Frances Sanderson

Let's face it. We all like to eat out once in awhile. It not only feeds the body, but it feeds the soul, as well. So, how do you do this and not bust your food budget?

I've discovered Restaurant.com

In December of 2008, I was looking for a gift certificate to send to my brother down in Tennessee. I received an e-mail from my favorite travel discount website, Travelzoo, telling me about this great deal involving 80% off restaurant gift certificates.

I purchased $400.00 worth of gift certificates for $50.00. I had some skeptical comments from family members about whether or not these were a scam, but Travelzoo had stated that these had been tested before advertising them, and I believed them. I have since used two myself, and several of the recipients tried them too, and we are all 100% satisfied.

So, if you'd like your palate to be pampered at a pleasing price, I highly recommend you check out restaurant.com. Bon appetit!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

Snow Golf, you ask? Yes, golfing in the snow. According to Wikipedia, ‘Rudyard Kipling, living in Vermont in the 1890's, invented the game of snow golf.'  It's a game that requires regulation snowgolf balls (able to be found in the snow... Kipling painted his red), costumes, ONE club (can be altered to enhance play) and a Team Bartender.

 photo by Leo Resig

One might find die-hard Golfers playing on ice covered ponds (with tennis balls), but here in Attitash, New Hampshire (http://www.attitash.com/events.html), golf is played off a snow-capped mountain. Check out this YouTube video taken last year and uploaded from attitashman (watch from minute 2:15 on).

"

With 9 holes on mountain, a golf club, skis, themed golf teams, and day-golf balls, this event is as fun to watch as to participate in. Pre Registration is located in Attitash Guest Services and Day of Event from 8 to 9:30am in the South Wing, tee times start at 10am on Spillway, $25 per team. In addition, during the day there will be live music entertainment at the Attitash Base Lodge on the snow stage, featuring the bands Duty Free, Silent Mind, and Audio Kickstand." From www.Whofish.org

For directions to Attitash, click here.

If you want to learn more about official Snow Golfing, check out the Tundra Ice Golfing/Snow Golfing Association? Click on this logo:

  And Happy Spring to all of you who will be glad to see the snow go :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

If you are a homeowner, vacationer, or resident in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut, this site is one you don't want to miss. Whofish.org is a strange name, I know, but catchy, isn't it?

I receive an e-mail every week, letting me know what the top picks are for local events in my state. For example, this weekend, I have a choice of seeing dog sled racing up near King Pines Ski Area; dipping in the cold lake of Winnipesaukee for a good cause, and Maple Syrup tours in Laconia.

And by the way, a good Travel e-newsletter to sign up for to find out the best travel deals to New England is Travelzoo. They have a deal advertised for the Mill Falls Inn and Spa at Church Landing:

$99 -- New Hampshire Resort w/Spa Credit & Breakfast*

Meredith, New Hampshire Travel dates: March 6 - April 30 By Keri La Ra Travelzoo Staff On the scenic shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire, The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls has released a $99 per night special just in time for spring. Stay at the Inn at Mill Falls any day of the week (including weekends) March 6 - April 30 and receive the following: A $25 credit for spa services at the Cascade Spa (1 per stay) 2-for-1 entrees for lunch, Sunday brunch or dinner at the following restaurants: Lakehouse Grille, Camp, Lago, Mames, Giuseppe's or the Waterfall Cafe Complimentary continental breakfast daily Discount coupon book to the Mill Falls Marketplace and 20% OFF purchases at the Company Stores at Church Landing and Mill Falls Guests who stay March 29 - April 13 will receive a complimentary upgrade to the lakeview inn, Chase House. For all other dates, upgrade to a Lake View Room for $50 more per night. Or stay in a Lake View Room with whirlpool bath and fireplace for $80 more per night. Blackout Dates: March 19-21; April 18 To book: Click here to book online and enter the offer code TZOO in the promotion code box. Or call The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls directly at 866-613-8265 and mention Travelzoo. Note: For bookings 3 nights or more, online booking may not be available. Please call the hotel directly. I surprised my husband one anniversary by booking this room in Church Landing (one of three hotels in this offering) which had a pine post beam bed that you needed to climb upon a stool to get into. The bathroom had a whirlpool tub and pine covered walls that made you feel that you were in a cabin. The pool is a heated indoor/outdoor pool. The views are gorgeous and the service, superb. Even though I live close by, it was a wonderful escape for us. Well, I've given you a lot of information to absorb. If you do choose to take advantage of any of these suggestions, you won't be sorry. New England in Spring....aaaah! Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®

Are you a lover of New Hampshire's State Parks? Do you have some artistic ability?

Click here for Contest Requirements

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is hoping that the submissions will consider personal experience with State Parks, the natural history and scenic landscape in the artistic renderings.

Winners will be selected for each park and the winners' artwork will be displayed worldwide with full recognition given to the Artists. The winners will also receive a State Park fleece vest or jacket. The Grand Prize winner will also receive a State Park Season Pass. Contest deadline is April 22, 2009

State Parks Needing Artwork

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown

Crawford Notch State Park, Harts Location

Ellacoya State Park, Gilford

Greenfield State Park, Greenfield

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton

Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia

Lake Francis State Park, Pittsburg

Lake Umbagog State Park, Errol

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey

Mt. Washington State Park, Gorham

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham

White Lake State Park, West Ossipee

So, who's up for the challenge?

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

What I love about this new administration is that President Obama's policies and proposals are right there for anyone who is looking for them. As a REALTOR^®, I was looking for answers as to how the Homewoner Affordability and Stability plan could help, not only my clients, but myself as well. Well here they are, direct from President Barack Obama's Blog:

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking

What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a 'Good Faith Estimate' that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

1. information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
2. your most recent income tax return
3. information about any second mortgage on the house
4. payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
5. payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

'Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking

What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I'd like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender's discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes
information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources your most recent income tax return information about any second mortgage on the house payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.'

I hope you found this as helpful as I have.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®