This diamond in the rough has its own private, permanent dock directly across the street on Lake Sunapee. Area of nice homes and a ten minute drive to Mt.Sunapee Ski Resort. Price reduced to $269,900. Visit www.110LakeAve.com for more photos and details.
According to the December 2010 Economic Outlook released by Fannie Mae’s Economic & Mortgage Market Analysis Group, improvements in consumer spending & confidence, increased demand for goods & services, and falling unemployment claims are all positive factors pointing to a housing recovery going into 2011. Fannie Mae’s Chief Economist Doug Duncan says, “We expect modest increases in home sales, despite recent interest rate rises, due in part to modest additional declines in home prices, and we expect people to take advantage of affordability as their employment and income outlook brightens.”
While total home & condo sales in *9 area towns for 2010 were about the same as in 2009, with a slight decrease in the median selling price, Springfield, Wilmot and Bradford all saw increases in their sales numbers – encouraging news for our market area!
Sold Listings Median Selling Price Ave. Days on Market
2010 261 $236,500 175
2009 257 $245,000 158
*Andover, Bradford, New London, Newbury, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Wilmot, Warner
Donna Forest, ABR
Broker Associate
The month of November saw home sales resuming a growth trend since bottoming in July, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Existing-home sales rose 5.6%, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million in November from 4.43 million in October. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is hopeful for 2011. “Continuing gains in home sales are encouraging, and the positive impact of steady job creation will more than trump some negative impact from a modest rise in mortgage interest rates, which remain historically favorable,” he said. Yun added that home buyers are responding to improved affordability conditions. “The relationship recently between mortgage interest rates, home prices and family income has been the most favorable on record for buying a home since we started measuring in 1970,” he said. “Therefore, the market is recovering and we should trend up to a healthy, sustainable level in 2011.” The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $170,600 in November, up 0.4% from November 2009. Total housing inventory at the end of November fell 4.0% to 3.71 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.5-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.5-month supply in October. NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said good buying opportunities will continue. “Traditionally there are far fewer buyers competing for properties at this time of the year, so serious buyers have a lot of opportunities during the winter months,” he said. “Buyers will enjoy favorable affordability conditions into the new year, although mortgage rates are expected to gradually rise as 2011 progresses.” “In the short term, mortgage interest rates should hover just above recent record lows, while home prices have generally stabilized following declines from 2007 through 2009,” Yun said. “Although mortgage interest rates have ticked up in recent weeks, overall conditions remain extremely favorable for buyers who can obtain credit.” Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 2.7% to an annual pace of 770,000 in November but are 33.0% below the cyclical peak in November 2009 (this peak was caused by buyers trying to beat the deadline for the federal buyer credits). The median price in the Northeast was $242,500, which is 9.2% higher than a year ago. This article is based on one which appeared in RISMEDIA, December 23, 2010; the data source is the National Association of Realtors. For more information, visit www.realtor.org.
Heating water can account for up to 25% of your household energy costs, but there are some inexpensive things you can do to help increase efficiency and your bills.
Wrap your heater in a blanket Your water heater needs help to stay warm, especially if it's in an unheated space. A fiberglass insulating blanket can cut heat loss by 25% to 40% and save 4% to 9% on an average water-heating bill. Insulating blankets are cheap, usually less than $30 at the home center, and it's easy to install one yourself. Follow the included directions, and take care not to block the thermostat on an electric water heater or the air inlet, exhaust, or top of the tank on a gas unit. Note: If your water heater is fairly new, check the manufacturer's recommendations first. Many newer units already have insulating foam built in; on these models, an after-market jacket could block a critical component. Install low-flow fixtures One of the surest ways to cut hot water costs is to use less of it. By installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which cost as little as $10 to $20 each, you can cut hot water consumption by 25% to 60%. Turn down the temperature Many water heaters come from the factory with the temperature set needlessly high. For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you'll save another 3% to 5% on your bill. If the thermostat on your water heater doesn't have a numbered gauge, put it midway between the "low" and "medium" marks. Wait a day, then measure the temperature at the tap with a standard cooking thermometer. Keep adjusting this way until you hit your target temperature. Drain the sediment Tanks naturally build up sediment, which reduces the unit's efficiency and makes it more expensive to operate Draining the tank is relatively easy. Turn off the water and power to the unit (set the burner on a gas unit to "pilot"). Then connect a garden hose to the spigot at the base of the tank. With the other end of the hose at a lower spot outside the house where discharging hot water poses no danger, carefully lift the pressure-relief valve at the top of the tank and turn on the spigot; water should begin to flow. While most manufacturers recommend draining the tank once or twice a year, you don't have to drain it completely; in fact, the Department of Energy (http://www.energy.gov) recommends draining less water more often-just a quart every three months. Insulate exposed hot-water pipes Wrapping hot-water pipes with insulation reduces standby losses. Water arrives at the tap 2 to 4 degrees warmer, which means you won't have to stand around as long waiting for it to heat up, thus saving water, energy, and money. While this isn't an expensive job to do yourself-six-foot-long, self-sealing sleeves easily slip over pipes and cost about $2.50 each-it could take some effort, depending on where your hot water pipes are. Exposed pipes in the basement are an easy target, but if pipes are in a hard-to-reach crawl space or inside walls, it might not be worth the trouble. Based on an article by Joe Bousquin, from HouseLogic.com originally published: August 28, 2009. Visit HouseLogic.com for many more helpful articles.
Mt. Sunapee continues to make snow around the clock. By Sunday, December 26 they expect to have close to 50 trails open. Over the course of the holiday week the few remaining snowmaking trails will open. They will also be building the beginner terrain park on Calypso. You should make your reservations now for children’s programs over the holidays. There is limited capacity in child care and the Snow Stars program for children 4-7 years old. Starting Monday, December 27 all 11 lifts will be operating daily. Over the holidays if you see their snowmakers in their bright yellow jackets, thank them for another white Christmas at Mount Sunapee. The forecast looks seasonably cold right through the holidays.
Holiday Happenings at the Mountain:
December 26 (and every Sunday through March 27)
GROM-A-THON
A jam at high noon in the Bob Skinner’s Six O’ Three terrain park on a small to medium feature for young skiers and riders. Emphasis is on fun. $5 entry fee includes a goodie bag. Register at the park shack.
December 28
SUGAR ON SNOW CELEBRATION
Sample delicious sugar on snow from Valley View Maple Farm in Springfield, NH. Other maple products are on sale on the patio at Sunapee Lodge.
December 29
ABSOLUTELY MAGIC
Andrew Pinard performs strolling table-top magic in Sunapee Lodge from 11:00am until 1:00pm.
December 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION IN GOOSEFEATHERS PUB
Ring in the New Year “Sunapee” style as we dance the night away and enjoy a fireworks display. A delicious family buffet is available in Goosefeathers Pub. Buffet at 7:00pm, fireworks at 9:00pm and DJ until 10:00pm. No reservations required.
January 1
JINGLE JAM RAIL JAM
A rail jam in the Bob Skinner’s Six O’ Three Terrain Park. $500 cash prizes provided by Golf & Ski Warehouse.
ABSOLUTELY MAGIC
Andrew Pinard performs strolling table-top magic in Sunapee Lodge from 11:00am until 1:00pm.
10 Ways to Prevent and Stop Roof Leaks
Today’s issue posted by RISMEDIA featured an article posted by the Vice President of Pillar to Post Home Inspections. Here are the highlights:
Stopping potential leaking problems at the source can help prolong the life of your roof and keep repair costs at a minimum. If you’re not handy, call on a professional to inspect the situation and advise if repairs are needed. Being proactive in this way will save money in the long run.
1. Incorrect shingle installation. Improper joint locations and a lack of underlay are two issues that are particularly hard to see, but can be extremely problematic.
2. Structural sagging. A sagging roof structure is often the result of moisture retention, and nearly always foreshadows, or coincides with, a leak issue.
3. Water “ponding.” Clogged roof drains and indented areas on flat roofs can cause water pooling—which is basically a leak waiting to happen.
4. Damaged nails. Even on shingles that have been expertly installed, nails are the first thing to show wear. Corroding nails leave microscopic holes that invite water in.
5. Improperly hung gutters. Gutter placement is critical, and if you’re in an area with strong wind, just a tiny shift can tamper with the gutter system and divert rain—meant for the gutter—onto the roof.
6. Moss. You might think it’s just an aesthetic problem, but as moss gathers, it retains more and more moisture that you might not be able to see—until it starts dripping into the attic.
7. Insufficient insulation. The roof might look great on the outside, but if it’s not properly insulated underneath, you’re in trouble. Pre-1980s homes, in particular, may not have an adequate vapor barrier; if they don’t, a replacement is warranted—surface patching and minor repairs will just amount to wasted money.
8. A deteriorating chimney. Whether it’s cracks, eroded joints or a decaying cap, the chimney has plenty of inroads for moisture and water. Don’t discount the chimney; sometimes it might need all the repairs, when the roof might be just fine.
9. Evidence of badly-done past repairs. From improper plastering to inadequately plugged-up holes, any past repairs that look like they’re DIY are probably not up to code, and are just a stopgap measure. Don’t look to them to provide any leak protection in the future. Have a professional inspector evaluate these half-hearted fixes, and suggest ways to re-do them properly, to prolong the roof’s life.
10. Don’t forget the attic. Leaks into the attic aren’t just a problem; but so are leaks originating in the attic. One of the most important precautions: Don’t terminate any vent or exhaust pipes in the attic.
December 14, 2010. RisMedia. The author of the original article is Charles Furlough is Vice President, Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspections.
For more information, visit www.pillartopost.com.
Wooden toy soldiers have assembled and come to celebrate the holidays this year in New London! Area businesses purchased the templates and creative residents and artists dressed them up! Have fun strolling around the town to see Elvis and the pizza man; the fireman and construction worker. Our two handsome soldiers were hand painted by our sales associate, Sara Ellis.
Enjoy the Holidays!
You'll love chatting with guests in the large entertainment room with a slider leading to the sun porch. Sunny and bright home has recently been updated. For photos and details, visit www.563TownFarmRd.com.
Since the most enjoyable part of selling your home occurs when the proceeds from the sale are deposited into your account, there are some things that you can do that will help you reach that goal more quickly. Most sellers need to de-clutter, which means not only, removing knick-knacks and taking out excess furniture, but removing other distractions from your home which make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. Many sellers like to sort through their personal property themselves, but there is help out there in the way of home organizers who specialize in assisting people through the selling and moving process. Consider combining this service with a professional stager to make your house stand out from the competition. Living in a home that is on the market can be disruptive. Ideally, you, your children and pets should be out of the house when it's shown. Buyers feel inhibited by the sellers' presence. They won't say anything negative about the house while you're there. Work with your agent to set up a showing procedure for your home that you can live with, knowing that it gives your house the best chance to make a good impression if you, your children and pets skedaddle. The perfect house doesn't exist, so buyers always have to make compromises. It's important for buyers to have an opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of a home while they are there with their agent. Here’s a great hint: Preparing for showings is easier if you have bins in the bathrooms for your personal effects, in the kitchen for things you use daily, and to store children's toys. These hints will help get you to the settlement table sooner! Based on an article on InMan.com, November 15, 2010 authored by Dian Hymer, a real estate broker with more than 30 years' experience, who is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide."