Spring is here – time to spruce up the garden! The danger of frost is almost past in New Hampshire, so it’s time to break out the rototillers and mulches and to start weeding and feeding. A great-looking garden will not only bring you countless hours of pleasure, it will also heighten the “curb appeal” of your home.

Chakarian Farm Greenhouses has been operating in Derry for 20 years. They offer a unique selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetable plants from the twelve greenhouses on the property. They also have hanging plants, shrubs, trees, and gardening essentials, including organic products, for sale. Many of their plants are highlighted in their attractive display garden that features waterfalls and a koi pond. Landscape design and planting services are also available. Open 7 days a week. Their website offers links to their suppliers, UNH Extension Services, and other gardening information.

Website: chakarianfarmgreenhouses.com
Address: 114 Island Pond Road, Derry
Phone: (603) 432-9103.

Faulkner’s Landscape and Nursery has furnished plants to some of the best gardens in the greater Manchester region for over fifteen years. It is open seven days a week during the busy season. Faulkner‘s website is filled with photos of landscaping ideas, the flowering plants they offer, and even ”What’s in Bloom” now. The site also contains a catalog of all the plants they offer, a gardening tip page, and links to gardening websites. The company’s awareness of environmental factors is shown by their inclusion of a list of plants that they choose not to sell because of their invasive tendencies. Their extensive landscaping services are also highlighted.

Website: faulknersnursery.com
Address: 1130 Hooksett Road, Hooksett
Phone: 603-627-9573

Maple Hill Nursery and Greenhouses has been serving the needs of gardeners in the greater Keene area for over 25 years. Open daily during the planting season, this Swanzey center features a large stock of roses and ornamental and fruit trees in addition to perennials, herbs, and flowering shrubs. For beginning and avid gardeners, they have a Saturday seminar series. They also have a Landscape Division offering design and installation services for homes and businesses. Check out their website for weekly specials. Check out their website for weekly specials.

Website: maplehillnursery.com
Address: 197 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey
Phone: 603-357-2555

Moose Maple Nursery and Garden Center in Dublin specializes in northern grown stock that is perfect for the higher elevations of the Monadnock region of Southern New Hampshire. It is open every day but Wednesday from April through October. They feature an extensive inventory of hardy plants, trees, and shrubs. Moose Maple Nursery also has a large selection of native New Hampshire trees, shrubs, and perennials, which include many plants especially important as food sources for birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Hanging baskets, annuals, and vegetables are available during spring and summer, and mums, pumpkins, and Christmas trees are presented in the fall and early winter.

Website: moosemaplenursery.com
Located On Route 137 in Dublin
Phone: 603-563-8284

Buyers seem to be attracted to smaller homes these days. It may be a result of the financial climate causing a conservative approach to buying homes, or people no longer want to live in “Mcmansions”. Either way, the new construction industry has been focused on smaller more efficient homes with more amenities. It all makes sense in order to maintain an affordable lifestyle in an ever changing real estate marketplace, and people want newer homes at a reasonable price. Cozy is in!

How space is saved
A smaller home can offer a more efficient use of space and can be built on smaller lots. Because lot costs are typically 25-30% of a house cost, the need to purchase less expensive lots to offer more affordable homes to buyers is key. People are looking at a reduction in spaces that they seldom use. Homes are being designed with fewer hallways as it can be considered wasted space, more flex space areas that offer versatility in their use such as a room could be a bedroom, study or in home office. Living rooms are almost obsolete in homes as they are rarely used and buyers will sacrifice a formal dining area for a larger kitchen/dining area for entertaining. Putting more energy in the design and layout is important and planning ahead such as a great outdoor space can become an outside room for entertaining.

More buying power for amenities
It is about getting the biggest bang for your buck and it is the value game with amenities and bottom line is what is most important to the buyer. Look in the magazines, TV shows and places like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel for inspiration on what buyers like inside their homes. Kitchens are the heart of the home and buyers like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and eat in spaces. With more open flowing plans, definitions of space be achieved by use of accenting columns, dropped soffits, arches and ceiling beams and a perception of better design elements and unique appearance. Buyers purchasing a smaller home can also potentially have more purchasing power for hardwood floors, upgrade cabinetry, screened in porches and other items that they desire.

A smaller home can be more energy efficient, easier to maintain, reduced insurance costs, less furnishing and can be less expensive in price! It also can be less demanding and offer a simpler lifestyle so in 2012, enjoy and buyer a smaller home with less hassle

The only real estate process that is more confusing than buying your first home is selling it. Making the decision to sell a house, even if it is heart wrenching, is a piece of cake compared to the myriad other details and decisions that will compete for your attention. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about home selling and get some answers.

How Much is My House Worth?
Your house is worth “fair market value,” or, exactly what the current market thinks it’s worth. Determining fair market value involves comparing your house to similar homes that have sold nearby over the last three to six months. While it’s not rocket science, the determination of value, and listing price, is best left to a real estate agent. Most real estate agents offer what is known as a comparative market analysis (CMA) free of charge. Even if you plan to sell the house without an agent, avail yourself of this free service so you know exactly how to price the house.

Should I Sell My House Myself?
To save money on real estate agent commissions, many homeowners attempt the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) process. Many succeed. Others fail. In their studies of FSBOs, The National Association of Realtors® has found that the most difficult tasks faced by these homeowners include:

• Determining the listing price
• Understanding the contracts, disclosures and other paperwork
• The amount of time necessary to show the house, negotiate, etc.
• Readying the home for the market
• Getting the home sold within the necessary time period

If you feel that you can confidently tackle the above challenges, then the FSBO process may be for you.

Should I Make Repairs Before Selling my House?
Whether or not to do home improvements or repairs before putting a house on the market is a common dilemma. If the repairs are cosmetic in nature, such as holes in the window screens, sagging screen doors or missing porch light covers, then yes, they should be repaired. Anything else that affects the house’s curb appeal should be fixed.

As the seller, you will be filling out a mountain of forms. One of these is a disclosure of known issues with the house. Depending on the item requiring repair, the buyer may ask that the price of the house be discounted to compensate for the cost of replacing or repairing. Additionally, the smart buyer will have the home inspected professionally so other items will most likely turn up. If any of these items affect health and/or safety, the buyer’s lender may demand that repairs be performed before the close of escrow. So, it’s a good idea to get these repairs out of the way before placing the home on the market. Here are some common items that buyers typically want remedied before the sale can proceed:

• Problems with heating and cooling systems
• Roof problems
• Problems with wiring or other electrical issues
• Dry rot or other pest problems

Remember to hang on to all repair receipts, especially if a repaired item is under warranty. The buyers will want to see who repaired or replaced the item and will need the receipt in case something goes wrong.

Do I Need to Hold an Open House?
Open houses are probably one of the most hotly contested issues within the real estate community. Many agents feel that they don’t work and refuse to hold them. Other agents feel they don’t work, but following advice from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), they hold open houses to scout for new clients. Then there’s the agent who holds open houses because she’s read the statistics and understands that there is a chance the perfect buyer is among those who will view the house on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

About 45 percent of potential homebuyers will visit an open house, according to the NAR. That figure represents almost half of the buyer pool – a large enough group to safely assume that your buyer may be among them. To take full advantage of an open house, ensure that the house is market ready by cleaning, de-cluttering and staging.

What Questions Should I ask an Agent About Selling a House?
Your listing agent’s most important job is to market your house to other real estate agents, to her network of buyers, and to the public. Therefore, the number one question to ask agents during the interview is how they plan on marketing your house. Ask for examples of how they’ve marketed other homes and request a formal marketing plan, in writing. Ask the agents you interview about their list to sell ratio – a figure, expressed as a percent, of the number of houses listed to the number of houses actually sold. Choosing among agents with the highest percentage ensures that you’ve chosen an agent who prices homes appropriately and knows how to market.

If you have a special-needs home, such as a short sale, fixer-upper, or luxury home, it’s imperative that you choose an agent who specializes in that type of home. Most real estate brokerages offer advice free of charge. If you choose to go it alone and not use a broker, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of an attorney.

Guest post by Eric Proulx of RealEstate.com

Enjoy an afternoon with nature at Deer Leap in Windham, NH

Deer Leap is an easy walk or hike of about a mile. Take a few minutes away from your busy schedule and enjoy nature. The trail is tree lined so it is shaded most of the way. It would be advisable to have insect protection. It makes a great no cost trip for an afternoon. The trail is easy and even smaller children can walk along if you take your time. It may not be suitable for strollers with smaller wheels. The view at the end of the trail reminded me of a valley similar to ones I saw in Alaska but on a much smaller scale.

Directions Rt. 93 to exit 3 in Windham go east to the Mobil Station turn onto route 111a follow it 1.8 miles to Marblehead Rd turn left follow to sharp bend in road. After the bend look for a small “Deer Leap” sign on the right. Follow the dirt rd several hundred feet to the small parking area on the left.

Imagine having 325 acres as your backyard and enjoying trails for four season activities with no additional tax burden for the land use! In Nashua, Mine Falls Park is a gem for those who have discovered its natural beauty with forest, wetlands and open fields to enjoy walking, boating, fishing, cross country skiing or biking. To explore more, visit http://merrimack.wildnh.com/minefallspark/ and for a trail map, you can access http://tinyurl.com/62ydr28.

Since the late 1960’s, plans began in order to capitalize on this space which is bordered by the Nashua River and the old Millpond canal system. In the 1980’s and 90’s, parts of Nashua were determined as historical sites and placed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the park trails were designated as part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system which extends along the Merrimack River from Canada to Massachusetts. Where can you find an urban environment with a natural feel at your doorstep? Nashua has been recognized twice as Money Magazine’s Best City in which to live and with beautiful public spaces like this, it is not a surprise.

A community which is a short walk away to Mine Falls pristine setting is at exit 5 is The Village at Mine Falls is which is a new community of detached condominium homes . Offering homes with first floor master suites, sunrooms and quality features that are considered upgrades elsewhere, this small enclave of 40 homes is located on a cul de sac with low monthly fees. With the park so close to home, you will have easy living and a carefree active lifestyle. Sales information is available through www.villageminefalls.com.

So if you want to explore what Nashua has to offer and drive a short distance, come and experience Mine Falls Park!

Why does a new construction home cost more than a previously owned home? Is it because the builders are cleaning up and making extra money? Not really! Over the past years, permits are down and some builders have even left the building business. Let’s take a look at what costs go into a house and see where it all goes.

First things first, a key component to the selling price can be driven by how much it cost the builder to buy the land, but other factors such as building materials and amenities also play a role.

When a builder purchase a piece of land, it is just the beginning and costs will be affected by the siting of the house; engineering needs; utilities and their location; tree removal; distance from the road and length of driveway; excavation costs and potential blasting; well or septic installation and considerations; dumpsters and portable toilets are just some considerations from the land perspective. The local township will dictate the cost of any permitting as well as any additional taxes or impact fees and in some communities, these costs can add up tremendously and many times are upfront costs when obtaining the permit and can be up to $10,000 or more!

All of these are considerations and the sticks and bricks part of the home has not even begun while behind the scenes, the builder may have paid for a draftsperson or architect for the floor plan and construction drawings as well as an estimator to ensure that the costs are correct on the proposed building. Some costs associated with builder are subject to the economy, availability and natural disasters such as drywall, lumber and other materials and their costs can fluctuate which affect the bottom line. This can be somewhat of a gamble and a good estimation is critical so the construction does not go over budget. A builder also needs to finance all of this and just like a homeowner’s mortgage, there are monthly costs that a builder pays in addition to the closing costs to get the financing!

There are materials and labor costs and depending upon construction activities can also affect the building of a home. A builder will contract for foundation drains; concrete work; framing; fireplaces; plumbing; electrical, insulation; drywall, painting; trim work and flooring. All of these steps not only require coordination and timing but also costly. Just think if gutters; sprinkler, central vac or security systems are added. What if the town requires a sprinkler system? These are not necessarily the costs that we think of when we are looking a purchasing a new home but they can sure add up. What about shelving, mirrors, landscaping, driveways and cleaning? There are so many elements included in a new construction home that you can see why homebuilding can help an economy keep moving ahead. It is difficult to answer the question from a potential buyer about how much it costs to build a home as it is dependent upon what selections and quality grade of components a buyer wants. Work with someone who is experienced in new home sales that can help you meander the process.

There are many small aspects of the home that we become “blind” to in the process of our day to day existence. Some of these we walk by every day, such as a worn or dirty entry door, but we don’t really see it! Here are some low cost methods you can use to get ready for buyers that are quick and easy.

1. Replace tired doormats and freshen up the door exterior with a coat of paint and a seasonal wreath and wash away prints and scuffs around the door.
2. Check your exterior lights to make sure they are tidy, with clean glass and bulbs that are working.
3. Put away garbage cans and recycle bins and neatly store garden tools.
4. Be sure the kids put aways toys and clothes in their rooms and play areas.
5. Trim bushes away from the home and keep grass, driveways and walks neat and clean.
6. Replace heavy drapes with sheers to let the light into your home.
7. Put away paperwork that “lives” on the counters and kitchen tables; replace with fresh fruit or flowers!
8. Remove clutter from tops of refrigerators, bedroom bureaus and bath counters.
9. Buy new hand towels for the baths and kitchens and keep drab old towels out of sight.
10. Keep animal areas clean and unnoticeable to the nose and remove or secure pets.

Most of the garden centers featured below specialize in the unique or the unusual or have extensive collections not found elsewhere. All were featured in a great garden guide that was published a few years ago, The Adventurous Gardener: Where to buy the best plants in New England by Ruah Donnelly. Ms. Donnelly described her guide as one that would help people “…find good regionally grown plants…” Many of the nurseries and garden stores she included seek to make available unique or unusual plants not commonly found in chain stores.

Delahunty’s Nurseries & Florist in Windham has over 10 acres of plants to meet your gardening needs. They provide an extensive selection of annuals and perennials, roses, and shrubs. They are noted for their mature shrubs and trees – which range up to 18 feet tall for those special landscaping projects. If they don’t have what you want, let them know, and they will order it for you from one of their growers. Delahunty’s also has a full service florist shop. Their website has informative sections on watering and gardening.

Lake Street Garden Center in Salem is a family-run retail garden center, open year round, that has everything a gardener might desire. They have a large variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants. In addition, they carry house plants, bonsais, holiday plants, pots, garden accents, fertilizers, water garden supplies, etc. Many of the staff have degrees in horticulture. They sponsor several gardening classes each month and support the Salem Farmer’s Market.

The Mixed Border Nursery and Gardens in Hollis specializes in unique and unusual plants for the garden, although a wide selection of standard and familiar shrubs, perennials, and some annuals are also available. The helpful staff is very experienced and friendly. In addition to the nursery, the Mixed Border offers complete garden design and landscaping services. They will open for the season on April 16th.

Perennials from Susan in Amherst features over 1,900 varieties of plants grown in Susan Kierstead’s 2 acres of gardens. As all have been grown in Amherst, they are hardy for New Hampshire’s climate. Her display area includes shade gardens, sand gardens, and sun gardens to inspire your inner gardener. She specializes in wildflowers and daylilies (featuring over 300 varieties), as well as ornamental grasses and unique plants. Perennials from Susan will be open 3 days a week starting April 19th.

Rolling Green Nursery is a 9-acre center in Greenland that has been serving the seacoast area for over 20 years. They grow most of the perennials and annuals that they offer, so you know they are NH-hardy. In addition, they have a large selection of ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, container plants, and topiaries. Earth-friendly and people-friendly (ergonomic) garden products are a specialty. In addition to their retail business, they sponsor several gardening classes and host community events such as an Easter Egg Hunt and a Father’s Day BBQ. They have an extensive website filled with planting ideas and horticultural tips.

Uncanoonuc Mt. Perennials in Goffstown will be open Wednesdays through Sundays starting on April 24th this year. Uncanoonuc specializes in low-maintenance perennials – which is what many are seeking these days! Many of the 900+ varieties on sale are unusual versions of common plants that you are unlikely to see elsewhere. The nursery grounds includes display gardens and 2.5 acres of plants for purchase. Their website has dozens of gardening guides, links, and photos of Uncanoonuc’s flowers.

- by Steve Russo, Connecting People with Homes throughout Southern New Hampshire
Thinking of buying or selling a home? Let me help you!
Contact me via http://www.SteveRusso4Homes.com

Spring is here, and it’s time to spruce up the garden! Whether you’ve just bought your first home or have been living in your residence for years, when spring rolls around, it’s time to visit the garden center. We are fortunate in southern New Hampshire to have many excellent companies from which to choose from!

The garden centers listed below carry a wide-range of plants and plant products for your home. Some specialize in outdoor plants, but many carry house plants also; some even offer everything for your herb, vegetable, or water garden. All are staffed by friendly and helpful employees, many with horticultural degrees and/or master gardener certifications.

The Amherst Garden Center on Route 101 in Amherst is stocked with perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting. Annuals will be making their appearance later. Winner of the New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best of New Hampshire” award for best garden center (in 2009), the family-owned store features larger plants, with the idea that a larger plant with a larger root system will thrive better. In addition to an extensive selection of plants for outdoor planting, this family owned and operated center also has indoor plants, cut flowers, and a gift shop. This year they will be expanding their hydroponic garden area which they are developing with the Amherst Garden Club. It will feature hydroponically grown tomatoes and herbs and hydroponic systems for the home gardener.

Bedford Fields Garden Center and Home Decor has been a mecca for plant lovers for almost 20 years. During planting season, its grounds are covered with choice perennials and annuals, many from local nurseries. This locally owned shop also features organic vegetable and herb plants, organic weed and feed products, outdoor/garden furniture and statuary, and a wide range of quality items for your pet and home. The friendly informative staff includes master gardeners and horticultural-degreed employees. Open year-round.

The House by the Side of the Road, open year-round in Wilton, has an extensive collection of outdoor and indoor plants in several greenhouses and acreage surrounding their flagship building on route 101. In addition to annuals, perennials, trees, and aquatic plants, the House has sizeable cacti, succulent, and orchid collections. Hanging plants are a specialty. It carries everything you need to make your plants look their best, with containers ranging from bonsai-size to multi-gallon ones, mulches, fertilizers, insect treatments, etc. Their website has a virtual tour and helpful links.

Lull Farm, with outlets in Hollis and Milford, has a large selection of annuals and perennials each year. Most of the annuals are grown from seed in their own greenhouses. They also have a wide variety of vegetable plants, from broccoli and collards to radiccichio and swiss chard. During the season, they have pick-your-own berry and apple crops on their nearby farms. And if growing or picking your own is too strenuous for you, they’ll welcome you to their retail shops which sell everything from local farm produced dairy and meats as well as fruits and vegetables.

Mason Brook Nursery on Route 124 in Mason offers an extensive collection of annual and perennial flowers, hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, ornamental and fruit trees, and berry plants. Many of the plants are started in their own nurseries. In addition to plants, Mason Brook furnishes mulch, loam, and stone products to local gardeners. Open seven days a week.

Mason Hollow Nursery on a shady lane in Mason is the place to go for hosta, as they feature over 650 colorful varieties of this well-known garden mainstay, including sun-tolerant and fragrant varieties. In addition, they offer ornamental grasses, brunneras, heucheras, wild flowers, ferns, and heathers, as well as select perennials, trees, and shrubs for both sunny and shady locations. Mason Hollow usually opens in early May.

Ponemah Farms Garden Center in Amherst has a knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you find the perfect annuals, perennials, and houseplants for your home. They also carry choice trees and shrubs to meet your landscaping needs. Their busy outlet on route 101A stocks great selections of plants, and also soils, mulches, and containers for your gardening needs.

- by Steve Russo
www.SteveRusso4Homes.com

Guest post by Aisha Mitchell of Amherstrec.org

Join us at the Peabody Mill Environmental Center for our “Open House for Educators”. We’ll give you a sampling of the educational program offerings we can deliver to your classroom or to your students here at the environmental center.

Our staff of environmental educators provides programs for students grades pre-K to high school. Lessons are offered in all of the sciences and meet the NH Framework for Science Literacy.

Open House for Educators

Date: Saturday, 5/12
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Peabody Mill Environmental Center (PMEC)
Fee: Free

More info and registration is available at www.amherstrec.org, 603-673-6248 or 603-673-1141.