Like the History and Charm of Old Houses?

Don't miss the New Hampshire Old House and Barn Exposition to be held at the Center of NH, Radisson Hotel in Manchester on March 15 and 16 from 9am-5pm.  There will be more than 100 exhibitors, presenters and demonstrations of old house products and services. Topics include researching your house's history, barn repair, historic wallpaper, energy efficiency, stonewall building and on and on.  Cost for Adults is $10; Students and Seniors $7; Children under 12 free.  Visit www.nhpreservation.org or call 603-2242281 for more information.

Want to be Near the Lake?

It's just a short walk down the hill to Sunapee Harbor from this 4 bedroom condo/home on Burkehaven Hill.  Open living area with cathedral ceiling and hardwood floors.  Sit on the deck and enjoy the mountain views.  Finished lower level with plenty of room for guests.  Take the kids to Dewey Beach to play and frolic in Lake Sunapee.  Sellers have a boat and boat slip they will offer to the buyers to purchase before they sell separately (not included in offering price).  Offered at $440,000.

Jane Snow, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116

Don't Make These Top 5 Loan Killers

If you plan on getting a mortgage, you need to be extra cautious with your finances.  Here are the top 5 show stoppers you should avoid.

  1.  Purchasing large ticket items.  Don’t buy a new car or even furniture until after the loan closes.  New payments will impact how much money you can borrow or can even prevent you from qualifying for a loan.
  2. Paying late on bills. One 30-day late payment can subtract 80 to 110 points from your credit score.  Many lenders require at least 12 consecutive months of on-time payments
  3. Shuffling money around. Lenders scrutinize all your bank statements as part of the approval process.  Any unusual deposits or withdrawals will require clear documentation of what they are.  A large sum of money transferred into an account right before closing could be lethal.
  4. Job changes. Taking on a new job can present some hurdles as lenders like stable income that will likely continue.  Changing job fields or starting your own business will be a red flag.
  5. Getting a new credit card. Even something as simple as getting a Kohl’s credit card will impact your credit score.

Give me a call if you want to work with a REALTOR® who can help you avoid the common pitfalls when buying your dream home.

Donna Forest, Broker Associate, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Come Learn about our State's Wildlife

A free adventure and photo presentation featuring the "Moose Man", Rick Libbey, will be held at the Sunapee Cove Assisted Living, 1250 Rte 11, Georges Mills, on Thursday, February 27 at 7pm. Treat yourself to a journey along the shorelines and woodlands of New Hampshire's lakes through the lens of Rick who is dedicated to saving baby black bears who have lost their mothers, and spreading the word about enjoying the state's wildlife in a respectful manner.

Space is limited; please RSVP to 603-763-0566 by Tuesday, 2/25/14. Refreshments will be served.

Thinking of Remodeling your Kitchen?

Read these 7 smart strategies from Houselogic.com.  Read more... Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this.  Reprinted from Houselogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Don't Miss This New Listing in Newbury, NH

If views and privacy are on the top of your list, then look no further!  This sizable hill top home is tucked away on 13 acres with incredible views, open areas, private swim/skating pond, and hiking trails.  Secluded, yet only 4 miles to Mt. Sunapee, less than a mile to Newbury Harbor, and you can walk to the deli!  4+ bedrooms, a lower level with potential for even more living space, and 3 car garage with enormous storage above.  Come watch the seasons change in your own back yard.  Offered at $449,000.  Visit www.NHViewHome.com for more photos and details.

Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Two Thumbs Up for 2013!

2013 proved to be a good year for the State of NH.  The number of homes sold was up 4.3% in 2013 compared to 2012 and median sales price increased 9.5% to $208,000.  The days on market dropped from 116 to 102 days.  These statistics are all great indicators that the downward spiral has stopped and the housing market is moving in the right direction.  The expectation is for this trend to continue into 2014. The statistics for Merrimack and Sullivan County follow a similar pattern with homes sales up 19.7% in Merrimack and up 13.9% in Sullivan. The median sales price increased 13.4% in Merrimack and decreased 9.4% in Sullivan. To break it down even more, Newbury & New London sales increased by about 10%  in 2013, while Sunapee was down by 5%.  The average selling price was 92% of the asking price and there was a decrease in the average days it took to sell a home to 5.5 months. An article in the December 22nd Wall St. Journal described the housing outlook as “Steadier, Sturdier.”  It appears that our housing market has settled into a healthy pattern of growth – I’m giving it two thumbs up!  Contact me if you want to know how sales are impacting the price of your home.  603-526-4116; donna@donnaforest.com; www.donnaforest.com (Based on information from NNEREN for the period 1/1/12 thru 12/31/13)

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate

Want Privacy and Convenience?

This New London cape on 7+ acres has it all!  Well-built 3 bedroom is less than ten minutes to the center of town and a very short drive to a lovely town beach on Pleasant Lake.  Go for a swim, relax on the beach and catch up with friends.  First floor master bedroom, lower level family room, open floor plan with fireplace and woodstove.  There's even a year-round brook behind the house.  Offered at $319,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.NHCape7AandBrook.com.

Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Tired of Paying Rent? New Listing in Sunapee, NH

This large, affordable home offers room to grow - so much for so little!  Large country kitchen with wood floors is the heart of the home and the corner wood stove radiates warmth throughout.  3 bedrooms, 2 baths and detached 2 car garage.  Jump out of bed and be on the slopes of Mt. Sunapee, less than 4 miles down the road.  For more photos and details visit www.SunapeeNHHome.com.  Offered at $197,000.

Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Sold Your House? Now Prepare for the Closing

It’s time to go to the closing.  How should buyers & sellers prepare so all goes smoothly?  While the closing agent (an attorney or title company) handles most of the details, there are some actions you can take to avoid last minute surprises.  Be sure you know where the closing is and at what time and bring photo ID.  Your REALTOR® should review the closing statement with you for accuracy prior to the closing. Buyers should bring closing funds in the form of a certified or cashier’s check.  Funds can also be wired, as long as it’s done in time to arrive for the closing.  This usually means at least a day ahead.  Wiring is not instantaneous. Sellers should bring the new deed, keys, and paid receipts if work had to be completed as part of the contract.   Be aware that it is customary for the closing agent to disburse monies after depositing collected funds and recording the deed at the appropriate Registry of Deeds.   This means there could be a delay in disbursement after the actual closing.  Again, keep in mind that even wired funds take some time. The bottom line is that if you’re well prepared, closing day will be exciting and stress-free!  Call me if you want to work with a REALTOR® who will make your closings stress-free.  603-526-4116, donna@donnaforest.com, www.donnaforest.com

Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate