Welcome to the Most Educational NH Blog in the State!

The National Association of Homebuilders recently reveled that the most sought after new home is one that is modern and eco-friendly.  They say this new style of modern design is visually different from that what you might picture from earlier versions of “modern”. It is described as a warmer take on the classic ultra modern “White Box” of mid-20th century modern design.

New Age Design

In general, this translates into bringing “modern” a warmer feel.  Architects are achieving this by increasingly combining two types of design and mixing distinctly modern, techno-savvy interiors with colonial details and Tudor-style roofs.  It is the best of both worlds being combined into a greener living space.

During the housing boom in the 80s and 90s, homes expanded in size.  Compact single story ranch and cape cod style homes were not as in demand as the large McMansion. But today, in a state of recovery after the housing bubble burst, downsizing and being ecologically smart by conserving energy is what the new homebuyer wishes to be.

Home Sizes

According to the National Association of Home Builders, houses shrank about 10 percent from their 2,500 square foot peak in 2007, and are expected “to get smaller and more efficient” with open floor plans, master bedrooms on the first floor. Yes, the one-story ranch home, the 50s and 60s signature style of family living, is making a comeback. The Association sites those ranch style buyers as parents with small children and aging baby boomers seeking accessibility.

Craftsman style homes, popular before World War II, are also enjoying a revival.  This style can range is size from spacious to a small bungalow. They are basically one or one and-a-half story homes that boast a low-pitched roof, tapered columns, oversized eaves, gables and have front porches that seem to call for a swing or a couple of rocking chairs.

Staying Efficient

But regardless of which style today’s buyers choose, they are also asking about low flow water fixtures, energy efficient furnaces, tankless water heaters, the best insulation, and natural ways to keep a home cooler in the summer. New kitchens lead the way to utility bill savings with Energy Star appliances and energy efficient windows have become expected by anyone in the market to build a home today.

While the latest trend may surprise homeowners who prefer spacious living, it does make sense that in a time of “back to basics” and going Green, today’s home buyer is looking to build a home with comfortable style as well as one that offers smart, ongoing energy savings

Ah, spring, one of the best times of the year to Take a Hike… for Humanity!

The warmer weather is finally here, bikini season is well on its way, and it’s a fantastic time to get some friends, family, and co-workers together for some exercise and outdoor adventure. Why not take a hike to help support people in your community? Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity is partnering up with other Habitat for Humanity chapters for their annual Hike for Humanity fundraiser.

The event is offered on two Saturdays in June. On June 1st hike beautiful Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey NH ($4 fee to enter the State Park), or you can hike the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA on June 8th (you can bring your dog here). Folks can sign up individually or as teams of up to 10 people. Get friends, family members, even your boss to sponsor you, and individuals who raise more than $125 get a T-shirt (and who doesn’t love a T-shirt?). All proceeds are used to build affordable homes for deserving low-income families.

Check in/registration for the hike is anywhere from 9 am to 2 pm and all hiking must be done by 5 pm. A fantastic way to enjoy a Saturday and help your local communities! For more information, or to register for the event please visit http://www.takeahikeforhumanity.org. You can select your local Habitat chapter when registering. It is a wonderful event, a great hike and can be done at your own pace. I’ll be attending the hike at Mt. Monadnock and I hope to see you there!

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a 501c3 non-profit, that rehabs or builds properties for low-income families. They look for families to put in sweat equity in the building of the homes, and sells them at affordable prices with zero percent interest loans. The proceeds from the sale of those homes are used to fund the next building project. If you would like more information about the Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity, or are interested in working on the rehabilitation of their current project a 3 family home in Manchester (think putting on a hard hat and swinging a hammer and a lot of fun) go to their website at http://www.habitatmanchester.org/

Genevieve Gheorghiu is a Bedford based agent specializing in fine homes, waterfront homes, investment property, multi-families, and foreign language transactions. She also has an e-certification. She covers the greater Manchester, Londonderry, and Merrimack areas. For more info on Genevieve or to view her listings, visit her agent page.

Certain aspects of a property make it worth more on the real estate market. There are the typical listing specifications such as acreage and square feet, but the margin money can be made on the actual features of the listing. If you are a current homeowner and have a desire to sell in the near or distant future, it’s best to take care of certain parts of a home. Below I list those specific parts, and why it matters.

Floors

A strikingly important and visible component of a property is the floor. Floor material can be tile, hardwood, carpet and marble among options. The point is that the floor of a home is both heavily used and very important when a potential sale is concerned.

The carpet in your house should be regularly cleaned to prevent wear. Similar to the roof principle, cleaning carpet on a regular basis will be much more of a financially sound plan than a complete replacement later on. If you have tile, marble or wood floor be careful to sweep before cleaning and use very pH neutral cleansers.

Priority: Keep your floors clean and both you and a potential home buyer will be more pleased with how they appear. Keeping a home buyer from thinking “Oh no, I will have to replace this whole floor area” can save you thousands and thousands during negotiations.

Roof

A high quality and well maintained roof is a great selling point in negotiations for a real estate sale. For one, it’s a piece of the house that keeps the entire structure together. Not only does it hold practical value, but it’s very visible and the appearance matters.

It is very, very important to maintain your roof. For one, it prevents a complete replacement that can cost well over $10,000 for a decently large house. Secondly, maintaining the layers of the roof can allow you to sell prospective buyers on the idea that they won’t be paying the hefty replacement price either!

Priority: Take care of your roof. You, as well as your future buyers, will both be rewarded. With many things in life maintenance is more cost effective than an entire replacement and when a roof is concerned, it’s no different.

Yard

An aspect that has a surprisingly large influence on home value is the yard, and it’s important that you maintain it when considering a future sale. Maintaining the yard means all grass, bark or gravel as well as landscape. The entire lot outside of your physical property can make a massive financial difference on the closing date.

When a potential home buyer pulls up to your property, the first thing they notice is the yard. A good first impression that enables an onlooker to breathe a sigh of relief could really help your bank account. Aside from the financial, it’s best to maintain a yard for fun if for no other reason. It can’t hurt, and you get outside while doing it!

Priority: Make your yard look nice and be even better. Whether this means installing a complex sprinkler system early on or simply fertilizing the lawn on a regular basis, it will be worth it down the road.

Property specifications like size, style and acreage are the foundation of a real estate transaction. However, certain features of the property can make or break a sale and it’s important to take care of your home. Some areas are more important than others, but the principle is the same. Take care of your home and it will reward you later on.

Buyers are ready for spring and after a long, snowy winter nothing says, “welcome to your backyard” like a beautiful deck.  If you are getting ready to sell, remember that a well-maintained deck is something most buyers are very attracted to. A deck offers more living space to the home, space for entertaining and relaxing, and a place to barbeque. While a deck adds value to the home, realize that not just any deck will do.

All Hands on Deck

Like anything else of beauty and value, decks require maintenance to retain their value and condition.  If your deck is made of wood, it requires a regular cycle of maintenance in order to avoid discoloration and a rough surface prone to splinters. If your deck is not protected with regular staining and sealing it can start to hold in moisture, which leads to rot.  Buyers will take notice of any signs of rot or lack of care, so it is important to understand what you must avoid and to repair any damages before you try to sell the property.

What are Your Deck’s Enemies?

Three things lead the way to deck decay:

• Rain or moisture – Rain water seeps into the wood and causes it to expand and crack when it dries.

• Sunlight – The ultraviolet rays of the sun break down the bonds between wood cells, particularly on the surface.

• Insects that destroy wood – Some bugs eat wood so when building a deck you should choose a wood that is naturally resistant or ensure you use pressure treated wood with an appropriate sealant.

Clean and Reseal for Buyer Appeal

Your first impression only happens once so before buyers come to see your house, get your deck in shape.

1. Clean sweep: Sweep the deck of all large visible debris. Look for loose boards and nails that stick up. If the deck boards are in poor condition, you might need to sand the timber before resealing it.  Make any other necessary repairs.

2. Swab the deck: Clean the deck by hosing it down with an appropriate cleaning solution that removes grime and debris.  The deck should then be scrubbed and rinsed. Let it dry totally before you move to the next step.

3. Seal in the beauty: A sealant can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on.  Good quality sealants contain ultraviolet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun.  Remember, oil sealants penetrate the wood, while film coatings form a layer on top of the wood.  Oils need to be reapplied every six to twelve months, depending on environmental conditions. If you use a sealant that provides a film coating, they usually last twelve to eighteen months.  Allow the sealant to dry.  Products vary, but up to three coats of sealant may be needed to fully protect your deck.

4. Add décor: Once you have cleaned and sealed the deck it is time to add color and special touches that make it say, “welcome home”.  Consider buying a large potted plant arraignment with colorful blooms and greens.  Always add a fresh new doormat at the entry point to the home. Hanging baskets of flowers or a small bird feeder can be used to add visual interest.  If the deck is large enough, make it into an additional dining space by adding an outdoor table and some chairs, but make certain your deck furniture is in good condition.

This can all be done over the course of a weekend and buyers will be drawn to the additional space and they will start picturing themselves enjoying the deck’s beauty as well as all the possibilities for entertaining in their new home.

In by Mother’s Day, Out by Father’s Day

It’s that time of year for the pesky black fly! If you are a hardy New Englander you can either curse them or embrace them. Many towns create reasons and events to celebrate spring and the black fly is no exception. Many locations have “Black Fly” road races, golf tournaments, and festivals.

Most of us alter our plans, wear covered clothing, and try to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in spite of the annoying pests. They are active at dawn and dusk and if you get bitten they typically cause itching and swelling. The biting flies are the females and they want your blood so covering up is the best bet. Here are some other tips to help during the season!

1. Get a bird feeder-Some birds consider black flies a tasty meal!
2. Stay inside at sunset, before a storm, and on cloudy days-They tend to hide during rain and cold weather
3. Avoid dark shaded clothing and stick with lighter colors that attract flies less or wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
4. Use DEET and insect repellents which might help detract them
5. Don’t slow down as they will catch up to you…keep on the move
6. Avoid perfume and perfumed products and stay away from running water as that is their breeding ground!

When in New England during the Spring black flies are in season. The best things to do to avoid them are to look for a breeze, avoid wooded areas and running water, and keep covered up so you can still enjoy the great outdoors!

Ann Dippold is a Concord based agent with specialties in new construction, fine homes, relocation, and has an e-certification. She covers the greater Concord area, Sunapee, Henniker, Hopkinton, and beyond. For more info about Ann, or to see her current listings, visit her agent page.

Prudential Verani Realty has released it’s brand new, redesigned, responsive website to the world! Take a look at this quick video walk through and head on over to  beta.verani.com to take a test before the official switch is made.

Steve White stands with GMNBR Affiliate of the Year, Sonia Gauthier

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Londonderry agent, Steve White was recognized as the 2013 REALTOR^® of the Year by the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of REALTORS^® (GMNBR)!” said John MacGilvary, regional manager of the Londonderry office.

This award is presented to the REALTOR^® that has truly represented a high standard of service and ethical behavior for the board and REALTOR^® name. “Steve has worked so hard over the last decade, serving the REALTOR^® community, local charities, and clients, while staying dedicated to continuing education and standards of practice” added John.

The award was announced on Thursday, May 9th during a special GMNBR ceremony. Steve was given the award based on several factors, some of which include service to board members, designation, board activity participation, and continued education.

However, the part that “Veranians” see from Steve every day is one of the factors that the GMNBR sets as the highest priority in determining this award’s recipient:

“We look for the value in a person’s REALTOR^® spirit and REALTOR^® ethics as they conduct their business with high principles and faithfulness to our Code of Ethics.”

Steve demonstrated this in his response when asked by Verani agents what receiving this honor meant to him. He said “I am overwhelmed by the support and congratulations from all of you, my friends, but to me, this is OUR award. I am very grateful to Margherita and Giovanni, who have supported my ventures for many years. Working with them and all of you at Verani is the greatest. Thanks!”

Maudslay State Park will be providing a guided Mothers’ Day Flower Walk on Sunday May 12 from 2-3:00. This is a great way to spend quality time with the family and take in the beautiful scenery. You definitely want to bring your camera to capture those special moments.

This is peak time to visit the park with all the flowers just coming into bloom. There are more than 460 acres of park to take in. Miles and miles of carriage paths and over 15 trails. The terrain is mainly flat with a few small hills. You will walk by many gardens, meadows, huge pine trees, unbelievable ornamental trees, and over bridges. It is so amazing you won’t want to leave.

The park offers many year round activities from walking, biking, hiking, picnics and more. The park runs along the Merrimack River and boarders Newburyport and West Newbury. Located in Newburyport, MA, take exit 57 onto Storey Ave, turn right at Daniel Lucy Way. Then take a left turn at Curzon Mill Rd.

There is a small fee to park.

Kathy Bertani is a Londonderry based agent specializing in  Investment Properties, Short Sales, Relocation, Bank Owned, Multi-Family, and has an  E-certification. She covers much of Northern Massachusetts, as well as the Greater Londonderry area, and beyond. For more info about Kathy, or to view her listings, visit her agent page.

Spring is in the air in New England, and residents love to celebrate the new-found warm weather with lots of outdoor events. May-June is an excellent time of the year for events in NH and MA. Be sure to mark these on your calendar!

Watch City Steam Punk Festival

Waltham, MA – May 10-12: This event is held outdoors in downtown Waltham. General admission is free, but in order to see and do some things you will need to pay for a button to let you in. Buttons are $15 for a day or $20 for the weekend and will also get you discounts at many local businesses. Proceeds support the Charles River Museum of Industry. Also, don’t miss special guest James Gurney author of Dinotopia! I visited this event last year and I plan to stop by again this year, it was a blast! I strongly recommend it.

Sheep, Wool & Alpaca Festival

Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield NH - May 11-12: Organized by the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders’ Association (NEAOBA), this event shows off the best of the best of NEAOBA members’ herds right in Deerfield, New Hampshire.  Tickets are $5, Seniors $4, and children 12 & under free.

NH Renaissance Faire

Kingston, NH – May 11, 12, 18 & 19: I’ve never been to this event but I’m hoping to drop by during the last weekend. Some friends have gone in the past though and say it’s a great time, and they recommend it for everyone. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for children ages 5-12.

American Craft Beer Fest 

Boston, MA - May 31-June 1: The 6th annual American Craft Beer Fest (ACBF) is the East Coast’s largest celebration of American craft beer hosted at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston by BeerAdvocate & Harpoon Brewery. The 2-day fest will feature 3-session and 600+ craft beers from 125+ American brewers. Tickets are about $50 for a session purchased online or $55 at the door, be sure to order them ahead online as they sold out early last year.

Rock’n Ribfest

Merrimack, NH - June 14-16: Rib-roasters, rib-lovers, and barbecuers from all over the United states converge at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for what Ribfest calls “New England’s premiere family weekend.”  Air shows, hot air balloon rides, concerts, and plenty more make this a must-see event for New Hampshire residents! Tickets are $7 online for advance purchase, $10 at gate, and children 8 and under are free.

Laconia Motorcycle Week 

Laconia/Weirs Beach, NH – June 16-18:  Motorcycle week is pretty famous here in New Hampshire, celebrating it’s 90th Anniversary in 2013. Riders from all over the world come to Laconia to celebrate the lifestyle of motorcycle riding, the friendships formed from group riding, and promote safe motorcycle practices.  If you’re coming from out of state, book a hotel room early because they sell out just about every year!

Bethany Dubeck is an e-certified Nashua based agent covering greater Manchester, greater Londonderry, and greater Nashua. For more information on Bethany, or to see her listings, visit her agent page.