In a contract, deposits are required to show the sincerity and strength of the buyer's intent to purchase as well as to potentially provide liquidated damages to sellers in case of default. Sellers sometimes eye these funds as money in their pocket and assume that the deposit will just be handed over to them if the buyer defaults or cancels the contract. In reality, there are many legal ways for a buyer to cancel a contract, so odds are slim to see an actual default. Also, a release form has to be signed by both seller AND buyer. This release allows the money to be withdrawn from the escrow account and distributed appropriately. The chances of the buyer just signing over thousands of dollars without an argument are slight. If both parties won't agree to sign, the process could end up in mediation or court. To avoid this situation, it's always best to find compromises that help resolve disputes as amicably as possible.
Give me a call if you are looking for an experienced REALTOR that will help your sale move forward and avoid costly litigation. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, donna@donnaforest.com
As summer comes to an end and the leaves start changing, we look ahead to the crisp Fall air, picking apples, hiking and Fall Festivals.
Mt. Sunapee Resort will host their 10th Annual Fall Foliage Pig Roast and Barbeque on October 6 and 7. Aerial skyrides will be running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family games played from noon to 3 p.m., live music and much more! For more information go to www.mtsunapee.com
The 71st Warner Fall Foliage Festival will be held in Warner, NH October 5-7. Concerts, parades, food, amusement rides, woodsmen's contests are all a part of this rural life and vibrant festival. Visit www.wfff.org for details.
If not, this could be it! This light-filled, soaring Modern Colonial with open floor plan is overflowing with intimate casual spaces for family and elegant entertaining for friends. Complete kitchen renovation in 2010 provides every gourmet chef's needs. The Great Room features oak floors, soaring ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace and sliders that open to the backyard patio. The first floor master suite provides a private oasis of three separate rooms with a spacious walk-through closet into a custom bath created in 2015. Upstairs you'll discover three additional bedrooms, two full baths-one with washer and dryer-plus a walk-in cedar closet. The partially finished lower level includes a second laundry room, an enormous media/exercise room as well as two unfinished storage rooms and a wood working shop! There's also a spacious mudroom entry between the kitchen and attached oversized garage PLUS a bonus family room over the garage. Wooded setting, back on a private landscaped lot in the desirable Trussell Ridge subdivision - minutes to Main Street New London. A MUST SEE for sure! Offered at $619,900. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/RRSAQ7/438-Brookside-Drive-New-London-NH-4711708. Click here for our virtual tour https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=QPQ2oLF3tD3
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Every year Remodeling Magazine publishes research on the average return on investment (ROI) on 20 popular home projects in 149 markets across the US. The 2018 report found overall you make back only about 56% of the money spent on renovations. This is down from the last two years where the expectation was at 64%. Of course the ROI varies with the project. In the New England markets, new garage doors have the highest ROI at 99%, followed by siding replacement at 80% and vinyl windows replacements at 75%. Enhancing curb appeal provides higher payback than interior projects.
Spending money on a house does not mean it automatically goes up in equal value. Putting on a $10k roof won't increase the worth of a home by $10k. Buyers expect to purchase a home with a roof that has a reasonable life expectancy. There is a difference between maintenance and enhancement. Bottom line, if you are thinking of selling, replace or repair is better than adding rooms or doing major remodels. Contact me for sound advice on where to spend your money when getting ready to sell! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Age is only a number. This stately antique has had many updates and owners have lovingly renovated over the years. If you are looking for the warmth and character of old with the freshness and appeal of today, then this is a must see. This move-in ready home has so many pluses: new roof, numerous windo replacements, new laundry room, new dining room, and a large custom built walk-in closet off the master bedroom, to name a few. Cooking is a delight in the light and bright kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Most recently completed is a bath to spoil you with luxurious marble and tile, a clawfoot soaking tub, and a walk-in shower with rain showerhead. Enjoy summer evenings on the wraparound porch or meditate in the yoga hut tucked in the backyard. The attached barn provides ample storage space or use for your four-footed friends. Come live your dream with cherished yesterdays and gracious tomorrows. Offered at $295,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/VXC9U3/516-ROUTE-114-Sutton-NH-4706482
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
DO NOT LOOK – unless you are prepared to fall in love with this captivating home! It is like stepping into the pages of a Better Homes & Gardens magazine only nowyou can call it your own. No details have been overlooked. The dramatic cathedral ceilinged great room with fireplace will be the center of your entertaining.Handcrafted kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances; it is a kitchen that makes every inch count. Sleek contemporary bathrooms, neutral colors, light filled rooms; all reflect an aura of simple but subtle elegance. Step outside to find multiple decks all with tranquil views of the picture-book setting of garden, lawn and grounds just begging you to sit down and relax. This home is easy to care for and effortless to close up for the winter to match any lifestyle. If you are looking to downsize and simplify your life, this home might just be the one for you. Offered at $385,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MCPTD5/195-Shaker-Street-New-London-NH-4700569
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
- Overpricing – Even in a good market, a house priced too high will just sit.
- Not Prepping Home – Decluttering, depersonalizing, cleaning. All a must do before selling.
- Neglecting Curb Appeal – First impressions count. And you don’t get a second chance at enticing buyers.
- Ignoring Repairs – Poor maintenance will leave buyers wondering what else is wrong with the house. And can be deal killers when the home inspection is done.
- Being Emotional – When a house goes on the market it becomes a commodity and not your home. Making decisions based on emotions will cost you.
- Taking Offense at Low Offers – Buyers are trying to buy at the lowest price they can. An offer is most always a starting point for negotiations.
- Not Hiring a Professional – It’s a fact For Sale by Owners end up selling for less than if they hired a realtor.
If you are thinking of selling and looking for expert guidance throughout the process, then contact me – a certified Seller Representative Specialist! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
The Lake Sunapee Region is coming alive for the summer and soon families and friends will be flocking to the Harbors and Town Commons to hear local musicians entertain. Dust off your lawn chairs and wash your blankets and enjoy the music! To view upcoming events, visit https://lake-sunapee-living.com/dartmouth-lake-sunapee-region/lake-sunapee-entertainment/
Welcome to the original summer home of the Burke Family, for whom Burkehaven is named. Constructed around 1885, take a walk back in time, spend relaxing hours sitting on the incredibly inviting wraparound porch watching the activities in Burkehaven. Take a short walk to your owned 16.5 ft. of water frontage or boat slip on Lake Sunapee. Five bedrooms, den, library, cozy reading alcove, all represent a bygone era of tranquility and relaxation. Come take a look! 16'9" Pen Yan boat included in the sale. For more photos and details,visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/J6YJKH/6-Burkehaven-Terrace-Sunapee-NH-4698317
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Due to the lack of inventory, our market is seeing an increase in multiple offers on homes. While this is exciting for sellers, it can be frustrating for buyers. Below are some suggestions on how buyers can “sweeten the deal” in order to be the winning bid.
- Obviously the offer with the highest price will get the sellers’ attention. Be prepared to offer over asking price.
- If your offer is contingent on financing, it’s possible the appraisal may come in lower than the selling price. You can state in your offer you will pay the difference between the appraisal price and purchase price.
- Find out the sellers ideal closing time and tailor your offer to meet that date.
- Have as few contingencies as possible in the offer.
- Consider using an escalation clause, offering to outbid another buyer by a certain amount.
Bottom line, you need to put your best foot forward with an offer that has the least number of contingencies, best price, and a large down payment to set your offer apart from others. For more invaluable advice, contact me, an Accredited Buyer Representative, before you start house hunting. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com