On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.
~Jules Renard
If you are looking for your piece of heaven, then this might be the one! Only 10 minutes to skiing at Mt. Sunapee and an easy drive to almost anything, this country casual antique farmhouse sits on 9 acres of rolling field and woods, which means moonlit winter sledding parties are a must! The large deck beckons you out for morning coffee or evening cocktails so you can sit and absorb the wonderful mountain views. You’ll be enchanted by the warm wood floors, light and bright rooms, and the inviting den wrapped in windows and topped off with skylights. Curl up in the cathedral ceiling living room offering a classic brick fireplace with woodstove insert. Your personal retreat awaits as the spacious primary bedroom and bath encompasses the whole second floor. Additional features include a 2-car garage and a picturesque weathered barn standing proudly in the field. Numerous energy efficiency improvements have been made.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Are you dreaming ... of leaving city life behind? Of working from home and bringing in additional income?
Well then, don't miss this opportunity! This incredible, meticulously updated property, situated in the heart of the Sunapee Region, offers many possibilities: live in the attached apartment and "Air BnB" the main house OR operate as a charming bed & breakfast for destination weddings and skiers at nearby Mt. Sunapee OR live in the mainhouse and rent out the in-law apartment (currently $2,500/month in rental income!). You are only limited by your dreams. This home as it all! Make your dreams a reality with this unique property. Come experience for yourself what it means to "love where you live"!
Click here for more information.
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – BHG Milestone Real Estate.
Here are some common misconceptions when purchasing a home.
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We can find a loan AFTER we find a house.
- The first step in the home buying process is to get pre-qualified so you know how much you can afford. A letter from the lender should be submitted with any offer.
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We get a better price if we work directly with the listing agent.
- By definition, listing agents represent the sellers’ interests. Not yours. A buyer’s agent’s duty is to help you through the whole transaction.
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Zillow’s “Zestimates” are an accurate estimate of market value.
- Zillow uses an automated system to compute values of homes. It can’t take into account many other factors such as superior workmanship, recent upgrades or even major structural issues.
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The lower we offer the more the seller will come off their asking price.
- In this very competitive market, low offers will most likely be ignored or rejected by sellers. Buyers are competing with other buyers for homes. Properties are selling at or over their asking price in most cases.
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You need a 20% down payment.
- There are many loan programs available with financing up to 90-95%. If you qualify for an FHA loan, you only need 3.5%.
As an accredited buyer’s representative, I can help you successfully navigate the home-buying process. If you want to achieve your home ownership goals, give me a call. 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna @DonnaForest.com
Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial investments you’ll probably make. It also can be a very emotional one as well. Here are some tips to help take the stress out.
- Work with a Realtor that not only is knowledgeable but also is comfortable fit with your personality.
- Don’t look for perfection. Every house has tradeoffs; focus on the most important features.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking.
- Don’t nickel & dime when it comes to negotiations. Yes, negotiating is part of the process but over-negotiating can kill the deal.
- Keep in mind that there is no “right” time to buy. Second-guessing interest rates or trying to time the market is next to impossible.
- Don’t ask for too many opinions. Some input from friends or family can be helpful. Too much – it’s confusing. Listen to the advice of your Realtor.
Give me a call if you are looking for a knowledgeable Realtor to help guide you through the home buying process! 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna @DonnaForest.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
How would you like to live in a cozy, low-maintenance condo unit, tucked away in a private tranquil neighborhood, yet less than 5 minutes from the buzzing town center of New London? If so, look no farther than this special opportunity at Hilltop Place Condo Association. This one-bedroom, one-bath unit is very comfortable and roomy. Separate living and dining rooms, kitchen, bedroom, and bath can all be found on one level. Side sliders open to a sunny open field between units. Decent storage. Detached one car garage with opener. Visit www.newlondonnhcondo.com to learn more!
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Autumn is knocking. Whether you want to go out and enjoy the crisp, cool air or stay nice and cozy inside we have tons of activities, craft ideas, and recipes to fill your Fall!
Fall Activities
Get ready for Fall with these awesome activities.
- Start a new family tradition and create unforgettable blanket forts with the kids. Pick a new theme every few weeks to change it up. One night could be space themed–hang twinkling lights and paper mache planets.
- Uncover some clever ways to add fall flair to your porch.
- Check out these incredible tips on how to host a fall backyard gathering! If you set a buffet, don’t forget to disinfect the serving utensils.
- Get festive and get decorating.
- Apple picking is a great activity to do while practicing social distancing. Try out some of the apple recipes below and donate a basket of apples to those in need.
- Create your own family board game. Use the bottom of a cardboard box as the board and create little pieces of out clay. Make your own little world with silly rules and fun twists.
- What better thing to do with all that fall foliage than have a pet photoshoot? Don’t forget to film a slow-motion video of your pet plunging into a pile of leaves.
- Host a virtual paint and sip night! Pick a fall-themed subject to paint and send it to everyone before you start. Everyone can paint on a canvas or regular paper while catching up and sipping on warm apple cider or wine.
- We all could use some serious comfy relaxation time. Discover great tips on how to make your home cozier for Fall.
Fall Crafts
Below are some craft ideas you will Fall in love with.
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Click here for some unbe–leaf-able crafts using leaves.
- Fall is all about getting cozy! Since we’re spending more time inside, discover how to make a weighted blanket so you can stay warm and comfortable.
- Create your very own leaf-shaped dish to hold jewelry or change. Press a leaf that you like onto a rolled-out piece of clay. Using a knife, carefully trace the leaf. When you’re done, slowly pull the leaf off and gently curl the sides up. Place newspaper around the edges, so it holds its shape and looks like a dish. Once it’s dried, paint it any color you want and seal it with a gloss or matte sealer to protect the finish.
- Here are some simple fall crafts and handmade ideas to make your home ready for autumn.
- Discover gourd–geous farmhouse fall decor ideas.
- Treat yourself! Make your own Fall scented candles such as cinnamon, pumpkin, or apple. First, find a glass jar you want to use as the container. Double the amount of wax you would use to fill the container and melt it in a double boiler while stirring frequently. Mix in whatever fragrance oil you choose. Place the wick on the bottom of your jar and slowly pour in the wax. Secure the wick while the wax hardens by sandwiching it between two chopsticks. You can also glue cinnamon sticks onto the outside of an old candle to make your home smell incredible.
- Find festive fall decoration ideas here.
- Make a variety of pinecone creations! Create cute little hedgehogs by making a face and limbs out of clay. Adhere the face onto the pinecone and glue on googly eyes and a small black nose. You could also make a flower bouquet by gluing pinecones to the end of sticks and painting each one a different color. Another option is to design a wreath using pinecones and colorful leaves and flowers.
Fall Recipes
Stir up some delicious food and drinks.
- Get dipping with this scrumptious recipe for marbled caramel apples.
- An apple a day… Click here for an assortment of mouthwatering apple desserts.
- When it’s chilly outside we need chili inside.
- There’s nothing to laugh about when it comes to this snickerdoodle recipe.
- It’s pumpkin season. Click here if you’re craving some classic pumpkin pie.
- Uncover this unbe-leafable fall marshmallow tree recipe.
- Pumpkin spice makes everyone nice. Get cozy with this pumpkin spice latte recipe.
Ways to Give Back
Fall into a charitable spirit with these ideas on how you can give back.
- Spring isn’t the only time for cleaning. Go through your summer gear and gather things you can donate.
- Be neighborly. Check on your neighbors and see if there is anything you can help them with. Rake the leaves in their yard, clean their gutters, or pick up their groceries.
- Make blankets to donate to the homeless and others who need to keep warm. You can recycle your old clothes to create a DIY t-shirt blanket as well.
- October is National Book Month so set aside some time to go through all of your books and make a donation box.
First published at https://www.bhgre.com/bhgrelife/fall-fun/
Typically, as we slide into our fall season of apple picking and pumpkins on the porch, the real estate market starts to slow down. Usually there are fewer buyers out looking and not as many homes for sale. But as we all know, this year is anything but normal! Homes are still selling quickly and values continue to rise. Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed loan applications were up more than 30% year over year and they expect buyer demand to continue into 2021. In the words of Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors' chief economist, “this market momentum is very solid.” He also stated "home sales continue to amaze, and there are plenty of buyers in the pipeline ready to enter the market."
“With unusually high buyer interest this late in the home buying season, buyers are moving much faster than this time last year to beat out competition and lock in low mortgage rates. This means homes are sitting on the market for much less time, despite notably higher price tags,” the report’s author, Realtor.com economist Danielle Hale, wrote. “Campisi, Natalie The Fall Real Estate Market Is Abnormally Hot As Mortgage Rates Break Records” Forbes 9/11/20
Bottom line, it’s not too late to get your house on the market! Contact me if you want to know how to successfully sell your home this fall. 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna @DonnaForest.com
If a classic clapboard Cape Cod on a tree-lined street is your image of home, then give this one a look! Nicely set back from Shaker Road with a beautiful view of Mt Kearsarge, this house is situated in the midst of New Hampshire splendor: 3.5 miles to charming New London town center, 4 miles from Kearsarge Regional High School and within 2 - 4 miles of two 18-hole golf courses. The terraced backyard abuts a 4 acre pond with plenty of trails in the Cascade Marsh Wildlife Preserve for year-round outdoor activities. A wonderful house with a first floor master bedroom and an upstairs with 2-3 bedrooms off a loft/den area, along with a hobby room that can be multi-purposed. Other features include wood floors in the dining and living room, a wood-burning fireplace, a delightful screened porch to enjoy summer evenings, an attached 2-car garage, stand-by generator, and a brand new roof! Come check out this spacious house at a price you can afford! Call for details.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
This wonderful roomy farmhouse with rich local history is conveniently located near the village of Grantham, close to Rte. 89, and a short distance to Lebanon/Hanover to the north and New London/Sunapee to the south. Once part of an over 500-acre working farm, this 4br/2ba home sits along a beautiful stretch of Stocker Brook. The 3.2 acre mostly-level property features perennial gardens, shrubs, trees, and an open pasture area suitable for livestock or horses. The attached outer buildings were once used as an ice house and farm storage, later as horse stalls and snowmobile storage (with drive out and direct access to miles of trails maintained by the local snowmobile club). Other features: FHA Propane heat (new 2016), 4-bedroom septic (new 2020), double pane windows with screens, a standing seam roof, and a great screened porch in shade of an old maple tree. Excellent opportunity for someone who would enjoy its history and charm and undertake some 21st Century updates. Offered at $229,000.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
The real estate market continues to see low inventory and high buyer demand which means it is still a sellers’ market. In July, the state was reporting historically low inventory – half as much for sale this year compared to last year in July (which was also historically low). Buyers realize the importance of home ownership as evidenced by the Mortgage Bankers Association Aug.12 report which shows a 22% increase in mortgage home purchase applications over last year.
NH market data reveals the state had the highest July median sales price ever for that month at $340k. Year to date (thru July) the median sales price in NH is up 7% at $320k compared to $299k last year with the days on market at 56 days and sellers receiving 98.9% of the list price. In the combined towns of Newbury, New London & Sunapee, the number of home sales is a little ahead of last year (thru July) – 115 sales this year/110 sales in 2019. The avg. days on market is 74 and sellers are receiving 96% of their asking price. Currently there are only 43 homes for sale in the 3 towns; 29 of which are priced over $400k. Now is the ideal time to be selling as we expect buyer activity to remain strong thru early fall. Contact me if you’d like to know the value of your home in today’s active market! 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna @DonnaForest.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team