What Is Happening in Today’s Real Estate Market?

 

As summer is winding down, real estate questions are ramping up. Buyers are asking whether there will be less competition, more inventory options and better opportunities to negotiate. Sellers are wondering if they missed the busiest part of the market—or if September is still a good time to list. We've got the answers!

 

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, prices typically begin to ease after their early-summer peak, homes may take a little longer to sell and late-summer inventory can give buyers more choices. However, the overall number of homes for sale remains well below historical levels, and well-priced homes in good condition continue to attract serious buyers.

 

The fall market can offer opportunities for both sides. Buyers may face fewer bidding wars, while sellers can benefit from motivated buyers who want to move before the holidays and winter weather arrive. Every town, neighborhood and price range is different, so call The Sally Bowman Team to learn what is happening in your local market. We are excited about several new listings hitting the market this month in Wallingford, Cheshire, Newington and beyond! And are thrilled to report that all of our listings have SOLD; no property spotlight at this time, just a whole lot of industry insights!

 

September Fun in Cheshire & Beyond

 

September is one of the best months to enjoy Connecticut! From local fairs and farm festivals to live music, delicious food and family activities, there is plenty happening in Cheshire and the surrounding towns. It's also a wonderful time of year to visit our local farm stands and orchards! Pick up fresh tomatoes and peppers at John Carmody’s Farm Stand or Hindinger Farm, go apple picking, enjoy a cider donut or take a scenic ride along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

 

Check out these great events around our community this month. Please be sure to confirm schedules, ticket information and weather policies with the event organizers before heading out, as details may change. There is so much to enjoy close to home this September!

 

September 4–7th

Odyssey Greek Festival — Orange

Experience a little taste of Greece with authentic Greek food and pastries, live music, dancing, cooking demonstrations and church tours. Admission and parking are free. The festival takes place at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road. Festival details

 

Beginning September 5th

Lyman Orchards Corn Maze — Middlefield

Celebrate the beginning of fall with a trip through the corn maze, apple picking, cider donuts, ice cream and plenty of family fun. The maze is scheduled to remain open through November 1.

 

September 10–13th

North Haven Fair — North Haven

A traditional country fair featuring amusement rides, fair food, animals, agricultural exhibits, tractor pulls, pig races, live music, magic, juggling and activities for children. Fair schedule

 

September 11–13th

East Haven Fall Festival — East Haven

Enjoy a weekend on the Town Green with live music, local food, craft and business vendors, family activities and a community road race. Greater New Haven fall-event guide

 

September 12–13th

Corn Maze & Cider Donut Harvest Music Festival — Middlefield

Lyman Orchards will host a full weekend of live music, pick-your-own fruit, food trucks, a beer garden, wagon rides, face painting, a trackless train, yard games and, of course, cider donuts. Festival admission and many activities are free. Event information

 

September 13–19th

New Haven Cocktail Week — New Haven

Participating restaurants and bars throughout New Haven will offer special cocktails, tastings and events. This is a fun choice for a date night or an evening out with friends. Event listing

 

September 17–20th

Berlin Fair — Berlin

One of the area’s favorite agricultural fairs, featuring animals, 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, food, live entertainment, contests and pulling events.

 

September 18–19th

Cheshire–Prospect Fall Festival — Bartlem Park, Cheshire

Don’t miss our hometown celebration! Friday evening features food, vendors and live music. The fun continues Saturday with community booths, crafts, activities, entertainment, food and the traditional fireworks display. Festival information

 

September 18–20

Guilford Fair — Guilford

Connecticut’s second-oldest agricultural fair returns with animals, exhibits, midway rides, fair food, live entertainment, competitions and family activities. The gates open Friday at 4:00 p.m. Fair information

 

September 19th

Closer to Free Ride — New Haven

Cyclists and supporters come together to raise money for Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Even if you are not riding, it is an inspiring community event to support. Ride information

 

September 24–27th

Durham Fair — Durham

Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair is always worth the trip! Enjoy animals, giant vegetables, agricultural exhibits, midway rides, fair food, demolition derbies, tractor pulls and live entertainment. Queen Nation performs Friday evening, and country artist Tyler Hubbard performs Saturday evening. Durham Fair details

 

September 25th

New Haven Grand Prix & Apizza Feast — Downtown New Haven

Watch exciting professional and amateur bicycle races while enjoying New Haven-style pizza, a beer and wine garden, entertainment and family activities. This year’s celebration will also attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pizza costume party! The public festival runs from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Event schedule

 

September 26th

CT Folk Fest & Green Expo — Edgerton Park, New Haven

Spend the day listening to live music on two stages while exploring artisan vendors, food trucks, environmental exhibits and children’s activities. The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation. Festival details

 

Mom’s Chili Sauce

 

September is the perfect time to make my mom’s homemade chili sauce! Growing up, we always enjoyed this on hamburgers at our Labor Day picnic. It's also delicious on hot dogs, meatloaf, pork chops, eggs and sandwiches—or simply served as a dip with crackers or chips.

 

Stop by John Carmody’s Farm Stand or one of our other favorites, Hamden's Hindinger Farm, to pick up farm-fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers. The smell of it simmering in the kitchen brings back so many wonderful family memories. I hope you enjoy this special recipe as much as we do!  We have a large family so this is Bowman size!

 

Ingredients

 

• 50 tomatoes
• 25 onions
• 25 green peppers
• 25 hot peppers
• 4 cups sugar
• ½ cup salt
• 3 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

 

Directions

1. Remove the skins from the tomatoes.
2. Chop the tomatoes, onions, green peppers and hot peppers.
3. Place all the vegetables in the largest pot you have.
4. Add the sugar, salt and apple cider vinegar.
5. Cook uncovered for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg.
7. Continue cooking for another 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Ladle into clean jars or containers and store appropriately.