Feel as though you’re stepping back in time in this stunning brick French Provincial estate privately nestled on 3.6 acres of beautiful land! Although reflecting a timeless French style, this property features all of today’s luxurious amenities such as an in-ground pool, gym, hot tub, gourmet kitchen and much more.  Enjoy the lovely gardens that bring an abundance of beauty and serenity, or entertain guests outdoors on the spacious decks or at the classic pool house. The interior highlights a marvelous gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, a breakfast bar, built-in desk area, a pantry, elegant lighting and white cabinetry with backlighting and glass doors. This open space also includes an informal dining area with sliding glass doors to the backyard. Conveniently located just off the kitchen, the formal dining room comes complete with hardwood flooring, chandelier lighting, chair rail, wainscoting and crown molding and is ideal for hosting dinner parties. Dark hardwood flooring continues from the dining room to the classical living room which is enhanced by tall windows which afford views of the gardens and allow natural sunlight to come streaming through.  Crown molding and fireplace with mantle and gorgeous surround enhance the elegance and distinct attention to detail of this room.
    Unwind or entertain guests in the open, yet cozy family room.  Beautifully built with hardwood flooring and large fireplace with unique copper top and wood surround, this room provides the feeling of rustic comfort.  An attached computer area is an added bonus while the dramatic French doors that grant access to the side porch and hot tub are the rooms’ focal point. The walk-through laundry room is designed for convenience, granting access from the family room or kitchen. Pocket doors to this room easily close off the view of the washer and dryer and the crisp white cabinetry is ideal for storage.  A full bath is just off this room and continues with the detailed style of this home. Three guest bedrooms, one of which offers its own full bathroom, are located on the first floor ensuring everyone has their own personal space.  Features of these rooms include hardwood flooring, neutral paint and plenty of closet space.
    Upstairs you’ll find your beautifully updated, private master bedroom suite.  This spacious room will feel like your own private get-away as it is the only bedroom housed on this floor. Relaxing after a long day is easy in this custom retreat featuring a dressing area, built-in media niche, overhead lighting, large windows and multiple closets with built-ins. The full, spa-inspired master bathroom boasts a jetted tub, full length mirrors, and plenty of storage space.
    Additional features of this home include the finished lower level which offers a media room and an office, both of which offer recessed lighting, carpeting and plenty of storage.  Each floor boasts its own furnace, which is energy efficient during cooler months and attests to the thoughtful design and layout of this property.  From stunning landscaping to an updated interior boasting old world charm; this home is a must see!      

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

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

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

Many updates and upgrades can be found in this well maintained three bedroom, two and a half bathroom, raised ranch with an open floorplan! Step into the formal living room with gleaming hardwood flooring and enjoy meals in the formal dining room, complete with neutral décor and beautiful chandelier lighting. The remodeled kitchen boasting granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a large breakfast bar is sure to please any chef. Relax after a long day in the cozy family room enhanced by a ceiling fan and sliders leading to large backyard which is ideal for entertaining. Beautiful three season room overlooks the picturesque lawn and garden.

Private master bedroom suite has a half bathroom and provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at the end of your day. There are two additional bedrooms, ready for your personal touches. The huge backyard is ideal play and outdoor entertaining with a shed for all of your storage needs.  Added bonuses include newer windows, a new roof and new central air-conditioning. Come see it today!

Situated in the Woodland subdivision of Cheshire is this ready to build lot offering over 7 acres of land. This lot has been approved for septic and a four bedroom home. Take advantage of this opportunity today and build your dream home!

Upon entering this custom built ranch style three bedroom home, you will enjoy the convenience of single level living! Step into the cozy family room, featuring a warm brick wood burning fireplace with raised hearth, neutral décor and a large window to bring in lots of natural lighting. You're sure to enjoy cooking meals for your loved ones in the gorgeous updated kitchen, complete with ample oak cabinetry and an abundance of counter space. The remodeled eating area is nestled in the kitchen and grants access to the large deck area.

Enjoy well deserved R&R time in the master bedroom suite, flooded with natural sun-light and boasting a private half bathroom as well as plenty of closet and storage space. Easily transform the additional two bedrooms into a guest room or home office; the possibilities are endless. Entertain with ease and enjoy the huge backyard. Schedule your private showing today as this home won’t last!

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

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

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

Come see this well cared for split level nestled on an oversized lot. Great assets you're sure to appreciate year round include the new windows and new roof. Large bow window in the formal living room allows natural lighting to flow throughout; additionally hardwood flooring and neutral decor ease in personalizing. No need to worry about space in the wonderful kitchen which offers an abundance of counter and cabinetry space, not to mention all appliances are included which is an added bonus! Sip your morning coffee or grab a quick snack at the quaint breakfast bar or you can enjoy dinner with loved ones in the spacious eating area.

Relax after long days in the cozy family room complimented by a gas fireplace with raised hearth and brick front as well as plush carpeting. The office can easily be converted into an additional bedroom if needed! The picturesque sun porch boasting wood flooring and a ceiling fan is sure to impress, come unwind and read a book or just gaze out the numerous windows.

Find enough space for your treasured personal belongings in the master bedroom which has three closets. Easily convert each bedroom into the room of your dreams – one of the bedrooms is currently being used as an office but is a bedroom that offers a great closet! Crisp and clean full bathroom features tile flooring. The half bathroom with tile flooring doubles as a laundry area where the washer and dryer are found. Nestled on almost half an acre, and enhanced with a garden, you’re sure to have plenty of room for summer fun. The huge patio is awaiting your barbecues and get-togethers! Conveniently located close to town and the linear trail, this one is a true must see!

You won’t be disappointed when entering this lovely ranch home nestled on a cul-de-sac. The oversized front bay window allows the natural sunlight to pour into the spacious living room which is perfect for entertaining. You’re sure to love the kitchen, boasting ample cabinetry and a large eating area with a bay window, ideal for enjoying casual meals. The cozy enclosed porch off the kitchen is a great place to relax after long days! Generously sized bedrooms are complete with large windows and plenty of closet space, ensuring everyone has their own personal space.

Step into the finished lower level offering an additional 550 square feet of living space plus another bedroom, a family room and plenty of storage.

The extras don’t stop there. Out back you will notice the gorgeous yard, patio, basketball court and much more! The original owners are still living in this home and have meticulously maintained it over the years. Schedule your private showing today!  

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.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert

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

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 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

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

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.

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