Looking to Build a Home and Need Land?

Take a look at this mostly level, wooded, 6.1 acre lot in wonderful Wilmot.  Peaceful, well-established neighborhood.  Walk to nearby Pleasant Lake and the lovely village of Elkins.  Minutes to New London shops.  Convenient to Route 11, I-89 and Route 4A for an easy commute to Concord or the Upper Valley.  Mount Sunapee skiing and Mount Kearsarge hiking - a fifteen minute drive away!  Live here and play here!  Offered at $89,000.

Smith1Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Looking for Backyard Ideas? These will Make Your Small Space Seem Bigger

Don’t think of your microscopic yard as a curse. So what if it’s technically a small concrete slab that baaarely accommodates a half-sized Weber grill? Or if your flagstone patio is just big enough for you, a lounge chair, and a good book? Your tiny outdoor spot is actually an opportunity to get creative.

To live large with a small footprint, try these functional tweaks to make your minuscule outdoor space feel like a palatial retreat.

1. Divide the Space

Wait, what? That’s right. Even if your square footage is relatively small, dividing your outdoor space into two areas can actually make it seem bigger.

“Creating a space within a space makes it seem larger because it gives you a separate experience,” says Joy Diaz, chief marketing officer at Land Care Inc.

Diaz recommends a small wood pergola, which you can purchase at home improvement stores or even build yourself without too much effort. You can also use walls to divide the space. We’re not talking about bulky concrete barriers here — try using short trellises, arbors, or vine-covered wooden fences to separate your loungers from your patio table.

“It says, ‘I’m in one place, that’s another place, and if there’s room for two places it must be big,’” says J. Scott Williams, a landscape architect at YardApes in New Milford, Conn.

As an added bonus, walls prevent visitors from walking in a straight line from one end of the patio to another, instead creating a winding path that makes your small space feel expansive.

2. Plant a Privacy Screen

A peaceful space always feels roomier than one crowded with noise and other distractions — like the pressure to strike up an awkward conversation every time you lock eyes with the nice lady next door. Keep your evening soirées and morning coffee blissfully secluded with a few cleverly positioned plants.

There are a few ways to achieve this goal. Along the very edges of your space, plant a tall, wide bush, like the purple smoke bush, a fantastic, easy-to-care-for container plant that can grow six or seven feet every year. Just be sure to keep on top of trimmings to keep it from overgrowing your patio — you want it growing up, not out — but as long as you do so, it makes an excellent privacy screen.

“A larger plant in a small space is dramatic,” says Williams.

You can also privatize your patio without sacrificing any square footage with the oldest trick in the book: Install some climbing vines on a trellis to clearly tell your neighbors, “This is my special space.”

3. Add a Water Feature

A dramatic focal point can really add some intrigue to a mini yard. And a water feature, like a bubbling birdbath or wall fountain, can do just the trick.

Williams suggests choosing an element with a black bottom, which will create a darker surface that reflects sky and trees, making your outdoor space feel bigger. Just make sure your water feature doesn’t overwhelm your porch — you can skip the long, vanishing edge-style pool.

“I wouldn’t put a longer element in a small space, which might make it look smaller,” Williams said. “Add a smaller water element into a small space, and make it seem larger.”

4. Use Vertical Space

Distract from your lack of horizontal yardage by really maximizing your outdoor space’s most abundant dimension: vertical space.

Use your walls, fence, or railings as extra space by adding vines or a living wall filled with flowers, herbs, and other eye-catching greenery. For a simple change, prop an attractive ladder — think barnyard chic, maybe? — against the wall and use its rungs as shelving for plants or other decor. The internet is bursting with other vertical planter and shelving ideas, too, using everything from pallets to chicken wire.

“It draws the eye up and outwards, and gives it a green and completely different look,” says Diaz. “It can change the atmosphere of the area. You’ve walked into a different experience from your home — it’s a psychological and emotional change.”

5. Expand Space with a Mirror

“Mirrors really make space feel more expansive,” Williams says. On a small porch, place a tall mirror on the ground behind a portico or a patch of greenway, which “makes it look like a doorway into another garden.”

You don’t need to go huge on the mirror to have a huge impact. Even hanging a normal-sized mirror, like one you might find over a dresser, can make a tiny space feel much larger. But whichever you choose, make sure to weatherproof your mirror first using a mirror edge sealer (you’ll also want to add sealant to the frame, especially if it’s made from wood) to prevent moisture damage — unless you like the weathered look, that is.

Small spaces don’t have to be limiting. With a little bit of creativity — and perhaps a reflective surface or two — there’s no reason you can’t feel like you’re living in your very own Versailles.

By:  is a writer and editor with a focus on home improvement and design. Previously, she worked as a web editor for "House Beautiful," "ELLE Decor," and "Veranda."

Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this.  Reprinted from Houselogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours.  Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate

Looking for a View from the Top?

If views and privacy are on the top of your list, then look no further!  This well-maintained post and beam cape is set amidst 20 acres of natural beauty with impressive mountain views and 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 cabinets, soapstone countertops, and stainless steel appliances.  Made for casual entertaining with its open concept floor plan, large outdoor decks, and a fun-size pool room.  It is the perfect blend of privacy and convenience - a long private driveway puts you worlds away yet you are minutes to New London amenities or I-89 access.  Offered at $549,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.ViewHomeNH.com.

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CorporationRd-0011-HDRDonna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

What to do BEFORE You Sell Your Home

HR.Donna_3144CroppedYes, it is true, housing inventory is tighter than normal.  It's not REALTORS just trying to get your business.  While many houses have moved off the market quickly, this doesn't mean every house is snatched up as soon as it is for sale.  Overpriced and unprepared homes still sit on the market.  If you want to sell, you need to get your home in order.  When you put your house on the market you are entering a price war and a beauty contest. The ideal way to compete is to offer your house in the best condition at the best price.  Visualize this - a buyer looks at 6 homes similarly priced.  Three aredated and tired in appearance, two are somewhat updated but still need work, and the sixth one is immaculate and renovated.  Guess which one will attract the buyer?!

As a seller, you need to assess what improvements/repairs are needed.  Your agent can help determine what projects will have the most value to buyers.  And you can help determine what projects will have the most value to buyers.  And you should get the work done prior to putting the house on the market.

The old adage is true, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."  Having your home in top notch condition and properly priced will help position you for a successful and timely sale.  Contact me for a free Home Enhancement Guide and more practical advice on prepping a house!  603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com.

Looking for a positive home buying/selling experience?  Call Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate!  603-526-4116

Looking for a Fixer Upper?

This charming cottage needs extensive renovations, but could be a gem when restored back to its original splendor!  Many original features intact, but requires a major overhaul.  Priced accordingly and well below assessed value.  Location can't be beat - dead-end road with the Vernondale Store and Kezar Lake a stone's throw from your enormous wraparound porch.  Light-filled with a great floor plan.  Something to be proud of when you're finished!  Offered at $105,000.  For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/L7AETT

???????????????????????????????Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116

Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Fantastic View Home in New London

Imagine privacy in an established upscale neighborhood, yet only 1.5 miles from New London's shops.  Enjoy windows that showcase dramatic mountain views and the warmth of exposed wood beams and natural wood work.  Relish the company of friends and family before a crackling great room fire or sunsets on your south facing deck where you watch the seasons change your views.  Open concept, easy flowing, one level living with extra rooms on the second floor and lower level.  Perfect for entertaining or family gatherings.  Air conditioning - generator - this house has everything!  AND easy access to I-89.  Offered at $630,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.PrivateNHPostandBeam.com

AngoffAnne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116

Looking for a positive home buying/selling experience?  Call Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate!  603-526-4116

Sales Pace Stays Brisk in New Hampshire Housing Market

The New Hampshire residential housing market saw its most February sales in more than a decade this year, as 816 homes were sold in the month –more than a 27 percent increase over last year’s 641 sales and the most since 843 sales in February 2002.
The median sales price in February, meanwhile, dropped just over 2 percent, but year to date the residential market’s median price is a shade ahead of last year, $225,000 compared to $224,900 through the first two months.
Overall sales volume, meaning the total dollars exchanged in February residential sales, was ahead of February 2015
by 25 percent.
“We finished a strong 2015 with robust sales, and the market hasn’t seemed to have lost a step,” said NHAR President Al Michalovic, a broker with Four Season’s Sotheby’s International Realty in Hanover and a 30 year veteran of the real estate industry. “Just when inventory appears to be drying up a bit due to the large number of sales, we seem to have another strong stretch of new listings to replenish the market.”
As evidence, the months’ supply of inventory, meaning the amount of time it would take to sell off all the homes on the market based on the average pace of sales for the previous year, dropped to more than a 10 year low of
5.9 months at the end of February, indicating a sellers’ market. Yet simultaneously, new listings in February
were 28 percent higher than a year ago.“The bottom line,” Michalovic said, “is that it’s an active market out there all around.”
The condominium market is also experiencing continued increases in early 2016, with closed sales ahead of 2015 by 20 percent in February and 8 percent year to date. Median sales price is still rising as well in the condo market, up 6.6 percent in February and over 4 percent for the first two months combined.
And the condominium market is favoring sellers even more dramatically than the residential side, with a 4.9 months’ supply of inventory. But similar to residences, new listings of condos were substantially ahead of a year ago, increasing in February 2016 by over 38 percent.
Locally,all 10 New Hampshire counties saw residential unit sales increases in February 2016 compared to 2015,
and likewise all 10 counties are ahead of 2015 year to date.  Five counties are ahead of the February 2015 median price, while six have seen increases year to date.  February 2016 market data.
Press Release:  Dave Cummings, NHAR Director of Communications

Real Estate Buyer Etiquette

HR.Donna_3144CroppedThere are certain unwritten rules of etiquette buyers should follow when they are out looking at homes.  Most are common sense and just plain ole being courteous!  Below are some tips for being a courteous buyer.

  • Take shoes off.  Mud, snow, rain - you may be out looking in all types of weather so don't tramp through a house with your wet/dirty shoes on.  Take them off and go in your socks or bring clean shoes to wear.  Extra tip - check your socks for holes before heading out!
  • Control your kids.  They shouldn't play with the toys they found or run unattended through the home.
  • Be on time.  When showings are set up, the seller leaves the house, a listing agent meets you there along with your buyer's agent.  Being late impacts many people, not to mention it may  put the whole showing schedule behind.  Unavoidably detained?  Then call your agent for a heads up.
  • Don't spend an hour viewing a home you already decided you dislike.  It's okay to do a quick look and say it's not to your liking.

If you are looking for a buyer's agent to help navigate successful home buying, then contact me and follow me on Facebook!  603-526-4116; Donna@DonnaForest.com; www.DonnaForest.com

You’ll be moving in the right direction with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

Looking to Build the Home You've Always Wanted?

Don't miss out on this view lot in New London!  Wonderful wide views include Mt. Sunapee.  Southwestern exposure.  Cul-de-sac lane in newer neighborhood of high-end homes.  Great location, just outside of town.  Offered at $168,500

LaPradeMarilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.

New London Ranch - New Listing!

You'll call it home as soon as you enter!  Extensively remodeled in 2015, you will soon discover this is an exception to the usual.  Clean, contemporary lines lend an air of sophistication from the stainless steel appliances to the Silestone counters to the subway tile backsplash.  Light and airy rooms provide uncrowded comfort with large windows overlooking a picturesque yard surrounded by lawn, trees and set back from the road.  It's peaceful and private yet only a mile to Pleasant Lake and minutes to downtown New London.  Fresh and bright, warm wood floors, great spaces for entertaining and casual get-togethers, any other house will be a compromise!  Visit www.NewLondonNHRanch.com for more photos and details.

BinWinterDonna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116

Real estate markets are local, and we have the real scoop on ours. Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate