Whether you are buying or selling a house today, green can make a difference.  And by green I don’t mean money, or do I?  Greening up your home can add value to your house, not to mention your overall life, the lives of those around you and the lives of future generations.  So yes, there are a variety of reasons to go green. Some have to do with  supply and demand,  limited amount of resources available and more and more people using them up. But some also have to do with the value of your home.   If we want our future generations to enjoy the same standard of living we do, we need to take action now! Today let’s look at some simple things you can do, that cost $0 to begin greening your home and life.  While these may not make an immediate impact on your actual home by changing your habits you will more easily see other opportunities.

You can make the world a better place one step at a time, just start walking!

7 Ways to Green the Not –So-New House with low or no upfront cost with modest benefits

1. Lint Hint – Saving energy doesn’t get any easier than this: Lower your energy bill by cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap before every load to improve air circulation, therefore cutting down on energy-wasting drying time. As an added bonus, you reduce the fire risk with a clean dryer vent.  Another step to do occasionally is to clean out the length of vent pipe.  Lint filters catch a lot but not everything.  For very little money you can buy a special brush that will make the job quick and easy, saving you money and giving you piece of mind.
2. Good day sunshine – On cold sunny days, open window coverings to let the sun warm your home. On hot days, close window coverings on the south and west sides to keep your home cooler. If you are looking for a little more improvement you can try using insulating window coverings.  These provide better thermal protection than standard curtains or blinds. Be sure to pull these at night in the winter to prevent radiant heat loss.
3. Washing day – Save $30 to $40 per year in water heating cost by washing and rinsing in cold. You can save more than 3,400 gallons of water per year , according to Energy Star, by washing full loads instead of partial loads. And the full load partial load savings can go even farther if you apply the rule to the dishwasher.  Not only will you save on the water and heating costs but by running less water through a septic system you can get better performance, reducing costly maintenance.
4. Rock-a-bye computer – Enabling your computer and monitor’s power management features so they go into sleep mode when idle can save from $25 to $75 each year in energy costs, according to Energy Star. Also, turn off computers and peripherals at night.
5. Think globally, buy locally – Choosing a product that’s harvested or made locally reduces transportation energy use and helps sustain your community’s economy. Here in the Mount Washington Valley there are many opportunities to buy local.  Keep your eyes out for farmers markets and locally made products.
6. Nix the night lights – Install motion sensors, photocell controls or timers so outdoor lights are only on when needed. Reduce light pollution and keep the night sky darker by using light fixtures that direct light downward instead of toward the sky.
7. Fridge shui – Refrigerators blasted by the sun’s rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close the window coverings to keep the sun off.

- U.S. Green Building Council_

For more information about Going Green contact Brenda today

VROOM… VROOM… VROOM… the sound of the bikes whizzing past our office day. Yep, its bike week in the Mount Washington Valley.  “Rally in the Valley” week is coming to a close, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy riding your motorcycle through the White Mountains all summer long. With all of our scenic roads, gorgeous vistas, and plenty of restaurants and shopping,  North Conway NH is the perfect bike weekend getaway town. The Kancamangus Highway, that stretches from Conway NH to Lincoln NH with amazing views and scenery the whole way, is a world famous ride that everyone needs to experience. Once you come visit the Mount Washington Valley, you’ll be hooked, we promise.

Just for all of you bikers out there, I have picked out a handful of homes currently for sale with lots of garage space perfect for keeping your motorcycle safe from the elements and a little added work-space in case you need to do a quick tune-up.  Check them out by clicking here, then give us a call at 603-356-7200 or email info@JTRealty.com to set up an appointment for the next time you are here.

Ride safe and enjoy!

RISMEDIA-You’d love to buy a vacation home, but (let’s be honest) the recession and the not-so-dim memory of the housing bubble have you a bit skittish. If only you could see what the future holds. But since a reliable crystal ball has yet to be invented, you must resort to less mystical indicators.

According to Christine Karpinski, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2009 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey suggests that the iron is sizzling hot-and if you’re going to strike, the time is now.

“A few years ago when prices were escalating rapidly, people were kicking themselves for not having bought earlier when real estate was far more reasonable,” notes Karpinski, director of Owner Community for HomeAway.com and author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment. “Well, in 2012 or so, people will look back on 2009 as another missed opportunity.”

While all home sales were down significantly in 2008 (as one would expect)-and vacation property sales were down some 30%-so were real estate prices. That, of course, makes for an extremely favorable buyer’s market. It’s not surprising at all, therefore, that the NAR report found that 80% of vacation property and investment property owners surveyed believe that now is a great time to purchase real estate.

These sentiments echo those of Walter Molony, spokesman for NAR, who said in a recent CNBC article that the second home market is “fundamentally healthy.”

Karpinski says the NAR 2009 survey results, in conjunction with a proprietary Special Report done for HomeAway, constitute clear evidence that now is an ideal time to buy a vacation home.

She offers the following insights:

- Home prices are way, way down. The National Association of Realtors survey showed that the median sales price of the typical vacation home was $150,000-down 23.1% from 2007′s median price of $195,000. (To put this in perspective, consider that when NAR started conducting this survey, the median vacation home price in 2003 was $190,000 and reached a high in 2004 of $204,100.) When combined with the rock bottom interest rates, says Karpinski, all signs point to the likelihood that we’re now at the picture perfect time to buy.

“Anecdotally, I can tell you that people who would never have purchased a detached single home on the coast are now seriously considering it,” she notes. “Homes that would have once cost $3 million have now fallen to $1.5 million. And these buyers know that the price won’t stay down long, and will never be this low again.”

- It’s never been more obvious that real estate is a sound long-term investment. The NAR survey results revealed that the share of speculator sales is down from 29% to 16%. Combined with the fact that 34% of buyers are purchasing properties within 100 miles or less of their primary residence-which suggests they intend to use it themselves-this trend indicates that more and more people are embracing a “buy and hold” strategy. Plus, Karpinski says she constantly sees evidence that people are beginning to see the long-term benefits of real estate investing earlier in life. (The median age of vacation property buyers in 2008 was a relatively young 47.)

- The vacation home rental market is booming. While 89% of vacation property owners surveyed cited “to use for vacations or as a family retreat” as a reason for purchasing their second place answer is telling, indeed. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they were purchasing their home “to rent to others.” While this number is up from the 25% cited in last year’s survey, Karpinski predicts next year’s survey will really tell the tale. As recession-crunched homeowners pursue new income streams-and as it becomes ever more evident that the vacation rental market is booming-2009 will prove to be a huge turning point in the renting out of second homes.

- People are more in touch with “rental realities” than they once were. In the past, says Karpinski, a first-time vacation homeowner might have expected to rent out their property an unrealistic number of weeks (say, 50 weeks out of the year). But NAR’s Special Report for HomeAway shows that 44% of respondents said they plan to rent anywhere between 9-26 weeks.

- Renting by owner has become mainstream. The NAR Special Report for HomeAway reveals that 54% of respondents plan to market their homes themselves. This do-it-yourself attitude reflects not only a burgeoning confidence index among vacation property owners, but also the wealth of support resources available to those who want to rent out their homes themselves.

Everything has changed. The truth is it’s gotten so easy and so affordable that there’s no valid reason not to do it yourself.” Need one more reason to take the plunge? Consider the fact that last month Fannie Mae rescinded its four-property limit for investors. If you’re financially secure and can come up with the requisite 20% down, chances are good you’re going to easily qualify for a mortgage.

“Of course there are always risks when buying any kind of real estate,” Karpinski acknowledges. “But investors who are comfortable with risk have to realize that conditions are ripe right now for a ‘perfect storm’ of success. Even if housing prices do go lower, interest rates surely will not. And once the turnaround comes, selection won’t be nearly as good as it is right now.

“Naturally, you should be cautious and do your homework before you buy any property-but don’t be so cautious that you miss this window of opportunity,” Karpinski adds. “These windows do have a way of slamming shut, and you don’t want to be stuck on the other side wistfully looking in a few years down the road.”

Christine Karpinski is the author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment andProfit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment.

Reprinted from RISMedia Real Estate News Service April 2009 with permission of RISMedia, Inc. www.rismedia.com, Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

By Joy Tarbell

In this market, selling a house can be more challenging than ever. As a real estate professional, I have used many ideas to help clients make their property look its most attractive to potential buyers. As a REALTOR for three decades, I have suggestions and tips to maximize your potential in selling your home.

Every house and every property is different, and I recognize that a “walk through” can inspire specific ideas for each property. But here are some universal suggestions that will make any house look more appealing for sale.

1. Clean everything. Eliminate damaged and soiled items, get rid of half of the furniture and rearrange the other half, and remove any personal items. It is important to give the buyers the ability to see themselves in the property.
2. Accent lighting. This can help make the home more attractive and accentuate the positives by highlighting the homes attributes and diminish the negatives of any setting. The key is to realize that you are playing with contrasts.
   • A light along fabulous furnishings, an architectural element, or detail will show that element off.
     A light behind an object will frame the object in darkness and bathe what is behind it in a wash of light.
   • Use highlight and contrast to make a room feel longer, higher, or warmer.
   • Keep the elements that you do not want seen in darker settings, and the ones you want highlighted in light.
     Set the mood with accent lighting and candles to provide warmth and drama that will set your property apart from all others.
     Accent lighting is the easiest and most effective enhancement.

Some other home lighting tips:

3. Paint. This is perhaps the most common enhancement that is done to a property. Because a buyer might have their own ideas about colors, I usually do not recommend a full paint job unless the property needs it. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is only required in a few areas to refresh a house. I have found that the front door is a good place for new paint, as it is the first part of the house to be touched by a potential buyer.
4. Don’t go overboard with fancy flooring. There was a time that new berber carpeting and travertine meant that the FOR SALE sign would be installed the next week. None of the buyers that I shopped with planned to keep any of those inexpensive additions. People were buying houses, not because of the new carpet and new stone, but because the market was hot. Many of my clients would have preferred to restore older tile work, choose the color and quality of carpets, and completely renovate the kitchen. None of them liked having to pay for improvements that would be replaced. The floors and surfaces should be clean and attractive, but unless there is damage, I suggest lovely area rugs that your client can take with them.
5. Replace the hardware in the kitchen and baths. It’s a fairly inexpensive way to refresh your property. If the cabinets are in decent shape, new knobs can update a room easily. These are little details that can make a huge impact on a potential buyer. If the front door knob is in disrepair, it will be hard to get a buyer’s confidence back.
6. Spruce up the exterior. Follow the same advice as the interior and apply it to the exterior. Make sure that everything is clean and edit the furnishings. New cushions for the outdoor furniture can immediately make the yard look more comfortable. You might need to replace the light fixtures, since the elements are usually not very kind to exterior accessories. Consider a few nice plants in lovely pots and a brass wind chime to heighten the outside living experience.

I hope that these suggestions will help you provide inexpensive and effective ways to help you present your property in the best way.

If you are like many people that live in the Mount Washington Valley, you love Victorian era homes. There is something wonderful about walking into home built in the late 1800′s with gorgeous would trim, built in pantry’s fronted with bubbly panes of old lead glass, and lots of history. There are so many incredible architectural details that were put into homes long ago, and it is wonderful when you find one that has kept its charm for over a 100 years.

This Victorian home in Bartlett NH will instantly win your over when you step through the front door and are greeted by its lovely staircase, gorgeous deeply colored wood trim and wainscoting, original pantry, hardwood floors and tons of Victorian charm. The kitchen has been completely remodeled to match the original pantry and has an awesome breakfast counter with a bay window looking out back to the perennial gardens. It is set in a delightful neighborhood with a back yard that abuts the Bartlett Elementary school soccer fields, with summer gardens and a miniature rock waterfall, and a lovely gazebo out back for relaxing, reading and catching up with friends.

Then there is the 27×27 attic just begging for you to make it part of your home. It already has an awesome deck with views to Crawford Notch, and would make a perfect family room, play room, or a little caretaker’s apartment.

This is a home that has been truly loved by its current owner, and many more from the past, and I am sure that the next person to live here will enjoy its charms just as much! Click here for the details on this property. Or give Joy Tarbell a call at 603-356-7200 ext 11 to make an appointment for a private viewing.

Buyers love a home with mountain views. Here in the Mt. Washington Valley, you’ll find all types of views and some with huge Mt. Washington views. Here’s a look from your own cozy sofa, or office if that’s where you’re at when you’re online, and you’ll see how some of the views that people have that live here in ski country!

Check out this home in beautiful Jackson, NH Perched high atop Tyrol in Jackson NH this exquisite home will make you fall in love with the Mt Washington Valley again and again. Just imagine sitting on the deck on a warm summer evening looking out to Attitash Mountain, across the horizon to Mt Washington, then Jefferson and Madison. Every room and every window in this home highlight the majesty of these wonderful mountains.

Here’s an affordable condo with amazing views from all 3 floors and comes furnished with a garage. Centrally located right in North Conway, just a few minutes from Attitash!  This fabulous three level condo will WOW you with its wall of windows on every floor, the oversized master bedroom, and the incredible privacy when you are inside. Tucked away off the West Side Rd, yet close to North Conway Village, makes the location ideal.  This one has it all!

Opportunity Knocks!

 Gorgeous piece of property at the top of Hales Location Country Club with panoramic views of the Mt. Washington Valley. You will be surrounded by the mountains, other beautiful homes, and the added benefits of 5 acre zoning in Boulder Ridge. Tee up daily for free since deeded golf for 4 is included!

 For more info, contact Rona Ahearn at 603-356-7200 x 16.

How quickly time flies! You hear it all the time, but let’s look at the changes.

Jay Leno has spent 17 years at the Tonight Show, now changing to an earlier time.

After a drought in world series for 86 years, our Boston Red Sox have now won 2!

The shopping district in North Conway now has a Home Depot, Lowes and Starbucks on the main strip.

And, my cat, Rosita, turned 18 and passed away.

Where did the time go?

The good thing about a pet living a long life is that they have the best home available to them,  and good genes! Now, it’s time for us to get another cat.

We have a wonderful shelter in the area. The Conway Animal Humane Society is a no kill pet shelter, and I’m planning on getting another cat to keep us company. Bob and I really appreciate the love and attention you get from a pet, and let’s face it, pets need good homes.

We have numerous fund raisers for the CAHS throughout the year, one that I always participate in is the Bark in the Park fundraiser.

People and their dogs get together the 2^nd Saturday of every September for a great day of fun with your pets! We do a short loop at Whitaker Woods in North Conway and back to Schuler Park for treats, games, and food for you and your dog.

JtRealty Lakefront to Mountainside “Power Paws” team is always among the top leaders in fundraising for this event, and I’m happy to be a part of it. If you would like to participate this year, or make a donation to help the Conway Area Humane Society just send me an email.

Tune in next time for cute pics and commentary on my new cat. We haven’t found her yet, but I can’t wait to go the CAHS and find her!

Rona Ahearn

by Suzie Laskin

Mount Washington Valley is an excellent choice for retirement. For active seniors, the area holds an abundance of activities.  One of the many great resource for seniors is The Gibson Center for Senior Services , which offers a multitude of services, including programs, classes, trips, meals, movies, fitness and so much more.

If you’re considering Mt. Washington Valley as a retirement destination, there has been a new change in the law that now permits you to use a Reverse Mortgage to purchase property.

Q. What is a Purchase Reverse Mortgage?

A: A Purchase Reverse Mortgage allows Seniors, age 62 and older, to purchase a new principal residence using loan proceeds from the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage)

Q. What is the purpose of the program?

A. The Purchase Reverse Mortgage program was designed to allow seniors to purchase a new principal residence and obtain a reverse mortgage within a single transaction by eliminating the need for a second closing. The program was also designed to enable senior homeowners to relocate to other geographical areas to be closer to family members or downsize to homes that meet their physical needs, i.e., handrails, one level properties, ramps, wider doorways, etc.

Q. Is Counseling Required?

A. Yes. Borrowers must participate in a counseling session so that they understand the reverse mortgage and what it encompasses.

Q.  What property types are eligible?

A. Existing one-to-four unit properties where construction has been completed and the property is habitable.

Q. Can a Purchase Reverse Mortgage be used to satisfy outstanding payment obligations associated with a land contract?

A. Yes, if the property will be used as collateral for the HECM and the mortgage will be held in fee simple, or on a leasehold under a lease for not less than 99 years which is renewable, or under a lease having the remaining period of not less than 50 years beyond the date of the 100^th birthday of the youngest mortgagor.

Q. Can a lender take application on a property that is under construction and not habitable?

A. No. The lender may only take application once the Certificate of Occupancy or its equivalent has been issued.

Q. What property types are ineligible?

• Cooperative units
• Newly constructed residence where a Certificate of Occupancy or its equivalent has not been issued by the appropriate local authority;
• Boarding houses
• Bed and breakfast establishments
• Existing manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976; and
• Existing manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976 that fail to conform to the Manufactured Home Construction Safety Standards, as evidenced by affixed certification labels (e.g., data plate and HUD certification label) and/or lack a permanent foundation as required in HUD’s Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing Guide.

Q.  Are set asides for property charges (i.e., tax and insurance) allowed?

A. Yes

Q. Are gifts an acceptable source of Down Payment?

A. No. Prospective mortgagors may only use their own money or money obtained from the sale of assets. FHA prohibits the use of loan discount points, interest rate buy downs, closing cost assistance, builder incentives, gifts or personal property given by the seller or any other party.

Q. What would be an “allowable FHA funding source” for gap financing of the equity portion?

A.  Withdrawal from the mortgagor’s savings or retirement account would be an acceptable funding source.

Q. Can prospective seniors apply credit card cash advances towards the required monetary investment or closing costs?

A. No. This would be a violation of 24 Code of Federal Regulations 206.32 (a), which requires all outstanding obligations connected to the HECM transaction, purchase or otherwise, to be satisfied prior to or on the date of closing.

Q. Are seller concessions allowed?

A. No. Seller concessions are applicable to forward mortgages only.

Q. Is seller financing permitted?

A. No

Q. Can prospective seniors obtain a secured or nonsecured loan from another asset (i.e., car, home equity line of credit, or investment property or second home) to satisfy the monetary investment or closing costs?

A. No. Consistent with existing policy, bridge loans and other interim financing methods associated with HECM transactions are prohibited, unless the unpaid or outstanding obligation can be satisfied prior to or on the day of closing

 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?

First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale-are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.

2.     What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

3.     How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

4.     Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

5.     How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous “credit” was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.

6.     What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.    To Keep Reading Click Here

 Information courtesy of www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Here’s some exciting news that will allow more buyers to realize the dream of owning their own home! - Courtesy of Randy Guida from RMS Mortgage Services

A statement from Rural Development / RE: Income Limit Modification
As a result of a direct final rule published in the Federal Register, income limits will change effective April 20, 2009. The existing income limit structure will be revised for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP). Instead of eligible adjusted income limits based on households ranging from 1-8 persons, a two tier income structuring consisting of a 1 – 4 member household and a 5 – 8 member household will replace the 1 – 8 person structure. The present add on limits for larger households will remain the same.
 
What this means is that more of our buyers will be able to take advantage of this great program.

• In Carroll County, for a 1-4 person family, the income limit is $84,100. For a 5-8 person family, the income limit is increased to $111,000.
• The Rural Development Guaranty Program allows customers to purchase a home with no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and the seller can contribute up to 6% of the sale price, which is usually more than enough to pay the closing costs!

  
Residential Mortgage Services is one of the largest and most experienced Rural Development lenders in New Hampshire and Maine. 
 
Let us know if you have any questions so that we can get you in touch with Randy Guida of RMS Mortgage Services and one step closer to home ownership in NH! For a complete list of affordable homes in the Conway NH area email info@jtrealty.com, or sign up for our auto-search program.