When you’ve just moved into a new community, getting involved with your neighbors and neighborhood can be a great beginning to a happy life. Our communities can be pillars of support when we need them or friendly faces we’re happy to see each day. Through volunteering, joining clubs and groups, taking part in community sports activities and hosting events, you can bond with those who live around you and create a wonderful home for yourself – and others.
Here are 5 ways to get more involved in your community:
Many big cities and small towns have carnivals, holiday gift boutiques, formal dinners and similar charitable events to bring the community closer together. Attend these events and enjoy being a part of shared experiences. You’ll likely meet people who have many of the same interests as you do, which is a good way to form friendships.
- Attend or host charity events
Children often enjoy becoming members in Girl or Boy Scout-type groups, YMCA memberships, parks and recreation classes or mommy and me groups. Often, parents of kids in these programs go on to become friends for life. If you don’t have little ones, it’s still possible to coach, teach a craft, be a dance instructor and get involved in your community in other ways.
Families can get to know neighbors by becoming active in after-school programs. Even if you don’t have kids, meet new people in your neighborhood by volunteering your time to these activities.
- Get active in after-school programs
How can you help those who share your small part of the world? Perhaps tutoring, offering legal aid, mentoring, teaching a language, organizing a food bank or visiting the elderly in your community resonates with you. Children can often be persuaded to join the community volunteer force by teaching older adults all the ways of the Internet.
Volunteer in a local clinic, hospital, nature center, library or community center. Volunteerism is a superb way to meet people and contribute skills and talents to those who might need them. Not only will you probably experience a sense of accomplishment after sharing the gifts you have to offer, your neighbors will likely notice your contributions and consider you a valuable member of the community.
- Become a community volunteer
If you have a community center or other public space available, use it to form friendships while you learn something new. Sometimes taking turns meeting in members’ homes, either weekly or monthly, is a good way to break the ice with small talk or enjoy truly enriching conversation. Think about planning a series of special gatherings or ongoing drop-in events.
Learn more about the people who live near you by starting conversations within your community. This is easily done through book clubs or groups that come together to make jewelry, create art, cook and learn new languages. Ask your immediate neighbors if they know about any clubs or meetups you can join. If there aren’t any, start one yourself.
- Start conversations
While you till, water, plant and harvest, try to get to know the members of your community. Tell stories of where you came from and ask others about their backgrounds. If you have kids, get them involved with a beginner’s food scrap garden and encourage neighbors to bring their children to participate too.
Join a community garden in your neighborhood, and if you don’t have one, start one. Growing organic produce on a shared plot is a great way to connect with people near you. It also helps everyone involved develop a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping the air, water and ground clean and safe in a community.
- Join a community garden
The good thing about getting involved in your new community is that if there aren’t gardens, clubs, organized activities, volunteer opportunities or other programs in place for you to meet people, you can always be the facilitator of these types of gatherings. Your new neighbors will probably be glad you took the initiative to provide ways to connect.
Source: www.bhgre.com
Many sellers are tempted to take their homes off the market between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. They feel the market significantly slows down and that they have little chance of selling - so why disrupt their holidays? While the slowdown may be true to some degree, there are several advantages for keeping a house on the market during this time frame. First, buyers that are out looking are serious buyers and are ready to offer on something they like. In addition, there usually are fewer properties on the market this time of year so the competition is reduced. Plus the holidays offer a perfect time to dress up a home for prospective buyers. Sellers looking to sell should seriously consider keeping their homes on the market through the holidays – it may turn out to be their most wonderful time of the year!
If you are looking for an experienced REALTOR with the common sense to help sell your house in any season, then give me a call! 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
This attractive, four bedroom colonial is privately set on two acres of land in Bradford, NH. It offers a spacious, welcoming layout with hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom is on the second floor with ensuite bath. Two car garage, nice yard, and large deck across the entire length of the house to watch the wildlife. Offered at $324,900.
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
While we are in the season of giving thanks, it serves as a good reminder why we should be thankful to be homeowners. It’s not just about having a roof over your head – a home provides shelter, wealth, stability & pride. Below are just some of the many financial and non-financial benefits.
- The average homeowner’s net worth is 44x greater than a renter’s. (Federal Reserve’s survey of Consumer Finances 2013-2016)
- Rent prices increase 3-4% annually. A fixed mortgage provides the stability of knowing your payments won’t go up.
- You can build home equity which can then later be used to start a business, pay college tuition, or help buy a vacation property.
- Homeowners tend to be more involved in their community.
- Home ownership provides a sense of accomplishment & control over your environment. This also impacts children as studies show they have less behavioral problems and perform better in school.
If owning a home is part of your American dream, then contact me to help you start the process! 603-526-4116; Donna@DonnaForest.com; www.DonnaForest.com
If you're looking for serene tranquility with gorgeous westerly views, this is the home for you! This Davis Frame home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, open kitchen, dining and living areas and heated 3 bay garage with storage above. Welcoming screen porch, large deck and family room in walk-out lower level. All on 5.2 acres. You won't be disappointed! Offered at $479,000.
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
An appraisal is a licensed appraiser’s opinion of value of a property usually based on comparable sales. When buyers get a mortgage, the lender requests an appraiser to conduct a written valuation of the house. The lender will compare the appraisal price to the selling price to make sure the buyer is not borrowing more than the house is worth. An appraisal is subjective and is more of an art than science. Some appraisers are more generous in their adjustments and some are more conservative, all following lending guidelines. In quickly appreciating markets such as this one, it does happen where a home will appraise lower than the agreed upon sales price. The lack of similar sales and higher prices due to bidding wars make it challenging for appraisers. If the appraisal comes in low, it does not mean the seller must sell it to you at the appraised value. It can become a point of renegotiation or buyers may have to pay out of pocket for the difference. Obviously the goal is to make the sale work for both parties. Remaining calm and working with an experienced agent is the key to a successful sale. Give me a call if you'd like professional service in buying or selling a home. 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com.
Come enjoy this recently updated 3 bedroom 3 bath condominium overlooking the first green at Lake Sunapee Country Club. Golf, tennis and pool membership is available separately. The on-site restaurant is open to the public and is within walking distance. Three season, enclosed porch to enjoy the views. Five minutes to town and shopping. Offered at $329,900 with monthly association dues of $777.
Joan Wallen, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
It takes more than just putting a sign on your front lawn to sell a house. Below are some surefire ways to make your house attractive to buyers.
- Maintain the Yard – First impressions count and mowed lawns, trimmed bushes, fresh mulch help.
- Remove Clutter & Personal Items – Decluttered rooms will feel larger. Remove family photos, collections, etc. so buyers can picture themselves in the house.
- Get a Professional Cleaner – Sparkling windows, shampooed carpets, spotless kitchen & baths will speak volumes to buyers.
- Let the Sun in – Light & bright sells. Remove curtains, open blinds, put in high wattage bulbs.
- Paint – A fresh coat of paint (neutral colors) makes the house seem larger, brighter & more appealing.
Getting ready to sell involves a lot of time and energy. Contact me for more sound advice on how to prep your home for sale. www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com; 603-526-4116
In this area there definitely is. Usually it’s our first sign of spring when For Sale signs start popping up like dandelions in the lawn and our multiple listings change daily with new homes and land on the market. Data from the National Association of REALTORS show that May through August are the busiest months for volume of sales. Buying stays steady through the summer and early fall. It usually drops off right after Labor Day for a couple of weeks and then picks up again in October through early November. Two of the more obvious factors for this “seasonal” market include the fact that school has ended and families prefer to move before the next school year starts as well as the weather is much nicer in the spring-summer to be out looking at properties. This is not to say that properties will not sell any other time of year. It just means in this area there may be fewer buyers out there looking. With proper pricing and enhancing your home for maximum effect, a house will sell regardless of the month. Give me a call to get the Better Homes & Gardens advantage any time of year. 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com.
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Moving to a new neighborhood is never easy. Why not show a warm welcome by giving a welcome basket to your new neighbors? As an established ambassador of your block, now’s your opportunity to bring over a few little gifts for neighbors to make them more comfortable in their new home.
Fruits, vegetables and flowers
If you’re a gardener, consider sharing the bounty. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a big hit. They may even inspire some fun, future garden rivalry. Feeling inspired? Pack your treasures into a box with a few seed packets that easily grow outdoors, a tool for weeding and a nice pair of gardening gloves.
Snacks and a drink
Who doesn’t love treats? Although it used to be the tradition to bring by a bottle of wine for new neighbors, be cognizant of the fact that some may prefer not to drink alcoholic beverages. Instead, bring over a bottle of sparkling water and fruit juice to make a spritzer. To accompany the refreshers, pack a small fruit basket and chocolates.
If you really want to impress your new neighbors, bring them baked goods straight out of the oven. Make sure to provide a full list of ingredients in case your neighbors have allergies. You may want to make options that are free of nut, dairy and eggs.
A gift card to a great local restaurant
Your new neighbors may not feel up to preparing a meal. After all, their kitchen may still be filled with boxes! Offering a gift card to your favorite local restaurant is a nice gesture that will also prevent your neighbors’ stomachs from rumbling. Fortunately, gift cards can be purchased in a wide range of amounts to avoid worrying about overspending. A typical amount for new neighbors is anywhere between $20 to $50. Try to choose a restaurant with a lovely view and a wide variety of menu items to suit all dietary needs.
Host a small gathering
Plan a meet and greet as a gift for neighbors. It’ll give you an excuse to have a party and will help your new friends acclimate to the neighborhood. You don’t need to plan anything fancy. A small backyard BBQ is always fun. You can move the party indoors during the cooler months. Have plenty of snacks on hand, including an assortment of finger foods. This is also an opportunity to ask everyone in the neighborhood to contribute. Rather than prepare all of the food yourself, plan a potluck and have people bring their favorite dishes.
A touch of green
Even neighbors who don’t have green thumbs will appreciate a nice plant. Stick with a plant that doesn’t require a lot of care. Spider plants, devil’s ivy, philodendrons and calla lilies are safe bets. Instead of a houseplant, put together a small herb garden as a gift for neighbors. Mint, basil and thyme come in starter sizes. Get creative with the containers you choose. Whether you give your neighbors a houseplant or a selection of herbs, just make sure to provide instructions on how to care for their new plant.
After giving your neighbors a small gift, ask if there are any ways you can help them get settled in and just generally make yourself useful.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com