Author Archive
Friday, May 2nd, 2008
80th Anniversary of Clarks Trading Post
The White mountains longest running attraction, started as “Ed Clark’s Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch” The original Trading Post still offers souvenirs, but the main attraction is the Bear Show. The White Mountain Railroad offers rides to the guests as they travel through Wolfman’s turf, visitors get a healthy dose of scare tactics from the dirty […]
No Comments » - Posted in NH Businesses by Steve
Monday, April 28th, 2008
The M.S. Mount Washington
The original Mount Washington ship was built in 1888 to cruise Lake Champain in Vermont it was named the Cheteaguay and was 203 feet long when built. A purchase price of $20,000 in the spring of 1940 was agreed upon, with the boat being dismantled and sent in 20 sections from Shelburne Vermont to Lakeport […]
No Comments » - Posted in NH Businesses by Steve
Thursday, April 24th, 2008
White Mountain
An hour north of Concord New Hampshire (the Capitol of New Hampshire) you enter the White Mountains National Forest. Loon Mountain Ski resort is on the southern boundry of the White Mountains Range, North is Cannon Mountain Ski Area owned by the state, Bretton Woods at the famous Mount Washington Hotel, and northern Coos County […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Sunday, April 20th, 2008
Loon Mountain’s South Peak Resort Sold to Macfarlan Capital Partners
Adirondack Style homes and Condominiums under construction designed with ski home access from the new South Mountain Ski Slopes.
TerraMesa Resorts formed by Macfarlan Capital Partners to manage : The Hollows, The Waters, Point West, Bear Lake Reserve and South Peak Resort at Loon Mountain. With 3 resorts in Texas, one in North Carolina, and one […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, South Peak Resort by Steve
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Quotes Put Into Real Estate Context… A Little Humor
Here are some of my favorite statements and how they apply to real estate!
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t go armed with comps to a listing presentation with a firm asking price in mind only to be swayed by the seller to take the listing at a higher than […]
1 Comment » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Saturday, April 12th, 2008
Rivergreen Condo Hotel Resort
The resort recently announced a month-long close down for spring renovations. After last year’s 2.5 million dollar upgrade to the existing building plus new indoor fitness center; this latest plan calls for a mud season shut down to complete the balance of the project. The resort will continue to take reservatiosn for the summer/fall seasons […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
A Great Place To Live
The Town of Woodstock New Hampshire, First granted in 1763 was originally named “Peeling”less than 250 years later Woodstock Boasts a booming population of 1,140 (according to the latest census numbers).
The above picture was taken from upper Grandview Drive in the center of Woodstock.
The area offers some wonderful recreational choices including Mirror lake […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Friday, April 4th, 2008
Live FREE of Die
The New Hampshire Advantage: One of only 2 states with no income tax or broad based sales tax, with lower living expenses come other benefits such as quality of life.
The U.S. Census Bureau observed the following features of life in the Granite State; 3 years average median income (2003-2005) New Hampshire ranks #3 behind Maryland […]
No Comments » - Posted in Legislation by Steve
Monday, March 31st, 2008
Lincoln NH… Papermill Town
This cabin is named for Billy the Bear Boyle a Foreman for J.E. Henry a lumber baron who once owned 100,000 acres of land and from the late 1800’s until the early 1900’s ran a sawmill in the area now known as the Town of Lincoln. The Pemigewasset river was a source of log […]
No Comments » - Posted in NH History by Steve
Thursday, March 27th, 2008
The Factory Built Advantages
Skilled Labor, performing their function continuously with the experience of one house completed everyday. The workers are not being asked to be plumbers, framers, finish carpenters or roofers at any given moment they do what they are trained to do and specialize in that function.
Materials, the indoor computer controlled factory equipment only functions well on […]
No Comments » - Posted in Land Development by Steve
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
Skiing and Real Estate are Both Holding Their Value
Loon Mountain epic skiing but limited property inventory! Skiing and Real estate are both holding their value, 95% National forest land 5% for all other developments.
Some of the best skiing of the year can still be found, great coverage and all trails open for business. The same can be said for the area properties, […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008
Timing in the Real Estate Market
Alpine Lakes Real Estate of Lincoln & Campton New Hampshire has been through high and low cycles in New Hampshire before. Here are the facts that we know for sure:
• New Hampshire has no state income or broad based sales tax.
• More people will want to live here in the next ten years
• The dollar will be […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Humpty Dumpty didn’t have a net!
I have written about this before, when young people these days get in trouble they call they’re parents to bail them out. When they grow up they buy homes, expensive cars, flat screen TV’s and get into trouble and file bankruptcy. There seems to be a sense of entitlement, if you live in […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
Land Sales are Hot Near Loon Mountain Resort.
There has been a surge of activity in the White Mountain’s raw land category recently. I attribute it to long term family planning and some cashing out of the stock market. These buyers seam to favor the long-term stability of real estate. I see great value in purchasing low caring cost property […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Friday, March 7th, 2008
Loon Area Real Estate statistics 2006 compared to 2007.
According to the Realtors MLS data for sales in the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock the gross number of condominium sales were down in 2007 compared to 2006. But when we add the South Peak Development (not reported in the Realtors Data), the gross number of sales is only off by 12% from 2006 […]
No Comments » - Posted in South Peak Resort by Steve
Monday, March 3rd, 2008
New Home Sites for sale @ South Peak Resort @ Loon Mtn
With the success of the first 60+ home sites sold, phase two is ready for release.
For those that know the lay of the land, the new home sites (22 of them) will be near the old Loon Mountain Riding Stables. For new comers the site is west of the newly opened Pemigewasset Quad Chair Lift. […]
No Comments » - Posted in South Peak Resort by Steve
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
Land developments examine the plan and the alternative.
Working in the real estate and custom building business for almost 25 years, I have seen a lot of projects succeed and a few that have failed. The failures were more often than not done by people who owned land and wanted to make a big profit by developing it. I can’t blame them one […]
No Comments » - Posted in Land Development by Steve
Sunday, February 24th, 2008
Good News for Housing Markets in Northeast
The latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicate that condo prices showed resiliency.
With a 2% rise compared to 12 months ago. Regionally the Northeast is the best performing area -for the 3 months ending 9/30/07 - the median home price rose 3.2%. Locally, the Lincoln / Loon Mountain area […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008
Summer Memories of the Pemi River
When we were kids we were lucky enough to have a vacation place in the White Mountains of NH. Of course, as kids we didn’t see it that way since our friends went to camps or Cape Cod and we hung out in New Hampshire and hang out with our parents. Who knew those were […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Saturday, February 16th, 2008
Selling White Mountain Real Estate in a Soft Market
Alpine Lakes is combating that trend by reaching more potential buyers and more qualified buyers looking to purchase the type of property we are offering for sale. The days of putting ads in the paper and waiting for the phone to ring are over (although we continue to use proven print media). Web sites, search […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
Overcoming Objections: The “REAL” Real Estate Story
You can read about marketing, sales, and advertise in a slew of books. The effective agents have lived the failures and triumphs that come with trial and error. I was working on a parcel of land my client wished to develop into a small subdivision, and later sell as single family home sites. […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Friday, February 8th, 2008
Lots of snow at Loon Mtn. this Year but no Fire Sales
I was riding up the lift with an older gentleman the other day, making small talk about the whether. I happened to say “boy we have gotten a lot of snow already this year”, to which my companion replied can I tell you a story about how the Native Americans knew how much snow we […]
1 Comment » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008
Skiing is not the only game in town: other Attractions.
Activities for everyone are available in the White Mountains; consider some of these options for your next trip.
• Alpine Adventures; off road tours, Zip lines and snowmobile 603-745-1919
• Cannon Mt Tramway; 80 passenger tram, Echo lake state park 603-823-8800
• Clarks Trading post; bear shows, gift shop train rides, ice cream 603-745-8913
• Flume Gorge: nature walk through chasms, under view […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, NH Businesses by Steve
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
Need a Lift
This is the view from the Tote Road Lift that connects the existing ski slopes at Loon Mountain to the South Mountain slopes.
As you can see the chairs go both ways which is really neat!!
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, South Peak Resort by Steve
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
Loon Mountain has been my Playground for 35 Years
I started skiing loon when I was 12 years old. We road the old orange gondola, were served coco by Sherman Adams as we waited in line for the (then much slower) lifts. I recall sharing the secret message over the fireplace with a first time visitor to Loon, we were cool and had the […]
1 Comment » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Friday, January 25th, 2008
Real Estate Agents BIGGEST Mistakes & Simple Solutions
#1) taking a guess when you should say “I don’t Know but let me find out”.
An experienced agent should know most of the answers they are asked, but when they don’t, guessing can be the undoing of a sale. This is especially true if it’s a material fact associated with the property (square footage, age […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Monday, January 21st, 2008
Real Estate vs. Gold
I know being a life-long real estate broker, I have a bias towards property as an asset. However, follow this train of thought if you would. The value of an ounce of gold is around $900.00, and I understand it is a commodity recognized internationally for trade. What makes gold valuable is its relative scarcity […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Thursday, January 17th, 2008
Creative Real Estate Solutions
A skilled real estate professional finds the answers to today’s property questions.
The most asked question today is what will it take to sell my property without taking a loss?
First I would question what you intend to do after the sale. Are you planning on buying another property? Or are you selling to leave the area […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Sunday, January 13th, 2008
Ski conditions at South Peak
Although the rain can dampen the spirit it can also make skiing fast and fun. I took my first run down the Cruiser trail, followed by the Boon run trail the
width of the trails reminded me of western skiing, but the solid surface was decidedly east coast (at least today). I think I will really […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008
Snow Covered Dream Home
This ski house comes with birch bark accents, wood and tile floors as well as a private access trail a walk to the new high-speed quad at South Peak Resort.
Designed and built by Cargill Construction Company out of Campton, New Hampshire, no exspenses were spared to create this luxury mountain home, with all it’s […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Saturday, January 5th, 2008
Zoning
The “ORDINANCES” or local laws enacted to control the use of a property in a given location. Many people I talk to are offended that the governing body (towns in this case) set a boundary on private citizens and impede their use and enjoyment. My answer is if zoning predates your purchase than you assumed […]
No Comments » - Posted in Frequently Asked Question by Steve
Tuesday, January 1st, 2008
Listing Vacation Property in the White Mountains of NH.
This transaction may require you to place even more trust in the listing broker than you typically think of in selling your primary home. When your permanent address is on the market the day to day interaction between broker and client can be a live stream of information. Let’s face it you know when the […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Saturday, December 29th, 2007
Loon Area Food & Fun (Restaurant Guide)
My favorite places to eat, drink and be merry (and some local knowledge) in the Lincoln Woodstock Valley. In No Particular order:
*Woodstock Station (and brew pub) my favorite summer outdoor lunch spot, great home made beer, and can you find local flavor (code for crazy people) and entertainment there www.woodstockinnnh.com […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, NH Businesses by Steve
Tuesday, December 25th, 2007
List your property this winter, sell by the summer.
The National Association of Realtors, is forecasting existing-home sales and prices to stabilize in the second quarter and rise throughout the second half of the year (reaching 5.7 million sales by the end of 2008).
It’s been my experience in the second home market (vacation properties) that the season of the year and buyers anticipated future […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Friday, December 21st, 2007
There’s No Such Thing as a Bad (real estate) Market.
Richard Gaylord, 2008 President of the National Association of Realtors says, “Regardless of where we are in a cycle, there are always plenty of people ready to buy and sell”. The NAR president backs up this claim with these facts: the 2007 existing-home sales surpassed those of 2002 (which were at the time a […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Monday, December 17th, 2007
South Mountain Slopes open!!
“The Lincoln Express Quad” will be tested by invitation today and a grand-opening ceremony will take place Friday December 21, 2007. Skiers and boarders will have the chance to ride the new chairs and ski brand new terrain before Christmas Vacation.
This is an exciting time for Loon Mountain, South Peak Resort, and the town of […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, South Peak Resort by Steve
Thursday, December 13th, 2007
Self Directed IRAs
“Real estate remains top investment choice” reports Realtor magazine in their December issue. Despite a real estate slowdown in some areas, investment real estate remains the Number 1, sought-after asset among investors with self directed IRAs reports a survey by Guidant Financial Group. Almost 65% of all the investors who make their own investment choices […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Thursday, December 13th, 2007
Cluster Development vs. Subdivision
Many of the more progressive towns have seen the value in allowing cluster development zoning. It works best if the area has a community or town water & sewer system, which will allow smaller lot sizes and more undeveloped parkland. The idea is to cluster the homes around a cul-de-sac or allow multiple attached housing […]
No Comments » - Posted in Land Development by Steve
Sunday, December 9th, 2007
The Polar Express rides again!
Take a train to the North Pole and visit Santa Claus before he departs for his around the world trip Christmas Eve. Trains leaving from the Hobo Hills in Lincoln NH, and tickets are still available. Proceeds benefit “Believe in Books Literacy Foundation”, young and not so young will enjoy the telling of the tales […]
No Comments » - Posted in NH Businesses by Steve
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
Remodel, Replacement, or Additions = Return on Repairs
Recently published in the Remodeling Magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report” are comparisons by region for specific types of repairs and the return on these investments.
In the New England states the best return on money spent when compared to several alternatives were:
Wood or Composite decks in the Additions category
Minor to Major kitchen changes in […]
No Comments » - Posted in Miscellaneous by Steve
Saturday, December 1st, 2007
Real Estate Owners = Greater Net Worth
I was reading a report from Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of research for the National Association of Realtors, he was talking about figures provided by the Federal Reserve Board which have consistently show the staggering difference in net worth when the government compares home owners to renters. - Would you believe, […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Loon Mountain Area has Priced Right Real Estate
Exceptional value, private location (abuts State forest Land) and move-in condition. These are the key elements being offered at Alpine Village. Offering a proven on-site rental program which allows owners to make this three-level Townhouse their primary home, second home or rental income property. We are presently listing a furnished 3-bedroom for $199,900 […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info, Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Friday, November 23rd, 2007
South Peak Resort at Loon Mountain Lincoln NH.
Ski home LOCATION, Slope side LOCATION, Walk to the lift LOCATION.
In other Words “location, location, location” the oldest real estate saying in the book. Many throw it around as a Buzz phrase but it’s exciting when you have a proven commodity. Look at #37 Crooked Mountain Road at South Peak, and you’ll see what […]
No Comments » - Posted in South Peak Resort by Steve
Saturday, November 17th, 2007
1031Exchange = Two for one real estate diversity
An example of a White Mountain real estate investment strategy as it can work for income property sellers. I had a buyer with a low basis (original purchase price) and a high return (resale price) on an apartment building he sold out of state. We made sure he qualified the sale (of the disposed property) […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Thursday, November 15th, 2007
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Price is the ultimate equalizer when it comes to second home properties
#1) What the prior owner liked you might not like
#2) Many properties in your price range share similar floor plans.
So if the comparison can’t be made from the outside what are we left with to determine which property meets our needs and objectives?
Interior design, […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007
Property Opportunity Condos Below Market Value
Here is a unique situation, exterior finished, with town water & sewer hook ups. Interior framed, insulated, and sprinklers installed, needs a buyer willing to do the sweat equity. You could own this 1,464 square foot condo as is for a little as $50/sqft (asking $73,200).
The previous (expired) building permit will need to be re-filed […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info, Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Sunday, November 11th, 2007
Question: If you had it all, where would you put it?
Answer: Real Estate
Would you be interested in a vacant lot with a $60/year tax bill, it has 1,350 feet of water frontage with mountain views. What if it had no building restrictions, is over 17 acres and has a dozen waterfalls and deep pools to wade in. Would it interest you if this location […]
No Comments » - Posted in Land Development, Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Friday, November 9th, 2007
The 3 Little Bears, Just Right Real Estate (not too hot & not too cool)
Great South Facing Mountain Views (HOT), overlooking an Icy Alpine River (COOL).
A One Bedroom Condo with all the amenities, wonderful views and a purchase price under $150,000 (furnished). Appealing? You bet! As the Loon Mountain Resort town of Lincoln, New Hampshire, HEATS up there are still some COOL deals to be had.
The excitement is […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info, Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
South Mountain Homes & South Peak Resort at Loon Mountain
A dozen new homes are under construction and a dozen more are in the architect review process (plans must meet design criteria). This new ski home pictured above is one of the many our parent company, Cargill Construction, is currently building.
Alpine Lakes Realty offers a unique customer service when it comes to custom homes. […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, South Peak Resort by Steve
Monday, November 5th, 2007
South Mountain @ at South Peak Resort, Loon Mountain
With South Mountain, Riverside Condos at South Peak Resort having 40 units closed/pending and more under construction for next spring/summer delivery we can call this project a success!
Multiple floor plans all with garages can be seen by appointment, call Alpine Lakes Real Estate to arrange for your viewing. These condominiums’ feature gas heat, central […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, South Peak Resort by Steve
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007
How do I Rent with Option to Buy
The market is a little slow and everyone needs a place to live, plus sellers are a little more motivated than they have been in the past few years. Some of my out of state property seller’s, have vacant homes or condos and would consider renting if it could turn into a sale.
The upside […]
No Comments » - Posted in Frequently Asked Question by Steve
Thursday, November 1st, 2007
Should I finance a land purchase?
As you may have guessed my answer is it depends. Are you going to build right away are you holding for long term investment, or do you plan on flipping in less than three years?
If you can afford to pay cash than by all means do so, this will allow you to have no monthly […]
No Comments » - Posted in Frequently Asked Question by Steve
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
Private Property Pond Permit
My latest project took some doing, but I learned valuable lessons in the process. I was talking to my site contractor about an old culvert that needed repair and he got me started on this project. First I needed to make an application for a “permit by notification” in which I spelled out the issues […]
No Comments » - Posted in Land Development by Steve
Sunday, October 28th, 2007
NH Donation Center (Act Locally think Globally)
Alpine Lakes Real Estate and Allied Home Mortgage both with offices at Linwood Plaza in Lincoln, NH, have teamed up to collect non-perishable food and/or cash for the State of New Hampshire food bank. There will be collection boxes available in our lobbies for the up coming holiday season. Canned or dry food donations […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area, Miscellaneous, Press Releases by Steve
Friday, October 26th, 2007
Definition of Real Estate Terms: Lien
Lien; A charge or Claim against a person’s property made to enforce the payment of money. There are many forms of liens the most common is the mortgage lien or claim for repayment of a note. A lien is said to be an encumbrance on the owner’s title, this is anything which would prevent you […]
No Comments » - Posted in Real Estate Terms by Steve
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
It’s Easy to Get Here
Here is a list of the miles from your location to the White Mountains of New Hampshire:
Portland, Maine - 97
Portsmouth, New Hampshire - 115
Boston, Massachusetts - 135
Providence, Rhode Island - 185
Montreal, Quebec - 198
Albany, New York - 212
Hartford, Connecticut - 212
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 432
Washington, DC - 569
Halifax, Nova Scotia - 682
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Monday, October 22nd, 2007
102% Loan with No PMI & Zero $ Down
There are government loan programs put in place for certain areas of the state that allows borrowers lending terms with no down payments on new or existing homes and condos. These programs can be amortized with 30 year fixed rates and have no prepayment penalties. The program allows for a sellers contributions towards closing […]
No Comments » - Posted in Buyers & Sellers Info by Steve
Saturday, October 20th, 2007
White Mountains of New Hampshire
You loved your White Mountains vacation - now you can make it home! There’s nothing like a trip to the White Mountains, but owning a vacation home or relocating here is even better. Our realtors are ready to help you every step of the way to find the property that best suits your needs. […]
No Comments » - Posted in Loon Mountain Area by Steve
Thursday, October 18th, 2007
What’s the best investment in your opinion?
The funny thing is I usually get this one from people looking at second home rental property. I answer this way “ buy a duplex close to where you live” and you check the tenants rental application, you paint, clean, re-carpet between rentals, mow the lawn and chase tenants for the rent.
This answer is always […]
No Comments » - Posted in Frequently Asked Question by Steve
Friday, October 12th, 2007
Who Do We Work for - 101
As an AGENT we are authorized and agree to represent the interests of another person. In our business this is most often the seller of real estate (by a listing agreement), but can be the buyer so long as we have a buyer - agent agreement.
The Principal is the individual who hires the agent […]