Developer has learned to keep it simple…stupid.
Fancy is out, smart and simple is in, this developer has figured it out.
Vinyl siding isn’t sexy but it’s smart, low cost of maintenance and in a condo project upkeep is minimal. People say they want a wood burning fireplace until they find out what it cost to build, and how much work it takes to buy the wood, build the fire and wait until it goes out before you can vacate for the day (or Week). Gas fireplaces look great and they are on –or- off at a flip of a switch.
Holding its value in a down market…is a neat trick.
Across the area I market properties in this Forest Ridge Condominium project has held its value very well. The building did sacrifice fancy for square footage. But the buyers vote with the check book, and 2,700 square feet, with a one car garage, Gas heat and Central A/C was a hit when it was built. It remains a hit as owners re-sell this floor plan (after buying at real estates peak in 2005-2006).
What does a close Recreational family really want…room to get away from Family?
A four bedroom layout offers a very spacious master suite (because that’s who is writing the check every month) and there is room for boys, girls and adult guests. The other big must is a second living space for the kids to watch their programs, play the newest game or stay up past their parent’s bed-time.
What to do when the kids are bored…and you are beat! 
The last key to this success is what can you or them (the short in stature runny nose crowd) walk too in close proximity to your home away from home. Like many condo projects there is a club house, this one has an indoor pool (#1 request in a recreation center) it also has weights, steam room Hot- tub, tennis and a T.V room. Beyond the onsite access this project abuts the town’s recreation park, with a single slope ski area with night skiing (if you didn’t get enough at the big hills) a ball field, basketball hoops, swing sets, sledding hill and skating rink.
Forest Ridge sold for $370,000 in 2005-2006, and is getting $400,000 now in 2010. No big deal you may say…but a 10% gain is far better than a loss that many others are living with right now.
White Mountain Skiing and Recreational Activities are right out your door, make Lincoln New Hampshire your first choice for a second home.
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
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Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln
Some of the other floor plans retain a nice park like setting, after a few years the landscaping mutures to make these very nice looking grounds.
I loive the photo in the comment section. I think that people are also thinking in terms of simple in today's world!
Steve, KISS keep it simple stupid applies in so many situations, you have it coevered as far as that. I am working with more and more buyers who want a simple home they can afford, that's a good thing
Gerry, It doesn't have to be fancy to be successful, give buyers a good floor plan for the right money and it will hold its value.
Steve - A 10% gain from 2005 pricing is extremely rare. The design might be simple, but it is still attractive and appears to be a very good value, something that is hard to come by these days.
Judy, new buyers are still willing to buy, so this must be the right design at the right time and yes any gain in this market says something about the project.
Simple is smart...good post Steve. I'm finding more and more buyers getting back to basics.
Laura...Too many exterior add ons are going to need to be painted and repaired at some point, a basic box with a good floor plan wins the race.
Steve that is a smart Developer. But even though he has kept it simple, he has still build some very attractive houses.