I reviewed a new study of 90 global equity investors last week. The report by Prequin, a London group, indicates that institutional investors intend to commit more capital to private equity funds in 2010 than they did in 2009. The long term view is predominantly bullish and rather than chase emerging property markets in Asia and India they are likely to shift their interest to debt-burdened and distressed property.

Foreign investors, 51% of respondents, view the U.S. market as the best opportunity for real estate appreciation, according to the Association of Foreign Investors (AFIRE) in a report released January 18, 2010. One of the significant portions of the survey detailed that of the top 5 U.S. cities reflecting the best investment opportunities 3 are on the East coast; Washington D.C., New York, and Boston. Multi-family properties led as the preferred investment type followed by office, industrial, retail and hotel properties. read more »

Goethe’s last words reportedly were “Light, more light”, and boy was he right. Here in the Lakes Region in February, many of us share his plea for more light. In winter, we often find our calls answered in architecture with good southern exposure.

At present there is an abundance of land on the market here in the Lakes Region. From a Realtor’s standpoint land sales appear to be the first to suffer and last to recover in a real estate cycle. Opportunities abound, forested land strewn with glacial boulders, mountain slopes offering wonderful views, secluded creeks tumbling down picturesque vales.

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Lake Winnipesaukee in Winter (photo courtesy of The Lake Winnipesaukee Watershed Association)

The very names are beguiling, intriguing, beckoning – Bearcamp, Shellcamp, Mirror, Crescent, Crystal, Great East, Dan Hole, Halfmoon, Hermit, Huntress, Lily, Locke, Merrymeeting, Sunrise, Suncook, Sunset, Loon, Province, Silver, Horn, Rust, Wentworth, Pine River, Saltmarsh.

The Indian names – Chocura, Wicwas, Pemigewasset, Winnisquam, Paugus, Winnipesaukee, Waukewan, Winona, Ossipee, Squam, Kanaska, Opechee.

They all can be found in this area. By this area I mean the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Glacier gouged, spring fed, interconnected by subterranean rivers each lake carries a history and fondness in the heart for those that have spent time on their waters, be it a vacation or a lifetime. Second home buyers immediately feel they somehow belong here, have always belonged here. The capacity for the homing sentiment is not something to be denied.

I have no complete information but the newspaper at times makes reference to various famous residents of the Lakes Region, usually in the obituaries. People who have, or had, the wherewithal to live anywhere yet chose New Hampshire. Not surprising to me, after all I did. Our Spencer Hughes website, recently remodeled, is a very good place to start a search for your ideal Lakes Region home or property. I look forward to assisting you in your discovery of what some believe to be the most beautiful place on earth. Check the comments section to register your opinion.

Jim Ferriman
(603) 267-9866