Archive for the 'Misc Real Estate News' Category

Sustainable Building in Mt. Washington Valley

Monday, March 9th, 2009

North Conway NH Green Homes for SaleWhat is a North Conway, NH GREEN Home?

A green house, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.

Green buildings are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

What Are the Economic Benefits of Green Buildings?
A green building may cost more up front, but saves through lower operating costs over the life of the building. The green building approach applies a project life cycle cost analysis for determining the appropriate up-front expenditure.  This analytical method calculates costs over the useful life of the asset.

These and other cost savings can only be fully realized when they are incorporated at the project’s conceptual design phase with the assistance of an integrated team of professionals. The integrated systems approach ensures that the building is designed as one system rather than a collection of stand-alone systems.

Some benefits, such as improving occupant health, comfort, productivity, reducing pollution and  landfill waste are not easily quantified. Consequently, they are not adequately considered in cost analysis. For this reason, consider setting aside a small portion of the building budget to cover differential costs associated with less tangible green building benefits or to cover the cost of researching and analyzing green building options.

Even with a tight budget, many green building measures can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased up-front costs and they can yield enormousavings (Environmental Building News, 1999).

The Official North Conway NH Real Estate Website!

For more than 30 years we have served the real estate needs
of our neighbors and customers in:

Albany NHBartlett, NHBrownfield MaineConway NHDenmark Maine
Eaton NHEffingham NHFreedom NHFryeburg MaineGorham NH
Hales Location NHHarts Location NHJackson NHMadison NH
Ossipee NHConway NHNorth Conway NH

Find us FAST using GOOG-411

Friday, March 6th, 2009

“North Conway NH, Wright Realty” Thanks Google!

Once again, internet giant, Google has developed another application that makes searching for information fast and easy (not to mention, free!). Instead of calling any of the pay-for 411 information services, simply call Google at 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) follow the prompts and speak your town and desired business or person to get the phone number immediately.

I checked for us under real estate in Conway NH and Google found us easily. This is a great service from the industry leaders in search technology!

Watch the video for more detailed information:

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Browse Bank Owned Properties NH and Bank owned property, North Conway, NH

Real Estate in North Conway NH- Stimulus Act of 2009

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

north conway nh and the stimulus act of 2009The Treasury Department has moved at record speed to implement one piece of the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Act aka the stimulus act.

The Department and the Internal Revenue Service which will manage it announced on Wednesday that forms and regulations are already in place for homebuyers who wish to claim the first-time credit enabled under the act.

The credit is available to homebuyers who purchase a home before December 1st of this year.  In an effort to make the effects of the credit felt quickly in the economy, homebuyers can claim the credit either on their 2009 tax return or immediately on the 2008 return due in April.

The tax credit represents 10 percent of the purchase price of a home up to a maximum of $8,000 or $4,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns.   The $7,500 credit that was authorized under earlier legislation last year was actually a 15 year loan; the new tax credit does not have to be repaid by the homeowner under ordinary circumstances.

The credit does have to be repaid if the homeowner sells the home in less than 36 months or if the home ceases to be his principal residence during that time.

For the purpose of this credit, a first time homeowner is defined as one who has not owned a home for the 36 months ending on the date of purchase.
The credit is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 or $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.  Above those income levels the credit is phased out gradually.

Homeowners who purchased a house between April 8 and December 31, 2008 are not eligible for the new credit.  They are covered by the earlier legislation and can claim the $7,500 repayable credit.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said in a press release from his department, “The expansion of the first-time home buyer tax break as part of the President’s recovery agenda gives money to taxpayers when they need it most, while also targeting an important group of buyers.  We view our economic recovery plan, our financial stability plan, and now this homeowner affordability plan as three legs of the same stool – an integrated whole that represents our immediate response to the current crisis.”

Forms and instructions for claiming the credit on 2008 tax returns are available at www.irs.gov.  The form number is 5405.

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The Official North Conway NH Real Estate Website!

For more than 30 years we have served the real estate needs
of our neighbors and customers in:

Albany NHBartlett, NHBrownfield MaineConway NHDenmark Maine
Eaton NHEffingham NHFreedom NHFryeburg MaineGorham NH
Hales Location NHHarts Location NHJackson NHMadison NH
Ossipee NHConway NHNorth Conway NH

Source:  Mortgage News Daily

North Conway NH Condo or North Conway NH House?

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Condo or House? Exploring the Differences in Ownership

search north conway nh real estateMore than ever before, New Hampshire condo ownership represents an appealing alternative to traditional home ownership for all types of residents. Though condos have conventionally been the choice of singles and families without dependent children, more traditional families have begun experiencing the unique benefits of condo ownership. While condo ownership may provide access to certain amenities and limit time spent on upkeep, there can be certain restrictions – few of which are experienced by owners of single family homes. This blog article will consider the primary differences between condo and traditional home ownership. If you consider the facts in relation to your family’s goals, you may come to a better understanding of the best type of property for your family.

Two of the most important factors in determining what type of home is right for your family are location and lifestyle . If your family is looking to move close to one of our many White Mountain ski resorts, a condo could be a good choice. In such markets, condos are always in high demand and appreciation often matches the best single family homes.

Additionally, if you live a busy life and can live without a large yard, a condo could help you live simply and happily. While most families with young children prefer single family homes for the added space, condos often provide amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and large open areas to help families relax and play.

In regards to single family homes, exclusive ownership allows home owners to alter their home and surrounding property in nearly any way. While building codes may prevent certain home additions and other large-scale renovations, owners of single family homes can adapt their homes to meet their unique goals.

The owner of a condo is not always allowed to make such radical changes to their property. When purchasing a condo, owners are subject to the rules and regulations of the condo association or board. Typically composed of fellow residents, this governing body collects dues from condo owners to conduct ongoing maintenance of shared areas and perform any unexpected repairs. As part of the agreement with the condo board, new owners will be informed of what types of changes can be made to the interior and exterior of their property. In most cases, condo owners possess the same type of exclusive ownership inside their condos as homeowners, yet are limited in exterior alterations to maintain the uniformity of the community.

If you are thinking about purchasing a condo, it is important to read the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) before making a commitment. These documents include all the rules condo owners must follow and can vary widely between complexes. If you have indoor pets or other specific needs, make sure these are addressed in the CC&Rs to prevent any unwanted surprises. If you don’t understand any part of the CC&Rs when purchasing a condo, you can try to gain clarification from the director of the condo association.

While the concept of shared ownership might seem limiting to potential owners, there are certainly plenty of benefits. For instance, the owner of a single family home is solely responsible for any problems with the properties, incurring all costs of needed repairs. However, the dues paid by condo owner cover many repair costs – both inside and outside the home. Furthermore, condo ownership can also provide access to amenities – such as pools, spas and recreation equipment – outside the budget of a home owner.

Regardless of location, either a single family home or a condo can be the right fit for the right family. To make the most informed decision, all prospective homebuyers should reflect on their own lifestyles and priorities and how they relate to the different types of property ownership. While there may be many differences between house and condo ownership, the goal is always the same – finding the best home for your family.

For over 30 years we have served the NH real estate needs of our neighbors and customers in:

Albany, NHBartlett, NHBrownfield MaineConway NH |Denmark MaineEaton NHEffingham, NHFreedom, NH |Fryeburg, MaineGorham, NHHales Location, NH | Hart’s Location, NHJackson, NHMadison, NH | Ossipee, NH |Conway, NHNorth Conway NH Real Estate

Interesting Buyer Survey…

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Coldwell Banker Real Estate in NHOur Coldwell Banker Corporate office recently conducted a survey among 150 real estate offices nationwide regarding the concerns and intentions of today’s first time homebuyers. The results were very interesting…

The survey showed that first-time home buyers are primarily concerned with affordability when choosing a new home, but their expectations may be too high relative to their current financial buying power. While nearly half of the respondents reported that affordability was the No. 1 concern for this group, 81 percent said today’s first-time home buyers consider move-in conditions to be very important when searching for homes. In contrast, only 7 percent are looking to purchase “fixer-upper” homes that they could buy at a lower price and renovate themselves. Real Estate Survey- First Time Homebuyers

“In the past, first-time home buyers were willing to purchase older, more basic houses in an effort to save money and break into homeownership,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC. “Today, this group has greater home expectations because they have grown up more accustomed to their parents’ lifestyles.”
First time home buyers- NH Real EstateSurvey findings also suggest that first-time home buyers worry more about credit ratings and approval than they did a decade ago, but less about down payments. This may be because they have saved money themselves, or have received additional support from parents to help their first-time home purchase.

Additional key findings from the survey include:
  • 71% of brokers noted that first-time home buyers are looking for larger homes than they were 10 years ago.
  • According to 41% of the respondents, proximity to job is the No. 1 attribute first-time home buyers are looking for in a home.
  • 35% of the survey respondents said “investment” is the No. 1 reason first-time home buyers are making their purchase.
  • 46% of the survey respondents reported that first-time home buyers look at 5 to 10 homes, on average, before making a purchase.
I suppose there are few surprises here but there clearly is a change in how the younger, first time buyers view their home purchase as compared to even 10 years ago.
If you are a first time buyer, contact us for a free informational packet on all the opportunities for you today. You may be surprised at what you can buy and how affordable buying a home in the North Conway area can really be. We are experts at helping first time home buyers and can provide you with pages of testimonials from very satisfied first time buyers we have helped.
Thanks for reading!

Sean and the entire team at Wright Realty
About Coldwell Banker
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker(R) organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2007, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the eighth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,700 residential real estate offices and nearly 117,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International(R) division.