[kidyankee764]

Before we left for vacation, we took a look at a listing in Cheshire for just over $250,000. The neighborhood was great, house was great, and we're wondering what the catch is for such an affordable home. Anything wrong with this area? Also, typically, how often should one replace a roof? The roof looked fairly dated, and I believe the Realtor said it was 14 years old. Would it be a stretch to wait 5 more years before replacing it?

My wife will be working in Torrington next year and I'll be in Shelton. Any issues with the commute from Cheshire to Shelton, Rich? Seems like you're okay with it.

Thanks guys.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Before we left for vacation, we took a look at a listing in Cheshire for just over $250,000. The neighborhood was great, house was great, and we're wondering what the catch is for such an affordable home. Anything wrong with this area? Also, typically, how often should one replace a roof? The roof looked fairly dated, and I believe the Realtor said it was 14 years old. Would it be a stretch to wait 5 more years before replacing it?

My wife will be working in Torrington next year and I'll be in Shelton. Any issues with the commute from Cheshire to Shelton, Rich? Seems like you're okay with it.

Thanks guys.

It sounds like you're in an agency relationship which prevents me from commenting...

[kidyankee764]

How about the commute from Cheshire - any back ways other than 84 to 8 that you'd recommend, like Rt 42?

[KH02]

If you tell me what street it's on, I can help. My DH is from Cheshire as well as his parents.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Before we left for vacation, we took a look at a listing in Cheshire for just over $250,000. The neighborhood was great, house was great, and we're wondering what the catch is for such an affordable home. Anything wrong with this area? Also, typically, how often should one replace a roof? The roof looked fairly dated, and I believe the Realtor said it was 14 years old. Would it be a stretch to wait 5 more years before replacing it?

My wife will be working in Torrington next year and I'll be in Shelton. Any issues with the commute from Cheshire to Shelton, Rich? Seems like you're okay with it.

Thanks guys.

14 years old can be pushing it...however, it depends on the conditions it has seen during it's life. I.E. Full sun everyday, tree "junk" being deposited on it and not cleaned off, mold/moss buildup not being removed etc etc.

It also depends on the quality of the shingles used and the quality of the install as well.

My roof is about 13 years old and in veeeeery good shape. I clean all the crunk off every year and powerwash it at least every two years...so you never know.

If it's in good shape and you keep after it, I don't see why you can't get another 3-5 out of it.

As for the price of the home, I'm not 100% up on the situation but I remember the old abandonded "barite mines" and water quality issues coming up. Do a search on that subject.

Edit: I found something. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/Com...l112204-CT.pdf

[Connecticut Pam]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Before we left for vacation, we took a look at a listing in Cheshire for just over $250,000. The neighborhood was great, house was great, and we're wondering what the catch is for such an affordable home. Anything wrong with this area? Also, typically, how often should one replace a roof? The roof looked fairly dated, and I believe the Realtor said it was 14 years old. Would it be a stretch to wait 5 more years before replacing it?My wife will be working in Torrington next year and I'll be in Shelton. Any issues with the commute from Cheshire to Shelton, Rich? Seems like you're okay with it.

Thanks guys.

I think the housing market has dropped substantially, so no I don't think that there would be any "catch" for the $250,00 listing on the home you looked at. I live close to Cheshire, maybe 3 miles if that and the area is gorgeous and $250,000 is a steal for a home there. As far as the roof goes, I would replace it anyhow. With a price like $250K for the home, it is well affordable. I wouldn't push it for 5 more years...get it done and over with and then ask the contractor what he recommends or better yet, research on the internet what is recommended. Torrington is a bit of a haul from Cheshire...maybe half hour or more and as far as how far to Shelton...maybe 40 minutes so technically you are both going to be doing some traveling. If you are ok with that, then by all means move to Cheshire...you won't regret it. It is one of my favorite places to go for a ride on a nice day...good luck!

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by Connecticut Pam

I think the housing market has dropped substantially, so no I don't think that there would be any "catch" for the $250,00 listing on the home you looked at.

The market has really dropped in Cheshire, more so than for surrounding towns.

Originally Posted by Connecticut Pam

I live close to Cheshire, maybe 3 miles if that, and the area is gorgeous; and $250,000 is a steal for a home there.

Yes and no. There is a price-per-square-foot calculation that used to hold - $200/sf. Which this being said, an 1100-sf Ranch priced at $250,000+/- would be overpriced.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

How about the commute from Cheshire - any back ways other than 84 to 8 that you'd recommend, like Rt 42?

I tried the Route 42 => Route 8 route once. Route 42 through Cheshire and Bethany is very winding. Any mileage saved was eaten up by the decreased speed.

Due to the location of your prospective property (SW Cheshire), it doesn't make a lot of sense to go Mountain Rd => Route 68 W => Route 8 S (basically the route that I take). But you could try South Brooksvale Ave => Route 10 S => Shepard Ave => Whitney Ave => Wilbur Cross Pkwy S (Rt 15) => Route 8 N.

[JayCT]

Depending on where in Cheshire the house is and where in Shelton you live, it appears to be a 20 mile trip and will take you at least 30 minutes. There are a couple of backroads of Route 15 that you could use depending where in Shelton you are going. If you work in the center of town, you could cut up Route 34 from the Parkway and cross the river into downtown in Derby. If you work in the Commerce Drive area, you can get off the parkway at Route 110, head north to Warner Hill Road. Could save you a few minutes.

Cheshire is about 30 miles from Torrington and the trip would be about 45 mintues. That is a bit of a hike to do everyday. JMHO, Jay

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Depending on where in Cheshire the house is and where in Shelton you live, it appears to be a 20 mile trip and will take you at least 30 minutes.

JMHO, Jay

Correct. My trek is 26.7 miles each way. I leave at 7:10 am and arrive at work at 7:55 am! The last two weeks, traffic's been a lot worse. I'm now leaving at 7:05 am. Traffic is backing-up as far north as Seymour.