Based on a recent Realtor.com report, April 13-19 is the ideal week to list your home! This week stands out because the demand is higher this time of year. With mortgage rates stabilizing, more buyers are returning to the market. Since there are more active buyers, who are eager to be settled into their new homes by summer, there is a good chance for a faster sale.
Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!
Before moving to New London 10 years ago, Sonja grew up in Princeton, New Jersey where she was educated at The Lawrenceville School. In the summers, Sonja would travel abroad for immersion programs hosted by Sons of Norway and Insitut Le Rosey in Rolle Switzerland. Growing up, Sonja's parents had been very politically active on both sides, but she discovered her own love of politics after attending an inspirational speech by the late John McCain in Philadelphia. She moved to DC to study at George Washington University. After working on a Presidential Campaign, she was honored to have been given the incredible opportunity to work in White House Communications. Sonja managed a series of websites about Nightlife and Charitable Events in Washington DC. After 15 years, however, Sonja and her family made the decision to find the polar opposite of DC. She found it here in the land of mountains and lakes, and where everything closes by 9pm.
FUN FACTS: While preparing to model for a News segment before the Oscars, Sonja shared a bottle of wine with the Armani Face Designer. They told her she wouldn't have to speak. They lied. She was also asked to stay away from the First Daughters for fear that she'd be a bad influence. They were wrong. She would have been much more discreet when sneaking them into the VIP areas of nightclubs.
You may know Sonja as an avid dog lover. You might also have seen her outside with her dogs and family all November long setting up an elaborate Christmas display around her lovingly restored historic home and barn to bring joy to everyone who drives by during the cold winter months. Sonja is a people person who also works at The Refinery to further connect with neighbors and meet new friends.
In Real Estate, Sonja brings cultural experience and insight to buyers eager to trade in the fast paced life for a more fulfilling quality of life here in NH. Whether you're interested in buying or selling, her years working as a staffer in DC has made Sonja uniquely qualified to work with challenging people.
Whether buying or selling, below are some items that may impact your sale.
- Insurance – Many insurance companies are sending someone out to visually inspect a property after issuing a new policy (especially on older homes). If there is something like an old roof or peeling paint, you may be required to fix the situation to maintain the same policy and price.
- Lead Paint – All pre-1978 properties that are turned into rental housing as of July 2024 are required to have a Lead Safe Certificate issued by a licensed NH Risk Assessor prior to occupancy. This includes single family homes that are put on the rental market (like Airbnb or VRBO).
- Shoreland Septic Systems – If a septic system is within 250 ft. of the reference line, the buyer is required to have the system inspected. If the existing system was never approved by the state or approval was prior to 1989, the buyer must hire a septic system designer to determine the elevation of the bottom of the leach field relative to the high-water table. There are a lot more details with this law so be sure you understand it before selling or buying a waterfront home.
Whether buying or selling, contact me to work with a Realtor® who keeps current with the laws and regulations that could affect your bottom line.
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Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
When it comes to finding the perfect home or selling your current one, having a passionate and knowledgeable real estate professional by your side makes all the difference. I’m Deb Rees, a proud New Hampshire local who combines a love for our state with a dedication to helping my clients achieve their real estate dreams.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME: I am a lifelong musician and have been an elementary music teacher for over 26 years. Teaching music continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my life. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they discover their own creative voice. I also am an avid golfer who enjoys playing anywhere and everywhere I get the chance. Whether I’m teeing off at a local golf course, kayaking on Elbow Pond, or relaxing after a day of work with a walk with my dog Willow, I’m constantly reminded why New Hampshire is such a special place to call home.
Beyond my professional life, I’m also the proud mother of daughter Emma, son Sean, and grandmother to my one-year-old granddaughter, Peyton. There is no better time than when we are all together on our dock or around the fire.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everything works out in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it's not the end” — Tracy McMillan, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
As someone who’s deeply rooted in this community, I understand the unique nuances of the local real estate market. I take great pride in offering personalized service that reflects each client’s needs and dreams. Whether you’re buying your very first home, upgrading to your dream house, or selling a cherished property, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to make your real estate journey as seamless and rewarding as possible. I’d be honored to help you discover the joys of living in New Hampshire — a place I’m so proud to call home.
Capital gains tax is a tax on the profits from the sale of assets such as stocks, real estate, & other investments. Since houses are considered an asset, there could be potential for owing taxes when you sell. The capital gains tax is calculated on the difference between the sales price and the original cost. The good news is there is a tax exemption for your primary residence based on your tax-filing status: $500,000 for a married couple filing a joint return and $250,000 for a single filer. To claim this exemption, the home must be your primary residence that you owned for at least 2 years and you must have lived in it for at least 2 of the past 5 years.
The amount of gains can be reduced by the cost of any improvements and closing costs you've paid. Example of improvements include new roof, landscaping, new furnace, kitchen updates, etc.. Ordinary repairs can't be included. Add the amount of money spent to the initial price you paid for your home to give you the adjusted cost basis. The higher your cost basis, the lower your capital gains.
TIP - Keep records of your expenses including receipts & invoices to support your claims. Refer to the IRS Publication 523 and your accountant for more details about capital gains tax.
Contact me and put my many years of experience to work for you.
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Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
00 Tucker Mountain Road, Andover, NH 03216 | Offered at $250,000 | MLS #5033599
For More Information Contact:
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Deb ReesListing AgentM 603-454-8380
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The National Assoc. of Realtors conducts a survey* every year on recent home buyers and sellers. Below are highlights on buyers from their most recent report.
- 24% of buyers were 1st time buyers (down from 32% the year before).
- 74% of buyers financed their home purchase. 26% were cash buyers.
- 45% of buyers purchased in a suburb, 23% in a small town, 16% in a city, 14% in a rural area.
- 75% of buyers bought a single family home.
- 86% used a real estate agent.
- 17% of buyers purchased a multi-generational home.
- The typical home purchased was 1900 SF, 3 BD, 2 bath, and built in 1994.
*2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – National Association of Realtors
Thinking of selling? Contact me if you’d like to know how these facts could impact your sale.
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Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
195 Pine Hill Road, New London, NH 03257 | Offered at $749,000 | MLS #5033056
This traditional colonial style New London home is located in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood. Close to town, Knights Hill Nature Park, Outing Club fields and tennis courts, medical offices, hospital and shopping. The home features wonderful living spaces both inside and out. Pick up the mail and relax by the wood stove in the kitchen sitting area. Enjoy cooking in the nice-sized kitchen which has both good storage and cooking space, plus a bonus desk area. The laundry and a ¾ bathroom area right off the garage and side-door entrances, with good storage nearby. A dining room is right off the kitchen, as well as a good-sized living room with a fireplace with raised brick hearth. The second-floor features three additional bedrooms. One is the primary with a private bathroom. There is another full bath off the upstairs hall. A smaller room easily provides get-away space for an office. Even on the basement level, which has been partially finished, there is useful space. The basement is also entered from stairs in the garage which makes it so handy to use! There are a total of 2.1 acres which include a spacious lawn with a shed to the rear and some woods. There is room for additional gardening, whether vegetable or flower.
For More Information Contact:
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Jane SnowListing AgentM 603-493-4241
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