We all like to save money when we can thus it is enticing to try and sell your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). However, before undertaking selling the largest asset you own, you might want to read on a bit more.
- An agent-assisted home sale has a 13% higher sales price than a FSBO sale.
- In 2014, only 9% of homes sales were FSBO. (Compared to 14% in 2003). Of the 9%, almost half were because the seller knew the buyer.
- 88% of buyers used the internet and agent in their home search. Most agents have an internet strategy to provide better exposure and can put their listings in front of hundreds of other agents - who are working with buyers.
- Agents are less inclined to show FSBOs since they will be doing twice the work.
- Agents are more likely to close a deal as they are more skilled in negotiating and resolving issues.
- 8 out of 10 FSBOs will end up listing their house with an agent.
Bottom line, before undertaking the complexity of selling your home, see what a real estate professional can offer you. Contact me and put my 20+ years of home selling experience to work for you. 603-526-4116, donna@donnaforest.com, www.donnaforest.comSource: Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2014
This meticulous 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is in a quiet neighborhood near Sunapee Harbor and Mt. Sunapee for year-round fun. 3.58 acres - one of the largest lots in the neighborhood, nestled among trees and very private. Southern exposure affords lots of light. Modern, sleek updated kitchen. Deck off the dining room/kitchen area provides extra summer living space. Offered at $295,000. For more photos and details, visit http://www.circlepix.com/home/H4MV5L
Chris McKee, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
A great home located within walking distance of the center of town, elementary school, library and town green. The property has been meticulously cared for inside and out and features hardwood floors throughout and an updated kitchen with granite counters and semi-custom cherry cabinetry. Inside there is lots of room to spread out, including a heated sunroom with wood stove, and finished family room. Enjoy the outside from the large deck and pleasant yard. Move right in and start making your house a home! Offered at $279,000. For more photos and details, visit www.NHNeighborhoodColonial.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Meticulously maintained ranch style home in a country setting. Open floor plan with spacious kitchen with lots of cupboards. Large living room and dining room flow nicely from the kitchen. Beautiful hickory hardwood floors in pristine condition. Master bedroom with bath, two other bedrooms with great closet space. A nice deck off the dining room makes for pleasant outdoor summer eating. Offered at $245,000. For more photos and information, visit http://www.circlepix.com/home/L8TSXF
Christina McKee, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
With some warmer temperatures and snow melting, it's time to think Spring! Spring Ledge Farm will be holding their first seed sowing workshop on March 28th between 10am and 2pm. This will be the third year of this very popular program where you can sow your own seed tray using their seeds, their soil, advice and even their greenhouse space to grow them for a month. Cost for the workshop is $18. You will take home a seed tray with 100 plants of spring hope and promise. Alternatively, for $36, they will grow your seed tray for five weeks, and you can pick it up in the beginning of May. There is no limit on the number of seed trays you sow. The results of a seed tray grown in a greenhouse, with full light, regular watering, fertilizer and daily attention are excellent. Estimated total time needed to pick out seeds and sow the trays to be about 30 minutes. Hope to see you there! To see other workshops being offered and more details/information, go to www.springledgefarm.com
First of all, let’s make it perfectly clear that the solution to plastic bag pollution is to eliminate or reduce the use of this type of packaging whenever possible. But sometimes plastic is unavoidable. It seems like plastic packaging is everywhere. The good news is the process of recycling has made it possible to create something new from most of the waste we generate. Plastic bags are no exception, and not just those single use grocery and retail bags, but also bread and produce bags, sandwich bags, the overwrap on paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels and even plastic cereal box liners. There are a few items, such as “biodegradable” or “compostable” bags, frozen food bags, and crinkly or foil type bags for chips and other goodies, that are not included in this waste stream. Generally, if the plastic film stretches when you pull it with your fingers, it's okay to recycle it at certain designated locations. When cleaned, dried and brought back to participating stores, these items can be combined with recycled wood products and made into plastic lumber used to make decks or reprocessed into pellets or resin used to make new bags, pallets, containers, crates and even pipes. Recycle Responsibly Plastic bags and thin film plastics are troublesome for most recycling facilities. These items are considered ‘contamination’ of single stream recycling, not only jamming up sorting machines but also resulting in higher hauling rates for municipalities when there is a large percentage of them in the single stream collection. The bags and film can be difficult wastes to recycle because they need to be clean, dry and sent to a recycling facility specifically designed for them. In fact, many foreign countries, U.S. cities and the State of Hawaii have even placed a ban on plastic bags at retail outlets. Plastic pollution is a huge problem for the environment so avoid the use of unnecessary plastic when possible. If you do end up with a collection of plastic bags and plastic film items, do not throw these items in with your plastic or single stream recycling. Make sure they are clean and dry, then stuff them in a plastic bag from the grocery or retail store and place into bins located in participating stores. Remember: Reduce the amount of plastic you consume by choosing items that use the least amount of packaging and by using reusable tote bags. Reuse or repurpose the bags as much as possible and when all else fails, recycle those bags properly! For more information on how and where to recycle this waste, check out: http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/s01/s01dropoff.htmlSource: The Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH - February newsletter, Greenworks.
For most people, selling their home is an emotional experience. Many memories are tied up in a house. As your house goes on the market, you need to bear in mind an important thing – your home has just become a commodity. Your goal is to have other buyers see it as their potential home. As difficult as it sounds, failure to make this emotional disconnect can cost you buyers. Part of preparing a house for sale is to depersonalize it by removing family photos, trophies, knick-knacks, etc. This allows buyers to visualize themselves in the space without being distracted. A house with personality is great – just try to keep the “person” out of it. For more selling tips, visit my website www.DonnaForest.com. Call me if you want to put my 20 years of experience to work for you! 603-526-4116, donna@donnaforest.com
By: Donna Fuscaldo Although being a landlord certainly has its cons, tops among its pros are the tax deductions rental homeowners enjoy.
- Advertising
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Commissions paid to rental agents
- Home owner association/condo dues
- Insurance premiums
- Legal fees
- Mortgage interest
- Taxes
- Utilities
This traditional half-cape has been well-cared for and its size and layout would meet the needs of a variety of buyers, including those who would prefer one-floor living, or buyers who need extra room for a larger family or visiting friends and relatives. It also offers some often sought after "extra" rooms: a first floor den for relaxing, plus another office/den space on the second floor. The generously sized dining and living rooms are open to each other and share enjoyment of the stone-faced fireplace. This would be a great house for entertaining! With the full basement and space over the garage, there is also ample space for storage. Its convenient location in an established neighborhood adds to its appeal! Offered at $345,000. For more information and photos, visit www.NewLondonNHCape.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
This light-filled, airy, contemporary cape offers lovely sunsets and mountain views, along with privacy and the convenience of being just 5 minutes from town. Three bedrooms, with the master bedroom on the first floor, and 3.5 baths. Work at home in your office/den. The great room, dining room and kitchen are a great place to relax and welcome guests or family. A lower level family room offers more play space and storage. Offered at $540,000. Visit www.NHMountainViews.com for more photos and details.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.