Archive for the 'Vacation Homes' Category

Personal Questions and Answers from Ryan the Realtor

 I am not talking about your bootie, but rather examining the quality of one’s life by the junk in the back of your vehicle that allows you to get outside and do your groove thing. While Ryan the Realtor at 35 years of age still asks big questions of himself, “What is the meaning of life grasshopper? Am I living to my full potential? Am I the type of man my children can admire?”

When dark days of contemplation fall I am reminded of the junk in my trunk, literally. Let me paint a scenario from Thursday of this week about the Man-Van and amazing life in Mt. Washington Valley:

The dog and I stretched our legs at early sun-up, my wife and beautiful babes slumber in the midst of morning dreams. I survey the skies of questionable weather after rain drummed the tin roof all night and filled the rusty wheelbarrow in the yard. My animal responses awake.

“If the rain cometh in dark skies after my day in the office, and my son’s Little League game is postponed relieving me of coaching duties, I will have a window of time to dance upon the rising and angry waters in my kayak, king of the waves who will surf to freedom until the sun shall bow for the evening. I must act now, for he who hesitates is lost. To the Man-Van I say!”

(My Trunk: Maya’s kite, football aka pigskin, Eli’s baseball bat, bag of gloves and batting practice balls, paddling bag with cold water gear, helmet, PFD, bag of running gear to get in my Dean Karnazes two miles per day).

While the rain did not cancel my son’s baseball game, I was prepared and will remain forever vigilant to leap at waves, climb tall mountains, drop a line for the Lake Trout of the season — breathe deeply and selfishly at my treasured surroundings.  In Mt. Washington Valley adventure awaits and can provide the penitent with all the riches one can dream.

Call Ryan today for real estate or outdoor guidance (207) 462-3874.

Specializing in lakeside and mountainside homes for sale not only as a career but also a lifestyle. A former raft guide and mountain climber, Mt. Washington Valley has provided a brilliant setting to work, play, and raise a family since 2000. This New Hampshire land provides quiet pockets of wilderness while Conway, North Conway, Bartlett, and Jackson real estate provide comfort as well as convenience. Healthy retirement in New Hampshire is too important for casual approaches — contact  Ryan@JtRealty.com

North Conway has done it again, it was just named one of National Geographic’s World’s 25 Best Ski Towns! First Trip Advisor, now National Geographic! Check out what they had to say about our awesome town here.

With all of this press, ski homes are sure to be in high demand in the coming weeks! Contact us today for help in finding yours while you still can!

Not long ago some friends asked me whether owning my lakefront home was worth the extra cost given the amount of time spent vacationing at the property.  My response was yes, because it costs a lot less than you might think.  As my friend pointed out it is precisely the fact that we are not always there that makes the difference.

You see, lakefront property or ski homes can have a higher initial price tag, costing up to double or more than a principal residence but you may reside there for only a few weeks per year.  The trick is to look at the property as an investment property and rent.  Of course this scares some people, who have no desire to be landlords.  Often, however, that doesn’t need to happen.  Many vacation home properties have onsite rental programs, for example properties associated with Attitash Mountain Village can be included in the rental program there.  If your vacation property isn’t part of an association with a rental program prime vacation regions like the Mount Washington Valley have plenty of property management companies that can take care of business for you.  Of course we would be more than happy to help you put together a plan that will change the bottom line and bring that vacation home well into your budget.

JtRealty specializes in vacation properties at Attitash Mountain, Mount Cranmore, Conway Lake and Hale’s Location Country Club.  Let us know if we can help you.

-Rick

I recently showed you an article from Trip Advisor stating that New England is the most pocket friendly ski region in the North East. This week I decided to dig a little deeper. Jackson Hole, Wyoming has a similar atmosphere and charm to the Mount Washington Valley. Both popular ski destinations at affordable prices, they draw tourists looking for a less expensive place to go and ski. Even though both are more affordable than the big name Vail, Aspen or Park City, our beloved Mount Washington Valley stills beats out Jackson Hole when it comes to affordability. Check out this comparison of two luxury trailside homes:

3850 West Morley Drive, located in Teton Village, sits at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It was built in 1992, and has tons of beautiful features such as a gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, a jetted tub and a large stone fireplace. It has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and is 4,076 square feet. It has an attached 2 car garage and is ski-in, ski-out.

17 Bearfoot Creek, located in the new luxury Bearfoot Creek development, sits on Attitash Mountain Resort, directly next to the Abenaki chair lift. It was built in 2008, and boasts amazing features such as a large open chef’s kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, cathedral ceilings, jetted tubs and 3 fireplaces, two of which are 2 stories tall. It also has four bedrooms and five bathrooms, and is 4,553 square feet. It also has an attached 2 car garage and is ski-in, ski-out.

Relatively similar, right? Here’s the kicker. The Jackson Hole location is priced at $2,799,000, which comes out to $687 per square foot. 17 Bearfoot Creek is listed at almost half that price, $1,495,000, which is $328 per square foot. So at Bearfoot Creek, you would be spending 53% of the cost of the Jackson Hole home, and getting a home that is 16 years newer and 477 square feet larger. And this is comparing Bearfoot Creek to one of the less expensive popular ski areas in the US! The choice is clear. When you want the craftsmanship and luxury of a designer ski home at a price that beats the competition by a long shot, you want Bearfoot Creek. Can’t afford the price but can’t imagine your life without a Bearfoot Creek trailside home? Builder packages start at $795,000 including homesite! Call or email Joy today to find out more about this fantastic community.

Gorgeous.

It is officially ski season here in the Mount Washington Valley. Several mountains have already opened and more are opening soon. You can check out the snow report for Attitash Mountain here,  and see if the conditions are to your liking, and then head on out to the slopes!

Before starting here at JtRealty, I knew that our area was a big tourist draw, but I was unaware of all the options for vacation homes for skiers and snowboarders. Since starting, I have learned about dozens of second home options, some of them even trailside! I can’t imagine anything better than being able to ski or snowboard directly from your vacation home. Just ask Joy! No lines, no parking, just bliss. Exploring all of the different options available to those looking for a more permanent Attitash area second home has been really cool. From affordable Grand Summit Hotel or Seasons at Attitash, to more luxurious trailside options such as Bearfoot Creek or Mountainside on Attitash, there truly is something for everyone.

If you can’t get enough of the atmosphere brewing up here in the valley, contact us to schedule some time to view some of our amazing Attitash Mountain vacation home options.

Have a great season!

-Emily

Feels a little bit like fall here in North Conway today. We have been so lucky the past couple of weeks (minus the freak late October snow storm) and had some gorgeous weather. With Thanksgiving creeping up on us, we realized it is almost ski season! So we wanted to highlight a couple of the more unique properties we have for sale, those at Attitash Grand Summit Hotel. At Grand Summit, the condos are sold as quartershares, which means that you own 13 weeks per year, one out of every four, along with three other owners. This makes for an amazing opportunity to own a vacation home at a very low price. When you aren’t using your condo, you can put it in the rental pool, you can exchange it for one of over 2,000 other vacation resorts in the world, or you can rent it for extra income! Right now we have three quartershares at Grand Summit, a D-Style sleep 6, a C-Style sleep 4 and an L-Loft sleep 8 lockout suite. From $11,500 to $18,900, there’s something for everyone!

Winter Wonderland

So what will your vacation look like at Attitash Grand Summit Hotel? Located slopeside at the base of Bear Peak, you will have direct access to the ski trails. If you don’t feel like hitting the slopes, you can workout in the fitness center, relax in the sauna or hot tub, swim in the year round heated pool, or grab a bite to eat at the delicious on-site restaurant, Crawford’s Pub and Grill. Or head out to one of over 100 restaurants in the Mount Washington Valley, and leave the kids at the on-site day care! When you have had all the fun you can handle for one day, you will find your cozy room waiting for you. The rooms are bright, clean, and recently updated with new paint and fixtures. Your stress free vacation starts as soon as you pull up to the hotel, taking in the amazing view of Attitash Mountain and hand the valet your keys. Call us today to learn more about what your vacation could be like at Attitash Grand Summit Hotel.

Secret private oasis at 736 Morrison Road

The view from the sandy beach at 970 Stritch Road

We will be hosting two open houses on the beautiful Conway Lake this weekend. October 1st from 12-3 you can come and see us at 736 Morrison Road and 970 Stritch Road! To get to the 3BR, 3 Ba, 2-c garage house at 970 Stritch Road: Take Route 113/302 from Conway or Fryeburg, and turn south onto Stritch Rd at the JtRealty sign. After a mile, bear right at the fork and drive a mile to the end. Driveway is on the right. The home is a very well-built year-round home perched on 5 private acres. Hot tub, 2-car garage, views & large deck. 436’ lakefront with a sandy beach & dock. $759,000

To get to the 3 BR, 1 Ba, 2-c garage home at 736 Morrison Road: Take Route 113/302 from Conway or Fryeburg, & turn south onto Morrison Rd by the little brown house & JtRealty sign. Drive to end. Driveway on left. This is an adorable cottage on 2.2 acres, lots of storage & expansion potential, southern exposure, long lake views, amazing corner granite fireplace, 310’ lakefront. $550,000.

Come visit us at one house or even both! We would love to see you there and tell you more about living the dream on Conway Lake.

Conway Lake Foliage

Jaxson’s first day of preschool

The mornings are getting a little crisper up here in the mountains, and my husband took the air conditioners out of the windows this weekend. Traffic is getting easier to tolerate, advertisements for county fairs are flooding the radio, and I think I caught a little bit of red and orange peeking out of some green leaves looking out over the vista yesterday afternoon. Fall is upon us, and it isn’t looking like it is going to be a slow transition between seasons.

While the fall is arguably the most beautiful season, and certainly a personal favorite of mine, rather than sit back and enjoy the apple cider I always find myself getting excited for the holidays. My son, Jaxson, started preschool this week, and will be enjoying his first winter break come December. It is so great to live in this area, where no driving is necessary to enjoy the winter favorites that tourists come from miles to take advantage of. And it is especially nice not to have to pay for a vacation rental! I have met several tourists over the years, and am always amazed at the people that continue to visit the valley year after year. I can’t even tell you how many people I have heard say “I’ve been coming here in the winter since I was a kid!” And yet these people continue to stay in hotels, or other rentals in the area, at inflated “in season” costs. When you are referring to a place with 4 equally fun and beautiful seasons, it isn’t often you will run into “off season” prices. The solution? A vacation home! I know what you are thinking, that you can’t afford a second mortgage, but you would be surprised at some of the options that are available to you. It isn’t every day that you can go on vacation, especially if you have children and a full time job. Don’t waste time and energy worrying about the quality of your rental, check in, check out, and crossing your fingers that the pictures you saw online weren’t taken five years and thirty keg parties ago.

Let us help to take the stress out of your vacation, and find you your home away from home, no matter what your price range is.

Emily

A Mahan Look Back to Summer

I stared at my calendar hoping there was some mistake. I triple-checked my computer for accuracy and yes, I was either going to see Taj Mahal a mere twenty minute drive from my home or watch my buddy Jeff Locke pitch in his AA East Coast debut in Portland, Maine.

“Wait a minute,” I told the kids, “I’m not sure if we’re going to the game. I have to figure something out,” and this information only sent my kids sulking into chairs looking on with puppy eyes. I thumped my hand on the kitchen table and began pacing, picking my fingernails, and looking for some spiritual guidance in order to make this decision. In my gut I wanted the game, but…..

The whole town of Conway will be there for this sold out game. Jeff will have support. My kids rarely hear no and they’ll survive. After all, this concert was a commitment made months ago so Nicole and I can get away. This is important and I have to place my marriage above a baseball game.

Jeff Locke walked to the mound under a thunderous roar and his laser sharp focus was immediately evident. I saw no sign of pressure but I was nervous. The first pitch low and fast at 93 mph comforted my greatly; Jeff was going to have a good night. And while his training has put on a few pounds of muscle, he was still the same lanky kid sneaking honey-buns into my first period class, the same kid with the infectious smile, and the same kid still filled with genuine wonder for the game of baseball.

The score was zero to zero when Jeff retired from the mound in the 8^th inning. He only allowed three hits with an economical 79 pitches and flustered hitters all night with his off speed pitching followed by a dominant fast ball. Beyond the stats there was poise, control, and an ability to support his teammates both in the field and in the dugout.

As a result, The Altoona Curve beat the Portland Sea Dogs 1-0. I wouldn’t have traded this night for the world (sorry Taj Mahal) to be alongside me entire community to watch our kid throw his stuff.

After the game my daughter drooped on my shoulders, the boys still buzzed from sugar, and we walked alongside a youngster holding a poster that read, “We Love the Sea Dogs but Jeff Locke is in our heart.”

That about sums it up.

NEW LISTING: Conway home with huge yard for current or old school athletes; biking distance to grammar school and Conway Lake.

Pick up your skis, and walk to the trail

By Suzie Laskin

Mount Cranmore, now under new ownership, has major plans to infuse the North Conway, NH resort with millions of dollars of improvements, ensuring the resort will undergo a facelift in time for winter operations in November, 2010.  Among those improvements is the installation of a fixed-grip quad chairlift to replace the South Double. The new lift, a Doppelmayr eco-Drive fixed grip quad, will double the capacity of the current South Slope lift.  The existing South Double chair will be relocated to a new location near the Beginner Basin area (near the former North Chair line).  It recycles most of the parts of the South chair but will feature new lift towers and is 1,050 ft. long. It will run about half way up the Lift Line slope. Cranmore is changing some of the trail layouts in that area of the mountain to accommodate the new lift and to provide additional beginner terrain including lower Lift Line, Quad Chute and Summit Alley. Also in the works is the relocation and enlargement of Cranmore’s tubing park.  Other on-mountain improvements include a significant investment in snowmaking equipment including the installation of 70 new energy-efficient tower guns.  Cranmore also has plans for its base facilities. The current Arlberg Lodge is being converted into a state-of-the-art Children’s Center. Its facilities will be reserved for kids enrolled in Cranmore’s Penguin and Adventure Camps, and home to the Cranmore Play Room for Young Children. Families will enjoy unparalleled convenience as the Center will have its own ticketing and reservation center, rental services and lesson drop off areas.  Cranmore’s former “North Chair” building, now the Cranmore Training Center, will see renovations for Cranmore’s race program participants. The main base lodge is undergoing changes as the current space for its children’s programs is moving over to the new Center, freeing up facilities for additional seating, and food and beverage options for guests. Guests entering the building will now be greeted by a Guest Services desk and basket check area.

The Cranmore Fitness Center will be modified to accommodate a food and beverage venue, ticketing for the Mountain Coaster and Tubing Park, plus a new façade, roof repairs and other renovations. The Fitness Center will continue with a full array of cardio and weight equipment, group fitness classes, personal training and more. The Fitness Center just invested thousands of dollars in new cardio equipment.

Cranmore Mountain is located in the heart of North Conway Village, New Hampshire and can be contacted at 1-800-SUN-N-SKI and online at http://www.cranmore.com/