Looking for some Peace and Quiet?

This adorable, one bedroom cottage could do it for you.  Situated on Bradley Lake overlooking 80 ft of serene and peaceful lakefront.  There's also a small boathouse and storage shed included.  Fieldstone fireplace, pine floors, deck with built-in seating - cute at a button!  Offered at $225,000.  For more photos and details, visit www.BradleyLakeCottage.com

Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116

Home Sales on the Increase

Looking to Live In Town?

You'll feel right at home in this traditional colonial with many appealing features and useful spaces. You can walk to many attractions without being right on Main Street. There's a roomy kitchen for both cook and guests to enjoy, a large family room over the garage, 4 bedrooms, office and exercise space. Cozy up to the propane stove in the sitting room and read a good book; French doors lead to the back deck and patio. Nicely landscaped. Offered at $349,000. For more photos and details, visit www.VillageColonial.com

Looking for a Waterfront Get-Away Under a Million?

This warm and welcoming home is well-designed and finished with year-round vacationing in mind. Beautiful cook's kitchen with granite countertops and bar seating, perfect for cooking for large gatherings. Two fieldstone fireplaces. Family and billiards rooms. Master bedroom with private bath. Easily room for 10 with extra space for even more, but equally comfortable for smaller family weekends and vacations. Lakeside screen porch, stone patio, outdoor sower, dock, hot tub. Close to Lake Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee and I-89. Make your appointment to see this one today! Offered at $800,000. For more details and photos, visit www.GetAwayToNH.com

A Picture is Worth What?

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.

Found the Right House and Now You Want to Make an Offer?

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

www.donnaforest.com

Looking for that Unique Home?

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

Love Gardens?

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

Want 2 for the price of 1?

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

Great Price Reduction on Mascoma Lake!

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