steve's White Mountain Blog

Staging and the next generation of home buyers…Needs and desires have changed and not all new buyers can see past the “old homes – Good Bones”. With the lack of new housing starts, it makes perfect sense to buy an existing home – but you need to see yourself living there – not the personality of the past owner (or family that made this home theirs up to now).

To stage or not to stage? It may be the question, but the answer is not always Yes or No. While there are properties where a total "staging" is not only warranted but possible, there are also homes and situations where the needs of a family still living in the house must be accommodated while allowing the rooms to present themselves in a more versatile light.

On a number of occasions I have worked with Realtors and their clients to provide some creative options for "micro-staging." This can be especially helpful in older/historic homes and for custom homes that were built with one particular family's interests in mind. It can also be useful in homes that have been lived in by one owner for many years. We are all reluctant to part with our "favorite furniture" but younger buyers may be overwhelmed by house filled with a décor format that pre-dates their childhood. The removal of one or two particularly domineering pieces can make all the difference. 

Today's furniture, technology, and lighting offer endless possibilities to transform yesterday's home for tomorrow's owner's lifestyle. From shared spaces to individual bedrooms I can help you create a dialog that presents the potential buyer with a home's most appealing and realistic opportunities.

As a Realtor, it is so important to be aware of the current design trends.  In monthly newsletters I will included several articles that might be helpful as you guide your sellers in preparing their homes for sale.  Also included will be information that you can use to help potential buyers determine how they might live in a home they are interested in purchasing.

This is our first quarterly newsletter specifically for Realtors.  If there are certain topics you would like to see in this newsletter, please contact me at crt@crtinteriors.com.  For the past 25 years I have worked very closely with the real estate community and have also sold real estate myself, so I do understand your needs.  Please call or email me if you have any questions about how we might work together : Randy Trainor –Designing Wisely.     

I hope you enjoy Randy’s thoughtful article, we will continue to collaborate on Real estate design and staging advice as it can help Realtors sell more homes.     

Several surveys I participate in have drawn the conclusion that Generations that follow the Baby Boomers are more concerned about Eco-friendly options. Smaller carbon foot prints, family oriented space and eliminating association fees in their housing choices - will be important in future purchasing decisions. which leads me to believe recycling existing homes and staging them for today's buyers will help sell homes that currently don't fit the bill for many buyers desires. 

Today's New Hampshire White Mountain Valley views.

Intervale New Hampshire - A wonderful Mount Washington View.

On the Kancamagus -Nationally recognized scenic highway...there are many look out points to stop and enjoy.

   this is part of the town of Albany New Hampshire...along the 32 mile trip between Lincoln And Conway NH

I love this section of the Kanc...32 miles of scenic highway - No Telephone poles, no gas stations, no buildings.

One of the free standing covered Lookout - rest stops on the Kancamagus.

Route 112

One Last View of Mount Washington, From the Lincoln New Hampshire side of the "Kanc"...

Looking for White Mountain Real Estate? Call a Realtor that has seen it all, 27 years as a Full time property expert in the Grafton county area of New Hampshire. Open the MLS icon on the bottom of this post to view all properties in the 44 towns of Grafton County- Lakes and Mountains .

Tips from New Hampshire’s most Experienced Realtor.

I reviewed a seller disclosure for one of my buyer clients today; I am thorough but not an alarmist. Here are a few things I noticed, that the seller’s agent may have just glossed over if the buyer wasn’t represented.

#1. The disclosure was dated March of 2010. I understand a lot of property has been on the market a while and some have lowered the price a few times to stay close to market value. BUT A seller disclosure is invalid if it’s over a year old.

#2 an oil furnace & fireplace but only 1 chimney. Before you get too concerned it could be the heating system is direct vented and not sharing the fireplace chimney. BUT if they are on the same chimney oil and wood fires are a bad combination and no longer allowed by code.

#3 Radon tested Ok in 1995 & no insulation in walls. What does one thing have to do with the other you may ask? If the property tested under 4,0 Pci in 1995 please provide a copy of the test (none attached) and if you intend to insulate the property to make it more economical to heat that is a great idea BUT A tighter house may tray more of the deadly gas than when it was tested as a seasonal camp.

#4 The 1969 Furnace was replaced in 2007 that is a nice bonus for the new buyer to have an updated system. BUT the forced hot water system didn’t replace all the plumbing when they replaced the furnace you still may have Asbestos in the walls, or on the pipes.

#5 Restrictive Covenants recorded in 1967. If the buyer intends to use the property as a rental, raise chickens, subdivide the land, add a guest house, have an in-law apartment or a whole slew of other future plans you had better know what is allowed in the deed restriction. BUT Everyone else has farm animals – doesn’t mean it’s allowed.

#6 Site assessment –septic system maintenance. If the septic in a rural property has been cleaned out in the past year that is a good thing for a new owner. BUT, if the tank size is 1,000 gallons that would have been a 3 bedroom size back when this place was built – today that is the minimum size of a 2 bedroom house by code. Are you going to overwhelm the system if you move in year-round with 4 or 5 people when this used to be a seasonal camp?

Everyone wants to live on the water, but in the last 4 years the new shore land protection act has dramatically changed what you can do with in 250 feet of a class 4 river (or higher) or a Great pond (any sized water body over a certain size). I have been selling real estate for 27 years, and I work for one of the areas most respected builders. I have learned more about property rights, restrictions, and repairs than anyone I have ever met in the general brokerage business. Let me work for you, I’ll save you a lot of head aches and a lot of money in the process.

   Steve Loynd New Hampshire most experienced Realtor.

Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing – Oscar Wilde.

During the course of my day I often capture the view out my back window. While enjoying my first coffee of the day I watched the sun creep over the mountain peaks. White Mountain National Forest north of my Location.

  Lafayette - Liberty and the Flume...are off in the Franconia Notch State park 15 miles north of Woodstock NH

Almost full sun on the western side of the slopes as the eastern sun rises on the northern mountain peaks.

The valley floor is fully lit by the days sun....warming us up from -2 all the way up to + 20 a good day to see some real estate.

     At the end of the day the sun starts to set and the clouds roll in. Snow is in the forecast and while other dread the white weather - we White Mountain skiers love the prospect of fresh snow for tomorrows trip to the slopes.

To view all area listings - click on the MLS icon on the bottom of this post, search by town -price or style of property in all 44 towns of Grafton County New Hampshire. Covering the lakes and Mountains of NH.

Mansion hill condos – Lowest price – Offering…in years!!

When downsizing or buying a second home location and convenience are often on the top of the list of must haves. This walk in level property allows the owner easy access and one floor living. Two bedrooms and two full baths a fully applianced kitchen, and best of all close to town and Loon Mt.

The association replaced the roof a few years back and the brand new composite decking is maintenance free on your huge 24 foot long private porch. The common area offers an outdoor pool and tennis courts, and the school playground and sports fields are near by (movies & Shopping).

 The condominium fees and property taxes add up to less than $300 / month when combined…making this well run association one of the areas most affordable costs of ownership available in the Loon mountain Resort Valley.

The most recent sale of this floor plan closed at $133,000 (Dec 2011) – and we are offering this furnished turn key condo for $119,900 -Call me @ 800-926-5653. Steve L.

Use the MLS Icon on the bottom of this post to view all area listings - by town, price, size or type of property.

Wonderful Ski Day - Beautiful views -Enjoy the scenery of the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Four Passenger Gondola nearing the top of the mountain - Loon Ski Resort - Lincoln NH.

 The View from the top of the East Basin side of Loon.

   What an awesome view from the top of the Sunset Trail.

The view of Mount Washington - from the top of The North Peak side of Loon Mt.

Boom Run - part of the South Peak side of Loon...advanced slopes open and in great shape.

The Top of Cruiser trail (the tower guns -seen here are off now - but are the source of all this man made snow)...another great trail in super condition...ready for a big three day weekend.

Upper Bear Claw Trail...a beginner trail that can be skied top to bottom...a novice run, but a great view.

One last shot of Mount Washington off in the distance...taken from Upper Flying Fox trail, a wonderful run to carve big turns an intermediate trail that all can enjoy.

My Real Estate office is less than a mile to the closest ski lift at Loon mountain in Lincoln NH. Looking for area properties give me a call...want to see all the current inventory - use the MLS button of the bottom of this post to search by town, price or type of property.

First in the Nation Primary - left up to a bunch of Hicks?

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We travel a country mile to cast our ballot. Voting at the 100+ year old Grange Hall is truly a rural experience. There is no permanent heat at the old Grange Hall which is located next to the town Cemetery. The 1,200 residents of my home town exist in the three ring binders of registered voters. We take the vote seriously and the history of our First in the Nation Primary in New Hampshire tells the nation we sure can pick-em.

I arrived at 9:30 but thank goodness someone had got there early and started the wood-stove. The local contractor, selectmen, plow truck operator was there to nod hello and enjoy the free coffee. The Town Moderator instructed the elderly couple checking off names where I could be found on the official list. The Police Chief was on his second donut, and the temporary handicap ramp was in place for the day.

It was a balmy 24 degrees outside, and the witnesses to this official freedom were mostly in flannel. I’m what the locals call a flat-lander…having grown up near Boston and not actually being born here. I do own a plow truck – a chain saw and a field and brush mower. But today I arrived in the standard Realtor issued BMW SUV.  Yup…He gets to vote here, I know – I know being here 30 years doesn’t make him a local…but he still gets to vote.

I initialed beside my name on the check list and headed for one of the four curtained voting booths. The Curtains are a lovely Red – White and Blue Striped pattern. The republican Ballot had 19 Candidates to choose from. Hell I could have been on the ballot…with a few hundred signatures and a couple of grand I could run in a New Hampshire Primary.

              The Woodstock NH Grange Hall...Where some 400 votes were cast - Quiet till November.

If you don’t vote in the primaries –or the general election don’t cry when you don’t like the outcome.  I’m a city boy who lives in the country…and I love it here. Every one of these colorful characters would pull me out of a snow bank, or lend me ten bucks if I forgot my wallet and these are the folks that set the tone of the general election for the rest of the year. I joke about our Yankee independent, Redneck status but I trust the integrity of New Hampshire voters and the quaintness of voting in a building heated only by a wood-stove surrounded by plow trucks  and American made cars (except for mine). Don’t pass up Voting this is what people in other countries are fighting and dying for…....and we don’t go out because it might snow.

               A Typical Winter Day in Woodstock New haqmpshire...my back yard.

Big Weekend coming up in the white mountains of New Hampshire...the Three day Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend is upon us and all the ski slopes will be open at Loon Mt and Waterville Valley ski areas - in Lincoln and Waterville Valley New Hampshire.

  The top of Boom Run on the South Peak Side of Loon Mountain - Features two brand new Expert trails Twitcher and Jobber.

The North peak side of Loon's upper flume and Walking boss - have a ton of man made snow and the conditions are stellar. I really can't say enough about the new efficient tower guns - that make some incredible snow.

Not in to down hill skiing? With the lack of Natural snow a hike in Franconia notch is still a workable plan for a day out doors. The White Mountain national Forest - or- the Franconia Notch State park offer some nice hikes. Easy or serious, Ice climbing or a stroll through the Flume...adventure awaits for all levels and all outdoor activities.

If you don't care to go outside at all...enjoy the White Mountain Sunsets - you know they are not bad either.

Looking for a White Mountain Property in NH- give Alpine Lakes real estate a call...Offering general brokerage services, listing - buyer brokerage - design build services , land development, and rental management services.

                                        Offices at Loon Mountain and /Waterville Valley ski resorts

Use the MLS Icon at the bottom of this post to view all listings in the 44 towns of Grafton County -Lakes and Mountains region of New Hampshire.

Loon Mountain Slope side homes – Lincoln NH.

The South Mountain side of the Loon Mountain ski resort has shaken off the  “it will never happen” nay Sayers’ that predicted high end homes wouldn't fly in this conservative New England resort town. But rest assured the only site available for true ski in ski out access to luxury homes knew where (and who) the buyers were.

It wasn’t the older Boston crowd – no it is the younger energetic families who saw a gathering place for friends and relatives. An investment in the future and a new tradition of having the ones you care for gravitating back to the recreational meeting place they all love.

Size – does matter! In designing these ski in /ski out homes, many started with simple ideas of what had to be in the floor plan. But as the drafting process went forward…many families started to add: Room for grandchildren, Out door hot tubs, Screened porches for the spring, central Air conditioning for the summer, grand windows for the view, game rooms for year round entertainment and storage for toys and equipment needed for all the recreational activities the White Mountain National forest provides.

So whether you like to Kayak in the Pemigewasset River, Hike in the national forest, snow shoe or cross country ski on a path in the woods, Bike on the Kancamagus, down hill at Loon, or golf on one of the many courses near by, you’ll need room for gear.

Some of the must haves – stone wood burning fireplaces, Media rooms, a small office space to keep working while you're away from the office, an exercise area to tune up those muscle for skiing – tennis or golfing.

Many of the homes we have built for clients on the South Mountain slopes have had ramps or bridges to allow owners to ski right to their door or the opposite right to the lifts.

We have several home sites available in this Lincoln New Hampshire Neighborhood…but the really good locations are far and few between. If you think there will always be more? Perhaps but right now the prices are reasonable and the town is 95% national Forest preservation land and further development is near it’s end.

The Next phase of Construction will come as Loon Plans additional lifts and new ski slopes that will take the south mountain side right in to the village of Lincoln. Ski to town, shopping and local conveniences while you enjoy the privacy of a free standing –detached home.

All area properties can be viewed by opening the MLS icon on the bottom of this post. For more listings (subject to current inventory) open up the web site featuring more real estate and construction information on the South Mountain slope side homes. www.slopesideatsouthmountain.com

The View from the Top of the Two new Expert trails on south Mt.

I haven't seen so many guns going at one time in a number of years. At this pace I would assume all of the South Peak slopes will be open be the weekend. The North Peak Trails were all up and Running...all were in nice shape, I skipped Upper Walking Boss as that too had more than 30 snow guns blasting away.

It was a dark-ish day today and snowed intermittently - that combined with the New tower guns, made it a light lens day for goggles.

I took out my brand new skis today...that truly shows faith in the ability to lay down the man made stuff...and not ruin a new pair of skis. The Report of the Rossignol Statos - Gs 183 cm...was a resounding thumbs up BTW.

The two new trails opened for this season on the South Peak side of Loon (Twitcher & Jobber) presented a nice fall- line, great pitch and earned the Black Diamond rating they were given. Boom Run was open, the Double Black Diamond trail Rip Saw had 40+ guns as did Cruiser...so those will be open for the weekend worriers - if I were asked to venture a guess (with the new tower gun system) I would say they will be worth skiing the day they open.

Looking to Purchase a slope side Home - Building Site or Condominium at Loon Mountain, Give Alpine Lakes Realty a call - Our Parent Company Cargill Construction has just completed out 13th home on the South Mountain side at Loon and they are truly spectacular.

...I try to ski Mid-week as most of my second home showings happen during the weekend - Looking to ski midweek with a Realtor - Drop me a note.