Floors

A strikingly important and visible component of a property is the floor. Floor material can be tile, hardwood, carpet and marble among options. The point is that the floor of a home is both heavily used and very important when a potential sale is concerned.

The carpet in your house should be regularly cleaned to prevent wear. Similar to the roof principle, cleaning carpet on a regular basis will be much more of a financially sound plan than a complete replacement later on. If you have tile, marble or wood floor be careful to sweep before cleaning and use very pH neutral cleansers.

Priority: Keep your floors clean and both you and a potential home buyer will be more pleased with how they appear. Keeping a home buyer from thinking “Oh no, I will have to replace this whole floor area” can save you thousands and thousands during negotiations.

Roof

A high quality and well maintained roof is a great selling point in negotiations for a real estate sale. For one, it’s a piece of the house that keeps the entire structure together. Not only does it hold practical value, but it’s very visible and the appearance matters.

It is very, very important to maintain your roof. For one, it prevents a complete replacement that can cost well over $10,000 for a decently large house. Secondly, maintaining the layers of the roof can allow you to sell prospective buyers on the idea that they won’t be paying the hefty replacement price either!

Priority: Take care of your roof. You, as well as your future buyers, will both be rewarded. With many things in life maintenance is more cost effective than an entire replacement and when a roof is concerned, it’s no different.

Yard

An aspect that has a surprisingly large influence on home value is the yard, and it’s important that you maintain it when considering a future sale. Maintaining the yard means all grass, bark or gravel as well as landscape. The entire lot outside of your physical property can make a massive financial difference on the closing date.

When a potential home buyer pulls up to your property, the first thing they notice is the yard. A good first impression that enables an onlooker to breathe a sigh of relief could really help your bank account. Aside from the financial, it’s best to maintain a yard for fun if for no other reason. It can’t hurt, and you get outside while doing it!

Priority: Make your yard look nice and be even better. Whether this means installing a complex sprinkler system early on or simply fertilizing the lawn on a regular basis, it will be worth it down the road.

Property specifications like size, style and acreage are the foundation of a real estate transaction. However, certain features of the property can make or break a sale and it’s important to take care of your home. Some areas are more important than others, but the principle is the same. Take care of your home and it will reward you later on.

All Hands on Deck

Like anything else of beauty and value, decks require maintenance to retain their value and condition.  If your deck is made of wood, it requires a regular cycle of maintenance in order to avoid discoloration and a rough surface prone to splinters. If your deck is not protected with regular staining and sealing it can start to hold in moisture, which leads to rot.  Buyers will take notice of any signs of rot or lack of care, so it is important to understand what you must avoid and to repair any damages before you try to sell the property.

What are Your Deck’s Enemies?

Three things lead the way to deck decay:

• Rain or moisture – Rain water seeps into the wood and causes it to expand and crack when it dries.

• Sunlight – The ultraviolet rays of the sun break down the bonds between wood cells, particularly on the surface.

• Insects that destroy wood – Some bugs eat wood so when building a deck you should choose a wood that is naturally resistant or ensure you use pressure treated wood with an appropriate sealant.

Clean and Reseal for Buyer Appeal

Your first impression only happens once so before buyers come to see your house, get your deck in shape.

1. Clean sweep: Sweep the deck of all large visible debris. Look for loose boards and nails that stick up. If the deck boards are in poor condition, you might need to sand the timber before resealing it.  Make any other necessary repairs.

2. Swab the deck: Clean the deck by hosing it down with an appropriate cleaning solution that removes grime and debris.  The deck should then be scrubbed and rinsed. Let it dry totally before you move to the next step.

3. Seal in the beauty: A sealant can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on.  Good quality sealants contain ultraviolet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun.  Remember, oil sealants penetrate the wood, while film coatings form a layer on top of the wood.  Oils need to be reapplied every six to twelve months, depending on environmental conditions. If you use a sealant that provides a film coating, they usually last twelve to eighteen months.  Allow the sealant to dry.  Products vary, but up to three coats of sealant may be needed to fully protect your deck.

4. Add décor: Once you have cleaned and sealed the deck it is time to add color and special touches that make it say, “welcome home”.  Consider buying a large potted plant arraignment with colorful blooms and greens.  Always add a fresh new doormat at the entry point to the home. Hanging baskets of flowers or a small bird feeder can be used to add visual interest.  If the deck is large enough, make it into an additional dining space by adding an outdoor table and some chairs, but make certain your deck furniture is in good condition.

This can all be done over the course of a weekend and buyers will be drawn to the additional space and they will start picturing themselves enjoying the deck’s beauty as well as all the possibilities for entertaining in their new home.

It’s that time of year for the pesky black fly! If you are a hardy New Englander you can either curse them or embrace them. Many towns create reasons and events to celebrate spring and the black fly is no exception. Many locations have “Black Fly” road races, golf tournaments, and festivals.

Most of us alter our plans, wear covered clothing, and try to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in spite of the annoying pests. They are active at dawn and dusk and if you get bitten they typically cause itching and swelling. The biting flies are the females and they want your blood so covering up is the best bet. Here are some other tips to help during the season!

1. Get a bird feeder-Some birds consider black flies a tasty meal!
2. Stay inside at sunset, before a storm, and on cloudy days-They tend to hide during rain and cold weather
3. Avoid dark shaded clothing and stick with lighter colors that attract flies less or wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
4. Use DEET and insect repellents which might help detract them
5. Don’t slow down as they will catch up to you…keep on the move
6. Avoid perfume and perfumed products and stay away from running water as that is their breeding ground!

When in New England during the Spring black flies are in season. The best things to do to avoid them are to look for a breeze, avoid wooded areas and running water, and keep covered up so you can still enjoy the great outdoors!

Ann Dippold is a Concord based agent with specialties in new construction, fine homes, relocation, and has an e-certification. She covers the greater Concord area, Sunapee, Henniker, Hopkinton, and beyond. For more info about Ann, or to see her current listings, visit her agent page.

Steve White stands with GMNBR Affiliate of the Year, Sonia Gauthier

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Londonderry agent, Steve White was recognized as the 2013 REALTOR^® of the Year by the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of REALTORS^® (GMNBR)!” said John MacGilvary, regional manager of the Londonderry office.

This award is presented to the REALTOR^® that has truly represented a high standard of service and ethical behavior for the board and REALTOR^® name. “Steve has worked so hard over the last decade, serving the REALTOR^® community, local charities, and clients, while staying dedicated to continuing education and standards of practice” added John.

The award was announced on Thursday, May 9th during a special GMNBR ceremony. Steve was given the award based on several factors, some of which include service to board members, designation, board activity participation, and continued education.

However, the part that “Veranians” see from Steve every day is one of the factors that the GMNBR sets as the highest priority in determining this award’s recipient:

“We look for the value in a person’s REALTOR^® spirit and REALTOR^® ethics as they conduct their business with high principles and faithfulness to our Code of Ethics.”

Steve demonstrated this in his response when asked by Verani agents what receiving this honor meant to him. He said “I am overwhelmed by the support and congratulations from all of you, my friends, but to me, this is OUR award. I am very grateful to Margherita and Giovanni, who have supported my ventures for many years. Working with them and all of you at Verani is the greatest. Thanks!”

This is peak time to visit the park with all the flowers just coming into bloom. There are more than 460 acres of park to take in. Miles and miles of carriage paths and over 15 trails. The terrain is mainly flat with a few small hills. You will walk by many gardens, meadows, huge pine trees, unbelievable ornamental trees, and over bridges. It is so amazing you won’t want to leave.

The park offers many year round activities from walking, biking, hiking, picnics and more. The park runs along the Merrimack River and boarders Newburyport and West Newbury. Located in Newburyport, MA, take exit 57 onto Storey Ave, turn right at Daniel Lucy Way. Then take a left turn at Curzon Mill Rd.

There is a small fee to park.

Kathy Bertani is a Londonderry based agent specializing in  Investment Properties, Short Sales, Relocation, Bank Owned, Multi-Family, and has an  E-certification. She covers much of Northern Massachusetts, as well as the Greater Londonderry area, and beyond. For more info about Kathy, or to view her listings, visit her agent page.

Watch City Steam Punk Festival

Waltham, MA – May 10-12: This event is held outdoors in downtown Waltham. General admission is free, but in order to see and do some things you will need to pay for a button to let you in. Buttons are $15 for a day or $20 for the weekend and will also get you discounts at many local businesses. Proceeds support the Charles River Museum of Industry. Also, don’t miss special guest James Gurney author of Dinotopia! I visited this event last year and I plan to stop by again this year, it was a blast! I strongly recommend it.

Sheep, Wool & Alpaca Festival

Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield NH - May 11-12: Organized by the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders’ Association (NEAOBA), this event shows off the best of the best of NEAOBA members’ herds right in Deerfield, New Hampshire.  Tickets are $5, Seniors $4, and children 12 & under free.

NH Renaissance Faire

Kingston, NH – May 11, 12, 18 & 19: I’ve never been to this event but I’m hoping to drop by during the last weekend. Some friends have gone in the past though and say it’s a great time, and they recommend it for everyone. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for children ages 5-12.

American Craft Beer Fest 

Boston, MA - May 31-June 1: The 6th annual American Craft Beer Fest (ACBF) is the East Coast’s largest celebration of American craft beer hosted at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston by BeerAdvocate & Harpoon Brewery. The 2-day fest will feature 3-session and 600+ craft beers from 125+ American brewers. Tickets are about $50 for a session purchased online or $55 at the door, be sure to order them ahead online as they sold out early last year.

Rock’n Ribfest

Merrimack, NH - June 14-16: Rib-roasters, rib-lovers, and barbecuers from all over the United states converge at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for what Ribfest calls “New England’s premiere family weekend.”  Air shows, hot air balloon rides, concerts, and plenty more make this a must-see event for New Hampshire residents! Tickets are $7 online for advance purchase, $10 at gate, and children 8 and under are free.

Laconia Motorcycle Week 

Laconia/Weirs Beach, NH – June 16-18:  Motorcycle week is pretty famous here in New Hampshire, celebrating it’s 90th Anniversary in 2013. Riders from all over the world come to Laconia to celebrate the lifestyle of motorcycle riding, the friendships formed from group riding, and promote safe motorcycle practices.  If you’re coming from out of state, book a hotel room early because they sell out just about every year!

Bethany Dubeck is an e-certified Nashua based agent covering greater Manchester, greater Londonderry, and greater Nashua. For more information on Bethany, or to see her listings, visit her agent page.

Here’s a sneak preview of what’s coming:

If due to a new job or your dream home finally going on the market, you suddenly wanted to sell your home, do you have the photos you need to market your home? If you have a great spring flower bed can the buyer see it through the snow? If your pool is a show place on Fourth of July what will buyers see in February? Be sure to take photos when you have decorated for the Christmas holiday as well, both inside and out. In New England many homes are decorated for Halloween. If this is your favorite time, you guessed it,  include photos of this as well.

If your lawn is the best in the neighborhood take photos when it is at its best. These seasonal photos displayed in a photo album or on a digital photo frame will set your home apart from the others on the market. They will also help the Realtor® display your home on the internet at its best.

According to the National Association of Realtors® survey 90% of all potential home buyers start their search on the internet. Having current seasonal photos which show you home at its best in all four seasons is an easy and fun way to help protect your investment.  The photos you take could be with a thousand dollars on the sale of your home.