Move for Hunger is a charitable organization that takes the time to educate people about local hunger issues while increasing the number of food donations delivered to local food banks. Since 2009, the organization has grown to work with thousands of real estate professionals across North America. With their help, Move for Hunger has delivered over 1.3 million pounds of food to local food banks, totaling enough to provide over one million meals to those in need.

Currently working with over 650 relocation companies, Move for Hunger provides hunger awareness information every day and even more so when the moving partners are busy. With many families moving to new homes for sale in Cheshire this summer, it's a great time to educate locals on the big impact they can make by donating their food to the Cheshire community pantry if they decide to leave the food behind during their move. By choosing a Move for Hunger affiliated mover, and if those movers are able to provide just five in-house estimates per day, each weekday of the month Move for Hunger is granted 55,000 opportunities to fight hunger during a summer move. 

Move For Hunger is working hard to fill the food banks of our local communities. If you've been on the move before, you know, people they tend to throw out a lot of items, especially food, in their transition to a new home— food that could be given to a family in need rather than being thrown away. Join Sally Bowman Real Estate and Move for Hunger's hunger relief efforts by making every move an opportunity to feed a family in need. 

Moving in the Cheshire area? Locate a Move for Hunger mover and help fight hunger this season. Staggering statistics show one-in-six Americans struggling to find their next meal and one-in-seven relocating every year, but with your help, we can make a big impact in feeding the hungry.

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

Cheshire received a ranking of 29th on this list. Only two other Connecticut communities rated higher among the five towns that made the cut in this state. Greenwich came out as the third safest city in the country while Glastonbury ranked at 28th. The two Connecticut towns that follow Cheshire are Vernon at 73rd and Shelton at 80th.

These results come from a study done by NeighborhoodScout.com. Researchers examined crime data from every applicable law enforcement agency across the country. The standard set by this study was a crime rate per 1,000 residents for each town and city all over America.

Cheshire’s Stats

Cheshire’s placement in this study is quite impressive. And so are the crime statistics that distinguished this town as a safe area for residents. With an overall population of 29,215, Cheshire had pretty low crime numbers throughout the 2012 calendar year.

In the scheme of things, Cheshire is very short on criminal activity, especially with the size of Cheshire’s population. Of course, you can never entirely escape the risk of crime. But when you find an area where offenses are small compared to other cities, you can definitely be thankful. The fact is that Cheshire has a ton of great stuff to offer residents and visitors alike in a safe environment, too. For more information on the fantastic qualities Cheshire has to offer, click here. These are just more reasons why buying a home in Cheshire makes so much sense!

If you’d like to talk in person, I can give you lots of facts about why Cheshire is such a wonderful place to live, too. So feel free to contact me. I’m also able to also help you through the process of buying or selling homes in the Cheshire area. You can count on me to be your guide from beginning to end. Call or email me today!

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

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 159 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $493,166.

We would also like to tell you more about Best Buddies and their upcoming event on June 1, 2013! Best Buddies provides programs in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and workplaces to create one-to-one friendships between people with, and without, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies helps end the social isolation that many special needs individuals experience, by providing opportunities to attend movies, dances, sporting events and more, with the companionship of volunteers who give them acceptance, camaraderie and companionship. It also provides a lot of fun for everyone involved!

We will be cheering on Kelly Rosadino and Bobby Anthony during the Hyannis Port Challenge on June 1, 2013! Kelly is the daughter of one of our agents, Cheryl Rosadino. We are all very proud of Kelly's support of Best Buddies as a team leader!

Bobby Anthony is a Cheshire resident who is a Buddy Director at Cheshire High School. He is entering the , the Hyannis Port Bike Challenge for his second year. Bobby will be the first one to tell you what a difference Best Buddies can make in a person's life! You can learn more about the event and make a donation by visiting teambbct.org.

These fund-raising events and our wonderful volunteers are an example of our quality of life in Cheshire! Whenever you need information about our community, schools, events, or real estate market, please contact us for assistance! We are always ready to help you!

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

1. Ongoing marketing. Your local real estate broker continually advertises themselves and their listings, while sharing sales activity and resources. This draws buyers!

2 Trust. Professional REALTORS adhere to a Code of Ethics and a uniform standard of practices that protect the consumer.

3. The Multiple Listing Service. Homes for sale that are listed on the MLS appear in local circulation, and on the largest real estate websites in the world.

4. Home sales statistics and market trends. While very generalized information is publicly available, your local broker can give you up-to-the-minute information that zeros in on your immediate market area.

5. Accurate comparative market values. Automated, online valuations are estimates that pull data "sight unseen" - meaning a home could be extremely under-valued, or over-valued, as condition and amenities are not taken into consideration.

6. Lack of transparency. If you are a home buyer, a FSBO won't tell you how long they have attempted to sell the home, or how many price reductions may have already happened.

7. Professional negotiation. Real estate professionals are trained negotiators. Our objective is to help you make a deal happen that fits your needs and serves your best interests.

8. Preparing buyers. We help home buyers access mortgages, home inspectors, contractors, and equip them to be "ready to buy." Home sellers going it alone will have to do their own screening of prospective home buyers, while staying in bounds of Fair Housing laws.

Home buyers also tend to question the motives of FSBO sellers. Is the seller avoiding the use of a professional in order to save sales commission? If so, what kind of negotiation experience does that suggest? Is the seller avoiding a real estate professional because they want to price the home above market levels? Why wouldn't a home seller want the advantages of professional representation, multi-faceted marketing, and distribution among popular websites?

These are just a few reasons why the vast majority of Cheshire homes are bought and sold through real estate professionals. Having an experienced real estate team on your side is important whether you are a buyer or a seller!

When you need Cheshire real estate information, turn to Sallly Bowman Real Estate! We will tell you what's happening with home prices in your neighborhood, and provide you with the professional guidance you need for success! Call us today - we are ready to help you!

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

And because we are expecting more home buyers to enter the market this spring, we have some tips to help you succeed with your home purchase!

1. Get approved by your lender. When you submit a copy of your mortgage approval letter along with your purchase offer, it gives you credibility. Being "ready to buy" helps you compete in the market. Be sure to keep your mortgage approval active while you conduct your home search - update your paperwork as needed.

Also remember to keep your financial picture consistent while you are in the home search and purchase process. Now isn't the time to buy a new car, or take the plunge on a career change.  

2. Target your Cheshire home search according to your needs, budget, and desired locations. It's easy to get distracted - stay focused and know your goals. Prioritize the needs vs. wants. Your budget may not allow for every wish, but with good planning you can still do very well in today's market.

3. Have realistic expectations about current home prices, and make your offer in line with the market. We can share the latest Cheshire sales trends to help you!

4. Keep your contingencies reasonable. An offer that is bound in too much red tape will not win over a home seller.

5. Remember that home prices and mortgage interest rates are subject to change! Sitting on the fence can cost you money. As home prices go up, so will your down payment requirements, your closing costs, and your mortgage payments. In the meantime, the cost of renting also goes up!

Buying a Cheshire home is a big decision, but with professional guidance it can be a satisifying and rewarding experience. We can help you find reputable mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and home service providers of all types! We know the Cheshire community, and we can help you find the ideal home and neighborhood for your needs.

For more information about the wonderful Cheshire homes on the market today, give us a call! Our experienced, friendly team will answer your questions, and walk you through the home buying process. Let us be your guide to Cheshire real estate!

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

Have you been thinking of remodeling your Cheshire home? If so, you're part of a growing trend! According to a survey by remodeling website Houzz, 53% of homeowners say that now is a good time to remodel. Many home renovations involve kitchens, and in this area of the home, the cost of remodeling averages $28,000! 

With this kind of price tag in mind, you want to plan your renovations wisely! Here are 6 planning tips to help you get the most out of your remodeling project, without breaking the bank:

Decide the essentials first. Are new kitchen cabinets a must? Or will new cabinet doors do the trick? Decide the priorities. List everything else to the side.

Decide how soon you need to finish this project. Are you putting your home on the market in a couple months? Are you expecting company? Have a realistic timeline for completion.

Determine your budget. Do you have your financing lined up, or funds set aside to tackle your project? Remember to have a financial cushion just in case!

Interview contractors and obtain estimates on materials and labor. Local companies are your best resource, because they have a vested interest in keeping their neighbors happy! Do-it-yourself with help from R.W.Hine Ace Hardware, or turn to professionals like the F.F. Hitchcock Company.

Compare the estimates to your budget. Are you still in business? Can you afford the little extras? Do you need to finance more of the project than expected?

Revisit your list of contractors and make an informed choice. Ask for referrals from past clients. Talk to them about projects they have completed that were similar to yours.

If you are considering selling your home in the near future, talk to me about your Cheshire home value before you invest in renovations. I can provide guidance about the market value you can reasonably expect!

As a Cheshire business owner and resident, I am happy to share these remodeling tips with you! And when you have questions about buying or selling a home in Cheshire, CT, I will be here to help you! My team and I have the best in local market experience to help you succeed - contact us today!

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

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 138 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $483,237.

And if you needed one more reason to get your Cheshire home ready for the market, here it is: The Connecticut Open House event is April 20-21, 2013!

This is an industry-wide Open House event that will take place across Connecticut. It is part of the Nationwide Open House sponsored by the National Association of Realtors®. The purpose is to bring home buyers, sellers and members of the community together in promotion and support of the American dream - home ownership!

This is a great opportunity to enjoy extra market exposure for your home. Of course, we can arrange an open house for you at any time! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of an open house:

1. Remove clutter inside and out! Pack away the extras you don't need; store things at another location for awhile. Make sure the yard is tidy and the front doorstep is welcoming. Your closets and storage areas should have some empty space in them, and rooms should look as spacious as possible.

2. Secure personal items and information. It goes without saying, but as a precaution, please make sure medicines, banking information, jewelry and other personal items are locked away.

3. Keep your pets safe in a locked kennel, or have them temporarily boarded until the open house is over. Some buyers do not mix well with dogs, and you don't want a kitty escape to happen. And because some buyers may have pet allergies, it's a good idea to temporarily remove dishes, bedding, and pet toys.

4. Be willing to de-personalize your decor. The secret to a successful open house is to have visiting buyers picture themselves living there.

5. Avoid the temptation to circle the block and see who is showing up. Remember how you feel at a car dealership when a salesman lurks too closely! Give your buyers time to explore the home.

6. Take feedback constructively! It may suggest cosmetic improvements that will bring a great offer!

Per a recent CNN Money article, VantageScore is now used by 4 of the 5 top mortgage lenders in the country. VantageScore is also used by:

7 of the top 10 financial institutions
6 of the top 10 credit card issuers
4 of the top 10 car loan companies

VantageScore has been around for several years, but was slow to catch on with mortgage lenders, because the score range differed from FICO. However, the 3.0 version of VantageScore solves this. In the future, both FICO and VantageScore will have a range of 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better your score! More lenders are now embracing VantageScore and the trend is expected to grow.

There are some important differences in the scoring models that may benefit Cheshire home buyers. For example, VantageScores count rent payment history, utility bill payments and public records. This will provide credit scores for consumers with no loan history who would fall through the cracks with FICO.

Because VantageScore was developed by the "big three" credit reporting agencies, the scoring methods are more consistent with each bureau. However, some variety in score between one bureau and other is normal, since not all lenders report to all bureaus.

VantageScore also claims to "lift" consumer credit scores in general, because there are fewer variances in score tabulation, whereas FICO scores can vary widely between each bureau.

Another big plus of VantageScore: collection accounts will not hurt your score if the balances are zero!

Please keep in mind that you have no control over what credit scoring model your lender chooses to follow. Also, no one will tell you exactly how they come up with your credit score. However, there are guidelines on MyFico .com and Your.VantageScore.com that provide helpful insights.

When you need insights about the Cheshire real estate market, turn to us at Sally Bowman Real Estate! We are always here to help you with your home buying and home selling needs! Let us help you with your questions – contact us today!

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

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau has several security tips for your computer and Smartphone! I've added a couple suggestions of my own as well! 

Computer:

Update your software. Your computer should have the latest anti-virus software installed, along with a secure firewall. You can find product reviews about anti-virus software in this terrific PC World article from January 2013.

Shop on trustworthy websites. Check a seller's reputation and customer satisfaction at bbb.org. Look for the “s” in https:// in the URL address box to ensure you’re shopping on a secure website.

Beware of phishing. Avoid clicking on links from emails sent from anyone you do not know, or if they appear suspicious.

Set strict privacy settings. Consider restricting access on social network profiles to only friends or family, or people you know. Avoid connecting with anyone on social networking sites who you are unfamiliar with.

Set strong passwords. Make sure all passwords, most importantly your passwords for online banking, social media and email accounts, are difficult to guess. Passwords should contain a combination of letters, numbers and punctuation marks. Change your passwords periodically.

Smartphones:

Lock your phone. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data. Set your phone to lock automatically when not in use for a specified time.

Update your operating system. Regularly updating your phone closes security loopholes and helps stop hackers.

Beware of unknown apps and links. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching the source. They may contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.

Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter passwords or access any personal data.

Treat your cell phone like your wallet. Do not hand your phone to a stranger who wants to borrow it to make a call. Do not leave your cell phone unattended.

Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate.

Delete “smishing” texts. Like “phishing,” “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately. Do not reply and erase the message immediately.

Erase data from old phones completely. If you’re selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the phone is returned to factory settings.

As a Cheshire business owner, I am happy to share these important security tips with you! And when you have questions about buying or selling a home in Cheshire, CT, I will be here to help you! My team and I have the best in local market experience to help you succeed - contact us today!

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

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 119 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $462,695.

Cheshire homes sold during January 2013 spent an average of 72 days on market. This is a strong improvement over the same time last year when homes were spending over 100 days on market.

Median home prices from November 2012 to January 2013 increased 7.3%. The median home sales price for Cheshire during that period was $279,000. "Median" means that half of the homes sold for more than this price, and half of them sold for less. Please keep in mind that prices tend to be softer during the winter months; as our "low point" makes gains, it bodes well for home prices in upcoming seasons.

As of February, we are seeing more homes on the market at higher price levels, which has lifted the average listing price to $398,233. This is in line with the average sold price we saw in January of $352,750.

Conditions for Cheshire home buyers remain positive with low mortgage interest rates and reasonable home prices. The overall economy in Connecticut has been making gradual progress, which helps home demand. We also have fewer foreclosures on the market, which has trimmed home inventory and allowed home values to improve.

There are a few storm clouds on the horizon that bear watching. At the time of this post, the federal budget squabble is leading us closer to sequester, and the automatic budget cuts in federal spending could certainly have an impact on us. It would not be an overnight effect, but anything that disrupts consumer and business confidence could naturally slow down the housing market. This is a topic in motion and there are many economic opinions about it. The Hartford Courant offers several points of view of the possible fiscal outcomes for Connecticut.

No matter the headlines, remember that Cheshire homes are bought and sold during all market conditions! This is why using an experienced real estate team is so important. When you need real estate guidance, turn to us! We will tell you what's happening with home prices in your neighborhood, and provide you with the professional guidance you need for success! Call us today - we are ready to help you!

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

According to a recent article in the Cheshire Patch, Cheshire elementary schools average one computer for every 3.7 students. At the middle school level, there is one computer for every 2.4 students. Cheshire High School averages one computer per every 2.8 students.

This is above the State requirements for computer access, and positions our schools well for the new Common Core State Curriculum testing that begins in 2014.

The 2014-2015 common core tests will use computer adaptive testing to assess how well students understand course material, according to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium website. As students take the tests, the computerized exams will adjust the difficulty level of the questions depending on the accuracy of the student's answers. This enables a student-tailored testing environment that would not be possible in a pen-and-paper, uniform test. This will result in individualized assessments that pinpoint where a student's abilities stand - and where he or she may need help.

Cheshire schools have long-invested in the technology and resources students need in order to excel in today's world. It pays off in the form of successful students and national recognition. In 2012, Cheshire High School was awarded a silver rank by U.S. News and World Report's rating of Best High Schools In America. Cheshire High School students ranked higher than CT averages in math and reading proficiency.

Cheshire High School is ranked #30 among Connecticut high schools, and ranked #1,171 nationally. The U.S. News rankings consider student proficiency and college readiness, including advance placement, when determining awards. If you're not impressed, consider the fact that many schools do not make it on this list at all!

Our good schools are another reason we enjoy a pleasant quality of life in Cheshire! Strong schools are the cornerstone of a strong community!

Are you ready to learn more about Cheshire, and see some of the beautiful Cheshire homes we have on the market? Contact us for neighborhood information, market activity, and the newest listings! As your Cheshire community and real estate experts, we are always ready to help you!

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

Cheshire home buyers

1. Mortgage interest rates are trending higher and are expected to gradually climb up throughout the rest of the year. You can watch mortgage rates by looking at the weekly rate survey by Freddie Mac; it's at the bottom left of their home page. Please keep in mind that the actual interest rate you may qualify for could be different. Your credit score, length of time at your job, and debt-to-income ratio all plays a role.

2. FHA-backed mortgages, which are popular for first-time home buyers in Cheshire, have new qualifying guidelines; things are a little tougher for those with lower credit scores. The mortgage insurance premiums have also increased in cost, and you can no longer waive them as your loan matures.

Mortgage insurance covers the lender in case of default, and since FHA loans require a small down payment, the insurance offsets the risk to the lender. Don't worry, I can refer you to a good mortgage lender who can explain FHA loans and help you!

3. The new Consumer Protection Act affects the way lenders look at loan applications. The rules basically abolish the risky mortgage practices that led to the housing crash. Lenders must prove that the borrower has the ability to repay the mortgage; not just during an introductory interest rate, as in the case of adjustable-rate mortgages, but also through the life of the loan. It means that new ARM loans will be hard to come by. Self-employed loan applicants will continue to face tough criteria. Get used to the detailed underwriting process; it's here to stay!

All together, it means that Cheshire home buyers shouldn't take anything for granted. The markets change, rates change, mortgage rules change. This is why you need expert guidance to help you capture the best opportunities and succeed in your home buying plans! And while we have good opportunities on the market, you cannot assume they will be there indefinitely!

As your Cheshire real estate professional, I am happy to share these tips with you! And when you have questions about buying or selling a home in Cheshire, CT, I will be here to help you! My team and I have the best in local market experience to help you succeed - contact us today!

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

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 116 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $466,202.

Credit card use is heavy during the holiday season. It creates the perfect opportunity for fraud and theft, especially because consumers are lax about checking their billing statements in the following months! You can protect yourself by following these important suggestions!

Keep transaction documentation - After completing an online order, look for a final confirmation page or email confirmation. Save a copy of the webpage and any e-mails for future reference. Save receipts from brick and mortar stores.

Verify if your personal information is protected – When shopping online, read the website’s privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.

Is your online purchase secure? - Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for a padlock symbol before paying. Don’t be fooled by fraud sites that feature convincing security measures. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is “not encrypted.”

Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account. This is a common phishing tactic trying to trick you into giving up your personal info. If you get such an email, do not call the number in the email. Do not reply to the email. Use the phone number on your monthly billing statement to contact your card issuer, if you want to check your records.

Watch out for skimming – If a store employee asks to see your credit card, watch everything they do. A dishonest store employee could scan the card on another machine before returning the card. The card number could then be used by the employee and/or sold to someone else. Make sure your receipt is accurate before leaving the register and keep it to verify against your billing statement.

Remember that under Federal law, consumers can dispute charges on their credit cards if they do not receive ordered items. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit cards. Many card issuers have "zero liability" policies to protect the cardholder if someone steals the credit card. You must report any such issues as soon as possible to your card issuer.

As a Cheshire business owner, I am happy to share these tips with you! And when you have questions about buying or selling a home in Cheshire, CT, I will be here to help you! My team and I have the best in local market experience to help you succeed - contact us today!

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

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $275,089 with a total inventory of 66. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,604 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 209 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

Bankrate.com recently announced that the benchmark mortgage interest rates for a 30-year loan have dropped to 3.60%!

It gets even better for 15-year mortgages; rates on those are as low as 2.89%! Rates like this make it feasible for Cheshire home buyers and refinancing homeowners to obtain 15-year mortgages and achieve mortgage-free living!

However, these very-low rates are not likely to stick around! Bankrate reports that the Federal debt ceiling debate has rattled the bond market, which in turn has caused a pullback in mortgage interest rates. Once the debt ceiling issue is resolved, most economists expect that interest rates will gradually rise later in 2013.

First-time home buyers should also be aware that FHA mortgage rates tend to be a bit higher than conventional mortgages. FHA loans allow a lower down payment amount, lower credit scores, and a higher debt-to-income ratio. They are a bit easier to qualify for as a result. In return for the higher risk, the rates are not quite as low as a conventional mortgage.

FHA mortgages also require mortgage insurance premiums that protect the lender in case of default. The good news is, these premiums are once again tax-deductible, if you itemize your Federal income tax return. Your tax preparer can tell you more, or you can find details at IRS.gov.

For more information about mortgages, contact us for referral to a reputable lender who can find the right loan for you!

Aside from mortgage rates, buying a Cheshire home now can mean lower home prices than what you are likely to see during the peak season! You also have less competition from other home buyers, who will be out in droves once the weather warms up. Buyer demand and limited inventory is a combination that can drive up home prices, so your best home buying advantage could be today!

For more information about the wonderful Cheshire homes on the market today, give us a call! Our experienced, friendly team will answer your questions, and walk you through the home buying process. Let us be your guide to Cheshire real estate!

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

The numbers for Cheshire condos are promising. The average list price is at $267,013 with a total inventory of 66. The average Cheshire condo size is currently sitting at 1,572 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 209 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