Blue Knights on Cheshire’s home turf at 10:00am sharp.  Not only will this be a big game for both of the team’s records, but this will also be the first game of the season played on Cheshire’s new turf field, which has been under construction all year.

In honor of the game I would like to take a moment to pay a special attribute to the entire Bowman family who has proudly played for the Cheshire Rams for what is now decades. All 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SEVEN of my brothers played in high school, while today two of my nephews serve as assistant coaches. This Thursday Turkey Day, make sure to cheer on another one of my nephews who will be playing in the game. He is Number 58. Go Shaun!!!

The Cheshire Rams have been ranked number 6 in the top 10 Connecticut football dynasties over the past five years. They are pumped up for this week’s game and a crowd full of fans will be just the thing to motivate them to achieve another swift victory.

So hang up your apron and put the cooking utensils aside for a few hours this Thanksgiving and come on out to the Cheshire High football game. It will be a game to remember, not only for the team, but for the Bowman family as my nephew, Shaun, will be the last Bowman to play high school football for the next nine years. If you can make it out, make sure to find me and say hello!

For more Cheshire community info, keep up with my Sally Bowman Real Estate blog. For information on buying or selling a Cheshire home, feel free to contact me directly. You will not find a Cheshire realtor with as much extensive knowledge in the industry and community!

GO RAMS!!! Have a happy and safe Holiday!

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 136 homes listed as of November 11th and 2 of the 136 Cheshire homes were actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,549 square feet and 3 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $457,290. Finally, these homes have an average of 222 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $244,830 with a total inventory of 59. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,458 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 156 days on the market.

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

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Thanksgiving: A day of relaxing and watching football. A time when family and friends gather around the dinner table. The most gluttonous day of the year.

Whether you are planning an extravagant dinner with many courses or keeping it simple this year, the holiday season in Cheshire is all about excess.  But in this economic climate, we might need to tone it down a little bit when it comes to our Thanksgiving plans. As your Cheshire real estate expert, I am here to help you plan for your life beyond buying or selling a home. And believe it or not, that includes offering tips on how to plan for a swanky Thanksgiving dinner.

Take a head count. Get the turkey. Prepare the food.

First things first. When you’re expecting company for Turkey Day, it is imperative that you plan ahead. While you should start planning out your menu the first week of November, there is still time to do so if you’ve been procrastinating. Start off with a getting a clear head count of how many guests will be visiting your Cheshire home. Once you’ve gotten a solid number, add on a couple extras in case an unexpected guest arrives. No one ever mentioned that your Great Uncle Ed would be in town, but since you planned ahead there will be a nice spot waiting for him at the dinner table.

In most cases, the turkey will account for most of the cost of your Thanksgiving dinner. Buy your turkey a couple weeks in advance and keep it frozen until the big day. It will defrost easier and cook up juicier. A week before Thanksgiving arrives, start your prep work. IE: tearing up bread for stuffing, simmering chicken for stock, and preparing pie crusts. When it comes time to make a trip to the grocery store, take a run through of what’s already in your pantry so you don’t stock up on unnecessary items.

Keep it Simple.

While there’s nothing wrong with trying new recipes, it might not be the best idea when a big holiday like Thanksgiving rolls around. If your guests are expecting traditional dishes, stick with that and you’ll have a successful outcome. Traditional dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie can be made deliciously with few ingredients. This will save you time and money in the grand scheme of things.

Keep the Decorations to a Minimum.

While many of us love to decorate and offer our guests an enchanting and vibrant dinner table, there is no need to run out and buy entirely new décor. In fact, many Thanksgiving decorations can be acquired from your own backyard. For an inviting centerpiece, fill a bowl halfway full with acorns, and top with colorful fall leaves. To prepare impressive side decorations, form a small square with twigs or branches and use them as a candle holder/base. A few tea light candles along your sidewalk will spark the magic of the holidays.  

Make it BYOS.

(Bring Your Own Side) Your guests won’t be offended if you request they bring a side dish to the party. It’s understandable that while you’re trying to get your Cheshire home ready for a houseful of guests that you don’t also have time to prepare every single meal item. It’s your job to prepare the bird, but leave the veggies, carbs and desserts to the guests.

Whether you’ve planned your dinner in full or you’re just beginning, it’s never too late to look back and discover how you can cut back on expenses or make things a bit simpler. With these tips, you will impress friends and family not only with your amazing cooking skills, but your ability to host Thanksgiving dinner while being budget conscious and stress-free. For more information on the community, events, or the Cheshire housing market, stay connected with my Sally Bowman Real Estate blog or contact me directly.

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 139 homes listed as of November 4th and 2 of the 139 Cheshire homes were actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,561 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $459,683. Finally, these homes have an average of 220 days on the market.

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $245,015 with a total inventory of 59. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,459 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 151 days on the market.

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

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Greetings, Cheshire! I hope everyone is having a smooth recovery back into the world of electricity! There are some noteworthy events taking place this week in and around Cheshire, CT. A Veteran’s Day Tribute and ceremony will take place this Friday November 11, followed by The Taste of the Seasons at Lyman Orchard. Possibly one of Cheshire’s most anticipated events, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Festival will be taking place this Saturday, November 12th. Mark your calendars; it’s going to be a fun weekend!

In anticipation of this week’s upcoming events and the holiday season, I have some great tips for your Cheshire home to match the holiday spirit. In the next couple of weeks, many of us will be welcoming family and friends back into our homes for the holidays. There’s one problem. Your house isn’t exactly in tip-top shape. It’s good, but not perfect. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we only have a small window to get those last minute fix-ups taken care of.

Don’t worry. Your Cheshire real estate agent has got you covered. Here are five easy fixer-uppers that take 60 minutes or less to complete, and will have you feeling the holiday spirit in no time.

1. Cleaning Clogged Burners: You are probably going to be spending a good amount of time slaving away in the kitchen this holiday season. With that said, you don’t want to be preparing meals over a clogged burner. Luckily, fixing this small issue won’t take too much of your time and you will be ready to whip up some tasty dishes in no time! All you need is a straight pin, baking soda, and good ol’ H2O. Use the straight pin to dig out the burnt-on food from the holes. Use equal amounts of baking soda and warm water to scrub the rest clean.

2. Tighten Loose Chair Legs: That wobbly chair in the kitchen has been left unattended to for months. Now that company is on the way, it’s time to get that taken care of before it collapses when a guest takes their seat at the dinner table. For this quick project, you will need some epoxy and a band clamp or belt. Apply the epoxy to the loose area and hold together tightly with the band clamp or belt until it is completely dry. Voila!

3. Fix a Sticky Sliding Closet Door: If we’re lucky, some of our guests will be staying overnight or even for a few days. They may even need to make use of that extra closet you have. You know, the one with the sticking problem? Don’t sweat it. With nothing more than some silicone spray that stick will be gone in no time. Lift out the door, clean the wheels, and lubricate the area with the silicone spray. The silicone spray will help prevent dust and dirt from building up in the future.

4. Touch Up a Wood Table: A table cloth can hide imperfections for awhile, but underneath the marked up wood will be there forever. Take matters into your own hands and touch up your wood table before your guests arrive. It’s fast, easy and cheap. For nicks and scratches, use a stain marker to fill them in. For water rings, rub with a dab of toothpaste and buff it clean.

5. Repair a Vinyl Floor: It may not seem like the biggest deal in the world, but when company is on its way we can all get a little tense about the little things. If you have a blister in your vinyl flooring, it will only take some adhesive and a glue syringe to fix the problem. First, puncture the blister and then fill it with the adhesive. Weigh down the spot and let it dry. An artist’s brush or narrow ketchup bottle can be used as a great alternative if you don’t have a syringe handy.

Those are your tips for getting your home ready for the holidays in Cheshire. As I mentioned, these tips are quick and easy so there’s no reason to put them off. For more tips on maintaining your Cheshire home’s elegance and charm, keep up with my Sally Bowman Real Estate blog. For information on buying or selling a home in Cheshire, contact me today or visit my website.

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

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November 2011 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 123 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $475,585.