Bain Real Estate Westwoods 2018 January Market Report.

Dear Neighbor,

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Year over year sales comparison in Sharon show a strong number of sales (54) in 2017 continued from the strong 57 residential sales in 2016. This demonstrates the increased demand and a sell-off of an over supplied market of 75 listings a few years ago.  Today there is a lessened supply of residential homes for sale (51) which will likely promote stronger values.

In fact we are seeing a slight squeeze on the number of listings available in Sharon and the County resulting in only 2 homes in contract to close. Are seller's values trending higher or is this merely the rhythm of the winter market doldrums? 

Even with fewer houses available there are still a number of distractions that foster a buyer's hesitation, whether it is unpredictable international and national events, the financial uncertainty of the State of Connecticut, the coming of age of younger buyers whose desires and goals vary considerably from the previous generation of buyers, or all three.  There seems to be many uncertain issues.

The Millennial Buyer who wishes to purchase a home in tip top condition is one such issue.  It's challenging to discern if the culprit is the HGTV influence or the fact that today's 30-40 year old was not brought up with the dream of fixing up houses.  Nevertheless a house that needs considerable work or is "tired" or not updated is more often passed over for one that is ready to move in or new.  The better your house presents, the higher the value you will see. 

Last year's letter found 12 house and 1 land sale in the neighborhood while this year we report the exact same number.  Over the last few years this neighborhood represents 23% of the total number of house sales in Sharon each year.  Here is what has happened.

14 Weber Road just sold for $3,411,820. This estate was originally developed in the late 1980's by Jim Pepper and under the new owner the 6154 sq.ft. was completely renovated and now offers 5 bedrooms,  5 full baths and 2 half baths. Set atop a high hill the all-encompassing, protected views overlook the 284+ acres, Webber Pond and Catskill Mountains beyond. The large country kitchen sits central to the formal Dining Room, enclosed Bluestone Porch, and casual Breakfast area. The Library's wood-burning fireplace and custom built-ins lead to the spacious Living Room. Landscaped gardens and stonework join the rear Patio to a gunite pool that sits at the crest of views overlooking the property's 42-acre pond. Originally listed in 2015 for $9,450,000, the property dropped to a final asking price of $5,945,000 before securing a buyer.

28 Clark Hill Road is another house that took a few years to sell. This 36 year old house has 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms and has been well maintained, but dated. The interior has an open floor plan with a large kitchen and step down dining area. There are wood floors and wood paneled walls. The house is set well back on the 4 acre lot and has old stone walls and is dotted with lovely plantings. The house was on the market for a year for $538,000 before I rented it in 2016.  It came back for sale in early 2017 for $429,900 and sold for $400,000 in two months.

209 West Woods Road #1 is a Country white-washed Post & Beam home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths in over 1800 sq. ft. of living space.  It has a living room with an open two-story space that is lined with a wall of windows bringing in sun light and offering a great view of the outdoors. The floors are terra cotta and sliding doors open to a stone Terrace. There is also an old barn on this 5 acre parcel of woods. It was listed for $445,000 and sold for $410,000 in 41 days.

111 Lambert Road is a 1980's Contemporary style home privately sited on 11 acres in two different 5 + acre parcels.  The home has interesting angles and is anchored by a large open deck. The kitchen flows into the cathedral living room with natural light streaming through the various angled windows. This 1,664 square foot home has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms plus additional square footage in the finished basement room/office and workshop. Listed in the spring of 2015 at $499,000.  The house was reduced to a final asking price of $325,000 before selling for $300,000 or 40% off its original 2015 asking price.

Just up the road is 92 Lambert Road is a custom designed one level modern home that I have listed along with my associate Toni Soule.  It is comfortable, cozy, elegant and crafted with a passion for quality. Amidst a wooded 5 acre parcel, it's designed with careful environmental practices. New bamboo flooring, mini-split heat exchanger that cools, dries or heats the home is state-of-the-art efficient. All exterior walls are insulated six inches thick and the house has a new stainless steel roof which will last 50 years plus. South facing windows capture passive solar, maximizing sun in the winter and employ tree shade in the summer. This is listed for $330,000 down from $399,999.

46 Lambert Road has a private location with long distance views at the end of this gravel road. The custom built home of 3,788 sq. ft. has a great room with antique wood beams, large bank of windows to view the Catskill Mountains and brick fireplace. Rustic in nature with a post and beam style and wide-board floors throughout, the house offers a kitchen with granite countertops, a family room with a stone fireplace, 3 bedrooms, an office and 3 1/2 bathrooms. The 7.85 acre property abuts conservation land and includes a barn and abundant gardens. It sold for $920,000 after being on the market since 2009 and an original list price of $1,350,000.

Down on Knibloe Hill the activity from last year has continued.  I sold 34 Knibloe Hill Road, a 60 acre parcel of land that was once part of the Dean farm and offers three large corn fields with beauty and scenic views of the valley. Private and accessed off Old Travers Road under an alley of old maples this is a special property that I have had the privilege of selling three times.  A house is finally being erected on this parcel that sold for $1,325,000.

And the neighboring cornfield to the north is where an 87 acre estate at 14 & 18 Knibloe Hill Road recently sold for $3,900,000. The views from this 5000 sq. ft. American Shingle home with touches of native stone are lovely over the fields, pond, pond house, guest apt, pool, portico, mature plantings and gardens. A substantial horse barn and paddocks with fenced pasture in quiet and private setting round out this property. Both beautifully maintained and finished in top quality details this is property sold after an initial listing of $4,800,000 back in 2015.

316 Amenia Union Road is an 1800 sq. ft. antique colonial home in need of considerable repair and is bank owned. There are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, pine flooring, wood trim and a fireplace. Part of the property lies in New York State. The parcel is a rear flag lot of 2.64 acres. There is a running stream in front of the house which was listed for $74,900 and sold for $72,000 in 21 days.

49 Boland Road is set well back from the road so that one cannot see the house. The 1800 sq. ft. home is sited on this 19 acres of former hay field with long sweeping views to the southwest. Built in 1975 this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath post & beam barn style home is ripe for upgrades. Centered by a large fireplace the home maintains nice wooded floors, a barn frame and windows on the view. There is a small brook and a gunite pool with a large stone patio. Listed for 1,295,000 in the fall of 2016 this sold a year later for $1,100,000.

A small 400 sq. ft. stone cottage at 13 Crossfield Drive sold last Fall.  Built in 1979 the cabin maintains 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, a fireplace and a large screened porch.  Set on 3.66 acres it appears to be privately situated and sold privately to a neighbor for $329,000.

46 Hoopersfield Road is a 9 year old lovely country cape set in an field of 3.13 acres offering open sky views.  This home features an open floor plan. The kitchen offers GE Monogram appliances, granite counter tops, 6 burner stove and walk-in pantry. There is oak flooring throughout the home as well as extensive detailed moldings and woodwork.  There is a first floor master with full bath, and private patio. There are 2 additional bedrooms plus a media room. It was listed for $495,000 and sold for $460,000 in 6 months.

22 Pinch of Rocks Road is another private home that abuts the National Audubon land. Up a private driveway, hidden from the road is this country style home on 4.14 acres. 4 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms compliment the 1785 sq. ft. home offering plenty of room for guests. A large stone patio features a hot tub. The 1983 home has an open floor plan with large windows, new floors and custom trim custom. The kitchen is also newly renovated with granite countertops and newer appliances. It was listed for $350,000 and closed at $317,000.

There are a few other neighborhood offerings on the market and if interested call us, stop by the office or visit our website at www.bainrealestate.com.   One can find not only the afore mentioned listings and sales 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 

And the Sharon office-Michele Pastre, Joanie Yahn, Jennifer Luning, Susan Magee, David Almquist and Karen Grimaldi

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