FAST FACTS: I grew up in Brookline, MA, attended Hobart & William Smith Colleges and graduated from Boston University. After teaching at Colby-Sawyer College (then Colby Junior) I started a 25-year career in the ski industry. I was Ski Patrol Director at King Ridge for 10 years, also handling their marketing and public relations. For the next 15 years I held various management positions at ski resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire. I’ve been at Milestone Real Estate working with clients and customers in rentals and sales for the past 27 years.
INTERESTS: I continue to ski as much as possible and have visited more than 70 areas nationwide. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing with my dog are also fun winter pastimes. In summer I enjoy water sports, golf and hiking. Spending time on Martha’s Vineyard, where my family has a home, is a big part of my life.
FUN FACTS: I started a softball team in New London in the 1970s and there are still a few women around here who played on that team. Writing for a couple of regional and national ski publications is a fun sideline. As I sit at my desk in my home office, I look out at a spectacular view of Mt. Kearsarge!
I am happy to help with all your real estate needs - whether selling, buying, or renting.
TESTIMONIAL: “Joan Wallen is terrific! She has been our manager for years and has done an excellent job! With her experience in real estate, she’s kept everything running smoothly, and we thank you Joan! Joan is extremely personable and professional, and my brother and I highly recommend her.” ~ Owner, New London
The post "Making Necessary Repairs Before Listing Your Home" appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Taking care of repairs before putting your house on the market can help you attract more buyers, get top dollar for your home, and avoid lengthy and costly negotiations over needed fixes.
Roughly 43% of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® agents say that a wow-worthy exterior makes the best first impression. It follows, then, that your home’s interior should also be “picture perfect” before listing.
If you’re getting your home ready to sell, consider first repairing anything that takes away from your property showing in the best possible light.
Wondering where to start? Repairs are easier to take on when you begin with a clean and decluttered home, so give your house a good tidying up or call a professional to do the job. Then, give away, sell, or throw away anything you don’t want or need. Next, it’s time to address repairs.
Be proactive in assessing your home for potential issues that might turn off buyers. And, fix problems before photographing your property. Remember, even if buyers don’t notice a particular cosmetic (or larger) concern, a home inspector likely will. So, ask your agent for advice on taking care of any flaws that might hinder the sale of your house.
Buyers typically don’t want to deal with repairs before or immediately upon moving in. You can attract buyers to your property by presenting a well-maintained home in move-in condition.
Why Tend to Repairs Before Listing
Below are some reasons to take care of repairs before putting your home on the market.
Increased appeal – Homes in good condition are more attractive to homebuyers, especially first-time buyers who might not want to take on costly (or lengthy) repairs before moving in. Minimizes negotiation points – Address repairs before listing to reduce the chance of buyers negotiating for price reductions or credits. Quicker sale – Move-in ready homes usually sell for more than those where the buyer needs to make repairs.
Top Overlooked Repairs That Hinder a Sale
Jessica Poulos, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team says two categories of repairs could hinder a home sale.
Deferred maintenance – Letting maintenance and repairs slide on your home’s major systems and structural components will likely turn buyers away. Ensure you’re on top of roof cleaning and repair, gutter cleaning, plumbing leaks, HVAC service, significant cracks in walls and ceilings, and exterior painting. Unkept or dirty areas – Buyers notice when a home isn’t clean and tidy. It doesn’t take much effort to fix and spruce up dirty windows, flooring that needs cleaning or repair, broken or old cabinetry, and damaged kitchen and bathroom tile.
Types of Repairs to Consider Before Listing
Do a full home walk-through before listing to document the areas that might cause buyers to pause (ask your agent to help you uncover what might break a sale for a buyer). Repairs worth considering before putting your home on the market include:
Foundation cracks – Fix small and large cracks in your home’s foundation. If buyers don’t notice these repair issues, be assured that their home inspector will. Roof issues – Take care of missing or damaged shingles and tiles, torn flashing, and roof leaks. Electrical problems – Fix broken outlets, switches, and fixtures (and modernize them while you’re at it). Flooring issues – Repair cracked tiles and refinish scratched floors. Fix loose floor tiles and floorboards. HVAC problems – Ensure your air-conditioner and heater function properly (HVAC systems needing repair are especially noticeable during extremely cold or hot months). Plumbing leaks – Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes as well as any areas that may have water damage due to leaks. Cosmetic concerns – Touch up paint on walls and cabinets, fix broken cabinet hardware, and repair cracks in walls and ceilings.
Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Benjamin Smail, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group in Omaha, Nebraska, shares three important tips for getting your home ready to sell:
Touch up paint on walls and trim with the correct color and sheen. For just $100 in paint and a day’s work completing touch ups, you can shift a buyer’s thinking. Eliminating the perception that a house needs a full paint makeover prevents buyers from deducting $5,000 to $15,000 of value from a home. An unkempt home can cost thousands of dollars in buyer enthusiasm. A buyer doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy purchasing a home from a seller who doesn’t care enough to clean it well and prepare it for sale. Every room should have the right number of possessions, positioned in the right places. Too many items are overwhelming. Too sparsely decorated and the room feels abandoned and sad. As a last resort, a completely empty space is ok if clean and well kept.Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life
Based on a recent Realtor.com report, April 13-19 is the ideal week to list your home! This week stands out because the demand is higher this time of year. With mortgage rates stabilizing, more buyers are returning to the market. Since there are more active buyers, who are eager to be settled into their new homes by summer, there is a good chance for a faster sale.
Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!
Before moving to New London 10 years ago, Sonja grew up in Princeton, New Jersey where she was educated at The Lawrenceville School. In the summers, Sonja would travel abroad for immersion programs hosted by Sons of Norway and Insitut Le Rosey in Rolle Switzerland. Growing up, Sonja's parents had been very politically active on both sides, but she discovered her own love of politics after attending an inspirational speech by the late John McCain in Philadelphia. She moved to DC to study at George Washington University. After working on a Presidential Campaign, she was honored to have been given the incredible opportunity to work in White House Communications. Sonja managed a series of websites about Nightlife and Charitable Events in Washington DC. After 15 years, however, Sonja and her family made the decision to find the polar opposite of DC. She found it here in the land of mountains and lakes, and where everything closes by 9pm.
FUN FACTS: While preparing to model for a News segment before the Oscars, Sonja shared a bottle of wine with the Armani Face Designer. They told her she wouldn't have to speak. They lied. She was also asked to stay away from the First Daughters for fear that she'd be a bad influence. They were wrong. She would have been much more discreet when sneaking them into the VIP areas of nightclubs.
You may know Sonja as an avid dog lover. You might also have seen her outside with her dogs and family all November long setting up an elaborate Christmas display around her lovingly restored historic home and barn to bring joy to everyone who drives by during the cold winter months. Sonja is a people person who also works at The Refinery to further connect with neighbors and meet new friends.
In Real Estate, Sonja brings cultural experience and insight to buyers eager to trade in the fast paced life for a more fulfilling quality of life here in NH. Whether you're interested in buying or selling, her years working as a staffer in DC has made Sonja uniquely qualified to work with challenging people.
Whether buying or selling, below are some items that may impact your sale.
- Insurance – Many insurance companies are sending someone out to visually inspect a property after issuing a new policy (especially on older homes). If there is something like an old roof or peeling paint, you may be required to fix the situation to maintain the same policy and price.
- Lead Paint – All pre-1978 properties that are turned into rental housing as of July 2024 are required to have a Lead Safe Certificate issued by a licensed NH Risk Assessor prior to occupancy. This includes single family homes that are put on the rental market (like Airbnb or VRBO).
- Shoreland Septic Systems – If a septic system is within 250 ft. of the reference line, the buyer is required to have the system inspected. If the existing system was never approved by the state or approval was prior to 1989, the buyer must hire a septic system designer to determine the elevation of the bottom of the leach field relative to the high-water table. There are a lot more details with this law so be sure you understand it before selling or buying a waterfront home.
Whether buying or selling, contact me to work with a Realtor® who keeps current with the laws and regulations that could affect your bottom line.
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Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
When it comes to finding the perfect home or selling your current one, having a passionate and knowledgeable real estate professional by your side makes all the difference. I’m Deb Rees, a proud New Hampshire local who combines a love for our state with a dedication to helping my clients achieve their real estate dreams.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME: I am a lifelong musician and have been an elementary music teacher for over 26 years. Teaching music continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my life. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they discover their own creative voice. I also am an avid golfer who enjoys playing anywhere and everywhere I get the chance. Whether I’m teeing off at a local golf course, kayaking on Elbow Pond, or relaxing after a day of work with a walk with my dog Willow, I’m constantly reminded why New Hampshire is such a special place to call home.
Beyond my professional life, I’m also the proud mother of daughter Emma, son Sean, and grandmother to my one-year-old granddaughter, Peyton. There is no better time than when we are all together on our dock or around the fire.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everything works out in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it's not the end” — Tracy McMillan, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
As someone who’s deeply rooted in this community, I understand the unique nuances of the local real estate market. I take great pride in offering personalized service that reflects each client’s needs and dreams. Whether you’re buying your very first home, upgrading to your dream house, or selling a cherished property, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to make your real estate journey as seamless and rewarding as possible. I’d be honored to help you discover the joys of living in New Hampshire — a place I’m so proud to call home.
Capital gains tax is a tax on the profits from the sale of assets such as stocks, real estate, & other investments. Since houses are considered an asset, there could be potential for owing taxes when you sell. The capital gains tax is calculated on the difference between the sales price and the original cost. The good news is there is a tax exemption for your primary residence based on your tax-filing status: $500,000 for a married couple filing a joint return and $250,000 for a single filer. To claim this exemption, the home must be your primary residence that you owned for at least 2 years and you must have lived in it for at least 2 of the past 5 years.
The amount of gains can be reduced by the cost of any improvements and closing costs you've paid. Example of improvements include new roof, landscaping, new furnace, kitchen updates, etc.. Ordinary repairs can't be included. Add the amount of money spent to the initial price you paid for your home to give you the adjusted cost basis. The higher your cost basis, the lower your capital gains.
TIP - Keep records of your expenses including receipts & invoices to support your claims. Refer to the IRS Publication 523 and your accountant for more details about capital gains tax.
Contact me and put my many years of experience to work for you.
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Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
00 Tucker Mountain Road, Andover, NH 03216 | Offered at $250,000 | MLS #5033599
For More Information Contact:
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Deb ReesListing AgentM 603-454-8380
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