Articles Tagged "Northumberland NH"

Many sellers are being urged to list their homes without making upgrades based on the current housing market. But our real estate agents can tell you that wise sellers offering Plymouth homes for sale are maximizing their profits by focusing on two specific rooms: the kitchen and the bathroom. They'll be happy to discuss the return on investment potential from budget-mindful improvements to luxury remodels.

Popular Kitchen Features

1. Kitchen islands top the wish list of the typical home buyer. More people are cooking at home than in decades, and they demand adequate workspace. Doing double duty as home classrooms and even office space, an island is a very attractive feature. This is one of the most expensive improvements you can make, but the increased sales price may be worth it.
   
   
2. Cabinet space is critical to a well-organized kitchen, so if additional cabinets are possible, they deserve your consideration. If not, you may wish to consider installing pull-out shelves or a lazy Susan to maximize hard-to-reach spaces. 
   
   
3. Cabinet lighting does more than brighten the kitchen; it makes the work area much more efficient. The soft glow from under the cabinet makes the room feel cozier, while the family cooks will appreciate the ability to see what they're doing. 
   
   
4. Smart accessories bring the kitchen into the 21st century. Pizza ovens, butcher blocks, and quartz worktops perk up real estate listings, capturing the attention of serious buyers.
   
   
5. Simple facelifts are the least expensive way to make the kitchen more attractive. Freshly painted cabinets, new hardware, and crown molding are just cosmetic, but they impart a feeling of newness that buyers want.

Bathroom Upgrades

1. Converting a tub to a shower offers a stylish replacement for a bulky, aged tub that is convenient, low-maintenance, and safe. Grab bars and seating can provide additional safety and comfort. Multiple showerheads combine luxury with convenience with little additional cost.
   
   
2. Jacuzzi tubs elevate a comfortable soak to an indoor hot tub experience. Buyers will imagine tired, sore muscles relaxing in their own private spa.
   
   
3. Non-porous acrylic tubs and sinks are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
   
   
4. Upgraded toilets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering where you spend your remodeling budget, but for a few hundred dollars, you can install a much more comfortable option. Higher models and elongated seats are often preferable for taller individuals. The bidet is also gaining popularity and can be attached to an existing toilet or can be a stand-alone feature.
   
   
5. Cosmetic treatments in a bathroom are all about cleanliness and light. New paint or wallpaper, bright new lighting, and upgraded floor treatments are all inexpensive methods of making an old bathroom feel like new. 

A full kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from about $10,000 to $25,000, but cosmetic treatments can cost just a few hundred. Many renovations recoup 60-80% of the investment when the house is sold. Before you invest unnecessarily in expensive upgrades when putting your house on the market, contact us to discuss the pros and cons of your remodeling efforts. We'll help you make the best choices to obtain the sales price you want. 

You have to love the outdoor activities when living in a beautiful place like New Hampshire, and fishing is one of the best ways to relax and take in the scenic beauty of our area.

Our real estate agents love to fish around the White Mountains, and thanks to the abundance of fresh water, it's actually considered one of the best places for trout fishing in the US. There are truly dozens of great fishing spots around the White Mountains. If you're looking to cast a line this summer, then go ahead and pack a cooler, grab your pole, and head out to one of our favorite locations.

• Franconia Notch State Park - Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251
  Fresh, clean water flows right down the White Mountains and into the Pemigewasset River, which runs through Franconia Notch. Here, you'll find some of the most relaxing, peaceful fishing spots in New Hampshire. Profile Lake, the starting point of the river, is stocked annually with trout, bass, and salmon. This lake is designated for fly fishing only. If you enjoy the park, you might be interested to see some of these Franconia homes for sale just a short drive away.
  
  
• Echo Lake State Park - 68 Echo Lake Rd., North Conway, NH 03860
  The scenery at this gorgeous lake is just breathtaking. Enjoy fishing at Echo Lake State Park. The lake is about 15.7 acres and surrounded by a hiking trail, which makes many of the best fishing spots easily accessible. After you're done for the day, be sure to schedule a tour of one of these nearby North Conway homes for sale.
  
  
• Moore Reservoir - NH-135, Littleton, NH 0356
  Moore Reservoir is a large recreational water destination located on the Connecticut River. It's considered both a cold and warm water fishery. Cast a line and catch brook trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and more. The reservoir is conveniently located near some great Littleton homes for sale.
  
  
• Stinson Lake - 2500 Stinson Lake Rd., Rumney, NH, 03266
  You'll find fresh, clean mountain water and plenty of fish at Stinson Lake—the largest lake in the White Mountains National Forrest. The scenery is beautiful, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, lake trout, bass, chain pickerel, and more. There are also some great Plymouth homes for sale just down the road.
  
  
• Squam Lake - 534 US-3, Holderness, NH 03245
  Fish for salmon, trout, bass, and pickerel at Squam Lake. Extending over 6,700 acres with 60 miles of shoreline, it's the second largest lake in New Hampshire. The lake itself actually consists of two connected lakes: one larger lake (Big Squam) and a smaller lake (Little Squam) connected by a small channel that allows boaters to travel between them. If you want this recreational destination in your backyard, there are some great Sandwich homes for sale a few miles from the lake.

Enjoying the great outdoors is easy living in the White Mountains area. To explore local home listings, contact us today.

A home inspection is a little like a first date. You might have butterflies in your stomach, frightful thoughts racing through your head, and you'll think of a million things that you forgot to do, or that can go wrong before you open the door. But, as with dating, there are some things you can do to sway the odds of a positive home inspection in your favor. By rolling up your sleeves and following these tips from our real estate agents, you'll pass your home inspection with flying colors.

• Go Through Your Home With Your Real Estate Agent
  Your agent has gone through this process many times. They know what the inspector will look for, and they can help you create a strategy to efficiently tackle any deficiencies with home maintenance, plumbing, wiring, pests, and more. Specifically, they will help you identify damage to your roof, plumbing problems, electrical issues, and other problems that could diminish the home's structural integrity.
  
  
• Take Fido to the Park
  Whether you have the friendliest pug or the sweetest lab, take your pets out of the home for the day. Take them to the park or a friend's house. This is especially important if you have a protective pet that could impede the inspector's ability to inspect the home.
  
  
• Declutter
  Clear out the closets, toss trash from the garage, and dig through the piles of trophies and other accumulation within basements and attics. You should clear the clutter to show the home, and you won't want to move it with you to your new home, so getting rid of it now means it is one less thing to do later. Plus, it will make it easier for the home inspector to gain access to every area of the home.
  
  
• Roll Up Your Sleeves (and pick up the phone!)
  You can fix many minor problems such as leaky faucets and other general maintenance tasks. However, you should hire a professional to repair any issues with HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc. Even in a seller's market with many fabulous Plymouth homes for sale that need a little work, buyers want "move-in ready" homes that they don't have to put a lot of initial effort into.
  
  
• Ensure the House is Fully Operational
  Ensure that gas, water, and electric systems are connected and operational. You should also make sure that all remote controls or smart home systems are available for the inspector to use when they arrive.
  
  
• Know the Home's History
  Has the home been remodeled by you or a previous owner? If so, was the work performed to code, and were the proper permits secured? Anytime a home is remodeled, it falls upon the current owner to address any deficiencies with remodeling work. The more you know about the status of the work performed on your home, the better.
  
  
• Give Them Time To Work
  Most home inspections take between 2-4 hours to finish. While it is natural to want it to be over with quickly, you should give your inspector time to thoroughly and properly examine the structure.   

Home inspections can be nerve-wracking, whether it's your first time or your tenth. Contact us to learn more about the steps we take to help ensure our clients are ready when the date of their home inspections rolls around. 

Hidden away amid the gorgeous White Mountains, you'll find the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, which certainly rank among the most amazing natural attractions near Woodstock homes for sale. Shaped by natural processes, this attraction provides a window into the past and a beautiful place to explore in the present. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on what to expect when visiting Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.

• The History of Lost River Gorge
  The modern history of Lost River Gorge began in 1852 when a pair of brothers, Royal and Lyman Jackman, discovered it accidentally during a fishing trip. One brother fell into a hole and landed in one of the Boulder Caves, which led the brothers to explore many of the other caves in the area. The geological history of Lost River Gorge, however, stretches back more than 300 million years, when glaciers reshaped the land during an ice age. Eventually, those glaciers melted, and over time the rushing waters further reshaped Lost River Gorge into the amazing natural spectacle that visitors enjoy to this day.
  
  
• Explore the Boardwalk Trail and Climb the Giant Bird Nest
  Start your journey above ground with a walk on the one-mile-long boardwalk trail that runs along the path of the Lost River, providing excellent views of Lost River Gorge and the surrounding scenery. Then try a climb up the Giant Bird Nest, where you can enjoy unmatched views from above. As you explore Lost River Gorge, you'll also discover a long suspension bridge with even more great views and a unique treehouse that kids are sure to love.
  
  
• Descend into 11 Spectacular Boulder Caves
  The adventure continues below ground, where brave explorers will discover the Boulder Caves, just like the Jackman Brothers did nearly two centuries ago. There are 11 caves to explore in total, with each one having its own unique characteristics. Along the way, you'll discover posted signs with interesting information about each location.
  
  
• Family Fun at the Lost River Mining Sluice
  With its Young Explorers program and fun, educational nature, Lost River Gorge is a great place for a family outing. The Lost River Mining Sluice is the cherry on top, allowing visitors of all ages to pan for gemstones and fossils in the Lost River. For the youngest visitors, the excitement of the Lost River Mining Sluice is often the highlight of the trip.
  
  
• Gain a New Perspective with a Guided Lantern Tour
  Feeling adventurous? The guides at the Lost River Gorge also offer guided Lantern Tours on select nights, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the area from a whole new perspective. Each lantern tour includes direction from an expert guide, who will take you along the boardwalk and down into the Boulder Caves.
  
  
• Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
  The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves are open to visitors every week from Thursday through Monday, and it's strongly recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time online. During your visit, you can stop at the gift shop to pick up refreshments or bring your own to enjoy a picnic under the covered picnic pavilion.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to explore all of the natural wonders of New Hampshire? Our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the White Mountains area.

Summer is here, and it's a great time to get your new house in order. After visiting the Plymouth homes for sale that caught your eye and settling on the one that stole your heart, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Even if it may not seem like it at first, there are plenty of chores you need to stay on top of as a new homeowner, and the following are 10 tasks you won't want to skip.

1. Change. The. Locks.
   Our real estate agents cannot emphasize this enough. You have no way of knowing who the previous owner gave keys to over the years. Quite frankly, you don't want to wake up in the middle of the night to find friends of the former owner dropping in for a visit. Always change the locks, reset key codes, and ensure that motion sensors, latches, and other security features are solid and reliable.

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Do you know someone who has recently moved into a new home? You may have thought about bringing them a housewarming gift to help them settle in. Our real estate agents love this tradition and think it's a great way to usher people into a bright future in their new space.

Our list of ideas for housewarming gifts in 2022 will help you find the perfect gift for every new homeowner this year.  

• Houseplants
  Houseplants are classic housewarming gifts: they're inexpensive, long-lasting, and add a cheerful personal touch to any home. Unless you know for certain that the family has no young children or pets, be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic to both humans and animals. Some classic options include African violets, spider plants, and parlor palms. As a bonus, these plants are also very hardy, so they're easy for even beginner gardeners to care for.
   
• Personalized Address Stickers
  Most of us may not send physical mail as much as we used to, but many people still enjoy sending the occasional holiday card or handwritten letter. Personalized address stickers are perfect for quickly adding a return address to the envelopes on those occasions. This gift is particularly nice because it ties the new homeowner's identity to the home itself. This makes the move feel more official, satisfying, and lasting.
   
• A Smart Home Device
  If the new homeowner is tech-savvy, they might like to bring more modern conveniences into their home with a smart home system. Even if your recipient already uses these devices, getting them another one will help them to expand their network in their new (and likely larger) home. Just be sure to check which type of device they use – branded smart home products like Google Home and Amazon Echo devices run on their own ecosystem and are not compatible with each other.
  
  
• A Charcuterie Board
  Charcuterie is extremely popular right now. Give your recipients a charcuterie board to help them experiment with this trend in style. Look for a quality board that won't warp, snap, or splinter. If you want to make the gift extra-special, you can get the board engraved with the homeowner's name or phrase that holds special meaning to them.
  
  
• Personalized Ornaments
  Many people like to commemorate milestones in their life with holiday ornaments that tie back to major life events. Giving your recipient a personalized ornament with their address, postal code, or a picture of their home on it will give them a tangible representation of their big move. They're sure to remember the event (and you!) fondly when they hang the ornament up each year.
  
  
• Kitchen Linens
  If you prefer to give practical gifts as housewarming presents, kitchen linens are a great option. A new set of dish towels or kitchen cloths is always useful, especially in a new house where old linens might not have been fully unpacked yet. Choose some with fun patterns that match the décor of the homeowners' new kitchen to show off your attention to detail and ensure your gift doesn't feel generic. 

Want to be the next family to host a housewarming party? Contact us today for more information on any of our listings or to connect with any of our expert staff.