Posts made by author 'Badger Peabody & Smith Realty'
23
Make Your Front Porch Irresistible with These Ideas
Creating an inviting and charming front porch is the perfect way to enhance curb appeal and welcome guests with open arms. At Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, our real estate agents know that a beautifully designed front porch can make a big impact on the overall attractiveness of your property. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, your home deserves a front porch that reflects its unique charm and natural beauty. Here are five ideas to make your front porch irresistible.
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Your Path to Homeownership: Five Essential Steps
Wouldn't it be nice to stop paying rent and finally own a home? It may seem like a pipe dream, but with some planning, it can be an achievable goal. What do you have to do to move into one of the many Plymouth homes for sale? Here are five essential steps on the path to homeownership.
- Check Your Finances
Before you can buy a home, you first need to ensure you can afford it. However, the requirements aren't as rigorous as you might think. The average down payment for first-time homebuyers is only 8%. For a $300,000 home, this means you would need to put aside $24,000. Additionally, you must provide proof of a stable job with steady income for the past two years, have a credit score of at least 620, and maintain a debt-to-income ratio under 40%. If you don't meet these criteria, don't worry. You can still qualify for a federally-backed FHA loan, which requires a down payment of only 3.5% with a credit score of 580. Even with a credit score as low as 500, you can obtain an FHA loan with a 10% down payment.
5
Water Activities Around NH This Summer
New Hampshire is a true four-season destination if ever there was one. Though it's well known for leaf-peeping in autumn and skiing and snowboarding in winter, our part of New Hampshire is every bit as exciting in summer.
When the sun shines, and temperatures soar, the area's lakes provide the perfect backdrop to a summer getaway. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite ways to spend a day in the summertime.
- Santa's Village Water Park - 528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH 03583
The name "Santa" might not immediately conjure images of sun and surf. But one of our favorite holiday theme parks, Santa's Village, reopens every summer as Santa's Water Park, complete with a splash pad and water slides. It's a perfect place to cool off and have some kid-friendly fun on a warm summer day in New Hampshire. Located just minutes from these Jefferson homes for sale, Santa's Water Park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and all the year-round rides and attractions will also be operational.
1
Plan for These Independence Day Events Around NH
As one of the 13 original colonies, New Hampshire takes special pride in observing Independence Day. Our real estate agents share the scoop on some of the top holiday events planned around the state.
- Celebrate Independence - Ommi Mount Washington Resort, 310 Mt. Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Why limit the fun to one day when there's enough activity to fill five days? That's the thinking behind Celebrate Independence at the Omni Washington Mountain Resort, just down the road from Bretton Woods homes for sale. Take your pick from guided nature walks, historical tours, a 5K walk/run, family-friendly games and afternoon socials, community dinners and brunch, live music, and fireworks. Celebrate Independence takes place July 3-7.
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Is It Time for New Windows? How to Tell
When fixing up North Conway or Jackson homes for sale, there are plenty of projects to improve your house and increase its resale value. Replacing your windows, for instance, can have several benefits. Is it a necessary upgrade for your home or just an extra expense? Here are a few signs that it's time for new windows.
- High Energy Bills
If your energy bills are suddenly rising, one possible cause could be air leaks around your windows. Additionally, if you have large windows that let the sunlight in, that extra heat in the middle of the day can also cause energy spikes. Replacing your old windows with new, well-sealed, energy-efficient ones can be a great way to reduce your energy usage and keep your conditioned HVAC air from leaking out of your home. You can also tell potential buyers your house has new, energy-efficient windows, boosting its appeal and resale value.