steve's White Mountain Blog

The Adirondack style homes and brilliant use of material at South Peaks Mountain side enclave. In the true tradition of Adirondack style homes, the local material was put to use, the origins of the up state New York camps didn't lend them selves to easy areas of commerce. What you built with is what was native to the surroundings. Things have changes in custom home building, we incorporate Western logs, German Furnaces, Canadian Cabinets, Italian marble, and French tile ...but the exterior is true to the early great camps of the Adirondacks.

   Drawing the Concept:

Incorporating massive post and beams in the public spaces (living,dinning & kitchen) and framing the bedrooms, baths and basement...saves money and stays true to the nature of post and beam construction.

The early Framing schedule is going right along, and in case you are wondering about the structure to the right that is not a house in close proximity to our Adirondack style home. The other structure is a 3 car garage that was started first, it has a soon to be completed fully functional Guest quarters built in to the design. The Owners wanted a finished space while the house was being built and will use it as additional guest rooms later.

The Mountain Home Concept at South Peak is strictly enforced, materials, colors, lighting and landscaping all go through an approval process. We seek to make the property harmonious but no two houses look the same. The covered porches and entry ways are encouraged for seeing and knowing your neighbors, the garages are required, but design guidelines require they not face the road directly (so it's not the first thing you notice) .

Exterior pealed logs, beech bark, Douglas Fir beams, stone posts and cedar columns are some of the natural material you'll see throughout the community of Mountain Side Adirondack style ski homes at Loon Mountain.

Inside each individual home has it's own personality, the twigs incorporated in to the the open balcony railing were cut in half and sized for the appearance of bark, the kitchen bar consists of dozens of real Birch bark panels for just the right look.

We know these homes are not for every-ones taste or pocket book but the concept of taking a ski chalet to the next level and building at New England's most accessible ski resort (with ski to your door trails) has made these homes very popular. Once you have purchased a home-site at South Peak, a home like these can be completed for $200/square foot and up (depending on materials and site work).

Adirondack Style has many applications both inside and out...see more examples of White mountain and Lakes Region homes in New Hampshire  by opening our Parent Companies Web site:              

www.cargillconstruction.com

Loon Mountains – 2010 Calendar of events- For all skiers             Beginner () ,Intermediate [],& Expert <>

1/16-18/2010.Independence Weekend. Celebrate the snow maker The annual right of passage weekend…everything is going full blast, Uncle Sam on stilt-skis, Night-time fireworks, snow tubing and family fun.

2/5/2010. C.a.s.a. Snowfest, court appointed special advocates program This is a corporate ski race fund-raiser supporting the New Hampshire chapter, raising money for abused and neglected children…and giving them a voice in the court system.

2/13- 20/ 2010. President’s week events, New England school vacation This school break offers family activities, movie night, arts & crafts, a little Magic and a whole lot of skiing.

3/6/10, The Briefcase race, with Mike Lynch ,WCVB-TVs & the Faulkner Breast Cancer center, Participants are required to ski the race course with briefcase in hand…costumes are encouraged and prizes go to the best and worst, fastest and slowest.

3/13/2010. Kostick Kup Loon’s New England Disabled sports. Annual event and fund raiser for handicapped and adaptive equipment required skier, NASTAR style course is fun and friendly for all levels of capable people with big hearts.

3/13-14/10, Shop showdown, New England ski shops put their staff to the test, a daylong park event featuring the big air of the superpipe, walls, rails and mogul fields…if your legs don’t hurt after this you weren’t trying!!

3/20/2010, Governor’s Cup, over 25 years of local talent showing their stuff at all levels, Loon mountain’s Founder Sherman Adams Memorial Cup event, many of these athletes will go on to College or national teams, see them while you can.

3/21/2010, Cardboard Box Race, The Combination of a steep hill and a cardboard box…Can and does produce one of the funniest events of the year, bring your cardboard creation and attempt to concur the hill (again Costumes can’t hurt).

3/24/10, Last Call – Eastern Boarder. U.S. open of Snowboarding, Makes their last stop in the Northeast…this park event brings great board enthusiasts.

3/27/2010, Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Finals, Racers from the east coast, Rip & Shred their way into the final Mountain Dew (Pepsi) race series.

4/3/2010, Slush Pool Party..It’s Wet and it’s Wild…bring skis and just add water, see who can make it across the pond, bring a change of clothes trust me.

4/4/10, Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, Non-denominational service Is held at the top of the Mountain, followed by an Easter Egg hunt at the base lodge.

4/10/2010, Celebrating the 80”s Day. Skiers are encouraged to wear 1980’s attire- Neon snow suits, rear entry boots…and big hair if you muster it.

        For real estate information log on to my blog

www.steveswhitemountainblog or call 800-926-5653

Waiting for the right deal to come along...well your wait is over.

This 1,100 square foot , 2 bedroom 2 bath features a unique lock-out arrangement with a separate hotel room deeded as part of the condo but available for additional use or income. Yes the down side is the purchase will require a portfolio loan, as FHA will not loan on condo-hotel style ownership. It's no different than any other real property ownership...it just has a desk in the lobby and that makes it commercial income real estate. There is no requirement to be in the rental program, but many rent both sides or keep one and rent just the lock-off unit.

At an asking price of $117/square foot ($129,000 for 1,100 SqFt.) and offering access to the ski slopes...plus a indoor pool, hot tub (built 4 years ago) and river-frontage...this is a great property.

With many second home seller, there is no desire to have furniture moved so the asking price includes a soup to nuts decoration and fixtures package. That's right stay the night you close or put it in the rental program immediately.

Riverfront picture taken from South Mountain Bridge...Walk home from the Escape route trail at Loon, when you are finished skiing for the day (shuttle to the lifts comes by every fifteen minutes) Pool and great room are attached to the condo by an interior hallway...walk to your unit after a swim in a wet bathing suite if you wish?

  Click on my web site below...and search by MLS #2790395 to see additional pictures and info on this condo.

I very rarely post property listing to my Activerain Blog...but once in a while something truly special comes along and you have to find a buyer that will appreciate the extraordinary opportunity to own real estate abutting State park land...that never comes on the market.

  Cannon mountain skiers & Franconia Notch hikers

Take note a once in a life time opportunity is available.

If you have always wished to purchase a home just a stones throw away from the White Mountain national forest vast wilderness, this is your chance. The Flume state park is virtually across the street, and you can’t be any closer to Cannon Mountain…while being south of the Franconia Notch State park. Views of Mount Liberty, Hiking trails to Indian head and the flume state park…is just 300 feet from your property line.

  Scenes from the Flume State Park.

As for the property itself, I was stunned by the construction…steel beams, and support columns where required for the massive 12 foot stone fireplace. This 1970’s ranch style home has great bones and no expense was spared in its original construction. The colors are dated (orange shag carpet and dark paneling) but the physical layout and room dimensions where ahead of their time. The property features a huge master suite with private bath, multiple closets, and a slider out to a private cover patio. Two car garage, two wood stoves a total of 4 baths, a butler pantry, and a full lower level with below the slab plumbing which offers a bath room and other options to finish this 2,000 square foot basement in to a dream entertainment area, hobby room or work shop.

The land has been in the family since the 50’s with the custom built home completed in the 70’s as a labor of love in its day, and the location will never be available again. If you are a New Hampshire White Mountain Forest enthusiast…this is an incredible opportunity to live on the edge of the woods, but have town conveniences at your finger tips as well.

  Scenes from Cannon Mt State park /Ski Area.

What concerns most people about renovating a 40 year old home, is the structure and the mechanical systems. Not to worry in this case: the foundation is a fortress, and the home is on town water and town sewer…this place has everything going for it, except for carpet and paint.

The pictures below are the view from the driveway...the house is higher up but needs some clearing.

Call me if you would like to schedule an appointment to see this rare property. 603-381-7898 Cell#           

List Price $249,900 / steve@alpinelakes.com

         Steve Loynd, New Hampshire Ski Resort Realtor.

To see more pictures and listing information...check out www.alpinelakes.com MLS# 2811362

We love it when it snows on a Sunday night, Sorry for the travelers that have to drive home after the first weekend of skiing. As we New England's Say it'll be Tough Sledding tonight...But we're hardy stock, and love our White Christmas's. Be-careful my Friends and see ya on the slopes, soon.

been snowing hard all day again...keep it coming.

This winter is shaping up to be no picnic, but as a skier I just can't stop smiling as the snow comes down...small flakes, big ones we'll take them all. We are an equal opportunity flake collector here in New Hampshire (have you met my neighbors). 12/13/09

The northeast is getting some serious snow fall...unlike my friends on the sea coast, it never changed over to rain. It started as snow and kept on going. Here are couple of Snow fall shots looking north towards Loon and Cannon Mountain Ski areas...the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Loon opens Friday 12/11 and Cannon opened Monday, Bretton Woods has been open since the end of November.

Just after the first round of snow fall...it cleared briefly...before cranking up again.

I'll have to do some shoveling if the grill is going to be used again this year (or winter for that matter).

 I for one am ready for the ski season to get underway...and a white Christmas is looking nearly assured.

See you on the slopes.

The Treasury Department’s plan for short Sales

In an effort to reduce paperwork and shorten the short sale process, Mortgage companies will have to approve terms and minimum listing price before the property goes on the market. The Government is providing the guide lines, strict deadlines and specific documents for the short sale process, and mortgage companies will receive $1,000 to cover administrative costs.

To qualify for the new guidelines:

*The property must be a primary residence.

*The owner is delinquent or is likely to default

*The loan is for less than $729,705 and was made before January 1^st of 2009.

*The borrowers total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31% of their before tax income.

The Government feels the plan will streamline the process between mortgage holder, buyer seller and real estate agent. Some of the short falls the Government hasn’t taken in to account are, the Mortgage Companies don’t have to put this program in place until April 5 2010. The program is voluntary for the second mortgage holders (who will be given up to $3,000 to release their claims) but who in near 50% of all short sales are holding seconds or home equity loans on these troubled properties. And of course Government programs look great on paper but how do you require uniform compliance?

Uniform Hardship and financial documents will make it easier on the industry, but whom and how quickly will mortgage companies voluntarily comply with the Governments wish list is anyone’s guess?

I Pass this sign a on my way to work every day...you have to watch out for the huge lumbering creatures they are too big to miss, to slow to get out of the way and to dumb to know they are in the high speed lane.

Whenever I read “Government rules unveiled to shorten the short sale process” I naturally think more Red Tape will slow down the already slow process, Am I a cynic or are you all hoping for mortgage company compliance and closings in 30 days?

Something New and Different to tempt your pallet

Station Side Fine Dinning All - Aboard

    The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train.

When Visiting Loon Mountain Ski Area for this winter’s Recreation

How about a new dinning experience…or Après’ skiing adventure?

For years the Dinner train has ridden the rails along the Pemigewasset River leaving the Station for a five course gourmet meal was (and is) loads of fun…and a dinning adventure. The Café Lafayette offers a nice wine list, cocktails, plus a domestic and imported beer selection.

This winter the owners Lance & Leslie have decided to offer club car service in a stationary fashion. The two Story 1952 Pullman Dome cars “the Granite Eagle” will not be rolling but it just might be rocking, with great food and a fun atmosphere.

You wouldn’t have to worry about missing the train…but reservations are preferred. Dinner seating’s at 6:30 and 8:00… Call 603-745-3500

The Café Lafayette in located on Corridor 11 for those traveling on snowmobiles

The dinner train will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays

For more photos and a sample of the five course menu visit the web site

   www.nhdinnertrain.com  /Toll free 800-699-3501

We have experienced dinner and the train ride in the summer and I’m betting  its going to be a big hit…for a change of pace for White Mountain Skiers.

If you are not visiting the White Mountains this winter...try the moving dinner train in the late spring, summer or early fall...for fabulous food, fun and the gentle rocking of a ride on the rails. (golf course shot taken while at the Jack O'Lantern ...view from the 15th green).

Activerain,mutual admiration society or hard core learning tool?

I admit much of the posts I write are fluff and photos…I just want to come clean before I settle in to what I really want other real estate professionals to get out of this post and indeed this blog platform.

Here are a few of my favorite featured blogs posted this past week:

Alan May, The question about fiduciary duty is always a great topic of discussion Alan found a subject that we all have strong opinions about and received over 200 comments.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1361017/i-wouldn-t-pay-a-dime-over-850-000-for-this-house-

TLW, The Lovely wife offered a really great tool / application from Firefox, I put it to use right away and found benefits from her free advice right away. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369061/cool-previews-it-rocks-my-virtual-world-roar-

This is a cool browser application especially useful for bloggers and web searches.

Claudette Millette Offers up some motivation and inspiration, on why settling for good enough is not good enough. I have subscribed to her blog and think many will find reason to do the same. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369952/when-is-service-good-enough-

Greg Nino, Has written a thought provoking blog about the no. no’s of having a buyer broker instruct his client to view properties with out their agent. Greg makes no apologies about his position, he is funny authentic and transparent about his feelings. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369958/don-t-ask-don-t-tell-not-on-my-listings-

Jon Zolsky, Asks the question why do some Activerain blogger still not have their name on their profile. But the bigger question was, why comment on a post and not return to read the authors response? Are we socializing, commenting for Google juice, or tallying the points and that’s all? http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369939/excuse-me-mr-who-

                      ...no picture available, but this will do!

Jason Sardi, Makes his 2010 mortgage industry predictions, anyone that knows Jason, knows there is humor and truth in his posts. His irreverent slant on all things real estate and personal opinions are worth a read whether featured or not. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369305/the-zen-of-ten-2010-the-path-of-financial-righteousness-

Self promotion, I wrote a post about Radon gas issues, and found an equal share of people that said this is not a problem where I live and those that said this is a serious health issue. I will error on the side of caution and say…if you don’t discuss radon as a possible issue with your clients It could very well come back to haunt you later.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1366067/the-radon-gas-deal-killer

Whether you like funny, inspirational, tech tools, social media etiquette, agency advice, short sale info or SEO help…you have come to the right place.

This week alone I have had meaningful dialog with Air quality specialist, appraisers, home inspectors, stagers, Mortgage lenders, 1031 specialists, and social media consultants…tell me where you can go as a real estate professional and have access to all these experts without pulling your wallet out each time?

I don't just read the featured posts...todate I have made about 9,000 comments and received about the same amount. I enjoy all the blogs I read here, and know it takes time to put a good blog together. More than anything I would like to thank Activerain for all the great real estate information , advice and many times the direction to where the answers can be found.

I hope you all have a happy holiday season, and I know the posts and comments will begin to thin a bit as we all get busy with family and office functions this time of year. So for the record thanks for all your advice and comments on my posts these past two years, you inspire me to always get better at my career.

Three deals dead in three months due to radon.

This odorless, invisible gas that as far as I can tell can't be unequivocally linked to health issues has done another deal in.

I live and sell properties in the Granite State (New Hampshire)...Radon is everywhere.

If the Radon count has above 4.0 PCI based on an independent test...inside the home, its high on the front steps, sidewalk...road leading to your new home. What are you going to do about that?

Is this a Government plan to put radon mitigation specialist back to work?

Or a test to raise the home inspectors fee?

All three of these sales were done in by counts between 8 and 12 PCI...how bad is living with this?

In each case I asked the buyer what the count was at their current home...where they have lived 24/7 for years, none of them had any idea.

I know you are all itching to comment have a system put in...drill a hole in the basement slab...attach a PVC pipe and hook up a fan...no big deal...Right?

1) this questionable test has just scared the buyer...and you can't put Pandora back in the box. One canceled as not being convinced a zero could ever be achieved and children's room will be on the lower level.

2) The cost of this out of the blue concern is prohibitive. Deal  two has half a finished basement and half is a dirt floor...the only way to fix this house pour a new slab, but the seller is upside down on the mortgage and can't do anything about the required repair.

3) deal three, a five story condo with the high count on the ground floor. There are windows on all five stories and no way to get a vent system above the roof line without a major engineering under-taking...if at all possible.

I have had properties come in with radon counts over 30PCI and there - systems have made the difference. But the counts that are in the single digits, the change of barometric pressure, weather patterns, an open window or a re-test can change the results.

Once the cat is out of the bag…good luck coaxing him back in.

The damage is done, the buyer is scared and many times nothing can put this deal back together again. Any great advice on this subject?

If the seller pre-tested, would buyers accept there results...this tests are done through independent labs and the numbers are accepted to be "real"...but is there a real health concern?

What is the radon level at your house...at your office...at your children's school, or is the stress caused by this concern worse for you than the radon itself.

In new construction we are putting a vent in the floor and a pipe to the attic space before finishing the inside of the home...if a test rate the living space in a high range, a $200 fan will fix the PCI levels.