Get to Know Deb Rees

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.


Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax on the Sale of a House?

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.

        

Donna Forest

M: 603-731-5151
donna@donnaforest.com
Follow her on Facebook

New Land Listing in Andover!

00 Tucker Mountain Road, Andover, NH 03216 | Offered at $250,000 | MLS #5033599

This is an excellent opportunity for developers and homeowners alike. With its prime location just a short stroll from the Highland Lake public beach, this expansive 3.39-acre lot boasts over 200 feet of road frontage, providing ample space for your vision. Whether you’re looking to build your dream single-family home or explore the possibilities of multiple dwellings under village zoning (with town approval), this property is full of potential. Enjoy the tranquility of Andover (home of Proctor Academy) while still being close to outdoor recreation, local amenities, and major routes. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to invest or build in this charming slice of New Hampshire!


For More Information Contact:

        

Deb Rees

Listing Agent

M 603-454-8380
deb@bhgmilestone.com

Just Sold in Bradford!

Donna was happy to help her client find the perfect buyers for this beautiful home. Whether buying or selling, contact Donna if you’d like to get your best outcome possible in this competitive market! For the best selling, buying, or renting experience, call "The Best Team in Town" at 603-526-4116!

Who are Today's Home Buyers?

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.

        

Donna Forest

M: 603-731-5151
donna@donnaforest.com
Follow her on Facebook


New Listing in New London, NH!

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:

        

Jane Snow

Listing Agent

M 603-493-4241
jane@bhgmilestone.com

Get to Know Donna Forest

BACKGROUND: I grew up in Townsend, MA and graduated from UMass, Amherst with a forestry degree. After graduation, I was offered a position with the US Forest Service and moved to Northern California. I became the first fulltime professional female forest service ranger in the region. During that time, I worked in several different capacities - logging sales, recreation management, snow ranger & chairlift inspector, etc. While in CA, I met my husband, Rick Flint, who was in ski resort management. Over the years we’ve lived and worked in southern NH, western Maine, and at 10,000 ft. in southern Utah (with an avg. snowfall of 400” a year). I’ve also owned and operated a bed & breakfast in Maine and managed the lodging reservations department at Sunday River Ski Resort. We have resided in New London since 2000.

MY REAL ESTATE CAREER: My real estate career started in Utah in 1994. I feel I bring a breadth of experience and calmness to every transaction. I have a direct, no-nonsense approach and my goal is to make sure buyers and sellers have the information they need to make good decisions so they can be successful in achieving their goals. I always have my clients’ best interests at heart. I’ve won many awards including realtor of the year and was an active member of the Sunapee Region Board of Realtors for years (including serving as president one year).

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Remember, being happy doesn’t mean you have it all. It simply means you’re thankful for all you have.” ~Unknown

FUN FACTS: I paraglided while on a ski vacation in Verbier, Switzerland, have skied at over 60 different ski areas, been white water rafting on a class 5 river, and even tried parachuting in my younger years (once!). We happily boated on Lake Sunapee for 16 yrs. I enjoy volunteering at the local food pantry and my best vacations so far have been in the Cook Islands and also the Azores!


Is now the right time to sell?

With both mortgage applications and showings up since the start of the year, it is clear that there are already more people actively looking to buy than in the past few years. This is great news if you are looking to sell! As Spring nears, and buyers get more excited about finding a home, we expect that this activity will continue to pick up!

Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!


Get to Know Emily Campbell

FUN FACTS: I grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, graduated from Mt. Saint Joseph Academy in 1966, University of Denver, BA in 1970 and Plymouth State University, MEd/Mathematics in 1999. I have two great sons: Brooks (who is married to Olivia), and Tyler. I am also most fortunate to spend time watching my two grandsons, Hazen (14) and Hudson (11) participate in various extra curricular activities.

OCCUPATIONS: I have lived in New London for 53 years and have been selling Real Estate for 46 of those years! I also have an established relationship with the Kearsarge Regional School District, which began in 1972 when I taught 4th grade. In 1978, I began a 12 year stint on the KRSD School Board and was Chairman for 6 of those years. In 1993, I was asked to substitute at KRMS for a three week 8th grade Mathematics position that lasted 20 years! I retired from KRMS in 2013. I have also been a Director of the New London Outing Club and the New London Historical Society, Chair of the New London Hospital Day Parade and currently serve as a member of the New London Planning Board as well as the New London Representative on the Tri-Town Assessors Board. I am also the vice chairman of the New London Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

FAVORITE SAYINGS: “After all is said and done, more is said than done.” “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

INTERESTS: Family! Friends! Laughter! All things outside ~ skiing, walking, tennis, travel, the ocean, gardening, bike riding (I even purchased an E-Bike several summers ago so I could keep up with my grandsons on their bikes, I LOVE IT!).

STRENGTHS: I feel my 53 years of living and raising my family in this spectacular area has provided me with the expertise needed to put buyers and sellers together with very positive outcomes!

TESTIMONIAL: “Emily Campbell is a gifted people person. Selling my home was an incredibly emotional experience for me. Without any judgment, ever, Emily helped me navigate and balance the components of my emotional needs with what she knew made good business sense. I will be forever grateful to her for guiding me gently through the process, for her open and timely communication, for her understanding and respect of my feelings, and for making sure that we found buyers who would love the house as much my family did. Emily is a genuine treasure.” Seller, New London


Are you looking to sell your house this spring?

Now is a great time to start getting your house market-ready! Here are some helpful tips!

  • Declutter & Clean: These are two of the most important and cost-effective ways to increase value. Remove excess décor, deep clean the entire house, and minimize what you keep on countertops.
  • Repairs & Maintenance: Focus on key repairs that you would want to see if you were a buyer. An agent can narrow down your repairs for the best return on investment.

Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!