Real Estate Corner - VIBE MAGAZINE Winter 2020/2021
By Bernadette Donohue, Contributing Author & REALTOR®

Handed down from generation to generation are special recipes that become family favorites—even though the vagueness of some instructions and ingredient amounts can make it interesting to try and duplicate. Seriously, how much is in a heap, pad, pinch, or tip? Yet, somehow using an old recipe, and winging it a little, makes it that much more impressive when the intended and delicious delight comes out just the way you remembered, or perhaps better.

I especially love coming across the recipe cards with the smudges, stains, and handwritten corrections, showing that they were tweaked and perfected to taste along the way. Treasured recipes from my mother, Nana, Grandma, and mother-in-law, proudly displaying their names at the top of the card, claiming each favorite as their own, or giving credit where due.

While the basics do not change much over time, a recipe that is passed along to the next generation will always require a few new steps, altered measurements, and adjusted temperatures to adapt traditional methods to more modern times.

The process of finding a home also comes with its own inconsistencies that may change what you imagined the process and outcome to be. If your efforts have not yet been rewarded, try using some old-fashion advice to revitalize your endeavors towards home ownership.

Certainly, one of the biggest obstacles in our current market is an overall lack of inventory, plus an unprecedented number of buyers who are ready, willing, and able to make their move as soon as another desirable property comes available. Those who are aiming for the Mt. Washington Valley and vicinity are looking for either primary living or vacationing, so we have double the interest, thus creating an urgency of buyers searching for the Valley's lifestyle. It's no wonder there are frustrations  experienced by buyers who have lost out, sometimes multiple times, and in bidding wars beyond the listing price.

Getting back to some basics may allow you to regain some control and find more joy and meaning in the outcome. Often overlooked in the frenzy of searching and competing for a property is to ask yourself: what are the most important things that you want in your next home? Each member of the family (yes, kids too!) should list their wants and circle their top choices. Then take the time to ask each other "why" that specific feature is important, and really listen to hear the reasons behind the desires. Even after the "why" has been answered, dig deeper to find out what it would mean to them if those needs were met. Next, identify any commonalities and talk about ways that your family might be able to tweak some of those ideas to achieve the basics on your new list. You may be surprised to find that what you thought you were looking for in a home is somewhat different with this perspective, which could open up your search parameters to include homes that you had not previously given much thought to.

For instance, in asking "why," you might find out that being together as a family and having a place for extended family and friends to visit is actually much more important than having that mountain view you had been searching for. Maybe being a part of a smaller community with access to a wonderful school system will open the door to crossing town or state borders, and may ultimately be more important than the updated kitchen or that two-car, attached garage you were expecting to find. In other words, what may have been highest on your list of wants, before this exercise, might be replaced by a shorter list of your real
needs. With this new outlook, discuss any changes in your search parameters with your local real estate advisor and begin to utilize this clarity to open new doors (quite literally).

Often overlooked in the frenzy of searching and competing for a property is to ask yourself: what are the most important things that you want in your next home?

Remember that most homes can be changed to create the lifestyle you desire—and there are homes on the market right now, or coming soon, that may have been overlooked because of their age, design, condition, size, or amenities. From personal experience, enhancements and a little extra vision created a new delightful home from a very basic one; a small 1970s ranch became a beautiful two-story colonial with a full, finished basement, farmers and screen porches, patio, mudroom, and a two-car, attached garage.

Tweak some of your expectations, include what your family values most, and add patience and persistence to this winning recipe of finding, creating, moving, and enjoying your new abode.

Bernadette Donohue is a seasoned professional, helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the past 35 years. Bernie works for Badger Peabody & Smith Realty in North Conway, NH where she has dedicated her career and lifestyle to serving clients and the community with the heart of a mom. Bernie can be reached at (207) 542-9967, or by email at bernie@badgerrealty.com.