For years I skied the “Champagne Powder” of Steamboat Springs and the advice I gave to talented teenagers was that if they wish to compete on a larger stage they should plan on finishing high school at a ski town in the Northeast part of the country. Why? Edging techniques can’t be taught in 2 feet of powder.

When I myself finally relocated I picked the Lakes Region of New Hampshire partly because of the proximity of Gunstock Ski Resort. Though now I teach by appointment only I did spend a half dozen enjoyable seasons instructing there. For me Gunstock is an instructors dream and the most teachable mountain I have ever experienced.

The secrets of Gunstock lie in the selective nature of the terrain slopes, the low number of mid-week skiers and the uniform consistency of the snow. Once over a period of 4 years a balance impaired skier from Florida, who maintained a second home on the Big Lake, and I worked together in 80 separate lessons that allowed him to become a capable intermediate skier.

The views of Lake Winnipesaukee and its islands from the summit of Gunstock are stunning. This one was taken on at dawn from near the top of the mountain off the intermediate Gunsmoke run. Its no wonder that many of the second homes in the region are principally ski chalets for family and friends. I suggest you check Gunstock.com for this season’s opening date.

Rattlesnake Island

Jim Ferriman Jferriman@spencerhughes.com 603-520-5385

Rational Self Interest of course! Adam Smith is my favorite philosopher and economist. And though he hasn’t been around for 200 years or so, his theory is relevant to selling Lakes Region real estate in today’s market.

The rational objective of putting a home on the market is to sell it in the most efficient manner. Over-pricing is the biggest barrier to an efficient sale. Common reasons for over-pricing are:

• Unreasonable expectations
• Sentiment – the seller’s inability to view the property as a simple commodity
• Listing agent inexperience

One the other hand, if a home is priced below market value the home will receive buyer attention and multiple offers which in turn drive the sale price to the true market.

Lengthy listing (of several months or years) and recurring price reductions always damage a property’s perceived value to the buyer pool. It is better to eliminate these harmful impressions with an initial accurate appraisal of the property.

Apply your own Rational Self Interest and you’ll avoid over-pricing by interviewing a number of experienced lakes Region Realtors. Be aware that the Realtor who presents the highest suggested listing price might be counter-productive to your goal.

Tuftonboro NH Real Estate - Waterfront Living on Cow Island Beyond the charm of the rustic yet luxurious amenities (expansive decks, cathedral ceilings, stone fireplaces and skylights), this Adirondack style home’s magic is in its location: the property is only accessible by boat. Imagine island living within driving distance of Boston! This exquisite property is very well priced at $829,900

Lake Winnipesaukee Waterfront Home - Alton NH The kitchen and living room and this luxurious 6000+ square foot lakefront home are right on the waterfront. Each room affords spectacular natural views; granite and hardwood finishes throughout emphasize the closeness of nature. Beach rights and a one-of-a-kind boathouse make it the quintessential Winnipesaukee waterfront home.