If you are considering the purchase of a specific house, it’s best to review the seller’s property disclosure before making an offer. While some disclosures may not be a wealth of information, usually disclosures provide pertinent facts that could impact what you are willing to spend on buying a home. For example, if the water heater is 18 years old, you need to be aware that it will need to be replaced in the near future. Looking at the age of the systems and the roof will help determine if you will be facing costly replacements sooner rather than later. Check when the septic tank was last pumped. If it hasn’t been pumped within the last 3-5 years, it could be a red flag. Is the property located in a flood zone? Flood insurance will be an additional expense to factor in your payments. Reading carefully through the disclosure could provide valuable insight into future costs. Ask questions and get clarification if something doesn’t look quite right. Obviously a home inspection will be the best tool for gauging the condition of a home. However, thoroughly reading the disclosure ahead of time could prevent unwelcome surprises. Contact me to work with a buyer’s agent who will help you make the right buying decisions. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
No one wants their kitchen prep surfaces overtaken by clutter—but no one wants to live without their favorite kitchen appliances, either. Here’s how to have both.
Maximize under-sink storage.
Conquer your under-sink space with an simple, on-a-dime solution. Keep your most frequently used items (dish soap, dishwasher detergent, sponges and scrubbers) on a turntable for quick access.
Streamline the coffee station.
Make mornings easier with an all-in-one coffee station. Dedicate a pullout drawer next to your coffeemaker to holding filters, coffee beans and travel mugs, so brewing a fresh pot is a one-step task.
Have freezer smarts.
Stock your freezer with storage-smart ideas to make use of every inch of shelf space. Use plastic baskets (an affordable organization tool) to store foods by type, and put a labeled tag on each. Keep small adhesive labels and a permanent marker on hand to label individual containers.
Add a command center.
Built-in bins, a bulletin board and a clock turn one side of a fridge cabinet into a household command center. This simple DIY project creates instant organization and utilizes small spaces that are otherwise wasted.
Store stuff on the doors.
Attach racks to the inside of cabinet doors to boost storage options. Be sure to allow enough clearance within your cabinets to allow the door to close completely. A narrow rack is ideal for keeping small jars in order.
Fake a pantry.
Using substantial-size drawers is a smart alternative to a full-size pantry when kitchen space is limited. These drawers keep boxes and bags upright, organized and accessible.
Keep towels close.
Keep dish towels in a cabinet close to the cleanup zone. Use a pullout towel rack with more than one bar to air-dry and store towels.
Add open shelves.
Add open shelving for cookbooks, displays of attractive serving bowls and dishes, stemware, vases or baskets. Here, grouping and stacking pieces on the open shelves keeps items neat and easy to find.
Put walls to work.
Install a wire wall grid to keep kitchen tools handy. Turn a bare section of wall into a hook-and-hang center. For more storage, add accessories such as spice racks and cookbook holders.
Properly store spices.
Store spice bottles on their sides with labels visible; lay them in shallow drawers instead of stacking them. The best location for spice storage is below a cooktop or to the side of a range. The flavor of spices stored above a cooking surface might be adversely affected by the heat.
Neatly stow linens.
Run out of drawer space for towels and cloth napkins? Reach for a basket to neatly stack linens, and tuck the basket onto a shelf or inside a cabinet. A basket will help keep linen sets together and make them easy to find when you want to use them.
Divide your drawer space.
Adjustable inserts help organize flatware and other items inside your drawers. When designing custom drawer space, specify shallow drawers to store utensils one deep for easy viewing.
Try upright storage.
Store shallow items, such as cutting boards and platters, upright. Even narrow spaces next to your range or your sink can be used in this manner. Use dividers to separate items for easier retrieval.
Stow pots and pans.
Fill in the space under a cooktop with a tilt-out tray for spices and rollout trays for pots and pans. Or, slide in a movable cart with shelves to accommodate cooking equipment.
Combine storage.
Combine open and closed storage for visual interest and accessibility. An arrangement of cabinets and cubbies makes use of typically wasted space around a refrigerator.
Bring the pantry closer to you.
A pullout pantry system has wire shelf sides that prevent items from falling out and allow easy viewing of the contents. Pullout pantry systems, especially those that extend into toe-kick space near the floor, must be installed perfectly level and plumb to operate smoothly.
Customize your shelves.
If you’re installing open shelving, strategize your plan to accommodate what you’ll be storing. Professional organizers recommend measuring your stacked dishes to determine the shelf height your dishware requires.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Don't miss tonight's performances with Local Talent Night at the Sunapee Coffeehouse.
Come see Lindsey Schust & The Ragged Mountain Band - Lindsey Schust is a New Hampshire based singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and drummer. Her group, founded in 2011, plays a blend of Country, Folk, Bluegrass, and some Afro-Cuban styled songs. The repertoire includes original songs like "Hippie Hill" and "Country Way". The band is made up of family and friends, with Grace Schust (drums and vocals), Jim Schust (acoustic guitar), Paul Currier (Mandolin, Dobro, Fiddle & vocals), Jim Connell (bass & vocals), Robert Grasmere (harmonica), and Jesse Schust (percussion). Expect a lively evening of songs, stories, and fun!
Also performing tonight is Will Hatch - Will Hatch is a singer-songwriter from Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Illustrating a nuanced take on classic American themes, Hatch’s songs feature honest lyrics about heartbreak and loss, reality and desire. Despite his melancholic introspection, there is a silver lining. Spinning spider webs on guitar and banjo, his songs meld poetry with detailed finger picking. Fans of Townes Van Zandt and Leonard Cohen, or guitar greats Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson, will appreciate Hatch’s style. Hatch tours New England as a solo act when not playing with his band Will Hatch & Co.
Next week, 3/8/19, is open mic night.
The Coffeehouse is located downstairs in the Sunapee Methodist Church, 9 Lower Main St., Sunapee, NH. Admission is free; a hat is passed for performers. Coffee, tea and snacks are available. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Come on down for a night of music and fun!
- The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® (NAR) was formed in 1908 in response to the misuse and disorder of the real estate industry at that time.
- The NAR adopted a Code of Ethics in 1913 to establish professional standards of conduct.
- The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.
- REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if they violate the Code of Ethics.
- REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training every 2 years.
What does this mean to you? When you work with a REALTOR®, you are working with someone who abides by a written Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public. Contact me to see why it pays to work with a REALTOR®! 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Now that winter is here, it brings a new set of challenges for sellers. Here are a few common sense tips to follow.
1. Make sure your driveway is always plowed and entryways clear.
2. Keep walkways and stairs clear of snow and ice.
3. Set thermostat in a vacant house to at least 55 to 60 degrees. A warm house holds more appeal and buyers will take their time looking. If a home is cold, buyers will rush through and it leaves a negative impression.
4. Put a large, heavy duty rug in front of the door used for entry to provide space for buyers' wet boots.
5. Let in the light. Push back drapes, open blinds, install higher wattage bulbs.
6. If you have great summer photos of the yard, leave them out for buyers to view.
If you are looking for an experienced REALTOR with the common sense to help sell your house in any season, then give me a call. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Consider a frameless glass shower.
A glass shower door lends a luxurious look to any bathroom, but the reason for installing one might not be all about looks. This shower lacks a ledge or lip to step over to enter the shower, making it a great choice for aging family members.
Install comfortable seating.
Whether you want a spot to sit down and towel off or a place to lean back and relax for a few moments, a cushioned chair or ottoman ups the comfort level of any bath. Another option is to place a cushioned bench beneath a window. Be sure to add lots of pillows.
Pipe in soothing sounds.
Keep your favorite soft music on hand for easy listening while you rejuvenate. Whether you invest in a state-of-the-art sound system or stash a small CD or mp3 player on the shelf, music has great impact on your mood. If you’re installing a sound system, maximize sound quality by placing two speakers in opposite corners of the room.
Include an entertainment center.
If you keep up with the news while you get ready in the morning, consider installing a small television in your remodeled bathroom. Low-voltage, water-resistant televisions designed for installation in areas near water come complete with water-resistant remotes. To protect your television, keep bathroom humidity levels in check with proper ventilation.
Get a glowing hearth.
Put a fireplace in your bathroom to enjoy the sight and warmth of a roaring fire as you relax in the tub or do evening stretches. If the bathroom is attached to your bedroom, consider a double-sided fireplace for twice the enjoyment.
Put in a shower bench.
Just like in a lavish spa, a seat in the shower will encourage a slower pace. Tile the bench to match the rest of the shower, or add a bench made of a contrasting material like teak or glass. Enhance a shower bench with other upgrades in the shower, such as a steam feature or multiple showerheads.
Install heated towel bars.
Yet another cozy idea: hang your towels from heated bars so you can wrap yourself in warm terry cloth when you finish your shower or bath.
Go big with a freestanding tub.
Wash away stress in a deep soaking tub. If you long to linger in the soothing jets and serene bubbles of a whirlpool tub, buy a model that’s roomy and doesn’t strain your muscles when you lean back. Keep in mind that you need plenty of hot water to fill the tub, which adds to both your water and electric bills.
Channel the spa with a steam shower.
If you truly want a spa experience without leaving home, put in a shower that doubles as a steam shower. To make your shower steam-ready, equip it with a door that seals tightly on all sides. Install a vapor barrier on the ceiling and wall framing to prevent moisture, which causes wood rot, from reaching studs and joists. Include a steam generator outside the shower. This heats water from your water system using a 220-volt electric heating element. A steam-generator supplier will help you determine the best size.
Integrate smart storage solutions.
Take a beautiful bathroom to the next level by adding practical and pretty storage. It’s easy for bathrooms to get overloaded with cosmetics and grooming products; smart storage allows you to put everything in its place. Mix open and closed storage, or try frosted-glass door inserts, shown in this bathroom, to add interest to the room and break up a wall of cabinets.
Lighten it up with windows and skylights.
Brighten a dark, dull bathroom by adding windows or a skylight. Let your room’s proportions and features dictate size. If wall space is limited or views are unappealing, consider a skylight. Operable models, called sky windows, offer ventilation as well as light and have frames that match wall windows. To prevent moisture and condensation problems, choose high-quality windows and install them according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or call on a professional.
Glamorize with a chandelier.
Even the bathroom needs glamour, and adding a chandelier is a quick way to upgrade a hardworking space. Hang a pretty fixture over the bathtub so you can enjoy it while you lounge, or put it near a window so the crystals can bounce light around the room.
Add luxury shower elements.
Dual showerheads, handheld showerheads, body sprays and a broad bench elevate an ordinary shower experience to be invigorating and lavish. Wall-mount showerheads can be adjusted to spray high or low for people of different heights. Many handheld sprayers can be adapted to existing plumbing lines, making for easy installation.
Create a “rug” out of tile.
Almost any bathroom can incorporate a tiled “rug,” and one can be added to an existing bathroom by simply removing tile from the area you want to add the accent, and then putting down the new tiles. Like other upgrades, the tile rug adds a custom and personalized look to the bathroom. It’s also a great place to infuse pattern or color.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Get your tickets early for the upcoming "Dinner with Jack Frost" to be held on Friday, 2/8/19, from 5:30-7pm at the Colby Sawyer College Quad. Enjoy a New London tradition of eating outside by campfire. This progressive dinner is bound to please all with food supplied by area restaurants including Salt Hill Pub, New London Pizza Chef, The Old Courthouse, Tuckers, Peter Christians, Mount Sunapee Resort, Lindt chocolate, Blue Look Bakers and the New London Inn. Visit www.nlrec.com for more information.
While 2018 seemed a bit frenzied with the activity levels this summer, it’s always good to see how the year actually ended up for perspective on the housing market. Below are some key data points comparing 2018 to 2017 for the towns of Newbury, New London & Sunapee combined.
- 183 homes sold in 2018 vs. 203 homes in 2017.
- The average days on market dropped to 106 days vs. 129 days.
- Sellers received on average 94% of their asking price (96% in 2017).
- The median selling price was $345,000 for both years.
While the state has not yet come out with their year-end report, below is their data through November
- Homes sales were down 0.8% compared to 2017
- The average days on market were the same at 61 days
- Sellers received 98% of their asking price; similar to 2017
- Prices were up 7.4% with a median selling price of $284,500 ($265,000 in 2017)
A good US economy, low unemployment rate, and low inventory of homes for sale basically sums up what we saw in 2018. Thinking of buying or selling? Contact me to work with someone who gets results and can explain how the market will impact you! 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com
Figures are based on information from the Northern New England Real Estate Network, Inc. for the period 1/1/17 - 12/31/17 & 1/1/18 – 12/31/18
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Finding your dream home can feel stressful, but there’s plenty of great real estate for sale to suit nearly every buyer. Breaking down the process of buying a new home into steps isn’t only helpful, but it will help it feel manageable. Below are 10 great tips to help you go from dreaming of owning a new home to actually holding the keys.
Make a wish list and prioritize your needs
Now is the time to think about what your perfect home looks like. Unless you have a bottomless bank account, you probably won’t be able to get everything you want. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of having a fireplace, but when it comes down to it, what you really need is a home located near good schools.Taking time to make a wish list will help you prioritize needs over wants.
Set a realistic budget
Perhaps the most stressful part of buying a home is setting a budget, yet this doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Figure out how much house you can afford by examining your current salary and debts. A mortgage payment should never be more than a third of your income, while your debt should be less than 40 percent of your income.
Hire a great real estate agent
Unless you’re an orthodontist, you probably wouldn’t attempt to fit someone with a pair of braces, right? The same theory holds true for buying real estate. Great REALTORS® will demystify the process of finding your dream home, from working within your budget to putting in a bid. In addition, it’s their job to know the market and they can help you find your perfect home, even when there’s competition from other buyers in your area.
Make a checklist
You’ve prioritized your wish list, set a realistic budget, and hired a real estate agent. Time to sit back and relax, right? Wrong! Now’s the time to make a checklist of all the things you need to consider when finding your dream house. Your list should include the priorities from your wish list. For example, how close is the house to schools and grocery stores? Does the home have a fireplace? How much does the current owner pay annually in taxes? Preparing a list of questions before you purchase your new home will make sure you don’t have questions later.
Location, location, location!
Although it might seem obvious to carefully choose where you buy a home, you’d be surprised how many people cut corners. Is it a priority for you to find real estate close to schools? Or perhaps it’s a priority to be located off a busy street to avoid noise pollution. In short, a dream home isn’t ideal at all if it’s not located in the perfect place.
Think about how you use space
A parlor is lovely, but if it’s only used a couple times a year during holidays, perhaps you’d get more bang for your buck by focusing on a home with well-used rooms. For example, if you spend a lot of time cooking, then it makes sense to buy a house with a large, well-equipped kitchen. Likewise, if you’re a freelancer, then it might behoove you look into a home that has an extra bedroom that could be converted into an office.
Would you like to renovate?
Do you take pleasure in making home repairs or would you prefer to move into a home that requires very little work to move in? Renovating a home can be a tremendous amount of fun, but it can also get expensive. Be realistic about what repairs will cost and whether you have the time and energy to get the work accomplished.
Make an offer
Making an offer on your dream house is one of the most exciting days of your life. It’s also one of the most nerve-wracking. Although the current owners could say “yes,” there is a possibility that they might decline your offer. To make your offer attractive, avoid pushing out the current owners too quickly by asking for a fast closing date. Also, don’t lowball them by offering far less than the listing price. Your real estate agent should be able to give you advice about what will make an attractive offer.
Don’t neglect the home inspection
Once your reoffer has been accepted, it’s time for a home inspection before you finalize the contract. This is the time to look deep and have a professional home inspector look at the foundation, roof, electrical wiring, heating systems, insulation and other items that are generally hidden from view. While it might be tempting to seal the deal as quickly as possible, having a home inspection can save you from expensive problems down the line.
Celebrate!
The entire process, from browsing the real estate for sale in your area to moving into your dream home can be daunting. Once you have the keys to your new home in hand, make sure to celebrate with your loved ones for a job well done!
When considering the purchase of a fixer upper home, it’s important to evaluate how much time and money you will have to spend on renovations. It’s often the case that houses needing a lot of TLC are available at rock bottom prices. However, this can mean excessive costs when it’s time for renovations. Here are a few things to consider before taking the leap.
How much work can you do?
Determine how much of the work you are willing and able to do. If you’re a master at hanging drywall and your significant other has a knack for plumbing, it’s very possible to save big. This could be the difference between an inexpensive property that needs a great deal of work, but is ultimately within your budget after renovations, and one that is not.
Keep in mind when deciding which work you’ll do yourself that safety is key. Anything that you don’t truly know how to do, especially things like electrical work, plumbing or jobs involving power equipment, should be left to a professional.
Consider how much time you realistically have. If you work, take care of your family or otherwise have engagements that occupy most of the day, don’t take on huge DIY renovations.
Choose contractors wisely
Before closing on your fixer upper, speak with a few contractors to get an estimate of the work you plan on handing off to a professional. Without knowing how much you’ll need to spend to make the house look the way you want, you can’t know what the real cost of ownership will be. Once you have quotes from several contractors, work with your real estate agent to come up with an offer that considers how much you’ll be spending to get your new home in top shape. Your agent might suggest putting a clause in the contract to have some of the worst problems repaired by the current owners before the closing.
Before settling on a specific contractor, talk to friends, family and neighbors to get a sense of the quality of work you can expect from each candidate. Reviews go a long way when choosing the best company for specific needs.
Hire a home inspector
In most situations that involve a mortgage or other loan from a bank, you will be required to have the house inspected before the loan is approved. Even if this isn’t the case, hiring a qualified home inspector is a critical aspect of ensuring you know what you’re getting yourself into with a fixer upper. For instance, you might be able to tell that the floors in the kitchen will need to be replaced, but only a skilled professional can say for certain whether the foundation is solid or if asbestos is in the attic.
When it comes to real estate, knowledge is power. Take any information provided by a home inspector and consult your agent about how to proceed. They might recommend working part of the cost into negotiations.
Add a cushion
After you’ve decided which portion of the fixer upper’s remodeling you’ll be able to complete, consulted several contractors and had the home inspected, you may be anxious to close. However, there’s another critical step to ensure you’ll be able to afford the renovations.
Unforeseen circumstances often arise during the process of remodeling. It is essential to account for these when determining what you can afford. A general rule of thumb is to add between five and 10 percent to the anticipated costs, just in case your contractor discovers pipes that need to be moved or if the price of the materials you choose increases. By adding a cushion to your financial projections, you should be in a great position to realistically determine whether a fixer upper home will truly be worthwhile.