CNBC recently ran an article on self-made millionaire and financial expert, David Bach, who believes buying a home is an "escalator to wealth." He feels if millennials don't buy a home "their chances of actually having any wealth are little to none. The average homeowner is 38x wealthier than a renter.
Here are some of his tips for first time home buyers:
- Calculate costs so your first investment is minimized. The total housing monthly payment shouldn't consume more than 30% of your take home pay.
- Put down at least 10%. More is better.
- Borrow 10-20% less than a bank is willing to lend you.
- Recognize buying your first home is not buying your dream home.
Bach states, "You aren't really in the game of building wealth until you own some real estate." David has written 9 consecutive NY Times best sellers, been a contributer to many TV shows such as Today, CNN, CBS, ABC, and has been profiled in the Wall St. Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, Business Insider, etc. He gives simple advice - if you don't own a home, go buy one.
Contact me for help in starting on your escalator to wealth! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Stop by the Sunapee Coffeehouse Friday, 2/3/2017 to hear Matt & Shannon Heaton.
With engaging stage presence and masterfully-crafted music, Boston-based Matt & Shannon Heaton offer well-travelled Irish music from the heart. Steeped in sessions in County Clare and brewed in the acoustic music scenes of Chicago & Boston, their flute/guitar/bouzouki instrumentals and sweet husband-and-wife harmony singing draw deeply from the Irish tradition.
The Heatons also gently incorporate the Thai music Shannon learned in school as a kid and rootsy Americana sounds that surrounded them during their three years in bluegrass-haven Boulder, Colorado.
Since their move to Boston in 2001, the Heatons have become an integral part of Boston’s vibrant trad music scene.
Matt and Shannon are poised, passionate American performers with Irish roots and universal appeal. They are comfortable onstage and have a warm connection with their audiences. They move listeners with their love of traditional music (and each other), and their sense of adventure and fun in exploring new directions and possibilities.
Performance begins at 7pm at the Sunapee Methodist Church, corner of Route 11 and Lower Main Street (9 Lower Main Street), Sunapee, NH in the downstairs room. Admission is free; a hat is passed for donations to the musicians.
For other upcoming shows go to www.sunapeecoffeehouse.org. Enjoy!
As a homeowner preparing for a sale—or simply trying to stay on top of keeping your home clean—housekeeping can be a real chore. To help maintain a clutter-free and spic-and-span house, check out our tips guaranteed to satisfy your need for cleaning speed.
Create a Tool Tote
Keep everything you use to clean your home ready to go in one cleaning tote, caddy or bucket. If you’re suddenly confronted with preparing for unexpected guests, you won’t waste time gathering your necessities to start or continue—just bring it with you from room to room. If your home is large, consider creating two or more: one for each level.
Ditch the Broom
You don’t have to switch from a broom to a vacuum when you clean, says Jackie Harmon, owner of Healthy Clean green cleaning company. “Use a vacuum on all floor surfaces.” It’s quicker to use, plus you’ll remove one lanky, awkward tool from the mix.
Buy an Extension Cord
Invest in a 50-foot extension cord for your home’s vacuum, says Matthew Ricketts, president of Better Life Maids. “Plug in once, in the center of the floor, and you’ll be able to vacuum even a large home without wasting time un- and re-plugging,” he says.
Dust as Needed
That thimble collection or brass animal display needn’t get a complete wipe-down every single week. Save time by giving yourself the OK to skip the little stuff and instead focus on the big picture. Treating wee things to a good dusting once a month is just fine.
Develop a Routine
Establish a cleaning pattern to consistently shave time off your cleaning routine. Experts recommend starting each room to the left of the doorway, at the top, and moving clockwise and down. Once you get the hang of your system, you’ll clean speedily on autopilot—and never waste time backtracking.
Conquer Clutter
Cleaning goes much more quickly if you don’t have to de-clutter along the way. Make sure each family member has a catchall spot for personal things in your home. Cubbies, tote bags and small laundry baskets all work. They should be emptied regularly. Make a rule: If it’s full, its owner needs to trash, donate or find a permanent home for all contents.
Clean as You Go
To save time on cleaning day, clean as you go whenever possible. To that end, stash a few key cleaning supplies in each room or on each level of your home, says Teresa Ward, owner of Teresa’s Family Cleaning. When messes happen, it’s a cinch to swoop in, swipe and move on.
Spot-Clean the Shower After Use
Use a squeegee on the shower walls and door after every use, says Molly Maid president Meg Roberts. This quick, immediate act saves time battling soap scum and water spots later. Bonus tip: Keep the shower door slightly open after use to promote airflow and hamper mildew buildup.
Do One Thing at a Time
If you truly want to speed-clean your house, put the phone down. Better yet, tuck it out of sight. And keep the TV off. Focus solely on the task at hand. Multitasking while you clean adds time. Better to get your cleaning done quickly and then move on.
Enlist Help
“Cleaning should not be one person’s responsibility,” assures Molly Maid’s Roberts. Permanently shorten your own housecleaning time by assigning tasks to family members. Even young kids can pick up, make the bed and change out hand towels. Make your expectations crystal clear, and trust them.
Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens. Used with permission. © Meredith Corporation. http://www.meredith.com. All rights reserved.
The process of selling your home can be a tough one. You’ve spent a significant amount of time staging it and even scrubbed every room top to bottom. It’s in immaculate shape, but what may surprise you is that your behavior also plays a vital role in the way potential buyers feel. Here are the 5 etiquette rules every seller should know to ensure that her or his home is showcased in the best possible light.
1. Leave Your Home During Showings
When there is a showing, it is important to leave your home and let your real estate agent do their job. Although you’re dying to see the reaction potential buyers have to your home, remaining there will make them feel uncomfortable. Removing yourself during a showing also allows the buyers to more easily visualize living there themselves, which is a huge selling point.
2. Take your pets with you
There is nothing more distracting than a barking dog or playful kitten running around your home during a showing. In addition, potential buyers could be allergic, and animals in the home may deter them from buying. Provide your buyers with a comfortable, stress-free experience when viewing your home by removing your pets. From caged to uncaged companions, take them with you to ensure that you don’t alienate potential buyers.
3. Provide parking
Keep your home warm and inviting by providing buyers with quick and convenient parking options, if possible. It’s important to move your vehicles in order to make it easy for visitors to park and view your home. There is nothing more frustrating than parking issues, and if someone has to park far away just to view your home, they may skip the event altogether.
4. Provide important documents
Many potential homebuyers will have questions about your home. Since you won’t be there to answer them (if you follow the first rule of seller etiquette), you still want to be able to answer all questions quickly and effectively. This can increase the chances of receiving an offer, and make the potential buyers’ experience more enjoyable. Leave all necessary documents, such as the inspection report, home warranty, monthly bill information, proof of repairs, appraisal, and such, with your agent. These are all things potential buyers may want to see. Most states offer a Seller’s Disclosure that is provided to all interested parties before an offer is made. It is important to have that filled out as best as possible for all potential buyers as well.
5. Be patient
You may have countless showings before your home is sold. It is important to be patient with every buyer who walks through the door. You’re eager to know how the showings went and what the prospects thought of your home, but it can take some time for buyers to process what they’ve seen before making an offer.
Reprinted from www.bhgrelife.com
January is a good time for reflection on the past year. Looking back, we can see trends which help predict what 2017 will look like. Most of the area towns experienced about the same number of home sales in 2016 as in 2015, except for New London. For example, Sunapee had 61 sales in 2016 compared to 59 in 2015. Newbury had 55 sales in 2016 and in 2015. New London saw a huge increase with 90 home sales in 2016 vs. 60 in 2015.
Millennials and baby boomers are the driving force in the market and are expected to continue to be so for the next 10 years. This can be seen as homes priced under $300k, (the first time home buyer), were a good portion of the sales. Of the 61 houses sold in Sunapee, 31 were under $300k. In Newbury, of the 55 sales, 38 were under $300k. In New London, almost half of the solds were in the $300k-$500k price range – more indicative of the downsizing and relocation of the baby boomers.
What does this mean for buyers? It’s a competitive market for move-in condition homes priced under $300k or with 1st floor masters of medium size and located near amenities. Given the low inventory, buyers need to be prepared to act quickly. Sellers need to know if their home doesn’t quite fit the profile of what millennials or baby boomers want, it could take longer to sell. Contact me if you want to know how the market impacts you. 603-526-4116; Donna@DonnaForest.com; www.DonnaForest.com
No one wants to spend money on a home they aren’t going to be living in, so when it comes time to prep your house for the market, you may wonder what kind of fixes will bring the most value to your home without breaking the bank. Consider making these five fixes to help your property sell.
1. Paint the walls
A bucket of paint doesn’t have to break the bank, and can make a world of difference. Tone down any vibrant wall colors and spruce up the other walls with a fresh coat of neutral paint. Avoid any tones that are intense and dark to ensure that your home appeals to the widest range of people.
2. Make repairs you’ve been putting off
If you’ve been working on some simple home repairs that have yet to be finished, or you know of some necessary maintenance needs that have to be handled, now is the time to take care of them. The buyer’s home inspector will find these issues anyway, so you’re better off fixing them now without holding up offers you could be getting in the meantime. In addition, it is not uncommon for a buyer to revoke an offer if the home inspection report comes back with an abundance of safety concerns and needed repairs.
3. Change up the flooring
Changing the flooring may seem like an expensive “fix,” but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a wood floor, re-stain it. If you have old carpeting, hire a professional cleaning company to make it look brand-new again, and replace any old, torn vinyl flooring. You also have the option of adding an area rug onto old flooring or carpets. Floors take up a huge part of the home, and if they are stained or dated, potential buyers will take notice—and more importantly, they will be turned off.
4. Install new countertops
Similar to the prior fix, this one can sound a little pricey, but as you’ve probably heard before, the kitchen and bathrooms are the main selling points of a home. If you’re serious about selling your property quickly, you may want to consider updating these areas with new countertops. Get rid of the laminate, and opt for natural stone, quartz or solid surface countertops. Buyers will notice.
5. Hire a stager
You will be amazed at how moving around some furniture can completely change the aesthetics of your home. Hire a stager, and let his or her expertise bring more value to your property, and a higher number than your asking price. It’s key to hire an experienced stager who has an excellent track record, and an even better portfolio, to ensure that you reap all the benefits.
With a few fixes, your home will be ready and primed to be put on the market. If possible, space these five fixes out over the course of a couple months prior to listing your home, and the renovations won’t feel like a major investment at all. With these small but effective tweaks, now you’ll be in a great position to sell your home and move on!
Reprinted from www.bhgrelife.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Muster Field Farm Museum's ice harvest event will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 9am on Kezar Lake until the ice is in.
Volunteers will demonstrate ice cutting by gas-powered saw and finished by hand. The ice harvest will be loaded by an ice block fulcrum onto wagons and vehicles then hauled to the farm. The ice house, c.1890, will be fully stacked with block ice for use at summer events. The Ryder Corner Schoolhouse, c.1810, will be warm and welcoming with hot beverages, homemade baked goods and hot soups. Antique cars converted into snowmobiles will be on display at the farm, free admission (donations appreciated), rain date 2/12/17.
For information and directions call 927-4276 or www.musterfieldfarm.com
Congratulations! You’ve just purchased your first home. There’s no denying that this is a very exciting time in your life. Becoming a homeowner will bring many new opportunities your way, the first one being a chance to go shopping! As a first-time homebuyer, there are some things you need for your home that you may not have needed previously. So grab a piece of paper and pen because it’s time to create the ultimate first-home shopping list.
1. Lawn Equipment
One amazing thing about owning a home is that you own the lawn, the grass, the flower beds, and everything else that comes with the property. However, this also means you have to take care of what you own, and unless you’re hiring a landscaping company, you will need to purchase some lawn equipment. Here are a few useful tools to help with lawn maintenance and get you started in your outdoor maintenance:
- Lawn mower
- Weed whacker
- Weed puller
- Water hose and sprinkler
- Ladder
2. Household Tools
Even if your home is newly built, maintenance will be required. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, squeaky hinges, or more elaborate home repairs that crop up, you’ll need some tools of your own. The upfront cost of purchasing tools can be significant, but they can save you an abundance of money in future home repairs. After all, if you let problems persist, they will only get worse—and much more expensive. In addition, you may wish to do some simple home renovations yourself, such as hanging a TV on the wall or changing out the house’s original hardware. As a rule of thumb, grab these tools to ensure regular maintenance and quick home repairs:
- Screwdriver set
- Hammer
- Level
- Pliers set
- Tape measure
3. Gardening Gear
Gardening gear is different than lawn equipment; while you have to maintain your lawn, you aren’t required to plant beautiful, vibrant flowers to enhance the landscaping of your home. However, planting some fresh flowers and/or a vegetable garden can bring an abundance of enjoyment to your experience as a first-time homebuyer. It will also enhance the exterior appearance of your home, and may even provide you with a new hobby to enjoy for years to come. Some items to get you started on the path to creating a captivating landscape include:
- New plants, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, bushes, etc.
- Soil, fertilizer, and mulch
- Gardening gloves
- Gardening tools, such as cultivator, trowel, and fork
- Shovel
4. Outdoor Patio Furniture
As a new homeowner, you may not have had the benefit of an outdoor living space previously. However, now that you have purchased your first home, if you do have this benefit, you can style your backyard to your liking. Whether you have a condo balcony, small yard, or acres to enjoy, you’ll need some outdoor patio furniture. Create the ultimate outdoor living space with the following items:
- Patio chairs and table
- Outdoor lights
- Barbecue
- Outdoor plates, bowls, and cutlery
Buying a home is a huge investment. It’s the first major purchase you make towards building a better future. Preparing yourself with a list of must-have purchases you need as a first-time homebuyer will help decrease the stress of the move and responsibility, and bring much enjoyment in the long run.
Reprinted from BHGRE.com
This 226 acre parcel has 360 degrees of spectacular views - Cardigan Mountain, Ragged Mountain, the Belknap Range, Mt. Kearsarge, Mt. Sunapee, the Windmills of Lempster, Gray Ledges, and Corbin Park. A gradual driveway to the top allows enjoyment of the beautiful vistas. The property is in "Current Use". Owner is a licensed NH real estate agent. Come build your dream home! Offered at $499,000. Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Milestone Team, 224 Main St., New London, NH, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
You can pull off a last-minute party with ease—when you keep the following in mind.
There’s a special art to throwing a successful last-minute event. It requires a little planning and organization to make it happen with style and ease, but more importantly, throwing a last-second affair (without making yourself crazy!) largely comes down to your ability to let your normal entertaining-at-home etiquette slide. We’re not suggesting that you throw all party-planning ideas out the window; merely that you take a realistic approach to feeding hordes of unexpected guests. Your ability to roll with the punches and adapt to the circumstances will stand you in good stead when it comes to putting your home on the market, too. Unexpected knock from a potential home buyer? No problem!
Here are some tips on pulling off a successful last-second soiree.
Be realistic.
If you have just a few hours (or minutes) before your guests are showing up, your goal is to be ready to welcome them when they arrive—not to be elbow-deep in a complicated recipe for homemade dinner rolls when the doorbell rings. Don’t try to do too much when you don’t have enough time; these kinds of gatherings are meant to be informal and relaxed, so make sure the food and the setting—and you—are, too. Know how quickly you like to work in the kitchen and plan the menu around what you can easily accomplish on short notice. Your guests will know (and appreciate) that you haven’t had much time to prepare.
Don’t apologize for serving take-out food.
It’s the company and atmosphere that are most important. Most guests would far prefer great company and mediocre food than the opposite—and many take-out options are unexpectedly delicious. If nothing else, you can rest assured that your kitchen won’t be filled with dirty pots and pans when your guests arrive. Leftover paper and plastic take-out containers are a cinch to whisk out of sight and straight into the garbage can!
Choose foods that can be made ahead and reheated, or are easy to fix at the last minute.
We’ve all thrown parties where we’ve spent the majority of the time in the kitchen, trying frantically to pull off some dish meant to impress our guests. This is not the party to try that trick. Stick to tried-and-true, easy recipes that don’t require much work to plate and serve. Foods that are designed to be served cold or at room temperature are good choices, as are those that you can make the night (or morning) before. If you can arrange them on a platter or serving dish before they go in the fridge, all the better. And don’t underestimate the value of keeping the ingredients for a quick dip or salsa on hand. Sometimes a quick Romesco dip—made with jarred roasted red peppers—can really save the day.
Don’t be afraid to buy something from the bakery for dessert.
No one will bat an eye if you pull out a cake or tart from the bakery for your party. Feel free to embellish it with fresh fruit, nuts, sprinkles or whipped cream if you like. Or, simply pass a plate of fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolates.
Prep your table in advance.
If possible, set the table the night before the party, and place beverages in the refrigerator to chill overnight. You can also take a buffet-style approach, and stack napkins and silverware in jars for guests to pick up as they go through the serving line.
Strawberry & Brie Bites
Yield: 12 servings
Servings: 12
Serving Size: 1 skewer
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
To Make Ahead: Hold (without glaze) at room temperature for up to 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Equipment: 12 appetizer-size skewers or toothpicks
Recipe Description:
Strawberries, Brie cheese, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar come together in this addictive one-bite appetizer recipe.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 12 small fresh strawberries, hulled
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 3 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 12 small pieces (about 1/2-by-1-inch)
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze (see Tip)
Recipe Steps:
- Thread a strawberry, basil leaf and piece of cheese onto each of 12 toothpicks.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Recipe Tips & Notes:
- Balsamic glaze is balsamic vinegar that’s cooked until it’s very thick. Look for it with other vinegars in well-stocked supermarkets. Or make it yourself by boiling 1 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until syrupy and reduced to about 1/4 cup, 10 to 14 minutes.
Recipe Nutrition:
Per serving: 28 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 7 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 1 g total sugars; 2 g protein; 0 g fiber; 45 mg sodium; 28 mg potassium.
Source: Reprinted from www.bhgrelife.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team