Winter Blues? 9 Easy Ways to Brighten Your Southern NH Home and Your Spirit

These gray, dreary winter days can really sap your energy and dull your enjoyment of life.  To survive the winter doldrums, brighten your Southern NH home using these easy tips:

   1. Open your Southern New Hampshire home’s window treatments during the day to let the light brighten and warm your room.  Close them again as soon as night falls to retain heat.

   2. Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

   3. Add a mirror.  Wherever a mirror reflects light in a room, it visually doubles that light.  Place a mirror opposite a window to immediately brighten your space.  No window?  Hang a large mirror above a console table and place a pair of lamps in front of the mirror.

   4. Install higher watt bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.

   5. Eliminate dark corners by adding recessed lighting.

   6. Use full spectrum lighting in areas where you read, knit or do other up-close work.

   7. Lighten living areas with colorful throws and pillows.

   8. Lift the winter blues by adding flowers and plants to your decor.  Colorful indoor blooming plants include the African violet, Cyclamen, Orchid and desert cactus.  Use tropical flowers to transport yourself mentally to climates where the sun always shines.

   9. Do a little winter cleaning:
         a. Wash the inside of your windows. Fireplace and candle soot coats windows with a dingy film that blocks the sun.
         b. Polish your furniture. Shiny furniture reflects ambient light.
         c. Wash ceiling light fixtures in soapy water. Light is muted when filtered through dirty light fixtures.

Lighting can change how you (and potential buyers) feel about your Southern NH home. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to quickly improve the ambiance of your home.

If you’d like to sell your home, I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com.

Rates versus Home Prices, plus - Vote for your Favorite Home!

Since we're rapidly approaching Christmas and most of you are probably too busy to read much in the way of real estate news, I'll keep this brief.  

If you noticed the recent increase in mortgage rates, you may be wondering how it will affect home prices.  Despite the obvious correlation that in order for monthly payments to remain the same, prices would need to be lower when there are higher interest rates, higher rates may not translate into lower home prices, since New Hampshire properties are already more affordable than they have been in a very long time.  Check out this article on the mortgage rate increase from the Smart Money section of the Wall Street Journal published on December 17th that includes a chart on interest rates versus year over year % change in home prices (with and without adjusting for inflation).

And now, for something a bit lighter: Take a look at pictures of 8 luxury homes in Asia and pick your favorite!

Okay, now get back to wrapping presents and have a wonderful Holiday!

Holiday Gifts for New Southern New Hampshire Home Owners

To find the perfect holiday gifts for new Southern New Hampshire home owners, consider gifts that will keep on giving efficiency, convenience and luxury for years to come. To help with your shopping, here’s my list of seven great holiday gifts for new Southern NH home owners:

1. Gift card to a local home store. This is the easiest gift to give, and often the most popular with home owners. It can help finance their bathroom remodel or purchase of a large item like a riding lawn mower or snowblower.

2. Fireproof safe or lockbox. A small fireproof safe is the perfect place to store important items such as mortgage papers, home owner’s insurance information and receipts for
home repairs.

3. Luxurious bath towels. You can never have too many big, thick bath towels. Consider getting them monogrammed if you want to do something a little extra special.

4. Green cleaning products. You can buy green cleaning products at just about any store. Or, you can make non-toxic cleaning products, put them in nice spray bottles and include the recipes so the home owners can make more when the bottles are empty.

5. Subscription to a home-related magazine. There are magazines about decorating, cooking, entertaining, and home repairs. Consider Family Handyman Magazine for those who want to learn the basics of home repair, Real Simple Magazine for those who love to organize, or Do It Yourself Magazine for, guess who, the do-it yourselfers.

6. Luxury showerhead. Give the gift of daily luxury with one of the spa-style showerheads. You can find showerheads that provide a wide variety of sensations from an energizing massage to a relaxing rain shower.

7. Your time. Create your own coupon offering a set number of hours of your time helping with home projects such as painting, mowing the lawn or, if you’re not handy, babysitting while the home owners work on a project.

If you’re a Southern New Hampshire home owner, you might want to give yourself one of these great gifts. If you don’t own a home, consider giving yourself the gift of home ownership. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com, and I’ll send you a list of homes for sale that meet your needs.

Myths About Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents

Ask anyone about their experiences with Southern New Hampshire real estate agents, and you will no doubt hear a variety of responses. This is why there are so many myths about agents circulating. A good real estate agent is worth every penny you spend for their expertise. Let’s examine some popular myths about Southern New Hampshire real estate agents.

   1. They make too much money. The truth is that the median salary for real estate agents in 2009 was approximately $54,000. Agents have to pay business expenses such as broker’s fees, professional organization memberships and MLS listing fees.  One of their biggest expenses is marketing homes for sale for buyers and sellers like you. These expenses quickly add up and take away a large percentage of their commission.

   2. They won’t get you a good deal because they make a commission on the sale price. Yes, real estate commissions are based on a percentage of the sale price. However, the commission on a $185,000 home is $5550, while the commission on a $200,000 home is $6000. That’s a difference of $450, which is hardly worth creating a negative impression by getting you a bad deal.

   3. They say anything to make a sale. Professional Southern New Hampshire real estate agents work for you, and they want you to have a positive experience with them. After all, most of their business comes from referrals. They want you to be happy so you will tell your friends and family about their excellent service.

   4. They don’t do anything you can’t do on your own. The truth is that buying and selling real estate can be a complicated and time consuming process. Sure, on the buying side you can manage your own search and negotiations & inspections & financing while hiring a lawyer to help with the paperwork and on the selling side you can pay a one time fee to get your home listed in the mls with no further agent involvement and then read up on how to price, stage, and market your home as well as negotiate terms & conditions of a sale. However, professional Southern New Hampshire real estate agents are trained to do all these things and have experience at it. As a result, they’ll save you money, time and make your life less complicated throughout process.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional real estate agent.

Let me help you save time and money when buying or selling your home. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Resolve a Conflict with Your Southern New Hampshire Homeowners’ Association

More than sixty million Americans live in developments overseen by Homeowners’ Associations.  HOAs can sometimes strike fear in the hearts of Southern New Hampshire homeowners, especially owners who have violated the rules and regulations established by the HOAs.

Although you may not purposely violate a HOA policy, at some point you may find yourself in that situation. Here are some tips on how to resolve a conflict with your Southern NH Homeowners’ Association.

●    Start right away.  Conflict rarely gets better with time.  Resolution is most easily achieved early on.  As soon as you’re aware there’s a problem, contact your HOA.

●    Be polite. A little politeness goes a long way. Refrain from using foul language or insulting the HOA members. State your case clearly and ask for their help. Let them know that you need their assistance as a community member.

●    Admit your mistake. If you violated a rule established by your Southern NH Homeowners’ Association, you are not going to help your case by arguing that you did nothing wrong. Be open and explain how it happened.  Perhaps it was a careless oversight or a rule that you were unaware of. People are more likely to help someone who is willing to admit they’re wrong than someone who argues they’re right.

●    Stay away from the courtroom. Whenever possible, try to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. If you decide to sue your HOA, you will need indisputable evidence that the HOA did something wrong. You always stand the chance of losing your case and being charged with your legal fees and the HOA’s legal fees and costs. Paying the HOA’s fine is almost always a much cheaper solution.

If you’re ready to buy a Southern NH home, I can help you find one with an effective HOA or without an HOA, whichever you prefer.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Southern New Hampshire Home Warranty FAQ

In today’s real estate market, it’s helpful when homeowners add incentives to sell their Southern New Hampshire homes. Incentives may include paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, reducing the sale price or offering a home warranty.

Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:

●    What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $400 and $600.
●    Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Southern NH home.
●    What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, ductwork, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
●    What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
●    How do I file a claim? If you have to file a claim, contact your home warranty company. They will call a service provider who will set up an appointment. You will have to pay a small service fee that is usually less than $100.

Want to buy a Southern New Hampshire home that comes with a warranty? I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

5 Ways to Pet Proof Your Southern New Hampshire Home

If you’re like most pet owners, your pets are part of your family. Do your part to help them out and pet proof your Southern NH home for their safety.

1.     Inspect your yard. As your dog or cat walks through your yard, harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides can adhere to their fur and get on their paws. Once inside your Southern NH home, your pets will lick their feet and legs clean. This licking causes them to ingest many harmful chemicals.  Keep pets away from the yard if you’ve recently applied chemicals to it,  and be sure to follow manufacturer’s recommendations.  Better yet, switch to pet safe yard products or a natural yard that doesn’t require chemicals at all.

2.    Examine your garage.  Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals and is deadly if consumed in even small quantities.  Just one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat.  Switch to a safer antifreeze. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which won’t harm animals if ingested in small amounts.

3.    Secure items. Your pet is curious. Take the time to place medicines, cleaning solutions, and chemicals out of their way. Make sure they cannot open cupboards and cabinets. You may want to install cupboard latches and cover electrical outlets, if you have a smart pet that’s good at opening things.

4.     Guard your food items. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats. While you’re busy, your pets may be rummaging through the kitchen and eating whatever they find.

5.    Beware of breakage.  Broken light bulbs present a danger to pets of all sizes. Glass from a broken bulb may be stepped on, swallowed or inhaled.  Ethylene glycol, the dangerous yet sweet tasting ingredient in many antifreeze products, can also be found in common household items like snow globes.  The ethylene glycol may spill out if the snow globe cracks or breaks.  Keep animals away from broken objects, thoroughly clean up the broken bits and safely dispose of them. 

Looking for a pet-friendly Southern New Hampshire home?  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Throw a Block Party at Your Southern NH Home

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. You can easily throw a block party that everyone who lives near your Southern New Hampshire home will love. Here’s how:

1.    Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your Southern NH home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask others in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.

2.    Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.

3.    Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a beach theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations: anything blue or tan, coconuts, beach balls, and Frisbees. You also know to serve beach foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.

4.    Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean up. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.

5.    Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you plan. This is your night to shine.

6.    Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.

Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable.  Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.

Let me help you find a Southern New Hampshire home in a great neighborhood. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

A Summer Party Recipe: Gelatin Fruit Salad

 "This gorgeous salad is so refreshing and bursting with flavor that you won't think of it as sugar-free," says Eleanor Mielke of Snohomish, Washington.  "A diabetic friend shared the recipe." 

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 package (.6 ounce) sugar-free cherry gelatin
1 can (12 ounces) or  1-1/2 cups diet ginger ale
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
Apple slices & fresh mint, optional

In a saucepan, bring the applesauce to a boil; remove from heat.
Stir in gelatin until dissolved.  Slowly add ginger ale and pineapple.
Pour into a 2-qt. serving bowl.  Chill until set.  Garnish with apples
and mint if desired. 

Yield: 8 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 30 calories, 53 mg sodium,
0 cholesterol, 7 gm carbohydrate, 1 gm protein, trace fat.

Southern New Hampshire Homes and Lawns: Growing Greener Grass

If you're anything like me, you've driven through neighborhoods, admiring the Southern New Hampshire homes and immaculate lawns.  You've pictured your dry, brown yard, wondering how these homeowners managed to get their lawns looking so great. 

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help achieve that plush, green grass that everyone hopes for:

1.  Choose a type of grass seed that's right for your climate zone. 

There are three climate zones:  Warm, transitional and cool.  Warm season grass is better for lawns in the South, cool season for the North, and transitional for Central.  The best bet for the transitional zone is either a mixture of warm and cool season grass or using the same seeds as the warm zone. 

2.  Plant at the right time.

Throw grass seed on the ground at the right time, and it’ll grow.

·    Warm zone grasses - sown in the spring, once the soil is warm enough for sprouts to grow.

·    Cool zone grasses – sown in the fall, generally between August 1 – 15 for the far North, and August 15 – 30 for the warmer areas.

3.  Cut at the right height.

No matter what zone the homes with gorgeous green lawns are in, you may notice that the lawns all seem to be about the same height.  There’s a reason for that.  Lawn care experts say you should never cut your grass shorter than two inches.

4.  Use the right mower.

You want to use mulching lawnmowers, replacing the blades every season to keep them sharp for cleaner cuts.  These lawnmowers turn the clippings into perfect grass-feed, which takes care of about half of the feed for the season. 

5.  Have a good watering schedule.

The best time to water a lawn is first thing in the morning.  You want to water all at once instead of in short spurts, soaking your lawn with about one inch each time you water.  Cool zone Southern New Hampshire lawns should be watered whenever it's been dry for a week.  Lawns for warm zone homes should be watered twice a week during the summer.

Want to buy a home with a lush lawn?  I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Make the Yard of Your Southern New Hampshire Home a Bird Paradise

Do you enjoy watching birds?  Would you like to attract more of them to the yard of your Southern New Hampshire home?  Luckily, you can with the right setting.  Here are 3 steps to transform your landscape into a bird’s paradise:

Step 1:  Provide a food supply for your feathered friends.
 
One of the easiest ways to do so is through birdfeeders.  To ensure a throng of birds inhabits your landscape throughout most of the year, place birdfeeders in areas all over your Southern New Hampshire home’s yard.

Step 2:  Supply a source of water for birds to drink and bathe in.

Birdbaths are an easy solution and wide varieties are available.  Shallow basins or troughs will also do the trick.  However, since birds enjoy moving water, you may want to include a feature in your landscape that circulates water. 

Step 3:  Offer a safe shelter to perch and rest.

Birds want a place safe from the elements and predators.  Evergreen trees like cedar, pine and spruce are a good choice, as they allow birds to crawl into them and keep predators out.  Ornamental trees are another good choice that will not only provide shelter but perhaps even some food in the form of berries or insects.  Trees that birds find attractive include crabapple trees, flowering dogwood trees and Japanese snowdrop trees.

In addition to trees, you may want to provide birdhouses.  These also serve as shelter, as long as they are deep enough to protect the nest and have a small hole near the top and a cleanout panel.  The size of the hole and orientation to your Southern New Hampshire home determine what birds inhabit it.  To keep inhabitants comfortable and safe, place birdhouses in a quiet, shady spot and secure them firmly.

Turning your yard into a bird paradise takes some time and effort, but it’s all worth it when your landscape is flittering with feathered activity throughout most of the year.

Want to purchase a home with a yard that you can turn into a bird paradise?  I can help.  Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.