Fall Newsletters are Here!

Below are links to our local fall newsletters. You'll find local events, recent sales, and a few good books. Enjoy!

Portsmouth - Rye - North Hampton - New Castle

Dover - Durham - Madbury - Lee - Rochester

Exeter - Stratham - Greenland - Hampton

Kittery - Elliot - South Berwick - York

Calendar of Events

Fidelity Jumper Classic
Sept. 15-19
International show jumping competition.
Silver Oaks Equestrian Ctr., Hampton Falls
www.jumperclassic.com

NH Fish & Lobster Festival
Sept. 25
Community support of local fishing industry. Seafood tasting, games, music and more.
Portsmouth docks
www.nhseafood.com

Walk to Cure Diabetes
Sept. 26 at 9am
Swasey Parkway, Exeter
Contact Kerry 603-222-2300

Children's Museum 27th Birthday Celebration
Sept. 26 – 12-5pm
Festivities, party games & treats.
6 Washington St., Dover
603-742-2002

Apple Harvest Day
Oct. 2 - All day family event
Crafters, food, live entertainment.
Visit our booth benefiting Dover
Children's Home.
Downtown Dover
www.dovernh.org

Celebrate Pink 5K Road Race & Walk
Oct. 9 at 9am
Portsmouth Community Road Race series
http://www.pcrrs.org/

Harvest Moon Festival
Oct. 9-10 – 10am-6pm
Arts, crafts, entertainment & fireworks.
Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach
603-926-8717
hamptonbeachinfo@comcast.net

Octoberfest
Oct. 1-31
A month of family fun.
Greater York Chamber of Commerce
207-363-4422
www.gatewaytomaine.org

Halloween Parade
Oct. 31
Downtown Portsmouth
madamesbat@gmail.com

Exeter Area Women's Club Yuletide Fair
Nov. 25
Cooperative Middle School
Academic Way, Stratham
603-772-9334

Flatbread / CBRB Benefit
Families First
Nov. 2 – 4-9:30pm

Join our office while we go all out to raise money with the generosity of Flatbread Portsmouth for Families First. Raffle, good food, great company!

138 Congress St., Portsmouth
603-436-7888
Judy.tracey@nemoves.com

As Summer winds down it doesn’t mean the fun has to!

September / October Fair Ground Events for the Seacoast

New Hampshire

Hopkinton State Fair -  September 2nd - 6th / Contoocook / 603-746-4191

Rochester Fair - September 17th - 26th / 72 Lafayette St., Rochester /rochesterfair@metrocast.net

Deerfield Fair - September 30th - October 3rd / 34 Stage Rd, Deerfield /

 603-463-7421

Dover Apple Festival - October 2nd / downtown Dover

Sandwich Fairs - October 9th - 11th / 7 Wentworth Hill Rd, Center Sandwich /www.thesandwichfair.com

Maine

Cumberland County Fair - September 26th - October 2nd / 197 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland /www.cumberlandfair.com

Fryeburg Fair - October 3rd - 10th /1154 Main St. Fryeburg / www.fryeburgfair.org

Massachusetts

The Big E - September 17th - October 3rd /1305 Memorial Ave.(RTE 147 East),

W. Springfield / www.thebige.com

Topsfield Fair - October 1st – 11th / 207 Boston St., Topsfield / www.topsfieldfair.org

Rent or Buy? Not sure? Try this rent vs buy calculator and see which makes more sense for you.

<< Rent vs Buy Calculator >>

Mortgage News from our NEMoves Mortgage Team

Mortgage Market In Review - 7-19-10

Market Comment

Mortgage bond prices rose pushing mortgage interest rates lower. Retail sales figures came in lower than expected with a 0.5% decrease. The Treasury auctions were mixed but didn’t result in much volatility. Inflation generally remained in check as the producer price index fell 0.5%, lower than the expected 0.2% decline. Core consumer prices were slightly higher than expected with a 0.2% increase. Weekly jobless claims were not as bad as expected but continued claims increased which was bond friendly. Significant stock weakness Friday helped mortgage interest rates improve. Rates fell by about 5/8 of a discount point for the week.

5 To Dos Before Marketing Your Home

1. Flower up curb appeal. 
Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Could it use more? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks? Does it smell like blooms or manure as you approach the front door? Are the windows clean? Is the paint peeling? Is the grass healthy? Weeds are green, too, you know, so by healthy I not only mean green, but I also mean no weeds. Does your front door have a fresh coat of stain or paint? Curb appeal can be a chore or a fun family event. Either way, it has to happen before the sign goes in the yard! And, by the way, continue it 'til the closing. It's just the right thing to do.

2. Have a pre-sale home inspection.
Be proactive. An inspector will give you a good indication of what will stand out to potential buyers.

Local events!

Here are some wonderful local events for this Spring! 

Please feel free to add any others that you feel would be helpful in your comments. 



Seacoast Eat Local
Winter Farmer's Markets
Saturdays: 10am - 2pm.
Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford, March 27. Exeter High School, March 13 & April 10.
www.seacoasteatlocal.org

Spring Buying Season Starts Early Due to Tax Credit

The Spring buying season typically takes off in March and runs through May. But buyers who want to claim this year's tax credit, up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and up to $6,500 for repeat buyers, must have signed purchase contracts by April 30th and complete the deal by June 30th.

Jim Gillespie, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker said it all with this statement. "Sales are going to take off in February and March and really take off in April. My concern is that the move-up buyer hasn't thought what they need to do. Their window is really short. They have to coordinate closing dates."

—Jim Gillespie, President & CEO of Coldwell Banker, "Springtime House Hunters out Early Thanks to Tax Credit", by Stephanie Armour, USA Today

If you need some help this spring getting your home ready for the market - give me a call! I'm happy to help.

The truisms of making an offer

What is the best way to put together an offer to purchase a home you ask? Here are some suggestions and "truisms" to help you along - 

Truisms:

• Homes will always sell at market value. Market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay.
• Market value is not a fixed, rigid price, but instead is a range of value. This is because no two buyers are alike. 
• Property is a commodity, unlike a car that loses it's value over time. Property values fluctuate with the market.
  
• You, the buyer, are the market.

Helpful do's and don't's

• Don't offend. Unless you are offering on a property which has been held purely for investment, the seller is emotionally invested in his property.
• Do get personal.Write a cover letter summarizing why you believe this is the right home for you. On many occasions, I have seen sellers accept a lower offer because they felt a connection with the buyer.
• Don't defend your offer the wrong way. As in, by saying it is all you can afford or that you are basing it on what you believe values will be during the next lunar cycle. This approach will likely leave the seller with the notion that there is a buyer out there, one who isn't you, who can afford his home and at the price it is worth now.

Work on Referral Business this month. If you have family or friends who are thinking of moving or buying a second home anywhere in the country, let me know. I'd be happy to consult with them to help them find information and market data in that area.

Here, there and everywhere!

I'm working on Referral Business this month. If you have family or friends who are thinking of moving or buying a second home anywhere in the country, let me know. I'd be happy to consult with them to help them find information and market data in that area.

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2010!

New Years Aspirations!

I've decided to rename resolutions to aspirations. This year it's all about balance for me.

• Balance of home life and career.
• Balance of hobbies and to do's.
• Balance of family and personal.
• Balance of exercise and relaxing.
• Balancing good food and healthy food (can they be the same?)

Have you thought about your aspirations? What would you like to see come to fruition in 2010?

Wishing you a joyour Holiday and a Happy New Years!

Wishing you a joyous Holiday!

And a very happy New Year!

Should I Take My Home Off the Market During the Holidays?

When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded with not enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?
But wait! Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake. The house surely isn't going to sell off the market! What is the advantage of that? So you're busy. Let your Realtor do the work. You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping, and let your Realtor take care of things.
The holidays are a wonderful selling period. Why? Because most people take off work sometime during the season. The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses. Most agents like the holidays because the buyers have more time, and they can look at homes together.
Before you take your home off the market, consider the following points:

Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. Agents believe the home market is no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.

Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful. They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration. Finding the right home at the right price, however, is.

Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

At Christmas time, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.

When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get the family team on board to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.

With many motivated buyers in the marketplace, you may find you have more showings than you would if you sold your home during a busier time of the year.

If you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.

Written by Blanche Evans | http://realtytimes.com/

Staging your home for the holidays!

The rule of thumb is do not go overboard or add a lot of overtly religious overtones - it may put off some buyers.

Simplicity is key! Try nicely decorated wreaths, pinecone centerpieces and festive candles.Make sure it goes with your current decor. If you use earth tones, keep earth colors. It you use a lot of blues, try blue ornaments and silver bells. Draw attention to your beautiful fireplace with garland and simple stockings. Lastly keep in it proportion! Don't overtake the living room with a huge tree. The simpler, the better.

One last idea - a pot of cider simmering on the stove or a warm batch of cookies can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

The Tax Credit Has been extended!!

Here's a run down as I received it from my company:

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant a $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010. To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

• The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.How Much Credit is Available?
• The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.
• The maximum credit allowed for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by additional factors:

• The buyer’s income
• The price of the home

Buyer Income
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit which is effective on the date the bill is signed by President Obama single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

Price of the Home
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

• Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.
• The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

• Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

• No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

The information contained here is not to be construed as legal or tax advice.

Planning on staying in your home for awhile?

I thought I would talk about some ways to keep the value of your home, and even make improvements, when you are planning on staying for awhile.

A great way to stay on top of things is to periodically have a home inspection. A certified home inspector can pinpoint areas of concern and areas where improvements can be made. Many of our homes show some wear and tear over the years, many are obvious, while some are "hidden", while others are things that we might never think to look for. A home inspector checks your home top to bottom, and with your permission as the home owner, can even open up walls to check for insulation and water damage to name a few. They provide a full report outlining the areas that may need immediate attention, and also those that you can get to when you're ready.

If you need the name of a reliable home inspector, give me a call. I have a list of inspectors who I'd be happy to refer you to.

What is a short sale you ask?

A short sale is when a lienholder, typically the mortgage company, agrees to release their lien for less than what is owed to them.

Here's an example:
Mortgage payoff from seller: $300,000
Market value on property is $275,000
The "short" is $25,000

Short sales typically take a bit longer than a typical sale so buyers will need to keep that in mind.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact me.

Fall newsletters are out from your Coldwell Banker Residential Brokage team!

Find out all the local happenings in our Seacoast Area here!

Portsmouth

•

Dover

•

Exeter

• 
Kittery

Happy Fall everyone!

Fall Cleanup - ways to improve your curb appeal this fall

One of the first things you can do to help with the clean up is to give your tools a good tune up. It's make your clean up go more quickly and it'll be a little easier on your back. 

Go for the obvious:

• Keep those leaves racked
  
• Weed and thatch to keep things looking fresh
  
• Pick up the poop - need I say more?
  
• Clean out your garden
• Add planters with bright flowers like mums to represent the season
  
• Paint or stain the deck. Not only will it spruce up the deck but it will also help protect it during the winter months

Enjoy the crisp fall air while getting a little exercise and enjoy your newly cleaned up yard! Potential buyers will be more apt to want to see your home if the exterior is looking it's best.