Bridget Hayward | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 603 834 4031 32 Taft Road, Portsmouth, NH Welcome home to this truly unique open concept home in Elwyn Park! Home features a custom kitchen open to dining room, spacious lofted family room 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $320,000 Year Built 1960 Sq Footage 2,217 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Welcome home to this truly unique open concept home in Elwyn Park! Home features a custom kitchen open to dining room, spacious lofted family room, choice of master bedrooms, wood and tile floors. Bright and sunny living space with large windows & sky lights, recessed lighting and ceiling fans adding to the open feel. One car attached garage.... 07/09/2010

For some strange reason the post below I wrote several years ago popped on a Google alert. After re-reading it I decided it was still very relevant to today and hopefully you will find it worthwhile: I just received my July/August issue of “The Real Estate Professional”, a great magazine sent to all REBAC (Real Estate Buyers Agent Council) members. A feature story is titled “Technology and Home Sales: How the Internet is Changing the Real Estate Industry”. Boy, ain’t that the truth. I found some of the technology do and don’ts for using technology in your listings to be especially relevant. I think a lot of us don’t quite realize yet is that most buyers (and sellers) are way more tech savvy than the average Realtor. Probably something to do with their average age being in the 30s and o... 07/08/2010

These days we use holidays to reconnect with family and friends, and that's a good thing. At the same time we can honor the traditions behind the holiday. July 4th or Independence Day is about earning our freedom, and so it's sometimes appropriate to go back to our roots.  Strawbery Banke Museum 14 Hancock St. Portsmouth, NH is a great place to visit when you want to learn more about our country's history. This July 4th, theyhave lots of fun things planned ... and yoy won't find these anywhere else. 07/02/2010

As a home buyer looking for a value in the purchase of real estate you may consider a "short sale" as a viable option. However,  the process of finding and buying a Portsmouth NH short sale is not the same as a typical real estate transaction to which you may be accustomed. Short sales have received a lot of press over the past two years during the contraction of the US economy, however many real estate professionals and most prospective buyers do not understand the process of buying a short sale property. To have success, you must work with qualified professionals who understand the process completely and can advise you properly on the nuances of these transactions. It is very important for you to utilize the services of Realtors, attorneys, accountants, mortgage lenders and home insp... 06/09/2010

YIPPIE!  250,000 points and counting...... It's been a fun and interesting 3 1/2 years on Active Rain and finally I've hit the big 2500. I've meet lots of  very nice people that have been there and helped me along the way. I'm thankful for that. Points aren't "everything" but it's nice because it puts you up at the top of the list on Localism.... This has proven to be a great way for people to know who I am and what I have to offer as a Realtor in Portsmouth NH Seacoast area and surrounding towns. I'm happy to say I've gotten some leads from this exposure as well as a couple of deals. Knowledge gained....this is huge, especially this last year with the real estate market in a slump. There are many things to learn and thanks to Active Rain I've learned many things. If you haven't looked ... 06/08/2010

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