Monthly Archive for February, 2011

Winter Market Friday AND Saturday this Week at Spring Ledge Farm!

Published on February 25, 2011 in New London Activities and New London Community. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

The snow is falling, but that won’t stop the vegetables from being bought!  Spring Ledge Farm in New London, NH will be open today from 3-6pm AND tomorrow from 9-1pm.

Featuring Good Loaf Artisan Bread, McNamara Dairy in glass bottles, Spring Ledge micro greens & potatoes, local eggs, pies, cookies, salsa and cheeses, Star Lake Farm pasture-raised beef (now 10% off), Hopewell Farm lamb, Spring Ledge Farm cat grass, pansies, mini-daffodils & rosemary. They’re unpacking the High Mowing organic seed packets.  Choose from dozens of varieties.

Once again they’ll harvest some fresh and tasty garlic shoots.  They’ve planted some of their garlic into organic soil & watered it in with fish emulsion and seaweed.  The shoots will be harvested to use like scallions in stir fries, soups, roasts or even on salads.  If you like garlic, you’ll love these garlic shoots.

Spring Ledge has grown a sampling of individual micro greens for you to try.  Stop by the farmstand either Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to sample a straight shot of some micro greens such as arugula, mizuna & red kale.  Each offer a distinct flavor.

Fresh eggs, fresh fudge, fresh pasta – a little taste of everything!  Come by the farm today and tomorrow to pick up your fresh, locally grown food.

New Listing at Fenwood Commons, New London, NH

Published on February 23, 2011 in New London Housing Market. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Simplify your life in this no-maintenance 2 bedroom condo.  Let someone else worry about snow removal and lawn mowing!  Total independence yet in a community environment within walking distance to New London’s shopping center.  Dedicated garage space, elevator, large common room with kitchen, low heating costs and central air.  Ground floor unit with patio for nice access to outdoors.  Care-free living at its best!  Offered at $165,000.

Donna Forest, Listing Agent

603-526-4116

New Hampshire home sales slightly up, prices slightly down in January

Published on February 21, 2011 in Advice for Buyers, Advice for Sellers and New London Housing Market. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Despite a frigid and snow‐caked New Hampshire winter, sales in the state increased marginally in the first month of the year over the same period from a year ago, marking the second straight January that has seen a monthly uptick in residential homes sold.

According to data released this week by the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS (NHAR), there were 543 homes sold in January 2011, up 2.1 percent over the 532 sold in the first month of 2010. Median price on those homes, meanwhile, dipped by 3.9 percent, from $215,000 in January 2010 to $206,600 in January 2011.

“Considering the limitations on the ability for sellers to actually get out and see homes this season, we’re taking any increase in activity as a positive sign,” said NHAR President Tom Riley, a 35‐year veteran of the real estate industry and president of Riley Enterprises in Bedford. “As the economy slowly begins to turn in a positive way, as long as we don’t see dramatic changes in either direction, we feel as though the big picture with regard to the housing market is steadily brightening.”

Riley stopped short of making any predictions, pointing out that there is still no clear trend line over the past two years to give a real sense of the market’s future course. Impacted by the home buyer tax credit in 2009 and 2010, the market saw nine consecutive monthly sales increases through the middle of 2010, then five straight months of decreases prior to an uptick in December, and now a January increase.

In terms of local markets, seven of the state’s 10 counties saw unit sales increases in January compared to a year ago, including a 67 percent jump in Carroll County, 8.1 percent in Merrimack County and 4.5 percent in Cheshire County. The state’s largest county, Hillsborough, witnessed a 1.3 percent sales increase. Median price, meanwhile, saw increases in four of 10 counties.

With inventory still relatively high, interest rates low and prices competitive, Riley said he would not be surprised to see an excellent spring in terms of sales.

“There is no crystal ball, but there is no doubt that the climate is ripe for a continued increase in activity,” he said. “Buyers have excellent opportunities right now.”

Click here for January 2011 data residential

Click here for January 2011 data condo

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home in the New London-Lake Sunapee Area of NH?

Published on February 18, 2011 in Advice for Buyers, Advice for Sellers and New London Housing Market. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

One of the most important steps you can take to insure that you will be successful in today’s market is to engage a Real Estate Professional (a REALTOR®).  Although this has always been important, the challenges of today’s market make it is more so.

A REALTOR® working for you as your Listing or Buyer’s Agent, at the very least, owes you the specific fiduciary duties of loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, reasonable care, diligence and accounting.  You will know that you can trust your agent, and that she will be looking out for your best interests.  In addition, working with a professional will also provide a personal guide through the complex maze of either analyzing the market to determine the correct strategy for selling your home or helping you find and, ultimately, purchase a home.  In either case, she is working for you, and you can count on her for expert guidance, an ability to network with other professionals crucial to the process (inspectors, home stagers, painters, lenders, etc.), knowledge of the local market and communities in the area, familiarity with all the steps and forms required to sell or purchase a home, and strong negotiating and communication skills.

There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionized the home selling or buying process.  There are excellent tools and resources available along with mountains of information.  It’s a great opportunity for both sellers and buyers to educate themselves in advance of contacting an agent.

But, when it comes to taking the important step of listing or buying a home, nothing can replace the “on the ground” experience and professional skills of a REALTOR®.  This is not the time to try to “go it alone” out there.  Take advantage of all that a professional has to offer.  The end result will be a smoother and more satisfying transaction.

Give “The Best Team in Town” at Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate a call for a free, no-obligation consultation.  603-526-4116

Looking for Acreage with Views?

Published on February 17, 2011 in Advice for Buyers and New London Housing Market. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Beautiful, level acreage of open field and woodland and bounded by New England’s ubiquitous stonewalls. Great sun exposure, incredible mountain views of Mt. Kearsarge and Ragged Mountain. You can feel your heartbeat slow down as you gaze at this peaceful and pastoral setting. No traffic to worry about on this quiet, town maintained country road. Enjoy fresh eggs from the Mapleshade Farm, your neighbor down the street. Perfect spot for your country home!  38+/- acres subject to a lot line adjustment to exclude farm buildings – exact acreage to be determined. Property is in current use. Sellers will restrict subdivision development to minimum of 5 acre lots.  Located in Salisbury, NH.

Donna Forest, Listing Agent

Going on Vacation? Here are some Hints to Help Protect your Home while You’re Away….

Published on February 15, 2011 in New London Activities and Sunapee Activities. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

February and April are traditionally school vacation months and times when many families plan an out-of-town escape.  If you are concerned about how your empty house will fare while you’re gone, here are some good ideas to implement.

1. Don’t turn your heat off, as the weather is likely to be at the freezing or lower level while you’re gone.  This could cause burst water pipes and flooding inside.  But, do lower your thermostats to around 55.  This is a safe temperature to keep things from freezing and cut down on fuel costs while you’re gone.

2. Be sure that someone will be taking care of snow removal while you’re gone.  Some states even have laws which require residents to clear their own sidewalks and walkways with a specific period of time.  This will also make it much easier for you on your return, should there be a storm or two.

3. Either have a friend empty your mail and newspaper boxes, or have both deliveries held while you’re gone.  Piling up mail is a dead giveaway to a potential thief who might be canvassing your neighborhood for easy targets.

4. Just to be safe, leave a key with a friend or neighbor and ask them to keep an eye on the house while you’re away.  It would be great if they would also go in the house once or twice, to be sure the heat is still on, and nothing else is awry.  You can offer to do the same for them sometime.

5. Unplug all the electronics that won’t be in use during your absence.

6. This is also a good time to also lower the temperature on your water heater.

7. It’s not a bad idea to leave a car in the driveway if possible.  This is also a perfect time to use timers to turn on indoor and outdoor lights.  However, don’t leave an outside light on the whole time you’re gone.  Again, that’s like advertising your empty house.

8. While it’s fun to share vacation pictures and events on all the social media options we have, remember, it’s always possible that the information will get into the wrong hands and prompt some unwanted interest in your house.

9. It’s a great idea to place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box, if you have one.

10. If your house is on the market, consider asking your REALTOR® to stop by and check in.

These simple steps will go a long way to keeping your house safe while you’re gone, and also insure your peace of mind while vacationing.

Based on an article written by Kelly O’Ryan, the office manager at Coldwell Banker Lexington, MA, which appeared in RISMEDIA, February 11, 2011.

Reminder for New London, NH Residents – Public Hearing on Wastewater Treatment Plant

Published on February 11, 2011 in New London Community. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

A public hearing is scheduled on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall on the wastewater bond.

Voters approved this project in 2010 contingent on a 35% grant from the federal government that did not come through because New London’s median income is higher than the national benchmark.  This year voters are being asked to pass the entire project while grant opportunities continue to be pursued.

The Town of New London collects sewerage and pumps it to the Sunapee Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.  The treatment plant was constructed with federal assistance in 1974.  New London is the large of the two users, owning 65% of the capacity and currently contributing about 63% of the annual flow.

The plant was constructed in 1974 and designed for a 20 year life expectancy.  The majority of the facility has either outlived its useful life or is no longer operable.  Its poor performance requires regular maintenance, reduces plant efficiency, increases operational costs and threatens the plant’s capacity.  There is inadequate storage for chemicals and other building and life safety code issues.  The dewatering process requires excessive operator oversight and the end product is a liquid sludge that must be hauled away and disposed of at significant cost.

If the project is not done now, the operation and maintenance needs will continue to rise as will the future cost of upgrading the plant.  Now is the least expensive time to do it when construction costs and borrowing rates are still low.

Due to the size of the project $5.2 million is being sought after, which requires approval by two-thirds of Town Meeting.  Although generally the sewer users pay for expenses related to the wastewater system, here the bond is too large to place entirely on the sewer users (to do so would cost the average sewer user almost $500 per year).  The Selectmen recommend that all taxpayers pay one-third of the cost, with the remainder paid by sewer users.

GREENING YOUR VALENTINE

Published on February 10, 2011 in Advice for Buyers and Advice for Sellers. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Some Ideas about Changing our Daily Lives

to Help Protect the Environment

Are you and your Valentine on the same page when it comes to the environment? It’s not surprising to learn that many couples have different opinions on “being green.” This is especially true given the number of daily go green messages we all hear about the car we drive, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the weather outside. Disputes and frustrations can arise from differences of opinion on how green to be.

So if it is one of your goals to “green your Valentine,” take it slow.   Just remember that any type of change is hard for people to accept and darn near impossible for some. Perhaps you can start with some simple things. Keep in mind that, no matter what changes you are implementing, it helps to explain how these efforts will not only benefit the environment, but also your lives, either by saving money or even eliminating real health risks. Below are a few ideas that may help couples to be green together.

Recycle: To many, recycling is second nature, but to others it’s a hassle.  They may not have grown up recycling so they just don’t do it. The key is to make recycling in your home as convenient as possible. Take responsibility for rinsing the containers or emptying the bins until it becomes a part of the normal routine. Your partner will see that it’s not difficult or too time consuming. Besides, with many towns adopting pay-as-you-throw policies, recycling will clearly save your family money by reducing the trash you throw away.

Eat Local: Beware that the subject of food can be a very personal one and possibly one of the most difficult things to change about your loved one.  So don’t expect them to become a vegetarian overnight.  Try taking in a local farmer’s market (yes, even in the winter!) as a fun event together.  This supports your neighboring farmers and reduces energy consumption required by the global transport of goods. Food from your farmer’s market is healthier and fresher because it hasn’t traveled thousands of miles to reach your dinner table. For a list of New Hampshire farmers’ markets visit http://m1e.net/c?82384231-CAspwxJlO7J32%406164077-sBVHwwV/tl3ck

Green Clean: Housework can be a sore subject for any couple regardless of how green the products you use. Again, many people have preferences for certain products because that’s what their mom used, end of story.  But if your partner is feeling nostalgic, introducing some old school (non-toxic) household cleaners like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice could be the answer.  Don’t forget to explain that many cleaners contain harmful toxins that are not only bad for the environment, but bad for your family to be breathing or touching.

Greening your Valentine may take some time. All of us can make changes to our daily lives that would be beneficial to the environment, so don’t place any unfair expectations that your loved one is going to suddenly wake up one morning and decide it’s time to save the planet.  But maybe they could start with your Valentines Day gift of organically raised roses, fair trade chocolates and a homemade card from recycled paper – it can’t hurt to suggest, right?

# # #

The February, 2011, issue of “GREENWorks:

Ideas for a Cleaner Environment”

Published by the NH Department of Environmental Services,

Concord, NH (603) 271-3710

29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302.

Logging your Land in the New London/Lake Sunapee Area

Published on February 8, 2011 in New London Community and Sunapee Community. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

If you own a parcel of vacant land and have no immediate plans for building or development of any kind, logging, in concert with a Forestry Management Plan developed by a forestry professional, could be of interest to you.  Often, there is standing timber of an age which could have value and younger growth which could be encouraged to grow.  A Management Plan for your property could help you determine how to profit from a carefully managed timber lot.  Don’t think that, just because you don’t own 100’s of acres, you can’t do this.  Even small lots can be very productive.

The Town of Sutton has an excellent reference page on their web site which will give you a good start on gathering some of the important information you will need before getting started with timber management on your property.  Town of Sutton, NH – Are you considering logging your land in Sutton?

Farmer’s Market 3-6pm this Friday at Spring Ledge Farm

Published on February 3, 2011 in New London Community. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Big weekend coming up…Superbowl Sunday.  A great excuse for a get together during these snow-filled months.  And a get together means food!  Why not get your fresh ingredients and delicious breads from the Farmer’s Market this Friday?

This week at the  market, all the Vermont Fresh Pasta pastas will be 10% off.  These pastas, raviolis and tortellinis are made fresh every week and kept refrigerated, ready for your kitchen.  They take just minutes to cook (very different from dried pastas).  They are delicious and very satisfying.  Made in Vermont.  Here is a link to their website.