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Portsmouth, NH Real Estate News

By Jim Lee, REALTOR, CRS, ABR, Buying or Selling? Ann & Jim are the local experts
(RE/MAX Shoreline)
Navigating the world of real estate can be daunting, especially with the industry-specific jargon used by professionals. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, understanding common real estate terms is essential. As your dedicated real estate experts, we’re here to break down the most important terms you’ll encounter, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.  For Home Sellers 1. Listing Agreement: This is a contract between you, the homeowners, and a real estate agent (like us), authorizing the agent to represent you and sell your home. Let’s discuss how we can represent your interests.2. Asking Price: The initial price you set when your home is put on the market. It’s crucial to set a competitive asking price that reflects the current market conditions. We can provi...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
....SPRING is here at last and with it all the broken trees from the winter storms are down all over the yard ! This coupled with no leaves on the trees yet, and grass that isn't green, I'm convinced that the out side of a house FOR SALE needs just as much sprucing up as the interior. When prospective buyers pull up out front and look at a house the first impression is so important. The curb appeal can make a possible sale or break it. There are those people that do judge a book by it's cover so to speak and if they don't like the outside they'll move on... .....Make sure  your seller's homes are neat and tidy with no debris scattered around in front or back. Through a quick pait job on those parts of the fence that need it. Plant some of those harty panzies placing them around the fron...
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By Shannon Aldrich, NH & Maine Real Estate Seacoast
(Keller Williams Coastal Realty)
Hidden risks of defects in the title can cost thousands in legal fees not to mention the stress and frustration. The best way to protect yourself is to purchase owner's title insurance. Notice I am saying owner's title insurance not lender's title insurance. If you have a mortgage on the property the bank will require you to buy the lender's policy. The owner's policy is optional and many buyer's think they can save some money by passing it by. This is not a good plan. Even the most meticulous search of the public records by a title attorney can miss hidden defects. The owner's title insurance policy pays the legal fees to defend your title in case of something missed. It is a one time charge that you see on the HUD at closing. Don't pass it up because it can protect you from the follow...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
If you are one of the many sellers who took their house off the market this past winter with the intent to relist in the Spring, you are probably in the process of preparing to relist.One very important thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to repeat your past mistakes.  Learn from your experience of last winter and make some changes in your approach to selling this time around. No calls for showings the first time?  This would indicate buyers didn't like the price or they didn't like what they saw on the MLS.  If you lowered the price and still didn't get calls, your problem was first impression.Only 10% of people can visualize.  Ninety percent of the people looking at a home can't imagine it any other way than how it is shown to them.  If furniture placement is in question, the...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
  HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE ON ACTIVE RAIN - HOPE YOUR DAY WAS WONDERFUL FROM THE LIVE FREE OR DIE STATE-NEW HAMPSHIRE/ PORTSMOUTH NH REAL ESTATE      WWW.PATRICIA4REALESTATE.COM  FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS ANYTIME  
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
One of my fondest Easter memories is from Easter about nine years ago.  I had found Wishnik Troll paper masks at a dollar store and bought a bunch of them thinking they would be fun for one of my kids' birthday parties.Somehow, that Easter Sunday, we ended up wearing them at the dinner table.  Even poor Nana, who was 85 at the time, put one on and joined the Troll family.I enjoy looking at this photo and remembering how we laughed that day sitting at that table and thinking how ridiculous we all looked.Isn't that the fun of being a family...sitting at the table, eating, laughing, and looking ridiculous together.Happy Easter to you and your family...Do something silly today and make a memory! 
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
The three most important factors when selling a house are price, location, and condition.  Most sellers understand the importance of price and location, but most sellers underestimate the importance of condition. The average seller doesn't want to give the house away with a ridiculously low price.Most sellers don't have a killer location that will warrant a high price. Condition is what sellers have the most control over.Great condition will justify a higher asking price and even make up for a not so great location. If you are a serious seller and want to guarantee the best condition possible, enlist the help of a professional home stager.  The market and your competition will determine the value of your home, but home staging will determine the perceived value of your home to buyers.Ne...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
                                                                      "CUTE LITTLE YELLOW PEEPS"  Hey I don't know about you but I LOVE those cute little "Yellow Peeps" that are out at Easter time. They are so yummy and good to eat that I look forward to Easter time just to be able to buy these chewy little yellow marshmallow peeps. Personally I like these when they are left out over night, unwrapped they become more chewy and aren't quite as soft as when you first buy them. I like the consistency better so I leave mine out on the kitchen counter to harden up over night. Y U M M Y!   If you haven't already tried them you are missing one of the best treats out there. So go out and get some "peeps" at your local supermarket or drug store they are waiting for you to stop by and pick some ...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
  OMG....The Boston Red Sox have postponed their home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays because of the prospect of heavy rain and high winds. The Red Sox announced that Monday's game against the defending American League champions is rescheduled for 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, which had been an off day. It's the first time the Red Sox have postponed their home opener since 2003. That game also was called because of rain.      This is so New England.....if you don't like the weather just wait an hour or so....it will change!"   Portsmouth NH Real Estate www.patricia4realestate.com for all your real estate needs
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
HAMPTON  &  NORTH HAMPTON, NH   SPRING ( what a wonderful word) Easter events signal the start of warm weather-although there is always the chance of one late snowfall. Remember it's New England where the weather can change in a minute. North Hampton and Hampton Recreation each host a special Easter Egg scramble for children, and churches also plan special sunrise services on the seacoast. By the middle of April - again, depending on the weather - the first of the seasonal restaurants and ice cream stands start to open up. Historic homes, gardens and other seasonal attractions begin to say hello and open their doors as well. Usually on the weekends until the weather really warms up.Community yard sales are a rite of spring around the Seacoast in April and May. People put the old stuff o...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
If you want to sell your New Hampshire home, you need to think like a New York ad executive. Advertisers spend a lot of time, effort, and money making sure that their product will be the one that consumers choose to purchase.Every image, color and font is chosen specifically and strategically to be attractive to buyers and to insure that their product stands out amongst the competition.It's really no different when selling your house. Isn't that your ultimate goal?You want buyers who are looking through the MLS to stop on your listing and say "I want to see this house."You want buyers, after a day of viewing properties, to remember your house as their favorite.    Home staging is like hiring an advertising executive... a professional who knows just what colors and features will be most ...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
What ever happend to "common decency?" Lately I've found that people are quick to let a door slam in your face rather than hold it open for you. Customer service is very hard to find anywhere, especially in restaurants! "Thank you" well that's a quick short easy word that means a lot, but often forgotten. I was with a friend in her car the other day. We were parked at in the parking lot of a well know market in seacoast NH. Next to her there was a man who opened his drivers side door and it quickly hit her car door on the passenger side.  He saw us in the car and of course saw what happened but didn't say anything, or acknowledge what he did. He simply just waked away and never said anything to us!! For gosh sakes, what ever happened to common decency? My friend got out of the car and c...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
                                                     SEACOAST   NH                                                     LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION !   Location is the single most important factor that determines the value of your property. Without a doubt Seacoast NH is the most popular area in which to live. With only 18 miles of seacoast,  (take a look at the map) everyone wants to be on or near the ocean.  This drives the popularity and the price!  Even in a slow market the seacoast remains constant unlike towns that are located  inland. Resale is always good on the seacoast. The seacoast area is ever changing with the seasons, a sight to behold in the spring, fall, winter or summer. Something to do in all seasons for everyone young and old.  There’s  skiing located with in an hour’...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
Selling your New Hampshire house isn't what it used to be...it used to be that buyers expected to make some improvements after they purchased a home.  Sellers didn't update wall colors or replace worn carpets because they knew that the buyer would prefer to make those improvements based on their own taste and style.  The real estate game has changed and today's buyers are playing with new rules.  Today's buyers don't have the time for, or interest in, home improvement.  When a buyer walks through a house and sees it needs work, they move on...and they keep on looking at houses until they find one that is move-in ready.  Most sellers aren't aware the rules to the game have changed and this means that the sellers who are in tune with today's market have a distinct advantage. Can you still...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
When you show your home, you want to engage the buyer emotionally because the decision to buy is based more on emotions, and less on logic. Accentuating your home's positive attributes, and minimize the negative aspects.   1. The  Welcome Although the buyer is a guest in your home, you want the buyer to imagine owning the home. You don't want to make the buyer feel like an intruder.   Don't expect the buyer to remove her shoes, unless you are selling to a buyer for whom religious or cultural reasons mandate it. Otherwise, the presumption is insulting. Leave the house. The buyer won't talk about the house in front of you or open doors with you standing there.    Let the buyer feel comfortable in taking their time looking around the home.   Leave a bowl of wrapped candy or other treats ne...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
OMG....well I've finally done it!  I've hit another milestone reaching 80,000 points on Active Rain. I've been on AR for 2 year or so and at first I didn't do too much. As time went on I realized how much information is within the AR community and forged ahead.  It won't be long before I really hit the "Big Time" and reach 100,000. Yippiee Ya-hooey!  I'll be sure to let you know when I do.  On the 18.57 miles of land stretching from Seabrook Beach through Hampton Harbor, Hampton Beach, Great Boarshead and Little Boarshead, then up to Rye Beach and Little Harbor of the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth New Hampshire there is more beauty on this oceanfront than over hundreds of miles of sea shore in other parts of the world. The rugged New England terrain hides pristine beaches, great snorke...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
According to what I read from a mortgage rep I know see below: FYI With the Fed’s announcement to buy an additional 750 billion in mortgage backed securities things could get very interesting!  Remember though that as demand goes up,  the same typically goes for interest rates.    30 year fixed:  4.75% 15 year fixed:  4.5% 30 year fixed FHA:  4.75% 5/1 Jumbo ARM: 4.625%   Also, FYI  check out the link below for the whole story on the Federal Housing Tax Credit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/   Seems as tho there should be lots of buyers out there ready to move forward with a purchase after reading this information!! For all you Real Estate needs please check out my website where you can SEARCH the MLS at your convenience Patricia Aulson/   www.patricia4realestate   Hampton NH Re...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
If I remember correctly the "boy scout motto is.."Be prepared!"Being prepared so something like the follow:1)  Are you entering each day with a plan of action? Do you start your day knowing what you need to do and having it on paper?2)  Do you start your day with a positive attitude?  It is my experience that wherever we set the bar in the morning it rarely gets better.      The higher the bar, the better the day.3)  Have you thought through the meetings you will have today and have you mentally prepared for any questions.  Remember, no second chance on a first impression.4)  Have you prepared a business plan for the rest of the year?  If you don't know where you need to go, then how will you know if you have arrived?5)  At the end of each day, have you thought about tomorrow and what y...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
THE POWER OF THE PAUSE...... What do you do when a client/customer has an objection about a house?  Sometimes we are too quick to retaliate instead of pausing...to collect your thoughts and lower our blood pressure before you answer. Pause, think about what was said and be sure you heard the objection correctly before you answer. You should listen to the objection and do not cut the person off by interrupting, as if you are hoping to stuff the words back into the clients mouth before they finish what they are saying. You don't want to do this. It is rude and insensitive, along with being very unprofessional. ACKNOWLEDGE THE CONCERNS...... After hearing the objection, pause to think about it and then verbally acknowledge the concers.This shows that you understand what their objection is,...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
   Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers for 2008   According to the survey, only 1 percent of consumers found their agent through the newspaper, Yellow Pages   In 2001, 48 percent of all buyers found the home they purchased through a real estate agent, compared with 38 percent in 2008. During the same period, the number of buyers finding their home online rose from 8 percent to 32 percent. Fifteen percent of all buyers found the home they purchased from a yard sign or an open house sign. Another 7 percent to 8 percent located their home through a friend, relative or neighbor.   Eighty-seven percent of home buyers used the Internet to search for homes, up from 71 percent five years ago. Even though buyers actively search for homes on the Internet, a whopping 77 percent then drove by or vie...
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