Sally Bowman Real Estate's Blog

St. Patrick's Day Beginnings to Cheshire Celebrations

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

It's March. The smell of spring is in the air, and people are itching to get outside and celebrate. That can only mean one thing - It's St. Patrick's Day in Cheshire! So you may know that three-leaved shamrocks are lucky and that catching a Leprechaun will lead you to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but you may not know the real history of St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick is the most commonly recognized Saint of the Patron Saints of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day used to be celebrated as a religious holiday, but became public in 1903. In fact, there was even a law introduced that required all pubs to be closed on St. Patrick's Day. It wasn't until the mid-1990's, however, that the Irish government decided to capitalize on the day and use it to showcase Ireland and its culture. Today, St. Patrick's day is celebrated in Ireland, America, and beyond by Irish and non Irish alike.

How does Cheshire celebrate St. Patrick's Day? For starters, Sally Bowman Real Estate is hosting the business after hours for the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce this Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be Irish food, green beer, door prizes, and the perfect opportunity to meet people in the community. Call the Chamber at 203-272-2345 if you would like to join us.

It's always a good time to go to a few of Cheshire's local pubs, but on St. Patrick's Day, it's even more enjoyable than usual. I highly recommend the Victorian House or the Waverly Tavern, a long time Cheshire business celebrating its 18th anniversary this March.

If you're looking for a place to take the kids, then a big parade is just the ticket. The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade is sure to be a day full of excitement for any kid, young or old. It is actually Connecticut's largest single-day spectator event.

If you're looking into Cheshire real estate, St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to come see a close-knit community have a good time and welcome in Spring with open arms.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

March 2010 Market Watch

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

March 2010 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 $480,526.

Cheshire Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 51 properties with sales pending and 54 properties that closed in the past 6 months. The average sold price for Cheshire is $346,625 and the average time on market is 101 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 approximately seven 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.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Guaranteed Good Game In & Around Cheshire

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Unfortunately, since the ice at Cheshire's Mixville Pond has melted away, you'll have to go inside to watch a game. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for some great hockey games in Cheshire and the surrounding areas...

Cheshire is lucky enough to be have a premier franchise in the American Hockey League within close reach. The Hartford Wolf Pack is a primary development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers. They play at the XL Center in Hartford, not far from Cheshire, and a great place to take family and friends for a good game and a overall fantastic time.

Take a look at some of the upcoming games - always with a promotional event thrown in - to make the night even more memorable.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Lowell Devils
Date and Time: Saturday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Go Green Night: St. Patrick's Day Celebration and the Mighty Ploughboys Perform Live!

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Springfield Falcons
Date and Time: Saturday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m.
Event: CT Youth Sports Night: The Wolf Pack will honor Connecticut sports teams and organizations throughout the game.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Date and Time: Saturday, March 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Boy Scout Celebration Night: The Wolf Pack helps the Scouts of America celebrate 100 years.

Game: Wolf Pack vs. Springfield Falcons
Date and Time: Saturday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Event: Fan Appreciation Night: Players will be wearing the 2009-2010 Specialty Jerseys which will be given away to fans at the end of the game!

The caliber of players that have played for the Wolf Pack is pretty high. Ronnie Sundin, a defenseman for the Wolf Pack in 1997-1998, went onto win a Gold Medal with the Swedish Olympic Team in the 2006 Olympics. And then there's Derek Armstrong, an AHL MVP and member of the Wolf Pack for 4 years, now plays for the Los Angeles Kings, averaging 12 goals and 39 points per campaign. The Wolf Pack themselves were 2000 AHL Champions.

On top of their success, the Hartford Wolf Pack is always getting involved with Hartford and the surrounding communiites. Going to one of the Wolf Pack's games is a guaranteed good game and good time. Of course, if you can't make it out to Hartford, the State Champion winning Cheshire Rams (Cheshire High School's Hockey Team) aren't a bad game to watch either.

If you are ever looking for fun things to do in Cheshire, please don't hesitate to ask. With all of Cheshire's athletic talent, a sports game of any kind is always a guaranteed good time.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Connecticut Accountants' Best Tax Credit Tips

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

It's tax return season! A time when we are always a little overwhelmed and filled with fear that we are missing out on money returning opportunities. With all of the recent tax credits, there is even more of a reason to pay special attention to what is available to homeowners. With a little help from the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, I'm here to make sure that you go into this tax season prepared.

1) Take advantage of the tax credits.
There are a lot of people who qualify for them and may not even know they do. It's not just for first time home buyers, but also for repeat homebuyers. If you bought a house or are going to buy a house between January 1st and April 30th, you are most likely eligible for either the $8,000 tax credit (First Time Home Buyer) or the $6,500 credit (Repeat Home Buyer). Educate yourself on what you need to know about the credits so you don't risk missing out on a good amount of money.

2) There are still other tax deductions in effect from the past.
Don't overlook other ways you could be eligible for money. IRS publication No. 17 is a great resource found at www.IRS.gov.

3) Two good general rules to remember:

Homeowners can usually deduct the interest they pay on a mortgage as long as it is less than $1 million.
Homeowners can typically deduct the interest they pay on home equity loans as long as they are less than $100,000.

4) If you are making efforts to conserve energy in your home, you could be eligible for tax credits. Check out IRS form 5695 to find out more about the energy-related credits.

5) Work out of your home? Could be yet another opportunity for a tax credit! Take a look at the IRS site for more information.

To look at the full New Haven Register article, click here. If you have any questions for me about the tax credits, or are looking to buy a home in Cheshire or its surrounding areas before the April 30th deadline, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

A Good Book and a Whole Lot More in Cheshire

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

In the winter time, there is nothing more enticing than curling up with a good book. The Cheshire Public Library is a great place to start. Most people underestimate how much is available through your local library. It is such a great resource for children's activities, events, programs, and of course, books!

For the Kids
A unique item that the Cheshire Library offers is the Lit Kit. Great for daycares, birthday parties, or just to take home and enjoy with the kids - they each include picture books, a teacher resource book, DVD and Music CD and an idea packet full of songs, games and snack ideas. There are also so many events geared towards children listed every month on the event calendar.

Teens: Stuff They'll Actually Like!
Looking for a way to keep your teen busy and out of trouble? The Cheshire Library offers a great variety of programs geared towards teens.

The Cheshire Anime Club reads and discusses Anime and Manga, watches Anime movies and even serves Japanese snacks!
The Teen Games Drop-In offers Wii games like Rock Bank and DDR and board games like Monopoly, Boggle, and Life.
Give your teens a chance to be leaders and join the Teen Book Board. They have the opportunity to write reviews, talk about books and decide which books to buy for the library - all while enjoying pizza!

Adults
The events calendar offers a lot of great opportunities that are educational, fun, and best of all, free! Book talks and book signings, Speakers and demonstrations (check out the upcoming "Pure and Simple Chocolate with Maria" on March 4th), and a great variety of concerts. They also have museum passes available to rent out, computer workstations, internet classes and quiet study rooms.

If you have any questions about fun things to do in Cheshire, please don't hesitate to contact me. I know this town very well, and it always has something to offer.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Cheshire - Something For Everyone on Valentine's Day

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

You can't run away from it - pink bows, heart-shaped boxes and Miley Cyrus Valentine cards. Whether you have a sweetheart or not, Valentine's Day is everywhere. While some love the gushy romance of the day, others have come to despise it. The great thing about any holiday though, is that it is an opportunity to celebrate and find something fun in your community. Since there is always something happening in Cheshire and the surrounding areas, lets find ways to celebrate whether you choose to be romantic, or just learn something new.

Find the history in Valentine's Day with a visit to the Litchfield History Museum. They are offering a Valentine's Workshop where you can explore the Society's vast collection of cards, handwritten poems and intricate patterns. Be inspired by the Romanics of the Victorian era and learn how to create a real Valentine. Because it is also available to children, it is the perfect excuse to pique their interest about the past.

On Friday, check out the Connecticut Film Festival's Valentine's Weekend Event. If you haven't been to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, this is a good time to pay it a visit. They feature films, shorts, animations and award-winning documentaries. This event is filled with educational events and films including the Connecticut grown film "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, shot throughout New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. What could be more romantic than Hollywood-style film screenings? The film festival goes throughout the weekend.

At the end of the day, don't forget your sweetheart. For all of you choose to embrace the romance of the holiday, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Pink Petunia Florist in Cheshire. Crimson roses, pink tulips, red carnations shaped like hearts, classic red tulips and beautiful satin ribbons to tie them all together. This family owned and operated business takes great pride in their premium flowers and are sure to impress you.

If you ever want to know the upcoming events in Cheshire, shoot me an email. I would be happy to point you in the right direction. I hope you find the joy in this Valentine's Day, at least until the next holiday.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

February 2010 Market Watch

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

February 2010 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 137 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $479,225.

Cheshire Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 33 properties with sales pending and 114 properties that closed in the past 6 months. The average sold price for Cheshire is $391,999 and the average time on market is 91 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 approximately five and a half 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.

FHA Update: A Quick Lesson

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

You may have been hearing a lot about the FHA guideline changes. "The standards are tightening!" or "Hurry up and get your condo before the FHA changes the game!" If you're new to buying a home, you may not know exactly what FHA is all about to begin with. Here is a little background for the newbies...

FHA loans were created long before subprime loans became widely available to help borrowers who couldn't get conventional home loans because they had low credit scores or limited resources. As you can imagine, this type of loan became very popular for a lot of people who never thought they would be eligible to be a homeowner. After the market bust, those new homeowners were unable to pay their mortgages, the FHA was responsible for paying the banks and the result was a severe drop in its reserve fund.

The FHA now has no choice but to make changes to their rules and regulations to improve their financial position.

The new guidelines for FHA backed mortgages require:

Higher insurance premiums. Mortgage insurance costs under the new guidelines have been increased from 1.75 to 2.25 percent of the loan.

A minimum credit score of 580 to obtain a 3.5% down payment. Borrowers with a lower score will be required to put down at least 10 percent.

A reduction on how much the seller can help the buyer, from 6 percent to 3 percent. This change will give borrowers a greater financial stake in their home purchases.

If you're curious about Cheshire's lending limits, take a look at the FHA's requirements for Connecticut. If you have any questions about how this may affect you, please email me at Sally.Bowman@gmail.com.

These changes should not dramatically affect a new homeowner's chances of getting a loan. The changes are just a step in the right direction in order for the housing market to get back on track. If anything, it will force homeowners to be more financially responsible and help the FHA continue to offer affordable mortgages to new homeowners who need them.

Don't let it deter you from investing in one of the most rewarding purchases you will ever make. I am always here if you have any questions about the FHA guidelines, or even just a general question about Cheshire Real Estate. Keep that American dream alive.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Independent Living in Cheshire

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

I have had many listings in the Southwick Complex and continue to be impressed by the high standards for this Independent Living Community. For those of you who don't know what exactly does an independent living community entail, I can give you a little breakdown.

Compared to any other senior living option, independent living provides the greatest versatility and freedom. This classification of housing refers to residence in a compact, easy-to-maintain, private apartment or house within a community of seniors.

This living situation is a great option for seniors who are healthy and able to take care of themselves, but no longer want to take on the responsibility of maintaining a home. The best part of this type of living is the close-knit community and social interaction that it provides its residents.

Here is what my latest listing, 70 Southwick Court Unit #201, has to offer...

Set in the desirable Southwick 55+ Complex, this bright and airy two bedroom, two bathroom unit is just what you're looking for. All of your necessary appliances are included from a washer and dryer to a garbage disposal, oven and dishwasher. Located on the second floor, it boasts a balcony that looks out over beautiful tree-lined grounds accessible through the sliding glass door in the living room. The second bedroom could easily be turned into an office or used as a guest room for visiting family and friends.

Southwick is an active adult community that features everything you could ever need in one place - a library room on each floor, a billiard room, TV room, fitness room, salon, post office and large dining room. For special occasions, you get the luxury of a huge community room that can be rented for parties. If there's something you don't have, all amenities and shopping are close by!

Here is my other unit you'll definitely want to check out...

70 Southwick Unit #212 is a second floor unit with one bedroom, one bathroom, in excellent condition, and offers so much for a fair price. Full kitchen boasts plenty of appliances, perfect for cooking an intimate dinner or delectable feast. Entertaining will be a breeze in your living room/dining room combination. Additional features include two assigned parking spaces, a first floor laundry room, and a balcony.

If you have any questions about independent living communities or other Cheshire Real Estate, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Spring Forward your Remodeling

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

This past weekend, Cheshire homes put away the last of the remaining holiday lights. It's not quite spring yet, but spring cleaning is definitely on a lot of people's to do lists. After cleaning up the last remains of the hectic holiday season, most people are happy to start a clean slate.

Along with cleaning house comes that nagging voice reminding us all that the tile needs replacing or the basement still needs finishing. With most homeowners on a tight budget, these projects are getting pushed back further and further. But in the long run, the more you let those projects go by the wayside, the more your return on investment will suffer when you decide to sell.

This is a great article that emphasizes the significance of remodeling your home, as well as gives you some great tips on low cost, but big impact changes you can make to your home.

Here are the Top 10 Low Cost Remodeling Projects from the Realtor.org article:

1. Tidy up kitchen cabinets
2. Add or replace tile
3. Add a breakfast bar
4. Install granite tile instead of slab
5. Freshen up a bathroom without retilling
6. Freshen up the basement
7. Add a room
8. Spruce up cabinet fronts
9. Replace light fixtures
10. Tech-up the garage

Being the previous manager of Cheshire's hardware store, RW Hines Hardware, I know my stuff when it comes to remodeling and fixing up homes. Feel free to use me as a resource. As I always say I used to sell the nuts and bolts of fixing the house, and now I sell the house - but that doesn't mean I forgot my hardware experience. I'd be more than happy to help you increase your return on investment.

Happy spring cleaning to you all!

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Give your kids a Cheshire Childhood

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

If you are looking into Cheshire Real Estate, and wonder if you are making the right move for your children, this is one topic you can take off of your list of worries. Cheshire is the perfect place to raise children. Not only is there an excellent school system, but the safe and kid-friendly environment is the reason many members of our community move here in the first place.

When it comes to education....

Cheshire is one of the best.

Our public schools are highly regarded and our private schools are top of the line. College prep school Cheshire academy boasts student enrollment from roughly 30 countries around the world. While the Cheshire public school system enjoys a well-deserved reputation of excellence. With an average of 15 students/teacher, there is no shortage of attention to each individual child.

When it comes to fun...

We're all about the kids.

Cheshire is home to The Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum - the one museum that your kids might actually beg you to go to. It houses one of the country's largest collections of toys and artifacts. From a Partridge Family lunchbox to a life-sized Simpsons family, this place is the perfect weekend activity for children young and old.

Holiday Hill Day Camp, accredited by the American Camping Association, is the ideal summer camp, right in your own backyard! You are sure to find a program that your kids will like because they cover almost every activity in the book - archery, basketball, horseback riding, drama, nature, tennis, cooking and more.

When it comes to safety..

Cheshire is close to crime-free.

It scores very low on the City Data crime index scale - a 52.9, while the US average is 320.9. According to Sperling's Best Places, on a scale of 1 to 10 for violent crime (1 being very low crime and 10 being very high), Cheshire is a 1!

If you have any questions about growing up in Cheshire, please don't hesitate to ask me. As a life long resident of Cheshire, I can give you a first hand account. As you can see, it worked out pretty well for me because I just couldn't stay away.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

January 2010 Market Watch

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

January 2010 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire Active Listings: There are a total of 129 properties actively on the market with an average list price of $467,654.

Cheshire Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 34 properties with sales pending and 124 properties that closed in the past 6 months. The average sold price for Cheshire is $374,857 and the average time on market is 88 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 approximately 5 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.

Cheshire's Lights of Hope

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.
~Marianne Williamson

July 23rd 2007 marks a tragic event for the town of Cheshire where Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley and Michaela were murdered in a home invasion. As tragic as this event was, this day is not marked by sadness.

In fact, Cheshire has turned this day on its head and made it one of the most uplifting events the community has ever seen.

Fellow Cheshire residents Don and Jennifer Walsh came up with the idea to hold a luminary event for the entire town while raising funds for the newly established charity, Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund.

Over 1,000 volunteers and numerous businesses came together to light over 137,000 luminaries at the edge of the properties of almost every family in the Cheshire community. The result was something so spectacular that pictures or words cannot do it justice.

The true character of our community was revealed through this event. On a cold Connecticut winter night, thousands gathered outside. First in silence in memory of the family, and then, slowly but surely people gathered to talk to each other. Some found old friends, but many found new and the community of Cheshire became a little bit closer.

This Saturday, January 9th, the time has come to do it again. You can purchase luminaries at R.W. Hine Ace Hardware store while supplies last for $10. Sand for your luminaries, donated by Cheshire Stoneworks, is located behind Ye Old Body Shop. An avid participant, I will be a street captain for Mixville Road. I hope to see you there.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Local Hardware Store Celebrates its' 100th Birthday!

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:13:00 GMT

People dream about places like Cheshire, Connecticut. From the sledding hill where children talk about venturing during the winter months, to cheering on the local high school’s football team and from strolling along quaint roads lined with burnished leaves in the fall, to the communities’ summer festivities… Cheshire embraces everyone with the feeling of “home.”

A sense of contentment and belonging to a community are no more clearly seen than in the longevity of the town’s family owned R.W. Hine Ace Hardwood Store. This year will celebrate the store’s 100th year in business since it’s founding by Raymond Walter Hine in 1910. Maple Avenue has been the nesting spot for this community staple and has watched the store grow in inventory and size over the last century.

For the past 30 years, R.W. Hine Ace Hardware has been owned by my family and I’m so proud to be a part of its’ rich heritage. Integrity, quality and the long-standing tradition of services appeal its customers who seem to more closely resemble family friends. This is just one of the many reasons visitors find their way to this charming town and decide to make it their permanent home.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Cheshire Spotlight: Brian Leetch

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Here in Cheshire, we love our sports. We're a town of hard workers and passionate people and it's not entirely uncommon for Cheshire athletes to leave our town and make a name for themselves. Lets take a look back at one of our greatest, Brian Leetch.

Leetch picked up his first pair of skates at Cheshire Sport. In the beginning, it was just a friendly pick up game with the neighborhood kids at the local skating rink that his dad managed. For them, it wasn't about specific drills or skills, it was just about learning to stay up on the ice.

It soon became pretty evident that Leetch was more than just learning to skate. By his sophomore year at Cheshire High, he was scoring 53 goals and 50 assists in one season.

Incidentally, Leetch was also an amazing baseball player. He had a 90 mph fastball and pitched Cheshire to a state championship by his sophomore year. But Leetch made a choice to stick to hockey.

Fast forward to his senior year when Leetch was quickly snapped up by the New York Rangers in their first-round draft pick. Leetch decided to make his first stop Boston College, his second stop the US Olympic team and finally, his NHL debut with the Rangers in 1988.

After 18 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafts and Boston Bruins, he is considered one of the top defensemen in NHL history. He was officially inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and later the Canada Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. Along the way he collected countless awards including the coveted Norris Trophy - twice.

Leetch once said of his hockey beginnings in Cheshire that he never looked at himself as having a unique talent - only a strong responsibility to his teammates to play well so that his team could be successful.

That's the kind of attitude that we are proud to represent in Cheshire. Leetch wasn't just notorious for being the greatest defenseman of all time, he was known for being a fan favorite and a team leader. Which makes him the perfect inspiration for all of the future superstars to come out of Cheshire...

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

Cheshire After 8 Inches of Snow!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

After 8 inches of snow our building is still looking as beautiful as ever.

Around town the school break is fast approaching. A few younger residents are already enjoying the winter weather at Mixville Recreation Area, the town sledding hotspot.

Not sure if any of you have met them, but introducing Sally's lovely ladies, Belle(5) and Sophie(3), they sure love the snow.

Cheshire - a Delicious Community

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

The wonderful thing about being located in New England is being at the heart of so many different cultures. What is one of the best things about different cultures? Food or course! Cheshire has a wide variety to choose from when it comes to restaurants. Find great food, and often, a great story behind Cheshire’s cuisine...

Rossini’s Pizza Restaurant
This authentic Italian restaurant is a must try in Cheshire. It has been serving the community for over 30 years and has become a local favorite. As a family owned business, the friendly atmosphere is just what you are looking for in a local restaurant. However, authenticity is not sacrificed for convenience. You can guarantee that when owner Ralph Fusco came from Italy 35 years ago, he did not intend to serve anything less than authentic, fresh and delicious Italian food to his patrons.

The Watch Factory Restaurant
If you have never tried Austrian food, you will want to start here. Owner and chef Markus Patsch came to Cheshire in the mid 90’s to open The Watch Factory and bring a little something different to the community. Feast on Wiener Schnitzel for dinner apple strudel for dessert. The menu features a border of messages reminding you to “sit long, eat much, laugh often and gemutlichkeit, which is Austrian for comfort and satisfaction.” Fantastic and unusual is what your menu, but warm and inviting is your atmosphere.

Toyo Sushi Japanese Restaurant
Master Chef, Tony Chen, comes armed with 12 years of experience to bring to Cheshire the fresh and quality sushi that is often hard to find. The fish is handpicked daily and the menu is extensive. Chen and his staff go that extra mile to make every patron feel welcome and comfortable. Try the Beef Negimaki for appetizer then an asparagus and crab meat hand roll and on to a Sushi Dinner Entree.

Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand
It's all about the relish at Blackie's Hot Dog Stand! This special secret family recipe is what put this place on the map. You cannot come to Cheshire without eating at Blackie’s. This place transcends beyond Cheshire fame - it is a Connecticut institution. The hot dog and home-made relish recipes are so classically good that they haven’t changed since 1928. What started as a gas station that served hot dogs to hungry patrons, has developed into one of the most sought after hot dog stands in New England. In fact, it was voted New England’s Best Hot Dog in 2007 and Connecticut’s Best Hot Dog in 1996 and 1998.

These places are more than just restaurants. They are the owners that put their heart and soul into their businesses. They are the the patrons that come from across the street or across the country to experience them. They are another piece of what makes Cheshire such an amazing and delicious community.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

December 2009 Market Watch

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

December 2009 Market Watch for Cheshire CT

Cheshire CT Active Listings: There are a total of 146 house properties actively on the market with the average price of $472,787 in Cheshire.

Cheshire CT Sold/Sale Pending: There are currently 34 properties with sales pending and 191 properties that closed this year. The average sold price for Cheshire so far this year was $376,756 and average time on market was 55 days. The average current list price to sold price ratio was 95.78%, meaning these sellers received on average 95% of what they were asking for their property at the time it sold. 18 houses closed in November with an average of 107 days on the market and average sale price of $404,325.

Absorption Rate/Supply: The definition of absorption rate is the number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Absorption rates tell us how many months of supply is on the market based on historical data. For our purposes, we are tracking data over the last 6.0 months. The current supply of homes on the market at this time is 10.46 months.

Data based on the last 6 months ending on December 4th, data provided by the Multiple Listing Services.

Adopt A Family

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Hi, Everyone! Cheshire's Dept of Social Services distributes gifts through the Adopt a Family program every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks to Sally and Sally Bowman Real Estate, a 12 year old girl and her family will have some very nice gifts to open this year!

Cheshire's Brush with Fame

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Cheshire, Connecticut is ready for its close up! First, it was put on the map when it was featured in CNN Money Magazine’s "Best Places to Live 2009," and now, Cheshire is on its way to the big screen.

The newest Robert DeNiro film, “Everybody’s Fine” used Cheshire Correctional Institution’s unused old North Block to shoot some of its scenes. Much of the rest of the movie was filmed in the state of Connecticut.

This isn’t Cheshire’s first brush with fame. It is also the birthplace of some pretty famous people.

Soap opera star Jay Bontatibus, Welcome Back Kotter star Ron Palillo (better known as Horshack) and, of course, teen hearthrob James Van Der Beek best known for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek.

What else is Cheshire famous for?

It has been designated the “Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut” by the Connecticut General Assembly.

A well-earned reputation of excellence for its education system.

What about its warm and inviting family-oriented community?

Fame doesn’t always have to come from Hollywood. Cheshire is famous for many things that might not be worthy of the big screen, but still make it a wonderful place to live. And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire CT Real Estate Expert