Beautiful, custom designed home in the Oakledge Community in Sunapee, NH offers an open, warm feeling with good-sized rooms. 3+ bedrooms, 4 baths, low maintenance exterior. Oakledge amenities include clubhouse, tennis and 1400 ft. of shared lake frontage with beaches and decks. Was $925,000, now $895,000. Visit www.LakeSunapeeAccess.com for
Home sales activity in the Granite State saw a February increase of 13 percent compared to February 2011, according to data released recently by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR). The state’s Realtors reported 661 residential sales last month, compared to 585 in February 2011. It marked the third consecutive year to see a February increase and was the most February sales since 2007. The median price for statewide home sales, meanwhile, fell nearly 3 percent for the month, from $185,000 in February 2011 to 179,900 in February 2012. Year to date (January and February), unit sales were ahead of last year’s pace by 16 percent, while median price for that period was down 6 percent. “We still have more inventory than you’d find in a balanced market, and that’s continuing to keep prices down,” said NHAR President John Rice, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and an agent with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye. “As sales increase and inventory decreases, we’ll gradually move out of this decidedly buyer-friendly market. We’re still in the early stages of that process.” In terms of local markets, all but one of the state’s 10 counties saw unit sales increases in February compared to a year ago, including a 23 percent jump in Hillsborough, the state’s largest county. And despite the overall February decrease in median price, six of the 10 counties saw increases, including a 5 percent uptick in Hillsborough County, from $190,000 in 2011 to $200,000 in 2012. February 2012 data residentialFebruary 2012 data condoSource: Press Release, Dave Cummings, New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® Director of Communications
And the fishing will begin on April 1 for the start of the open-water fishing season on landlocked salmon/lake trout-managed lakes in New Hampshire. The other managed lakes are: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake.
NH Fish and Game is encouraging anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Learn more at www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html.
New Hampshire fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual non-resident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day non-resident licenses are also available.
Visit the NH Fish and Game web site for answers to all your questions about fishing, hunting, wildlife and much more www.wildlife.state.nh.us/index.html
Think losing the mortgage interest deduction would be no big deal? We bust seven myths to show why the cost is bigger than you think.
- The mortgage interest deduction helps mostly middle- and lower-income families.
- 65% of families who use it earn less than $100,000 per year.
- 91% earn less than $200,000 per year (that’s where most economists draw the line between rich and middle-class).
- Only 9% earn more than $200,000 per year.
- Raise property taxes. Not only will home owners pay more in taxes, renters won’t escape unscathed either as landlords raise rents to cover their costs.
- Cut services that everyone—renters and owners—enjoys.
- The $10,000 deduction you have now saves you $2,500 on your taxes (25% x 10,000).
- The 12% credit would save you only $1,200 (12% x 10,000) on your taxes.
- In this scenario, if the mortgage interest deduction is changed to a 12% credit, you’d lose $1,300 (the current $2,500 savings minus the $1,200 you’ll save under the 12% plan).
- $26,685—a 15% drop in value for the median home valued at $177,900.
- A proportionally smaller gain in overall home equity over your lifetime, because your home now starts from a lower value.
Charming location on Mascoma Lake. 170 ft. of lakefront with great sandy beach, easy for the kids and adults! State of the art 5 bedroom septic system. Private, 4-5 bedroom cape with 2 baths, separate garage - pack your bags and don't forget the swimsuits! Offered at $507,000.
Sharon LaVigne, Listing Agent
603-526-4116
This well-built, half cape on 7+ acres is less than 10 minutes to the center of New London and a very short drive to a lovely town beach on Pleasant Lake for swim lessons, play, relaxing, and catching up with friends. Attractive finish features and very comfortable living space. Nicely landscaped with year-round Whitney Brook at the rear of the house. Privacy with convenience. First floor master bedroom with private bath. Near conservation land with great, interpretive walking trails. Offered at $334,800. For more details and photos, visit www.3BRCapeon7Ac.com.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker
January residential unit sales in New Hampshire were ahead of the prior January for the third consecutive year, as 656 single family homes were sold in the Granite State last month. According to MLS data released by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR), that number represented a 20 percent increase over the 549 homes sold in January 2011. The median price of those homes, meanwhile, continued to lag slightly behind, having dropped 4 percent, from $207,000 in January 2011 to $198,500 in January 2012. “Although it’s human nature to look for that one defining month that signals to everyone that the recovery in the housing market is afoot, that’s just not the nature of this economy,” said NHAR President John Rice, a 40‐year veteran of the real estate industry and an agent with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International in Portsmouth. “As we continue to hear from economists, we’re probably in the early stages of a slow upward climb. Rice said he was encouraged by the fact that the 656 January sales were the most since 2007, but he pointed out that this mild winter, particularly compared to last year’s frigid and snow‐caked January, has likely played a role in the uptick. “We’re happy to report positive news in terms of the market, but we also need to be clear about the context,” Rice said, “and right now the context is that we’ve had positive conditions compared to last year.” The drop in median price continues to be influenced by the foreclosure market. The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority reported 368 foreclosure deeds recorded in December 2011, the highest December number since NHHFA began its reporting in 2005. In terms of local markets, eight of the state’s 10 counties saw unit sales increases in January compared to a year ago, including a 108 percent jump in Sullivan County, 45 percent in Belknap County and 36 percent in both Cheshire and Rockingham counties. The state’s largest county, Hillsborough, witnessed a 14 percent sales increase. Median price, meanwhile, saw increases in four of 10 counties, the largest of those being 22 percent in Coos County. January 2012 data residentialJanuary 2012 data condo With inventory still relatively high, interest rates low and prices competitive, Rice said he would not be surprised to see an excellent spring in terms of sales. “No predictions, but the market is certainly ripe for a continued increase in activity,” he said. “Those looking to buy a home have excellent opportunities right now.” Source: Press Release NHAR, Dave Cummings, NHAR Director of Communications, Concord, NH
Cozy arts and crafts style, 3 bedroom home offers character and charm. Located on a lovely, picturesque, tree-lined road in an area of fine homes. Enjoy the views of Mount and Lake Sunapee on your long Farmer's porch. Bead board, hardwood floors, two fireplaces. Offered at $320,000. Give Chris McKee a call to schedule your viewing - 603-526-4116. For more photos and details, visit www.BurpeeHillBungalow.com
Chris McKee, Listing Agent
Another year has flown quickly by, and it’s time to share with you the Summary of New London Sales for 2011. Note, that in order to include non-MLS transactions, we draw statistics from The Registry Review, as well as MLS. There is some good news in the market’s performance of 2011: condominium sales began a nice recovery, including 4 sales at The Seasons; the number of waterfront/access property sales increased; and total transaction numbers actually eked up about 4.5%. MLS stats for condo and residential sales show an increase from 60 to 73, and an increase in the listing to selling ratio from 90% to 92%. The average days on the market increased from 178 to 206, however, I believe this is a function of older inventory selling. Conversely, more homes sold for <$300,000 in 2011 (26), than in 2010 (16), creating a drop in average price; and total dollar volume inched further downward, despite the increase in number of sales. While this marks the 5th straight year of the decline of total dollar volume since the highs of 2006, it is telling to note that, after the first big drops of 2007-2008, the subsequent decreases have not been dramatic. A couple more sales in the over $300,000+ range, and these decreases could have been washed out. It is also the case that one or two large sales can skew the market. Therefore, I have not included the sale of a single family home for $2,450,000 or the $15,000,000+ commercial sale of the New London Shopping Center. My optimism that 2011 would be the year of change didn’t prove true. There were signs, but just not enough momentum. I do believe 2011 will be the last year of the downward trend. Many forecasting services are predicting constant or rising home prices in 2012. Nationally, buyer and seller traffic was up in late November and December (we were really busy!), which is also a very good sign. The commitment to keeping interest rates low seems to be there. I do believe that, if the news continues to be good, and buyers have reason to feel more confident, many of them, who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right” moment, will chose to buy a home in 2012. Coldwell Banker Milestone had a very successful and productive year in 2011, proving that our consistent performance continues to yield good results for our buyers and sellers. As always, your referrals are gratefully received, and you can be assured that “The Best Team in Town” will deliver extraordinary service and results. 2011 New London Stats Summary. Marilyn Kidder is Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate. Feel free to give her a call for professional advice on any of your real estate needs - 603-526-4116.
If you're getting ready to put your house on the market, it is important to make sure it photographs well. Since 90% of buyers start their search online, good pictures are essential to grabbing buyers’ interest. Before your REALTOR® arrives to take photos, here are some tips to help maximize your online exposure.
- De-clutter your house. Pay attention to the small details like removing refrigerator magnets, soap & sponges by sink, and towels hanging on the stove. Also, stash-or throw-all your piles away.
- Watch out for strong colors as they may not show well in photos. You may want to consider painting walls a more neutral palette or replacing too bold/busy bedspreads. Ruffles and curtains may need to go as well.
- Avoid having too much furniture in a room – remove excess pieces.
- Make each room as light & bright as possible.
- Pay attention to the exterior. Good landscaping and a fresh coat of paint will look great on and off camera.
Talk to your REALTOR® to make sure they are using a camera with a wide angle lens and that they are putting as many photos as possible online. You can count on me for this kind of good advice which will help your property stand out in the market and get the attention of serious potential buyers. Give me a call – 603-526-4116!
Donna Forest, Broker Associate