Cold Weather and Snow Anyone?

At the risk of jeopardizing things, Mother Nature has given us a very quiet winter. With the distinct exceptions of Halloween and Leap Year Day, we have been given very little in the way of snow fall or in the way of cold weather. Perhaps you even saw spring flowers making their way up or a golf friend getting ready for some March tee times. For us as home or condo owners, the question is… what does this weather mean for us?

Depending on where you live and how you operate, you may plow your own driveway or hire a neighborhood kid to help shovel. Perhaps you hire it out to a contractor or perhaps you are part of an association that does it for you. The question for homeowners this year is “Do you pay by the storm?” if the answer to that is yes, then you may be in the money as it relates to that part of your budget. If you are part of an association you may want to ask the home owners or condo association how they budget and contract.

Flower confusion aside the warmer weather has also meant a gentler heating season than in years past. Foreign and domestic oil volatility has kept prices high, but the net affect for most home owners is a more favorable heating season. Perhaps you purchased a few cord of wood, and only used some of it. Or perhaps you only needed to fill the tank once or partially instead of a few times. No matter what we hope that you have come out ahead.

If you have been the beneficiary of some unspent fuel or snow plow budget funds how are you going to allocate them? In a recent WMUR article, the State Department of Transportation is going to use the unspent snow plowing monies on road improvements that otherwise would have been pushed back. Can we as homeowners do the same?

Where can we invest these dollars to earn more value? Can the extra money you saved go to improvements such as better insulation in your attic? What about looking into weather stripping around your doors or windows? What about recycling the old AC window unit and purchasing a more efficient one.

If you are part of a home owners association or a condo association, ask the board or the management company what these unspent dollars could be used for around the grounds.

Mother Nature may not be through with us just yet, but if she decides to let the flowers grow and we are fortunate enough to walk away with a few dollars in our pocket, think of what we can do to help next winter.

Chris Norwood

Erin Pontbriand Joins Real Living | The Norwood Group

We are pleased to announce that Erin Pontriand has joined Real Living | The Norwood Group at our office in Nashua, NH. Erin comes from Reflections Realty Group. 

Here is Erin's Bio - in her own words. 

"I believe that good things happen to good people.  I live my life by that motto, both personally and professionally.  As my client, you will be treated with respect and represented with integrity.  Your needs, wants and desires come first, above all else.

I work in the Salem, Derry, Londonderry and surrounding areas.  I am experienced in the area of short sales and bank owned purchases.  I specialize in working with investors purchasing distressed properties.  With a degree in Interior Design, I enjoy helping clients with staging their homes and assisting investors with design ideas.  Whatever your real estate needs, I will make you feel like you are the only client I have.

I enjoy spending time with my husband of 12 years and our two daughters.  I love to read, paint and draw."

Buyer Opportunities

Much has been written about what a short sale or foreclosure means for a home seller. But home buyers in the market need to be aware of what this means for them.

Homebuyers, when looking for a home tend to shy away from foreclosures when in fact the savings that can be made by purchasing a foreclosed home can outweigh the risks and extra work involved.  In a down economy some homebuyers can save big money when purchasing a foreclosed home. The average foreclosed home usually sells at 5%-10% less than the market price.  Many lenders who have had a property on the market for longer than a month may be willing to waive certain fees in some instances even the down payment may be lowered.  “The biggest benefit is that you can not only negotiate on the price, you can also negotiate for better closing fees, interest rates and be flexible on closing dates” states Jim Spellman of Real Living The Norwood Group, Amherst.

Buyers are often distracted by the cosmetic issues.  Simple things such as painting, adding new trim or replacing the carpets are relatively inexpensive repairs and may also give the home a more appealing look.  Other issues to watch out for are structural or mechanical issues. Often when a homeowner gets behind on their mortgage they also get behind on the maintenance and repairs of their home.  This is why it is extremely important to have an extensive home inspection by a licensed professional.  

In today’s economy it is important for homebuyers to know the difference from their perspective of short sale, a foreclosure and Real Estate Owned “REO”.

A short sale or a pre-foreclose occurs when an owner, for whatever reason is 30-90 days behind on their payments and is in default to the lender. The lender is not obligated to take a short sale and in most cases the process can be frustrating for the Buyers and Sellers. Buyers need to be aware that in a short sale, the purchase and sales agreement is with the current seller. However the sale is contingent upon the seller's bank approval. This can take time and is normally the source of delay with a short sale. 

A foreclosure is when the lender takes possession of the property and the home owner is no longer a part of the sale.  Foreclosures are not sold by Realtors but are auctioned at a trustee sale. A foreclosed property, at the time of the auction requires the buyer to put a deposit down with a cashiers check and obligates the buyer to close within a pre-determined time frame.  When you purchase a home at auction it may come with many problems such as title problems, liens and sometimes tenants and owners still occupy the property therefore you may incur more costs and risks after you take over the property

REO (Real Estate Owned Property) is a property that has been foreclosed and has become bank owned. The property is listed by a Realtor who is hired by the bank, the lenders will often times remove any liens on the title and clear any issues that may slow down the sale.  More often lenders are extremely motivated to sell these properties.  Often times this is the best opportunity to find a good deal.

Knowledge is the key, do your research and do not be afraid to ask questions.  Working with a Broker who is familiar with the process will also help to make the transaction run more smoothly. Understanding the foreclosure procedure will give you bargaining power. Anytime you purchase a home you should always look into the future.  Making good choices now will save you time and money in the future when the time comes to sell the home.

Judy Vincent Joins Real Living | The Norwood Group

Real Living | The Norwood Group is pleased to announce that Judy Vincent has joined our team in Nashua. 

Here is her bio:

If you are looking to buy or sell the single largest investment in your lifetime, why not work with an agent who offers exceptional experience and ability - an agent who enjoys her work and consistently provides professional quality service! Judy Vincent is the agent to serve you!
 
As a real estate agent. Judy respects the decisions you make and specializes in finding the home that fits your needs. Her knowledge and integrity help implement and successfully close each transaction. Her strong negotiating and communicating skills will help you through the maze of paperwork, assuring you of a smooth and successful transaction.
 
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. As we age, we demand specialists in our health needs, so why not in our housing and equity needs as well? If you're thinking of selling, buying, relocating or refinancing, use the experience and knowledge of a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designee to help guide you through your transactions.
 
As an interior designer, she has a keen eye for how to give a home that great first impression! National statistics show that a staged home sells in half the time of a non-staged home and a staged home sells for 5% more than a non-staged home. Over 75% of Realtors® recommend a home be staged prior to going on the market, yet most of those Realtors@ do not personally have the skills to turn a house from a 'home' to a saleable, marketable 'product'.
 
Remember, Judy is committed to providing expertise for all your real estate needs. She is proud to serve all of Southern New Hampshire and the Nashua metropolitan area.

Welcome Kathleen DeMello!

Real Living | The Norwood Group welcomes Kathleen DeMello to our Nashua office!

 

 Born in Chicago, Illinois, Kathleen DeMello moved to New England with her New England native husband, Bob DeMello in 1971.  Once established in the Boston area she began building her career in space planning, design, project and facilities management, and corporate real estate, while she and Bob raised three beautiful daughters.  She served as president of the Boston Chapter of the International Facilities Management Assoc.   

In 2004 Kathleen gathered all her skills and embarked on another career path in residential real estate, obtaining her license and hanging it at Keller Williams Realty, in Nashua, NH.  In 2010, yet another opportunity presented itself to team up with two wonderful partners and open Reflections Realty Group, LLC, servicing residential real estate needs in Southern New Hampshire. She is now a proud member of Real Living/Norwood Realty Group and is happily ensconced in this great career at the Nashua office of 150 Broad Street. 

 She invites you to give her a call at 233-3673 and talk about your real estate needs!

Reflections Realty Group Joins Real Living | The Norwood Group

We are pleased to announce that Reflections Realty Group has joined our firm in the Nashua office located at 150 Broad Street in Nashua, NH.
 
In the last 24 months of combined sales we have helped over 250 families buy or sell a home. 

Kristina Prior of Reflections Realty Group said "It is wonderful to put together so many quality brokers into one location to service the greater Nashua Marketplace. If I created a team I would want to become a part of, this team would be the template. The professionalism and support has been nothing but exceptional. “

“Having Reflections join our team helps to expand our Nashua location and is an exciting way to start our rapid growth plans for 2012 throughout Southern New Hampshire.” says Karl Norwood.

If you are looking for residential, commercial, and relocation services please call us at 603-889-1875, visit us today at www.RealLivingNorwood.com.

Welcome Tim Leger to the Team!

 

We are please to announce that as of January 1^st, 2012, Tim Leger, a 15-year resident of Hooksett, NH, has relocated his residential real estate practice to Real Living | The Norwood Group’s office at 116 South River Road in Bedford, NH.

 Originally, Tim grew up in western Massachusetts in the Springfield area and spent his college years in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  His degree in broadcasting from Colorado College sent him into the world of DJ and videography.

Tim brings over 14 years of buying and selling experience with RE/MAX in Manchester, NH, where he was a member of the 100% club for six years.  The two organizations that have benefited greatly over the years from Tim’s efforts are the Miride Network Charity and the local Chamber of Commerce.  Thoday his focus is helping everyday people with their marketing of hard to sell homes by using his Certified Distressed Property designation.

 Tim has two daughters, Samatha and Jessica, who have grown up in Southern New Hampshire.  Tim can be seen traveling everywhere with his two infamous maltise/poodles, Lilly and Penny.

If you have worked with or would like to experience the Tim Leger difference, you can check out his website, email him, or just give him an old fashioned call at 860-4474.