Posts by Badger Peabody & Smith Realty

We are all so pleased to welcome Jennifer Woodward to our Berlin, NH office.

Jennifer is a newly licensed real estate sales associate, but is not "new" to us! We had the pleasure of having Jennifer as a student intern last year, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the Berlin office.

At our firm, we have a successful mentorship program, and Jennifer will be working with Sue Solar as her mentor. 

To learn more about Jennifer, click here.

Welcome aboard Jennifer! 

Forget everything you've heard about buying a home in the last two years. The housing market in 2023 is going to be an entirely different affair. Some experts are predicting a more balanced market. But that won't necessarily make homeownership more affordable as interest rates are on the rise.

So, what's a savvy first-time buyer to do? Here are some tips from our real estate agents that will help you bring your homeownership goals to fruition.

1. Add to Your Down Payment
   Generally speaking, a larger down payment means a lower mortgage rate. One thing to understand is that interest rates are all about risk—they represent the potential for investment losses. For this reason, paying more cash upfront makes you less of a risk to lenders as you have more stake in the property. As such, they are likely to offer you more favorable interest rates.
   
   Ideally, you want to save enough money for a 20% down payment. But lenders will seldom ask for this much, especially if you have a solid credit score and an excellent debt repayment history. That said, the more you put down, the less you'll pay over the life of the loan.
   
   
2. Make Sure You Have a Great Credit Score
   Here's an industry secret: You don't need a great credit score to buy a house. But it will be harder and more expensive to do so. Your credit score is a crucial deciding factor when applying for a mortgage. See, your credit score isn't just some number. It tells the story of how reliable you are as a borrower and how well (or poorly) you manage your money. Your credit score is yet another metric financial institutions use to assess the risk of lending you money. Typically, the higher your score, the less of a risk you are and the better your borrowing terms will be.
   
   Considering interest rates are on the rise, it's certainly wise to take measures to improve your credit score. Paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low are just a few ways to do this.
   
   
3. Shop Around for the Best Mortgage Rates
   Getting preapproved before you start house hunting is always a good idea. But remember, dealing with only one lender may not work in your favor. You'll want to shop around and compare interest rates from different lenders. This way, you'll secure a lower rate and even better terms on your mortgage.
   
   What's more, you may want to consider getting a fixed-mortgage rate. Adjustable-rate mortgages have the advantage of lower interest rates, but they can be more expensive long-term in a market where interest rates are on the rise. A fixed-rate mortgage, on the other hand, offers a consistent monthly payment for the duration of your loan, making it easier to budget.
   
   
4. Consult a Local Professional
   There's a lot of talk about interest rates on a national scale. Bearing that in mind, your local real estate agent is well-versed in your area's current trends, neighborhood characteristics, and the local economy. Such in-depth knowledge can prove invaluable when it's your first time around the block. Whether you want to tour Berlin homes for sale or Bretton Woods homes for sale, your local real estate agent can help you out.

Find the right home for you this year around the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the 2023 real estate market.

Littleton, NH – Maggie Jones of Lancaster, a seasoned real estate agent for over 6 years, has changed brokerages and joined the firm of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty and will be based at the firm's Littleton office.

For Jones, her career in real estate started by chance. Jones said, "I moved to New Hampshire in 2015, began my own photography business, and set out to buy my first house. In the eight months of actively searching for the perfect home, I found I had cultivated a skill for real estate and really enjoyed it."

While based out of the Littleton office, Jones expects to continue to assist sellers and buyers in the greater Lancaster area and beyond. As with most of the agents in the Littleton office, Jones is also licensed in Vermont as well to assist folks on either side of the Connecticut River.

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty's Broker/Owner Andy Smith said, "Many of our agents have worked with Maggie in the past on a number of closings and the comments and feedback about Maggie and her level of professionalism really stood out. We are pleased to welcome Maggie to our team." He added, "Maggie will be working alongside Nikki Barrett in our Littleton office to learn more about our vision, company culture and our philosophy of putting the needs of our customers and clients first. Our philosophy is paramount in all of our transactions and it is something Maggie is completely familiar with as she's been doing that all along during her career."

When not working, Jones enjoys cycling, hiking, gardening and spending time outside with her partner and their dogs. She is also involved in the community serving on an advisory committee for the Northern Forest Center, the Lancaster Master Plan Committee, and is Vice Chair of the Lancaster Planning Board.

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty is the North Country, Mt. Washington Valley, Lakes Region of NH, Western Maine and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ( LeadingRE). With a membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 550 firms and 135,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. With combined resources of over 60 full time agents, and eight offices, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty can be reached online at www.badgerpeabodysmith.com. 

Buying your first home is such an exciting milestone. But once you're standing in your own empty living room, you realize there's another big step you have to tackle: furnishing that home. When furnishing your Carroll County home, it's important to prioritize the right rooms and items. Take things slowly and embrace your own style. Our real estate agents have a few more specific tips that should prove helpful along the way.

1. Make a List of Necessities
   Furnishing your home will seem less overwhelming if you're able to nail down exactly what you need. Start by making a list of absolute essentials.
   
   If you're starting with nothing, this list should likely include a dining table and chairs, a sofa, an entertainment center, a bed, and a dresser. Other furnishings, like a decorative ottoman or a dining room buffet, can wait until after you've purchased the necessities.
   
   
2. Reuse and Recycle When Possible
   You can often lower your furnishing costs considerably by reusing and re-purposing things you already own. For example, perhaps you can use the old coffee table from your first apartment as a shelf for shoes in your entryway. Or perhaps your old dresser could work as a makeshift TV stand once you put a new coat of paint on it.
   
   Reach out to close friends and family members to see if they have any used furniture you can re-purpose. These items don't have to be your permanent furniture, but they can fill in the gaps until you're able to buy something nicer.
   
   
3. Measure First
   Before you start shopping for furniture for any space, take measurements. Bring these measurements with you to the furniture store, and check them against the dimensions of any furniture you're thinking of buying.
   
   If your home has narrow halls or doorways, measure those, too. This will save you the headache of having furniture delivered only to discover it won't fit into your home.
   
   
4. Curate Your Style
   Now that you're in a home that's truly your own, you will probably want to decorate it in a way that reflects your own interests and sense of taste. Spend a little time browsing Instagram and magazines. Make note of rooms and furnishings that you love and would like to have in your own home.
   
   Ideally, you'll discover that the style you love has a certain name. For example, you may realize everything you're tagging is Shabby Chic or Coastal. This knowledge will help you shop for furniture that suits your style. For instance, if you see a sofa described as Shabby Chic, you'll be prompted to take a second look.
   
   
5. Find a Good Consignment Shop
   You don't have to buy all new furniture. In fact, most people prefer to mix a few new pieces with a few secondhand pieces. Consignment stores are great places to find used furniture in good condition. If you can find one that exclusively sells furniture, that's even better.
   
   Once you find a good consignment store, talk to the owner about the furniture you're still looking for. Often, they'll be happy to keep their eyes open and let you know when something suitable comes in. This approach can help you snag that perfect dresser before someone else gets their hands on it!

Remember, furnishing a home should be fun. Prioritize your purchases, reuse furniture when possible, and take the time to curate your style. Should you still be looking at Jackson homes for sale or North Conway homes for sale feel free to contact us. We'll help you find a gorgeous space that you can enjoy furnishing and decorating to suit your tastes. 

Snowmobile season is here, and your next great outdoor adventure is already waiting for you. Whether you live near Plymouth homes for sale or in one of many other communities around New Hampshire, you can find a nearby snowmobile rental facility that will provide everything you need to enjoy the season. With thousands of miles of trails, New Hampshire is one of the best places to explore by snowmobile. Our real estate agents have the details on six snowmobile rental facilities for your adventures in the White Mountains.

• Northern Extremes Snowmobiling – 1326 US Rte. 302, Bartlett, NH 03812
  With two convenient locations, one near Bartlett homes for sale and one close to Bretton Woods homes for sale, the Northern Extremes Snowmobiling team is here to help you make the most of snowmobile season. The Bartlett location is their main headquarters, located at the base of Mount Washington and stocked with the latest snowmobile models. Pick up a rental, schedule a tour of the trails, or stop by to get caught up on the latest trail conditions before you start your adventure.
  
  
• SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals – 514 US Rte. 3, Lincoln, NH 03251
  Group tours are great, but what about when you want to have the trails all to yourself? The team at SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals offers both group and private guided tours, helping you explore the most beautiful trails near Lincoln homes for sale. Visiting from out of town? They also offer Stay and Sled packages perfect for a quick winter vacation.
  
  
• Out Back Kayak – 10 Paper Mill Dr., Lincoln, NH 03251
  New to snowmobiling? A guided tour of the area's many snowmobile trails is one of the best ways to get familiar with how to operate a snowmobile, where to find the best trails, and more. The team at Out Back Kayak specializes in guided snowmobile and ATV tours, which are offered all winter long. As the name suggests, this is also a great place to schedule kayak tours when the weather turns warm.
  
  
• Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals – 177 Main St., Gorham, NH 03581
  Do you plan on enjoying snowmobile adventures all winter long? If you live near Gorham homes for sale, then a premier membership at Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals can be a great option with a monthly fee that unlocks access to snowmobiles, ATVs, and more. They even rent cold-weather clothing to keep you warm during your journeys.
  
  
• Bear Rock Adventures – 2638 N. Main St., Pittsburg, NH 03592
  Whether you'd like to rent a snowmobile or a guided snowmobile tour through the beautiful backcountry trails of New Hampshire, Bear Rock Adventures offers everything you need to get started from their facility near Pittsburg homes for sale. They're happy to accommodate everyone from couples and families to larger group outings.
  
  
• MOMS North Country Powersports – 149 State St., Groveton, NH 03582
  Serving the area around Groveton homes for sale for nearly 50 years, MOMS North Country Powersports offers snowmobile, ATV, and UTV rentals from all of the biggest brands. Choose from a huge selection of Yamaha, Polaris, and CFMoto snowmobiles, with the latest models available every year. Secure your snowmobile with a convenient online rental process, then get ready to start adventuring.

Searching for a home that provides easy access to the vast trail systems of New Hampshire all year long? Let our team help you find the right match. Contact us to buy and sell homes in your favorite New Hampshire communities.

Our real estate agents are excited about the return of snowmobile season in New Hampshire. More than 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails crisscross the state, many connecting to other trails in Maine, Vermont, and Quebec. 

Some of the best trails can be found within the White Mountain range. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to some truly exceptional snowmobile trails, many of which are just a short drive from these Plymouth homes for sale. 

1. Ammonoosuc Rail Trail - Littleton, NH 03561
   Stretching 19 miles between  Littleton and Woodsville, the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail follows former railroad beds alongside the banks of its namesake river. It's a popular multi-use trail in all seasons, and snowmobiles share this picturesque route with snowshoers and cross-country skiers. The northern terminus of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail is just minutes from many Littleton homes for sale. 
   
   
2. Franconia Notch Recreation Path - Daniel Webster Hwy., Lincoln, NH 03251
   The 8.7-mile Franconia Notch Recreation Path runs parallel to Interstate 93 as it curves through the wooded landscape of Franconia Notch State Park in the mountain passes between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges. Along the way, snowmobilers can experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the White Mountains, all a short ride from numerous Lincoln homes for sale. 
   
   
3. Presidential Recreation Rail Trail - Dolly Copp Rd., Randolph, NH 03593
   Skirting the edge of White Mountain National Forest, the Presidential Recreation Rail Trail is a great resource that can be enjoyed in different ways during different seasons. Easily accessible near these Randolph homes for sale, the trail stretches 18 miles from end to end and provides great views of Mount Washington and other peaks in the Presidential Range. This trail is also part of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, which spans 83 miles from Woodsville, New Hampshire, to Bethel, Maine.
   
   
4. Moultonboro Snowmobile Trails - Hwy Garage Rd., Moultonborough, NH 03254
   The Moultonboro Snowmobile Club maintains over 50 miles of trails that meander throughout Moultonborough, Red Hill, the Ossipee Mountains and the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee. In addition to being convenient to many Moultonborough homes for sale, these trails also swing right by the famed Castle in the Clouds, which is a great place to stop to have lunch and take in the view. 
   
   
5. Bear Notch Trail System - Bartlett, NH 03812
   Rent snowmobiles and explore the Bear Notch Trail System. Consisting of 11 trails that form a 50-mile closed loop, these rugged, woodsy trails meander through the Mount Washington Valley and offer great views of the Presidential Range. The trails are accessible from Bear Notch Road, not far from some of these Bartlett homes for sale and are also a stone's throw from some of the region's most popular ski resorts. 
   
   
6. Northern Recreational Rail Trail - Riverside Dr., Lebanon, NH 03766
   The longest rail trail in New Hampshire, the Northern Recreational Rail Trail stretches 48 miles, and plans are in place to extend it to 59 miles in the future. This trail offers plenty of room for snowmobiles to roam in winter and traverses a landscape that alternates between forests, farmlands, and small towns. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in New Hampshire and talk to our real estate agents about finding your dream home in the White Mountains. 

Berlin, NH – The Berlin office of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty recently donated $250 to the Toys for Kids Program and presented the check to David Dubey. The Toys for Kids program is sponsored by the Cpl. Richard Demers Detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps League. 
 
Toys for Kids is not Toys for Tots, rather it's a similar program collecting donated gifts and 
monetary donations to buy gifts and give them to families with children who would otherwise go without, including foster children. Toys for Kids had red collection boxes located in several establishments in Berlin and Gorham. They give to children up to age 18 and all donations stay within Coos County. 

For the agents and staff at the Berlin office, giving is part of their culture and that of the firm as a whole. In 2022, the firm donated to a number of organizations including Granite United Way, the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce and many more. 

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty is the North Country, Mt. Washington Valley, Lakes Region of NH, Western Maine and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. With a membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 550 firms and 135,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. With combined resources of over 60 full time agents, and eight offices, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty can be reached online at www.badgerpeabodysmith.com.   

Sizzling, crispy bacon is a staple of the all-American breakfast and is also known for making other food taste significantly better! You can enjoy it on its own or add it to a sandwich, soup, or salad to instantly make your dish a hit. 

December 30th is National Bacon Day, so if you need an excuse to indulge in this delicious treat, this is it! Our real estate agents always say we know how to do bacon right in our part of New Hampshire, so head on over to one of our phenomenal local diners and order a big plate of bacon this December. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• The Main Street Station - 105 Main St., Plymouth, NH 03264
  You've never tasted bacon quite as good as the bacon served at The Main Street Station in Plymouth. This diner-style restaurant is popular among both locals and tourists. They're known for frying up a delicious breakfast and some of the area's best crispy bacon, loaded with a smokey flavor. Enjoy it as a side dish, or add it to a cheeseburger. If you're considering becoming a regular at this restaurant, one of these Plymouth homes for sale might interest you.
  
  
• Topic Of The Town - 25 Main St., Littleton, NH 03561
  The delicious bacon at Topic Of The Town is one of the reasons it's become such a popular breakfast spot, but we also love the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Ham, Bacon, and Tomato for brunch. Portions are huge, so come hungry. The dining area is spacious and comfortable, much like these amazing Littleton homes for sale. 
  
  
• Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers - 19 Barnes Rd., North Conway, NH 03860
  This craft burger joint knows how to fry up some good bacon, making for a delicious topping on their flavorful, custom-blended burgers. However, it's the bacon onion jam that's truly incredible. If the thought of the perfect bacon and beef combination makes your stomach growl, grab a bite to eat at Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers. Just be sure to visit one of these North Conway homes for sale when you're finished.
  
  
• Banners Restaurant - 621 White Mountain Hwy., Conway, NH 03818
  This quaint home-style diner with beautiful patio seating serves some of the best bacon in the White Mountains. Order a pile of crispy bacon as a side, or add it as a topping to your favorite breakfast sandwich. Banners Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., just a few miles from some of our favorite Conway homes for sale.
  
  
• Arnold's Wayside Diner - 90 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03251
  Breakfast (and bacon) is served all day at this classic New England diner. Order a plate of bacon as a side to accompany your favorite breakfast dish at Arnold's Wayside Diner. Enjoy your meal in the small, comfortable diner-style interior or outside on the cute patio when weather permits. After your meal, make sure to take a look at one of these Lincoln homes for sale.

Everything is better with bacon, especially when you live near the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Contact us today for all your real estate needs.