The real estate market continues to grow at a steady pace. Nationwide through August, the volume of home sales crept up 0.8%, slightly higher than a year ago. Sales peaked in June and the majority of the country inched backwards from there due to lack of inventory, states Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist. In New Hampshire, sales are up 11.2% through August as compared to last year and the median sales price has increased 2.3% to $247,000.
Specific to our market, sales in New London jumped from 42 home sales in 2015 to 65 in 2016 (January-September) with a median sales price of $362k. Sunapee sales are about the same with 42 sales in 2016 and 41 sales in 2015 and a median sales price of $260k. Newbury sales increased from 44 home sales in 2015 to 55 sales in 2016 and the median sales price is $230k.
The long term outlook for the housing market is for moderate growth. Experts predict home price appreciation up 4% by the end of 2016, 3.6% in 2017, and 3.2% in 2018.
The availability of move-in ready homes may hamper our market as sellers are hesitant to sell if they can't find a replacement home. Buyers still prefer newer homes that do not need updating and are located close to amenities. Overall, sales should continue to grow with moderate increases in price.
Contact me if you'd like to know how our market impacts the value of your home! 603-526-4116, Donna@donnaforest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments. Here's an opportunity to create your moments in this spacious contemporary designed for really living and enjoying life. The sizable kitchen is truly the center of this home with an open concept design that allows for cooking and conversing. Flanked on one side by the sun-filled living room with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace and the other side by the dining room with a comfy built-in banquet. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances wine, refrigerator, beautiful cherry cabinets, it is THE spot to gather. This 3+ bedroom home is designed for fun - enjoy the pool table room, the hangout space in the lower level large enough for ping pong and multiple games, the TV room, a custom built wine cellar, and ample sleeping space up and down. Finished guest quarters above the 2-car garage and a bedroom/bath in lower level. A second enormous barn/garage is perfect for hobbies, boat storage, car collection, or even a trampoline! Come see this extraordinary home. For more information and photos, visit www.SunapeeNHHome.com.
Teamwork from the Best Team in Town, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Milestone Team!
In my 21 years of selling real estate, there are some common items that frequently come up as points of contention after inspections. You can save time, added stress, and possibly avoid renegotiating your selling price by addressing them BEFORE your house goes on the market.
- If it’s been longer than a year since your last furnace service, have it done and keep a record on hand to prove it.
- Pump your septic tank if it has been a few years.
- Clean your chimney and make sure it is in good repair along with the flashing around it.
- Test your drinking water and include testing for radon, uranium and arsenic. Better to deal with these issues up front. If you have a dug well, it is important to have it tested as they are highly susceptible to coliform.
- Test for radon in air.
- Check all the GFCI outlets and replace if necessary.
Contact me if you are looking for more ideas on how to save money and expedite the sale of your house! Donna Forest 603-526-4116; donna@donnaforest.com; www.donnaforest.com
You're immune to the dirtiest places in your home. But your guests aren't. Here's what to do. Admit it: It’s easy to get a little “Judge Judy” inside someone else’s home. We notice gunk on the floor, cobwebs in the corners, and dust on the overhead fan. But guess what? Unless you’re Adrian Monk, you’ve probably got some gunky places that your friends notice, but you don’t. (Sad trombone.) This is why we tracked down a domestic guru to help us with this article. No matter how hard it is to find dirt hideaways on your own, a little expert advice can make it alllll OK. Jan M. Dougherty, author of “The Lost Art of House Cleaning: A Clean House Is a Happy Home,” revealed the seven spots you’re likely to miss — and the best ways to make them presentable, stat: 1. Light fixtures. Look up. Your light fixtures are loaded with dust and dead bugs. Take them down, spritz with a cleaning solution, and wipe clean. Dougherty uses a solution of five parts water and one part Krud Kutter, a non-toxic odorless all-purpose product. (Handy tip: When making the Krud Kutter solution, put the water in first. “Otherwise it’ll bubble over,” she says.) 2. Toilet body. You probably clean your tank fairly often, but what about all the bits and pieces that surround the tank, and the floor itself? For porcelain thrones, Dougherty recommends Soft Scrub with bleach to clean the minuscule cracks that form in the glaze over time. For any non-porcelain parts, she says vinegar will do. Start with the top of the tank and spray all the way around — the lid, under the lid, the seat, down to and on the surrounding floor, and even the walls behind the toilet. 3. Dust collectors. The TV mount, picture frames, computer printer, keyboards, and remotes are great dust collectors. Use a microfiber rag that you’ve sprayed lightly with vinegar to banish it all. Vinegar isn’t electrostatically charged, so dust will take longer to return to that spot. 4.Drawer organizers. Crumbs and dirt love those little compartments. Suck them up with a handy vac, or spray with vinegar and wipe away with a rag. Don’t wait until the crumbs are three inches deep and have taken root in the drawer. If that’s the case, break it down and clean with the Krud Kutter solution. 5.Ice maker. Old ice absorbs food odors, so it’s a good idea to clean and sanitize the whole system every once in a while. Stop the machine from making more ice, pull out the ice bin, and dump the ice. Wash the bin and ice maker with vinegar, or put the bin in the dishwasher if your manual says it’s safe to do so. Wipe the ice maker with a dry rag to remove moisture. 6.Appliance handles. You touch them so many times every day. And you never think about it. Spray them all down with the Krud Kutter mix and then wipe. “One night a week, I take the knobs off the stove, remove the dish and the grease screen from the [over-the-range] microwave, and take the bowl with utensils that sits next to my stove and put them all in the dishwasher,” Dougherty says. “Do this before bed and by the morning you’ve cleaned half your kitchen, yet touched nothing.” 7. Glass and mirrors. Dougherty washes dull, smudged glass and mirrors with straight vinegar. Be aware that if you’ve been using commercial cleaners it may take “four, five, six, maybe seven cleanings with vinegar to get all the wax off the glass,” she says. Bonus tip: “When you go into a room to clean you shouldn’t have to think. You should be able to turn up the music and rock and roll your way around the room,” Dougherty says. She uses a method she calls “The Path” — start in one corner, progress around the perimeter, and then head to the middle. Clean everything in your path as you go around the room. By Stacey Freed Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from Houselogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Country roads, take me home! If you are looking for country comfort where you can hear the wind whispering through the trees, then come look at this contemporary. You'll be captured by the dramatic cathedral ceiling in the living room which is flooded by sunlight through the skylights and two sets of glass sliders. Warm woods and stone blend home and nature. The efficiently designed kitchen offers ample cabinets and counter space so you can cook to your heart's content. Bonus - there is a large separate pantry for extra storage. The spacious first floor master bedroom has its own private covered deck, just right for enjoying a quiet morning cup of coffee before starting the day. Privately set back from the road, a large backyard perfect for croquet, a sunny deck and a covered porch for evening cocktails - isn't it time to enjoy this casual lifestyle? But wait, there's more as this also comes with a delightful two bedroom cottage on the land (not seen from the main house). Ideal for rental income, an in-law dwelling, artist studio, etc. It's time to come home to the quiet life! For more photos and details, visit www.NHCountryHome.com. Offered at $254,000.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
In order to take the mystery out of the closing for first time home buyers, here are some basics on the process:
- You do a walk-through the day before or morning of the closing to ensure the house is in the same general condition as when the offer was made and things are left that were supposed to be there (e.g. appliances).
- Your lender hires a closing agent to create a statement outlining the loan amount, loan costs, recording fees, title insurance premiums, escrows for insurance & taxes, state transfer tax, tax prorations, and the deposit. This shows how much money you bring to close.
- You are charged for any oil/propane/cordwood left. This may be put on the closing statement or paid by personal check to sellers at closing.
- Be prepared to sign lots of paperwork at the actual closing! The money you bring to closing should be on a bank check or previously wired to the closing agent.
Your agent will help you through this process, but knowing what to expect can alleviate many concerns. Give me a call if you want an experienced REALTOR® helping you! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Enjoy all the comforts of home and no work to do when you own this easy care condo. Bright and cheery end unit is perfectly located close to the Hilltop community building and walking distance to the New London Shopping Center. All one floor living, the inviting dining/living room radiates hospitality with its warm wood floors and brick fireplace with propane insert. A glassed window wall frames a sunny view to the outdoors. The screened patio provides a tranquil setting overlooking the picturesque landscaped yard - a perfect setting for a quiet afternoon of reading. The efficiently designed kitchen offers granite countertops and stainless appliances. This unit is ready for the next happy owner. Offered at $145,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/4PZWEH
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Imagine the possibilities! With convenient access to Mount Sunapee and within walking distance to all the activity of Sunapee Harbor, you can bring your extended family to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood setting. Or, with a little elbow grease, restore this home back to a popular Bed & Breakfast and enjoy living in your attached two bedroom owner's quarters. 9 bedrooms, 5+ baths. Live and work where you play! For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/VRKPRB. Offered at $465,000.
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
The Wilmot Community Association's fourth annual Imagination into Art show will feature more than 15 local artists. There will be a reception and silent auction on Friday, June 24th from 5-7pm in the WCA's Red Barn. Meet the artists while you enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres and participate in the silent auction. Suggested donation is $15/person for the reception and is greatly appreciated. There will be pottery, sculpture, handmade quilts, metalwork, paintings, photographs, and jewelry. The show continues Saturday, June 25th from 9-noon.
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Come take a look at this lovely, welcoming home in Wilmot on 13 acres. Antique cape with 3+ bedrooms, great room and comfortable screened porch. The grounds are beautiful and there's a 3 car garage, barn and 1,000+ feet on the Blackwater River. Offered at $290,000. for more information and photos, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/JA8BRD
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the team that works the hardest for both buyers and sellers!