Terra Mesa Resorts growing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

The Macfarlan Group a Texas real Estate investment partnership is being represented on the East Coast at the South Mountain Resort (Development) at Loon Mountain Lincoln NH. I guess even this far from Texas Bigger is always better. Several of the homes currently under construction have eclipses 2 million dollars. The feature that these custom show places have in common, is slope side access, with Ski to your back door designs and year round recreational activities so close you can touch it .

  The patch of grass separating the new home you see in the back ground is a new ski trail coming off the Boom Run Slopes at, Loon's South Mountain.

This is the front of the same home pictured above, the small peaked roof you see above the garage is a mud room and bridge out the back door so you can ski to the lifts from you're own private property.

 This is one of the Ski Bridges on the South Peak Resort site, Which will allow homeowners to ski above the roads in order to get home with out taking off their equipment. It is also important to note no expense was spared in the design of the home owners trails, in fact they have snow making guns and grooming machines so you can ski home even if mother nature doesn't cooperate.

 This week another new Foundation is going in, a custom Adirondack Style home with great mountain view and a ski slope parallel to the street. Here we grow again!

Terra Mesa Resorts owners of South Peak Resort, Welcome to New Hampshire where the air is clean and the building environment is brisk. Home sites Start in the mid 400's. view our inventory at  www.alpinelakes.com and see our custom home designs at www.cargillconstruction.com

Lake Side Deer Park Condo, Loon Mountain New Hampshire

Only a five acre lake / pond but no motor boats just peace and serenity of mountain living this a beach out your door and the ski slopes just two miles away, what could be better. How about a 2,500 square foot living space featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a separate lower level play room for the kids, with central A/C and gas heat for the cold winter nights. The complex also offers the finest Recreation- Activities center in the area. With an indoor pool, exercise rooms, two racket ball court, billiards room and function facility to accommodate the many social- and holiday parties. You can fish from your Balcony and view the spectacular Franconia Notch Mountain range to the North.

Deer Park is a White Mountain resort favorite vacation spot, offering multiple tennis courts ,plushly landscaped grounds , and walking trail through out the property. Close to town, walk to dinner, ride the white Mountain Rail Road , Visit Clark's Trained Bear's Shows, or take a stroll to the Woodstock Brew pub.

Asking Price $575,000 for the largest lakeside condos, but smaller condos also available starting under $165,000 for a one bedroom over looking the lake. steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 web site information visit www.alpinelakes.com

Grafton County first half 2007 Vs. first Half 2008 Camparative sales data

 Woodstock New Hampshire asking Price $329,000 closed selling price $307,500 (6.5% off the asking price), 200 days on the market, total square foot age finished space 2,000 Sq.Ft. on 2.3 Acres. This property is close to the average data across the board.

First Half 2008, for all of Grafton County residential sales data on closed transactions 444 transfers, average list price $258,200 / Average sales price $244,800 (5.2% off asking price) average square foot residence 1,620 / average days on the market 159. Although total sales were down compared to last year at the same time asking price and selling price are both up 2% from the prior year. Woodstock New Hampshire land Asking Price $82,000 selling price $75,000 (8.5% off asking price- to closed sale) one acre lot needs septic and well.

Average land sales first half of 2008 Asking $112,400 closed price 98,711 200 days on the market Asking to selling price 12% discount on average. or seller are closing at 88% of asking price on average. Again although the number of total sales are down from last year the gross selling prices have remained steady.

For Real Estate information in Grafton County (mountains & lakes) feel free to contact Alpine Lakes Realty web address www.alpinelakes.com / email steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653

Loon Mountain Ski Resort (NH) Area Comparative sales first half 2007 Vs. 2008

 South Peak Resort, recorded the highest prices land sale this year at $550,000 for a slope side ski to your door location, and the Highest price home sale this year at $875,000. The home pictured above is listed for $979,900 is new construction at 4,000 square feet and is finished in an Adirondack style in side and out.

Over all homes and condos- sales fell from the (January - June of 2007) period / With 67 sales  to this years first half statistics (January 1st- June 30th 2008) with just 39 sales (sale were off 40%). The good news was the average price Was up 27% and for the homes & condos sold the Average square footage was up 20%. The Ski resort properties that are selling are the higher end properties consisting of larger floor plans and better quality locations. The lower end of the market has dropped off to a larger extend proving a slowing of sales doesn't mean price is the only factor.

Loon Area Land Sale first half of 2007 compared to first half or 2008, volume stayed the same, with land sales remaining constant, and in the case again the price was up this year by over 30%.

This means people looking to build that dream home are paying more for the locations they feel are worthy of long term custom home planning. When all things are compared with current options, the best locations will still command higher prices even in a down market.

 South Peak Home Site #12, a Ski Home Location with river-frontage on the Pemigewasset River, featuring Town water & sewer, underground utilities and direct ski to your door access from the Loon Mountain Ski Resort. Asking $489,900.

So although the number of sales area wide are down compared to the same time last year the gross dollar volume produced on the smaller amount of sale is not off significantly for the premier resort locations.

For more information on the Loon Mountain Area, feel free to call me 800-926-5653                             or email steve@alpinelakes.com for current inventory go to www.alpinelakes.com

A Busman's Holiday to Cape Cod, A vacationers look at Real Estate

Over the river and Through the Woods to Grandmother's house we went. A car load of beach paraphernalia and lawn chairs, guitars, amplifiers, hard cover books and sunscreen it all went over the Sagamore Bridge  to Cape Cod Massachusetts. After some fun in the sun what does a Realtor do on vacation he/she looks at the wonderful homes and New England Architecture. We do this on foot and don't bother agents at work just a Busman's Holiday- looking at houses while away from selling houses.

The Bottom Right 1743 Historic Registered House is Grandma's, the rest are all with in a block or two in the town of Yarmouthport on Cape Cod.

  A Day at the Ocean, a good time was had by all especially if you are 15 and there is a snack bar close by (my son Conor, the day before drop off at Guitar Camp).

Back to reality or Realty which ever you prefer, appointments, return calls and emails to answer, but as I Said a good time was had by all. A new perspective gained, the homes I sell look very affordable after this little BUSMAN'S Holiday !!

Ski Season Rentals at Loon Mt. Lincoln NH 6 months @ $4,800 + UP!!

 The Lodge at Lincoln Station 1 & 2 Bedroom condos

The Lodge offers one stop recreation, in-door pool, game room , saunas, great- room with fire place and WiFi, plus shuttle service from your front door small condos from $4,800 plus utilities for  November 2008 until May 2009's Ski Season.

 Jack O'Lantern Resort 3 bedroom & Loft duplex

Great bang for the buck a little further from the ski slopes but only $7,000 for the season, and offering indoor club facilities, large living space,4 sleeping areas, and a fireplace, features gas heat, and the golf side condos are great for the cross country ski enthusiast, snowmobiling access on site so bring your machine and ride the trails throughout the White Mountains.

 The Links at South Mountain 3 bedroom 3 bath

This building Offers a 3 level townhouse , with views of the Pemigewasset River, direct access to the New South Mountain Ski Slopes, Shuttle service to the base lodge, Indoor pool, and all are walking distance to the village shops restaurants, theatre, and grocery store 6 months rental $8,900 plus utilities.

Village of Loon Mountain 4 month rental from December 27 2008, until April 27th 2009 available for $8,000 - 3 bedrooms plus loft view of the ski slopes, shuttle, and amenities (tenant pays utilities)

Alpine Village, Deer Park, Forest Ridge, Kancamagus Condos, Rivergreen, Lincoln Station and other resort locations in the Loon Mountain area also available please feel free to inquire, toll free 800-926-5653 or alpinere@alpinelakes.com

Govoni's Italian Restaurant, a Loon Mt. Area Tradition since 1914

The only thing better than the food is the view, Be here early to get a seat near the Indian Leap Gorge. We were late and opted to wait till a view table opened up. There is a quaint screened in lounge area where you can wait to be seated, or as many first time visitors do, walk across the trestle bridge over the deep cavern formed by Lost River. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from July 2nd to Columbus Day.  

The Northern Italy, fare is what the local come for but visitors don't get to see this view from many restaurants in their home towns, I bet. If you are planning a trip to the White Mountains and don't mind going out to dinner early or waiting for a table This spot is worth it.

The Menu includes : Linguine, Lasagna, Manicotti, Tortellini, Shrimp Scampi, Veal Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Nightly specials and a Children's Menu. For over 90 years the Govoni Family has had a reputation for excellent food , wonderful deserts, a nice wine menu, and a comfortable atmosphere. We ended up having more fun in the lounge while we waited for our table and made some new friends from Florida. Govoni's Doesn't take reservations but if you have any other questions you can call them at 603-745-6620, We gave the night two thumbs up!

Second Home/ Retirement: Golf Course in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Jack O'Lantern Resort, Woodstock NH, Six miles from Loon Mountain ski resort. The 18 hole course runs along the Pemigewasset River, with many holes featuring water frontage and all with terrific mountain view all the way to Franconia Notch State Park.  Many of the owners here are winter users and rent during the summer, as the best income occurs during the golf season, but with the largest ski area in the state of New Hampshire only ten minutes away they ski and snow mobile from their condo. while allowing the summer and fall income to cover their year-round costs of ownership.

The condos offer 3 bedrooms plus a loft, a screen porch for the buggy nights, A/C fireplace, and are fully applianced including a washer/ dryer. The resort features a restaurant, pro-shop, tennis courts pools , club house, owner recreation building and an on-site rental management and cleaning service.

The nightly dinner train makes a pass through the property at 7 pm, four days a week during the summer, and the train tracks becomes the snowmobile access from the Lakes region of New Hampshire with trails going as far north as the Canadian boarder.

Golf Side Duplex Condos 1,650 square feet, starting at $225,000 / www.alpinelakes.com Mls 2726732

                       steve@alpinelakes.com

Papermill Theatre, main stage performances begins Tonight. Summer Shows

 This New Musical comedy, inspired and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, tell the fictional story of a guitar-playing roustabout who brings romance, rebellion and rock'n'roll into the life of a small town girl. This show is in the style of Grease and Footloose and promises to be a crowd pleaser (not recommended for children under 8 years old) Opening Night July 2nd 2008

 An affectionate revue of the close-harmony guy group that reached the height of their popularity in the 1950's. En route to pick up their custom- made plaid Tuxedos, the "Plaids" are slammed broadside and killed instantly. It is at this moment when their careers and lives ended, and that is where the story of Forever Plaid begins. See Schedule on line or call box office

 Based upon the 1997 movie of the same name, this musical is a stage version of the Academy Award-Nominated comedy about six unemployed steel workers from Buffalo, New York. The Full Monty is a winner of the 2001 Drama Desk Award for best Music and features a script by Tony Award Winning playwright Terrance McNally.   (this show is for mature audiences / Adult Themes).

Papermill Theatre, North Country Center for the Arts, Lincoln NH  /info@papermilltheatre.org 603-745-2564 , Also Featuring a Children's Theatre, with a day time schedule of performances.

Comprehensive Shore Land Protection Act. New Hampshire.

  No House can be built within 50 Feet of the shore.

This act will affect many towns that had a 25 foot set back prior to now, but many customers have asked about the 250 foot protected shoreland. Is this making our land unbuildable? Not necessarily, you will now be required to obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental services, for ANY- construction, excavation or filling activities. Further no Variances or permits from the town where the property is located will exempt the owner from the required state permit. Lastly, money the permit will carry a fee of $100 plus 10 cents for every square foot of affected area, you are seeking to disturb (with a state cap of $3,750 for the largest of project requiring an area of over 25,000 square feet).

The Primary set back rule of 50 feet, will affect tree cutting (in a much stricter way than the previous requirements) no use of chemicals will be allowed, and any pesticides would have to be applied by a licensed applicator. This waterfront buffer, will further require the home owner not remove rocks, ground cover, root systems and any vegetation under 3 feet in height. Views can be maintained and a 6 foot path to the water will be allowed so long as it doesn't contribute to erosion or funnel storm water.

The Lakes Region Board of Realtors will be sponsoring a Workshop in Meredith NH at can be contacted for available seating for the August 11 2008 all-day seminar.

The DES permit will require additional cost for those proposing work within the 250 shoreland protected area, as many projects "MAY" required to do additional engineering, survey work, wet land studies before a permit may be issued. This will slow proposed project and possibly cancel others all together.

I have read both sides of the debate and do feel that our Natural water resource is important enough to require additional permitting, and if it is required for all we will all have to comply.

Steve@alpinelakes.com , Lakes Region Board of Realtors, member / Managing Broker Alpine Lakes Real Estate Co inc. www.alpinelakes.com