Dear Neighbor,

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The strengthening of real estate market has been increasing for two years as born in the diminishing inventory of homes for sale.  In 2015 there were 70 houses available for sale in Sharon. 2016 averaged 47 residential homes listed and 2017 averaged 51 residential homes. Today we have 52 residential homes available in this spring market. 

Equally brisk are sales.  45 homes sold in the last 12 months just slightly below the 51 sales the year prior.  The increased demand and a sell-off of an over supplied market of 75 listings a few years back is critical to solidify values. 

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

The Millennial Buyer who wishes to purchase a home that is 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 to relate to fixing up houses. Nevertheless a house that needs considerable work or is "tired" or not updated is 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 and the sooner it attracts a buyer. 

Here is what has happened in the neighborhood since our last letter:

7 Jackson Hill Road – Sold

List-$1,150,000/ Sold $950,000   Days on Market 310

This gracious 1810 Colonial has been tastefully restored to bring it back to its former glory. There is a new gourmet kitchen, 4.5 new baths, new insulation, new heating, plumbing, wiring, and roof.  There is a brand new in ground gunite pool. The rooms are large and full of original details of moldings and paneling. There are 5 fireplaces, a butler's pantry, a great mud room, 4 large bedrooms plus a 2 bedroom guest wing. A spacious screened porch completes the package.

2 Jackson Hill Road- For Sale

List-$399,000    Days on Market 124

Set on high with scenic views across 24 acres of wild life strewn bottom land, this 1900's Colonial style home boasts 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with a pre-war craftsmanship and modern touches. The country kitchen is modern with more potential here. There is a formal living room and a spacious family room both with fireplaces. This house combines both new and old touches complete with three gorgeous native stone fireplaces, wood flooring, book case lined library and more. There are stone patios to sit and view the mature plantings that dot the property.  A large barn and fenced paddocks offer room for animals.  My associate Toni Soule and I have this property listed.

Smith Hill Road – Land- For Sale

List-$115,000    Days on Market 61

Town maintained dirt road dead ends just before the abandoned road begins (this is the legal driveway) that takes you to a town approved building site overlooking the brook and potential pond. It used to be an old Mill site then a town reservoir before the 1955 flood took part of the dam away. The stone spillway is still in place creating a wonderful waterfall. There are 250 acres of protected land that surround these precious and protected 4.55 acres. My partner David Bain has this property listed.

Butter Road – Land-Sold

List-$115,000/ Sold $115,000     Days on Market 113

Nearly 5 acre parcel set well above the road that opens to a large clearing offering both privacy and views. Stone walls outline this parcel that has a substantial 2065' driveway in place. Some road noise can be heard from Rt. 4 and yet no house is in sight!

 136 Butter Road – Sold

List-$389,800/ Sold $335,000     Days on Market 113

Five Bedroom, 2.5 Bath custom built Colonial directly on a large pond. Set on the corner of Butter Road and Rte 4, this spacious home is in good, move-in.  There is a Large eat-in kitchen, huge stone hearth Fireplace, wide plank wood floors, surrounding deck, two-story barn with room for parking, and two bonus outbuildings. The property had been on and off the market for over 4 years with an initial asking price over $500,000.

370 Cornwall Bridge Road – Sold

List-$849,000      / Sold $849,000                Days on Market 113

Known as Hawk Ridge this 4100 sq. ft. contemporary with period detail maintains long range views of the Catskills Mountains and pastures from over 6 acres of land. The interior boasts massive soaring post and beam living room with large windows to the view. The fully equipped kitchen is filled with amenities. And there are two gas fireplaces each servicing the dining and living rooms. Wood paneled room such as the library /office provide intimate spaces. There is an additional art room with views which can serve as a first floor master if desired. There is a full master en-suite on the first floor and an additional two bedroom/master suite with double bath on the upper level. This home had been on and off the market for many years originally listed for well over $1,000,000.

6 Old Sharon Road – Sold

List-$795,000      / Sold $645,000                Days on Market 243

Charming, well-maintained 1768 antique on 23+- acres on a quiet, gravel town road. Property also includes a pool with a pool house, large barn with 2 bays and excellent storage and a separate one-bedroom guest house (originally on its own 8 acres). The main house has 2,363 sq.ft. offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, many original features. There are 3 fireplaces and a large kitchen (with Viking range, Traulsen refrigerator, Corian counters, extensive cabinets, storage and a pantry with washer/dryer. All mechanical are relatively new plus central air and generator.

Priscilla Miller of my firm sold this property.

3 Deer Run – Sold

List-$369,000      / Sold $300,000                Days on Market 314

This Charming Country Cape entails 1946 sq. ft. of living space and is light and bright.  Built in 1986 this home features a first floor bedroom suite with an attached heated porch. There is a good sized living room with a corner brick fireplace. The kitchen opens to dining room providing a spacious feel. While the large sliding glass door from the dining room offer views and access to the 3.3 acres of grounds. There are 2 bedrooms upstairs that share a full bath. Hardwood flooring is used throughout home and there is a 2 car garage as well.

70 Bowne Road – Sold

List-$300,000      / Sold $295,000                Days on Market 134

Comfortable Center Hall Colonial atop 2.2 Acres with seasonal western views. Situated off a quiet, gravel road the land is private and maintains lush front and back lawn areas. There are 1,888 sq. ft. has a front to back living room with a fireplace. Large Kitchen offer new appliances and a breakfast bar that opens to large dining area. The family room also and half bath rounds out the main level.  Hardwood Floors on both levels. Upper Level hosts master bedroom with a walk in closet and 3 secondary bedrooms that all share the full bath. There is an unfinished full basement and an attached two-car garage.  I sold this house in 2013 for $249,900 and it was on and off the market this time for just over a year.

125 East Street – Sold

List-$285,000      / Sold $265,000                Days on Market 13

LOCATION, LOCATION, PRICING is the real truism in this business. This sweet 1958 Ranch style home is dated and in need of TLC. While the house offers hard wood floors and easy one level living, it is the setting that is amazing.  Situated on the high part of East Street this house overlooks its own field as it was once a part of a 380 acre farm back in the 60's. It now sits on 4 acres with surrounded by farm fields, land trust and beautiful stone walls. Although, town has it listed as 2-bedroom the septic is already in place for 3 bedrooms! Sun filled kitchen, hardwood floors and fireplace with wood stove insert. Lower level has walk out so could easily be renovated for family room or recreation room. Toni Soule of my office listed this house with a reasonable pricing that she garnered two offers in the first week.

Upper Ridge Road – Land-Sold

List-$150,000/ Sold $120,000     Days on Market 84

This open parcel of land had been on and off the market for a number of years before coming back on at the same price-$150,000.  This time-under different market conditions this 5 acre parcel with nice views to the east sold.  Set well off a private gravel road this is easy to build on.

21 Upper Ridge Road – Sold

List-$379,000      / Sold $355,000                Days on Market 25

Beautifully sited on 5.54 acres on a private road, this Cape Cod has a detached 2-car garage with a large attached heated workshop. Open lawn with a birch grove, pond and borders a brook. Living room with fireplace and cathedral ceiling, kitchen with soapstone counters, first floor full bath, laundry, and a large den/family room leading out to a screened porch (15x20) overlooking the property. Master bedroom and bath and guest bedroom are on the second floor. This 1976 built home was first listed for $419,000 for 7 months before being placed back on for $379,000 and then finding a buyer quickly.

29 Upper Ridge Road – Sold

List-$299,000      / Sold $280,000                Days on Market 113

Next door is this 1552 sq. ft. Barn style house with a rustic look, hardwood floor throughout and a loft-like open floor plan.  Built in 1986 the 2 bedroom, 2 full baths home is secreted on a heavily wooded 6.12 acres that can be enjoyed from the screened porch.  The master bedroom is on the upper loft level. From the open balcony one overlooks the first floor where the kitchen opens to the living room a built-in dining banquet. This home is sited at the end of Upper Ridge Road for which maintenance for this private road is approximately $650/yr.

33 Tichnor Road – Sold

List-$895,000      / Sold $875,000                Days on Market 13

Designed and once home to award winning Rafe Churchill, this modern Shakeresque colonial maintains stylish interior. The finest quality fixtures, appliances, and finishes are evident throughout the 2400 square feet. The floors on the main level are high grade painted industrial epoxy floors over concrete. The stunning kitchen is equipped with a Capital Range, Fisher Paykel Dishwasher drawers, Liebherr Refrigerator, Farmhouse sink, built-in Miele Cappucino Machine, marble counters and subway tile backsplash. The living room has a fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lush landscaped grounds. The dining room has a beamed ceiling and accesses the screened-in porch. The family room has a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and built-in cabinetry. The master bedroom features a vaulted ceiling, built-ins and a luxurious bath with soaking tub and shower. Other features: central air-conditioning, generator, cedar shake roof, radiant heat, outdoor shower. The separate cottage has been used as an office and studio. The barn, with heat and air-conditioning, has finished concrete floor and ideal as a gym. The 4+ acres, located on a quiet, scenic road, have been landscaped with gardens, large lawns, stonework and gazebo.

There are a few 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 aforementioned 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

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