Monthly Archive for June, 2010

Planning to Sell your Home? Should you Remodel or not?

Not all remodeling projects deliver the same bang for the buck when it comes to resale.  If you are planning to sell soon and think that renovations will increase the value of your home, then some research might be in order.  Studies suggest that most renovation projects do increase the price of a house; however, the increase is typically less than the cost of the project.  Generally, a homeowner will experience a return of 75% to 80% on the dollar at resale.  Some of the more cost effective improvements are major kitchen upgrades, bathroom remodeling, and anything that adds square footage.  Keep in mind that the cost recouped will also be affected by the quality of finish and even the type of neighborhood and local conditions.

Probably the biggest advantage that remodeling has is the fact that it increases the appeal of your home to buyers.  A gleaming state of the art kitchen with granite countertops and bathrooms with tile and glass can sell a house more quickly than a home with an outdated kitchen and harvest gold appliances.   Particularly in this market, that is the goal, to make your home stand out from the competition.

More pertinent information can be found at:

Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Annual Report 2009-10

Donna Forest

Must Have Privacy and Room to Move?

This is the home for you!  Quaint gambrel in idyllic, private setting on 57+ acres with your own pond.  3 bedrooms plus guest/in-law quarters.  Screen porch overlooking the meadow.  Wildlife abounds!  Visit www.139WebsterPass.com for photos and details.

Chris McKee, Listing Agent

What Affects the Market Value of Your Property?

Contrary to popular belief, the following factors have no effect on the current value of your property:  what you paid for your house; what cash proceeds you want (or need) from the sale; what your friends and neighbors say your property is worth.

Your property’s value is determined by several separate factors, including the following, over which you have no control:  the physical qualities of your property (location, age, size of house and lot, floor plan and style); market conditions (interest rates and availability of financing, buyer demand, prices of recently sold properties, the state of the economy and seasonal demand); and the competition (the number of similar properties for sale, their prices, financing terms, location and physical condition).

Your house has many values—

One to the tax assessor, others to your lender and insurance company, and yet another value to you, the owner.  Prospective buyers will also value it differently. It is what a buyer will pay, based on current conditions, which ultimately determines “market value”.

A professional Competitive Market Analysis is the best tool to determine the current market value of your property.  It will focus on similar houses that have recently sold and those now on the market, the competition.  It will also consider those which did not sell and came off the market.

Buyers do comparison shopping.  The best price obtainable for your house will be determined by the market.  Houses that do not meet the current competition in price and terms simply do not sell.  In fact, they may even help sell the competition!

The price at which your house is marketed must attract enough attention among buyers and buyers’ brokers to generate showings and offers.

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For more information email:  info@cbmilestone.com

603-526-4116

Have you seen this great two bedroom New Englander?

Like being in town, close to shopping?  You’ll love this attractive New Englander on Green Road in Newport, NH.  Fenced yard, nice lawn and garden, 2 bedrooms, full bath, garage.  Seller is participating in the Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Program until 7/31/10 and is offering a 3% buyer credit at closing up to a maximum of $8,000.  Call Jane Snow, Listing Agent, to schedule a showing 603-526-4116 or email jane@cbmilestone.com.  Listed at $118,085.

Are you a First-Time Buyer Looking for Real Estate in the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region of NH?

Here’s some good advice to help you avoid 5 costly mistakes first-time buyers make.

Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. Here are five common and costly mistakes that novice home buyers make:

1. Ignoring the costs of having a low credit score. Lower-score borrowers pay thousands of dollars in increased interest rates over the life of the loan.

2. Muddying the waters by shopping for other things before closing. Lenders continue to check credit scores right up until the time of closing. Too much shopping could cause the lender to take back the loan.

3. Scrimping on an inspection. Being surprised by the need for expensive repairs can be financially devastating.

4. Buying without contingencies. Buyers should give themselves an out if the inspection turns up problems or the bank raises the interest rates.

5. No money for insurance. Insurance can be surprisingly pricey. Buyers who don’t budget for it can face a nasty surprise.

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (04/19/2010)

Sunapee, NH – New House Listing

Comfortable home with many recent upgrades.  Close to Lake Sunapee Harbor.  For more details and photos, visit www.364LakeAve.com

Chris McKee, Listing Agent