We visited some friends who have two small children. I think they're around 6 or 7 years old. Overall, I really don't like kids. This visit was no exception. When we walked out the front door the following morning, all I could think about was how silent the neighborhood was and how peaceful the car was. It was truly exhausting being there. I'm sure the kids (who were objectively pretty good kids) were excited about company, but they really have no volume knob. The house was the furthest thing from "zen" that I could imagine. Moving on.

One of the best ways to make your home more peaceful is to green it up. Studies have shown that plants help make your home feel calmer and ease anxiety. Some plants have specific "healing" qualities. Jasmine and English ivy improve sleep, lavender and rosemary help lower stress and many plants simply improve the air quality. "Even beyond the science-y stuff, having living plants in the home just feels good," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, David Cianciolo. "I know whenever I walk into a home that has an abundance of greenery, the air feels better and the home feels more alive," he continued.

You know by now that clutter makes my eye twitch. I think I was a cat in a previous life because I hate clutter so much I have a burning desire to start wacking things off the counters! As someone who has done some research on anxiety and stress, a cluttered home (or area) almost always increases those feelings. Because of the messy (cluttered) look and feel of the area, it creates feelings of helplessness and loss of control. I know that sounds pretty serious, but think about how you feel when you watch one of those hoarding shows. Clean up the home and it'll help ease up your mind.

This next one may seem obvious, but hide the electronics. We can't escape them. Electronics are deeply integrated into our daily lives wether we like it or not. We're almost to the point where we won't be able to make simple purchases without electronics. In your home, you do have far more control. And I'm not suggesting that you need to throw out your TV, computer, phone, tablet, laptop or electronic rolodex (are those still a thing?). The goal here is to minimize their visibility.

I've moved my desk more times than I want to remember in the last couple years. I finally got one of those fancy electronic standing desks this time. Every time I move it, I spend the extra 10 minutes using zip-ties to tidy up all the wires. With 3 monitors, a keyboard and phone chargers, things get messy pretty quick. The benefit is I can walk into the office and just see my work devices. All the wires are tucked away. I encourage you to follow suit and see if there are other areas you can tidy up. If you have phone chargers in the kitchen, tie up the cords. The less electronic noise you see, the less your home will feel like an office!

De-busy your walls and floors. I mostly wanted to say "de-busy" because it sounded fun. Hopefully there are no English majors out there! Solid patterns are (seemingly obviously) more calm and soothing than busy ones. Small, sparse dots or herringbone patterns are understated and tolerable. Once you start getting into fancy, traditional Eastern rug patterns, you're starting to lose the zen. I think it goes without saying that if you are still rocking your grandmother's wallpaper, it's time for a change.

The last, but coolest and fairly surprising, idea for creating a more serene home that I found was getting a pet. Obviously if you have ever raised a dog from a puppy, you know this is a far cry from "peaceful". That said, pets have been shown over and over again to lower stress and even lower blood pressure. I have always been a cat guy, mostly because I am not around enough to want to deal with a dog. Everytime I sit on the couch, my cats have been quick to find my lap and curl up. I can't think of anything more peaceful than that. My last cat was named "Remy" after the former Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy. He grew my love for the game through his insightful announcing with Don Orsillo and almost always made us laugh during the game. Both Remys are now passed and both are greatly missed.

Creating a peaceful home should be a goal for us all. While I'm not what would be considered a "homebody", I really do appreciate coming home to a clutter-free, calm home. I encourage you to take a cruise around your home today and see if there are small ways you can "zen" up your home (or would that be zen "out"?). Either way, happy peacefulness!

First and foremost, the appraisal tends to be one of the more anxiety inducing steps of the home selling journey. It is that point where you put the value of the home in the hands of the lender (sort of) and the result of this appointment has a very strong impact on the sale actually going through. "Will it appraise?" "If it doesn't, will the buyers bail?" Oh the drama!

One of the important things to keep in mind during the appraisal process is that this is supposed to be a neutral, emotion-free valuation of the home. If you peel back the first layer, you'll realize that the bank is the one requiring this step. Yes, you the buyer are paying for it, but the lender hires the appraiser and has a vested interest in the results. From a broad perspective, the bank is simply making sure that they will be covered if the buyers default on their mortgage and the bank needs to take ownership.

Appraisers use a number of different tools to complete their evaluation. While inspectors are more focused on the functioning of the plumbing, electrical, insulation, etc., the appraiser is interested in how your home compares to other homes in the neighborhood. They are looking at objective, quantifiable factors that help them determine the core value of the home. Appraisers look at the home's condition, square footage, and location as well as the general condition of the flooring and plumbing and electrical systems. The inspector is simply going to look more deeply at those systems and highlight any potential issues.

That last nugget is an important one to keep in mind when you're considering any type of remodeling project. Just because you spent (literally) countless hours installing a hot tub, home-theater, sauna or other luxury item, does not mean those translate into a higher appraisal. If yours is the only home in the area with those items, the appraiser does not have any comps to give value to those. This also means that those items are not in high demand with the buyers in this area. The buyer in this deal may be super excited about them, but the bank (read: appraiser) is not going to assign much value to them.

The same can be said about size. The value of the home is determined by comparing it to the other homes in the area on the same sized lot. If you double the size of the home, it simply means when you are ready to sell, you may have a harder time getting the home to appraise at your asking price. Which brings us to our next point, the actual price at which the home will sell.

An appraisal is just that. The bank's (appraiser's) estimate of what the home is worth. If your asking price is $200,000 and the buyers agree to that price, whoopie for you. You've done it. But if that buyer (like me) requires financing, the bank is going to order an appraisal. If the appraisal comes back at $175,000, the buyer has two options. They can simply back out of the deal because they aren't willing to pay more than what the appraisal states (assuming they included that contingency in the offer). Or they can pony up the $25K in cash and leave the mortgage at the $175k. At the end of the day, the bank is not going to lend more than what they deem the house to be worth (the appraised value).

Lastly, if selling is in your future, be really careful about what you do choose to remodel. As we noted above, some things are simply not going to appraise as well as you hoped. "One of the biggest mistakes we see homeowners make is converting a garage into, well, literally anything other than a garage," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Daren Levitt. "Leave your garage a garage and feel free to alter any other room in the house. After that first winter in new england, you'll know why," he continued. Daren is right. If you've lived in new england for more than one winter, you know how valuable those spaces are in mid-winter. Put your home gym in the basement and keep those buyers interested. Happy selling!

If you're looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a sellers' market like today's, it can be tempting to list your house on your own – known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save you time and money by managing every step of the process, from pricing your home to reviewing documents and handling negotiations.

Before you decide to sell your house on your own, here are five reasons why working with an agent is your best bet to maximize the sale of your home.

1. First impressions are everything – and an agent knows how to make a great one.

Prepping a house for sale requires a significant amount of time and effort, even though it may seem simple at first glance. Doing it right so it stands out takes expertise and an understanding of what buyers are looking for. An agent considers things like:

• Should you take down any personal art or pictures?
• How much landscaping should you invest in to boost your house's curb appeal?
• What wall colors are most appealing to buyers?

An expert real estate advisor relies on their experience to answer these questions and more so you don't invest in the wrong things. Your time and money are important – you shouldn't waste either.

2. Agents have tools to maximize the number of views your home gets.

Put plainly, the more buyers that view your house, the better your return will be. In our current market, homes are receiving 3.8 offers on average per sale, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). While that's promising for the sale of your home, it's important to understand your agent's role in bringing buyers in.

Agents have multiple tools at their disposal – from social media to agency resources – to ensure your home is viewed by more prospective buyers. Leveraging the tools available to your agent and your agent's expertise may help boost your sale price as well.

3. An agent won't miss anything in the fine print.

Your agent can also save you time by taking any guesswork out of navigating the required documentation. Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory, meaning the number of legal documents you need to juggle is growing.

Because there's so much to take care of, it can be hard to truly understand all of the requirements and the fine print. That's where an expert advisor can truly shine. They've been through the process before and can be your guide to avoid any costly missteps.

4. Expert advisors know the market and how to price your home.

Another way your Badger Realty agent maximizes the sale of your home is by making sure it's priced right. Real estate professionals have the experience and tools to compare your house to recently sold homes in your area. They also understand the market at large and can factor in any upgrades you've completed to your home. Combining these factors is the key to making sure your home is priced to move quickly – and at a competitive price.

When you FSBO, you're operating without this expertise. Even with your own research, you may not find the most up-to-date information and could risk setting a price that's inaccurate or unrealistic. If you price your house too high, you could turn buyers away before they're even in the front door. This could also cause problems when it's time for the appraisal.

5. Your agent will be an expert negotiator.

In addition to their experience navigating sales, real estate professionals understand how to negotiate every aspect of a deal. They also know all the parties that will be involved with the sale, including:

• The buyer, who wants the best deal possible.
• The buyer's agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer.
• The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house.
• The appraiser, who assesses the property's value to protect the lender.

An agent relies on their experience and training to make the right moves during the negotiation. They'll know what levers to pull, how to address each individual's concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion. Selling your house as a FSBO means you'll need to be prepared to have these conversations on your own.

Bottom Line

Selling a house takes time, effort, and expertise – don't go at it alone. Connect with one of our full-time Badger REALTORS® to make sure you have an expert on your side to make the most of your sale.

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As you know I've been searching high and low for a new place to live. I've been bouncing back and forth between rentals and homes for sale. As a former home (and duplex) owner, I really hate the idea of renting (aka - paying someone else's mortgage). And with the market seemingly coming back to earth, perhaps this fall will be a fantastic time to make a purchase. Either way, I'm excited to finally have my own place. It's been nearly a decade since I've lived alone. I miss not having to tip-toe around in the mornings the most! (My current roomie is a bit of a late sleeper.)

The one consistent thing I have seen in my home search is the vast difference in photography quality between homes. It seems that the majority of real estate professionals are taking high quality photos, using the appropriate lenses, staying aware of lighting, and capturing the entire home and property. On the other side, the majority of folks offering rental properties appear to have let their toddlers take the images for them. They are consistently dark, not centered, capturing a portion of the room and with no regard for the flow of the home or any attempt to give the potential renter a sense of the space available. It's like they are not even trying.

First and foremost is the lens choice. You know, actually, even before that is the camera. You need to use a decent quality camera (capable of swapping lenses) to get the most out of your photo shoot. But I'll leave that to you and a conversation with the folks at the camera store. For the lens, lean heavily towards the wide-angle variety. In general the wide angle lens is going to provide sharp imagery while still capturing the entire room. While on my search for a property, I can't count the number of times I felt like I was viewing the home through a tunnel. Let the photos breathe and let in as much light as possible (more on that later). 

And don't confuse "wide angle" with "fish-eye". You don't want your photo shoot looking like Missy Elliot's The Rain video (you'll have to look that one up if you're under 40). I have also lost track of the times I squished myself into a closet or hung outside in the hallway just to get the best angle for my photos. Don't just lazily walk around snapping pictures. Move your body (and the camera!) outside of the room and give some thought to your perspective. Every little detail makes a big difference. "Never lose sight of the fact that these photos are the first (and very often ONLY) view of this home people will get," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Kevin Killourie. He continued, "If they don't get past your photos, they won't pick up the phone. That, you can count on,". 

And if you're not hanging from the chandelier or stuffing yourself into a closet, use a tripod. The tripod should be the first thing out of your car when you get to the home. The camera can be the second. Take some time to walk around the home and see where you can set up. You really need to get past the idea of having to move the tripod a bunch of times just to get all of your pictures. Bring a friend to help if that makes it easier. Having sharp, in-focus pictures from just the right angle with no chance of movement or fuzzyness is going to make a big impression on those potential buyers and renters. 

One of the more surprising (and amusing) discoveries I have made during my search is the baffling absence of the most basic (read: required) photos. I have looked at rental and property listings with no images of the front of the home. Others omit any images of the bedrooms. You do know what those two scenarios mean, right? The home is in an awful part of town and is horrifying from the outside and the bedrooms would barely pass for closets in most houses. True or not, that is the message you are sending. Show the interested party every possible image from every possible angle. Images are free, remember. Snap away! 

The last note for our photo-challenged friends is lighting. This one seems obvious to most of us, but lighting truly is the pièce de résistance in real estate photography. Nobody, aside from Orin of Parks and Rec fame, wants to live in a dark, shadowy home. If you're stuck with a rainy, dreary, fall day, skip the photoshoot and wait for better weather. If given the chance, my favorite days to shoot real estate are those blue sky days after a decent snowfall. Everything is bright white and the rooms are lit up like Christmas trees. Snowstorms aside (It's only September, Jason!) be sure and pick a nice, bright, sunny day for your photos. And regardless of the weather outside, be sure and turn on every. single. light. in the home. You truly can never have too much light. Happy snapping!

Impeccably maintained and newly custom built in 2018, this 4-bedroom, 4 bath home is nestled on a private corner lot in the Birch Hill neighborhood of North Conway, moments to Echo Lake. Relax on the deck surrounded by nature and enjoy the lovely views of both Mountain Washington and Mount Cranmore. With a proven history of generating income, this house has the potential for income generation if proper permits are obtained from the city. Featuring an open floor plan leading into a spacious living room and kitchen, highlighted by cathedral ceilings, and a custom cultured ledge stone fireplace. The Kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, granite countertops and top-notch appliances. First floor bedroom, and office makes for easy living. Two bedroom, two baths upstairs including the Master bedroom en suite with gas fireplace and spacious tiled bathroom. Lower level, one bedroom, one bath in-law suite that has separate entrance from the outside with an interior door that locks and can be completely separate from the rest of the home/mud room. Spacious two car garage with tons of storage. Home has integrated smart home features by Nest including thermostats, video doorbell and smartlocks that make for easy integration of all Nest Home Products. Minutes to skiing, lake fun, and hiking at Diana's Baths/Cathedral Ledge, with direct access to mountain bike/running trails. Enjoy the nearby tax-free shopping and casual or fine dining in North.

MLS# 4864881

Read more, from the owners about their decision to sell, and what they love about the neighborhood, their home and the area they enjoy.

A conversation with the Sellers...

Spacious living room with a cathedral ceiling and toasty fireplace

How long have you owned your home?

We purchased our home in the Fall of 2018 so it's been almost 3 years.

You are leaving your beautiful Birch Hill home. What led you to this decision?

We are relocating due to new employment, or else we would not be leaving this perfect area! We will dearly miss living in Birch Hill and loved where our home was situated in the neighborhood. We had fantastic views of Mount Washington and Mount Cranmore due to being at the top of hill and a private corner lot that was excellent for spending evenings on the deck taking in the views. It was important to us when purchasing our home that we felt we had privacy but also access to the town and that is exactly what we found in living in Birch Hill.

Gorgeous views of the White Mountains

What did you love about Birch Hill and North Conway area?

We absolutely love living in Birch Hill and living in this home. It's our dream home and living in Birch Hill is so peaceful with a great community feel. We also have excellent access to running trails and Echo Lake. We often go running in the neighborhood and mountain bike both in Birch Hill and from our home to the trails in Echo Lake and up Cathedral Ledge. We love how close Birch Hill is to all the amazing features of North Conway such as Diana's Bath's, Cathedral Ledge, Echo Lake, Saco River and the great trails, and we can enjoy these features without having to worry about parking or driving our car.

The wonderful thing about living in Birch Hill is you're still less than 10 minutes from the North Conway strip where you have access to great restaurants and tax-free shopping, and just as close to Cranmore Mountain for some excellent skiing. It's an excellent location in that you are so close to everything but just far enough to feel you have privacy and serenity in the comfort of your own home and backyard.

What are some of your favorite places to shop and dine?

Our favorite places to dine are the Red Fox in Jackson, Vito Marcello's in North Conway, Delaney's which was very close to our home, Peaches for breakfast and A Taste of Thai for a quick bite. North Conway has such an amazing selection of restaurants, and we did not take this for granted! You can have both fine dining and casual dining any night of the week just 10-15 minutes from our Birch Hill neighborhood.

Our favorite places to shop were the outlets and some of favorites included J CREW, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Eddie Bauer, and Columbia. The outlet mall is one of the best places to shop we've ever visited and we feel so lucky to have such an amazing shopping district in our town... tax-free and just 10 minutes from our home!

What do you look forward to the most when here at your home in North Conway?

It feels like a vacation any time of the year! We can relax and unwind by the fire in the living room, the fireplace in our master bedroom, or the bar room next to our deck. The views from our deck are magnificent any time of year. We often sit outside and take in the sounds of nature. The fall foliage is unmatched and is our favorite time of year to just take in the beauty right in our backyard.

What events or activities would you recommend to people coming into the community?

The polar express is so fun in the winter and is great for the holidays. In the fall we loved touring the restaurants and seeing them decorate and get into the fall spirit. The summer has great activities for the community including this year's Outdoor fest. The Conway scenic railroad is a favorite of ours and a must every year. We loved that North Conway had such a great community feel and there are things to do all year!

Hot tub on the deck.

What do you love about your home?

We love that our home really has it all, and we never have to leave if we didn't want to. With the size of our home, there's enough space to have a home office, home gym, and guest suite with exterior access for friends and family that want to visit. Our bar room and hot tub on our deck are definitely great for entertaining or having a night in and having two fireplaces was so convenient. We love the vaulted ceilings in our living room and feel so fortunate to have been able to call this house our home.

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This amazing home is being offered by listing agents, Edward O'Halloran and Amy Rogers.
Contact Ed

Ed@BadgerRealty.com •  Cell. (603)986-5956

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Interviewed By:

Debbie Anderson
Marketing Director

Hosted by your marketing directors Chrissy Smith and Debbie Anderson.

Every year the spring season brings with it a new "crop" of homes for sale and this year (we're hoping) will be no different. The agents and brokers love to see the new inventory so they can better service their buyers and the buyers benefit from the new bounty of choices they have. The trick, from the seller's side, is to make your home stand out above the rest and make that solid first impression. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

One of the more commonly overlooked areas of the home are the light fixtures both inside and out. There are usually a bevy of little critters that have made your overhead light or porch lamp their home for the season. While you are up there and have them apart, take the extra minute to use some glass cleaner and make them shine. Let's be honest, you're not going to do this again next year and if you sell the home, you'll never have to do this again!

Staying on the outside of the house, make sure your mailbox and front door (and garage door for that matter) are clean and well painted. This is a great time to touch-up those trouble spots or just repaint the whole surface. This is one of those great DIY projects that offer a great ROI for very little effort. Also, take a peek at your house numbers. The brain surgeons that painted my house last summer re-nailed my numbers upside down. I became "19" instead of "16". Make sure your numbers are easily seen from the street and in good condition. We don't want to make the pizza guy guess!

"I always remind my sellers about the importance of that first impression," says Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Stacie Goodrich. "The garage door, front door and other street-facing walls literally are the first thing a buyer sees. Why wouldn't you want that area to be perfect?," she continued.

Get the porch, driveway and patio free from "debris" as well. Sweep up the leaves from last fall and any big piles of dirt left over from the sand truck. Although not the most environmentally friendly thing to do, hosing down the driveway will create a neat, clean look as well. (My dad loves this project!) Our driveway, growing up, was always spotless. Be careful with attacking your lawn too early with a rake though. Although this is a great way to "clean-up" the yard and improve the looks of the house, you can damage your lawn by raking too early in the season. Check with your favorite garden center in the valley to see if it is safe.

If you are feeling adventurous, grab the ladder and make sure there are no damaged shingles up on the roof. This is also a great time to clean out those gutters and make any repairs or re-connections to ensure everything is flowing correctly. Who knows, you might even find that lost frisbee from last summer.

Since we're focusing on projects outside of the house, this is a great time to spend some time in the garage. If you are like me, you simply park the truck and head into the house all winter long. The sand, salt and slush just falls on the floor and creates a heck of a mess throughout the winter. Take this opportunity to sweep, clean, hose-out, or whatever is necessary to get the garage looking sharp. If the weather is nice enough, you can even spend an hour or so organizing and sorting.

Shovels, sleds, snow blowers and other winter items can be put up over-head or stored back in the shed. If your grill is in storage, this is a great time to get this out and make it more accessible. Patio furniture and even items for your pool are good candidates to be taken out of storage now as well. This not only gives the outside of the home a more friendly and welcoming appearance, but it makes the shed and garage much more roomy and clean looking.

In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a huge fan of spring cleaning. I use this time to cull out any clothes I haven't worn and any appliances or other items around the house that simply do not get used. It is a great time of cleansing and a great opportunity to make your house shine when it first hits the market. We're excited about the ongoing strengthening of the real estate market in the Mount Washington Valley and are looking forward to a busy season. Enjoy your weekend, and get to work!

When you are considering putting some time and effort into your backyard, there are some generally accepted "rules" that most of us tend to follow. Today I want to encourage you to break away from those norms and strike out on your own. It is YOUR backyard after all. Why not make it a little more distinct and perhaps entice those buyers a little more. Of course all of these suggestions also make the area more attractive and usable for you as well. Let's dig in.

The first norm we're going to buck today is the lawn. Unless you are hosting the Masters at your house, spending time and money on your lawn is truly silly. We spend money, time, and effort to make this thing grow only to turn around and cut it all down every week (or more) and then spend more money, time, and effort to get rid of the clippings. Seriously, what is wrong with us?

I recommend converting that wasted space into something truly useful. You could rip out (at least) half of it and put in a garden. Now you're growing your own food. And don't forget there are people who don't have the space for a garden that would love to use that space for their own. If you have (or are going to have) kids, you could convert another whole area to sand or bark mulch and put in a play area for them. We are currently researching the feasibility of running water and power to a corner if our backyard in order to put in a tiny home. It will either be an office space or a rental. Either way, it's another big chunk that we don't have to maintain.

While we're on the topic of yard maintenance and manicuring let's bump up one level to the shrubs and trees. The "norm" police would have you trimming those shrubs into perfect orbs and squares (or whatever you're supposed to do with them). For my rule breakers out there put down the shears. While you are smartly ripping out chunks of lawn, sprinkle in a few shrubs and trees throughout the area. Stay away from straight lines and unnatural shapes. Let them grow out and create that same (or at least similar) sense of wonder you get while on a hike in the Whites. Imagine a backyard that reminds you of your favorite hike!

We mentioned entertaining last week and your backyard is no different. Putting in horseshoe pits or a bocce ball court makes the area infinitely more useful and removes yet another chunk of maintenance hassle. We always have the cornhole boards out (we do keep the bags indoors!) which always lends itself to folks coming off the deck to play. "The backyard is intended for your enjoyment, not just for you to look at," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Daren Levitt. "Add some features that encourage your family and friends to want to spend time out there. You'll be glad you did," he continued.

As far as the flora is concerned, I strongly recommend you stay local. The trend in past years has been to incorporate more exotic plants into the landscaping. This can have negative effects on the local ecological system and tends to require more maintenance. Talk to your local nursery and see how you can incorporate local, native plants, shrubs, and flowers into your yard. Not only do they look amazing it is yet another way to remove more of that silly lawn and eliminate those wasted weekends on yard maintenance.

Lastly for today is the battle against the waning sunlight. Your backyard is not just for daytime enjoyment. Mosquitos notwithstanding, your backyard can be a fantastic place to entertain in the evenings. The trick is lighting. We boarded the LED train long ago and have incorporated those wonderful little lights all over the house. They use almost no energy. They can be programmed by your phone. And they can be super fancy with countless shades of color and tone. Tiki torches are great and always make me want to grab the nearest margarita. That aside, consider some more consistent (and less smelly) lights for your yard and make that space usable and comfortable deep into the night. Happy entertaining.

Presented by Chrissy Smith of Peabody & Smith Realty and Debbie Anderson of Badger Realty

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My favorite part so far, besides the chickens wandering around the property, is how dark it is at night. As I type this, we're kicking off International Dark Sky Week. Sitting in the lawn chairs at night is simply sublime. It feels like camping with the lack of light pollution around. The only time I enjoyed darker skies was in the desert in Morocco. It's no secret we live in rural areas because we love the outdoors and nature. Today, let's look at some of the ways you can accentuate your outdoor space to take advantage of the silence and darkness in your neck of the woods.

Literally the only items on the lawn here are the aforementioned chairs. As silent and dark as it is, you don't really need much else. At home we have a gas fire-table. It's great and provides a little ambiance and since we live close to town, there's no harm in the light it provides. Depending on what you plan to do in your backyard this summer, the accoutrements necessary can vary widely. We even considered (shortly) an outdoor pizza oven. Then realized the unnecessary hassle and maintenance would not be worth it. It really comes down to your lifestyle.

We entertain quite a bit in the spring, summer and fall. Having a comfortable place to sit is very important. We have included a sectional couch which takes up an entire corner of the deck. Sitting across from that is a small table with 2 chairs. In the garage we have a handful of other chairs for folks to use on the deck or down on the grass. The more comfortable and easy you make it to sit and relax in your yard, the better your entertaining will go. We don't always feed everyone, but always have music and drinks. Of course dogs are always welcome and we put out water bowls for them as well. The goal is to create an easy place to just "be".

If you're looking to take things up a notch, consider how you may feed the masses when they arrive. From a simple grill to a full outdoor kitchen, the options are endless. Your climate certainly plays a role in your decision. If you enjoy having people over and don't want to spend all your time in the house (with all your guests out back), consider getting a smoker or other culinary items that can withstand the elements. You will spend more time with your friends and can even make the neighbors jealous with all the amazing smells coming from your yard.

Some friends and I have been having a casual debate about storage. On the one hand we Americans tend to buy way too much crap and then have no place to keep it all. On the other hand, it is really nice to have bikes, skis, snowshoes, skateboards, lawnmowers, rakes and a chainsaw depending on one's weekend plans. If you don't have a roomy garage or basement, consider outdoor storage. We always had a shed growing up and there's nothing like it. All of our bikes and other toys were in there along with yard tools and countless other items that really had no place in our house.

If you have (or aspire to have) a green thumb, your back yard will most certainly look much different than mine. For the gardeners, the shed is still a great feature but you can add a rain barrel for watering and maybe even a greenhouse? Having worked at the Owl's Nest golf course in Campton, I'm a big fan of automatic watering and can't wait to install my own system this summer. "Raised garden beds are a great option if your soil is less than awesome and can make even the most challenged gardener successful," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Kevin Killourie.

I was reminded this week about how much I appreciate the peace and quiet of rural living and am remotivated to seek out a home that affords me this luxury. If you're like me, spending time outside is a critical component of your happiness. Take a little time this weekend and see if there are things you can do to your own backyard that will help you and your friends enjoy it more and spend more time out there. And get someplace dark this week so you too can enjoy the splendor of our night sky without (as much) light pollution. Happy stargazing!

Something I've learned over the past few months is the long-standing real estate mantra about location rings true with one's sense of home and contentment. We all know that when it comes to selling your house, the location will have a direct impact on the selling price, popularity and time on the market. There are certain features that are simply more attractive to the majority of buyers, but the beautiful thing about real estate is that the majority's opinion does not always have to be that which makes you happy.

Kitchens and closets are very high up on the list to most buyers. Windows, ceiling height and bathrooms also tend to score pretty well too. And those things can be universally accepted. "A large, well lit, modern kitchen with lots of natural light and plenty of cabinet space would be a welcome feature for nearly all buyers today," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Tara Peirce. But what about those factors that are not so universal?

The home I built in Lincoln had a drive-out basement. Some people would find that intrusive and the space would be used for something else. Outdoor pools have become a bit of an albatross with home sales simply because of the maintenance and liability involved in ownership, but there are some who wouldn't buy a house without one. As we've said before, there truly is a bum for every seat.

I'm currently renting in what would be considered an urban environment by New Hampshire standards. The home sits on a corner so there are neighbors on two sides of the house and their proximity is such that it would enable a second-story egg toss to either abutter without too much trouble. One bright point is the window in my office offers a decent view of some local mountains and, with a correctly positioned curtain, I can block out that particular neighbor's house. This, my friends, is nearly the opposite of what I want when I buy or build my next home.

My previous house had a condominium complex to the south, but there was a half-acre buffer between us and I never even knew if there was anyone home. The other two sides of my lot were nothing but trees and rivers. This was clearly more my style and aside from its proximity to a main road, was almost the perfect location.

A favorite home of mine (owned by some good friends) is surrounded by trees as far as the eye can see and is bordered by a babbling brook on one side. It sits at a high enough elevation that even the hottest days are cooled by the mountain breezes. At any time of day you can sit on the front deck in total silence, save for the hammering of a woodpecker or the songs of the many varieties of birds. Regardless of where my job has taken me or what stresses have weighed me down throughout the day, arriving "home" there makes it all go away.
I'm well aware that our perception of things can be skewed by the situation. It's safe to say that one of the reasons grandparents love grandkids so much is because they can spoil them for an afternoon and give them back to mom and dad. The reality is, I don't have any of the responsibilities of maintaining my friend's house. The firewood is stacked, the hot tub is clean, there's plenty of dog food and the fridge is always full. But if the house makes you feel that good when you visit, it would be smart to take note of the specific factors that contribute to that feeling.

Moving back to my current apartment, someone else, with a different set of priorities, might have the same experience were they to house-sit for me. Many of my friends from Mass. would laugh at my concerns about the neighbors. The fact that there is enough space to walk between the houses, let alone drive or park 2 vehicles is a luxury few people enjoy while living "downtown". Because the house is a few lots back off of main street, it's possible to visit the chamber of commerce, grocery store, post office and bank all during a 2 mile bike ride. There are also 15 restaurants to choose from that are all within walking distance. Three of those are less than 50 yards away! This is clearly what some people are looking for, as there are hundreds of people living all around me.

The lesson here is to know your priorities and stick with them. If you are in the market to buy a home, whether it is a primary residence or a vacation home, make sure you know what you want and don't waver on those items at the top of the list. For those of you selling your home, be sure you know why YOU love that house and highlight those features to the prospective buyers. There is a great chance the "right" buyer will love the house for the same reasons.

Consumers in top 1-5% bracket surveyed across 17 countries, representing more than 30 million households

NEW YORK CITY, NY, Feb. 17, 2021 - A comprehensive study of the world's affluent households by Luxury Portfolio International® (LPI), the luxury marketing division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest global network of premier locally branded residential real estate brokerage firms, revealed compelling metrics on the demand for residential real estate among the world's wealthiest.

The just-released study, State of Luxury Real Estate, focused on consumers in the top 1%-5% income bracket of 17 countries, representing more than 30 million households. It was conducted by the Affluent Consumer Research Company, a full-service market research and voice-of-the-customer organization, specializing in high-income and high-asset consumers around the world.

As detailed within the report, of the 30 million+ households represented, more than 15.5 million will be in the market for residential real estate over the next three years . Conversely, the report also revealed that demand for purchasing residential real estate by this sector far exceeds the number of sellers, with slightly more than 10 million looking to list their home for sale.

The more than five-million-home gap between those interested in purchasing and those interested in selling creates a seller's market within the overall high-end residential real estate market. The implication of this lopsided market is near-term price increases and greater demand for new development.

Highlights from State of Luxury Real Estate include:

• While real estate prices vary dramatically from country to country, a viable luxury threshold is homes in excess of US $1 million. Of the 15.5 million consumers who indicated interest in purchasing residential real estate, 66% of that segment (10.3 million consumers) noted a desire to purchase a residence valued at US $1 million or more over the next three years.
• Real estate is the leading investment category of the day, with luxury buyer sentiment a strong 'buy,' and a low inclination to 'sell.'
• One-quarter of global luxury buyers have an investment or a rental property in mind for their next purchase.
• New construction in newly developed neighborhoods is the No. 1 global preference and it commands the highest price among the luxury buyer segment.
• The pandemic has impacted homes at all price levels, including the luxury sector, with trends borne from quarantining including adjusting to all members of the household working from home; a heightened need for self-reliance at home; and recognition that spontaneity brings a welcomed break. For the most part, all three circumstances can be addressed within a luxury home setting.
• International luxury buyers cite non-financial reasons to live abroad, with education and COVID-19 responses influencing their motivation for a golden passport, specifically for buyers in Mexico, India, China, and post-Brexit United Kingdom.
• Specific to the UK, they lead Europe in interest in acquiring property outside of the UK, as well as a second passport.
• Luxury buyers are planning for extended shelter-in-place scenarios for themselves, family and guests. Expectations are high that over the coming year, more time will be spent at home, with about half of luxury buyers seeking a residence with accommodations for long-term guests. Whatever their individual reason, the result is preparation for non-household members to shelter with them.
The luxury customer is more interested in high-quality offerings and customer service than low price. The ultra-luxury segment values brands that feature corporate citizenship, reputation and loyalty.
• While real estate as an industry has had significant technological disruptors such as online agencies over the past few years, luxury buyers overwhelmingly prefer to work with a traditional brokerage firm. 70% of luxury buyers noted as much, with 19% noting they would work with an online agency.
• Luxury buyers are bullish on the residential real estate market. 45% of those surveyed believe that it is getting stronger (more buyers) -- compared to 31% who believe that it is softer (these results are impacted by in-market, in-country specifics).
• 60% of affluent consumers expect an increase in their current home's value, primarily in the 1% to 10% range.
• 50% of luxury buyers believe that now is a good time to buy real estate, being the number one result in the survey -- beating out stocks, private equity and gold, among others.
• More than one-half of ultra-luxury buyers (52%) perceive their current home value to have risen by more than 10%, perhaps incenting them to trade up or add to their portfolio.
• As to an outlook for 2021, barring unforeseen economic or geopolitical issues, a record number of affluent households will be in market to acquire, especially within the luxury segment.

"It is clear that affluent residential real estate buyers see opportunities within their respective markets," said Mickey Alam Khan, president of Luxury Portfolio International®. "We are noting a surge in buyers throughout many markets worldwide, where it continues to be a seller's market in the luxury space vis-à-vis the previous year. We expect that trend to continue through 2021 – as well as the next couple of years -- as buyers rush into the market. The ultra-luxury buyer perspective is that the current climate is getting stronger. In many markets, we see home values going up, and there is more interest in prime property."

"Real estate is an increasingly sensible investment at a time when financial and alternative investments appear potentially disconnected from traditional success indicators, like revenue and profit," said Chandler Mount, CEO of Affluent Consumer Research Co., the study's author, and research partner for Luxury Portfolio International®. "Many luxury buyers all over the world share this sentiment, and the implication is a lot of money flowing into real estate in the coming year."

"Investment sentiment toward real estate is positive and outstrips other forms of financial investment," concluded Alam Khan. "This bodes well for developers and resellers, along with sister industries, such as home design, art and furniture."

# # #

ABOUT LUXURY PORTFOLIO INTERNATIONAL® (LPI)
LPI (luxuryportfolio.com) is the luxury marketing division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest global network of premier locally branded firms dominated by many of the world's most powerful, independent luxury brands. LPI attracts a global audience of visitors from over 200 countries/territories every month and markets more than 50,000 luxury homes annually. Well Connected.™

Source: Luxury Portfolio International®

If you're still debating whether to rent or buy, this article is for you. If you are not in this boat, I suppose you can turn the page, take another sip of your coffee and enjoy one of the other cool articles in this paper. I mean, you'll miss out on some additional funny commentary, but you've got a life to live. You do you. For the rest of you, this is not always a simple question to answer. We'll talk about some of the items you should be considering as you make your choice. It really comes down to your "5 year plan" and how much pizza and beer money you have saved over the last couple years. Let's get going.

Since I mentioned the "m" word, let's talk about your financial situation. Honestly there's a pretty big pile of things that you should have lined up before you can purchase a home. The fastest way to find out is to head on over to your local bank and have a sit-down with one of their mortgage specialists. Don't get me wrong, there's a million banks out there, all with different fancy names and functions. But at the end of the day, having a quick chat with your local bank can at least give you a bird's eye view of where you stand financially and give you some questions to ponder on your way up into the mountains this weekend.

The lender is going to expect you to have a stable job with a bit of history behind you. This simply tells the bank you can get and keep an income producing relationship with an established business. No real surprises there. And they're going to be looking into your credit history, so in hindsight, the purchase of that pinball machine and battle-used samurai sword and not going to help you one bit. But all is not lost. Keep reading.

If you are fortunate (smart?) enough to have saved up enough money for a down payment, pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a new pinball machine. No, wait. Don't do that. Just be happy you have a pile of cash. We're generally talking about 3% for first time home buyers for the down payment and there's an added amount for closing costs as well. But don't count on those numbers. Everyone's situation is different, so again, the conversation with the lender will help out immensely. "I encourage all prospective buyers to get that lender visit taken care of as their first step towards home ownership," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Stacie Goodrich. "It establishes a more clear sense of reality with regards to what they can afford and how much 'real money' outlay they will need to have in hand," she continued.

Amy is right. If you're leaning towards home ownership instead of renting, the credit check, job stability and some semblance of a pile of cash are all going to be critical to the success of your buying adventure. The advantage of renting, in this specific, financial area, is that almost none of that stuff applies. Sure, your landlord is going to want to see a steady job and will even ask for some references. But aside from paying first month's rent and maybe a deposit on the propane account, the initial outlay is quite minimal in comparison. Right off the bat, if you're sitting on a questionable financial history, a spotty work history, and a bank account balance akin to Charlie Bucket (before he found the golden ticket), you're staring another couple years of renting right in the face. And that's perfectly fine.

Moving away from the financial side of things is a move back towards your 5 year plan. Do you love it here? Do you have kids in school? Are you itching for warmer weather? Do you want oceans or mountains? There's a lot to think about when you are deciding to rent or buy. Renting is relatively quick and painless. Moving around is almost without penalty and the flexibility of rental terms is pretty wide open. On the other side, buying and selling a home is more involved (and expensive) and should not be taken lightly. If your 5 year plan involves staying right where you are and building a "life", then you should be seriously considering a home purchase. It brings with it loads of benefits which we'll save for another article.

The last item for today is maintenance and renovations. If your idea of remodeling is the fist you put through the wall of your college dorm room, perhaps renting is not for you. Landlords tend to frown on unauthorized "renovations" and you will end up paying for the fix. On the bright side, your landlord is handling the plowing and mowing so you can enjoy that benefit. For homeowners, while you will be responsible for maintaining the property, the freedom to paint, tear down walls, even punch holes in the walls is all yours. Let your freak flag fly.

I love the idea of painting rooms, remodeling bathrooms, working on landscaping projects and generally making my home something that makes me smile when I drive in the driveway or walk through the halls. For me, there's no substitute for owning your own home and I'm anxious to get back in the "owners" column. If the timing is not right for you and your bank account has more dust bunnies than greenbacks, start saving now and you'll be shopping for your home in no time.

In our current (mildly insane-but slowly getting better) global climate, buying a home site unseen is becoming more common. While working over in Lincoln, we had a handful of people purchase condos never having stepped foot in them. For a ski condo, I think that is a little less risky. You are basically buying a place to recreate a few times (weekends) a year. I read once that the average pass holder only visits the mountain 12 times a season. Buying a ski condo or even a vacation home site unseen is a bit more understandable in my mind. But let's dig into purchasing your year-round home without stepping foot inside. There's a little more at stake.

One of the first things to evaluate about the home is the neighborhood and greater surrounding area of the home. This is obviously very challenging to do remotely, but it is possible. A friend of mine was looking into a home purchase a few states away and spent a couple hours using Google maps to virtually "walk" around the neighborhood where his prospective home was located. I thought it was brilliant. Of course you can't really hear and smell all of the minute details but he did learn there were some commercial "strip malls" close by and even a transfer station (read: dump) that was not obvious at first. Not that the agent was being dishonest, but that information was most certainly not going to make it into the home brochure!

Shopping centers, commercial areas, schools, parks and playgrounds are the things most of us would find after taking a driving tour of the area when we find a home we like. You'll need to be creative to accomplish this from afar but it is not impossible. Many cities even have welcome videos and slideshows. Of course those are all the highlights, but it's still more data for your brain to make this big decision. We are incredibly fortunate to have the Internet at our disposal. Be sure you make the most of it since this is the perfect use case (besides all the cat videos!).

The next best option here is to enlist the services of professionals. This is a piece of advice I give to "in-person" homebuyers as well. We all get a home inspection when we buy a home. Some have even paid for an inspection before making an offer. If you're interested in a home away from your home, why not hire someone to be your eyes and ears for the evaluation process. Whether you have enlisted the services of a buyer's agent (likely a good idea in this situation), a home inspector or even your mortgage broker, all of those people now have your best interests in mind. I'm quite sure every one of them would help you better evaluate the home and neighborhood since they each have a vested interest in this purchase. And honestly, if they aren't willing to help, it's time to find a better partner to work with.

One area that is particularly challenging to evaluate is space. A home (or room) with high ceilings just "feels" different than standard eight foot ceilings. A walk-in closet is, well let's be honest - magical, but is it functional and spacious enough to hold all your stuff. Even the basement can add a different dimension to the feel of the home and it really is difficult to get a sense for that without walking the space. "A virtual walk-through is very helpful in evaluating a home, but doing that 'real time' with a friend or trusted professional is truly the best way to see a home," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Linda Walker. "The ability to discuss a space, walk back through an area or a room multiple times and discuss every nook and cranny with a live human holding the camera really is the optimal way to do this," she continued.

One thing technology has still not mastered is transferring smells electronically. You can't experience pet odors, smoking remnants or a damp basement over a video chat. This is where that trust comes into play with the person on the other end of the line. If you have confidence in your relationship, you'll have confidence in their evaluation and interpretation of all the information they are receiving with all 5 senses. That piece of the puzzle really is my number one priority for you to take away today.

Buying a home site unseen is nerve-racking for sure. But it really can be done with a tolerable level of confidence. You need to do all the homework you can possibly do from your location and then lean heavily on the help from those who are on-site. Just like buying a home "seen", you shouldn't get too overzealous without sticking to your "must have" list. And be sure to find at least one person you can work with to gather all the possible data you can from afar. I think you will find that the process is more palatable than you originally thought. Happy browsing.

First and foremost I would never encourage anyone to be dishonest. There are certain things that you are required by law to disclose about your home and there are other things that you may just feel more comfortable telling those potential buyers so your conscience is clear. I support both of those fully and any real estate agent worth their salt is going to support you on them as well. Hiding something or risking the deal falling through due to a hidden (required) disclosure is not going to do anything for anybody. So be honest.

Moving on from that high horse, let's talk about some phrases from which you should steer clear. The first is "our home is in perfect condition". Let's be honest, even if you just nailed the last nail on the last piece of trim in your brand new house, it already has imperfections. "Every house has items that can be adjusted, repaired or simply improved on," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Peter Pietz. "Don't risk foot-in-mouth disease with this phrase because someone will most certainly find the flaw," he continued. Just focus on material facts about the home and maybe its history. Stick to our old friend Joe Friday's quote: "Just the facts ma'am" (although I just learned he never actually said that. - look it up!).

It's been on the market for x days/weeks/months is another phrase you'll want to stay away from. This is actually information that is publicly available so you don't need to feel obligated to blab it. This is especially true if you've been sitting on the house for a few months now (not very likely in this market!). A home being on the market tells the buyers two things. It is potentially a white elephant and there's something wrong with it and/or they will get a smokin' deal and can throw you a low-ball offer. This is another reason it is always (always!) the best option to not be at the home during showings. You can't say the wrong thing if you're not there.

I don't care if you slap on a brand new roof every 6 months. Don't say that you have never had a problem with a leaky roof. The trick here is to not talk about things that have never happened. We have never had funky neighbors. We have never had an issue with pests, flooded basements or racoons in the attic. Any statement like this is just begging to come back and bite you in the bum. I don't know the legal ramifications of lying about things that are actually wrong with the house. I just know if you say the basement never flooded and the day after closing there's 3 feet of water down there, you're going to wish you had kept your mouth closed.

The buyers don't need to know (read: don't care at all) about the grand plans you had for renovating x, y, or z. As soon as you start pontificating about knocking that wall down to make more room or adding a window over there to get more light, you're causing trouble. Not only are you boring the buyers (note up above where we learned they don't care about your plans!), but you are also highlighting areas that need improvement. You are basically highlighting the areas of the home that you like the least and are showing the buyers how much work they will have to do to make the house "right".

Lastly for today, if you actually DID do some fancy renovations, the buyers don't care how much you spent. Bragging (or lamenting) about the cost of the hardwood floors or the appliances simply shows desperation on your part. It signals to the buyers that you are working really hard to justify the price you have set. At the end of the day the buyers are only going to offer what they feel the home is worth to them. This is one of the primary reasons we always encourage homeowners to clearly evaluate the remodeling project they are undertaking. If you are doing it for yourself, go nuts and let that freak flag fly! If you are intending to sell, make all of your decisions based on that generic potential buyer.

As I wrote each one of the paragraphs above, I kept hearing in my head "Sellers should never be home during a showing". I stand by that statement as I sit at the end of the article. Real estate professionals are trained and experienced in handling the sales process. Equally important is the fact that you are paying them to provide this service for you. Go for a hike or get some errands done, but don't be there. Let them do their awesome work and chances are very good that your home will sell faster without you being involved. Happy hiking!

My coldest day on ski patrol at Loon Mountain was 28 degrees below zero. We didn't take too many runs that day, but we completed our sweeps and even helped a few injured folks off the slopes. I actually rode the gondola with a guy who paid for a full-priced ticket! It turned out he was on vacation and was determined to ski regardless of the weather. I was proud of him.

The cold snap in Texas made me think of all the "green" they enjoy for most of the year down there. When my parents migrated to Florida, they waved goodbye to any notion of a white Christmas. But what about those of us who enjoy all 4 seasons? What are we to do when we're trying to sell a house, but want to maintain awesome curb-appeal any time of the year. Today we'll take a gander at a few tips you can use to keep your yard hopping regardless of the season. Let's roll.

While I'm not a huge fan of wasting water, a good power wash is a wonderful thing. We got one about a year ago and it is amazing what you can clean (or ruin!). Caked on mud comes right off the mountain bikes as easy as pie. It also helped when I re-stained the deck. But for the curb appeal side of things, consider your driveway. Leaves and branches are a great source of stain on your concrete driveway. You don't have to make it shiny-new, but taking a layer of grime and pine tar off will do wonders for the general appearance of your home. Power washers are also amazing at cleaning up walkways and retaining-wall blocks. I assure you, once you get that thing in your hands, you'll find loads of things to clean. Maybe just keep it away from the kids and pets!

Vegetation is a bit of a challenge in the northeast. That said, we have our fair share of evergreens that can keep your yard looking healthy and happy. Although I've never done this, I always wanted to plant bulbs in the fall so I could enjoy them in the spring. This is a great way to have your yard do the work for you. Otherwise, invest in plants, shrubs and trees that will provide an array of beauty options. Trees that explode with colors in the fall are amazing for pictures and general cozy feelings (Is that just me?). And never stick with just one option. The most attractive yards always incorporate multiple types of plants and vegetation.

I know I've lauded the benefits of hardscaping before, but it bears repeating when it comes to year-round curb appeal. Cobblestone, pavers, mulch, river stone, boulders and loads of other options can keep your yard looking awesome without the maintenance. Of course none of that matters if it's all under a blanket of snow. But when it melts, your investment will shine through and look amazing. This sort of yard decoration eliminates water waste (that you just made up for with your power washing), maintenance and stress. Talk to a landscape architect (or general smarty-pants) today and see what options are available for varying budget sizes.

Growing up we had a 25 foot high hill on one side of our front lawn. As a teenager, I hated this hill because it was a pain in the neck to mow. Though it was fun to sled and ski on in the winter though. If you have a "trouble-spot" like this on your property, consider converting it to a more usable space. You could build in a terraced garden on that slope and eliminate your need to keep mowing uphill. If you have a low spot that always floods in the spring, consider a rock garden or at least fix the drainage. "Whenever you try to sell your home, you don't want to have to think about the potential buyers coming by on an "off" day," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Diane McGregor. "Get these spots remedied before you list your home. You'll be glad you did" she continued.

We didn't really touch on the house itself today, but suffice it to say you will need to give the outside a once-over before that first showing. It IS possible to do some touch-up sanding and painting in the winter. Just pick a warm afternoon and go after those peeling spots on the window sills. Cleaning your windows is always an option and always a great idea. Removing dead branches and other shrapnel from previous storms will show the buyers that you care for your home and aren't just huddled in the basement next to the woodstove all winter.

Freezing temperatures and power outages are no joke. I lost power in my new house the month I moved in and my only heat source was my Rinnai heater. I woke up with my cat under the covers and an inside temperature of 46 degrees. I'm young, healthy and got dressed quickly and went to work! Others are not so fortunate. Help out if you can and stay warm and safe yourself! It's a wild world out there.

The Residential Luxury Market is poised to have a banner year as demand fuels growth at the top.

Enjoy the read!  

The first and most obvious myth we're going to squash today is that of the overwhelming debt that comes with buying a home. Sure, you are going to go from a few thousand dollars in debt to a couple hundred thousand. Yikes! But you really do have to keep that in perspective. The "few thousand" from before your mortgage was for that awesome TV in the basement and, let's be honest, some Christmas presents that you are still paying off. For some, it might even mean some college loans or other old debt that truly never goes away.

With a home mortgage you are still under that veritable mountain of debt, but it is what we call "good debt". Just like the avocado is filled with "good fat", the debt your mortgage brings with it is actually an asset for you. You are paying for something that has intrinsic value. In nearly all cases, the property you are paying down is increasing in value. You have likely heard the word "equity" before. That means the value of the thing you are paying for is increasing with every payment. OK, it doesn't mean exactly that, but you get the idea. Remember, I'm a web developer and aspiring writer, I'm not a mortgage smarty-pants. I do know enough to know that equity is awesome.

The other seemingly insurmountable barrier to home ownership is the idea of coming up with a 20% down payment. I would agree that it would be awesome if you could come up with that sort of down payment, but it is not necessary. There are a handful of options available to you and especially if you are a veteran. You can find some great deals with FHA as well. Don't let those old stories from your friend's uncle's wife's dog turn you away from your dream of home ownership. Make a few phone calls and learn for yourself. You will end up paying "PMI" which is a type of insurance the bank requires to protect themselves. But once you hit 20% equity, that extra charge goes away.

While it is true that your credit score and general financial stability is very important to how much a bank will be willing to lend you, it is not the final nail in the coffin of your home ownership dreams. (Wow, that was quite the sentence!). Your credit score should be north of 660, but if it is not, don't give up hope. Honestly the same advice from above applies here. Make some phone calls. There are programs out there for folks with bad credit or lower income and you might be surprised to learn what is available. In the end, this really IS an important factor so you may just need to spend a few months cleaning up your credit. The beauty of our credit score and the associated financial "report card" is we can all make changes to improve it and become more attractive to those lenders.

If you have been paying attention to both our local market and the national trends, you know that we are currently in a unique situation within the real estate world. Because of the virus, folks have been hesitant to list their homes. I don't think anybody is excited about having piles of strangers trounce through their living room right now. But on the other side of the coin are these insane interest rates. What we are left with is a (finally) growing inventory and a buyers group that has decent access to funds. The real estate market changes almost monthly. There are always ebbs and flows that change the landscape, change the inventory, and change the position you find yourself in as a buyer.

The main lesson here is don't let anybody tell you that "this" or "then" are good times or bad times to buy. If you stay within your means and stick to your "must have" list, it is always a good time to buy real estate. Right now inventory is a little on the low side and it is increasing every day. Nobody expects you to buy a home that is not right for you, but if you find "the one", you truly can't beat these interest rates. "I always encourage buyers to establish and stick to their "deal breaker" list," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent, Rachael Brown. "If the home checks off all the boxes, it's likely the right time to make a move," she continued.

If you are considering getting out of the pattern of paying someone else's mortgage, start doing your homework. Reach out to some lenders and find out how much you can afford. Reach out to your favorite real estate professional and learn more about the market and what is available. It is incredibly exciting to start this journey (Ask me how I know!). I wish you the best of luck out there. You're gonna love it!

Even with my awareness on high alert, I'm still excited to dig in and stop "paying someone else's mortgage" with my rent payments. Today I want to take a quick cruise through the options available to us as homebuyers. In the wake of the "challenges" of the early 2000s, it is safe to assume your finances will be more closely scrutinized. The good news is that there are a handful of great options available to buyers with varying levels of credit and down payment capacity. Let's check them out.

The first and most common is the fixed rate loan. This simply provides the same, single interest rate for the life of the loan. These loans are typically 15 or 30 years. It is great for folks who have no intention of moving for the next (at least) 5 - 10 years. One of the primary benefits of this loan is the variations in the national interest rate have no bearing on yours or your payments. While you may lament those rates if they fall (as they are now), you'll be celebrating when they trend in the other direction. For both of the properties I purchased, this was the path I chose.

The next option is the adjustable-rate mortgage. (FWIW, I'm going to use "mortgage" and "loan" interchangeably for the remainder of this article.) The most obvious difference between these two is that the fixed rate you were enjoying above has gone away. Typically, about once a year, your loan's interest rate will be adjusted based on the current national interest rate. Quite obviously, this is great when they fall, but a little challenging if and when they rise. These types of loans also tend to have lower initial interest rates. This is safe for the lender since they know they will "catch up" with the first adjustment. "The ARM is a great option for buyers who are anticipating relocating within the first 5 years of ownership," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Michele Jordan. "If plans change, these owners frequently refinance into a fixed rate to take advantage of the stability those loans provide," she continued.

FHA or "Federal Housing Administration" loans are fantastic for folks (like yours truly) who don't have a ton of savings to pony up the 20% typically required of standard loans. While there are some restrictions, borrowers can put as little as 3.5% down for the home. This is because they are government-backed and are considered "safer". Some of the restrictions include a maximum loan amount of $417,000 (don't ask my how they came up with that number), they are fixed rate loans for the standard 15 or 30 years, and the borrower is required to pay PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) at least until there is suitable equity in the home.

If you have served in the military, a VA (Veterans Affairs) loan is a suitable option for your purchase process. The primary (and amazing) benefits of this loan include no down payment and no need for PMI. There are some strict guidelines for the home you purchase. It needs to be your primary residence (no second homes or vacation homes) and it needs to meet some "minimum property requirements". That simply means you won't qualify for that fixer-upper you were hoping for. If you have served our country, we thank you and our mortgage industry thanks you!

USDA loans are another great, creative option for buyers looking to purchase a home in rural areas. If you are new to New Hampshire, we are flush with rural areas! These loans are also government backed so there is no down payment required. There are also very attractive interest rates included in these loans. While you are required to pay PMI, the pros certainly outweigh the cons with these. There are some restrictions with regard to your debt-to-income ratio. In a nutshell, your debt cannot exceed your income by more than 41%. If you are struggling financially and are looking to buy property where your closest neighbor is a moose, give this option a close look.

The last, and slightly less prevalent, loan we will cover today is the bridge or "gap" loan. This is for those folks who are a bit stuck between buying their new home and still not having sold their existing home. You cannot finance more than 80% of the cost of the two homes combined, so you really need to be flush with cash or have plenty of equity in your existing home for this bad boy to work for you. You also need to have pretty solid credit and a healthy debt-to-income ratio to be approved for this one.

There are a plethora of financing options available to home buyers these days. If you are considering buying a home or maybe have already started looking, I strongly suggest you re-visit with your lender (or keep shopping for one!) and explore all the options available to you. You might be very surprised at what you can afford.

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.

I think the Boy Scouts were on to something with their "Be Prepared!" motto. (I think the exclamation point is part of the motto!! - So cool) One of the primary things I do before hitting the trail is I ask a ton of questions or rather I gather a ton of information. I'm checking the weather at the elevation at which I plan to achieve. It doesn't matter if it is 50's and sunny in North Conway, what is the weather atop the mountain with the worlds (second) worst weather? What are the trail conditions? Is there weather moving in? What do I need for gear? Do I have the right gear? What do I need for food? The list goes on.

I say all that to also say that when it's time to buy a house, it's equally important to be prepared. It's important to gather all the information you possibly can about the whole shootin' match. That includes the house, the neighborhood, the mortgage, the market, etc. That list goes on and on as well. Today we're going to focus on the questions you should be asking before you put in that offer. There are the inanely obvious questions like - Can I afford this house? But there are also more pertinent questions that many of us don't think of. Let's dig in.

What is the purchase history of this home? This question provides lots of information but I will caution you a bit to take the data with a proverbial grain of salt. "Simply knowing that a home was "bank-owned" or that the listing had expired at some point in its history are not necessarily bad things," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Norman Head. "As with nearly everything in life, the more information you have about the situation the better off you will be," he continued. I love knowing the sales history of a home. It shows you (almost inevitably) a continued increase in value and it provides a bit of back story to how the market has treated this property. If nothing else, it's a great place to start.

What is the future of this property? This, of course, is a little more challenging to ascertain, but equally worth your time to explore. I know almost none of the details of this story, but I heard through the grapevine about a community's government that accepted the creation of a waste facility. The homeowners were incensed that their properties were rendered nearly unsellable due to the proximity to the "dump" and the associated smells. You can never know all the future plans that any one of countless entities may have in store. But it is important to do your due diligence and learn about community upgrades and assessments, the general trend of the neighborhood's home prices, new construction going on (especially commercial!) and anything else that may impact, not only your home's value but your families enjoyment of living there.

One lesson I learned a very long time ago is to ask for help or advice when I felt I needed it (which is often!). As we all know, from the teenage years through our late 20's (typically) we have the silly sense that we have it all figured out and don't need help from anyone. (Wasn't that an adorable time?!) Once we get past that mark, our eyes are finally opened and we see that the vast majority of the world is older and more experienced than we are and knows far more than we do about almost everything.

When you are considering buying a home, seek out those folks who already have that experience and can help you get pointed in the right direction. Do you know of any good home inspectors? Is there a handyman that you would recommend? Who did you use as your real estate agent and why did you like them? Where do you get your car fixed? Sure, the Internet is a wealth of information (and very often misinformation), but I always (always!) prefer to have a conversation with a human being to get my recommendations and advice. So much is lost in false reviews and curated 5-star ratings. Put down your phone and pick up your phone (Ha!) and give someone a call. You'll be glad you did. They will be honored that you trust them with this huge decision. And you will make a new connection with both them and the person to whom they refer you.

Buying a home is a big deal and owning a home is equally significant. Before and during this process, my advice to you is ask a ton of questions. Gather all the information you can about the property, the process and the potential (Struggled for another "p" word there!). You will be better informed and will feel so much more comfortable with the decision because you did your homework. Now go do some research and get up in the mountains! Just please don't wear cotton in the White's this winter! Happy adventuring!

I've been the one behind the wheel when it comes to our lawn maintenance. I mow the lawn, trim the bushes and do (most of) the raking in the fall. This reminder is not for me, but mostly for those who are coming straight out of an apartment into a single family home. Your lawn/landscaping doesn't just happen auto-magically. It takes work.

Every year we have taken steps to eliminate sections of the lawn that were either trouble-spots (hard areas to grow) or simply impractical (better for parking spots). I have often encouraged you, my dear reader, to follow suit. Replacing maintenance-demanding sections of your yard with rocks, shrubs, or other "no-fuss" features is a great way to reclaim your weekends and save you money on the various chemicals used to keep that lawn looking like Fenway. You will appreciate the clean look as you head out on a bike ride instead of being stuck trying to get that hand-me-down lawnmower to run.

While this is something you should be aware of during the buying process, you may still incur fees for "improvements" to the neighborhood. Friends of mine live in Fort Collins, CO and even though they live in a single family home, they still pay HOA fees. I had no idea that was a "thing". If a petition passes to have a speed bump or radar sign installed, the cost is passed on to the homeowners. Property and city taxes are not utilized for these extra items. As someone who does not live in a neighborhood with an HOA, I think this is a great way to keep our taxes down and apply the costs to those who are going to benefit from the improvement.

Another thing that works differently everywhere is trash removal. Having lived in some rural areas in my life, when I first lived in a place that included trash pickup (for a fee, obviously) I felt I had died and gone to heaven. What a treat! We even pay a little extra to have brush/lawn clippings picked up during the summer months as well. Once you get settled into your new place, do some digging and find out how it will work where you now live. If you're lucky, those weekly trips to the dump may be a thing of the past (Although I did enjoy visiting with our boys at the dump in Lincoln!).

Renovations, while enticing, can prove to be a bit of a struggle. I am a huge fan of upgrading a space or renovating it to be more useful for me, the homeowner. We have covered, at length, the benefits of DIY as well as some of the pitfalls. "The primary piece of advice I give to new homeowners is to simply be aware of your limitations and temper your enthusiasm during the 'destruction' phase," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Kathleen Sullivan Head. "The gremlins often found behind a small section of sheetrock can railroad a quick upgrade into a full-blown room remodel with a single swing of the hammer," she continued.

Kathleen is spot-on with this one. Especially for those of us living in or buying older homes, you never really know what the previous owner may have hidden with some paint or sheetrock. If you prepare for the worst (but hope for the best), you will be slightly more ready when the project creep rears its ugly head. Don't just go tackling a wall like a linebacker or ripping off all the trim. Consider what additional steps you'll have to take to bring the job to the finish line. A quick conversation with a construction or remodeling professional will likely raise your awareness and give you some thoughts to consider before you start swinging that hammer.

The final little nugget I'll share is a side-benefit and/or maybe a bit of a curse. Once you have experienced the joy of homeownership, you will never want to go back to sharing walls again. Once you are able to stop listening to and smelling your neighbors through a shared wall, you will never want to go back. You can listen to your music as loud as you want and cook all the crazy, smelly things you want without having to worry about your building-mate. The freedom and independence provided with home ownership actually has me more excited than when I first started typing. Enough of this work stuff though, it's time to go find some birthday cake!

If someone were interested in buying that place, the plastic would be a dead giveaway that the home was basically a sieve. As a seller, there are a handful of things you could (should?) do before selling your home. Many of those are standard cleaning and decluttering tasks. The larger ones are those that would be caught by the home inspector or truly functional repairs that need to be done. What you should NOT do, however, is put "Band-Aids" on items that are true trouble spots. More specifically, items that will be noticed by savvy buyers and make you look like the scammer you are. Yes. Santa has come and gone, but you should still try to be "nice"!

The first red flag is a newly painted ceiling in just one room. This "flag" is waving even more if it is the only thing that has been painted in the whole house. The same is true if there's a can of "Kilz" or other stain-killing primer in the basement or garage. The jig is up. Someone is trying to hide a water stain or some other damage that we all know is going to come back shortly after closing. Your best bet here is to hire a professional to fix the issue or at the very least rule out the presence of an issue. If you are going to paint over it, maybe also share a copy of the receipt from the person who fixed it. Disclosure is a welcome thing as a buyer.

Another trouble-spot that seems to always have a fresh coat of paint is the trim. In older homes the baseboards and other trim can get water damage or simply rot over time. Fresh paint here is another red flag and those scrutinizing buyers will see right through it with a simple fingernail poke. Take this opportunity to replace the trim. While you are at it, check the wall behind the trim and ensure there is not more damage back there.

I admit. This is a scary path to travel. Anyone who has remodeled an older home knows the demons that can lurk behind every piece of trim and sheetrock. Nobody wants to keep digging further down this rabbit hole of endless costs and repairs. That said, the more you know the better suited you are to make informed decisions. "It can be scary to uncover cosmetic or structural defects when all you wanted to do was remove some wallpaper or replace a light switch," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Nubian Duncan. "It is important to know when to stop and reassess. You need to decide if repair is the right path, or simply disclose and let the buyers decide for themselves," he continued.

For the longest time I had a small space heater in my office. It was really just a section of the basement and it was nowhere near as warm as the rest of the house. When buyers are evaluating a home, the smart ones are keenly aware of the presence of space heaters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and other environment-altering machines. While sometimes the person occupying the space simply wants it warmer or cooler without having to affect the whole house. In many cases it is a sign of past or present trouble.

As Nubi noted above, this is the time for that big decision. As the seller, you need to determine if it makes sense (financial, timing, skillset, etc.) to tackle this repair yourself or allow the buyers to handle it. If moisture is an issue, I strongly recommend you get that fixed before your first showing. Chilly rooms, drafty windows, humid attics or other larger scale issues can mean massive repairs, remodels and cost. It is at least worth getting some estimates so you can make an informed decision.

We've talked about the seller's dilemma numerous times before and today is no different. Either you fix the trouble-spots or make some concessions at the closing table. There is no "right" answer to this one as each case is different. If it helps, reach out to your favorite real estate professional and see if they can offer you some guidance. There are loads of factors at play, so give yourself some time to evaluate and ponder. Whatever you do, avoid the silly (shady!) Band-Aids noted above. Nobody likes a sneaky Pete. Happy New Year! (finally!)

A few years ago I was very fortunate to be able to purchase an acre of land in Lincoln with a good friend of mine. We split up the lot into 3 parcels and one of those is where I built my house. The land purchase was a life saver for me. It provided the equity needed to get a construction loan. And beyond any fiscal or physical reward, it gave me a massive sense of pride and accomplishment that I've not felt since. Owning a piece of dirt is really a wonderful feeling and I'm looking forward to experiencing it again soon.

The other thing the purchase of, subdivision of, and subsequent construction on top of that piece of land taught me was the extensive list of things I didn't know about owning and "improving" land. Today I'd like to share a few of those insights and perhaps provide a few tips for those considering buying some dirt. As we all know, interest rates are still in the basement. It's likely a good time to think about grabbing your piece of the pie. As one of my favorite sayings goes; They're not making any more land. Buy it while you can.

In general, land is not going to increase in value as fast as a home sitting on a piece of land will. You should go into this project with a long-term mindset. If you are thinking of subdividing the parcel and selling off pieces, that's a great way to go as well. Just consider how long that piece of land was sitting on the market before you came along. Chances are good that the parcels you list for sale may not be gobbled up very quickly. You are most likely thinking of building, so long-term is pretty familiar to you at this point. Nice work.

We were very fortunate to be located right along route 3 in North Lincoln (up past Clark's Trading Post). This meant public water and sewer. All that was needed for the construction was to run a line from the basement to the street. We didn't have to deal with septic tanks, wells or any of that hassle and cost. We did, however, include a "T" just past where the pipe entered my house. As the middle lot, we figured this would save the future owners of the next lot a big hassle since they could tap into that line instead of having to dig up my lawn. I'm quite sure the next piece of land I buy will not have public water or sewer. We're going "off grid"!

Speaking of being the middle lot. Deed restrictions can play a large role in the property itself as well as the building(s) you are able to construct once you own it. Naturally, the farther from town you go the looser the restrictions will be (usually). Since we were the ones who owned (and were selling) the land, we were able to implement some of these restrictions. We did not allow mobile homes, non-running motor vehicles or other unsightly structures to be built. The goal was to have a mini-neighborhood and not a commercial junk yard. Be sure and do the research before you buy.

Easements are another tricky consideration. (And here you thought you bought some land and could do whatever you wanted, right!?) A third of an acre is not that big of a parcel to build a home on. The house itself was 28 X 32 (not huge), but with the way the lots were divided, it limited the location of the home. There are setbacks for all the lot lines and since we were on route 3, the setback restriction on that end nudged us back a bit for the location of the home. In hindsight, I should have pushed the house back even further. When the new owners wanted to build a deck on the front of the house, they had to angle it a bit to fit within the setbacks. It's a little amusing when you see the shape, but it makes perfect sense when you realize the front of the deck is parallel to route 3.

Lastly, zoning restrictions not only limit structure sizes and types, but also limit what you can do with the property. Commercial versus residential zones are worlds apart and help keep neighborhoods neighborly and commercial areas, commercial. "Depending on where you decide to buy or build, the restrictions can be very limiting and surprising to new buyers," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Ralph Cronin. "On the flip side, those are also the very rules that keep homeowners happy and keep the box stores out of our neighborhoods," he continued.

Buying land is one of the best things I have done in my life. It is akin to purchasing your first home and brings with it all the excitement of new opportunities and possibilities for what you will create. Do plenty of homework and learn all you can about the land. Consider your home placement carefully and if you're lucky, you'll have a great view towards Franconia Notch! Happy shopping.

The next project will be a bit more aggressive. The goal (still in the planning stages) is to bump out the wall in the mud room (that backs up to the garage) and build a little bench with cubbies above and below the seating area. This will help remove the shoe caddy that takes up floor space there and give a spot for coats as well. As we were preparing for this, we realized it was time to bring in a professional to ensure that any of the construction (and destruction) would not impact the structural integrity of the home. Today we're going to talk about some of those considerations when you're thinking of changing your home's floor plan. Let's get started.

When considering our cute little cubby spot, the primary goal was to clear out the floor space in the mud room and give folks a place to lace up their boots. I mention this because it is important, at this stage of the planning, to focus on your primary objective. Don't worry about furniture placement, finish style, paint color or window treatments. All of that is secondary and you'll have plenty of time for it once the sawdust settles. For now, focus on the specific problem you're trying to solve. Do you need more open space? Does your family need more private rooms for meetings and school? Is it time to build an addition? Keep your goals at 30,000 feet for now.

As we talked about earlier, opening up a floor plan is a very popular goal, especially for growing families. The main consideration here is the identification of "load bearing" walls. Those are the ones that keep your house standing tall and your roof lines straight. For our cubby section, the wall in question borders the main house and the garage. Clearly (even for the uninitiated) this is an important structural piece. That said, it still made sense to see if we could "alter" it instead of just remove it. If you're considering a wall between the living and dining rooms, you might be in the clear. In our cape style home growing up, the exterior walls were the important ones. I think we could have gone nuts on the interior!

In today's climate of countless (endless!) video meetings, some households are opting for LESS open space and more "rooms" in the house for privacy. I completely understand this need and adding a simple "separator" is not going to do the trick. I think adding walls is just as complicated as removing them so I would approach this with cautious optimism. "The one thing most first-timers overlook is the amount of 'finish' work they will be facing once this type of project is completed," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Daren Levitt. "Matching paint tones, adding trim and working through the electrical work often get overlooked and oversimplified as these projects begin," he continued.

Daren is spot-on here. My honey wanted to paint her office and replace the trim. Of course it was fun to remove it all and prep the room for the new paint colors. But, when it was time for the new trim to get put on, she quickly realized how difficult it is to get baseboards to sit "flush" to the floor of an old home and how challenging it is to match things up in the corners. These lessons I learned when installing the baseboards in my newly constructed home. Even there, it was miserable getting them to sit flush! We both have a very healthy respect for finish carpenters. You folks are amazing!

While we're on the topic of adding rooms, adding a bathroom is never a bad idea. Whether it is due to the growing number of family members in the home or a simple desire to add the convenience, another bathroom is an always welcome addition to homeowners and potential buyers alike. Of course this is a room fraught with complications. It is no secret you're dealing with electrical, plumbing, moisture and construction all in a few square feet. This is another area where the pro's should be called in, if for no other reason than getting some experienced insight into the project.

As with any type of project in your home, unless you are Ron Swanson, you will likely need help, instruction, and likely some sort of permit. Before you go smashing down walls or building them up, ask around and learn what is needed to keep yourself out of trouble with the local zoning folks. You'll be glad you did. Happy renovating!

CONWAY — Badger Realty recently announced additional safety protocols for staff, customers and community in light of recent increases in the incidence of COVID-19 in the region. These steps were taken to ensure the safest possible experience for those buying or selling a property.

The most visible change to operations is the return to appointment-only access to the Badger Realty offices in North Conway, Jackson and Berlin. Visitors are asked to call ahead at (603)356-5757 to make an appointment to meet with Badger real estate professionals in their offices.

Many Badgers agents are licensed in both Maine and New Hampshire. They are also available to meet on-site at customer properties, or virtually using web conferencing to show property or to meet prospective clients.

"We are taking this step to be proactive and to keep your family and our family healthy," Managing Partner Brenda Leavitt said.

Leavitt noted the real estate market is extremely strong right now.

"Sales are up 37 percent over last year at this time in Carroll County, up 81 percent in Coos County and up 65 percent in Oxford County (Maine). The only thing lacking is the availability of listings. We strongly encourage anyone who has been thinking about selling their property to contact us. With these additional safety protocols, you can sell your home, take advantage of this strong market, and not take any unnecessary risks due to COVID-19," Leavitt said.

Badger agents go above and beyond with their safety procedures to give buyers and sellers peace of mind. Their attention to detail includes:

As we're all being directly or indirectly affected by this virus, our priorities have shifted towards getting OUT of the house and away from our family. No. Wait. That can't be right. The goal is simply to enjoy the outdoors. Yeah, that sounds better. So as we're tucked away in our cozy homes this winter, we can be creating strategies and plans for our outdoor spaces. You could even take it as far as starting to save up some money for whatever awesome project you dream up this winter. Let's dig in and help you start dreaming.

Before we totally give up on the winter season, let's consider the outdoor space that we already have. We have a deck with a fairly comfy couch (although I did move the cushions into the garage last month). If you have a space like this consider those outdoor heaters or a fire pit. Anything you can do to make the space a little more cozy will go a long way to encouraging those in your household to get the heck out of the house, err, I mean, enjoy the outdoor space. My roommate also splurged last year and bought a "previously loved" hot tub. All installed and operational for under $5,000. My only comment here is: Do it if you can! They are heavenly. Nothing like a hot soak after a day in the snow!

Moving away from Old Man Winter, let's dig back into the back yard, literally. Vegetable gardens saw a huge surge in popularity this past summer for obvious reasons. I don't know about you, but I detest going to the grocery store in these times. So many hands touching so many things. Instacart has become my best friend. For those with a little more gumption than myself, the garden has become the next best thing to food delivery. My honey carved out an entire third of her backyard for a garden and it was amazing to see the bounty that was produced (pun intended!). As long as you've got some decent sunlight, I can't encourage this project enough! You won't be disappointed.

On the more playful side of backyard projects are things like monkey bars, jungle gyms, zip lines and even swimming pools. If you grew up in Maine and New Hampshire like I did, swimming pools always seemed like a luxury and a bit of a fool's errand. That mentality has changed a bit and they are soaring in popularity. You also don't need to blow your life savings for any of these projects. The jungle gyms are certainly budget friendly and if you are handy with these kinds of projects (or have some good friends and a couple pizza coupons) you can do many of them yourself. Even inflatable pools, makeshift ninja warrior courses and even a small half-pipe (yes, I'm reverting back to my BMX glory days) can make your backyard a place where you and your kids want to be.

On the other side of the house, our front yards are becoming much more social. While we may not be sipping iced tea on the front porch like in Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine (read it if you haven't!), we are working to create safe, social spaces so we CAN visit with our friends and neighbors. I have been to a handful of "happy hours" this summer where we brought our own chairs and sat around the front yard, driveway and even (because it was raining) the garage. It's wonderful to be able to visit with friends and even chat up those folks walking by. It brought a sense of normalcy and community back to our lives that had gone missing.

One of the more interesting trends coming about is the focus on the exterior from the interior. Not just because it's cold and we're nestled inside our homes, but also because we are spending far more time inside overall. Some of the focus is being placed on how the landscaping (or flower gardens or shrubs) appear from inside the home. "Not only do homeowners want an attractive exterior for those passing by and for themselves to come home to, they are also interested in flower boxes and attractive 'framed' landscaping that looks great from inside the home," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Bernadette Donohue. This trend fascinates me and I'm interested to see how it progresses through next summer. Only time will tell.

Working on our yards, wherever that may be and however you define it, has always been a project that some love, some do out of a sense of duty, and some simply detest. As winter comes along and coats us in her white blanket, most of us can forget about the yard for the next few months. That said, I'd still encourage you to give it some thought and see if you can come up with a strategy to make the most of your yard and get your kids out of the house. No, wait. I mean: give your kids an awesome place to play (out of the house!). Happy planning.

One tip that we've encouraged folks to take over and over again is getting their finances in order. If you are saddled with some blemishes on your credit report/history, now is the time to get them remedied. Specifically what you are looking for are actual mistakes. Whether someone used your credit card to ring up a bunch of purchases or there are missed payments, you need to get those items taken care of. It should go without saying that if YOU are the one that caused those issues, perhaps you are not ready to take this plunge!

Your primary goal is to display stability over a period of time. Lenders are looking at not only how much credit you are using, but also how much you have available. This is not the time to make large purchases such as cars or furniture. It is also not recommended that you open any new accounts (Yes, even the 0% interest ones!). You want to show consistent payments and a consistent level of credit/debt. Those will help you shine for those lenders.

One of the things that many first-timers skip is the pre-approval. I've never been a big fan of window shopping since it simply means looking at things you are not going to buy. With a home purchase, the same rings true. There is literally no point in looking for homes if you don't have any idea how much the bank is going to let you borrow. Get to the bank and start that (fairly miserable) process. You'll have to provide lots of supporting information about your "income" and "outgo" so the bank can make an informed decision about your ability to pay. Once you are through this process, you are much better able to shop in your price range (since you actually have one now) and truly begin dreaming about living in the homes you are viewing.

As you begin this process, don't fall into the trap of simply searching for all homes in your price range. "Some areas have limited inventory so narrowing choices doesn't serve much purpose," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, David Cianciolo. "But in most areas, it makes much more sense to curate your list of wants and needs before you begin the home search process," he continued. David is right. It will serve you much better (and you'll be more efficient in the search) if you create (and stick to) your list of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves".

When starting this process, try and come up with some criteria that you simply can't budge on. The home must have a garage. It needs to have at least 2 office spaces. It should be out of view of any neighbors. I need to be able to walk downtown. Anything that you are no longer willing to compromise should be on that list. This helps make your searching more efficient and honestly, more fun. It will help sift out the homes that don't make the grade regardless of their price or location.

While we're talking about must-haves, we should also talk about the "perfect home". You may want to sit down for this, but there really is no such thing. If you are operating in a budget like mine (very small), you learn quickly that you will need to make compromises and adjustments to your goals. This, again, is why you have your "must have" list. Homes that are more affordable tend to need a little TLC or are not in the most desirable location available. That's OK, as long as you check your list of things you won't live without, you'll be well on your way to moving into your new "dream" home even if it is not "perfect".

The last comment for today's first timers is to think long-term. In general, you should be thinking of making this house your home for at least 5 years. Purchasing homes for investment is not nearly as fun or rewarding, but can be a great way to make a nice second income. If you are salivating over these interest rates and watching the inventory start to swell back up, it's time to get in the game. Create a space for you and all your stuff (including pets!) and start to make a home. You'll be glad you did.

You quickly realize what's important when it comes to a vacation (ski) home. In reality, having a place to lay your head, make some food, and take a shower are really all that's needed. Of course, walking around Vail village, you do see a mind-blowing array of vacation homes that offer far more than a microwave! Considering the narrow condo we are enjoying was built back in the 70's and still boasts a price tag well north of $1.5M, you can just imagine what a 4,000 square foot custom built home on the slopes is going to cost. But what about the "rest of us"? Is it still a realistic goal to own a ski house? I say: absolutely.

The first thing we should consider (multi-million dollar comments above, notwithstanding) is financing. Unless you're going to actually "live" in this place, you will need to come up with a larger down payment than for a standard "primary residence" purchase. The actual percentages vary from state to state, but you should likely be prepared for a minimum of 10%. The actual amount will vary depending on your credit score, job stability, the lender itself and a myriad of other factors. Just like with any home purchase, you should certainly do your homework, research a couple different lenders and talk to a real estate professional. The more information you have the better prepared you will be.

The next thing to consider is what you will use this home for. The place we are staying sits empty most of the summer. The same is true for many of the condos over in Lincoln. The owners buy them to take full advantage of the winter playground we have, but don't spend much time here in the summer. Many are busy with a lake house or even head to the beach. Some just prefer golf and have no need for a home up here in the summer. If you are on the other side of the seasonal spectrum, perhaps you're looking for a summer home and prefer to stay in your actual home during the winter. Of course, the smartest folks (IMHO) are the ones that take advantage of all that the White Mountains have to offer throughout the entire year. They just need to maintain a home down where their work is. I understand.

The owners of this condo are skiers through and through and all the pictures of their family throughout the condo are of them on the mountain somewhere. They have never rented this place out to anyone and have no intention of starting now. That brings up the next point related to usage is rental. Local laws and HOA regulations aside, renting your vacation home while you are not using it is simply brilliant. During my first few years living in Lincoln, I lived in a handful of ski homes in the off-season. It is a wonderful arrangement. The owners get a (mostly) responsible adult to keep an eye on their place all summer and I get a great condo to live in for less than half of what it costs during the ski season. It also obviously off-sets the owner's mortgage, which is a fantastic benefit.

We can't forget about the weather. I mean, that's what we're buying a ski home for afterall. Owning a home (regardless of the location) during the winter always presents a handful of challenges. Ensuring the heat is set to an appropriate temperature is critical. Knowing about local storms, downed trees, power outages and the like is critically important to the welfare (and dryness) of your home. "I encourage all my vacation homeowners to work with a local handyman service to keep an eye on the property," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) Vice President of Sales, Brendan Battenfelder. "It provides priceless peace of mind and is a small investment to protect against extended power outages, frozen pipes and a myriad of other calamities that could occur," he continued.

If you find yourself skiing more than a handful of weekends (or weeks!) up in the mountains, it is likely time to consider a vacation home for yourself. While there are certainly costs associated with it, you are no longer just throwing money away at a hotel or other lodging facility. You are finally investing in something that will provide priceless memories and joy to your family and friends. And, of course, you can always offer a few days to your favorite article author from The Sun! Happy house hunting and Happy Thanksgiving!

In the 80's and before, homes tended to have lots of separation throughout the floor plan. I recall growing up in our standard "cape" home and was always (slightly) annoyed that there was this big "thing" right in the middle of the house (the stairs). It seemed to make the home feel much smaller and more difficult to chase my brother around without bumping into things! At the turn of the century, the open floor plan became much more popular. Let's see if it's the right thing for you.

If you have (or are going to have) kids, the open floor plan might just be the best option. It certainly creates a sense of togetherness and "community". It's also nice to be able to maintain a line of sight with those little buggers. If you are working your magic in the kitchen or binge-watching your favorite adventure show, you can still hear and (mostly) see what they are up to. This option is also great for making use of those rooms that are now (nearly) useless like the formal dining room. Except for the upcoming feast in a couple weeks (Covid notwithstanding) that room likely sits unused for most of the year. With an open concept, you can clear it out and utilize it for part of the racetrack around the home or (I'm sure) there are more reasonable uses as well.

We tend to have company over to the house quite often (Again, just pretend we can still visit with each other!). The open concept, that we enjoy in the upstairs area of the house, is simply perfect. There's a bar around the whole kitchen and that opens up into a sitting room and what has become the dining area. People can be in the kitchen, on the couch, or at the dinner table (even on the deck!) and still be part of the conversation.

Lastly, knocking down walls (besides being super fun!) will also allow for more natural light to spread throughout the home. As we're cruising into winter, daylight becomes more and more precious. The lack of extra (unnecessary) walls helps fill the home with light and may even stave off those winter blues. "Removing extraneous walls, especially in smaller homes, is a fantastic way to allow more light into the home and creates a sense of space," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Karla Badger.

The open-concept isn't for everyone though. I distinctly remember living in a fairly large home (around 4,000 square feet) and still feeling like I had no space to go and be alone. If someone was watching TV in that house, there was literally no place to go where you could not still hear the show. It was awesome for entertaining and provided a great sense of size and space, but privacy flew right out the window the day we moved in. This worked fine for me working from home, but only if my partner did not have a day off during the week. Then I fell into the same situation many of you are facing. Working from home while surrounded by other people that are not sharing your same sense of focus and concentration.

Swinging back around to kids, while it may be nice to keep an eye on them it might also be super handy to contain their tornado of toys and chaos to a single room. We had an easel when we were young and mom and dad set it up in the (unfinished) attic of our house. It was the perfect place to paint and make a big huge mess without messing up our own room or some other functional room of the house. We also skateboarded in the basement when the weather was not cooperating. Both great uses of closed off spaces for kids.

Lastly, in our current global environment, the "Zoom room" has become an almost required element of any home for buyers. If you go too far down the open concept plan, it becomes nearly impossible to close yourself off with some privacy for a video call. As noted above, noise travels really well when there are no walls for it to bounce off. If privacy is of any concern, the open-concept is likely not the best option.

The open floor plan creates a nice sense of space and community and lets in some awesome natural light. It also allows all the noise to travel and removes many options for privacy. Depending on your lifestyle, it might just be the right choice. Give these ideas some thought before you decide to play human bull-dozer on that non load-bearing wall! Happy Smashing!

First and foremost, do lots of stretching and get busy with that shovel or snow blower of yours. I trust you are not one of those morons who only clears a small pocket of their windshield before heading off to work, so give the same "full" treatment to your driveway and all walkways. Chances are good that those potential buyers will not be entering through your garage. Make sure there's a clear path to the front door and don't be shy with the ice-melt either. The last thing you want is someone slipping and falling while trying to get to your home. I also strongly recommend you clear any branches from the shrubs or trees lining the walkway. If this includes some trimming of those branches, so be it.

Next, now that you have cleared a path and created an inviting entryway, take some new photos. While your backyard may be glorious with its flowers and blooming shrubs in mid-summer, your home is still beautiful throughout all the seasons. Let's be real. People are not interested in buying your home unless they are aware of (and interested in) the idea of living in a climate with all four seasons. Don't be shy about showing off your home year round. I particularly love pictures of new england homes on the sunny day after a storm. The snow is still perfectly white and the sun's rays simply make everything shine. Tidy up the driveway and walkways and get out your camera.

One unintended consequence of those bright, sunny days is the exposure your windows will get. It's amazing to experience that bright blue sky and powerful sunlight streaming in your home. I often feel like a cat just seeking out a warm spot to enjoy! But it also highlights how much you have neglected your windows all fall. The combination of the sun's rays reflecting off the snow and the lack of trees to hide the smudges both point to your need to work on your windows before the next showing. The beauty of this is you should only have to do this once before spring. Just pick a warm weekend and get busy.

While we're talking about warm spots to cozy up with a book (or a nap!), let's talk about your thermostat. To all the dads in the room, please skip this paragraph. If you are having a showing today, crank up the heat! We keep our home between 70 and 72 all winter long. Part of that is because the solar panels cover the A/C costs all summer, so it sort of balances out. The other part of that is, we enjoy being warm. If people are coming to view your home, bump up the heat a bit. It gives the impression that your home is warm and energy-efficient. It also simply makes it more comfortable for everyone and they might even linger a bit longer.

Now that your windows are clean and your home is warm, how about you actually make it available for those interested buyers! "I encourage my sellers to give the hustle and bustle of the holidays a back seat during the coming months," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Stacie Goodrich. "Party planning, shopping, and even family visits need to all play second fiddle to the selling of your most valuable asset. Make sure you prioritize your showings and carve out an hour or two whenever necessary," she continued. Stacie is right. Even if you just threw in a fresh batch of gingerbread cookies, get those buyers in the door. We both know the cookie smell will help!

Last but not least, be sure to add some color and life to your entryway and throughout the home. The harsh reality is winter is not the most colorful time of year in the northern hemisphere. Adding wreaths, colorful paintings and maybe even a summer-fun collage can all bring life to a dull season. We have also been in the habit of moving some of our plants (in the big pots) indoors for the winter. It keeps them healthy and adds some nice color and "life" to the house.

Selling in winter can be a bit more challenging, but also provides some opportunities to let your home shine. A nice fire in the fireplace (or woodstove), some fresh baked cookies (or cider), and some nice warm lighting (and heat!) can all make your home seem super cozy and attractive to potential buyers. Take a little time this weekend and see where you can make some improvements. You (and your agent) will be glad you did.

Since we're currently living in "crazy time", I recommend you check with the building or neighborhood where you are moving to. Some of these HOAs and condo associations have silly (IMHO) rules about which days you can move. On the more serious side, some of them are also not allowing moves as the virus numbers keep growing and "shelter-in-place" orders are being reinstated. Just call ahead and confirm your plans. It would be simply awful to have all of your stuff in a truck, just sitting in the driveway until the next day because you failed to plan ahead.

It should go without saying you should research the moving company. Get references. Actually CALL those references. And maybe even pick their brains a bit about how they have upped their game during the pandemic. Are they implementing sanitizing tactics? Are they doing internal testing of staff? Will they be wearing masks and gloves? In reality, moving someone's home is a tough job. Combine that with wearing gloves, mask, whatever other precautions are required and you have a simply awful job. I guess I only say that to encourage you to have some (lots of) compassion for these folks. They are most certainly earning their paycheck these days.

My favorite part about moving (and spring cleaning) is the decluttering. This is probably the best time you will ever have to cull out the "fat" and rid yourself of loads of stuff you simply don't need. If you're going "big" and getting rid of larger items (bureaus, beds, furniture) I encourage you to call the donation place ahead of time (assuming you're not selling this stuff). Sometimes they have certain days for larger items and, once again, you don't want to be stuck with a couch in the back of your truck overnight. Aside from those items, they'll be happy to take your stuff most anytime.

While not directly related to the "move" itself, call ahead and get yourself setup with utilities and Internet service. "It's always a good idea to start the cable/utilities process early when moving to a new home," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Tara Peirce. "Getting the ball rolling early is a great way to remove one more item from your long list of to-do's during and after the move," she continued. Tara is right. We all know those services can be backlogged for weeks on end. Most of us are on cell phones now, so communication is not the issue. Getting the Internet, gas, and electricity all sorted out can be more time consuming. Get started early.

If you are able, pack your stuff yourself. There's obviously some concern about the virus "lasting" on cardboard and plastic surfaces for up to 3 days. Pack your items yourself and sanitize the boxes when you're done. That way you know they were clean when they were packed. A quick sanitization at the new house and you're off and running. Some have warned against using plastic bins since the virus can linger longer there. Use your best judgement with this one. Those plastic bins are a life-saver for me so I'm not sure I could do without them.

While we are talking about sanitization, be sure and get to the new home a couple hours before all of your items show up. Commit to a deep and thorough cleanse of the house so you are starting from a good place when all of the stuff arrives. We all know as soon as that couch is placed, we won't see the floor underneath it until the dust bunnies start to mate. Start fresh and once all of your "life" is placed and put away, you don't have to think about trying to clean. Trust me. You'll be ready to simply sit on that couch and start streaming your favorite show. (Aren't you glad you got the Internet hooked up early!?)

Lastly, try to involve as few people as possible in this process. The number one way this virus is spreading is through small groups of people meeting indoors. It is going to be more work for sure, but at least you can rest easy knowing the people who are helping you are healthy. For those of us who don't own much furniture at all, this process is actually better with no one else around. You can take your time and test out different placements for your stuff and you only have to buy pizza and beer for one!

Moving can be a stressful time and is, without question, a ton of work. With a little planning and a lot of grunt work, you can be in your new home and comfy within a few hours. Happy migration.

We're in that time of year when curb appeal is at its easiest. You have countless options with pumpkins, corn stalks, halloween decorations and a myriad of other fall accoutrements. At our house, we have a 10 foot tall scary, inflatable "tree" holding a jack-o-lantern on the front lawn. This weekend we'll add some "cobwebs" around the bushes and these stupid, electronic rocks that howl and laugh at you when you walk by (My roommate is a halloween nut!). But that's really not what is going to help you sell your home.

That first impression is going to be key. "I encourage all of my sellers to physically get in the car and circle the block. Then approach their home with the most critical 'fresh' eyes they can muster," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Eileen Difeo. "The goal is to scrutinize as much as possible. Look for peeling paint, dead grass, dirty windows, etc. Anything that will detract from the beauty of your home," she continued.

Eileen is right. If you can find a "flaw", there's no doubt those potential sellers will find it as well. Touch up the paint on the gate, fence, windows and doors. The simplest path here is to find those old paint cans in the basement and simply match what is already there. Remember, we're simply talking about that first impression. Nobody is going to walk around the house closely inspecting every inch of the exterior window finish. Your goal is to simply eliminate the glaring issues. We're not being deceitful here, we are simply touching things up.

Trim your bushes and shrubs while you are at it. A quick walk around the home and up the walkway will "tell" you what needs to be done. If anything touches you while you are on the walkway - clip, clip, clip away! You could even go as far as to add some greenery if you currently have none. Some fall plants (I'm told chrysanthemums, flowering kale and celosia are all great options) can really spruce up the front of your home. We're approaching the season of no "green" at all, so take advantage of this time now.

As you all know by now, I don't "do" clutter. This goes for the front walkway as well. Be sure it is well swept and free of debris. This goes for leaves as well, especially during a showing. We struggle with weeds in our driveway here (It's large concrete slabs so the weeds creep up between them.) and if that is your plight with your walkway, try and handle that as well. I certainly don't encourage toxic chemicals for this task, but there's some creative, safe ways to handle them. Just ask someone smarter than me!

The front door of your home is another important consideration that, honestly, never really crossed my mind. I honestly don't think I have ever lived in a house where we actually used the "front" door. That said, just be sure all the doors of the home are in tip-top condition. It's a super easy task to paint any or all of them for sure. You could even replace the hardware if yours are tattered and tired. This is also a fun time to change the color of that door. Assuming it matches the rest of the trim and you're not creating a fun house, add a little life to your front face.

Since it is about to start getting dark around noon, lighting is going to become very important for your home's appearance. My primary suggestion is to ensure that the walkway is well lit. Make sure none of your lights are "out" and add additional lighting if you have any questions about what is in place. You can pretend it is halloween night and you don't want any kids tripping and falling on your property (Unless, of course, they spill their candy! Then it's perfect.). This not only makes things safe for you and your guests, it will look amazing after dark as well. For those late-night drivers-by, you'll be glad you made the extra effort.

Cleaning up your curb appeal is a critical first step when selling your home. Your agent is going to bug you to take care of it anyway so beat 'em to the punch and handle it this weekend. It will be one less thing to worry about on your selling journey and it will make a big difference in your home's appeal.

BY RACHAEL BROWN - SPECIAL TO THE CONWAY DAILY SUN (10/10/20)

CONWAY — Location, location, location. That's the triple-word mantra of the real estate world. Though there is disagreement about the term's origin — perhaps it was published in the Chicago Tribune in 1926, or perhaps coined by Lord Harold Samuel in Britain 1944 — one thing is for sure: Our location is drawing buyers to the Granite State in droves.

According to the New Hampshire Realtors' August report, the actual number of sales were slightly down from the same month last year. However, this August's $800 million total — with properties having a median selling price of $349,450 — represents the highest sales month in the state's history.

Carroll and Coos County are very much part of this boom. NHR's August New Hampshire Market Data Snapshot, which compares sales to August 2019, shows that the median sales price for single-family residences in Carroll County was $294,250, up 13.2 percent year over year.

The county reported $63 million in property sales, up 45.1 percent. Sales that closed totaled 150, up 11.9 percent; and pending sales numbering 191 were up 45.8 percent.

Coos County had a median sales price of $130,000, up 23.8 percent; $12 million in sales, up 50.6 percent; closed sales of 71, up 24.6 percent; and pending sales, up 101, or 110.4 percent.

The robust market raises the following questions that are being heard around the Mount Washington Valley:

• How much of the new activity is being driven by the coronavirus pandemic?
• Who, exactly, is moving into our villages and towns, and will they stay?
• And how healthy is lending in today's new realty reality?

Here's a look at the impact and what's driving the phenomena.

1. Supply and demand

"There is such little inventory. People (buyers) are out digging at a frantic pace," stated Evelyn Whelton, retail lending sales manager of the Bank of New Hampshire.

Brenda Leavitt, managing partner for Badger Realty, with offices in North Conway, Jackson and Berlin, provided a snapshot of recent homes for sale:
Albany, one home; Bartlett, 14; Conways, 27, with five at Kearsarge Brook condominiums at Cranmore Mountain Resort, two new builds and one mobile home; Eaton, three homes; Hale's Location and Hart's Location, zero; Jackson, seven; Madison, three; Tamworth, 21; and across the border in Maine, Fryeburg, 11; and Brownfield, six.

Leavitt believes several factors are influencing the lack of inventory in this market.

"Some people decided they were ready to stay put. Other sellers didn't want people in their homes, so they pulled their property. Others didn't want to go out looking; they also pulled their property," she said.
Josh Brustin, owner/principal broker of Pinkham Real Estate in North Conway, said: "With COVID-19, there are so many people wanting to get away from the cities and purchase a place here. And the people who have homes here think it is a safe haven. They are living in a place where they want to be. Some have children who are doing remote learning. Even though the home values are high, they are living in a place that feels protected. They are not selling."

2. Second-home ownership

"The vacation home owner says, 'I am not selling, I don't want to be in the city.' What better environment to hike bike ski, canoe, kayak? This change of mind has contributed to the small inventory," said Leavitt. And properties are moving fast. Really fast.

"Homes are selling in the same week they are listed," stated Jerry Hamanne, a Realtor with Badger Realty in Berlin (in Coos County) and owner of The Inn at Bowman Bed and Breakfast in Randolph.

Hamanne noted that in today's frenzied market, buyers must act fast. "Buyers have to have their ducks in a row — to be ready to strike and to be on top of their game," he said. "Buyers are getting pre-approved for loans so they are ready to go without contingencies. The rates are very reasonable, lowest interest rates ever."

3. Low rates
"The mortgage rates are the absolute lowest in our history, running between 3 percent and 3¼ percent, with good credit and no points," the Bank of New Hampshire's Whelton explained. "But every loan price is based on loan characteristics. People can come in with the same debt, same credit, but the difference in loan rate is based on whether this is a single residence, a condominium or HUD property."

Whelton noted that the rates follow the bond market. The government is investing heavily to help keep rates low, to stimulate volume and, since the pandemic, to stabilize the market. "Go back to 2006, and I thought the only place rates could go were up," she said. "In fact, nationwide in August, lenders closed the most mortgages since 2006. In the heyday of the early 2000s, anyone could get a 'no document' mortgage. A buyer just was no verification; if they had good credit, the loan was granted.

"People took the no-income, no-asset route. We called it NINA. We know that didn't work out," Whelton said. Today, even as unhealthy as a pandemic is, the lending industry has safeguards to remain healthy. "As a whole, we are much healthier in this downturned economy," Whelton said. "We have guard rails that didn't exist in 2006. I can say I make $5,000 a month, but this time around, the banks have to verify. We have to know if this person can pay, and we look at their earnings for a couple of years."

Whelton noted that the banks have been verifying for the past 10 years. Credit terms have become stricter, higher. With low inventory, one would think that banks wouldn't be as busy. "Not all of our business is purchases; it is refinancing also," Whelton said. "All lenders are at maximum capacity. Purchases combined with an extremely healthy refinancing market is keeping us so busy."

Lenders and real estate agents both say it is multigenerational buyers who are scooping up property, but the boom isn't good for all. "It is a challenge because the inventory is so low," said Whelton,
"The younger generation does not have as much disposable income. Let's say you have a budget and are bidding the same as someone who has 30 years of working. The older buyer goes into their savings for that little extra. It is wonderful to have all these retirees; it is not about who is applying but who is winning," stated Whelton.

This brings up the issue of affordable housing. Some buyers are being priced out of the market because low inventory translates to higher prices. "The question of how to get low- to moderate-income housing has been an issue for 15 years," Whelton said. "Now it has grown more exacerbated with people fleeing cities in large numbers. The key is to find the balance in what the community will look like."

Realtors say buyers are mixed in age and come from many other places. "Most people are out-of- towners, trying to get out of the cities, purchasing second homes. They can afford a second home. The prices are around $100,000 in Berlin and of course not comparable to other New Hampshire prices," stated Hamanne. He added: "This is a real shot in the arm for us."

4. Working from ... anywhere

Corinne Ray, who owns Ray Realty Keller Williams Lakes and Mountains with husband, Mark Ray, said: "Many people we've been in contact with over the past couple of years have been on the fence with buying a vacation home." But, she said, "With the time at home during COVID-19, many people have decided there is no reason to wait, and they are pulling the trigger on buying."

She added that their buyers span all ages. The valley, she said, is attracting those who can work from home. "People who can work virtually would rather live here. Skiers, in particular, are looking forward to knowing they will have a vacation home for skiing. Especially now since they know the slopes will be open, with restrictions," Ray said. As a matter of fact, Ray's daughter, Lauren Lacy, who can still do her job remotely, is one of the millennial buyers. Lacy attended college in Maine, lived in San Francisco for five years and then made Boston her home for a year and a half. She now calls Glen home. "I came up here with my brother, we were living in Boston, and it was his spring break, and the university didn't go back to in-person classes," Lacy said. "We stayed. Then I received an email from my landlord asking if I was going to renew my lease."

That got Lacy thinking. "I realized that I didn't want to renew my lease. I enjoyed my college years in Maine, was enjoying the outdoors, being able to social distance and could work remotely," she said.
"Once I decided not to go back, I had to decide how I would like to stay. It also helped that my parents are Realtors," noted Lacy, who began looking for a home to buy around June. "Buying made sense for me. This is an investment, the mortgage payment is less than the rent and I can enjoy hiking, outdoor activities, being in a smaller community. I moved to a city for my job, but I am really not a city girl," stated Lacy, who is also a new golfer.

Lacy purchased a three-bedroom condominium at Christmas Mountain. "Home ownership so far has been great," she said. "It is so nice owning rather than being in an apartment. My move hasn't impacted my work, I can work remotely," said Lacy, who works in data engineering for a tech firm. Though Lacy went to school in Maine and lived in California for five years, she says: "I am excited about winter activities. I will have to grow my winter skin."

Meanwhile, Baby Boomers Bob and Jane Vanderlin are building a home in Bartlett. Bob, a recently retired physician from Massachusetts, and Jane, who presently practices nursing in Massachusetts, have been visiting the valley for years and decided to make this their home. "We have a condominium in Plymouth, Mass., have been visiting here with our blended family — six kids, three grandchildren and numerous dogs — and had been searching for a home for 10 years," said Jane.

The Vanderlins met Rich and Brenda Leavitt, builder and Realtor, respectively, and fell in love with Rich's work at Timber Point (on Cranmore Road in North Conway) and bought a weekend home two years ago.
When the pandemic hit, Jane was working in the ICU in Massachusetts and Bob was staying in the valley - as Jane said, enjoying trips to Grant's Supermarket and the dump. But the Vanderlins decided they wanted to stay for more than weekends and also wanted to add on a garage.

"We found out the lot was too small to build a garage," Bob said, adding when they decide to sell, "Our house was never even on the market, an interested buyer came by. I threw out a number and got a full-price offer."

The Vanderlins are now building a new home with Rich Leavitt to accommodate their big family and their plan for full-time residency. It turns out Bob's son bought land at Crown Ridge, which is near Cranmore, and is also building a home for his family. "My husband loves it here, I love it here and hate to leave. I joined the Jackson Tennis Club and met another nurse. I take walks in Whitaker Woods, volunteer at Believe in Books. I can envision a life here, love the community and feel comfortable," added Jane.

With the influx of new residents, how might this impact local schools? Superintendent of SAU 9 Kevin Richard weighed in. "The dust is still setting. We have students in and out of schools. Four or five second-home owners have indicated they want their children in schools face to face," he said. But, he said, it is too soon to tell how that will impact enrollment.

Similarly, in mortgage banking, no predictions yet. "It feels like we have been in this (pandemic) a long time. The pandemic changed how second-home owners saw how they want to live. Six months does not a trend make, this hasn't played out yet," Whelton concluded.

Change is a funny thing. I really like my "routine" most days. Grind the coffee beans. Do some yoga. Have some breakfast. And take my coffee down to the office and get started. Going on vacation obviously throws that pattern out the window and I love it. A little hiccup in the process is a good time to reflect on the routine and see if there's something that needs changing. Our homes are much the same and how we relate to them can become stale. Today we're going to run through a few suggestions of how to keep your "relationship" with your home fresh and keep things fun and interesting all winter long.

The first thing you can do, just like your friendly author did, is rearrange your furniture. If there are others living with you, I encourage you to do this in the middle of the night while they are sleeping. You score points for every stubbed toe you "hear" the following morning. The beauty of this option is it costs nothing. Some rooms, like your TV room for example, are going to be tough to mix up. The TV is likely attached to the wall or at least located where the cable comes into the house (unless you're fortunate enough to only use the Interwebs like us). That said, you could still swap out the couch and chairs. See how creative you can be in there.

If you have an office or study, moving the furniture around in there is a breeze. Even in my tiny bedroom/office I have at least 2 other spots I can put my desk without having the sun behind me. For bedrooms, just move all of the smaller stuff out into the hallway so you can get a more clear picture of the bed's position. The last time I did this I took off my mattress and just moved the bed frame around the room. It was MUCH easier and wasn't so cumbersome so as to make me not want to try all the options. This is also a fantastic time to vacuum all those spots you never get to! Once you find the new location for the bed, you can start (selectively) re-adding the other pieces. I encourage you to eliminate the stuff you really don't need. Less is certainly more when we're spending more time indoors. (Insert decluttering rant here!)

As much as I don't really want to encourage my readers to spend more time in front of the television, consider upgrading your TV. The reality is we're going to be spending much more time indoors than we normally would during winter. Binge watching your favorite shows and catching all of this season's Tampa Bay games (I just miss TB12!) is going to be more enjoyable if you're watching on a nice big screen. I'm also a fan of video games (I'm cheap and still use an XBox 360) and they are much more fun to play on a life-sized screen.

Consider the small items as well. "Nobody is encouraging you to rush out and buy all new furniture," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Linda Walker. "Making small changes with area/throw rugs and window coverings can breathe new life into a room and make you smile each time you walk in," she continued. This can be done on the cheap as well. Chances are good that your windows are all similar sizes. You could simply swap curtains between rooms. The same goes for the area rugs as well. Unless the colors of that room prohibit this sort of creativity, you don't have to spend a dime to have fresh styles in all of your rooms.

I'm not a big art guy at all. Partially, I'm guessing, because I can't afford most of it! But if you have art strewn about your home, consider swapping those around and adding some new stuff. My dear friends Jeff and Elaine have clear light switches throughout their home. Every one of them has pictures of their friends and family so they can enjoy them and smile every time they touch a light switch. Consider the thousands of pictures you have taken over the years and get a few of them printed (gasp!). Putting up pictures of friends and family (in small, inexpensive frames) brings a level of love to your home that is second to none. And your peeps will appreciate it when they come visit (you know.. in about 2 years!).

I'm starting to believe the predictions that this virus is going to get a bit worse before it gets better. First and foremost, we should all spend as much time outdoors as possible before it gets too cold to do so. Beyond that, making your home more lovable and fresher will do wonders for your cabin fever. Spend a little time this weekend and make a list of the things you will do to make your house more homey. Happy nesting!

Being a passenger with a teenage driver, I am constantly aware that I have absolutely no control, at least over the brake and wheel. This has become a good reminder to me lately of the trust that we must place in others. Our society is built on trusting others, otherwise we would never get into a car (much less with a teenager driver). What keeps the traffic flowing and the oncoming cars from crossing the line, however, are not just the rules that our society has agreed upon, but also a human desire most have to survive, thrive, and not cause harm to others. While driving, we are required to wear safety belts and obey traffic signals,
which is also for the greater good. Following these common rules doesn't mean that we are inviting an accident to happen, nor are we preventing one, but in doing so we are taking an intentional measure to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and others, should an unfortunate incident occur, out of our control.

As part of the "no seat belt" generation, I fondly recall many a car ride where the nine of us would pile into the family station wagon and head to our summer vacation destination. With one kid in the front seat, between Mom and Dad (the lucky one who controlled the 8-track player), the rest of us fought between the middle seat (and who would stand on the hump), and the "way back." With suitcases loaded on top to make room for sleeping bags, pillows, games, books, and candy bags (plus some necessary spit up bags) we would lie around and sometimes jump between seats, never a worry about possible dangers. Those were the days well before highway accident statistics would influence then "new" safety rules, now commonplace.

Today we are being asked to adhere to some new rules that feel as uncomfortable as the early days of required seatbelts. There are people who feel their freedoms are being limited and are reluctant, obstinate, frustrated, and even angry. Others are doing their best to comply, albeit awkward, tense, or afraid of possible health risks and consequences of not doing so. These are surreal and unusual times for everyone, and while many may feel righteous in their opinions, it is through common sense, compassion, cooperation, and kindness towards others that we will navigate these bumpy and unpredictable new roads and rules together.

Real estate and affiliate offices rely on friendly competition, honest communication, and mutual respect—and I've never been prouder of the cooperation and leadership I have seen in my industry during these past months. While our new protocol has included limited contact, formal meetings turned into Zoom calls, and new virtual and electronic programs, we have strived collectively to make buying and selling a smooth process for all. Many of our showings start with video tours. Our in-person appointments have demanded the wearing of masks, gloves, and shoe covers to help ensure safety as we carefully move through the process of showings, inspections, financing, and appraisal in order to reach the closing table with a mutual goal of happy clients, even when the road to get there may be a bumpy one. Not unlike the rest of the community and nation, real estate offices and affiliated service providers have had to change their methods of operation for the common good.

With an extremely low inventory of homes, a pent-up buyer demand, and low interest rates, the current real estate market is hot, hot, hot. Well-priced properties may only last a few days or weeks, have multiple offers—and in some cases, will end up selling higher than full price. Although not every property can expect the same level of enthusiasm, with the help of a real estate advisor, buyers and sellers both can expect service with a smile (under a mask, of course). A professional real estate agent's role and goal are to help you put your best foot forward.

"While things may not look like "business as usual" for visitors, know that your patronage is what keeps our doors open and our area flourishing, for which we are grateful."

Knowing that we will all get through the hard times better if working together, the Mt. Washington Valley businesses are making extra efforts to support each other through the ups and downs of these  unprecedented times. While things may not look like "business as usual" for visitors, know that your patronage is what keeps our doors open and our area flourishing, for which we are grateful. Patience and understanding are also even more appreciated as we adapt to the changing rules of the road. One certainty of survival that will never change is the ability to trust in each other's best intentions. As we buckle up for unexpected twists and turns ahead of us, remember that a community collectively committed to compassion, cooperation, and kindness will help ensure we all arrive alive.

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.

This first one is going to make a ton more sense in about 8 months. That is to upgrade or at least tidy up your outdoor space. As most of the top half of our country is already feeling fall creeping in, outdoor space is not going to be all that important in a few weeks. That said, this pandemic has forced most of us to spend a ton more time at home and thus we all need a bit of respite from the inevitable cabin fever. You don't have to rush out and throw a hot tub in your backyard (although, I can tell you they are amazing after a day on the slopes!) but small changes can make a big impression on buyers.

For those of us up north, adding an in-ground fire pit and even one or two of those gas heaters can change the personality of your backyard overnight. The propane heaters are a very hot item right now, so you may want to start looking. Restaurants are gobbling them up faster than stores can keep them in stock. In keeping with that warmer tone, add a couple area rugs to your outdoor space as well. It makes it more comfortable overall and you can keep your cozy slippers on! Anything you can do to make that space warmer and more welcoming during those chilly evenings is going to help.

The next area we have covered pretty extensively over the last few weeks. That doesn't diminish the importance of this area at all. You really do need to have a dedicated space for work and school. "I strongly recommend sellers stage at least one room as a work space for office or school," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Peter Pietz. "Nearly everyone we talk to these days puts that at the top of their 'needs' list when looking for a home," he continued.

And being able to close off that space is equally important. If your home doesn't have the actual space for multiple work spots, consider room dividers as an alternative. These can be quickly taken down if you need the full room, but create a spot where one person can be gabbing on the phone with clients while the other is learning algebra (gag!). Just having the potential for multiple work locations is important to buyers. Look around your home and see where you can create these spots.

Every morning, for the last 10+ years, I spend 10-15 minutes doing some yoga and stretching. I honestly don't know how anyone over 40 can make it through their day without stretching! I'm fortunate that I don't need much space for this. It's literally just my mat and me. For today's buyers, it might make sense for you to highlight the potential of a room for workouts. Simply adding a couple workout mats, some free weights and some sort of cardio trainer (bike or treadmill) is enough. You don't need to pick up the phone and order that "all-in-one" gym you saw on late-night TV. Just make the space available for a workout with some basic equipment. This is also a perfect room to make dual-purpose with an office and a gym!

If you are fortunate enough to have some sort of in-law suite, first of all, I'm jealous. I have looked for homes with this feature before and they are a smidge out of my price range. That said, if you DO have this space, now is the time to spruce it up and highlight it. Not only are people much more likely to invite guests over if they have external (or at least separate) space, lots of people are out of work and are looking for additional sources of income. The in-law suite is the perfect solution for both. Whatever you can do to make this space fully self-sufficient will make a huge difference. A kitchenette, a bathroom, and even a small laundry unit will help your guests feel more welcome and comfortable.

It does not appear that we're going to be "back to normal" anytime soon. If you are thinking of selling, give your real estate professional a call and start looking around your home for areas that could be improved and highlighted for today's buyers. You'll be glad you did!

The home office has obviously become a hot topic over the last 9 months. Today I want to offer some encouragement to those sellers who are currently thinking of ways to make their home stand out. With a "normal" budget like most of us have, there's only so much you can do to your home to accommodate buyers' specific needs. Let's take a closer look at how best to satisfy that work-from-home buyer.

First of all, the need is real. Realtor.com® did a survey this summer and found that listings with a home office were able to get a 3.4% price premium and sold 9 days faster than those without. It turns out, for most of us working from home, the kitchen table is simply not going to cut it. So if you are selling and already have a dedicated office space, let it shine! Be sure to promote it in your listing information and photos and find a way to highlight it with your agent. If you don't have a dedicated home-office, keep reading.

One thing to keep in mind as you start strategizing about how best to sell your home and highlight specific features is that bedrooms still outweigh a home office. Don't simply start chucking beds out the window and running to Ikea to (try and) build a new desk. If you pigeon-hole a room into ONLY being an office space, you run the risk of turning off a chunk of potential buyers. Instead, focus on making rooms dual-purpose. You can certainly incorporate a desk and work space, but replace the bed with a sleeper sofa. In much the same way that we talk about painting walls in plain, white tones to keep the home more generic, ensuring a room can be seen as both a guest room and office is a much better strategy.

Another concept is to make the most of your closet space. Guests will certainly want to have space for their clothes and luggage so don't jam all of your office supplies in that spot. Make sure closets and drawers are available for guests, but make use of the office/desk area for the rest of your work stuff. This is also a great area to incorporate those under-bed storage bins. They stow away perfectly. They hold lots of stuff because they are so long. And they can be used for both the office equipment and the guests belongings.

Another strategy that we are seeing gain more popularity is setting up an office under a stairway or having it inset into a wall. The idea here is to take advantage of any space you can without having to compromise the number of available bedrooms. The "Harry Potter" spot is one of my favorites. The space is typically a complete waste. All it has to fit is the desk since the chair can "extend" into the room. And a simple door allows you to close off the space (and the mess) when it is not in use. It is also often a "tall" space since it follows the stairs up so don't hesitate to build shelves or cubbies in that upper part of the wall.

When incorporating those more creative locations, don't skimp on lighting. If you are building this out yourself (or having it done) chances are you will have exposed studs and access to power. Make sure that spot has plenty of light built in so if the user is not on a computer, they are able to see what they are working on. This is especially important for younger "workers" as many of them are now "schooling" from home. My favorite part of this spot is the ability to close the door and hide the inevitable mess that will be in there.

Lastly, give the office space some flair. "Adding pops of color, plants, flowers and other warm or fun features gives the office some personality and allows that area of the home to shine," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Edward O'Halloran. "If we're going to have to work from home and spend significant time in that space, it should at least be welcoming and enjoyable to be there," he continued. Edward is right. And showing off the whimsical side of that home office is sure to attract the attention of buyers.

Adding a home office or office "space" to your home has become an almost necessary part of living in these times. If you are going to be selling your home, you really need to highlight that feature to attract a larger audience of potential buyers. Don't cut your nose off to spite your face and sacrifice bedrooms entirely, but give the idea some serious consideration and see what creative solutions you can come up with. Happy remodeling!

So, the furniture one is still my favorite. We move chairs around our TV room all the time, just to see how it "feels". You can change up an entire room by just getting creative with placement. The best part about this project is it is free. You can also keep trying new combinations to see what works. Whatever you do, don't listen to anyone who tells you the "right" way to set up your room. Try a bunch of new layouts and stick with your favorite. You might realize you don't need some of the items in the room or you may find a new excuse to hop in the car and go shopping!

Level up your TV room. It's cute when people say they don't watch TV or own a TV. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. Go find some new friends! We are all loving the invention of the television (and the Internet (Thanks Al Gore!)). Now, more than ever, we are enjoying the distraction they provide since we're limited on the amount of "real world" activity we get. I've been enjoying a gin and tonic while watching reruns of Cheers! It's like going to a bar without all the viruses! I recommend grabbing a (big) flat screen TV and having it hung by a professional. You'll appreciate the clearer picture and adding a center channel sound bar will simply change your life.

Another fun and easy project to change things up is to attack one room at a time. Chances are, you have a spare room that you don't use very often. I recommend getting creative and painting this room over the next rainy weekend. You can go nuts with the color if you want because you can always re-paint it. Doing this with a "spare" room means you are not under any deadline. "I recommend leaving the wall plates removed, the light fixture in the closet and the drop cloths spread all over the floor while you work," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Rachael Brown. It's also a great idea to try different colors. Most paint stores will sell you a small sample which you can use to test a couple different colors before you commit to one. You could even paint each wall a different color just to keep it fun!

This next suggestion is the least fun of all, but one of the most rewarding if you're a clean freak like myself. Clean all the stuff you never clean. If you have kids that are old enough to be bribed, start bribing! Spend a day (or at least a morning) cleaning those things that never get cleaned during the normal cleaning cycle. We're talking about under the beds, couches and kitchen appliances for starters. Then we can migrate to the ceiling fans, baseboards and even light fixtures. This weekend I attacked our gas grill on the deck. Most of these areas are neglected because they are rarely seen or focused on. You'll be surprised (horrified) at how grimy they get.

We've recommended this one to sellers looking to spruce up their kitchens for the showings but it works for those looking to re-love their homes as well. Paint your kitchen cabinets. This can be done in the garage or basement so you can take your time. Your cabinets don't "need" doors all the time. You might even love the look and swap out some of your standard doors for glass ones! This is also a great opportunity to move things around your cabinets (so much easier without doors) to see if you like a different layout. Lastly, you might even find the motivation to clean them while you're in there!

I love my home and love the freedom to get creative and move things around. Free yourself from the rut of leaving things as they've always been and add some spice to your life and home. You will love the opportunity to clean and freshen up. You will love the new layouts and colors. And you'll be frustrated because you can't remember where you put the small plates and mugs!

Reasons for downsizing can vary as much as the process itself. Sometimes the kids are finally out of the house and it doesn't make sense to heat/cool that much space. While it is somewhat convenient to have some extra rooms for office space, crafts and hobbies, guests or anything else, you have to determine if the extra space is worth the extra cost and hassle. Another reason for downsizing is simply the desire to have a smaller footprint. I'm not advocating for everyone to live in a "tiny house", but I'm quite thankful the days of the huge, soul-less McMansions are over. Let's get started.

If you are moving to a new (to you) smaller home, I strongly recommend getting a floorplan of the new space. With those measurements you will be able to accurately "place" your existing furniture without all the guesswork. Of course everything looks much different when you are actually IN the space, but this is a fantastic starting point. You can go the nerd route (my preference, for sure) and grab some software that will help you with this. It's a great way to get a 3-D image of the space in each of the rooms and allows you to place furniture however you want, move it around, move it between rooms, etc. That is obviously far more efficient than doing that on paper or with your actual furniture. I did this while I was building my house and it was a total life saver.

While you are arranging the furniture, this is the perfect time to start making a list of the items you no longer need. You will quickly realize how many duplicate items you have throughout the home that will no longer be necessary in this smaller space. If you are doing this with some decent advanced notice, you can plan your yard/garage sale now, before it gets too chilly. Of course donating items is another great idea and a nice way to "pay it forward". Considering you now have what many consider "excess", it's great to share some of your wealth.

When you first start working through your home, it's a good idea to start small. "When downsizing, starting with a laundry room or even a closet is a great way to get the ball rolling," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Diane McGregor. "You won't feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions and you won't have to make those 'big' decisions right off the bat," she continued. Diane is right. Starting with a garage or basement is a huge undertaking and can be a bit much to handle as you begin this process.

If you are fortunate enough to have a garage, this can be the perfect spot to start migrating things and getting them ready for transfer. Some will be donated, some will be sold, some may end up at the dump and the rest will end up in the moving truck. If you have a staging spot, it can be a great way to test the waters as you begin removing items from the home. I think most of us would be amazed at what we don't "need" when push comes to shove. As you start putting things in this staging area, you will likely become even more motivated to eliminate more "stuff" from your life. This tends to be the most rewarding part of the downsizing process. Doing more with less. Congrats!

Downsizing can be stressful and can feel like you are giving up items that have been part of your life for years or decades. Try not to get too worked up about eliminating things and focus on the bigger picture. You are going to be in a cozier place. Your monthly expenses will likely be going down. And you're going to be happier with less stuff. All "wins" in my book. Happy trimming!

We have been talking about preparing your home for selling over the last couple weeks both inside and out. There's lots of reasonable things you can do to help your home get more offers and simply attract more potential buyers. But today we're going to shift backwards a bit and talk about why that matters now. The reality is some of you are going to have to move in the next few months. No, I don't know something you don't, it's just the way of the world. Jobs change. Life throws us curveballs. Things just happen that force our hand. Let's take a look at some of the reasons this is really a fantastic time to put your home on the market.

The first and most important reason that now is a great time to sell is that buyer demand is finally back with a bit of gusto behind it. According to the National Association of Realtors®' pending home sales shot up 44.3% in May—the highest month-over-month jump since 2001. That's a huge jump and a very encouraging number for those selling AND buying. It is a great indication of the "world" opening back up a bit and buyers and sellers being more than ready to get back in the game.

We always try to remind our readers that national statistics are not directly related to what is going on here in the granite state. But one of the many positive trends we're seeing with this increase in activity is the regions that are most affected. As people are now (finally!) able to work more from home, employees are realizing they don't need to live close to the office. This translates into a strong migration towards the suburbs and smaller, more remote cities. I have bounced around this country for thousands of miles and never missed a beat in running my business. We will most certainly see a trend in this shift away from the cities as more folks jump on board and head away from the dreaded concrete jungle.

With this increase in activity and a migration towards the trees, home inventory still remains low. While this is a hassle for the real estate professionals (they've less homes to offer buyers) it is a great opportunity for sellers. According to NAR®, inventory was 27% lower in June than it was last year. There are also more government stimulus packages that are helping distressed homeowners stay afloat. This is a great opportunity to get your home on the market and likely ensure lots of interest and showings!

You don't have to be an economist to figure out that if demand is high and inventory is low, prices are going to be stable at the very least. NAR® reports that most markets saw an increase in home prices in the first quarter of 2020. The national median single-family home increased in price by 7.7% to $274,600. Again, this is a national number, but we are seeing the same trends (with inventory and demand) right here. It stands to reason that we'll see the same trend in home prices as well.

We have mentioned this before, but it bears repeating in case you're not keeping up with this information. Interest rates are still fantastically low. Freddie Mac reported in July that average interest rates hit a new record low of 3.07% for 30-year fixed mortgages. That not only translates into a better monthly payment, but also means your home will cost you thousands of dollars less over the life of the loan. It is no surprise that mortgage applications have also jumped over the last few months.

Lastly, people's needs have changed. As we noted above, more and more people are able to work from home. "If you're using your kitchen table as your office, you are unquestionably eager to trade your commute for an actual home office," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Deirdre Braun. Many people are also realizing they simply need more space. Spend enough time locked in a home with your immediate family and I think we can all appreciate the need for more space. Home offices, more rooms, more storage, more privacy and more usable outdoor space have all risen to the top of the wants/needs list for most buyers. Keep those items in mind as you're considering putting your home on the market or tackling a remodeling job. The interest is there, it's now time to add your home to the fray. Call your real estate professional today!

Your first stop should be with your local real estate professional. They are the ones who are on the phone all day with both buyers and sellers and will be the best positioned to help you out. Real estate agents know what buyers are looking for. They know that all buyers are different and whatever features your home brings to the market, they can match up with the perfect buyer. It's important to gather this information so you know how best to highlight those areas of your home. Let's dig in.

Once you are ready to put your home on the market, your primary focus should be visual. We all understand the current climate and the general trepidation that comes with in-person listing appointments. As always, video and (good quality) photos are of utmost importance, but today they are even moreso. Taking loads of images (still and moving) outside and inside the home gives the buyers the ability to walk-through without having to muddy your floors! Hire a professional if you are not confident. The value of these images cannot be overstated.

While gathering your awesome portfolio to share with the world, consider some of the cooler things about your home that pictures and videos simply can't capture. For example, the sun sets "behind" our home so evenings on the deck are truly sublime. And the sun rises facing the deck, but with our umbrella in place, you can enjoy the mornings without burning up. The windows are also placed throughout the house in such a way that you never look directly at the neighbor's house. Again, highlight those things that can't be captured in pictures, but really show the awesomeness of your home.

With the majority of folks stuck at home still, space is at even more of a premium than ever before. Just like a good staging job hides family photos and highlights the home in those "lived in" ways (nobody else wants to see your family photos), consider your empty spaces as well. "I encourage sellers to empty out closets and even remove lots of the "stuff" in the garage before taking photos or video," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Kevin Killourie. "Removing extra furniture and anything else that will make a room or space look larger is always a great idea," he continued.

Circling back to staging, right along with the previous paragraph, don't misinterpret these strategies as being deceitful. All you are doing is allowing the potential buyers to see the home as their own. Once you decide to sell, you are now living in "their" home. You will certainly be inconvenienced, but the reward on the other side is well worth it. Take the opportunity to get an early start on packing and decluttering. The move will go smoother and the buyers will most certainly appreciate the effort (even if they don't notice!).

Lastly, the majority of us want a new home. If money were no object, we would all simply design and build a home to suit our every whim and never look back. The reality is, most of us have the budget for a resale. As a seller we recommend you take every measure within your budget to make your home as "new" as possible. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way, I promise. And be sure to replace any broken appliances and fixtures. This is a sure-fire way to turn off those buyers before they ever watch your videos.

Thinking like a buyer is not too terribly difficult. It's good to get some insights from a local real estate agent, but you can also imagine what the next owner of your home is going to appreciate. Chances are, they share many similar tastes with you. After all, they are looking at your home! Happy Selling.

Today I'd like to take a peek at some considerations of the in-law apartment. I know there are typically dozens of factors that go into the decision about housing for mom and dad. First and foremost being the level of care they need on a daily basis. But beyond that are many other factors that are both universal and personal. We're fortunate to have parents that we genuinely enjoy spending time with. That's not always the case and that works in both directions (maybe YOU are the annoying one!). Let's dig in and see if we can ensure this will be as pleasant of an experience as possible.

I love my parents, but don't necessarily need to be aware of their comings and goings. If your dad is like mine, he's in and out of the house more often than most cats. Be it golfing, puttering around the garage, trying to fix something, trying to find something, working on the landscaping or simply wandering around outside, he's always in and out. Providing them their own entrance to the apartment is going to be pretty important. It will give them a greater sense of autonomy and privacy. It also provides the added benefit, in case dad leaves the door open by mistake, for you to yell "Are we heating the outdoors?" when you go visit!

Ensuring the apartment is wheelchair accessible is going to be pretty standard these days. This likely goes for the rest of the unit regarding accessibility. Make sure (if you're building it) the hallways and kitchen walkways are the right width, there are no "curbs" in the shower, and there are no steps (without ramps) both inside and out. This will be very helpful while your parents are there and also ensures you won't need to do any "updates" when you're ready to sell. Accessibility, considering the general age of our nation's population, is going to be a valued feature of any home.

"Unless you're working with an unlimited budget, consider the amount of natural light you can work into the design," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Ralph Cronin. "Chances are good the space is going to be limited and a higher number of windows will give lots of light and provide the feel of having more space," he continued. Both my parents love the outdoors and instilled that love in my brother and I. I know giving them lots of places to enjoy the outdoors (from indoors) will be much appreciated. This also has the added benefit of giving you the opportunity to yell "Do we own stock in the power company?" if you go visit and all the lights are on during the day!

The goal of having the 'rents close-by is to provide needed support and care. Outside of that, we want to provide them with as much independence as possible. Both my sister-in-law and I work from home, so having the parents around all day is distracting at best. I recommend providing an apartment-sized washer and dryer for the unit to add to this autonomy. My mom is famous for doing a "load" of laundry that includes a pair of socks and a t-shirt, nothing more. Giving them their own laundry affords them the opportunity to do as many tiny loads as they want and keeps them out of your laundry room while you're trying to work.

Lastly, and in my opinion most importantly, is the HVAC. I'm writing this from Florida today as mom and dad needed a little helping hand. If you've seen the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and Elaine visit Jerry's parents, you recall Elaine begging and pleading with Jerry's mom to turn on the air conditioning. It's not THAT bad here, but the unit IS set to 75 degrees. (I should note that at home, our A/C is set to 71!).

Giving mom and dad their own heating and cooling is going to be critically important. Heck, I think it would be important for most marriages, but that's likely unreasonable. Most of us won't get beyond those beds that provide different firmness levels and maybe a blanket with varying insulation thickness. As it is now, my honey and I watch TV with me in shorts and a t-shirt and her cozied up under a blanket. At least it works!

Bringing your parents into your home is a huge step. Providing enough separation and autonomy for both of you is going to be critical to the success of this venture. When considering the budget for each of the parts and pieces of this project, focus more funding on the separation (heating, cooling, sound, laundry, etc.). Great fences make great neighbors and a clear separation between you and the in-laws will likely help keep the peace.

Regardless of the size of your home, you are likely still itching to get outside. Today I'd like to talk about a few neat ideas you can utilize to make your very own backyard oasis. The best part about most of these ideas is they won't break the bank. The primary objective is to create a space where you can "escape" within the privacy of your own home. It's like a man-cave, but for all genders!

One of the more crucial parts of your oasis is greens! If we assume we are working with a deck or patio, find a way to get plants and flowers sprinkled throughout. Our deck is not particularly big so we opted for hanging plants to maintain what floor space we have. There's nothing more frustrating than having to walk around planters in an already confined space. You'll have to pay attention to the needs of your plants as well. How much sunlight do they want? How often do they need water/food? We made that mistake last summer and "cooked" our hanging flowers by accident. They just got too much afternoon sun. Live and learn.

We also opted for the fire route. We added a table with those clear, ice-looking rocks in the middle where the flame comes out. It's incredibly simple to use. There is no clean-up, soot, wood, etc. And it just looks (and feels) amazing. Another path instead of fire is water. There are tons of options out there that can simply and inexpensively add a water feature to your backyard. A simple bowl with colored rocks and a small water pump is all you need. One of our neighbors is putting in a water feature that covers half of their entire front yard. You can keep it simple or go nuts! The result is the same. A soothing, babbling water piece that adds to your relaxation.

One of my favorite books of all time is Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. He is such an amazing, visual writer that you are transported back to 1928 in a much simpler time. The time of enjoying ice cold glasses of lemonade while sitting on the porch swing. You could transport yourself back there by adding a swing to your own porch. Even simplifying that to just a hammock will get the job done. "Relaxing on a covered porch, especially during a rainstorm, while finishing the day's crossword puzzle is one of life's simple pleasures," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) Vice President of Sales, Brendan Battenfelder.

I almost never wear shoes. I work from home and (even more-so now) never leave the house. One of the best feelings is taking off my socks and wandering around the backyard and deck. You can work this pleasure into your backyard oasis as well. While walking in grass barefoot is great, I think we all know how nice beach sand feels under our feet. You could add a sand feature or even simple bamboo rugs around your deck. The idea of this whole area is to make you smile. Walking on grass, sand, bamboo or nicely finished wood can be sublime. It really is the simple things!

Lastly, I encourage you to keep the area looking clean and fresh. Our stain was getting a little tired last summer so I re-finished the deck. You really don't realize how "tired" your deck is looking until it gets a new coat of stain! It is also a great idea to make the colors of this area fun. We opted for a nice, deep red for the deck and it makes us smile every time we go out there. Keep it clean. Keep the area clutter free. And work on making the area fun and relaxing. You'll appreciate your home even more!

Sorry. I've been reading more news than normal lately (which is typically none!). Tends to get me all fired up and want to spread good news instead of all the ick. Last week we talked about the market beginning to heat up and this week we're going to stay on that wave. There's lots of good news for sellers this week so let's get rolling.

First and foremost, and indirectly beneficial to sellers, is the current state of mortgage rates. Last week (the week of June 15th) the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage set a new record as rates averaged 3.13%, the lowest average rate in Freddie Mac's records, which date back to 1971. And 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.58% during the same week. Right along with that, buying activity is also starting to swell. Purchase demand activity is up over 20% from a year ago and is the highest since 2009.

So there's no question buyers are going to be a bit more motivated to get in the game. And it turns out they already are. Clever Real Estate did a study on buying experiences and found that 42% of buyers (who purchased between January and May) were in a bidding war. Another brokerage noted that in the Boston metro area (close to home!) 64% of all deals in the month of May had competitive offers. "Our biggest challenge now is inventory. We need more homes to offer the buying community," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Karla Badger.

Another interesting area that is showing significant gains is new home construction. The way they gauge that is through single-family building permits. That number showed a double-digit gain in May. Looking back at our overall situation, it makes sense. March and April brought the construction market (and, let's be honest, the whole world) to a bit of a standstill. Now that things are starting to open back up (for better or for worse) the market is coming back, demand is increasing and builders are ramping up production.

The other secondary benefit to the increase in single-family permit applications and the subsequent increase in production is the labor market. As builders ramp up, they are bringing with them the workers they were forced to lay off a couple of months ago. This helps the market in immeasurable ways. The workers are able to provide better for their families. The family is able to purchase goods and services that they were forced to put on hold. And the overall economy is able to breathe a little easier. I recognize that is basic economics, but it bears repeating.

And while this does all point to it being a great time to buy, sellers can also rest easy. While a survey from Lending Tree indicates that 70% of sellers are willing to accept a lower purchase price than desired in order to sell their home, the data says they shouldn't have to. The National Association of REALTORS® reported that median existing-home prices for all housing types in April were up 7.4% from a year ago. This tells us that home prices are staying steady (nation wide) and sellers (assuming they are priced appropriately) should not feel like they need to come way down to get the sale. The basic tenets of supply and demand are also a factor right now. Until more sellers join the fray, the existing set of listings can enjoy the limited supply and stand firm on their price.

If you're considering selling your home, this might be a fantastic opportunity. Supply is really low and adding your home to the fray will have a much larger impact than if we were swimming in listings. Mortgage rates are insanely low and the new home construction market is starting to heat back up. Reach out to your real estate professional this week and ask them about the state of things. How are showings happening? What precautions are being taken to slow the spread of the virus. Allay your fears and jump in the market. This might just be one of those amazing times you can take advantage of.

 

Last summer was the first year for the Franconia Art Walk. This self-guided walk through the town of Franconia features wonderful different mediums of art. The mission of this non-profit group, formed in March of 2019, is to "promote tourism and encourage economic development in the Town of Franconia and surrounding communities by providing an outdoor art related venue consistent with our vision".   

Stay tuned for a photo tour with me of the different pieces of art that are perfectly displayed through the town. In the meantime, if you are in Franconia, NH grab a map at one of our nearby stores, or view it online and get walking! 

The numbers noted are from the good folks at Lending Tree. They surveyed over 1,000 homebuyers to get the scoop on where those buyers stood with regards to the pandemic and the current market. In fact, over half of those surveyed indicated they are more likely to purchase a home in the next year due to the outbreak. Among that group, first-time buyers and millennials are at the top of the list.

Honestly this survey was a little surprising to me. My assumption (and likely yours) was that folks would be trepidatious about purchasing a home in these uncertain times. Of those surveyed the primary motivation (67% of them) was the ability to take advantage of the current record low mortgage rates. "The rates are great right now and the banks are reporting lots of applications for both new purchases and refinancing," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Eileen Difeo.

Personally, I'm pretty optimistic about our future. (I've never done this, but I feel I should say the opinions reflected here are just mine and not those of The Daily Sun or Badger Realty.) I think the rest of the summer is going to be a challenge (according to the predictions) but we'll come out of this in good shape. A little virus can't keep us down. People will get back to work (they already are) and the economy will strengthen. Taking advantage of these amazing interest rates is great timing. Especially if you were already considering purchasing a home.

The second motivator for purchasing a home right now (according to the survey), at 32%, is the ability to save for a larger down payment due to reduced spending. I think this is fantastic. I know I have been saving lots of money each week by eating all of my meals at home and buying gin by the bottle instead of by the glass! The reality is, we're all "doing" less outside of the home and therefore are spending less. If we're smart, that also means we're saving more. Personally, I've been re-focusing my spending on pizza and cookie deliveries! Not smart, but oh so yummy.

There are other, tertiary reasons why buyers are motivated to get back in the market. There is a perception of reduced home prices. While it is possible that some sellers will be more motivated due to their own personal circumstances, I don't believe this is any higher than normal. If someone has to relocate due to job or family reasons, they will be as motivated to sell with or without the pandemic.

Another reason is the actual home folks are in. I recently watched an older Seinfeld (Season 2) where Jerry goes on a weekend get-a-way with a new girlfriend. The pressure of that trip (just the two of them in a B&B during a rainstorm) was a bit more than the relationship could handle. Folks are feeling the same pressure being confined inside their own homes for months-on-end. The reality of the lack of space (and personal space) is motivating folks to explore homes with a bit more square footage!

We touched on the shopping process last week and this survey re-confirms the results. About 30% of buyers say they would purchase a home without having toured it in person and 60% have virtually toured prospective homes in the last 2 months. The lesson here is: If you're selling, make sure your video game is on-point!

A full 21% of those surveyed are planning to purchase a "pricier" home. That means more space and more closets! Get your home staged and make it look great. The buyers are coming.

It will be a graduation like no other when, on Saturday, June 13th, the Kennett High School Class of 2020 will take a chairlift ride to the summit of Cranmore to receive their diplomas. To commemorate the event, Badger Realty is sponsoring the creation of a video of the event which will be given to each of the 174 graduates.

In making the announcement, Badger Realty's General Manager, Brenda Leavitt, said, "These seniors had their lives and their final year at Kennett interrupted by the pandemic. They've missed so much that we felt it was important to reach out and see what we could do to make this important event memorable." In conferring with Cranmore's General Manager, Ben Wilcox, Leavitt learned that Kevin Carpenter, the school's principal, had suggested that a video be created.

"Our response was an immediate yes, we'd be happy to sponsor the creation of the video," continued Leavitt. "We've always felt that it's important to give back to the community–and education was a special passion for Dick Badger, our founder who died in July of last year. He and his wife, Mary, raised four wonderful sons, all of whom attended Kennett High School, as have five of their eight grandchildren including Helen Badger who is a member of the Class of 2020."

Dick Badger left behind in his writings some thoughts for the Kennett High School graduates. "YOU are our future leaders. As you walk out the doors of KHS, with your diploma in hand, you will be making the most important decisions of your life. Move forward with the thought of constantly learning. Take the time to meet new people, no matter their age. Older people would love to share their stories, their life experiences in order for you to better understand 'today' so you can plan for 'tomorrow'. Become community leaders, take part in a non-profit that interests you, join a local organization, participate in town government. Be the change you aspire to see. I salute our graduates—you are the new beginning."

These words, along with others written by Badger, will be part of the video that the graduates will receive. In addition, Badger Realty is donating KHS Class of 2020 sunglasses, which will be in each graduate's gift bag.

"This is such a proud moment for these graduates and their families," concluded Leavitt. "We're delighted to be able to help celebrate their accomplishments and their history-making graduation."

Badger Realty, which has offices in North Conway, Jackson and Berlin, New Hampshire, is the leader in real estate sales, rentals and leasing in the greater Mt. Washington Valley. For more information, contact Badger Realty at 603-356-5757 or visit www.badgerrealty.com.

Photo caption:
Dick Badger and his then much younger granddaughter, Helen Badger, one of the 2020 graduates of Kennett High School.

Historically early spring was the time to put your home on the market. The snow is (slowly) melting and showings become much more simple when you don't have to worry about potential buyers slipping on your walkway, tracking in mud and snow and generally everyone just preferring to be in the comfort of their own homes. Spring is also when the kids get out of school so for those families moving to a new town, this is the time they are ready to buy (and have been looking for a while).

Google Trends (one of my favorite places to geek out) shows that real estate related searches are on the rise since April. One other real estate web portal reported an increase in traffic of 125% from March 20 (the suggested onset of the pandemic) to May 9th. This is great news for sellers. It simply means that as states start to re-open (regardless of how we feel about that) buyers are starting to emerge as well. As though being awakened from their hibernation, buyers are feeling more comfortable with showings and are sick of waiting on the sidelines.

And don't tell buyers this, but according to realtor.com® reports in May, the national median listing price reached a new record high of $330,000. Although not a local statistic, I still find it amazing that Pittsburgh's year-over-year median list price increased 14% along with L.A. and Long Beach, and Cincinnati came in with an increase of 12.1%. Of course those are stats out of our market area, but it bodes well for the rest of us, for sure.

Part of the reason prices are up and holding steady is because of the supply (or lack thereof). Homes for sale continue to be down about 20% from last year. Some of our neighbors to the south have been hit particularly hard with MA and MD both down around 35%. While this may be encouraging for sellers (since they are holding onto something in great demand) it really doesn't help the overall market. What we need is more homes to be listed for sale to help increase the options for buyers and get those sellers off the sidelines.

It's important for sellers to be aware of the changes we are seeing in the marketplace as well. It is no secret that virtual tours are becoming more and more popular. Not only is this an incredibly efficient way to show your home to anyone regardless of location, it is the perfect antidote for sellers wary of in-person showings. We have also seen a big increase in digital documentation as well. "Electronic documentation is something that has been making its way into real estate transactions over the last few years," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent, Jackie Goodhart. "The current situation has just increased the importance and relevance of it and I suspect we will see it continue to grow," she continued.

It is believed that buyers and sellers will start to rely on real estate professionals even more now than they did before the pandemic. Regional information as well as environmental factors are all going to become more important than they already were. Working with a local, trusted real estate agent is the remedy to that problem. Local professionals know the neighborhoods and the overall region and can offer insights that you will never see on a website. A real estate agent can also help you navigate the somewhat turbulent waters that arise throughout the closing process.

If you are considering selling your home or you had already decided to sell before all this craziness began, it might be time to give your agent a call. Inventory is low. Rates are through the floor. And buyers are starting to emerge from their winter slumber and they are itching to get moving. In the words of my man, Bruce Buffer: "Iiiiiit's Tiiiiime!"

We have had a wide range of books and genres discussed in the past month. From "Last of the Mohicans" to trending "self-help" books. What are you reading? Have you found yourself talking about books more often with friends, than before Covid-19? I know I have! It has been a pleasure to escape in a book, to want to read just one more page.  

So many people are recognizing, the simple things in life are really, really important and do not necessarily need to cost lots of money.  

Check out your local libraries lending program right now. Many are offering curbside pickup. Or go to your local bookstore and get a curbside pick-up with the new best seller or a classic that you have been wanting to reread. Here in Littleton, many of us have been frequent curbside customers at the Little Village Toy and Bookstore  www.littlevillagetoys.com and in Meredith at www.innisfreebookshop.com.   

Here is a list of what our staff and agents recommend: 

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah 
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake  
Educated by Tara Westover 
The Revenant by Michael Punke  
Arundel by Kenneth Lewis Roberts 
Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper 
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins  
Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin. 
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis 
Still Life by Rachel Hollis 
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni 
Beach Read by Emily Henry 
Normal People by Sally Rooney 
Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun
Getting Things Done by David Allen 
On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah 

Let us know what you've been reading, we love a good recommendation!