Private Antique Colonial

Rich in detail and steeped in history, this 4 bedroom colonial offers a picturesque setting of gardens and shade trees, 9 acres of fields and woods, a huge barn and even a sugar house!  And a bonus - two additional lots of record that could be sold separately.  Enjoy the vintage advantage as well as the many modern updates - upgraded kitchen with granite and center island, metal roof, automatic stand-by generator, on-demand water heater and much more.  While styled for today's living, this sun-filled home still retains its historic features with gunstock corners, wide pine floors, fireplaces, built-ins, and wainscoting.  Treasured and well-preserved, come live your dream with cherished yesterdays and gracious tomorrows.  Offeres at $329,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.NHAntiqueHome.com.  Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team


Planting Your Own Garden?

Springledge Farm will be having a "Seed Sowing Workshop, Part II" on April 29th from 10am-2pm.  Another Workshop coming up on Saturday, May 6th will be "Pollinator Seed Sowing" from 11am-1pm.  Springledge Farm is at 37 Main St. in New London, NH.  Call 526-6253 or email to sign up. 

New for 2017! Spring Ledge Farm will be a pickup spot for fresh NH seacoast fish this season. They're partnering with NH Community Seafood who are offering a CSF (Community Supported Fishery) for the season. A great way to have fresh, local fish every week and support the seacoast fishermen in NH.

Spring Ledge is the pickup spot only; in fact Spring Ledge does not make any money off the program. They are simply the pickup location for this area. All the monies go to the NH Community Seafood and the fishermen. The program details, payments, logistics and communication are all handled through NH Community Seafood. Any and all questions should be addressed to them. They have been working with farms as drop-off locations across the state for many years, and they have the experience and knowledge to answer all your questions.

NH Community Seafood will send out emails each week with information on the catch of the week, including recipes and cooking tips. The shares can be 1/2 lb., 1lb. or 2 lbs. and includes shellfish and oysters (in season), but you can opt out of these. It is all very well explained on their website. 

  

 Click here to read about why the program was started and how it benefits the local fishermen.

Sign up is super easy, pickups will be on Saturdays. Check them out on Facebook @NHCommunitySeafood and their website nhcommunityseafood.com.

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

Prices Up, Inventory Continues to be the Story

Market news from New Hampshire REALTORS:

A strong sellers' market continues after a first quarter in which New Hampshire price increased, sales decreased, and inventory dropped dramatically.

Among the highlights:

  • Closed sales: The 1,083 March residential sales were just four off the sales pace of March 2016 and represented the second-most in the month in more than a decade. First quarter sales (2,747) were down by 3.4 percent from a year ago, but still a substantial uptick from first quarter 2015.
  • Median sales price: At $244,900, it was the highest priced March since 2007 and a 4.2 percent increase from March 2016. The first quarter saw a 5.6 percent increase year over year, to $245,000 in 2017.
  • Inventory numbers are the lowest in NHAR's recording period, dating back to 2005.
  • The number of residential homes for sale at the end of March was 4,902, a 32 percent drop from a year ago. By comparison, there were roughly 12,000 for sale at the end of March 2010.
  • Months supply, meaning the number of months it would take to sell off the current inventory at the current sales pace, is at 3.3 months, a 35 percent drop from just a year ago. There was nearly 17 months supply in 2009.

There's plenty more information where that came from. The New Hampshire REALTORS market report includes 10 different categories and historical data going back to 2006, as well as county-level data. Also included below is the long-term statewide data, dating back to 1998.

If you have questions, please contact NHAR Communications Director Dave Cummings at dave@nhar.com or 603-225-5549.

You’ll be moving in the right direction with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Top 5 Selling Mistakes to Avoid

There are common mistakes many sellers make when they go to sell.  As a professional with over 23 years of experience, here are my top 5 picks sellers should avoid.

1.  Overpricing.  It's the kiss of death in any market.  Be realistic in your pricing.

2.  Not getting the house ready to sell.  Don't expect to sell if you have done nothing to prep it for the market.  De-clutter, update, paint, repair, the list goes on.  Ask your REALTOR what you need to do before putting it on the market.

3.  Being emotionally attached.  Yes, your house is your home - except for when you go to sell.  Your house is now a commodity that is competing with other properties for a buyer.

4.  Not trusting your REALTOR.  Listen to and solicit advice from your agent.  We do this for a living day in and day out; take advantage of our knowledge.

5.  Ignoring lowball offers.  Don't be insulted with a low offer.  Set emotions aside and view it as a starting point for negotiations.

If you are thinking of selling, then contact me.  As an Accredited Seller Representative Specialist, I can provide you with invaluable advice on getting your house sold.  603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Welcoming and Charming

From the moment you see this natural shingled home you feel the warmth and sincere welcome!  It is simply designed and meticulously built having been converted from a post and beam barn using pegged joints.  Everything you need is here or nearby.  It is tucked into a lovely open setting on the edge of the 6,000_ acre Gile State Forest, yet it's only a few minutes from Little Lake Sunapee, the Twin Lake Villa 9-hole par 3 golf course and shopping, medical facilities, band concerts, summer theater, skiing and more.  This will be love at first sight!  Offered at $254,000.  For more photos and details, visit   http://tour.circlepix.com/home/AS6HUJ/304-Twin-Lake-Villa-Road-Springfield-NH-4625759

Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

Looking for Impressive Views?

Take a look at this beautiful, custom built Post & Beam home in Sutton, NH.  Set amidst 20 acres of natural beauty with impressive mountain views, it is a home anyone would be proud to call their own.  This location was too special to build the ordinary.  Rustic and refined elements come together to create a feeling of peace and tranquility.  Wood beams frame cathedral ceilings, yellow pine floors glow, and the back is all oriented to the views.  Cooking is a delight in this updated kitchen with cherry cabiinets, soapstone countertops, and stainless steel appliances.  Made for casual entertaining with its open concept floor plan, large outdoor decks, and a fun-size pool table/family room.  It is the perfect blend of privacy and convenience - minutes to New London amenities or I-89 access.  For more photos and details, visit www.OutstandingNHViews.com

Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Looking for a positive home buying/selling experience? Call Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team!  603-526-4116


Should You Remodel to Sell Your Home?

Not all remodeling projects deliver the same bang for the buck when it comes to resale.  If you are planning to sell soon and think renovations will increase the value of your home, then some research might be in order.  While most renovation projects do increase the price of a house, the increase is almost always less than the cost of the project.  The 2017 Cost vs Value Report points out of the 29 projects they tracked, the payback was an average of 64 cents to the dollar.  Curb appeal projects such as changes to doors, windows, & siding, generated higher returns than interior projects.  Cost and value vary dramatically depending on where you live.  The hotter the market, the bigger the payback.  In New England, the project with the highest return was adding attic insulation where 86% of the cost is recouped.  The lowest return is a bathroom addition at 47%.   The biggest advantage remodeling has is it increases the appeal of your home to buyers.  A gleaming state of the art kitchen will sell a house more quickly than a home with an outdated kitchen and old appliances.  Contact me if you’d like more advice on how to cost effectively prepare your house to sell.  Donna Forest 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

NH Maple Sugar Weekend 2017

Don't miss New Hampshire's Maple Sugar Weekend March 25 & 26.  Visit local sugar houses and see how maple syrup is made and have a taste of maple candy.  Visit http://www.nhmapleproducers.com/2016/11/04/2017-maple-weekend/ to find your closest sugar house and hours of operation.  A good time for the whole family!

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team.

Don't Miss this New London Listing!

This beautifully designed brick-ended Federal Colonial was built with particular attention to detail.  It features livability and versatility.  This home is so beautifully and elegantly designed, yet is particularly comfortable and livable.  It is open and fairly large, yet can be so private and cozy.  You can entertain dozens of people easily, yet you can be as private as you want.  3+ bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 acres with private back yard. This wonderful home will definitely fulfill someone's dreams!  Offered at $630,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.ClassicNHCountryHome.com


Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team

92% of Buyers Can't Be Wrong

Did you know 92% of buyers in the Northeast used a real estate agent to buy their home?  Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make.  Whether a first time buyer or not, using a buyer’s agent means you have a professional in the business committed to working in your best interest.  Below are just a few of the many advantages you get:

  • Local knowledge & insight
  • Expertise in contract writing & negotiating
  • A buffer to keep emotions from derailing a sale
  • Guidance on the whole process from offer to inspections to closing
  • A reputable list of inspectors, attorneys, etc.
  • Advice on what to do in the event of…

A good buyer’s agent is an advisor and advocate so buyers can make informed decisions.

Thinking of buying?  Contact me to work with an Accredited Buyer’s Representative® and put my 23 yrs. of experience to work for you!  603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com.

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team