Welcoming and Charming

From the moment you see this natural shingled home you feel the warmth and sincere welcome!  It is simply designed and meticulously built having been converted from a post and beam barn using pegged joints.  Everything you need is here or nearby.  It is tucked into a lovely open setting on the edge of the 6,000_ acre Gile State Forest, yet it's only a few minutes from Little Lake Sunapee, the Twin Lake Villa 9-hole par 3 golf course and shopping, medical facilities, band concerts, summer theater, skiing and more.  This will be love at first sight!  Offered at $254,000.  For more photos and details, visit   http://tour.circlepix.com/home/AS6HUJ/304-Twin-Lake-Villa-Road-Springfield-NH-4625759

Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

Looking for Impressive Views?

Take a look at this beautiful, custom built Post & Beam home in Sutton, NH.  Set amidst 20 acres of natural beauty with impressive mountain views, it is a home anyone would be proud to call their own.  This location was too special to build the ordinary.  Rustic and refined elements come together to create a feeling of peace and tranquility.  Wood beams frame cathedral ceilings, yellow pine floors glow, and the back is all oriented to the views.  Cooking is a delight in this updated kitchen with cherry cabiinets, soapstone countertops, and stainless steel appliances.  Made for casual entertaining with its open concept floor plan, large outdoor decks, and a fun-size pool table/family room.  It is the perfect blend of privacy and convenience - minutes to New London amenities or I-89 access.  For more photos and details, visit www.OutstandingNHViews.com

Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Looking for a positive home buying/selling experience? Call Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team!  603-526-4116


Should You Remodel to Sell Your Home?

Not all remodeling projects deliver the same bang for the buck when it comes to resale.  If you are planning to sell soon and think renovations will increase the value of your home, then some research might be in order.  While most renovation projects do increase the price of a house, the increase is almost always less than the cost of the project.  The 2017 Cost vs Value Report points out of the 29 projects they tracked, the payback was an average of 64 cents to the dollar.  Curb appeal projects such as changes to doors, windows, & siding, generated higher returns than interior projects.  Cost and value vary dramatically depending on where you live.  The hotter the market, the bigger the payback.  In New England, the project with the highest return was adding attic insulation where 86% of the cost is recouped.  The lowest return is a bathroom addition at 47%.   The biggest advantage remodeling has is it increases the appeal of your home to buyers.  A gleaming state of the art kitchen will sell a house more quickly than a home with an outdated kitchen and old appliances.  Contact me if you’d like more advice on how to cost effectively prepare your house to sell.  Donna Forest 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

NH Maple Sugar Weekend 2017

Don't miss New Hampshire's Maple Sugar Weekend March 25 & 26.  Visit local sugar houses and see how maple syrup is made and have a taste of maple candy.  Visit http://www.nhmapleproducers.com/2016/11/04/2017-maple-weekend/ to find your closest sugar house and hours of operation.  A good time for the whole family!

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Don't Miss this New London Listing!

This beautifully designed brick-ended Federal Colonial was built with particular attention to detail.  It features livability and versatility.  This home is so beautifully and elegantly designed, yet is particularly comfortable and livable.  It is open and fairly large, yet can be so private and cozy.  You can entertain dozens of people easily, yet you can be as private as you want.  3+ bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 acres with private back yard. This wonderful home will definitely fulfill someone's dreams!  Offered at $630,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.ClassicNHCountryHome.com


Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

92% of Buyers Can't Be Wrong

Did you know 92% of buyers in the Northeast used a real estate agent to buy their home?  Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make.  Whether a first time buyer or not, using a buyer’s agent means you have a professional in the business committed to working in your best interest.  Below are just a few of the many advantages you get:

  • Local knowledge & insight
  • Expertise in contract writing & negotiating
  • A buffer to keep emotions from derailing a sale
  • Guidance on the whole process from offer to inspections to closing
  • A reputable list of inspectors, attorneys, etc.
  • Advice on what to do in the event of…

A good buyer’s agent is an advisor and advocate so buyers can make informed decisions.

Thinking of buying?  Contact me to work with an Accredited Buyer’s Representative® and put my 23 yrs. of experience to work for you!  603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com.

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

Lake Sunapee Region Real Estate - See Our Video!

Listen to our Broker Associate, Donna Forest, and Jim Giller of Mascoma Savings Bank talk about our area's real estate market.  View the beautiful home in Sunapee that Donna is representing for sale.  Own a piece of Heaven on Earth!  Click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3rO109Ol0g&feature=em-share_video_user

If you would like to schedule a showing of this beautiful property and more, contact Donna Forest at 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, or www.DonnaForest.com

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Real Estate in 2017

New Hampshire Realtors has published the stats for NH residential and condominium properties sold in the month of January.  To see the report, click here.

You’ll be moving in the right direction with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Looking for a Home in Eastman?

Come enjoy tennis, golf, hiking, cross-country skiing, the lake and all the Eastman community has to offer.  This picturesque cape nestled in the trees has a first floor master bedroom, kitchen open to the dining area, stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceilings, French doors, and finished lower level with plenty more living space.  Large deck is great for BBQs and outdoor entertaining.  Natural landscaping with minimal yard work means you can have time to enjoy all the activities.  Eastman buy-in fee is $5,000. Offered at $189,900. For more photos and information, go to http://tour.circlepix.com/home/P7KTNF/3-Slalom-Drive-Grantham-NH-4619027

Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Looking for a positive home buying/selling experience? Call Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team!  603-526-4116

15 Ideas for a Memorable Housewarming Party

You’re finally ready to invite friends and neighbors into your new house, but before you send out invitations, take a few minutes to plan out how to make your party special. The best housewarming parties encourage old friends to visit your new digs and help foster new friendships with your neighbors!

neighborhood

1. Include a Handwritten Note

Printed invitations are a worthy and budget-friendly time saver, but don’t be afraid to add a quick note to entice new neighbors to attend. A simple “Hope to see you there!” will increase your chances of a higher turn-out and shows that you are truly excited to host your guests.

2. Include Directions

In the age of GPS navigation systems, it might be easy to forgo step-by-step directions. By including a simple map, hand-drawn or pulled from the internet, it’ll show your guests that you’ve taken the extra step to help them feel welcome. Plus, it will probably decrease the chances of anyone getting lost on the way to your new place!

3. Welcome Friends of Friends

Etiquette may frown on people bringing uninvited guests, but meeting friends of friends is a great way to expand your social circle. Therefore, encourage coworkers and new neighbors to bring friends if they’d like.

4. Finger Foods Galore

To encourage mingling, skip a sit-down dinner and offer plenty of finger foods. Label each food so guests with dietary restrictions know what they can safely eat.

5. DIY Party Favors

A simple DIY party favor can provide your guests with a cute keepsake of your amazing house party! By printing out colorful tags or cards with your new address, guests will know exactly where they can send you a “Thank you” note after they leave. You can even tie these tags on to bags of candy or nuts for an even tastier party favor!

6. Theme It Up

Having a themed party makes it easy to plan menus and decorations. You can also try coupling your housewarming with a holiday party. For example, a Halloween get-together that’s scheduled immediately after trick-or-treating can be a great way to meet the neighbors and initiate new friendships.

7. Create an Awesome Playlist

With just a few minutes spent on your computer, you can put together an amazing playlist that will start your party off right. If your new house has the space, consider moving furniture out of the way to create a makeshift dance floor. With the right tunes, your guests will be more than willing to get their groove on!

8. Have a Guestbook

Before your guests arrive, set up a fun and brightly colored guest book and place it by the front door. Ask your guests to sign it and add their contact information as well as any great tips for your new neighborhood, your new building, or if you’re new to homeownership, some tips to make the transition smoother!

9. Designate a Greeter

It’s easy to get distracted as the host of a party, but if you have an open house party, it’s imperative that you have someone manning the door at all times. If you’re not that gregarious, pick a trusted relative who’s ready to enthusiastically greet guests, take their coats and help them mingle with one another.

10. Have Some Activities on Hand

The best activities are short, don’t require everyone to participate and are plenty of fun for all ages. Try renting a karaoke machine, stock up on a few simple card games or have a game of charades ready to go.

11. Keep Gifts Out of the Way

If you’re lucky enough to receive gifts, find a spot to put them where they won’t be noticed. Sitting around while opening gifts is a guaranteed party killer. Plus, every good host knows that you should always focus on your guests and save the presents for later!

12. Skip the Grand Tour

Instead, give quick, individual house tours to people as you meet them. This plan ensures that you get a chance to have a one-on-one chat with everyone at your party and they get to see your new digs!

13. Spiff Up the House

Unlike other parties, guest will expect to see most of the rooms in your house during the house tour. Before you give them a tour, be sure that each room is spotless, no laundry is left on the floor and that the trash has been taken out.

14. Keep it Casual

Save the fancy cocktail party for another gathering. Your guests will likely be more comfortable in their casual attire, and besides, your floors may thank you for saving them from the effects of high heels and wooden soles.

15. Write Thank You Notes

Always remember to be a gracious host and send “Thank you” cards to all of your guests after the party. Keep it simple and buy a small card that will only fit a few lines of text. Be casual and genuine – now’s the time to let them know that you hope to see them again soon!

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team - Teamwork from the team that works the hardest for both buyers and sellers!