steve's White Mountain Blog

Residents of New Hampshire – there may be no greater threat to our states Economy than the current Northern Pass – utility attempt to run a 1200 Megawatt High Voltage Direct Current line – Over head suspended on towers 135 feet in the air across the entire Granite State. The Visual blight alone will hurt the tourist industry and the scenic beauty of our state. The real estate tax revenues,  the health and welfare of our citizens, Gas tax, toll booth revenues, rooms and meals taxes will suffer as well. Please add your town to the list of places who wish to Petition requiring “any” high voltage transmission lines – be required to be buried rather than strung from towers over 100 feet in height.

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PETITION FOR A HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE ORDINANCE TOWN OF _______________

WHEREAS, the Town of _________________ currently has an existing electrical transmission line carrying High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) through the town designated by Public Service Company of New Hampshire as Line X–178; and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned transmission line is mounted on 40 to 50 foot tall wooden poles, some of which are below adjacent tree lines; and,

WHEREAS, the proposed Northern Pass transmission line would carry 1200 Megawatts of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power generally south from Canada through New Hampshire, including through portions of the Town of _________________, on visually damaging power lines hung from tall, intrusive steel towers at heights ranging from eighty (80') feet to one hundred and thirty five (135') feet in the air, well above tree height; and,

WHEREAS, the Voters of the Town of _________________ have concluded that the Northern Pass transmission line, as it has been proposed, would cause significant degradation of real estate property values resulting in dramatic losses of property tax receipts, well in excess of any conceivable property tax revenues from levying tax assessments on the aforesaid towers and transmission lines; and,

WHEREAS, numerous other negative impacts from the aforesaid proposed Northern Pass transmission line will occur or can reasonably be expected to occur, over time, including, but not limited to: a. A significant drop in tourist visits, and consequently, revenues, as damages from the power lines to New Hampshire’s natural scenic beauty will be a deterrent to people coming to the region. b. A drop in toll fees and New Hampshire gas tax revenues as motorists choose other routes into Northern New England, or worse, choose not come at all. c. The strong possibility of negative health impacts from Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF’s) radiating from the 1200 Megawatt HVDC cables. d. A drop in business revenues, and consequently, a drop in employment at impacted businesses such as; ski areas, restaurants, gas stations, constructions firms, shops, stores, banks, real estate firms, to name just a few - - all of which are heavily dependent upon visitors coming to the area. Therefore, the undersigned citizens of _________________, by petition, respectfully ask the town to adopt the following ordinance:

Other than high voltage electrical transmission lines in existence as of the effective date of this ordinance, there shall be no further overhead development of alternating current or direct current high voltage transmission lines allowed within the borders of the Town of __________________. All such future electrical transmission lines must be placed underground within power line rights of way or within yet to be established power line corridors, and installed in a manner approved by the State of New Hampshire’s Public Utility Commission and/or Department of Transportation. Distribution lines carrying electrical power and other utility lines such as telephone and cable television for local residential or commercial use may continue to be installed above ground, but undergrounding of such lines, is strongly recommended and encouraged. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

Printed Name____________________________Signature________________Date

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Please fill in the town you reside in - print your name - Sign , Date and Mail to : Alliance Against Northern Pass P.O.Box 1732, Campton NH 03223.

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   Here is a link to the PDF - Version of this Petition *Northern Pass Petition.*

  Here is a you tube video talking about the issues involved in the Northern pass *Northern passVideo*

This is the view I want to see every day...not one with 100 miles of 100+ foot High Voltage towers over the White mountains and leading all the way down to the sea coast of New Hampshire.

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.

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.

Lincoln N.H. Five Year Market report – price comparison.

In order for a comparison to make any reasonable conclusions I decided to study a narrow field of specific properties. All sales for this study were of Condominiums – 1,200 – to-1,800 square feet, 3 bedrooms & 2 Baths with an asking price of no less than $100,000 and no more than $350,000.

#sales /Finished Sq Ft /Asking /Closed /Days on market

                Closed in 2007

  15   /1,469/  $263,500  /$257,770      /     110

               Closed in 2008

  11 /1,463    / $262,000/$243,250     /     242

              Closed in 2009

  19 /1,461  /$236,800 /$221,700    /      177

             Closed in 2010

 31 /1,504  /$233,800  /$218,300    /      273          

            Closed in 2011

23 /1,476/$228,300   /$209,700    /     330

In this five year market cycle we saw asking prices fall by 14% and selling prices fall by 19%...days on the market increased by 300%, the number of sales fluctuated significantly –but only due to the narrow type of condominium studied. In fact more of the 2 bedroom sized condos sold in 2008 (the low number in this study) and more single family homes were chosen in 2011 which is consistent with a recent survey of second home property sales I published last Month National Second home study. This study concluded consumers wish to get away from the expense of private club facilities and would opt for smaller more efficient style ownership.

Conclusions: Our Market in the White Mountains of New Hampshire mirrors many other recovering areas with a 20% loss of value over 5 years. Many projects with more development to come, are holding back on building and inventory is Creeping up…from a 4 month inventory to a 11 month inventory.

Predictions: We will see a loss of value in the order of another 3-4 % in 2012 and a modest recovery after the November elections. This will bring new construction starts and stabilizing prices in 2013 and beyond. Prices will gain appreciation from 2013 on. This was a ten year cycle that we are near/ at the bottom of, and if you are a seller and purchased more than 12 years ago you are able to sell at a small profit. Everyone in for the long haul may want to wait for a bit more recovery. Investment sales- If you are selling to move in to a new market location so long as you are buying when you sell…you will swap equity at the same time (sell modest / buy modest). For the 1031 exchange buyer – a like exchange is always a good plan to currently avoid capital gains tax on your current sales.

* These comparisons were done to show a narrow field, but the conclusions can be drawn for the entire market no matter the type of property held.#'s provided by Local MLS - no private sales were included in this study. * All area listings can be seen by opening the MLS icon on the bottom of this post - search by town - price range or type of property throughout the 44 towns of Grafton County New Hampshire. Happy New Years All.

Talking about the weather may be superficial, but not when you work in the ski resort industry. Freezing rain doesn’t make for great ski conditions – it does however make for beautiful glistening trees especially when the sun hits them just right.

On this Christmas Eve – Eve, here is wishing you all some Holiday Cheer. If you are looking for a White Christmas – Drive on up to the White Mountains and be part of the winter wonderland.

On to the Holiday weather –news, I’m happy to report last nights 4-6 inch snow fall will ensure a white Christmas in the White mountains of NH.

Loon Mountain ski resort and the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock New Hampshire are ready for the Holiday rush of New England Skier's , their families and of course the spending that comes along with a Winter School vacation…in the White Mountains.

This shot was taken in my Back yard at 8:45 on Friday December 23rd 2011, in Woodstock New Hampshire. The Pemigewasset river is off in the distance and is still flowing this time of year...soon it will ice over, and be blanketed in the snow that follows this holiday storm.

Notchview condominium – Franconia Notch – N.H.

The closest ownership offering to Cannon Mountain Ski area in an affordable price range $128,500 buys you a two bedroom / two bath furnished condo…walking distance to a state park & National forest land.

Location – Location – Location…Minimal on-site amenities keep the fees low…but access to some of the areas best attractions will keep the family interested in using and enjoying this mountain get away.

Natural attractions – Include the Flume gorge, Echo Lake, and miles of hiking – biking -&- snowmobiling trails…literally right out your door.

Man made attractions- Include the Whales tale water park, Clark’s trading post (live bear shows) – Loon & Cannon mountain ski areas, the Hobo hill train & Mini golf, Zip line tours, Golf courses, as well as many shopping & dining options.

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The property it self offers…common area brook frontage , an outdoor pool, wonderful local mountain views, and is walking distance to the Famous Indian Head hotel (with public viewing tower and restaurants).

....For more listing information - Notchview Listing