Home Value Update for Keene NH Through September 2009 According to Zillow.com, the listing prices of single family homes have fallen 3.2% in the last 3 months, while listing prices of condos have been relatively flat. The current mean listing price of homes for sale on the market in Keene, NH, is $204,900. Below is a chart of the trend of listing prices of homes for sale in Keene, NH, in the past year through September 2009: Median List PriceMore Keene Home Values   If you're looking for a home or condo to purchase in Keene, 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 h... 11/01/2009

I just got off teleconference with the NHAR Social Media task force team: Shannon Aldrich, Ansel Crombleholme, Jay McGillicuddy (chair), Dan O'Halloran and myself, Stephanie Jacques.  The task force was set up to help NHAR and it's members implement the use of social media tools for communication. Because social media users are already aware of the power of being involved with social media (i.e., the speed and the amazing ability to tap into the knowledge of thousands in record time), we are discussing ways to help reach members who may be hesitant to reach out and try social media. For many of those members, it's:  1) a matter of being shown how to use it  2) explaining more about social media   3)addressing any fears that they have...before they adopt the practice. For others, it may ... 10/30/2009

#1. I'm boarding my horse indoors so I can ride all winter and keep my sanity. I'm putting all my cards on this one because riding is my passion. This winter I'm NOT going 6 months without it! 2. Social Media NETWORKING! You never know what's coming around the corner when you're embarked in the social media journey. Keeping ahead with social media and getting continuous training to advance my knowledge has become my mission- why? It's fun and it's opened new doors for me! 3. Staying away from any negative in office conversations. Everything's goin' all right, as far as I'm concerned as long as I've got my family and my health, complimented by an exciting career and surrounded by friends. 4. Go snowtubing at Granite Gorge with my daughter now that she's old enough! This I'm looking forwa... 10/29/2009

Every once in a while I revert back to my children in a blog because of something that's happened that's truly warmed my heart. This occassion is one of them! Last night I was a bit harsh and snappy with my daughter whose chatterbox mouth was steering me away from my search for quiet (...and my need to complete a thought without constant interruption.)  Because we've raised our children with very little TV, I have an automatic guilt trip for turning it on, but maybe I should have because Mommy wasn't being a good playmate! I felt bad about being unfairly snappy and, in trying to teach a good lesson, I spoke to my daughter about it this morning as she was getting ready for school. "That's right, Mom, and I'm sorry too for being crabby when you didn't sing to me before bed." And so we con... 10/28/2009

10/31/2009 28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 10:00-12:00 95 Plain rd, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00 620 West Street, Keene 12:00-2:00   11/1/2009 28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 1:00-3:00 (also on Weds 4:00-6:00) 10/27/2009

How energy efficient is my home? I've asked myself this for a long time but come to find out recently that my house is pretty energy efficient! (But there's always room for improvement.) Check out this rating scale and see what incentives are offered. Maybe you are eligible for an energy audit at below market value. Traditionally I've seen the costs for energy audits at prices over $375.  If you could qualify for an audit offered to you at a lower price, it would be well worth it.  Thinking of remodeling? Are there state or federal incentives for your home remodelling projects? Your contractor may not know yet, or be able to help you out, but you can find out for yourself online. This trend is only going to grow stronger, maybe not as quick as social media did because of the costs, but ... 10/26/2009

I've finally made the decision to begin my second blog.  While continuing this blog on Activerain, I've begun to realize the benefits to being on Blogger as well.  The primary focus of my blog on Blogger will be to focus on local real estate and social media related topics.  It was so simple to set up and the features are wonderful! The widgets available are all the top widgets I've ever wanted to use and it only took me 30 minutes to customize my entire blog page.  I have to admit I've fancied it up with videos from Youtube that I had uploaded, and I already had a stat counter account to track stats. After much research I'm going forth on my second blog.  I think it will be a wonderful compliment to my social media profile.   10/21/2009

I have finally figured it out, but it took the right tools.  Below are simple instructions for adding great video to your Activerain blog: 1. Taking a video using Flip Mino Camera is the simplest way I've found. 2. Create video using Flip's simple instructions, add music if desired, and save to Youtube using your strategically selected keywords for tags. 3. Write your blog on Activerain and save it to publish it. 4. Copy the code from Youtube on your video (this is an option you have while watching the video, either copying the code or the URL- for this purpose, take the code. Don't forget to share on Facebook and Twitter if you've created this wonderful video! Also send by email to friends right from Youtube!) 5. Return to your blog and edit it, going to the HTML tab you see at the top... 10/21/2009

I recently listed a mobile home in a Hinsdale, NH co-op (Swamp Ask Brook Co-op).  The home is located approximately 200 yards from the trail system, ideal for hunting on conservation land and for snowmobiling and riding quads for miles and miles. (See Video for 18 Park Drive Hinsdale, NH) Something strange happened to me the other day as I was taking my video of this new listing, which will soon be placed on Youtube. I filmed the exterior and it's surroundings.  Fall in New England is so beautiful so it's always important to get a shot of the home's landscaping.  Then I went inside and photographed and video'd the interior.  When I finished I locked up and was surprised to see a hunter walking in full hunting gear down the quiet street.  He stopped and we talked about the co-op a bit.  ... 10/20/2009

10/24/2009 103 Richmond Rd, Winchester 10:00-12:00 104 Merriam Rd, Walpole 1:00-3:00 100 Forestview Drive, Chesterfield 10:30-12:30 29K Windsor Court, Keene 12:00-2:00 185 River Street, Keene 12:00-1:30 65 Langley Rd, Keene 12:00-2:00 3 Leahy Rd, Keene 10:00-11:30 175 River Street, Keene 12:00-1:30 28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 10:00-12:00 (Please note new Open House hours)   10/25/2009 76 Howard Street, Keene 10:00-11:30 61 Liberty Lane, Keene 2:00-3:30 38 Pine Street, Hinsdale 11:30-1:00 44 Pine Street, Hinsdale 11:30-1:00 17 Hillcrest Street, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00 46 Robbins Street, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00 143 Fish Hatchery Rd, Richmond 12:00-1:30 55 Windsor Court, Keene 11:00-12:30 19C 20 Gates Rd, Marlborough 1:00-2:30 37 Base Hill Rd, Keene 11:00-1:00 62 Timberlane Drive, Keene 2:00-3:30 38 Sky... 10/20/2009

I recently read an article originally printed by the Associated Press and printed in the Keene Sentinel called "A home's new owner should ask seller for lowdown".  Of all buyers, especially, first time buyers would benefit from this experience.  It's easy to forget the newness of home ownership and what it was like that first year of owning your first home.  Not knowing what new things you hadn't thought to ask about your home, what new challenges you faced in figuring out your home with each seasonal change.  Getting to know your home is a 12 month process, and sometimes longer. Here are somethings first time buyers should think to ask before or during the closing of their home: Is anything under warrenty still? Where are the docs for this? When was your last chimney and furnace cleani... 10/19/2009

 No one knows for sure what will become of the buyers who missed out on the tax credit offering.  Will it be extended or modified to incorporate all buyers? Who knows but for one, I wonder if we will become a JCPenney's country where sales, discounts and incentives are expected for consumers to purchase anything?  If I were a buyer right now, missing the tax credit, I'd certainly be waiting to see what next offering will come to "encourage me" to buy a home.  I feel we could see a bit of a lull if buyers do wait this winter for another incentive, but hope I am wrong!!  See what this article predicted after the 2008 tax incentive... If you're a first time buyer hoping to tap into the tax credit this year, you already know you need to close on or before November 30, 2009.  For many who re... 10/19/2009

10/17/2009 65 Broad Brook Rd, Winchester-  1:00-3:00 28 Owens Drive, Swanzey- 10:00-12:00 (please note new open house hours) 270 Wentworth Rd, Walpole- 2:00-4:00-New Price! 33 Richmond Rd, Troy- 10:00-12:00 51 Summit Ridge, #51, Keene- 3:00-4:30 81 Summit Ridge, Keene- 2:00-3:30 155 Roxbury Street, Keene- 12:00-1:30 26 Red Oak Drive, Keene- 10:00-11:30 18 Balsam Street, Keene- 12:30-2:00   10/18/2009 634 Rte 10, Gilsum- 12:00-1:30 28 Skyline Drive, Keene- 12:00-2:00 28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 11:00-1:00 & 10/21 (Weds) 4:00-6:00 10/13/2009

I'm often asked the question "How's the market?" at house parties, when meeting new people or when getting together with family.  My answer always reflects my own personal experiences, which doesn't necessarily represent the broader view of the market.  My own niche (the first time buyer) did quite well this year, despite the lower income I earned based on lower selling prices:) I have had more first time buyers this year then in the past 8 years of my business selling real estate. Very few of them purchased homes that had an actual seller residing in the home ready to move up and make another purchase. Some Stats: The Cheshire County (Keene, NH are surrounding towns) region has seen a dramatic change in average listing and selling prices of homes sold during the 08 and 09 months of Sep... 10/12/2009

Last Sunday I spent the afternoon raking leaves of all colors (but blue, as I'm reminded by my 5 yr old) and building a huge pile.  The day was crisp and dry(ing) from our rain on Saturday. The kids were fresh and extra wound up from a long, busy week. It's time to let loose.   I turned around and closed my eyes, jumped high and leaned back. Leaves cradled my freefall and wrapped me up so I couldn't be found and I lay there in silence for a moment or two, thinking... What life this time of year gives me.  New England autumns are full of family, friends, harvest socials and cheery pumpkins.  People are feeling good, set aside a sniffle or two.  I lay in the leave pile feel warm fuzzies as memories of my childhood returned. It's times like these when I'm loving life and feeling so connect... 10/12/2009

When I think of what social media offers, I think of my 5 year old at the dinnertable.  Our family sits around the table and whenever I tell my daughter something (with my husband in sitting across the table), she announces it to my husband as though he had never heard. That's PR at it's finest! Take a real estate firm, for instance, that has been awarded or recognized within it's community, industry, or in the media.  Once the media has covered the story, it becomes history which lives only in the voices of those who share the story again. It's interpretation may differ from person to person, and the facts get lost in transaltion. Combine that with a touch of social media and the legend lives forever! Take that same real estate firm with the award or recognition it has received.  Share... 10/11/2009

Get a Free List of Websites of Government and Bank Foreclosure Listings in Keene, NH There are a number of websites that contain free listings of government and bank foreclosed homes in Keene, NH. These websites contain descriptions, color photos, and addresses of the foreclosed homes for sale in Keene, NH. And, most of these websites have government and bank foreclosure listings nationwide. There's no charge to search the foreclosure listings on any of these websites, and there's no 7-day free trial period either. Virtually all of these websites do not require any personal information to get access to the government and bank foreclosure listings. You can access these foreclosure listings anytime you want and as often as you want - free of charge!  Click here to get your own directory o... 10/08/2009

FHA, VA, and USDA Rural Development Loans in Keene, NH Are you looking for a home mortgage loan in the Keene, NH area? Then you've come to the right place! Northeast Community Mortgage is a mortgage broker serving Keene, NH, and many of the surrounding areas. When you decide to buy a home or refinance a mortgage in Keene, NH or in the surrounding area, your search for a home mortgage loan should start and end here.  With so many lenders to choose from in the greater Keene area, you should choose one you can trust to find the mortgage loan that will best meet your needs. As a mortgage broker, we help our clients obtain a loan from the lender who has the terms that best matches their needs. In terms of mortgage programs, we specialize in FHA, VA, and USDA Rural Development loans. We also ... 10/08/2009

The Mortgage Interest Rate Lock Advisory for Keene NH for October 8, 2009 Here are some of the events affecting mortgage interest rates today in Keene, New Hampshire. What the Mortgage Backed Securities Market is Doing Today: The price of the FNMA 30-Year 4.5% MBS coupon opened at 101.91 this morning - the same as yesterday's close. The chart below shows today's price trend of the FNMA 30-Year 4.5% coupon: The FNMA 30-Year 4.5% MBS coupon is currently trading at 102.06 - up 5/32 from it's opening (as shown by the blue line). Remember, on mortgage backed securities (MBSs), as the price goes up, the yield comes down - and mortgage interest rates come down with it. I expect that mortgage interest rates will be 0.0% - 0.125% better in price this morning as compared to yesterday. The chart b... 10/08/2009

Assuming that first time buyers are the ones who start the chain of real estate transactions so move up buyers can move out, do we track and measure the number of first time buyer home sales to determine that housing sales are on the upswing? What about when the first time buyer purchases a short sale or a foreclosured property and the money stops in those hands? With the high number of foreclosures and short sales, sellers in move up housing (usually priced higher than a typical entry level home for your region) are still not budging too rapidly. "Look instead at the sale of the first- and second- move-up homes .... when that increases it will be an indication that the food chain is really going and that the bottom is real" says Doug Poretz of Seeking Alpha . So who really holds the ti... 10/07/2009