Articles Tagged "white mountains of nh"

Our real estate agents know that many sellers go into the process with immediate plans for the money they'll make in their transaction. They may wish to use the proceeds for a new home, so timing is crucial. Or they might have something else in mind that's no less important to them.

Whatever the case may be, there's no time to waste. Jackson homes for sale tend to sell for a higher amount the faster they get on and off the market. There are many things sellers and their agents can do to ensure a property moves quickly.

But there's one factor that's difficult to control: Buyer behavior.

When your house is on the market, you want to meet with serious buyers as soon as possible. Some of the methods used by real estate agents, such as open houses, are especially good for this. But even if a buyer says all the right things at first, there's still a chance they may back out before the end.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to be sure your buyer will see things through? While there's no 100% certain method, there is one traditional approach that can be very effective.

Let's talk about earnest money.

Earnest Money Helps Separate Buyers from Window Shoppers

When a buyer sticks around long enough to make an offer on a home, it's easy to assume the tough part is behind you. But many issues could come up between that moment and closing day. You may be within days of signing on the dotted line, only for a would-be buyer to back out.

In short, they need some "skin in the game." This is the concept of earnest money.

An earnest money deposit is made when a real estate purchase contract is submitted. Unlike the down payment, which is mainly there to impress the lender, earnest money is for your benefit as the seller.

Earnest Money Amounts Can Vary

You've probably heard that a good down payment is about 20%, and maybe even more. But there are no such rules, even informally, when it comes to earnest money. Earnest money can vary from $100 to the whole purchase price. It's ultimately up to you to decide how much earnest money is enough.

When you're thinking about it, consult your real estate agent. Consider the overall market condition, how desirable your home is, and how many other offers you're passing up to follow up with this one. Also bear in mind the buyer's financing may dictate how much cash they have on hand.

Earnest Money Isn't Always a Done Deal

You will receive the earnest money if the buyer terminates the sales agreement. If the transaction goes through, on the other hand, the earnest money is returned to the buyer.

But this isn't always the case. The sales contract may have certain stipulations that allow the buyer to walk away "free and clear." You'll have to agree to these for them to be enforceable. For example, a seller may be allowed to exit the deal if an inspection turns up the presence of mold or other issues.

Requiring earnest money is a terrific way to protect your interests. An experienced real estate agent can do the rest. Contact us to find out more or get started.

Thanksgiving Day often means overeating and then lazing around watching football or just relaxing, but Turkey Trots let you have some fun while burning off some calories. Some are held on Thanksgiving Day, and others in advance of the holiday, but either way, they're a great opportunity to exercise before the big feast. Many also help benefit local worthy causes.
  
Our real estate agents share the following list of Turkey Trots around Carroll and Grafton counties:

• PALS Turkey Trot - Lisbon Regional School, 25 Highland Ave., Lisbon, NH 03585
  Sign up for the first annual PALS Turkey Trot 1.6K and 5K run/walk benefiting Lisbon Partners Assisting Lisbon Schools (PALS). In addition to helping Lisbon schools, the winner of the November 19 event, which begins at 10 a.m., will take home a turkey with all the fixings. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child, or $30 per family when you sign up online. Be sure to check out these Lisbon homes for sale after the festivities.
  
  
• Wolfeboro Turkey Trot - Wolfeboro Railroad Depot, 15 Railroad Ave., Wolfeboro, NH 03894
  Join in the 30th Annual Wolfeboro Turkey Trot, with divisions for a 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 2K Kids Run. It starts at the Railroad Depot, conveniently located near Wolfeboro homes for sale. If you're one of the first 125 to register, you'll get a free shirt, and if you're in the top three in each age category for either run, you'll receive an award. The races benefit the Gift of Warmth Fund, which helps local families with the cost of heating and other needs, and you're also asked to bring two canned goods to donate to the Food Pantry. The race will be held on Saturday, November 19, with check-in starting at 8 a.m. 
  
  
• Hanover Turkey Trot - Dartmouth Green, 1 E. Wheelock St., Hanover, NH 03755 
  Head to Dartmouth Green for the annual Hanover Turkey Trot, where you'll be able to run a 10K or 5K just around the corner from Hanover homes for sale. Stateline Sports gift cards and turkeys will be awarded to the top male and female finishers from each race. Make sure to bring some non-perishable food to donate to the Upper Valley Haven. The race will be held on Sunday, November 20, starting at noon.
  
  
• The Dam Turkey Trot - The Dam Brewhouse, 1323 NH Route 175, Campton, NH  03223 
  The Dam Turkey Trot 5K starts at The Dam Brewhouse and works its way into Owl's Nest Golf Resort near Campton homes for sale before returning to the brewhouse. If you're one of the first male and female finishers overall or in your age group, you can pick a prize from those donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the race and collected food donations will benefit the Campton Area Resource Center. The race will be held on Thursday, November 24, at 9 a.m.
  
  
• Wobble N Gobble - Lafayette Regional School, 149 Main St., Franconia, NH 0380  
  Join in the fun at the Wobble N Gobble, an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition for local adults and kids. Roll, run, or walk through scenic Franconia village, where you'll be near Franconia homes for sale. The route is a pi(e) run consisting of an easy 3.14-mile loop. Details are still being announced for the race, which will be held on Thursday, November 24.
  
  
• Rescue Me 5K  - One Love Brewery, Stone Mountain Drive, Lincoln, NH 03251
  Although it's not called a Turkey Trot, the Rescue Me 5K is held annually in November to benefit the non-profit Lakes Region Search and Rescue. Run the fast and flat 5K course just around the corner from Lincoln homes for sale, and after the race, participants 21 and older can enjoy a complimentary Moat Mountain Brewery craft beer. The race will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 10 a.m.
  
  
• Gorham Annual Turkey Trot - 169 Main St., Gorham, NH 03581
  Run, walk, or waddle your way through Gorham's Annual Turkey Trot! The 3-mile race starts at 9:30 a.m. November 24, with registration from 8:45-9:15 a.m. Be sure to bring a personal hygiene item, such as soap, shampoo, or toothpaste, when you register. Items will be donated to those in need. After the race, take a look at these Gorham homes for sale.

Contact us if you'd like to see Holderness homes for sale or those in other areas of New Hampshire, Western Maine, or Eastern Vermont. We offer full-service real estate services and look forward to helping you buy or sell a home. 

Fall is a time for festivals and foliage in towns around New Hampshire, a combination that results in truly memorable experiences for the whole family. Some of the best festivals near North Conway homes for sale are around the corner, so now is the perfect time to start planning for family fun.

Events like RiverFire offer unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. Some of your favorite ski resorts will also be hosting festivals that allow you to take in the fall foliage on the mountainside, gear up for ski season, and enjoy activities for all ages. Our real estate agents have all the details for the upcoming lineup of festivals around the White Mountains and Central NH.

• RiverFire – October 15, 2022 – 961 Main St., Berlin, NH 03570
  Held every year near Berlin homes for sale at Service Credit Union Heritage Park, RiverFire is one local event that you definitely won't want to miss. The fun starts with hayrides, bouncy houses, food vendors, live music from the LA Harley Davidson Band, and a kids' Halloween parade perfect for showing off this year's costumes. Adults will enjoy a cornhole tournament, 5k run, and beer tent serving cold refreshments. This year's event also includes a fun Zombie ATV Poker Run, where you dress up yourself and your machine for a chance to earn prizes.
  
  The evening is capped off with fires on the river and carved, illuminated pumpkins on the bridge. The "river" fires are actually set on old docks that were once used for logging, creating the illusion of fire on the water that gives this event its unique name. It's an enchanting sight and well worth sticking around for after sunset.

• Fall Foliage Festival – October 8-10, 2022 – 1 Ski Area Rd., Waterville Valley, NH 03215
  Enjoy the fall foliage and prepare for ski season when you visit the Fall Foliage Festival at Waterville Valley Resort. This local favorite near Waterville Valley homes for sale is a full weekend of foliage and fun, with live music all day in the gazebo, nature hikes, boat/bike rentals, ski & snowboard swaps, and tent sales featuring the latest gear.

  There will also be a Fall Foliage 5k with a course featuring fantastic views, a 1.6k family fun run after the main race, and fun activities for kids like the Squam Lakes Science Center Live Animal Show.

• White Mountain Oktoberfest – October 8-9, 2022 – 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln, NH 03251
  Enjoy a traditional German Oktoberfest celebration with a few New Hampshire twists when you visit White Mountain Oktoberfest, taking place around the corner from Lincoln homes for sale. The Oktoberfest festivities include live traditional German music, an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and wild contests like the Stein Carryin', Keg Rollin' Relay Race. The contests are highlighted by the keg toss for adults and the root beer keg toss for the kids.
  
  In addition to the Oktoberfest theme, this event is a great choice for anyone who loves to view fall foliage. Gondola tickets will be available throughout the festival, allowing you to enjoy the mountainside fall leaves from a truly unique perspective. Included with your gondola ticket is a one-hour mountaintop yoga session featuring awe-inspiring views from the peak of Loon Mountain.

When you're ready to find your next home in the White Mountains and Central NH, our team is here to help with all of your local real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes in Central New Hampshire communities.

The craft beer scene in Littleton and Conway is becoming one of the best in Northern New England. With new breweries popping up, our real estate agents love checking out new spots around the White Mountains and Mt. Washington Valley on the weekends. Breweries are becoming increasingly popular because they offer different styles of craft beer, a fun atmosphere, and are often pet friendly. 

If you're looking for some recommendations on fun places to hang out with friends and family, here are six of the top breweries in Littleton and Conway.

1. Schilling Beer Co. - 18 Mill St., Littleton, NH 03561
   Combine wood-fired pizzas with freshly brewed European-inspired beers at Schilling Beer Co. With dozens of ales and lagers, including many inspired by Czech brewing techniques, you might just find your new favorite beer. Enjoy a drink inside this the bar or outdoors on the patio. The fact that this brewery is not too far from these  Littleton homes for sale is just one more thing that makes it great. 
   
   
2. Iron Furnace Brewing - 115 Main St., Franconia, NH 03580
   The taproom at Iron Furnace Brewing sits alongside the Gale River and offers an easy-going vibe. The beer selection includes IPAs, stouts, porters, lagers, and sours. They even have a rotating selection of wine. If you're hungry, the kitchen serves bar snacks, salads, paninis, and pizza. 
   
   
3. Tuckerman Brewing Company - 66 Hobbs St., Conway, NH 03818
   Grab a pint or a flight in the Tuckerman Brewing Company indoor tasting room or the outdoor beer garden. This brewery is a popular local spot with dozens of house beers, seasonal specialties, and limited releases. Unique artistic sketches of the White Mountains and surrounding area can be found on the Tuckerman Brewing beer cans. You can catch small concerts and live music in the summer, and food and light snacks are also available. 
   
   
4. Sea Dog Brewing Co. - 1976 White Mountain Hwy. #9, Conway, NH 03818
   Enjoy craft beer and creative American cuisine at this rustic brewery. Sea Dog Brewing Co. offers ales, lagers, fruit beers, seasonal beers, seltzer, and more, all served inside its farm-style brew house. It's a large space, and the atmosphere is tons of fun. Plus, this brewery is just a few miles from some spectacular Conway homes for sale. 
   
   
5. Ledge Brewing Company - 15 Town Hall Rd., Intervale, NH 03845
   Located at the base of the Presidential Range in Mount Washington Valley, Ledge Brewing Company produces beers that pair well with outdoor adventure. The bar offers a nice selection with dozens of beers and 10 rotating taps. While the brewery doesn't have a kitchen, they do host food trucks on Friday and Saturday evenings during warmer weather. 

Come on out and enjoy some of New England's best craft beer. Contact us today for more local business recommendations.  

Autumn is here, and the leaves are changing. It's an impressive sight anywhere, but in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, it's something people come to see from miles around. And if you're looking at Holderness homes for sale, then you're in a position to experience the spectacle personally. Here are five ways to see the changing leaves of the White Mountains.

• Conway Scenic Railroad - 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH 03860
  If you're looking for a relaxing journey through the foliage, Conway Scenic Railroad is the choice for you. Located near North Conway homes for sale, several different excursions are available. For fall foliage, your best option is the Rail Fan's Photo Excursion, a one-day trip in October that provides passengers with multiple opportunities to stop along the way and get pictures of the beautiful scenery.
  
  
• Bretton Woods Canopy Tour - 99 Ski Area Rd., Bretton Woods, NH 03575
  There's no way to get closer to the foliage than this - zip lining down Mount Washington, with trees all around you. Located near Bretton homes for sale, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour is a three-hour experience that takes you through 16 platforms in the trees. Descend 1,000 feet using nine zip lines, two sky bridges, and three rappels. The tour is open year-round, but the best views are in the fall, as the leaves are turning. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
  
  
• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway - 260 Tramway Dr., Franconia, NH 03580
  If zip lines are a little out of your comfort zone but soaring above the leaves still sounds fun, then Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway might be more your speed. Located near Franconia homes for sale, it takes you in a cable car to the top of Cannon Mountain—the highest lift-accessed point in New Hampshire. The views on the journey are beautiful, and the view from the summit is even more so—especially on the 360-degree observation deck. Once you reach the top, there are hiking paths, a cafe, and more. The tramway opens in late May and runs through mid-October, so there's plenty of opportunity in the fall months to see the changing leaves.
  
  
• North Country Kayak - Dodge Hill Launch, Old Waterford Rd., Littleton, NH 03561
  If traveling by air isn't your thing, try a trip across the water. North Country Kayak is a calm journey down the river through the beautiful, changing leaves. Located near Littleton homes for sale, this is a good option for getting away from the tourists and enjoying the scenery in a more private setting. You can book a private or guided tour or simply rent a kayak and strike out on your own through Moore Reservoir.
  
  
• DirtVentures ATV Rentals - 514 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03251
  If you're really adventurous, try renting an ATV and getting down and dirty driving through the White Mountains. Located near Lincoln homes for sale, DirtVentures rents off-road, all-terrain vehicles for a thrilling view of the foliage you won't soon forget. You can strike out on your own, but it's better to take a guided tour from their knowledgeable staff who know the area and can show you all the best views. And if you've never driven an ATV before, they're happy to teach you! This is an experience not to be missed.

The changing leaves are just the beginning of what Central New Hampshire has to offer. To learn more, or if you're ready to make New Hampshire your new home, contact us. Find your dream home with the help of our real estate agents.

New Hampshire is home to more than 100 waterfalls, enough to keep even the most avid nature lover busy for many years. Our real estate agents are excited to share some of their favorite waterfall hikes in the White Mountains!

Many of New Hampshire's most beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible, mere footsteps away from the highway. Others require some serious trekking. You'll find examples of both on this list, but rest assured that all the waterfalls listed below are accessible to most hikers. 

• Rainbow Falls - 47 Cummings Hill Rd., Plymouth, NH 03264
  Rainbow Falls is the centerpiece of Walter-Newton Natural Area, a picturesque nature preserve in Plymouth. A charming multi-tiered cascade on Glove Hollow Brook, Rainbow Falls has a 25-foot total drop surrounded by serene woodlands. Rainbow Falls is easy to reach via a 1.2-mile out-and-back hike from the trailhead on Cummings Road, just a few minutes from these Plymouth homes for sale.
  
  
• Arethusa Falls - Arethusa Falls Rd., Hart's Location, NH 03812
  Bemis Brook tumbles over a rugged granite rock face to form the 140-foot Arethusa Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire. Located within Crawford Notch State Park, the falls can be reached via the Arethusa Falls Trail, which departs from a trailhead on U.S. Route 302. It's a 2.8-mile out-and-back hike over moderate terrain, a short drive from many Hart's Location homes for sale. There are also many other great hiking trails in this 5,000-plus-acre park. 
  
  
• Gem Pool - Base Station Rd., Jefferson, NH 03583
  The hike to Gem Pool via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail gives you great bang for your buck in terms of scenery. Not only do you get to see the Gem Pool itself—a cascading stream that tumbles down a craggy rock face into a crystal-clear pool—but also two additional unnamed falls on the Ammonoosuc River. The falls are accessible via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead within White Mountain National Forest. Located near these Jefferson homes for sale, this is a spectacular hike but also a bit more strenuous than the other falls on our list. The trail is a 4.4-mile out-and-back that gains about 1,600 feet in elevation.
  
  
• Georgiana Falls - 9-3 Georgiana Falls Rd., Lincoln, NH 03251
  One of New Hampshire's lesser-known waterfalls, Georgiana Falls is accessible from a barely-marked trailhead on Georgiana Falls Road, a stone's throw from these Lincoln homes for sale. This moderate waterfall hike is popular among locals and is two falls in one. Lower Georgiana Falls is easier to reach, requiring just a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike. But Upper Georgiana Falls (also known as Harvard Falls) is the more impressive of the two and adds just one extra mile to the trek. 
  
  
• Glen Ellis Falls - White Mountain Road, Jackson, NH 03846
  Located within the Glen Ellis Scenic Area in White Mountain National Forest, Glen Ellis is the easiest to reach of all the waterfalls on our list. The pathway to this beautiful 70-foot cascade is just 600 feet from the roadside and just minutes from many Jackson homes for sale. Of course, you have options if you're interested in a longer hike. The trailhead to Glen Ellis Falls also serves as an entrance point to the Appalachian Trail, extending all the way from Georgia to Maine!

Contact us today to learn more about life in New Hampshire, and be sure to ask our real estate agents how we can help you find your dream home in the White Mountains!

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. 

Well this past summer I have spent a considerable amount of time venturing out throughout the North Country of New Hampshire on all our lovely country roads. One of my favorite rides is on Route 117, the road connects Franconia NH to Lisbon NH and goes right through the picturesque town of Sugar Hill NH. Driving through Sugar Hill last week, I turned onto Sunset Hill Rd., the most enchanting road in Sugar Hill and was captivated by the views of the Franconia Notch and the Presidential Mountain Range. At the end of Sunset, past the Sunset Hill Golf Course (a great 9 hole fun course if you ever get the chance go play there), sited on a knoll is this charming Cape Cod style home, which looks directly over Franconia Notch to the south and the Presidential Mountains to the east. I had a chance to finally go into this home, and this particular site was once the home of the prestigious Overlook Hotel, long past from the gilded age of affluence, however, the opulent view remains… The home was completely updated in 1998 with a new state of the art kitchen with custom hand made cherry cabintry, cherry floors, new bathrooms and a new rear deck to capture the westerly views of the Green Mountains of Vermont. This home boasts three bedrooms, two baths, and two fireplaces with beamed ceilings in the intimate living room, the master suite looks over Cannon Mountain. This home is a real treat to enjoy here in the White Mountains of NH. It has a park like setting with lush perennial beds. Everything about the home is stunning. If you ever get a chance to see Sugar Hill, make sure you check out some of the other local attractions also like the Sunset Hill House The Sugar Hill Sampler, Polly's Pancake Parlor and of course, Harman's Cheese & Country Store. Sugar Hill is a great place to call home, and it's a great vacation destination! In June, Sugar Hill and some of the surrounding towns host a "Field Of Lupine" festival. More on that next spring!