Come visit this 5 acre piece of land, located in the nature lover's paradise of Newbury, New Hampshire. At first glance you'll see that there are 200 feet of valuable frontage on Route 103A, a highly popular roadway in the region that traces the edge of Lake Sunapee and connects the quaint recreational town of Newbury with the nearby cultural hub of New London. And since we're on the topic of location, let us ask, what more could you desire? If it is lakeside lounging or a boisterous round of boating that you seek, this land is 2 minutes from Newbury Harbor; if it be snowy ski slopes or a warm weather adventure course, it is 5 minutes from Mount Sunapee; and, last but not least, this parcel is a mere 12 minutes from New London Town Center, which boasts a hospital, supermarket, college, and a slew of shops, offices, eateries, and sights.
Let's return to this lot, which is a treasure in and of itself. Venture your way up the roughed-in driveway, and take your time exploring this swath of territory which could be yours to cultivate as you please. Ponder the possibilities. Marvel at the history contained in this piece of land, such as old stone walls, an mossy touch left behind by Lake Sunapee Region's farming ancestors. Let your boots wander their way up to the back of the lot - here you might glimpse a secret little snapshot of Mt. Sunapee. It plays a coy game of peek-a-boo as the seasons fade one into another, the leaves blooming dewy green and fading antique rust, then reposes still for a breath, daubed in its winter tapestry of dark pensive blues, sparkling whites, and booming grays.
Contact Listing Agent Emily Campbell today to set up a showing. 603-491-4024; emily@bhgmilestone.com.
January’s market report for NH just hit my inbox and there was no surprise it was highlighting the lack of homes for sale. This has pushed prices up 23% in January compared to the same month last year. Right now, homes are on the market for less than a month. I’m sure many buyers are wondering if it is a good time to buy or if they should just wait. You may think increasing values means homes are less affordable today. While there are many factors that go into affordability, it boils down to the fact it is not just about the price of the home but the overall cost in the long run. Historically low interest rates stretch your spending power and mean you can save significantly over the life of a loan. Additionally, many experts say it is more affordable to own a home than rent. The cost of renting has been relatively high compared to the cost of owning. Here is a startling statistic - the net worth of a homeowner is 40x greater than that of a renter. While the market is a bit challenging at the moment, the expectation is to see more houses hit the market this spring. Contact me if you’d like to know how to best position yourself to build wealth and become a homeowner this year.
Donna Forest, donna@donnaforest.com, 603-731-5151 (c), 603-526-4116 (o)
This excellent opportunity is back! One of very few 1-bedroom units at the highly sought-after Hilltop Place. Simplify your life with this comfortable single-level condo. This low-maintenance unit contains separate living and dining rooms, kitchen, bedroom, and one bath. Side sliders open to a sunny open field between units. Decent storage. Detached one car garage with opener and storage above. Enjoy the phenomenal location -- you're tucked in a cozy community, yet you're also a blink-and-you'll-miss-it drive away from New London Town Center, with grocery store, post office, and hospital. If you're feeling spry you could even walk into town; it's that close!
Listing Broker: Marilyn Kidder - marilyn@bhgmilestone.com - 6035264116
Offered at $133,000
Hilltop Fees: $715/month Buyer buy-in fee (6x the monthly fee): $4,290
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Valentine’s Day is around the corner but buyers have been writing love letters long before Feb. 14th. It continues to be a competitive market for buyers as they vie with others to purchase the small number of homes for sale. To help sway sellers, buyers may write a letter to them explaining why they love their house, complete with photos. While the purpose is innocent, love letters can unintentionally lead to bias and housing discrimination. Offers accepted on any basis beyond price, terms, and merit might violate fair housing laws (and it doesn’t matter if there was no discriminatory intent). Letters can convey information resulting in implicit bias favoring one buyer over the other. For example: “The large backyard will be perfect for our 3 children.” “We look forward to being close to our church.” Letters can also backfire by unknowingly offending a seller based on some personal comment.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits the denial of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. The act was created so every American would have an equal opportunity to seek a place to live, without being afraid of discrimination. While love letters are not illegal, they could lead to legal issues. I do understand why letters are written, and that most sellers are very receptive to them; however, given the potential for problems, maybe it’s best to avoid letters all together. Buyers should focus on writing the best offer possible and sellers should review offers based on their terms and conditions.
donna@donnaforest.com - (603) 731 5151
...to live in New London! This log home is situated in a private neighborhood setting, a mile's walk from Elkins Beach on Pleasant Lake. Enjoy the peace of 4+ wooded acres, and at the same time the convenience of a few minutes' drive to New London Town Center. There's a first floor master bedroom, as well as 2 bedrooms on the second floor. Down in the walk-out basement, you'll find 2 finished bonus rooms and a workshop. Enjoy every season -- this log home has 3 woodstoves, a screened porch, a massive deck, and a generator. Don't wait too long! Call Anne Marie Appel today to see this charming house that could be yours!
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent
(603) 526-4116 (O) (603) 454-7019 (C)
annemarie@bhgmilestone.com www.mynhlife.com
If only we had a crystal ball last January to predict what the year would be like. There are so many words to describe 2020 – unprecedented, challenging, surreal. It’s the year we lived our lives online. But amazingly, the housing market gained strength after hitting pause in March & April and 2020 became a record-breaking year in residential sales. The demand for housing was driven by low mortgage rates, millennials reaching prime home-buying age, changes in housing needs, and the ability to work remotely.
Nationwide, the median selling price (through11/2020) was up 14.6% from 2019 to $310,800. In NH, the median selling price for 2020 was up 11.7% to $335,000. The average days on market was 47 days and homes basically sold for their list price. Despite the fact there had never been that many homes for sale at one time, the volume of sales was up 4.6% statewide. In New London, Newbury & Sunapee combined, sales were up from a total of 218 solds in 2019 to 238 homes sold in 2020 with a median selling price of $429,500 (compared to $378,750 in 2019). The housing market is expected to shine in 2021 and continue to have a positive impact on our economy. If you are wondering if now is a good time to buy or sell, feel free to contact me for a no pressure conversation on what the best plan of action is for you. Donna@DonnaForest.com; 603-526-4116 (O); 603-731-5151 (C).
Despite everything that happened this past year, most economists are predicting 2021 to continue to be a hot market with high demand and low inventory. Home sales and prices are expected to continue to rise. The 20-plus housing and economic experts participating in NAR’s annual Real Estate Forecast Summit predicted housing prices to increase 8% in 2021 and 5.5% in 2022. Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com expects home sales to jump 7% with home prices up 5.7%. Mortgage rates are expected to remain low with a slight uptick in the 30-year fixed rate to 3.0%.
Svenja Gudell, chief economist for Zillow, stated “there are millions of millennials aging into their prime home buying years, and millions more Gen Zers behind them that all will want and need homes of their own, keeping demand at a boil for years to come.” Also, the ability to work remotely for many now means people can live where they want versus where their workplace is located. With a thriving real estate market in 2021, buyers should take advantage of the historically low interest rates. Sellers will continue to benefit from the high buyer demand. Whether buying or selling, contact me for more information on how this hot market impacts you. Donna@DonnaForest.com; 603-526-4116 (O); 603-731-5151 (C).
Check out this fabulous, tastefully renovated North Peak Condo. It's just minutes from Mount Sunapee, the State Park Beach in Newbury, and all the great outdoor activities in the Sunapee Kearsarge Region. Ready to go - move right in with no projects to tackle!
This charming condo features multi level living, with 3 bedrooms, 2 gorgeous tiled baths, maple floors, new appliances, and a very private wrap around deck to enjoy the outdoors.
Cool down with air conditioning on sticky summer nights, and chase away the winter chill with a gas fireplace. Descending to the lower level, the newly carpeted recreation room provides many options. Right out the front door is a short walk to the community pool or nearby tennis courts. Enjoy the convenience of trash removal and on-site mail delivery, as well as the low Newbury taxes. What are you waiting for? Your Carefree NH Escape is calling you!
2B North Peak Village, Newbury $349,900
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116, mynhlife.com
When I’m asked how the market is these days, my typical response is “we need more houses to sell!” As of 12/15, for example, there were only 6 homes for sale in New London and 6 in Sunapee. There are fewer homes for sale in the U.S. today than ever recorded in data going back nearly 40 years. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, stated that we are simply facing a major housing shortage. The lack of homes to sell has pushed prices up everywhere. The median selling price through November in New Hampshire is $334,000, up 11.3% compared to 2019. It's basic economics — a lack of supply pushes up prices, whether you're talking about toilet paper or houses. Sellers will continue to reap the benefits as prices are predicted to increase around 5.7% for 2021.
Why the shortage? Homeowners are staying longer in their homes (13 years on average). Also, after the 2008 housing crash, many smaller builders went out of business. Those small companies built a lot of homes. Most recently, the price of materials more than doubled during the pandemic (though prices have been dropping) and wildfires in the western US caused supply shortages. "Builders cite a lack of lots and decreased availability of building materials as headwinds that will limit production," says Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. Bottom line, if you’re thinking of selling, no need to wait for spring. Buyer demand is still strong!
Contact me to list your home today: 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna @DonnaForest.com
This article was originally posted on www.bhgre.com/bhgrelife
Recently, being out and about has been more challenging. It’s time to adapt and host smaller outdoor gatherings. Just because it has gotten colder doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Below are tips on how to make your backyard cozy and inviting this winter. There are also several delicious recipes that will warm up your soul.
How to prepare your backyard for an outdoor gathering
- Place lanterns, lamps and string lights to add sparkle. This is an easy way to improve the ambiance any time of the year.
- Fill a basket with blankets and pillows so everyone can get nice and toasty. You can also look into portable outdoor heaters or fire pits to keep your toes warm.
- Invest in electric warming blankets! They are great for those chilly winter nights and will keep you snug as a bug.
- Try out these holiday outdoor décor ideas for a beautiful and cozy winter.
- Make a magical winter landscape with 10 winter garden delight ideas.
- Spruce up your furniture. If you don’t want to buy new outdoor furniture, simply update what you have. Take an old side table or stump and place a blanket over it. Try using a warm pattern to make it look inviting.
- Add drama or privacy. If you have a covered patio, consider using outdoor fabric to hang as drapes. They can boost privacy and keep the wind or cold chill out.
- Build a fire pit so you can have a nice and toasty winter. You will need gravel, a shovel, concrete landscaping stones, a metal fire pit ring, masonry adhesive, and a rubber mallet. Before you start building, check the recreational fire codes in your area to make sure it’s allowed. You’ll want to build your fire pit at least 10-12 feet from any building structures, trees or fences. The first step is to pick the perfect spot and outline with spray paint where you want it to be. Grab your shovel and dig out the circle about 7 inches deep. Then pour the gravel into the hole until it’s level with the ground, which allows for proper drainage. If you’re using a metal ring place it in the center before you start placing your stones around the edge of the gravel circle. Use your rubber mallet to make them all level. Stagger the placement of the second row. When placing the second ring of stones use the adhesive on the bottom of each or if you prefer you can use cement to adhere the stones together. Repeat again for a third row. After its dry, grab some outdoor pillows and place them around the fire pit.
- Here are several fabulous outdoor fireplace designs or check out another great way to create your own fire pit.
Great drinks to serve at an outdoor party
- Warm up with these winter drink recipes.
- A perfect drink to serve during winter is the classic Hot Toddy. All you need is ¾ cup of warm water, 1 ½ ounce of whiskey, 3 teaspoons of honey, 3 teaspoons of lemon juice, and top it all off with a cinnamon stick and lemon wedge. You can also substitute the whiskey for rum or brandy.
- The seasonal spice blend of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves make this hot spiced cider recipe perfect for drinking in the great outdoors.
- Soothe your soul with these 16 to-die-for hot chocolate recipes. You and your friends can curl up with a hot mug of cocoa under the stars.
- Easy to make and delicious to drink. Try stirring up these 15 dazzling winter cocktails with your favorite seasonal flavors–perfect for any snowy-weather soiree.
Warm up with these tasty appetizers, dishes, and sweets
- These rustic winter vegetable tarts are savory and combine bacon, goat cheese, and squash for a warm appetizer.
- If you really want to have a cozy and comfy evening, go with the phenomenal combination of tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese. For an easy way to serve this outside, put the tomato bisque or soup in coffee mugs so it’s easy to serve and easy to consume.
- Check out this winter pear salad filled with pears, orange, kale, kumquats and more.
- Grow and serve your own varieties of winter squash and the good news is every type is edible.
- It’s not a winter gathering without mouthwatering s’mores. If you’re looking for a step up from the usual s’mores try incorporating granny smith apples. After you toast marshmallows until golden and add the chocolate, include a few slivers of granny smith apples. Then before you sandwich all the goodies together between graham crackers drizzle caramel over the apples. Here are 17 delicious ways to dress up a classic s’mores for ooey-gooey sweet snacks.