Colby Real Estate's Blog

Is This the Time to Buy?

colbyre — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:44:23 +0000

Introduction

Do a combination of factors that are happening right now mean that this is the time to buy that new home? Let’s take a look at what is happening in the Real Estate market and the mortgage market to see if this is the time to buy.

Real Estate Sales History

We have recently researched the sales history here in the Mount Kearsarge / Lake Sunapee region of NH and found some interesting results. Below is a chart showing the total number of sales each year from 2001 to 2010 for 13 towns in our area. This data was collected from January 1st to November 15th of each year. This chart also shows the average and median Days on Market for these years.

Number of Sales and Days on Market

As you can see from this chart, the largest number of sales occurred in 2004 with 445 sales. The lowest number of sales was in 2009 with 263. What is interesting is that so far this year, we have more sales than last year with 287 in the same time period. This indicates that in our area, the market is starting to improve.

Another indicator to look at is the sales price of properties. The chart below gives the average and median sales price of homes for the last 10 years.

Sales Price History

As you can see, we had a peak for the price of homes in 2005 and 2007 with a reduction since then. But interestingly enough, so far this year the sales price of homes is up. Again, this is an indication of a stronger housing market in our area.

Another interesting fact is that even though last year was tough year, it was essentially equal to the average price of homes sold in 2004. In fact, if you compare the average price of homes sold this year to 2001, this year was up $108,000!

These two charts indicate that for our area, we could be past the bottom of the market. We do know that there are some great deals out there right now. It may be the time to grab them before they are gone!

Mortgage Market

Let’s now take a look at the mortgage market, and specifically, what is happening to interest rates. Although I am no mortgage expert, typically interest rates increase when there is positive economic data, and decline when there is bad news about the economy. With the stock market rising and more positive economic news every day, it would seem that we could expect interest rates to go up. Certainly they can’t get much lower than they were this summer. This being said, we could be seeing the increase in housing sales because buyers are thinking that rates may be going up in the future.

Conclusion

I wanted to write this article, not to push people to buy now, but to inform people that we look to be at at a change in the market. It could be that we are just past the lowest point for housing sales and price, and just past the lowest point for interest rates. Given these two factors, you make the decision. Is it your time to buy?

Upcoming Lake Sunapee / Mount Kearsarge Region Events

colbyre — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:06:24 +0000

And here’s what’s going on in our neck of the woods over the next week or so:

Friday, August 13 – New London – 6:30pm Free Band Concert at the Mary D. Haddad Bandstand on the Common – East Bay Jazz

Saturday, August 14 – South Newbury – 9AM – 2PM 20th Annual Summer Fair. The Friendship House at the corner of Village and Sutton Roads. For more info: 938-2064

Saturday, August 14 – 1 – 4PM Model Rocket Launch – Kearsarge Area Rocket Society (KARS). For directions and info: www.KARSNH.org or call Mike Bellino 938-5129

Saturday, August 14 – New London SRKG Hike – the Clark and Clark’s Expedition – easy, 3 miles. Call Ralph Spofford 526-6568 or go to www.srkg.org for more info.

Saturday, August 14 – Andover 4 – 6PM Annual Lobster Bake with the Andover Lion’s Club at Proctor Academy – reserve tickets with Ben Cushing 252-1030

Saturday, August 14 – Sunapee 5-7PM Free Concert at Flanders Stage – Kid Pinky and His Restless Knights (retro style blues) – More Info: www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

Saturday, August 14 – Sutton 7PM Shaw Brothers Concert at South Sutton Meeting House – Tickets available at Morgan Hill Bookstore and Tatewell’s Gallery in New London

Sunday, August 15 – Sutton 96th Old Home Day – starts at 11AM

Sunday, August 15 – Elkins 6:30 – 8PM Free Concert at the Elkins Bandstand – Granite State Stompers (New Orleans Style Jazz)

Monday, August 16 – New London Side by Side by Sondheim - musical review at the New London Barn Playhouse. For tickets or more info: www.nlbarn.org or call 526-6710

Tuesday, August 17 – Newbury 11am – Noon Nature Tales at the Fells – 456 Route 103A

And ongoing through the 15th don’t forget the Annual League of NH Craftsmens Fair at Mount Sunapee Resort (www.nhcrafts.org)

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and to see her properties for sale

Upcoming Lake Sunapee Region Events-Craftsmen’s Fair, Hospital Days and More!

colbyre — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:14:31 +0000

This week in our region we can enjoy several longstanding traditions NOT TO BE MISSED! Make sure to check out the 77th Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair at Mount Sunapee and the 86th Annual New London Hospital Days!!!

With this fantastic summer weather, there is no excuse not to be outside enjoying everything our great area has to offer – I’ll see you around town!

August 5 – 8th, New London – Hospital Days!!! Midway, Triathlon, Pancake Breakfast, Parade and more…for info: 526-5232 or www.newlondonhospital.org

August 7 – 15th – Newbury 10am – 5pm – League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair. More info: www.nhcrafts.org

Thursday, August 5 – Newbury 7pm – Free Summer Concert Series at the Gazebo in the Harbor – The Tammy Jackson Band

Friday, August 6 – Sunapee Harbor – 6pm Remote Control Boat Race – All Ages Welcome!

Saturday, August 7 – Sunapee – 1pm – Canoe and Kayak Race. Info: Brian Garland 763-2554 Sign up at Dewey Beach

Saturday, August 7 – Wilmot – 6pm – Free Concert at the Bandstand – Saylyn (reggae)

Sunday August 8 – Sunapee Harbor – 6am Rock Bass Fishing Derby. Preregister at Dewey Beach. Info: Scott Blewitt 863-0336 www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

Sunday, August 8 - Elkins – 6:30-8pm Summer Bandstand with The Ghost Riders (country)

Sunday, August 8 – Sunapee – 10am – 2pm LSPA’s Love Your Lakes Day and Antique Boat Parade. More Info: 763-2210 or www.lakesunapee.org

August 9 – 11 - Newbury – 9am – 12:30pm Children’s Art in Nature Camp at the Fells. Info: 763-4789 x3 or www.thefells.org

August 10 – 15 - New London – Carousel at the New London Barn Playhouse. Info: 526-6710 or www.nlbarn.org

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and to see her properties for sale

Upcoming Lake Sunapee / Mount Kearsarge Region Events

colbyre — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:01:04 +0000

One of the most attractive benefits to living in the Sunapee Kearsarge Region is the variety of fantastic outdoor activities available to us every day just by walking out our front doors!

It’s great to have swimming and boating access to so many incredible bodies of water – Lake Sunapee, Little Lake Sunapee, Kezar Lake, Pleasant Lake, Messer Pond, Tannery Pond, Highland Lake, Lake Massasecum, Otter Pond to name a few. We also enjoy many State Parks and Forests, including Mt Kearsarge State Forest, Gile State Forest, Mt Sunapee State Park, Rollins State Park, Wadleigh State Park and Pillsbury State Park.

We can play a different golf course every day of the week:

Lake Sunapee Country Club (www.lakesunapeecc.com , Baker Hill (www.bakerhill.org), Twin Lake Village (www.twinlakevillage.com), Ragged Mountain Golf Club (www.raggedmountainresort.com) , the Country Club of New Hampshire, Eastman Golf Links (www.eastmangolflinks.com and the Newport Golf Club (www.newport-golf.com).

We can hike for miles on trails through the mountains and woods (check out www.srkg.com for a favorite trail network) or travel on old rail trails on our mountain bikes : www.fnrt.org , www.trails.com or road bike country roads for days on end (check this site out for one suggestion: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XFA069-018) .

2010 Horror at Harding Hill Start

2010 Horror at Harding Hill

We even have two ski areas – Mount Sunapee (www.mountsunapee.com) and Ragged Mountain(www.raggedmountainresort.com) !

Or we can pick our own apples, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries at many area farms. My goodness – once I get going, it’s nearly impossible to stop – There is never a shortage of things to do in the great outdoors here! No wonder we enjoy living here so much! I’m starting to believe that maybe we should keep it a secret…..

Here are my picks for even more activities this next week or so - the weather is incredible so get out and enjoy yourselves!!!

July 27 – August 1 New London – Hairspray at the New London Barn Playhouse. More info at www.nlbarn.org or call 526-6710

July 29 – 31 - Sutton – A Star Spangled Salute to Our Brave Men and Women in Uniform - A KAT Production. For more info: www.katcompany.org/ or call 927-4899

Friday, July 30 – New London 6:30pm Free Concert on the Common – Granite State Ramblers, Dixieland Jazz

Saturday July 31 – New London 7pm – Gala Evening with Opera North at Colby Sawyer College. Info: 526-3690

Saturday, July 31 – Sunapee 5-7PM Free Concert at Flanders Stage – Carey Lee Rush Info: www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

Saturday, July 31 – Bradford 9am – Noon Flower Bulb Sale. Info: Jackie Pehrson 938-5951

Saturday July 31 – South Newbury 5-7pm Famous Chicken BBQ – take out available!
Info: 938-2064

Sunday, August 1 – Andover 9am-2pm Old Time Fair. Info: 735-5628 or www.andoverhistory.org

Sunday, August 1 - 6:30-8pm – Elkins Summer Bandstand Free Concert – the Kearsarge Community Band

Monday, August 2 - New London 8pm Side by Side by Sondheim at the New London Barn Playhouse

Monday, August 2 – New London 6-7pm Backyard Composting at the Kearsarge Cooperative Grocer. Free but reservations required – call 526-6650 or sign up at the store

August 2 -6 Newbury Children’s Art in Nature Camp at the Fells. Info: 763-4789 or www.thefells.org

August 4 – 8 New London Hospital Days – Music, midway, pancake breakfast, triathlon, Market on the Green. Info: 526-5232 or www.newlondonhospital.org

Saturday, August 7 – 9am – 4pm - New London Books! Books! Books! Part of the Market on the Green – New London Hospital Days – COA Chapin Senior Center

Coming soon and absolutely not to be missed:

August 7 – 15 – Newbury – Daily from 10-5 - The annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair at Mount Sunapee. Visit www.nhcrafts.org or call 224-3375 for more info

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and to see her properties for sale

End of July Activities in the Lake Sunapee Mount Kearsarge Region

colbyre — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:26:11 +0000

Summer is in full swing here in the Sunapee Kearsarge region! Get out there and enjoy it – this is what we wait for all winter long. Long summer days full of sunshine and your pick of fun things to do – choose from these activities for you and your family to enjoy:

The Old King Ridge Ski Area seen from a distant hill...

Thursday – July 22 – Newbury Concert Series at 7pm in Newbury Harbor Free – the Flames

Thursday – July 22 – Wilmot Literary Chalk Festival at the Wilmot Public Library just off Route 4A

Call Rosanna for more info 526-6804 or email wilmotlibrary@comcast.net

Thursday – July 22 – Sunapee – 7pm “All About Ospreys” with NH Audubon at the LSPA Harbor Room – Knowlton House. Free. More Info: 763-2210

Saturday – July 24 – New London – Garden Club Antique Show and Sale 9am – 4pm Early Admission: 8am. Info 763-2840 or 526-4543 $5 donation

Saturday – July 24 – Sunapee Click Horning Trio Free Concert at Flanders Stage 5-7pm Info: www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

Saturday July 24 – SRKG Hike – the Old King Ridge Hill Ski Area 4.5 miles moderate difficulty Call Art Robbins 927-4377 the night before for info. www.srkg.com

Saturday July 24 – Wilmot Free Concert at the Bandstand 6pm – High Ground, featuring Classic Rock

July 24 & 25 New London – Book Sale for COA Chapin Senior Center at New London Outing Club -

Saturday 10-4 / Sunday 9-2 Call Karen Mansfield for details – 526-5879

July 24 & 25 – Newbury – Artists Weekend at the Fells – 456 Route 103A from 10am – 4 pm

Info: 763-4789 or www.thefells.org

Sunday – July 25 – New London Country Antiques Auction 12noon at New London Historical Society www.newlondonhistoricalsociety.org

Tuesday July 27 – August 1 New London Hairspray at the Barn Playhouse www.nlbarn.org or call 526-6710/526-4631

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and to see her properties for sale

Sunapee Kearsarge Region Weekend Events – July 9th-11th

colbyre — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:55:36 +0000

With Summer temperatures increasing the list of area activities also heats up! One of my favorite things to check out is all the FREE area concerts – something nearly every night of the week and every conceivable type of music to enjoy.

Give these local favorites a listen:

Elkins Bandstand – Concerts are Sundays from 6:30 to 8PM – July 11th is the Tammy Jackson Band (Modern Country) This concert begins at 4PM and is followed by a Chicken BBQ

Newbury – Gazebo in the Harbor - Concerts are Saturdays at 1PM and Thursdays at 7PM. For more info; Travis Dezotell 763-4940 x210. July 10 is Dub Traffica (ska/reggae)

Sunapee – Sunapee Harbor - Saturdays 7-9PM Flanders Stage Pete Merrigan plays from 5-7pm www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

New London – Mary E. Haddad Bandstand on Sargent Common – Fridays at 6:30PM July 9 is the Upper Valley Community Band

Also coming up this week check out the following activities. Good luck choosing your summer fun this week – way too much going on:

Friday, July 9 – New London - Storytelling at the Tracy Memorial Library 10am-Noon Little Red Riding Hood Call 526-6710 or visit www.nlbarn.org

Friday July 9 – Springfield Old Home Day at Springfield Recreation Field – Includes Highland Games, BBQ Dinner and a Square Dance

Saturday July 10 – Sunapee Harbor – Teddy Bear Picnic 11:30 – 1:30 Parade at 1:15

Saturday July 10 – Sunapee Community Day – Starts with a Pancake Breakfast at the Sunapee Safety Services Building from 7-11AM

Saturday, July 10 – Wilmot – Very Cool Church Supper 5-7pm at the Community Center

Saturday, July 10 - Newbury – 2nd Annual Apple Jam 12Noon to 10PM at Mount Sunapee Resort. Tickets available at www.kingblossomguitars.com and benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Saturday, July 10 – Newbury Old Home Day 8:30am til dark – everything from a Triathalon to A Mad Science Fire and Ice Show to a Roast Beef and BBQ Chicken Dinner and Fireworks at Dusk. For more info: 763-4940

Saturday, July 10 - Summer Hike Series with SRKG - Walk Bog Mountain 3.5 mile hike – call Brian Faughnan 526-7838 or got to www.skrg.com

Saturday, July 10 – New London – Summer Star Gazing at Knight’s Hill Nature Park 9PM

July 10 & 11 – Warner 11th Annual Intertribal PowWow 10 – 5pm at Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum. Go to www.indianmuseum.org for more info

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and to see her properties for sale

Lake Sunapee / Kearsarge Region Fourth of July Events 2010

colbyre — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:18:41 +0000

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and deciding which town to celebrate with will be your greatest challenge! Make your choices, then get out there and enjoy this beautiful weekend with family and friends! Here’s a sampling of Kearsarge Sunapee area celebrations to choose from:

Friday, July 2 - New London – 6:30PM Fountain Square Ramblers – free Concerts on the Common

Saturday, July 3 – Bradford – 7AM Mason’s Breakfast / Road Race / Library Book Sale /

Red Cross Blood Drive / Wagon Rides

Saturday, July 3 - North Sutton – 7PM – Cardigan Mountain Tradition Bluegrass Band at First Free Will Baptist Church

Saturday, July 3 – Sunapee Noon - Parade starts down Central Street to Sunapee Harbor / Games at Dewey Beach / Tammy Jackson Band 5-7 PM on Flanders Stage / Flare Night / Fireworks in the Harbor 9PM

Saturday, July 3 - Grantham - Old Home Day Dinner at Pizza Chef 3-7PM / Outdoor Movie in the Park at 8:30PM at Grantham Recreation Park

Saturday, July 3 – New London - 9-2pm St Andrew’s Church Summer Fair on the Green / Dog Show / Silent Auction / Crafts / Bake Table More Info: 526-6344

Saturday, July 3 - Pleasant Lake - Elkins 3:00 PM Boat Parade / 9PM Shoreline Flares / 9:30 Fireworks!

Sunday, July 4 – Grantham - 8:30AM Family Fun Run / Pancake Breakfast 7-9AM / Parade 11AM / Family Activities immediately following the parade at Grantham Recreation Park. More Info: 863-9143 or visit www.granthamnh.net/activities

Sunday, July 4 – Bradford 7AM First Baptist Church of Bradford Summer Fair / Kids Run / Scavenger Hunt / Lunch / Musical Variety Show / Ice Cream / Kearsarge Community Band/

2:00 Parade Begins 114 and Main Street / Miday at Brown Shattuck Field 5PM / 9:30 Fireworks

Sunday, July 4 - Andover 7-10AM Lions Club Pancake Breakfast followed by Flea Market / Firecracker 5 Race / Parade / Musical Events / Barnyard Bingo / Long Tail Monkeys Concert / Baseball Game / Ice Cream Social and Fireworks at Dusk (Raindate July 6)

Sunday July 4 – Newbury 10:45AM Parade starts at the State Shed on Village Road. More info: 938-2064

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and t o see her properties for sale

Upcoming Lake Sunapee / Mount Kearsarge Region Summer Events

colbyre — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:18:37 +0000

Well, it’s officially summer here in the Lake Sunapee / Mount Kearsarge Region. And with the increase in temperatures we get an increase in activities available for all to enjoy. The Fourth of July weekend is fast approaching and so much to do here with not enough time for all of it! Here’s a sampling:

Select Monday nights – June 28th – August 16th at 5 and 8 PM Side by Side by Sondheim at the New London Barn Playhouse. More info at 526-6710 or www.nlbarn.org

Tuesday, June 29 7PM - Landscaping at the Water’s Edge – an Ecological Approach at LSPA – Harbor Room, Sunapee FREE and open to the public. For more info: 763-2210

Friday, July 2 6:30PM Free Band Concerts on the Common, New London. Fountain Square Ramblers – jazz and all-time favorites

Friday, July 2, 6PM – “Don’t Tell the Kids I Ruined the Big Wheel Race” Sunapee Harbor. 16 years and older! More Info: recreation@town.sunapee.nh.us

Saturday, July 3, 12 Noon – Sunapee Fourth of July Parade. This year’s theme – the Boston Red Sox. More info: Scott Blewitt 863-0336

Saturday, July 3, 5-7PM Sunapee Free Summer Concert Series – the Tammy Jackson Band at Flanders Stage in Sunapee Harbor

Saturday, July 3, 1PM Newbury Free Summer Concert Series – The Bruce Marshall Group at the Gazebo in Newbury Harbor

Saturday, July 3, 8AM – 2PM Bradford Summer Fair at the First Baptist Church – 88 West Main St

Check back later in the week for a FULL SCHEDULE of area Fireworks Displays!

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com

Click here to learn more about Anne Marie and t o see her properties for sale

Colby Real Estate Welcomes New Realtors

colbyre — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:34:35 +0000

We are very excited to announce that Lori Parker and Missy Owen have joined us here at Colby Real Estate. Both are high energy, hard workers and we couldn’t be happier to have them! Please see their information below.

Lori Parker

I was born and raised in New London and can not think of a better place to call home. Having worked in the hospitality industry for the past ten years I have had the opportunity to live in many different cities across the country but the Lake Sunapee region has always been my “home”.

The options are endless when living in this area … Beaches, Hiking, Golf, Tennis, Boating, Skiing, Skating, Sledding, Apple & Strawberry Picking, Theaters and our locally owned Restaurants & Boutiques!

These are just a few of the reasons that I have recently moved back to the area and I am so excited to share why this is such a wonderful place to live!

Please call anytime for all of your Real Estate needs. 603-496-3121 or email lparker@colbyinc.com

Click here for more information or to contact Lori

Missy Owen

I have loved this area since moving to New London in 1968 with my family. My husband Jeff and I decided we wanted to bring up our 3 children in New London. Not only do we have an excellent school district, but it’s a great environment for the arts and overall healthy living.
Our beautiful mountains and lakes speak for themselves. I spend much of my time playing piano for local schools, church and various groups. If I am not on sitting on a piano bench, I am walking with friends and volunteering for many local organizations.

Please call anytime for all of your Real Estate needs. 603-731-9514 or email mowen@colbyinc.com

Click here for more information or to contact Missy

End of June Events in the Lake Sunapee / Mount Kearsarge Region of NH

colbyre — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:11:40 +0000

Here’s another look at some upcoming events in the Kearsarge Sunapee Region. No reason to ever be bored if you live or play in our area! And many of these are FREE – can’t beat that!

Monday, June 21 – New London Hospital’s Invitational Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Annual Fund – held at the Baker Hill Golf Club 1pm tee-off. More info: www.newlondonhospital.org or call 526-5023

June 22-27 – Pirates of Penzance at the New London Barn Playhouse. Times and Ticket Info at 526-6710 or www.nlbarn.org

Tuesday, June 22 – Forest History and Forest Society Land Conservation in the Sunapee Region presented by David Anderson at LSPA Knowlton House, Sunapee Harbor. More info: call 763-2210 or www.newlondonhistoricalsociety.org

Friday, June 25 – Free Band Concert 6:30PM – The Moonlighters – at Mary D. Haddad Bandstand, New London Town Common. Rain location – Whipple Town Hall

Saturday June 26 – 7AM Knights Hill Park, New London. Bird Walk – free – bring binoculars.

Saturday, June 26 - Newbury Summer Concert Series – free – Tall Granite Jazz Band – 1PM at the gazebo in Newbury Harbor. For more info: Travis Dezotell at 763-4940

Saturday, June 26 – June Jam at Musterfield Farm – Sutton. Gates open at 4PM All proceeds to benefit Musterfield Farm Museum. Info: 927-4276 or www.musterfieldfarm.com

Saturday June 26 - Granite State Symphony Orchestra at Colby-Sawyer Center Theater, New London. Ticket Info: 526-8234

Saturday, June 26 – Bye Bye to Black Fly Hike with Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway - Aaron’s Ledge in Springfield. Contact Susan and Michael Chiarella 763-4661 or visit www.srkg.com

Sunday, June 27 – A Magical Mixture of Music and Story – Community Garden at Tracy Library, New London – A Special Family Event – 3PM at Whipple Town Hall - Free and Open to All

Sunday, June 27 – Sunapee Lions Club Antique and Collectible Car and Motorcycle Show at Mount Sunapee Resort 9:30AM – 2:30PM. Info at 763-9764 or visit www.newhampshire.com/lions

Monday, June 28 – 6-7PM Our Emotions Our Health with Mary Howe - Free classes from local experts at the Kearsarge Co-op. For more upcoming classes visit www.kearsargecoop.coop/classes
or call 526-6650

Ongoing:

(While they last!): Pick Your Own Strawberries at Pleasant Lake Fields in New London. For more info: www.springledgefarm.com or call 526-2080 for prices and directions

Art at the Fells: Celebrating Family NH Farms (June 23 – October 11) Newbury. Call 763-4789 or visit www.thefells.org

The Fells

Anne Marie Appel
Colby Real Estate
603-454-7019
aappel@colbyinc.com