If there are two things I would say about the real estate market today, it would be inventory is down and prices are up. This is seen pretty much everywhere in the US as housing inventory decreased 8% from last year (through March) and listing prices are 8% higher. Statewide, NH closed sales are about the same as last year, the median sales price is up 6% to $260,000 and the average days on market was 86 days. Looking at Newbury, New London, & Sunapee combined, sales are about the same as last year through 3/31/18 (25 solds), the average days on market was 192 days and the median sales price increased about 15% to $392,000. Despite fewer homes being on the market, buyer demand is strong enough to keep prices rising for the foreseeable future. New listings will favor higher income buyers making it very challenging to find homes priced under $200,000. Typically, our spring market will bring an influx of new properties for sale – we just need to have spring arrive!! Contact me if you are thinking about buying or selling and want to know how the market impacts you. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
This lovely home on 10 acres with three barns offers a quiet, peaceful setting on a dead end road. Forced hot air oil heat and whole house air conditioning. Heated sun room with windows on three sides serves as an office and/or extra sleeping space. Large master bedroom, full bath and guest room on second floor. Half bath on first floor. Views of Ragged Mountain beyond rolling field. Large barn is three stories with room for hay storage and equipment storage as well as stalls. Garage barn has room for two vehicles plus a workbench and storage above. Small barn is one open room with a lower level currently being used for equipment storage. Paved, level driveway. Less than a half mile to Bradley Lake with public access for swimming and boating. Short drive to Proctor Academy and Andover village. Offered at $359,000. For more photos, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/8MXWYK/65-Hall-Road-Andover-NH-4687251
Joan Wallen, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
New homes are fresh and sparkling, but over time, they begin to show their age. If you want to keep your home feeling like new as each year passes, it’s important to keep up with proper maintenance tasks. Here are a few budget-friendly and DIY ideas to keep your home in fresh condition year after year.
1. Regular Cleaning
Normal cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, and dusting are important, but to really keep your home looking shiny and new, it’s important to remember deep cleaning tasks, as well.
Steam clean your carpets at least once a quarter, and don’t forget to vacuum and steam your furniture at the same time. When you dust, reach for areas like ceiling fans, wall corners, and the inside of cabinets. Thorough deep cleaning on a regular basis makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep your home looking fresh.
2. Seal Your Floors
When your floors are first installed, they have a layer of sealant. What most people don’t know, though, is that this sealant wears down over time from regular use and routine cleaning. Instead of replacing your floor, you should strip the finish and apply a new sealant roughly every five to ten years.
Sealants are made for the majority of hard floor surfaces, from tile and hardwood to vinyl and linoleum. Removing the old finish and adding the new one is a labor-intensive process, but the results are well worth the effort.
3. Paint Everything
There are many surfaces in your home that need regular paint touch-ups. Your walls may look outdated after just a few years, while cabinets and trim need updating every decade.
You can paint each room or item on a certain schedule or pay professionals to tackle the whole job at once. To make the colors stay current longer, stick to a neutral palette. It’s easy for bold colors to become outdated quickly. Grays, tans, and beiges fit a variety of design schemes and almost never go out of style.
4. Corral the Clutter
The longer you stay in a home, the more clutter and home decor you’ll unknowingly acquire. Most new homes feel more open and inviting because there aren’t as many items lying around. To keep your home feeling new, keep your belongings culled down and organized. Use space saving methods for an easy storage solution.
There are two ways to keep up with this decluttering task: scheduled or ongoing. You can set a regular schedule and keep to it. Many people choose to clean out twice a year, once after the New Year and once during the fall. Others like to declutter on an ongoing basis. You can organize each Friday, for example, or make a rule that nothing new comes into your home without something old leaving. It doesn’t matter which method you use, just as long as you keep the clutter to a minimum.
5. Maintain the HVAC System
Dust makes a home look old faster than anything else. It accumulates everywhere, and it makes your space smell musty and outdated. Your home’s HVAC system is the biggest culprit when it comes to pushing dust around. To rid this problem, regularly clean your air vents, and replace your filters every month to keep them energy efficient and fully functioning. You should also hire a professional to clean your HVAC system and duct work at least once or twice a year.
The best way to keep your home feeling new is to keep up with ongoing maintenance tasks. If you stick to a regular maintenance schedule with tasks like these, your home will feel fresh and new for many years to come.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Buying a home is a multi-step process that can be complicated, particularly for first-time buyers. It is crucial to be aware of each step, as competition can be steep: one misstep and the keys to a dream home could go to another family. Read on to discover the best path to acquire one of the greatest investments to date.
Step No. 1: Decide on a REALTOR®
A real estate agent and a REALTOR® are different. While both must be licensed to sell real estate, a REALTOR® goes through numerous background checks and must follow a strict code of ethics, which is consistently enforced by local real estate boards. Another distinction between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is that a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Ask for referrals and read online reviews/testimonials. Interview multiple agents to find the right one. Look for agents who have realistic expectations and are experts in desired neighborhoods.
Step No. 2: Get finances in order
A three-digit credit score and credit report tell financial stories more than bank accounts do. Everyone must carry debt in some form, and the process of paying it can span a lifetime. Paying cash for everything results in a lower score than responsibly carrying debt. A steady job and income can bypass a bad score if prospective clients are willing to put down 10-20 percent. To improve scores, future homeowners should pay all bills on time. A single missed payment can stay on credit reports for seven years, with recent delinquencies impacting scores the most negatively. Additionally, credit limits should not be exceeded, and balances should be kept below 30 percent of the credit limit.
Step No. 3: Apply for pre-approval
A pre-approval letter is a statement from a lender demonstrating that one is a qualified buyer who sellers will take seriously once ready to make an offer. Unless one plans on paying cash, a mortgage pre-approval is a good idea before beginning the home-buying process.
Step No. 4: Know the difference between wants and needs
Real estate agent will not know where to begin if a prospective client does not. Start thinking about must-haves. They can range from location to the number of bedrooms. Wants can include a pool or a guest home. Compromises are the things one is willing to exchange for needs. For example, a great school district can be attainable if the number of bedrooms is reduced.
Step No. 5: Begin the home search
Open houses will become a favorite activity when a real estate agent begins showing homes that fit criteria. This is a fact-finding mission. Take notes and jot down ideas about what is liked and not liked. This will streamline the process and give real estate agents all they need to know to make a happy homeowner.
Step No. 6: Check off mortgage approval
An accepted offer will begin the closing stage of the home-buying process. A lender will give the final approval for the purchase and specify the closing date. This is not the time to celebrate by splurging on big ticket items. Unexpected expenses can show up without warning. Paying property taxes or insurance for the first full year on the closing date might be a noted point.
Step No. 7: Get a home inspection
A good home inspector will audit the house from top to bottom, literally. They will look at the basement and the roof and everything in between, including the heating system, plumbing and windows. Given that purchasing a home is likely one of the largest investments a person will make, don’t skip this critical step. If repairs are necessary, this can be negotiated with the seller before the final sale.
Step No. 8: Prepare to close
Once at the final step in the process, one can pat themselves on the back for a job well done. The closing table is the desired location where the deed will be transferred from the seller to the buyer. John Hancocks should be ready because there could be hours of paperwork. An attorney or settlement agent will most likely be present.
May your new home be the happiest one on the block!
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Picture this – you’re getting ready to sell or trade-in your old car. What do you do? Common sense says you get rid of the years of accumulated stuff, clean it up and make necessary repairs. Why? First of all, no buyer wants to look at a car full of your things. And secondly, you want to maximize how much you can make on the sale by getting it in good condition. In fact, you may even take it to a car detailer. Well, the same holds true when you are ready to sell your house. In order to attract buyers and get the most money for what is probably your largest investment, you need to de-clutter and de-personalize your home and neutralize your décor. The house should be shiny clean from top to bottom including windows. And everything should be in good working order and up to snuff. Hiring a home stager would up the rewards, just like a car detailer. While it is hard to make the leap from living in your home to living in a house ready for the market, it will be time and money well spent with shorter days on market and more money in your pocket at the end! If you are thinking of selling this spring, contact me for more selling advice. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Waterfront homes on Lake Sunapee have always been an intriguing and specialized market. Even though Newbury, New London, and Sunapee share the lakefront, the uniqueness of each property along with the fact there really aren't that many homes along the shoreline, seems to determine the overall market. In the past 7 years for example, the total number of waterfront homes sold each year hovered around 10, give or take. In reviewing the sales in the past 3 years, the typical price breakout is about 8-10 houses selling for under $1 million, about 9 selling between $1-$2 million, 3 sales in the $2-$3 million and about one a year over $3 million.
A few more statistics - in the last two years, the median selling price per square ft. was $574/SF. In 2017, the average selling price was 99% of the asking price and in 2016 it was 89%. It took an average of 219 days to sell a lakefront home last year and 185 days in 2016.
As the saying goes, if you are lucky enough to own on Lake Sunapee, then you are lucky enough! If you are looking to capture some of this serenity for yourself, then contact me to work as your buyer's agent! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com.
Figures are based on information from the New England Real Estate Network, Inc. for the period 1/1/11 through 12/31/17 and 1/1/15 through 12/31/17.
Did you know you can get unlimited spring skiing for the rest of the season at Mount Sunapee for $129? Another foot of snow has just fallen, so don't miss out on the beautiful conditions!
The We Are Sunapee Pass includes unlimited skiing and riding from March 1st through the end of the season for only $129. One price fits all! Discover how awesome Mount Sunapee is with great spring skiing and riding!
How to Purchase
The We Are Sunapee Pass is available for purchase at Spruce Lodge Guest Services or online right now. Once you have it, you're ready to start skiing and riding for the rest of this season! This card is direct-to-lift and once you receive it from Guest Services, you can go right to the lift every time you come to Mount Sunapee (with the We Are Sunapee Pass in your pocket). Buy online here.
You always know a luxurious bathroom when you see one. It sparkles, shines and looks like something straight out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. However, a luxurious bathroom makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. You can increase the value of your home and achieve the effects of a luxury makeover by implementing these unique, budget-savvy renovation tips.
1. Pay Attention to the Decorative Details
The details in your bathroom make a powerful statement. Ignoring them can make the space look mediocre and plain. To achieve the effect of a luxurious bathroom on a budget, place importance on the small things instead of large, costly items.
Ornamental items, such as artwork, statues, candles and other décor can change the appeal of the entire space. Think about the tones that are often associated with luxury, such as gold, silver, chrome and sparkling, shiny elements. Focusing your decorative details on fancy materials and colors will add a spark of luxury.
Additionally, the color of your bathroom holds great power, as it can create an astonishing visual effect that impacts the ambiance. Keep this in mind when choosing decorative elements.
2. Add Character with an Accent Wall
If you’re not looking to do a complete renovation, focus your luxury design aspirations on an accent wall. Pick one wall and add crucial details that will take your bathroom to the next level of luxury.
Finishes and textures can be expensive if you’re adding them to the entire room. They’ll also blend in rather than making the powerful statement you want to achieve. An accent wall is an affordable way to add impact.
Add textured wallpaper that has the appearance of luxury materials, such as stone or marble. It’ll instantly add dimension and elegance into the space.
Match luxury finishes to your accent wall to create the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover. Add large decorative details such as mirrors with a gold frame, or large art pieces that will turn a plain wall into a masterpiece.
3. Natural Materials are Timeless and Luxurious
If you look at any luxury bathroom, you’ll see one common element – almost all of them incorporate natural materials into the space. Whether it’s on the walls, floors or in the small details, fancy spaces take advantage of natural aesthetics. They’re timeless, elegant and can instantly increase the value and style of your bathroom.
Marble and onyx are certainly among the top natural materials used in luxury bathrooms. However, they’re also among the most expensive options. The good news is that any natural material will work wonders when trying to achieve a fancy ambiance.
New wood flooring, wooden vines and green plants can add a spark of nature, ambiance and luxury into the space for a fraction of the cost. You receive all the benefits of luxury without the big price tag.
4. Lighting is Everything
If there’s one thing you’ll continuously hear associated with flawless interior design, it’s lighting. Lighting holds the power within any space. It can make a small room appear larger, a dark room appear livelier and a boring room appear more luxurious. Lighting affects the ambiance and design of your home, which is why it’s so important when creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover.
There are two options available. You can go grand and extravagant with large, statement light fixtures, or you can go with a subtler approach and use strategically placed accent lights. Both will have a similar affect when used properly.
Large light fixtures such as a gold-toned chandelier will achieve a powerful statement of luxury, while spotlights throughout the space offer a sweet, softer glow.
Since the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, it’s time to give yours a little TLC. Bathrooms are a huge selling point when you decide to list your home. Create the effect of a luxurious bathroom with these home decorating tips, and increase the value, aesthetics and enjoyment of your home.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
The National Association of REALTORS conducts a survey* every year on recent home buyers and sellers. Below are highlights on buyers from their most recent report.
- 34% of buyers were 1st time buyers.
- The median purchase price of a home was $235,000.
- 84% of buyers purchased in a suburb, small town or rural area vs. an urban area.
- 83% of buyers bought a single family home.
- 87% used a real estate agent.
- 95% searched online.
- 65% of buyers were married couples, 18% were single females, 7% were single males and 8% were unmarried couples.
- The typical home purchased was 1870 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and built in 1991.
Thinking of selling? Contact me if you’d like to know how these facts could impact your sale. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
*2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – National Association of REALTORS
After a record 2017 in the New Hampshire residential housing market, 2018 showed no signs of slowing with a brisk first month of the year. There were 911 closed sales in January, a 2 percent increase from the same month a year ago, and the median price of those homes was $260,000, a better than 5 percent jump from January 2017. Click here for statewide January statistics