The first way you can grab attention from potential buyers is to focus on the curb appeal.  There might be snow on the roof or the lawn, but you can use that to your advantage.  People searching for a home during this season will be looking for something that looks cozy and warm underneath the snow.  It’s important to make sure you’re clearing pathways without getting rid of the white blanket on the lawn or roof.

To create a cozier feel you might want to think about hanging a wreath on the door or putting some festive branches in your planters.  Although the holiday has passed, these decorations can last all season as long as they’re kept simple.  Simplicity should be reflected in all parts of your home décor, not just the rooms inside.  Make sure not to go overboard with decorations, or you’ll hide the appeal of the house itself.  Most home buyers won’t be interested in a yard cluttered with inflatable snowmen or a roof covered with Christmas lights.  Just a few special touches should do the trick.

Also, in your home’s listing you should make sure to show photos from both the spring and winter season so home buyers get a good view of the home year-round.  Another way to catch attention is to post photos of the views from the home because they are likely to attract potential buyers.

Whichever way you choose to advertise your home, make sure to showcase its best features.  Happy home selling!

A press release from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority website announced that $4 million in Community Development Block Grants would be awarded to various New Hampshire cities, towns, and counties.  The purpose of this donation would be to help create affordable housing for the citizens of New Hampshire as well as help to upgrade many public facilities.  These CDFA grants are meant to help the lower income residents of these areas.

The regions receiving the awards include Cheshire County, Marlborough, Winchester, Berlin, Coos County, Lebanon, Exeter, Laconia, and Franklin.  Some towns will be using them for community centers, child care facilities, low-income apartments, and learning centers.  So what does this mean for New Hampshire residents? Help is on the way for struggling towns and citizens.  The money the CDFA is donating is meant to help lower income families and businesses succeed and live more comfortably without the constant worry of money.

What do you think about these grants?  Will they make a difference for New Hampshire communities?

To see the full press release or find more information, visit the CDFA website.

Image via Gunstock

Visiting the Lakes Region this winter or just looking to try something new in the area?  Here are some suggestions for winter-themed activities to do while you’re here.  For a full list, visit the Lakes Region Tourism website.

Gunstock Mountain Resort – Gilford
One great option for hitting the trails is the Gunstock Mountain Resort which offers 220 acres of skiing and riding.  You can also go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on one of their many trails.  Another option for thrill-seekers is snow tubing on New Hampshire’s longest tubing hill.  To find out more information or to purchase a pass, visit the Gunstock website.

King Pine Ski area at Purity Spring Resort - East Madison
If you are looking to do some skiing or snowboarding while in New Hampshire, check out the King Pine Ski Area at Purity Spring Resort.  They offer a variety of options for people of different abilities and skill levels.  Along with skiing and snowboarding, they also offer snowshoeing and ice skating.  Visit the King Pine website for more information on pricing and events.

SledVentures – Lincoln
Interested in experiencing the snow in a new way?  Rent a snowmobile with SledVentures!  You can take a guided or private tour as well as rent your own snowmobile for the day.  All gear is included in the price, so SledVentures provides a great deal for a day of snow adventures.  For more information visit their website.

Dexter’s Inn – Sunapee
Not only is Dexter’s Inn an affordable, family-friendly resort-inn, but it also offeres a variety of activities and adventures.  Spend the day skiing or snowshoeing with Dexter’s Inn Trails by Norsk.  If you are new to skiing, they also offer lessons and equipment rentals.  After a day in the snow, warm up by the fireplace at the Inn.  To find otu more or make your reservation, visit the Dexter’s Inn website.

For more suggestions on places to visit or activities for your New Hampshire Lakes Region vacation, visit the Lakes Region Tourism website.  Do you have any tips on places to visit in the Lakes Region in the winter months?  Share them with us!

Image via Santa's Village

Between winter-proofing your home and shopping for Christmas presents, make sure you find the time to check out some of these holiday events going on in New Hampshire’s Lake Region.  For a full list or more information on these events, visit the Lake Winnipesaukee Travel Guide website.

Kids Night Out: November 4th – December 16th
Sill need to finish your Christmas shopping without the kids? Bring them to the Laconia Community Center for games, crafts, and pizza with kids their age.  It’s happening every night November 4th through December 16th from 5:30-9:00PM.  The cost is $15 per child, per night and registration is required so make sure you sign up today!

Ho-Ho-Hobo Santa Express: November 25th – December 18th
Enjoy a holiday train ride every weekend from November 25th to December 18th with the Ho-Ho-Hobo Santa Express Train in Lincoln, New Hampshire.  The trip is 80 minutes and goes down along the Pemigewasset River to the Jack O’Lantern Resort south of Woodstock.  Kids get a chance to meet Santa, taste hot chocolate and cookies, and enjoy the scenery.  For more information, check out the Santa Express Train website or call 603-745-2135.

Santa’s Village: November 19th – December 31st
Visit Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire every weekend from November 19th to December 21st to get in the holiday spirit with your kids!  There are plenty of sights and activities including cookie and ornament decorating.  You can also check out the shops, enjoy rides, and try some holiday refreshments.  Find out more on the Santa’s Village website.

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees: December 10th-18th
Visit the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees Charity benefit at the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.  The event is being held on the weekends between December 10th and December 18th.  There will be plenty of entertainment, refreshments, and more than 65 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses.  Visit the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees website to learn more.

Wolfeboro’s First Night: December 31st
Enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment at Wolfeboro, New Hampshire’s First Night event on December 31st.  Performances begin at 2:00PM and continue on into the night.  Some events include ice skating, Doo-wop music, fiddle playing, a parade, and fireworks.  You can find out more information or purchase a button and entry to the event at the First Night website.

For a full list of events in the Lake Winnipesaukee area, visit the Lake Winnipesaukee Travel Guide website.  If you have any other tips on holiday events happening this year, let us know!

Happy Holidays from Prudential Spencer-Hughes!

260 Dan Jarvis, Weathersfield, VT

Spectacular country cape with 78 acres and views of Ascutney. Ideally situated with easy access to I-91, yet completely private and quiet end of the road location. Property consists of a magnificently landscaped yard with perennials, raised vegetable beds, blueberry bushes and fruit trees, swimming pool, approximately 6 acres of open pasture, sugar bush, wood lot with snowmobiling, hiking, cross-country trails throughout, brook and beaver pond.  Cape home has many desirable features: generous first floor master bedroom and bath, large kitchen, 3-season porch, office, stone gas fireplace and 2 woodstoves, plenty of storage including a 12×8 cedar closet, 2-car garage, a propane generator that powers the entire house, and incredible Ascutney views! AND there are several outbuildings including a 30′x 40′ 2-story barn, 20′x 50′ equipment barn, sugar house and sheep barn. Come take a look!

Listed by: Debra Staniscia/VCP Sotheby`s International – Ludlow

Adam Dow info@adamdow.com 603.569.6060

Depending on its biochemical makeup, each tree presents a unique hue. Anthocyanins produce blue, red, and violet colors. Tannins produce brown colors, like those in tea and in the mighty oak leaf. Flavones are the yellow found in sumac, horse chestnut, tea and onions.

Like many in the Lakes Region, I prefer maple leaves, but the tenacity of the oak leaf cannot be denied. No matter which autumn color tickles your fancy, you’ll find it here in New Hampshire. Here are some current Lakes Region listings featuring maples, wooded landscapes, or mature trees.

4 Summer Street Milton, NH - MLS No. 2789435 As you can see, this Milton, New Hampshire home is surrounded by deciduous trees. Note the Oak in the foreground; the leaves on this tree won’t turn for another month.

6 Oak Street Wolfeboro, NH - MLS No. 2768147 Another Lakes Region home surrounded by deciduous trees, this historic Wolfeboro home features mature perennial gardens!

176 Ledge Hill Road Tuftonboro, NH – MLS No. 2755352 This antique cape in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire features an open floor plan, exposed original post-and-beam, and 33 wooded acres of autumnal bliss.

Ah, Fall in the New Hampshire Lakes Region!

This year, boat builders at the museum were on hand to assist family and youth teams in the design and construction of these remarkable water crafts. Certificates were given for the most original crafts and the longest floaters. The family event also included toy boat building, a cook out, and the unforgettable War Canoe Water Skier event. The event was a great success.

Check out these Lake Wentworth properties, paddling distance to the Cardboard Classic:
80 Townsend Shore Road, Wolfeboro NH  -  MLS# 2785112
70 Churchill Rd., Wolfeboro NH -  MLS# 2782090
Mark your calendars and start collecting cardboard for next year.

A few more serious Lakes Region boat shows  include:
The 33rd Annual Alton Bay Boat Show
The 36th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show