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

For single family Cheshire properties there was a total of 147 homes listed as of October 28th and 4 of the 147 Cheshire homes were actually newly listed in the past week. With an average of 2,544 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the average list price comes out to $455,173. Finally, these homes have an average of 224 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 1,457 square feet, along with an average of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 149 days on the market.

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

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You don’t realize how valuable a shower is until you go three days without one. Unfortunately for the town of Cheshire CT, residents have been learning this the hard way for almost four days. If you haven’t heard about the recent power outage, it’s not looking good. According to officials, it looks like much of Cheshire will be living in the dark for yet another day…or two.
It’s one thing to be without lights, but when cold weather comes into play it’s a whole different ballgame.

The power outage struck when an unusually early snowstorm swooped through the East coast, targeting much of Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, and other New England and East Coast areas.  As a result, a large percentage of residents in these areas (including myself) have been without power since Saturday, October 29. Immediately after the storm, the number of residences without power reached 3 million, a number that will make history.

While power in towns such as Southington and Wallingford has been almost completely restored, many towns in Connecticut still remain in the dark, with no telling of when the power will return.

To give a little relief to those stuck without light or power, Cheshire High School is operating a 24-hour emergency shelter, something the town has not needed for over 15 years. Residents are welcome to take a shower, get warm and grab a snack. The high school is even offering overnight stays, but guests are encouraged to bring their own belongings, such as pillows, blankets and any other essential items. A smaller emergency center is operating at the Cheshire Senior Center.

While the majority of businesses in Cheshire are closed due the power outage, a few remain open including Hine Hardware and Stop & Shop. Gas stations and restaurants are open in parts of Wallingford and Southington.

If you can't make it to the emergency center, here are some great tips for safe practices during a storm/power outage:

1. In the future, don't wait for a power outage to occur to realize you're in need of supplies. Make sure your house is appropriately stocked with items necessary to survive a power outage. Here are just a few: 

-Candles
-Matches
-Flashlights
-Extra Batteries
-Canned Goods
-Dry Food Mixes
-Bottled Water
-Seasoned Firewood
-Extra Blankets

2. Pack an emergency bag. If a power outage strikes at 4AM, you don't want to be stumbling around in the dark trying to pack a bag. You never know how long a power outage will last, so pack enough stuff for at least a couple of days.

3. Bundle up! Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm!

4. Read a book, play a boardgame or spend time reminiscing with family and friends. You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun. Hopefully the next outage won't last longer than a few hours.

Stay warm, stay positive and stay safe! This sure will be a time to remember. For more updates on the Cheshire community, stay in touch with my Sally Bowman Real Estate Blog or contact me with questions.

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

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Cheshire: The Plant Bedding Capital of Connecticut, home of the Lights of Hope Festival, and a great place to live. With its colonial charm, scenic landscapes, affordable living options and conveniently located near both Boston and New York City, Cheshire is not only loved by Sally Bowman Real Estate and  “Cheshirites” but has also been nationally recognized.

In 2009, Cheshire was named #72 on CNN Money Magazine’s Top 100 Places to live. In 2011, Cheshire was ranked #73 by the same publication. Today, the lovely town of Cheshire that we all know and love has been ranked #5 on Connecticut Magazine’s “Rating the Towns 2011: 25,000 – 50,000.”

With nearly 30,000 residents, Cheshire holds its title with its impressive education statistics, old fashioned values and traditions, and an undying dedication to supporting the community. While the facts and figures may hold true, it is the feeling you get when you enter the town that keeps it desirable among current Cheshire residents and those looking to relocate. While Cheshire maintains a small town, New England vibe, it is also a thriving suburban community, which are two things that many of today’s home buyers long for. 

If you currently live in Cheshire, you are well aware of the town’s dedication to giving back and supporting the community’s every effort to offer a helping hand. As mentioned, Cheshire is home to the Lights of Hope Festival, which has become an annual and signature event. The Lights of Hope event is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, and is celebrated to bring together town residents and volunteers, to celebrate hope, remember loss and support the many causes important to the Cheshire community.

The stats are in. But don’t just take their word for it. Visit Cheshire for yourself and find out what this hidden treasure of a town has to offer. You won’t be disappointed. For those who live in Cheshire, or are fond of the town, give yourself a pat on the back. It is truly rewarding to live in a place that is valued so highly for its achievements, charm, and of course, good natured residents.

Here’s to Cheshire! Hip-hip, hooray!

If you’re looking for more information on Cheshire, step away from the computer and make a visit. I would more than happy to give you a tour of the town. Browse through my website to take a peek at some of my Featured Cheshire Homes, and read through my Sally Bowman Real Estate Blog to find out more about Cheshire businesses, community events and things to do, and find out why it is one of the best places to live, not only in Connecticut, but in the United States.

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

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Cheshire home improvements should result in two kinds of value: personal enjoyment and return on investment when you decide to sell. It’s not easy to find improvements that will fit your budget and add value to your home. As your Cheshire realtor, I can guide you in the right direction to making smart upgrades that will stay within your budget and pay you back in the long run.

Cleaning and De-Cluttering: While cleaning may not be your favorite way to spend a weekend in Cheshire, it’s definitely vital in keeping your home spick and span and free of harmful germs. It’s also one of the easiest ways to give your home’s value an immediate boost. Better yet, cleaning is relatively inexpensive if you’ve got some supplies handy, and will show potential homebuyers that you have made a continued investment in preserving the homes livability and longevity.

Painting: When potential homebuyers are surfing the net for their next place, it’s clearly evident when the paint throughout the home is fairly new. It’s an eye catcher and will grab the attention of onlookers quickly. Fresh paint is a fundamental part of maintaining your home and is an easy way to hide imperfections, show off architectural features, and can completely transform any room. While some home projects will empty your wallet, painting can add value to your home with just a few bucks and a couple hours of your time. If you’re on a tighter budget, choose the three most important rooms in your house and try a neutral color that will appeal to the masses.

Knobs, Handles and Hardware: Kitchens and bathrooms are probably the two rooms in any home that will need more frequent updating. To spruce up these spaces in just a few quick steps, try replacing the cabinet hardware. This could create an entirely new look and feel. Replacing handles, knobs and pulls can make a noticeable improvement in the room’s appearance and the changes can be accomplished without pushing your budget.

Molding: Molding is kind of like the icing on the cake. It can add that extra flair that a room was missing and will work with just about any home style. There are a variety of different types of molding, and by incorporating this into your home’s style, you may be adding that extra “wow” you’ve been looking for. While crown molding is the most popular, other types of molding include baseboard, chair rail, door and window.

Lighting: Brighten up your home by switching outdated light fixtures with newer styles. With a variety of different lighting types to choose from (such as ambient, task, aesthetic, and accent) lighting has an impact on the mood and livability of each room in your house. If your budget doesn’t allow you to replace every ceiling or wall fixture, explore your options with lamps and floor lighting.

So get a move on and start sprucing up your home! Whether or not you are looking to sell your Cheshire home, these projects can still be fun and rewarding. For more tips and updates on home selling, buying or improving, stay in touch with my blog. I will keep you up to date on everything and anything from real estate to Cheshire community news and more!

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

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Fall in Cheshire is such a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is getting brisker, and before we know it snow will be on the ground (yuck!). What have you been doing around Cheshire to welcome the fall season? If you haven’t had a chance to really get out, check out what’s happening in and around Cheshire and make up for lost time.

Now – October 31: St Peter’s 2011 Pumpkin Patch - If you haven’t gotten your pumpkin(s) yet, there’s still time! Visit the pumpkin patch at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and pick out the pumpkin of your choice and turn it into a Jack O’ Lantern masterpiece!  A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to charity by St. Peter’s Outreach Team, and in turn will be donated to numerous non-profit organizations. Proceeds may also be used to send care packages to our troops overseas.

October 20-22: Used Book Sale – Whether you’re a complete bookworm or a casual reader, come check out the Used Book Sale at the Town of Cheshire Public Library! Hardcover and paperback books will be offered, as well as DVDs, CDs and audio books. From science-fiction, biographies, poetry, history, fiction and more, this Cheshire event has something for everyone.   

October 21: Haunted Graveyard – The entire park of Lake Compounce has been transformed into the scariest Halloween event in all of New England! Come out and get ready to scream, shriek and gasp as you take a walk through the Haunted Graveyard. While you’re waiting for your turn at the Haunted Graveyard, enjoy rollercoasters, shows and food until it’s time to enter. Proceeds for the Haunted Graveyard will go towards Diabetes Research.

October 22: Stand-Up Comedy Night at Funky Monkey – We enjoyed their delicious chili at the Sally Bowman Real Estate Chili Cook Off, now we can enjoy jokes, laughter, and an evening of entertainment at the Funky Monkey Café in Cheshire! Show your support for all of the comedians and bring on the laughs.

October 24: Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest – What could be better than delicious German food, beer and wine? If you’re scratching your head at this, then it’s probably a good idea to head on over to the Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest Monday, October 24. The event will be held at The Watch Factory Restaurant in Cheshire and will feature live music along with the food and beverages.

October 29: 2011 Chilly Dog Walk and Run – Calling all dog owners! Bring your running shoes and your pooch to the Chilly Dog Walk and Run on Saturday, October 29. The 1.5-2 mile walk/run will be to help support the Cheshire Dog Park and Soul Friends. The best part? There will be free chili dogs and t-shirts for all registered participants!

There is your Cheshire round up of events! Attend as many as you can and make the best of October in Cheshire! If you are looking to buy or sell a Cheshire home, you will not find a more knowledgeable realtor in terms of real estate, and community. Please feel free to contact me if you are ready to begin a relaxed and stress-free real estate transaction.

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

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You’ve been renting your place for a few years now and you’re finally ready to take the plunge and purchase your first Cheshire home. But whether you’ve saved a little or a lot, there is a lot to think about when purchasing your first home. The main thing? Buying your first Cheshire home means much more than just paying a mortgage.  As your Cheshire real estate agent, I have all the facts you need to ensure your first-time purchase is the right move for everyone involved. From checking your credit to closing the deal, consider these factors before making an offer.

Check/Fix Your Credit: Believe it or not, the first step toward buying a home in Cheshire takes place months before walking into your lender’s office. It’s imperative that you check your credit score well in advance to completing your mortgage application. Take some time to figure out what your score means, and check for errors within the report. One minor error could mean the difference between receiving and not receiving credit, and errors occur more often than you might think. Remember, even if you don’t have an impeccable credit score, it’s more important to find out why the number is rather than focusing on what the number is.  

Down Payment/Closing Costs: 15 years ago, it was normal to put 20 percent down on a Cheshire home purchase. But with the market in its current funk, many first-time home buyers are finding it possible to pay just 3 to 5 percent of the total cost upfront. Even though a small down payment might sound nice, there are still advantages to putting more down from the start. A larger down payment means smaller monthly payments in the long run, and with a conventional loan will eliminate the need to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Know How Much You Can Afford: Even if you are 100% financially stable, it is still necessary to consider what would happen if you run into an unexpected turn of events. Choose a home that is realistically priced to fit your lifestyle, and that you will still be able to afford even if you need to cut back on your spending.  If you are completely honest about your spending habits, you are more likely to avoid unrealistic terms when calculating your budget. If you need assistance with this, I can help you determine the correct price range for your lifestyle.

The House Hunt: Finding the perfect Cheshire home can have a lot to do with finding the perfect Cheshire agent. Connect with me before you start your home search, and make it clear as to exactly what you’re looking for and how much you can spend. I will be your right hand throughout the entire process. Keep in mind that there may be certain topics that I, as an agent, cannot discuss with a client. This is why it's important to interact with members of the community to find info on the issues that matter most to you.

Making an Offer: A home seller can price a property however they see fit, but that doesn't mean a homebuyer has to pay an outrageous cost. If you're questioning a home's worth, I can compile a list of comparable properties sold within the last six months and gauge a price to fit your needs, or suggest properties that may be a better match. 

Whether you're buying a home for the first time, or you are an experienced veteran, I will be there to make sure the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. As your Cheshire real estate agent, I will guide you through the entire process and keep you up to date from start to finish!

Happy Home Searching!

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

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