The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” definitely holds true in real estate marketing. With 90% of buyers starting their search online, it is imperative to have good photos and plenty of them in as many websites as possible. Listings with 3 or 4 photos, bad lighting or cluttered rooms will be skipped over by buyers. Sellers should be preparing their house before the agent arrives. This means extensive de-cluttering – removing items from countertops & on top of cabinets, clearing knick-knacks, removing everything from the refrigerator, getting rid of furniture if necessary, and neutralizing eye-popping colors. And of course, curb appeal is everything. Essentially the home should be staged for maximum effect. A competent agent will use a wide angle lens, ensure there is adequate lighting and take lots of pictures. Sellers should go online and view how their listing compares to other properties for sale. There should be 24 good photos in the Multiple Listing Service. If there aren’t, it may be time for a re-shoot! If you're interested in selling your home, give me a call at 603-526-4116 or email donna@donnaforest.com.
How do you know what to offer? As much as you have heard that it’s a buyer’s market, this doesn’t mean it is always bargain pricing. In fact, low-balling tends to negatively affect the sale. Sellers generally will not even counter back; feeling that the buyers are not serious. To make an effective offer, work with your agent to get information on comparable houses sold within the past year and get the pricing of the competition. Chances are you have been out looking at the similar homes for sale, so you will have a good feel as to where this property is positioned in the current market. Another factor to consider is how long it has been on the market. If the listing has been on for much longer than the average, you may be able to offer a lower price. Find out the list to sell ratio for that town. In this area, selling prices in 2012 on average ran 94% of asking. The key to making a successful offer is to have good information. Working closely with a knowledgeable REALTOR® will make this process easier, so give me a call if you want to work with an Accredited Buyer’s Representative! 603-526-4116. donna@donnaforest.com
Donna Forest, Associate Broker, ABR
This circa 1904 Arts and Crafts, shingle-style house was built by a wealthy father as a wedding gift for his daughter. The bride and groom "reside" across the street. In 1941, a young couple (friends of the then-owner) were married place.
The property has been impeccably maintained and in mint condition. Attention to detail is visible throughout. All systems have been updated. There is a main house and Carriage house with 2 rental units. Come see for yourself; you won't be disappointed! Visit www.258Main.com for more photos and details.
Stacey Viandier, Listing Agent
This home is a gardener's paradise offering to-die-for cottage-style gardens in the back yard along with fruit trees, berry bushes and more. A serene place to reflect on nature's beauty. Situated on 2 acres, this traditional bow cape offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. You'll love the handmade tiles and hand laid wood block floors. There are touches of originality and creativity sprinkled throughout. There's even a bonus room over the garage for a studio, workshop, game room, etc. Minutes to Sunapee Harbor and about 7 miles to skiing at Mt. Sunapee; you couldn't ask for a better location! Offered at $309,000. Go to www.SunapeeNHCape.com for more photos and details of the property.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker
Live in one or both of these adorable cottages on Highland Lake! Enjoy great privacy and lounge at the lakeside deck or dock or in one of the screened porches. There's a small beach perfect for teaching kids to swim, and the dock can harbor many boats. Known for its pair of nesting loon, its heron and bald eagle, Highland Lake is nevertheless a well-kept secret! Offered at $345,000. Visit www.2LakefrontCottages.com for more photos and details.
Stacey Viandier, Listing Agent
From $507,000 to $426,800. Don't miss out on this 5 bedroom, 2 bath cape in Enfield, offering 170 ft. of lakefront on Mascoma Lake. Nice sandy beach with easy entrance to the water for the kids and adults. Nice location, separate garage. Just pack your bags and don't forget the swimsuits! Agent interest.
Sharon LaVigne, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
You'll have access to 500 ft. of beautiful, sandy lakefront on Pleasant Lake with this 4 bedroom home in New London, NH. Organize your guests for a tennis match or just take out the kayaks and relax on the water. Low maintenance home and yard, well-designed for carefree vacations. Visit www.PleasantLakeAccess.com for more photos and details. Offered at $379,000.
Yes and no. There are a lot of misleading emails that make you think every seller will have to pay an additional tax when they sell their house. Yes, there is a new federal 3.8% sales tax on real estate to pay for the Affordable Care Act. It was passed by Congress in 2010 with the intent of generating an estimated $210 billion to help fund health care and Medicare overhaul plans. The reality is, only a small percent will end up paying, starting in 2013. It applies to those with incomes over $200,000 ($250,000 if married, filing jointly). Even then, the tax doesn’t apply to the first $250,000 (or $500,000 if married, filing jointly) on PROFITS from the sale of a personal residence. This exclusion doesn’t work for vacation homes or rental properties. It’s possible that investment income could be generated by the sale of real estate. But it’s quite a stretch to call it a real estate tax.
Contact me and I’ll be glad to email you a PDF document from the National Association of REALTORS® explaining this tax. Please check with your accountant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Donna Forest, Broker Associate, 603-526-4116
Take advantage of this great buy in Warner! 2 bedroom home plus 1 bedroom apartment upstairs to help pay your mortgage. Large attached barn for all your toys. Very private back yard with huge deck and nice gardens. Warner is a quaint village with interesting shops and artists. Visit www.WarnerFarmhouse.com for more photos and details. Offered at $200,000.
Chris McKee, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
This bright and airy cape in Sunapee offers beautiful sunrises from the rear deck. Sip your coffee and listen to the birds sing from the deck, brick patio or open front porch. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, easy one-floor living with the master bedroom on the first floor. Convenient location and a nice walking area. Close to Sunapee Harbor and Mt. Sunapee Resort. Offered at $282,500. Visit www.SunapeeCape.com for more information and photos.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116