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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 )
  Great news today from the Housing Secretary on how the $8,000 tax credit can be applied as a credit toward the down payment in excess of 3.5% of the appraised value or they can use it toward the closing costs on FHA approved homes/loans. Check out the scoop at the follow address: Go to this website for the complete information on how the $8,000 tax credite can be used - IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html?portlet7.  This will stir things up for buyers that meet the qualifications so maybe we Realtors will start to see a real flurry of buyers out there once again.   Patricia4realestate.com    Portsmouth NH Real Estate   Hampton NH Real Estate
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
I was thinking that a great good way to get the word out to the "first time home buyer" would be to make up a post card with the information about the $8,000. tax credit for those who qualified. Now since all those buyers don't know how who I am and how to find me I figured I'm the one that has to make the first move.....So, then  I went ahead and made up a simple to the point are with the necessary contact information to reach me on it. Now all I have to do next is find the places where these first time home buyers are living and send out a mass mailing. Well that's exactly what I've done. I sniffed around all those apartment buildings where most of those first time home buyers might live and sent out a mass mailing. Now all I have to do is sit back and wait for them to trickle in and ...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
If you, or a real estate client of yours, are in need of a yard sale to reduce some of that clutter, here are some of my tried and true tips to make your sale a successful one. First, some advice on writing your ad:Place an ad in your local paper.  You can also advertise on Craig's List.Highlight items of interest.  (collections, furniture, antiques, appliances, tools, jewelry, baby items and toys, books, records...)Multi-Family sales or "first time" sales  will draw more people.  Try to get neighbors to participate...the more families on a street included in the sale, the better.The phrase "years of accumulation" will attract buyers.If you plan to have your sale rain or shine...make sure you state that in the ad or list a rain date.I suggest listing a start time, with no end time.  Tha...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
                                                    Up To $8,000* Tax Credit from Uncle Sam                                                          If You Buy A Home This Year! The other day I was wondering what would get more prospective buyers to visit my website @ www.patricia4realestate.com and this is what I decide to do. My own website has been "out there in cyber space  for the last seven years. It has been my saving grace, so to speak. Even in the slow times, I get the majority of my business from this real estate site covering the areas I service, Seacoast NH and ME.  I decided to get the word out on how to use the tax credit and so I put a very informative video about this topic.                                                                  Patricia Aulson/Realtor         ...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
If you want to know the secret to a fast and profitable home sale, there are two basic questions that must be answered before you list your house.   1.  Who is your buyer and what are their needs?With your Realtor's help, based on knowledge of the area/neighboorhood and the size/style of your house,  determine who your target buyer is.  Market to that buyer's needs.  Function of rooms, color choices, and furniture placement and style will all vary based on the age of the buyer and whether they are single or have a family. Each of these living rooms is targeted toward a different buyer: 2.  Who is your competition and what are their strengths?Your competition is every seller with a house in the same price range. Do a MLS search of all the listings in your price range and see exactly what...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
I’m curious to see what kind of a response I get on this post. I am a Realtor in seacoast NH & ME and this is where I best service buyers and sellers. Staying in my own back yard makes total sense to me. Yes, I’m licensed in the state of NH & ME but that doesn’t mean I want to service the whole state! Not venturing out of my back yard, so to speak, and pretending I know about towns and cities I am not familiar with doesn’t make sense. Not only from a geographical point of view it doesn’t make sense to travel more than anhour or more to show a house that is for sale. The towns, cities, and neighborhoods aren’t familiar to me so I feel out of my element. How can I answer questions honestly that I might be asked by buyers when I don’t really know from practical experience what the Selling ...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
What are the two most important words to consider when selling your home?  The most common answer is a combination of either "price, location, or condition."  Most advice on selling a house centers around these three subjects, and plenty has been written about each. If you want to have an advantage over the other sellers in your price range, I suggest you consider two other words. What most real estate advice doesn't mention is "perceived value." Your house is not worth what you think it is worth, or what your Realtor thinks it is worth, or what you need to get for it, or what your neighbor's house sold for.  Your Realtor will help you determine a listing price, but the actual worth of your house is what a buyer perceives it to be worth. What buyers think is the only thing that matters....
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
FUN FILLED TIME- COME JOIN THE FUN Portsmouth NH-Prescott Park Arts Festival presents its 25th annual Chowder Festival on Saturday, June 6. Gates open at 11 a.m. and serving starts at 11:30 a.m. until the chowder is gone. The Chowder Festival is one of New England's largest and best-attended events of the summer season. Each year, more than 4,000 residents and tourists fill Prescott Park in Portsmouth NH to kick-off the summer in a delectable fashion and this year record-breaking numbers are expected. As with any silver anniversary, the Chowder Festival is gearing up to be bigger than any other held in the past 24 years. The number of registered restaurants alone has exceeded years past and include the newly opening River House Restaurant, Portsmouth Brewery, McMenemy's, Shipyard, Bob's...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
People don't like bad news and when they get it, they sometimes express negative feelings toward the person delivering the message.   In real estate, Realtors know this all too well.  Unfortunately, they find themselves walking on egg shells when it comes to advice on improvements.Sellers don't want to hear about changing the carpet or removing the wallpaper.The possibility of losing the listing can tie the Realtor's hands and limit their suggestions.Home stagers are not in the same situation.  Our hands are free and we will hold nothing back.  It's not only our job to point out every issue or concern...we can't help ourselves...the message will be delivered. In order to have a successful sale, sellers must understand that the home stager is on their side.  The home stager wants the sam...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
  Relocating in any season presents a challenge and takes lots of organization. But with proper preparation moving to or from another climate  need not be a worrisome ordeal if you plan ahead. ~ Stay on top of the weather conditions so you can prepare for the worst if need be. Try to plan it so that you arrive when the weather is the best, if possible, not raining or snowing, etc.... ~ Have a box of extra clothing accessible for adapting to climate changes . Also make sure you have boots or shoes to change into if need be. ~ Being prepared and organized will help you in the long run...Better safe than sorry. ~ Relax and enjoy your move.                                                 "Experience isn't expensive....it's Priceless!"   Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate   www.patric...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
    ~ What a surprise it was to go on AR this morning and find out that my blog on floor time had been featured! I was totally amazed and dazed to say the least. I've been a Rain Maker for a couple of years and was wondering when this would happen. Well I'm the top dawg today folk and happy to be it. ~To all the Active Rain members I say "thank you so much for your support" over the last couple of years. The Featured Post is really the reward I was waiting for. It was a fun day trying to answer the many comments. I'm only half way there but hope to finish them all. ~It sure was fun and now I'm determined to get the next one soon.   Best Regards from ~Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate  www.patricia4realestte.com  
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
    My Mother's Hugs are The Best! Yes today is Mother's Day and what a happy day it was here in Seacoast NH. I enjoyed the activities that my children planned for me. Dinner out at a restaurant I like very much and lots of laughter and conversation about family and friends encircled the dinner table. My children are grown up, how could it be this seemed to happen overnight as they say. Yesterday little kids.....today adults!? I can vividly remember my mother telling me when my kids were babies to enjoy each day because they will grow up overnight she said.  Right again Mom, they did. Time sure flys doesn't it. I'm proud to say that raising my children was my biggest achievement. It sure wasn't easy at times that's for sure but I'm very proud to be called Mom. My daughter that there is ...
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By Shannon Aldrich, NH & Maine Real Estate Seacoast
(Keller Williams Coastal Realty)
My nephew just recently deplyed to Iraq. We are looking to put together a care package for him. I thought I would find an easy list - boy was I wrong. So here is my list that I put together after visiting many sites and reading lots of blogs. If I can give some ideas even for one soldier's family - I am happy.... Personal Care: (Think travel size) Toothbrush Toothpaste Travel Size Floss Multi Vitamins Unscented Baby Wipes Travel Size Hand Sanitizer Lip Balm Disposable Razors Bug repellant (like Deep Woods Off) to keep the sand fleas off. Waterproof sunscreen Aloe Vera lotion Deodorant Lotion Small packages of Kleenex. Throat lozenges Eye drops Pain relievers, like Tylenol, Aspirin, Motrin, etc. Jock itch powder Feminine Itch Powder Tampons Feminine Hygiene Pads Hair Bands Small Mirrors ...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
Being a Lawful Driver can benefit you in more way than you think. The U.S.Department of Energy, claims that driving at the speed limit is not only safer-it is more energy-efficient.  While all cars a different on gas mileage it is known that driving over 60 miles per hour the more fuel you use to get to your destination. When you drive fast you think perhaps you are saving time getting to where you want to go. However when you drive above the 60 MPH you burn more gas (24 cents extra per gallon in gas for every five miles you drive above the 60 MPH) So driving slower, under 60 MPH will save you money on gas as well as potentially keep you safer. Then there is the possibility that a police officer will pull you over for speeding. This will get you a speeding ticket and most everywhere the...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
Good morning everyone! It may be wordless Wednesday for some people today but not for me!  I've finally done it. After two years of being on Active Rain I'm proud to say I've finally  reached the 100,000 point mark....Yippie  It's been a great trip and I have of course learned many things along the way that have been most helpful to my real estate business. It's kid of like going to school and learning all over again with out going outside the house. I like the fact that along with the good information I have made contacts with lots of smart people. I think it's a great social network for anyone.  Other people have suggested Face Book , Twitter, and so on but I think I'll put my time into AR and enjoy what is at my fingertips. It truly have been fun. Thank you to all of those who take t...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
I came into the office today and the new "Homes and Land" magazine that covers seacoast NH & sotheren Me was on the table.  I picked it up to look through it and was amazed to find how "thin it was." My gosh it didn't have more than 50 pages in it consisting of listings in the area. The other pages were general advertisements. Other print real estate books have diminished is size as well. How times have changed!  This magazine used to be popular in my area anyhow and it was a fairly thick book each and every month.  I used to advertise in it myself and got a fair amount of calls out of it. But now the tide has changed and everyone is looking on line for homes .It takes the personal touch out of the equation. The office is always quiet and rather lonely when I go in. Although there are t...
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By Sharon Tara, Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
(Sharon Tara Transformations)
If you are in the process of preparing your house for sale, it is important that you realize that your actions at this point will determine your future success.  Once listed, a house on the market ages quickly. You only get one shot at your "just listed" fifteen minutes of fame out in the buyers' pool. If you don't grab someone's attention in the first two weeks, your chances of getting your asking price start to diminish. The difference between multiple offers and price reductions can be a direct result of your preparation.Today's buyers want move-in ready properties.  They scan MLS photos looking for houses that appeal to them visually and emotionally and that require no improvements. They are looking for a house that they can visualize as their home. How you present your house, and h...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood....here in "The Live Free or Die Sate" - NH ...the temperature is up to mid to high 70's (depending where you are-along the coast or inland). How sweet it is... the sun is shining and all the flora and forna is emerging. It's wonderful to look out the window and see "green!"  My favorite color that's for sure, especially since I was born on St. Patrick's day. Everything is green. Four leaf clovers are green...Lots of good things are green in color like $ cash is green-that's nice to have... Zucchini is green and I've read that colorful vegetables add to the spectrum of a healthy diet. My mother makes a killer zucchini bread- wish mine was as good. Green growing methods used by small farms are sound for the planet. are yummy to eat they are green...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
In 1982, there was 12% unemployment, 16-18% interest rates and only 3 TV stations(NBC, CBS, ABC) and twice per day delivery of news; no youtube, no fax, no cell phone, no internet,(it was only used by the military then) and no cable Today- we get bombarded by news 24/7 and sometimes over and over again via internet, cell phones, etc               We have the lowest interest rates since 1947!                Feb had a 3.4% increase in factory orders               Feb had a 5% rise in new home sales                Feb had a 5.1% rise in existing home sales               Consumer confidence rose in March                                   I'd welcome the opportunity to go over the many  Affordability Opportunities?                                                   Just contact me below anyti...
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By Patricia Aulson, Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate )
Today is National Hanging Out Day. It is a day to celebrate and promote the line-drying of laundry to save energy, money, electricity, and reduce pollution. Line-drying leaves your clothes smelling great and makes them last longer.Drying clothes in electric dryers uses about 10 percent of all residential electricity use America. One thing I think everyone can agree on is that by reducing our electric demand we put ourselves in a better position no matter what choices are made with respect to the large electricity suppliers. The beauty of line-drying clothes is that it is a simple step that nearly everyone can take and it doesn't take a big upfront investment — just some clothes pins and some rope or a wooden drying rack. We always loved the wonderful "fresh smell" to the clothes. Now th...
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