On the Waterfront - here in the Lakes Region it is often about loyalty, too.

Lakes Region statistics for 2009 are coming in with gains in virtually all the categories of real estate measurement from the previous year.

The jump in sales volume was welcomed by Lakes Region realty firms and began in earnest the second half of 2009. The continued low interest rates throughout the year were a chief factor in motivating buyers, both local and out of state. That along with a price reduction in across the board of listings and a pent up level of buying interest fueled the market.

Wary as I am of predicting the future, I’d rather consult history than a crystal ball, I do feel comfortable making the following assumptions for 2010 based upon current market conditions which will support and grow the local market.

- The continued attraction to high end properties by well qualified buyers.

- Strong interest in the Lakes Region even if the recession continues.

- An expansion of home buyer tax credits.

- The stability of real estate investments compared to the stock market.

- The population shift from states with punitive tax structures.

Lastly, the thought occurs to me that when we are able to look back on 2010, some investors, buyers and those presently unfamiliar with the Lakes Region will be left only with the remorse of “what if” and “if only” and “I could’ve been an owner”.

Jim Ferriman
jferriman@spencerhughes.com
603-267-9866

Learn more about this Lakes Region Waterfront home on Ossipee Lake - before it's listed

Take this opportunity to own Lakes Region waterfront for $420,000. This spectacular home on Ossipee Lake was owned by a family member of one of our New Hampshire Realtors. Learn more about it before it’s listed in the MLS:

Located on the main lake in the desirable community of Mountview in Freedom, this four-bedroom home is on .32 acres and has 75 ft. of waterfront on Ossipee Lake. For you’ll own Lakes Region waterfront.

And as a member of Mountview you’ll  enjoy the community beach, tennis courts, and playground and have the opportunity to participate in the lottery for moorings.

Take delight in beautiful sunsets from your deck and gorgeous views across the lake. Contact Nicole Shamlian for more information about this waterfront home before it’s listed in the NH MLS.

Miami International Airport reported a high of 36 today, the coldest day in 86 years. And I suspect it was far more difficult for the huddled Miamites to deal with their weather than it is for us in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to deal with ours. Everything may be relative, but we embrace winter and welcome it. This past weekend Alton Bay Sea Plane Base (B18) became operational when it froze sufficiently for snow plows to clear an ice runway. I saw a light plane land this afternoon, first of the season for me.

The Lakes Region boast extensive cross country ski trails thanks to the numerous centuries old forgotten roads and the maintenance of snow mobile clubs. The world of the woods can be very quiet at this time of year. The white bark of the birch and the darker forest of pine, fir and spruce exaggerate the stillness making a stark contrast to what must be taking place in the Sunbelt. At the same time I can feel some concern for the Mid-westerners and the minus 50 degree wind chills. New Hampshire is certainly a grand place to be in the winter.

Fresh snow on Mount Washington and other peaks gleam in the sunshine and softly glow at sunset. Grandeur, color and spaciousness beyond the ability to fully grasp. A new friend of mine recently relocated from an eastern city which I won’t name, though familiar to the whole world, to an Adirondack cabin near Lake Winnipesaukee. He has since affirmed to me what he had already suspected, namely that a home office with a lake and Mountain View far outstrips a corner office in a skyscraper. Balanced accessibility, a new sociological phenomenon.

Jim Ferriman      Jferriman@spencerhughes.com    my home office 603-267-9866

One of the popular features of the Spencer Hughes website are the live video cam shots of Lake Winnipesaukee. Charitably, the out of state second home owner can stay in touch with the seasonal changes of the lakes region or not so nobly, increase their enjoyment of the warmer climes they have since fled to. Nothing like a live computerized view of Winter Carnival activities on the frozen surfaces of Wolfeboro or Alton Bay while boating in the Caribbean.
At the same time he can switch to live closed circuit videos of his New Hampshire home on his computer or his cell phone.

 A Centralized Control System can activate not only smoke and fire detectors but also monitor water, carbon monoxide, freeze, and intruder sensors. Appliance Control Systems activate interior LED lighting systems and television/radio operation that will give the impression that the home is fully occupied. I know one couple who relied on live video to check on babysitters and later when their children arrived home from school to an empty house. Another couple provided for their elderly parents with a movement monitor worn on the wrist.

The possible configurations are enormous for the homeowner. Always losing your keys, then Biometric Locks may be the solution. Incredibly sensitive Motion Sensors and DVR hidden cameras provide a high level of criminal deterrence. I suppose that the biggest improvement in Home Security is the fact while options have increased prices have declined. Basic and efficient systems are now affordable for even the seasonal cottage owner, and I recommend them.

Jim Ferriman  jferriman@spencerhughes.com  603-267-9866/ 603-52-5385