About Rockingham County, NH

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- New statistics show that New Hampshire's real estate market is in the midst of a slow and steady recovery.

The numbers from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors showed October home sales were up 8 percent compared to a year ago. And home sales through the first 10 months of 2009 show sales are up over the same period last year. But it's not all good news. Numbers show that so far this year, prices are down 11 percent over last year. The New Hampshire numbers contradict national trends. The U.S. Commerce Department said that nationally, housing starts dropped 10.6 percent last month. Slow and steady sales show that those homes under $300,000 are the ones that are selling.

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Here is a brief synopsis from Barnes and Noble of The Book Thief:

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Last week we finished and discussed Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. Our group ranged in opinions from a bit of distaste to overflowing appreciation and joy. Although I was leaning more towards distaste, I did appreciate the satyr and the way Vonnegut just puts it all out there in almost a reckless manner.

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BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010 all home inspectors in the state of New Hampshire will have to hold a license in order to inspect homes.

Makes sense to me how about you? For a long time now this hasn't been the case here in the "Live Free or Die State of NH." Anyone could go through a home and inspect it without holding a license. As a Realtor I would always recommend those home inspectors who were licensed to my buyers. I would give them three names and let them decide who they wanted.

When I'm looking for a doctor, lawyer, or Realtor I always look for those who are licensed. It says to me that they are educated first off and they have to live by the rules. It also tells me that they care enough to go to school/classes to become licensed. They have put in the time and the effort. Wouldn't you want a "licensed home inspector checking out your house?"

Is this the case where you live and work? Curious......

Barker Farm in Stratham NH has what I consider the best produce on the Seacoast. I love visiting their booth at the local Farmer's Market on Saturdays at City Hall here in Portsmouth. The corn this year was top notch even with all the rain. And I can't say enough about the squash! This picture was taken out at their Farm Stand on Rte 33 in Stratham. Eat and buy local!

Let me be the first to admit it: I've been known to whine and complain. I'm not perfect and I haven't yet mastered a positive attitude. I'm not alone...there is no shortage of people willing to piss and moan right along with me. Misery loves company and, more times than not, people will dwell on what's wrong, not on what's right. Negative energy is quite powerful.

It is much easier to complain and whine about problems than it is to come up with solutions. Today's buyers are looking for a home they can move right into, not a house they have to improve or customize to meet their needs. They are more likely to notice negative features before positive ones, and the negative features will make a stronger impression on them.

Don't underestimate the power of negative impression. Think about it....if you got ten compliments on a new haircut and then one person made fun of your haircut, the negative comment would be the most memorable of all the comments you received. One negative erases the ten positive...it's that powerful.

Positive marketing begins with preparation and positive impression begins with quality MLS photos. When listing your house, the pictures you choose for the MLS are crucial to the impression that is made. Show eight fabulous pictures and then one bad one and it's the bad one that will get the most attention. The bad picture is the one that will make the strongest impression on potential buyers.

There is a lot of attention given to the power of positive thinking, but when it comes to selling your house, it is very important that you take into consideration the power of negative impression.

Something you should keep in mind when preparing your house for sale. is that it is very difficult to see your own house through buyer's eyes. Your emotional attachment hinders your ability to be impartial. If you want buyers to notice the positive features in your house, those features need to be highlighted and the negative features need to be minimized.

Consult with a professional home stager to learn more about creating the right impression through preparation and presentation.