In case anyone on the Seacoast needed a reason party this spring.... seacoastparty4apurpose.org Seacoast Prom 2010 - seacoastparty4apurpose.org Event Details Date: Saturday May 15, 2010 Anticipated Attendance: 300-350 Location: The Portsmouth Gaslight Co. (Third Floor) Concept Here on the Seacoast, young professionals ages 25 to 40 make up a distinct portion of the community's demographic. Active, educated, and driven, the one thing that may be lacking for this group is a strong sense of community. With that in mind, six young professionals in Portsmouth have come together to host an annual event focused on having a good time, while doing some good in the process. Held in May during "prom season," attendees of the Seacoast Prom 2010 will be encouraged to scour eBay for that powder blue ... 04/27/2010

We Should Prepare for Power Outages For our Pets...... March 4, 2010 All domestic pets, whether feathered, finned or furry, require special care during a power outage. Fish do not adjust well to temperature changes in the tank, and it's dangerous to expose birds to drafts. Dogs and cats, especially, are sensitive to disruptions in their routines and home turf. Pets often can sense your anxiety as well. Keeping your pets calm, warm and fed during a power outage is necessary for their well being and your own peace of mind. It's tough to maintain tranquility in the midst of chaos. But you know that your pets count on you to care for them, so it's natural that you would want to do whatever you can to help them survive a power outage. Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe during a ... 03/04/2010

Green Home & Living Show is the ONLY event, exclusively showcasing the latest earth-friendly products, services and strategies for home and living. Our shows offer a unique, interactive experience where visitors can learn to lead green-er lifestyles, which benefits the environment, their community, and their wallets.  Visit a Green Home & Living Show and learn how to make socially-responsible, economically-viable purchase decisions in the areas of: Home & Garden Energy Health & Wellness Transportation & Tourism Banking & Investing Beauty & Fashion Food & Drink Green Careers & Education Advocacy & Media More!  Every show features exhibits and activities for all ages and every shade of green, designed to inform, inspire and empower you live green: Seminars led by industry experts!  Win "... 02/23/2010

   http://local.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23431388#atoolb   for full article What Makes a City Romantic?   By Crai S Bower for MSN Local Edition Portsmouth, N.H. entices lovers with a rich maritime history with colonial architecture Portsmouth, N.H. Wandering the streets in Down East Maine, it's hard to decide which village best captures the ideal New England fishing visage, because they all qualify. Yet there are no hamlets along the coastline that quite compare with Portsmouth, the peninsular city on the Maine border that combines rich maritime history with colonial architecture, as well as winding streets from Market Square to the South End. Like so many nautical towns, this waterfront also burned, but that was over two centuries ago! Today, visitors browse the shops on Merc... 02/22/2010

Home Staging is not just for sellers.  Many homeowners are choosing Redesign (home staging for people who aren't selling, but want a new look) to refresh and update their homes.  Home stagers transform and update using existing furnishings or they can advise on the purchase of new items.I recently received a call from a homeowner who needed help with furniture placement.  The family room in her basement had become a real challenge and she had run out of ideas.  It turned out to be a great example of how a two hour redesign consultation can help create a new look at very little cost. This homeowner has three uses for the space:Guestroom          Playroom           Family room     There are several doors in the space which restrict furniture placement.  The first thing to be addressed was... 02/22/2010

    http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100203-BIZ-100209932 Say hello to Bonjour delivery service By Rachel Forrest business@seacoastonline.com February 03, 2010 1:30 PM It's the dead of winter, the snow is falling and it's cold outside. Or maybe it's summer and downtown Portsmouth is so busy you just don't want to deal with the parking and the crowds. So who are you going to call if you want some good food and don't want to cook? Just say "Bonjour" and voila! Your food is delivered to your door by a pleasant person wearing a jaunty red beret. OK, they don't have the berets yet, but they will, said Bonjour co-founder Kenton Slovenski. "Yes, we're getting little berets for the delivery people. It will be fun," Slovenski said. Those delivery people include Bonjour co-founder Alex La... 02/03/2010

Today's buyer is doing their research online.  It's more important than ever to be an informed and prepared seller.  Doing your homework and strategically marketing your house, with help from the right professionals, is the fastest way to a successful sale.  It takes five keys to unlock the secret to a successful sale:  This, in my opinion, is the most important key.  Listing before the house is 100% ready is a mistake that you will regret.  Many sellers are talked into premature signing by realtors who are afraid of losing the listing.  Repeat after me:  "You don't get a second chance to make a great first impression."      Do they have an online presence?  What marketing tools do they bring to the table? Check websites and ask for references.  Check references.  Look at their current ... 01/17/2010

  The Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce has updated their website, I checked it out and I think it is an amazing change and will be a great tool for future networking:   "Get Connected" on new Portsmouth chamber Web site Photo 1 of 1  |  Zoom Photo +   By Andrew Leibs business@seacoastonline.com January 12, 2010 2:00 AM PORTSMOUTH — The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Web site to increase connectivity among its members and revitalize its image and brand. The site, which went live without fanfare in October, is the culmination of a re-branding project that began in September 2007 when Doug Bates took over as chamber president. At a glance Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce President: Doug Bates Address: 500 Market St., Portsmouth Phone: 436-3988 Web: www.portsm... 01/12/2010

Thursday, January 8, 2010 PORTSMOUTH — The real estate tax credit continues to spur healthy sales activity in the Seacoast real estate market, according to the Seacoast Board of Realtors.The group reported sales of single-family and residential condominium units remained strong in December, shattering anemic figures from a year ago. Residential sales in the nine-sample Seacoast towns were up 104 percent and condos transactions 70 percent.December was the fifth best month for closed residential sales, just one sale shy of November totals. Condo sales were off 26 percent from last month, but recorded their first $1 million-plus sale since August 2008, on Ocean Boulevard in Rye.Opening up the real estate tax credit to current homeowners seems to have spurred robust higher-end activity, as... 01/08/2010

This newly posted youtube video has combined the most interesting clips from 2009 thanks to DJ Steve Porter. This witty and amusing video features highlights ranging from Jon and Kate plus 8, to Taylor Swift & Kanye West and to 'Sully' who landed his airoplane safely in the middle of the Hudson. Even Susan Boyle! DJ Steve Porter has really done an amazing job creating a catchy and humreous tune to several of the most watched videos through out 2009. Be sure to subscribe! I'd like to give a shout out to my daughter Calleigh who found this and showed me. This is a definite must watch! I hope you guys enjoy this as much as i have! Happy New Year and just think whats going to come in 2010! *To go directly to DJ Steve Porter's youtube page; http://www.youtube.com/user/djsteveporter?blend=1&o... 12/09/2009

Portsmouth New Hampshire Real Estate Buying Guide Purchasing a home for the first time can be a very stressful and complicated process. Enlisting the services of experienced real estate related professionals will provide you with the information and advice to make sound decisions. Buyers often interview mortgage loan officers, Realtors, attorneys, home inspectors, accountants and financial advisers during the process of purchasing a property.   Information regarding the home buying and selling process, demographics, commuting, school and relocation information can be found by visiting PORTSMOUTH NH REAL ESTATE Financing Most home buyers will obtain a mortgage to purchase their home and there are numerous first-time home buyer financing programs offered by state agencies, local banks and... 12/05/2009

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- New statistics show that New Hampshire's real estate market is in the midst of a slow and steady recovery. The numbers from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors showed October home sales were up 8 percent compared to a year ago. And home sales through the first 10 months of 2009 show sales are up over the same period last year. But it's not all good news. Numbers show that so far this year, prices are down 11 percent over last year. The New Hampshire numbers contradict national trends. The U.S. Commerce Department said that nationally, housing starts dropped 10.6 percent last month.  Slow and steady sales show that those homes under $300,000 are the ones that are selling.   To Search the Entire MLS at your convenience check out: www.patricia4realestate.com    or  C... 11/20/2009

BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010 all home inspectors in the state of New Hampshire will have to hold a license in order to inspect homes. Makes sense to me how about you?  For a long time now this hasn't been the case here in the "Live Free or Die State of NH." Anyone  could go through a home and inspect it without holding a license. As a Realtor I would always recommend those home inspectors who were licensed to my buyers. I would give them three names and let them decide who they wanted. When I'm looking for a doctor, lawyer, or Realtor I always look for those who are licensed. It says to me that they are educated first off and they have to live by the rules. It also tells me that they care enough to go to school/classes to become licensed. They have put in the time and the effort. Wouldn't... 11/16/2009

Let me be the first to admit it:  I've been known to whine and complain.  I'm not perfect and I haven't yet mastered a positive attitude.I'm not alone...there is no shortage of people willing to piss and moan right along with me. Misery loves company and, more times than not, people will dwell on what's wrong, not on what's right.  Negative energy is quite powerful. It is much easier to complain and whine about problems than it is to come up with solutions.  Today's buyers are looking for a home they can move right into, not a house they have to improve or customize to meet their needs.  They are more likely to notice negative features before positive ones, and the negative features will make a stronger impression on them.   Don't underestimate the power of negative impression.   Think ... 11/09/2009

My tip for dealing with difficult customers: Practice the Golden Rule and put yourself in the other person’s position. Always treat the customer right ..as you want to be treated. Keep meetings productive... Keep to the list of homes you've set up showings for. Don't deviate, stick to the list. Be sure to show Byers your listings... If you have a listing that falls into the price range that your prospective buyers are looking for make sure you include it on the list of homes to view. My  best marketing techniques... Everything I  do drives traffic to my  website. Whether I use print advertising, billboards or TV, we direct everyone to our website because that is where the action is.  How to keep consumers educated about today’s buying opportunities?  I spend time talking/educating buyer... 11/09/2009

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Market Update - Single Family Homes Activity Visit Portsmouth NH Condo Market Update (YTD-October 31,2009) to view a report for condominium activity for 2009. Market Snapshot Single Family Homes - There are 68 homes on the market with an average listing price of $612,362 These homes have been on the market for 110 days.  For sales pending, there are 9 homes under contract with an average listing price of $351,711. The lower end of the market is the most active as first-time home buyers are taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit. To view current listings on the market with a mapped based result,visit Portsmouth NH Homes for Sale.  The October statistics report 105 homes sold with an average sale price of $346,533 which is a little over a 2% decrease in values ... 11/08/2009

It is common knowledge that you need to prepare your house for sale.  You would have to be living under a rock not to know that you have to "declutter"to make your house more desirable, and it is highly unlikely that you haven't seen some form of home staging show on television.  So, I have a question for you....What gives?  How is it possible that there are so many filthy, cluttered, poorly maintained houses out there on the market?I'm not talking about running into one every now and then.  I'm talking about more times than not... The market is cluttered with "BEFORE" pictures!  Maybe it's just me...maybe it's the nature of my work...I am, after all, called in to give advice.  Maybe I'm only seeing the ones that really need help.Maybe I've spent too much time checking out houses on the... 11/03/2009

Home Value Update for Concord NH Through September 2009  According to Zillow.com, the listing prices of single family homes have fell 2.2% in the last 3 months, while listing prices of condos increased 6.9%. The current mean listing price of homes for sale on the market in Concord, NH, is $204,000. Below is a chart of the trend of listing prices of homes for sale in Concord, NH, in the past year through September 2009: Median List PriceMore Concord Home Values   If you're looking for a home or condo to purchase in Concord, NH, or in the surrounding area, then try this home search. You can still buy a home with no money down with the USDA Rural Development Home Loan program. With the FHA Mortgage program, you can purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down. When you're ready to buy a hom... 11/01/2009

Home Value Update for Portsmouth NH Through September 2009 According to Zillow.com, the listing prices of single family homes have increased 6.3% in the last 3 months while listing prices of condos declined 4.7%. The current mean listing price of homes for sale on the market in Portsmouth, NH, is $350,000. Below is a chart of the trend of listing prices of homes for sale in Portsmouth, NH, in the 3 months through September 2009: Median List PriceMore Portsmouth Home Values  If you're looking for a home or condo to purchase in Portsmouth, NH, or in the surrounding area, then try this home search.  You can still buy a home with no money down with the USDA Rural Development Home Loan program. With the FHA Mortgage program, you can purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down. When you're re... 11/01/2009

Portsmouth New Hampshire Real Estate for Sale! Virtual Homes Real Estate provides direct access to the New Hampshire MLS and Massachusetts MLS systems and offers various tools to assist you in searching properties for sale that meet your criteria. If you are a first-time home buyer you will be able to obtain information that will educate you to the values offered in the Portsmouth, NH market. New Hampshire Home Search Service - New Listing Alerts! Home search is a web-based real estate software tool that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market. Daily/real time new listing alerts, advanced search capabilities and addresses with mapping are available. To sign up click on  NH MLS Listing Alerts to subscribe to our FREE service. Portsmouth, NH MLS Map Search NH MLS m... 10/29/2009