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Dear Neighbor,

 The numbers are in and 2016 was clearly a pivotal year in real estate. Nationally real estate sales transactions were up 12% over 2015 figures. Litchfield County overall saw just over 8% increase. Locally we have seen a similar bump resulting in the volume of sale increase around 14%! In summation, real estate in Sharon is on a steady upswing as the market recognizes good values.

The positive economic confluence of lower unemployment, strong trends in the financial markets and tightening interest rates have bolstered consumer confidence. This confidence mixed with the reduction of available homes to buy has solidified real estate values and will predictably push value higher. This is already happening.

Last year's letter noted over 70 houses being available for sale in Sharon. Well, what a difference a year makes as presently there are 50 residential homes listed for sale. And there are 6 homes in contract to close.

Yes, in the last 12 months we have seen 55 sales in Sharon up from 47 in same period in 2015. We are happy to say that Bain Real Estate participated in over 25% of these transactions so thank you for your confidence.

Anecdotally, I recently closed on a house here in Sharon where there were two bidders. The first prospect reluctantly cancelled their contract as they could not get their loan so the second buyer ended up winning the sale. And for a bit higher, I might add.

The lesson here is that the market has become one where both buyer and seller on an equal footing. It is no longer just a buyer's market. Should there be a prolonged period of fewer listings than buyers, we could see that balance shifting to the seller.

Here is what has transpired in the Village in the last 12 months. Please note that not all listings in the neighborhood are posted here so if you want to know more, please let us know or head to our website to see all the available listings in Sharon and countywide.

Here is what is for sale:

On the north end section of Sharon Valley Road I have listed an easy to build 3.5 acre parcel of open field. With sweeping eastern views and southern exposure not only is it scenic, but the solar gain is perfect for photovoltaic solar capture making living here both beautiful and Green! Tucked sweetly in and among other homes yet hidden well with stands of trees protecting both flanks, this lot is private. It is listed for $90,000.

27 Millerton Road is a converted country barn that requires considerable renovations and repair. Grand space with a fireplace, wood flooring, and large rooms perfect for the artist! While it needs a roof immediately, the options are vast here to make it one's own. There are two bedrooms, one bathroom. Kitchen and bath are functional but need updating. It also abuts expansive wetlands with wonderful western views. It has been listed by me for $165,000.

1 Lovers Lane is a 'turnkey' 3 bedroom ranch located in the commercial center of town. The best of both worlds allows walking distance to stores and school, yet also to the Sharon Land Trust's Mary Moore Preserve. The large picture windows provide lots of afternoon sun and stunning sunsets. Property includes 2 immaculate offices downstairs with a working fireplace, a handicap bathroom and plenty of storage. Joanie Yahn has this listing for $339,000.

103 Sharon Valley Road is a nature lover's sportsman's property with long views, beautiful fields, thousands of feet of frontage on pristine Webatuck Creek. There is classic 1870's antique in very good condition with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Across a bridge is access to 123 acres of fields and streams, woods and trails. This was originally listed for $1,348,000 with our agent Priscilla Pavel but has been dramatically reduced to $695,000.

Up a long driveway hidden, 22 Pinch of Rocks Rd. is a lovely country style home on 4.14 acres. There is a large stone patio with a hot tub to relax undisturbed under the stars. The open floor plan is enhanced by large windows and new floors. The kitchen is also newly updated with granite countertops. Large tiled mudroom and new composite flooring make the house easy to maintain. 4 large bedrooms compliment the home allowing plenty of rooms for guests. Joanie Yahn has this listed for $350,000.

And this is what has sold:

A Bank owned 1930's cottage at 3 Holland Drive sold for $40,000 off from the $49,000 list price. The 2 bedroom, one bath ranch has wood flooring in 600 sq. ft. of living space. There lot is a level a fifth of an acre. It was on the market for 15 days.

19 Mudge Pond Road sold for $612,500 and is completely renovated 1750 Farmhouse. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in this transformed stylish antique. The interior features wide board flooring, rough hewn beamed ceilings, built-ins, new kitchen and baths. The spacious eat-in kitchen has a new kitchen with a porch off the back. There are 1.56 level acres and a barn.

The estate at 75 Low Road was a great renovation project. Close to town and yet surrounded estates, this 3200 sq. ft. 1860 colonial on 3 acres needed major renovations. The large glassed in entry porch, 3 fireplaces, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths are only some of the details. There is a detached barn, gorgeous trees, stone walls and potential western views. This sold amidst multiple bids with the $675,000 price exceeding the asking price by $100,000 and selling in 11 days. Renovations are currently in process.

56 Gay Street has a lovely 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom Dutch Colonial style home on an equally pretty 3.90 acre plot. This early 1900's home feature a stained glass window, formal dining room, hardwood floors throughout. A fireplace trimmed in bookcases is set at one end of the large living room. There is a large 2 car barn and 2 garden sheds.

It sold for $370,000 after being on the market for nearly a year and listed at $445,000.

Gracious is this c1789 Antique Brick Colonial at 90 Calkinstown Road. The brick façade is aged with weather with interior featuring well proportioned living room with a fireplace & French Doors to covered porch. There is also a fireplace in the formal dining room and one in the book lined library. There are 5-6 Bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms and it requires cosmetic improvements. There is a pool and a barn included on the 3 plus acres. This all sold within 11 days for $900,000.

68 Calkinstown Road needed more than cosmetic changes. This 1840 shingle house needed considerable renovation but has a good furnace, whole-house generator, recent appliances and one redone bathroom. Three bedrooms, two baths, screened porch, fireplace in living room, wood floors throughout this 1760 sq. ft. colonial. The 1.29 acres of land sits over a brook. It was listed for $250,000 and sold for $175,000.

180 Sharon Valley Road is a lovely Sharon country house on an 11 acre level field. It offers over 1600 sq.ft. with a full basement family room, 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A fireplace anchors the living room and the house is adorned with oak flooring throughout. Light-filled kitchen offers stainless appliances & a formal dining room large enough for holiday dinners. Spacious back deck offers privacy & room for the friends & guests. Family room on lower level is professionally finished walkout to the back yard. Michele Pastre of the Sharon office represented the sellers.

28 Sharon Station Road sold for $140,000. This 1900's home is nicely finished and well maintained. The 3 bedroom cottage has 1 bathroom and a spacious backyard on a brook. The town sports field is across the street, which includes soccer fields.

79 North Main Street - Understated tradition is featured in this circa 1790's Colonial. Original details of tiger maple stair rails, ivory inlay and a front hall Palladian-style display the elegant style. Original beamed ceiling and stone surround fireplace in the Kitchen/Family Room add warmth and classic charm. The 2700 sq. ft. comfortably include 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms plus French doors opening to the lush gardens, mature trees, gunite pool and dining pavilion provide complete privacy and serenity. Selling in 40 days at $805,000 makes sense.

Beautiful views from this year round 1900's bungalow at 69 King Hill Road. With 942 sq. ft. this is for a tiny house lover. The 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home needs work. It closed for $63,000 after being on the market for 183 days at $129,000.

133 Main Street, a 1927 side hall cottage is a gem on the Sharon Green. The house is trimmed in wood and complimentary flooring to match. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, two fireplaces, a sun porch and studio all in 1744 sq. ft. The yard is gardened with winter views of the distant hills. David Almquist of my office assisted the seller who closed for $330,000.

Sharon Green Apartments- an investment property at 74, 76, 78 Upper Main Street sold for $410,000. There are three buildings and a separate garage included in this property that includes 12 apartment Units. Main building has 9 units that have been updated over time while the building dates to1850. There are 2 units in second building built in 1900 and one unit in third building approx. built 1940. Other building is 3 car garage.

Upgrades are required here but all units are occupied with a strong cash flow.

Another investment property sold at 147 Main Street. I sold this retail shop on Sharon Green that had most recently been an antique store but many know it as Walsh's Drug Store. It offers large open floor space with display alcove windows 9 foot ceilings, crown moldings, pine flooring, check-out counter and considerable wall display space. 2nd floor apartment provides supplemental income. It sold for $150,000 after being on the market for over two years.

19 West Main Street also sold. This former doctor's office has been separated into 4 different spaces with three commercial components on the main floor and a residential apartment on the second level. It required some cleaning and ground work but this building that sold for $330,000 is another nice addition to the commercial awakening in the historic center of town.

4 Upper Main Street Unit #3 sold for $165,100 in multiple bids where I assisted the buyer in this purchase. Freshly painted, the master bedroom has an en-suite bath and there is a second full bath off the hallway as is the second bedroom. There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room which has sliders to the screened porch. Separate dining room faces a lovely landscaped garden area. Private garage included.

4 Upper Main Street Unit #7 is an upper condominium unit offering light, quiet and a wooded view. Painted in neutral paint colors it is ready to occupy. It offers a wood burning fireplace, new wall of windows and door lead from the living room to private deck with ample room. There is a separate dining room, a large master bedroom with en-suite bath, a second bedroom and additional. The garage is located on the upper level. It closed for $179,000.

Highland House at 111 Cornwall Bridge Road is sophisticated and in move-in condition. Originally built ca. 1920 it's been totally renovated and enlarged using top designer finishes and materials: Smallbone, Sub-Zero and Wolf in the kitchen, Waterworks bath fixtures and Farrow and Ball paints. Interior highlights like the kitchen, separate breakfast room, detailed formal dining room., spacious living room and adjoining sunroom are all great public spaces. Private master bedroom with luxurious his and hers baths and 3 other bedrooms are available. The mature grounds include specimen trees with one of the state's largest Copper Beech trees, an orchard, a formal rose garden, a large stone patio and pool w/bath house. This estate sold for $3,100,000.

11 Sharon Valley Road is an antique home that appeared to be structurally compromised. There is just less than one acre of land and it closed for $38,000.

21 Sharon Valley Road maintains an 1800's dwelling on 3.02 level acres. The house appears to be too far gone to save and should be demolished. The property was listed for $29,900 and sold with multiple bids for $62,500.

Sharon Valley Road is also where a 14.1 acre parcel of land sold directly for $124,800.

This parcel is a level lot that has a narrow access on Sharon Valley and opens up to a mix of field and woods abutting the New York State Line.

The carriage house on the beautiful Great Elm Estate sold for $505,000. 9 Great Elm Drive unit #1 maintains a spacious living room with cathedral ceiling, a fireplace and sliders out to a private deck. The dining room is open to the kitchen with granite counters and new appliances. The main level master bedroom offer convenience with en-suite bath and private patio. Two bedrooms and a bath are on the second floor. There is a one car garage as well as use of the estate grounds, heated pool, and tennis court.

69 South Main Street is a 1920 Colonial Revival where the 3 gently sloping acres of lawns and woods are reached by a long gravel driveway. The large living room offers an attractive fireplace and large screened-in porch are on one side, while a comfortable dining area and kitchen with wood stove are on the other. There are four bedrooms and two full bathrooms and 2 half baths in this 2300 sq. ft. home. It sold for $500,000 after 22 days on the market.

Lastly, 2 Benton Hill Road is a restored Circa 1830 Colonial with a combination of period details and modern living design. The kitchen is modern yet reused antique boards as the ceiling, French doors, painted wood floors, island for cooking or having breakfast, top of the line appliances. Antique features: wide floor boards, exposed beams, 3 fireplaces, vaulted ceilings in the family room, formal living room and formal dining rooms both with fireplace. The entire house has plaster walls. The studio sits on the 6 acre level lot with western views. It was listed for $975,000 and sold for $835,000.

Our website at www.bainrealestate.com one can find not only the aforementioned listings and solds but also one can find this letter and all other Sharon neighborhood letters archived on our site too. And if you wish to follow our blog for new listings, sales and other interesting real estate tidbits join up from our website.

All the best,

Chris Garrity

David Bain & the Sharon office

Jennifer Luning, Michele Pastre, Joanie Yahn & David Almquist

Please note that not all listings and sales transactions are through David Bain Real Estate.