How can you have sparkling blue sky's and - it can be snowing at the same time. While Mother nature has been quite stingy this year with the white stuff - the guns have been cranking out the man-made substitute. In this picture is the "Camp III" lodge a spring time favorite for sunning, skiing and Reggae Music...I'll see you there.

The guns were leaving and incredible base depth of skiable terrain. It was nice to need sun block and goggles for snow protection on the same day.

A view of Mount Washington From the North Peak Summit.

Looking West at Mount Moosilauke from one of the new South Peak Trails (new for this season -Twitcher & Jobber both black diamond additions for the better skiers).

The Gondola arrives with skiers ready to try the east basin side of the mountain.

If you are a regular White Mountain visitor you'll recognize the Franconia Notch cliffs -which is the back side of Cannon Mountain ski area - a New Hampshire state park - and state owned ski resort.

One of the more interesting features of the New South Peak side is riding the Tote Road lift from the main lodge and riding it back when you are ready to return to where you started. (Mt Washington 50 miles away).

Again the snow coverage is superior to all the other ski areas I've tried so far this year...Try Boom Run off the South Peak Summit. Check out the MLS link at the bottom of this post to view all area listing, including the slope side homes sides on the New South Peak side of Loon Mountain. More trails and lifts to come on the South side in the next few years.

Just one of the dozen homes our in-house design build team put together...featuring ski to your home access.

A Full Moon - over Loon....Loon Mountain Lincoln NH tonight.

A few Clouds started the morning, but soon cleared to be a blue sky day..

 The White Mountain back drop...are pretty nice from sun up - until sundown.

The Hemlocks are coated with snow - the guns have done a great job on the top of the mountain.

The View looking east as the full moon rises.

The Sun setting in the west...was a sight to see, the White Mountains offer some wonderful photo ops.

I hope you all enjoy your full moon tonight. It was a nice sight to see - clear sky's sunup to sunset.

Please feel free to use my local real estate search site - by clicking on the MLS icon on the bottom of this post.

Residents of New Hampshire – there may be no greater threat to our states Economy than the current Northern Pass – utility attempt to run a 1200 Megawatt High Voltage Direct Current line – Over head suspended on towers 135 feet in the air across the entire Granite State. The Visual blight alone will hurt the tourist industry and the scenic beauty of our state. The real estate tax revenues,  the health and welfare of our citizens, Gas tax, toll booth revenues, rooms and meals taxes will suffer as well. Please add your town to the list of places who wish to Petition requiring “any” high voltage transmission lines – be required to be buried rather than strung from towers over 100 feet in height.

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PETITION FOR A HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE ORDINANCE TOWN OF _______________

WHEREAS, the Town of _________________ currently has an existing electrical transmission line carrying High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) through the town designated by Public Service Company of New Hampshire as Line X–178; and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned transmission line is mounted on 40 to 50 foot tall wooden poles, some of which are below adjacent tree lines; and,

WHEREAS, the proposed Northern Pass transmission line would carry 1200 Megawatts of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power generally south from Canada through New Hampshire, including through portions of the Town of _________________, on visually damaging power lines hung from tall, intrusive steel towers at heights ranging from eighty (80') feet to one hundred and thirty five (135') feet in the air, well above tree height; and,

WHEREAS, the Voters of the Town of _________________ have concluded that the Northern Pass transmission line, as it has been proposed, would cause significant degradation of real estate property values resulting in dramatic losses of property tax receipts, well in excess of any conceivable property tax revenues from levying tax assessments on the aforesaid towers and transmission lines; and,

WHEREAS, numerous other negative impacts from the aforesaid proposed Northern Pass transmission line will occur or can reasonably be expected to occur, over time, including, but not limited to: a. A significant drop in tourist visits, and consequently, revenues, as damages from the power lines to New Hampshire’s natural scenic beauty will be a deterrent to people coming to the region. b. A drop in toll fees and New Hampshire gas tax revenues as motorists choose other routes into Northern New England, or worse, choose not come at all. c. The strong possibility of negative health impacts from Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF’s) radiating from the 1200 Megawatt HVDC cables. d. A drop in business revenues, and consequently, a drop in employment at impacted businesses such as; ski areas, restaurants, gas stations, constructions firms, shops, stores, banks, real estate firms, to name just a few - - all of which are heavily dependent upon visitors coming to the area. Therefore, the undersigned citizens of _________________, by petition, respectfully ask the town to adopt the following ordinance:

Other than high voltage electrical transmission lines in existence as of the effective date of this ordinance, there shall be no further overhead development of alternating current or direct current high voltage transmission lines allowed within the borders of the Town of __________________. All such future electrical transmission lines must be placed underground within power line rights of way or within yet to be established power line corridors, and installed in a manner approved by the State of New Hampshire’s Public Utility Commission and/or Department of Transportation. Distribution lines carrying electrical power and other utility lines such as telephone and cable television for local residential or commercial use may continue to be installed above ground, but undergrounding of such lines, is strongly recommended and encouraged. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

Printed Name____________________________Signature________________Date

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Please fill in the town you reside in - print your name - Sign , Date and Mail to : Alliance Against Northern Pass P.O.Box 1732, Campton NH 03223.

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   Here is a link to the PDF - Version of this Petition *Northern Pass Petition.*

  Here is a you tube video talking about the issues involved in the Northern pass *Northern passVideo*

This is the view I want to see every day...not one with 100 miles of 100+ foot High Voltage towers over the White mountains and leading all the way down to the sea coast of New Hampshire.

I've said it before - but it bares repeating , the skiing isn't bad up north. A blue ski day produced some nice photos.

Loon pond from the Gondola Summit at Loon...the western range was clear over towards Mt Moosilauke.

Top of Walking boss and The Flume on the North Peak side...snow guns were going again today...getting everything touched up for the weekend.

A look at Mountain Washington from Angel street - top of the east basin chair. 50 mile view today - wow.

The Franconia Notch Parkway from the South peak side of Loon Mountain.   

First week in February...the slopes were scratchy, but everything was open and adequately covered. You could find an edge ski it fast and carve along the fall line. considering the lack of real snow The snow makers are doing a phenomenal job at Loon Mountain. Don't give up on the season yet I think the snow patterns will change and mother nature will provide some much needed white gold.

Boom Run - Northern Mountain Range - The Lincoln NH view factor.

Try the MLS Icon Button on the bottom of this post to view all are Local listings in Grafton County New Hampshire.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease; the quiet ones get no attention at all.

While rummaging through my basement I came across a box of stuff that hadn’t been unpacked since moving to the “new” house seven years ago. I found a shoe repair ticket that was nine years old. Figuring that I had nothing to lose. I went to the shop and presented the ticket to the proprietor. He reluctantly began a search for the unclaimed shoes. After ten minutes, the shop owner reappeared and handed me back the ticket. “Well” I asked, “did you find the shoes?”

 “Yes” replied the shop owner. “They’ll be ready next Tuesday”.

Does this sound eerily similar to a seller who puts a home on the market for way more than it could possibly sell for?  The problem is there are no rush or accountability…and therefore no attention to the property.

When 9 out of 10 Realtor’s recommend repairs and clean up whom do you believe?

A guy goes to the doctor and the doctor says. “You have the dirtiest, most unkempt, uncivilized body I have ever seen.” The patient says. “That’s funny, that’s what the other doctor told me yesterday.” “Then why did you come to see me?” The patient answered, “I wanted a second opinion.”

We all know a fool when we see one – but not when we are one.

Listing a home in the White mountains of New Hampshire? Give me a call – Alpine Lakes Real Estate has office in Lincoln and Campton New Hampshire, we cover the Lakes and Mountains of Grafton County – Steve Loynd. 800-926-5653

Don’t wait to be dealt better cards – show them you’re an Ace right off.

 Damon Runyon used to tell this story on how he got his first newspaper job. It happened in Denver. He sat in the outer office patiently waiting while an office boy carried his request to be seen by the busy editor.

  In about ten minutes the boy came back and said “He wants you to send in a card.” Runyon had no card but being resourceful; he reached into his pocket and pulled out a deck of cards. From the deck he carefully extracted an ace and said,”Give him this.”…..He got in and he got the job.

I was told by a potential New Hampshire property seller; he was going to have three opinions of value and one professional appraisal…before deciding who to list with.

I finished my opinion of value with in an hour of the request. The following day I asked about the other values, the seller said “No one has completed the work but you.” Well I said “I can tell you what they will come up with.” Interested in my response and my reasoning he asked me to analyze the other opinions. I told him the appraiser will come in 10% below my estimate and the other agents will come in 10-20% above my estimates. The appraiser is getting paid to show you the simple facts of the data and the other agents will try to entice you to list with them – thinking a bigger dollar value will secure the listing. As for me I want the job, and can get it done for the price I suggested. The appraiser is playing it safe – the agents will only make you sorry later. I am the one you want to market the property….I got the job.

Show your ace upfront the truth wins more hands than a good bluff.

White Mountain house featuring Rustic charm on a quiet road – over looking the river, close to the quaint village of Woodstock just a few minutes to three ski resorts and all the areas favorite local attractions.

Listing Price $159,900.  As is as seen with “some” furniture and fixtures to remain as a convenience to the seller. This property may be sold at anytime…this post is not a guarantee of current availability.

 . While the bank cleans up a few loose ends, I’ve been able to photograph and research the rich history of this unique home’s many hidden treasures.

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The home has only been owned by two families in it 90+ year’s of existence. I can tell in its early life it was well cared for and lovingly shared with friends and family.

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Businesses were tried on this spot, but a change in access and the creation of a state highway near by put a damper on this location as an enterprise. I found evidence of an antique dealership and art and pottery studio still exists in a detached structure on the property (kilns and materials suspended in time).

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The Robust woodstove in the dinning room and Stone fireplace in the den tell the story of warm days in front of a roaring fire. Conversion to oil heat was completed much later as was the metal roof – which is perfect for the snow loads we get in these long White Mountain winters.

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The addition of a three season screen porch harkens back to the days when this was a simple summer camp. The formal living room, oak floors and detached two car garage are not things we all find in new construction these days.

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I’ll be putting this home on the market prior to next weekend…and I’ll have to let the price remain a mystery for now, but for those that are intrigued I’m guessing they will be pleasantly surprised when I post the asking price.

         I'll add the listing price to this post in a few days!!

Steve Loynd - Alpine Lakes Real Estate / Lincoln New Hampshire

         Toll free 800-926-5653 / Steve@alpinelakes.com

Staging and the next generation of home buyers…Needs and desires have changed and not all new buyers can see past the “old homes – Good Bones”. With the lack of new housing starts, it makes perfect sense to buy an existing home – but you need to see yourself living there – not the personality of the past owner (or family that made this home theirs up to now).

To stage or not to stage? It may be the question, but the answer is not always Yes or No. While there are properties where a total "staging" is not only warranted but possible, there are also homes and situations where the needs of a family still living in the house must be accommodated while allowing the rooms to present themselves in a more versatile light.

On a number of occasions I have worked with Realtors and their clients to provide some creative options for "micro-staging." This can be especially helpful in older/historic homes and for custom homes that were built with one particular family's interests in mind. It can also be useful in homes that have been lived in by one owner for many years. We are all reluctant to part with our "favorite furniture" but younger buyers may be overwhelmed by house filled with a décor format that pre-dates their childhood. The removal of one or two particularly domineering pieces can make all the difference. 

Today's furniture, technology, and lighting offer endless possibilities to transform yesterday's home for tomorrow's owner's lifestyle. From shared spaces to individual bedrooms I can help you create a dialog that presents the potential buyer with a home's most appealing and realistic opportunities.

As a Realtor, it is so important to be aware of the current design trends.  In monthly newsletters I will included several articles that might be helpful as you guide your sellers in preparing their homes for sale.  Also included will be information that you can use to help potential buyers determine how they might live in a home they are interested in purchasing.

This is our first quarterly newsletter specifically for Realtors.  If there are certain topics you would like to see in this newsletter, please contact me at crt@crtinteriors.com.  For the past 25 years I have worked very closely with the real estate community and have also sold real estate myself, so I do understand your needs.  Please call or email me if you have any questions about how we might work together : Randy Trainor –Designing Wisely.     

I hope you enjoy Randy’s thoughtful article, we will continue to collaborate on Real estate design and staging advice as it can help Realtors sell more homes.     

Several surveys I participate in have drawn the conclusion that Generations that follow the Baby Boomers are more concerned about Eco-friendly options. Smaller carbon foot prints, family oriented space and eliminating association fees in their housing choices - will be important in future purchasing decisions. which leads me to believe recycling existing homes and staging them for today's buyers will help sell homes that currently don't fit the bill for many buyers desires. 

Being a Realtor in a New Hampshire ski resort community - I'm able to preview properties, and work on business while I ski. Living in town means an office and a ski lift are less than a mile apart. I'll be busy on the weekend but mid-week I bring the following photos your way.

This is a shot across Loon pond looking over the Tote Road lift to the South Mountain side of Loon.

A Western View of Mount Moosilauke another 4000+ Footer and a favorite hike  looking towards Woodstock NH.

Franconia Notch state Park...where the old-man of the mountain once posed in profile. Looking north from Lincoln we are seeing the south side of Cannon Mountain ski area.

Upper Flume - and- Walking Boss...made a ton of snow last night..should be great for the weekend.

I took out a pair of Rocker skis today...I was skeptical, a stiff tip and narrow under the foot bed has been a life time of skiing for me. But I must admit these new wide-soft rockers rode nice and felt stable (the bouncing tips are distracting at high-speeds - but they ride nice). 

I took this Shot from the North Peak lift on Loon Mt, clouds cover Mount Washington in the distance - the Snow is moving in tonight - It started snowing pretty hard at dusk. I may have to ski tomorrow too.

The Skiing conditions were great - and the housing inventory is interesting - click on the MLS icon to search White Mountain New Hampshire real estate.

Today's New Hampshire White Mountain Valley views.

Intervale New Hampshire - A wonderful Mount Washington View.

On the Kancamagus -Nationally recognized scenic highway...there are many look out points to stop and enjoy.

   this is part of the town of Albany New Hampshire...along the 32 mile trip between Lincoln And Conway NH

I love this section of the Kanc...32 miles of scenic highway - No Telephone poles, no gas stations, no buildings.

One of the free standing covered Lookout - rest stops on the Kancamagus.

Route 112

One Last View of Mount Washington, From the Lincoln New Hampshire side of the "Kanc"...

Looking for White Mountain Real Estate? Call a Realtor that has seen it all, 27 years as a Full time property expert in the Grafton county area of New Hampshire. Open the MLS icon on the bottom of this post to view all properties in the 44 towns of Grafton County- Lakes and Mountains .