steve's White Mountain Blog

Are your Clients waiting for Prices to Bottom out?, and still expect choices?

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:12:23 -0500

The Best locations are pending!

The Cream of the Crop is selling- RIGHT NOW!, If you have a listing with incredible views or a premium location how is your traffic?. Mine are selling RIGHT NOW.

Are Buyers telling you they are: "Waiting for the prices to hit rock bottom" ?. Mine were waiting but a few sales generated a lot of buzz, and once some of the better choices are sold it will occur to buyer's they may have waited too long.

Here is my Analogy: A Local store is advertising a going out of business sale, they need to sell off all their inventory so they are offering a three day blow-out , clear the selves marketing campaign. Day one of the sale: Everything in the store is 15% off, Day two: Everything left in the store is 30% off, and on Day three: All remaining items will be deeply discounted to 60% off.

If you want the best choice of merchandise not only do you go to the store on day one you go when it first opens. Sure there will be some bargains left on day two. If they have your style or size it might be worth waiting. But I'll bet on day three you'll have your choice of Pink X3 Men's sweaters and size 13 women's army boots. Congratulation you got a great deal on items you will be too embarrassed to wear in public.

If it is only about price there will be a number of 3 bedroom homes still available, when the prime locations are gone. We have a cute cape next to the crazy cat lady and her step son's trailer. This home was abandoned and can be shown anytime, I prefer to show it before dark when the cats are hunting rodent in the basement...if that is good for your schedule?

If your Client is looking for the very best tell them what their choices will be if they wait for the clearance sale. Or send them to the Salvation Army rack and they'll get the hint.

steve@alpinelakes.com / www.alpinelakes.com / 800-926-5653 / White Mountains of New Hampshire

All in a days work.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:01:23 -0500

Like most people in America I have to commute to work, but I'm not looking for sympathy I would like to share my drive.

This is my kitchen window view, I get to see this every morning over coffee before the dreaded commute to work.

As I approach the highway entrance ramp my last glimpse of nature before the high-speed commute.

Another difficult merge into the throngs of sour commuters, I never count the cars but on this day I saw five in the first five miles of my hellish ride to work.

On the exit ramp I begin to wonder how anyone can live with all this pavement and urban sprawl, I have to get past that now and get on my "A" Game. It is work after all.

After that horrible 6 mile commute is over at least the views from my office window isn't that bad and I Allow myself to calm down before the day begins in earnest.

I hope you all have as terrible a drive to work as I do. If you lived in the White Mountains of New Hampshire you too would have to put up with these scenes every day so count your blessings.

Please no sympathy comments, this is my cross to bare and like all good workers I will make the best of it. steve@alpinelakes.com / www.alpinelakes.com / 800-926-5653

Bees Save you gas ...Humor

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:19:15 -0500

A women was driving down the road and ran out of gas.

Just at that moment, a bee flew in her window.

The Bee said, "What seems to be the problem?"

I'm out of Gas, the women replied.

The bee told her to wait right there and flew away.

Minutes later, the women watched as an entire swarm

of bees flew to her car and into her gas tank.

After a few minutes, the bees flew out.

The women turned the ignition key and the car started right up.

Wow! the women exclaimed, what did you put in my gas tank?

The Bee Answered

V Wait for it..Wait for it...

You're just gonna love this..

Bee Pee.....unleaded!!

The well to-do, moving cash to second homes a hedge against failing banks / poor stock performances

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:49:10 -0500

A run on the high-end homes is a direct result of the removal of stagnant or unsecured assets from other accounts. Many of my Active Rain Bothers and sisters would agree that the vacation home market suffers the most when people aren't comfortable spending large sums of discretionary dollars.

I seems the reverse is true in my neighborhood, sure not everyone runs out and buys vacation homes when the financial markets are volatile. But the ones that are ,have been buying the cream of the crop and why not they have the expendable cash to put down. Many are trying to lower account balance's to the point were their money is FDIC insured ($100,000 / account holder- per bank).

Many have decided spending money of a vacation home means spending time with family. Why stress about your up & down portfolios when a long term real estate asset provided a place to re-connect to family and friends and a place to go up & down the ski slopes instead.Recent properties under contract and pending closing: Cash buyers!!

South Peak home $899,900 The Links condo $359,900 Coolidge Duplex $595,000

Loon Mountain Ski Resort Lincoln NH, 2 hours from Boston Massachusetts, 3 hours from Rhode Island 4 hours from Connecticut. Have you seen an up tick in the higher end properties in your market area? Have you seen buyers using 1031 exchanges to purchase resort / vacation rental properties?

Steve@alpinelakes.com / www.alpinelakes.com /custom homes: www.cargillconstruction.com

Covered Bridges of Grafton county..I drive through them daily

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:46:42 -0500

Covered Bridge in Campton NH connects rte 3

to rte 175, there is a sign over this bridge that

says "five dollar fine for riding or driving faster

than a walk". (I go through this 3+ times a week)

Bump bridge Campton / Smith Bridge Plymouth

On the way to the riding stables and my favorite

farm stand requires me to pass over these two.

Squam Bridge Ashland / Flume Bridge Lincoln

Squam was the site for the movie "On Golden Pond"

the Flume is a foot bridge with in the State Park.

Jack O'Lantern Golf Resort, I'm a member of this

golf course and it's a mile from my house, this bridge

I cross at least 3 times a week (walking or in a cart)

It's funny what we take for granted, walk or drive

through one of 6 covered bridges frequently, but

only really make note of it when someone is with me

that is not from the area. I'm Lucky to see the Real

New England everyday. Welcome to the White Mountains.

White Mountain National Forest, popular destination

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:18:20 -0500

800,000 Acres in New Hampshire and western Maine

With 6 million visitors Annually: Backpack, camp

picnic, and drive through beautiful scenic by-ways

The Kancamagus , Mountain Streams & 41 -4,000+ foot peaks

Winter - Spring - Summer - &-Fall

The area offer 1,200 miles of hiking trails - 400 miles of snowmobile trails

160 miles of the Appalachian trail, Major ski areas serving nearly a million skiers /year.

Mount Washington is the highest peak north of the Smokey Mountains and

east of the Mississippi, and Tuckerman Ravine can be skied until July.

Protecting and ensuring the quality of water resources is a forest priority

* 12,000 acres of wetlands * 4,750 miles of streams * 67 lakes

The Flume is part of the State park system in

New Hampshire as is the Cannon Mountain Ski Area, and Profile Lake

in the Franconia state park.

The White Mountain National Forest a beautiful place to visit

in all the seasons of the year (established in 1918) more info

www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain.com

Resort Properties, ..Tell me how to get a life here?

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:18:02 -0500

The great thing about living in a resort town is:Visitors are here to have fun. Sometimes they become so caught up in the vacation life style it occurs to them "wouldn't it be great to live like this year-round?"

I have walk-in customers every week that come in and say: We have vacationed in the White Mountains for years and would love to move here" Steve can you "tell us how to do that". Sure find something you love to do here and remake your lifestyle to fit that income. Unless you have enough money stocked away not to have to work any more, you will have to work hard at being happy with less income than you are used to. If your job allows you to tele-commute that is the solution, if you work at a business where your presence is required you have a problem. You see we get to live in beautiful surroundings and have wonderful recreational choices but there are no branch offices of IBM, and a three piece suit is when you wear a sweater over your flannel shirt.

Now don't get me wrong, I would love for you to move here and add to the culture..or a least dilute the gene pool. But a seasonal resort is not for everyone, when the resort is busy it's really busy and when it's quiet it's really quiet. I have a friend who owns a ski shop and he works hard for about 5 months, but he lives on a boat in the Caribbean in the off season. My friend Jack has figured it out He plays golf a 100 days, and he skis a 100 days a year, I see him at fund raising events and he has a group of friends he hangs out with that have found away to live here as well. These active friends volunteer at the performing art center, teach skiing to the Handicapped or work at a seasonal business for a few months just to get out of the house. The difference between retiring to the South and choosing a life style in the Mountains is.. when I grow up I want to be like Jack..not just wait for my number to be up.

In New Hampshire we have no State income tax, no broad based sales tax, and in a resort town we have high-end properties paying their real estate taxes without sending children to school here. Those of us that make this our primary residence enjoy what we have, can live on less and have made friends with the rest of the locals who chose life style over six figure salaries. So I tell people that dream about resort living.. get a life so you can enjoy your life.

Two out of Three's not Bad- I'm Working on it Jack..when I grow up..I want to be just like you !!

Mattress Money, lumpy but sleeping well

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:59:49 -0500

I have a friend and some time client who told me he keeps money under his mattress. I asked him if that was uncomfortable and he said "I sleep just fine thanks".I know he was joking but he was letting me know he was in a strong cash position.

I asked him if it wouldn't be a better return to invest it somewhere else, he told me he see his returns as a function of real estate annuities. What he buys he keeps, it is paid off either at closing or in a few years depending on his cash position when he comes across these deals. He has no concern for his exit strategy, His kids will get what he has now. they will have cash flow or a place to live when he's gone.

With stocks and bond up and down (mostly down) and banks failing at an alarming rate, I am listening to the mattress man - buy real estate because everyone needs a place to sleep and a mattress to hide his money under.

Just so we are clear, my mattress man is a retired state supreme court justice and life long real estate investor. He is looking to buy, and get some lumps out of the mattresses. And I've never known him to be wrong (my first sale with the Judge was in 1986).

Marketing Strategies for today's Demographics (plan forward or be left behind)

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:57:20 -0500

What do Demographics have to do with me?

The answer is simple there are more Baby-Boomers than any other segment. They are turning 50 years old at a rate of 10,000 a day. Meaning the 18-49 demographic is no longer the target for your marketing or advertising. According to the US Census the 18-49 age segment will increase by only 860,000 over the next 10 years, while the 50+ segment will grow by 22 million. If that's not enough to convince you to tailor your developments, floor plans and selling methods perhaps a statistic published by the Federal Reserve board in 2001 will the The 50+ Group Controls 70% of the total worth in the US.

Boomers have the Money: They will impact , Health care-Financial services-Travel & Tourism-Real Estate & Home improvement, and the expanding Demographic involving "Grandparenting".

Real Estate professionals: Let us not loose sight of the fact we market a product that will need to change with the consumers changes. This is a massive shift in our population and a significant opportunity for builders, developers, architects, and Realtors to see the changes coming.

Marketing tip: Sociologists and psychologists tell us the Boomers mind set follows the logic that 50 is the new 40. Older baby boomers still place themselves in early "middle age" (in their mind) and see "old Age" as something over 20 years in the future. This should raise a huge red flag for you to stay away from the terms "Retirement" or "golden years" and stick with "Active" or "Mature" adults with spending clout. Marketing to Boomers will reap great rewards, so long as we real estate professional understand these consumers' needs.

Ellsworth Hill, Campton NH -two words- Stunning views!!

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:21:49 -0500

Northern White Mountain Views Cedar Sided Cape w/ 3 seasons porch

Private Balcony off the Master suite A great shed for the tools and toys

The original home on this property was built close to 100 years ago and much of the mature Apple trees, blue spruce and gardens still remain. The home was a total rebuild less than 10 years ago, it features a center chimney Cape Style Design, with two beautiful brick fireplaces and a basement wood stove, oak floors throughout, and modern windows, roofing and siding materials.

This very private gentlemans' farm offers 5.8 acres of fabulous views of the White mountains, and with a small amount of cutting could easily offer a 180 degree panoramic view from sun-up to sun-set. This beautiful property is a once in a life time find. Vacation, retire or raise a family on this spacious and special piece of heaven.

Three bedrooms two baths and world class views : Asking Price $350,000. steve@alpinelakes.com

More Photos and listing info www.alpinelakes.com MLS listing # 2743889

Early purchase of retirement property..the big upside of planning.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:49:34 -0500

The Stock Market sucks, returns on FDIC insured accounts are abysmal, and taking a vacation is expensive. Have I just described your baby-boomer life's issues. I have a simple solution with the perfect timing for your 5-10-20 year retirement plan. Many of my clients are purchasing Vacation homes, where they love to recreate and can see themselves living after retirement.

The soft market presents great opportunities For retirement property planning. Buy now while prices are down and rent until you can move into your mountain home full-time. There are two options in a resort town, rent your place short term and be able to vacation 14 days a year while still making periodic maintenance visits or have a yearly lease which relieves you of the utilities and gives you a fixed monthly income. Both of these options allow for depreciation , interest deductions and other pre-taxes expenses.

Aside from the income and tax relief this strategy can provide, it also allows you to explore and become comfortable with your future full time surroundings. The Ski resort clients who have retired to my neck of the woods have found recreation, entertainment and friendship with their neighbors and are thrilled with their choice. The Lack of income tax , no broad based sales tax, and nearly a million acres of White Mountain Nation Forest has made New Hampshire a great choice for future retirees.

What if we change our mind about our retirement location: the sweet thing about this pre-planning real estate purchase is with a simple 1031 exchange you can move on to another location deffer your capital gains and so long as you keep the newly acquired property in an active rental for 2 years (or more) you can still retire there when you're ready.

Our clients are looking for choices and real estate investments especially in the long term are looking very attractive compared to other places to park your savings these days. Let your clients know you have done your home work and have some great values to offer them.

Avoid promises that require you to "Never-or-Always" predict the best plan.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:30:41 -0500

This will not be a post about covering your ass. It is more about flexibility, and being allowed to change direction without being second guessed to death. Sellers want their property sold and buyers want the best deal going. We are trying to give both what they want and promises can come back to bite you.

When you are on a listing presentation avoid "NEVER and Always", I have not had great success with open houses. It is more to do with the type of market I am in, But the first time I ever told a seller we Never do open houses I lost the listing. The second time I told a seller (even after given extensive reasons why I didn't believe in open houses) the seller constantly asked me shouldn't we try this, or that. There will be no third time for me.

When asked questions about our standard agreement I once said: we ALWAYS get 10% down in good faith money to bind a contract. The buyer must have been imbaressed or not willing to share that he was unable to come up with that much money, because months later he purchased something else and sheepishly asked if he could put down 5%. It occurred to me that making a blanket statement with absolute peramitters left many people thinking there was no room to order Ala cart.

Let these examples be a lesson to us all, We should Always be willing to listen to a buyers or sellers needs before we tell them what we would NEVER do in any situation. I have written some incredibly creative deals that called for one party or both to be flexible to reach their goals, it has served me well in the current environment (and for the better part of 25 years).

When thinking about how to get a current looker to become a future buyer try some of the following ideas: lease with the option to buy, a contract for deed, terms with an extended closing date (some sellers are thinking the tax issues of a sale would be better in 2009), Seller financing with a one year balloon note, a 1031 exchange for a seller who hasn't considered the IRS implication, A sale with a lease back while the seller is looking to relocate or build, A furnished sale with a real estate and separate bill of sale for personal property (helping with the appraisal) or a seller gift towards the closing cost. Many other creative arrangements are at our disposal and they are easier to consider when we stay away from..thinking in terms of Never-or-Always.

New Hampshire D.E.S. Course 10/16/08

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:35:32 -0500

A Free course is being offered in Hanover at the Town Hall beginning at 9am- on October 16th 2008. The topics will be General Well design and Construction, Water Quality, Asbestos, Radon Gas, Septic systems and mold. The main subject matter in each case will be Health risks, and handling of waste materials.

The course was designed for Real estate professionals, Home inspectors, and builders. There is an available 3 hours education credit for Realtors with a total of 6 hours of education credits for completion of the course.

Classroom space will be limited to pre-registeration contacts prior to 10/06/08, your rsvp is requested call 603-271-2952 or email bernard.lucey@des.nh.gov .or preview the material at http://des.nh.gov/dwgb/hi_re_course.htm. the DES Web site is www.des.nh.gov You may also fax your reservation to Bernie Lucey at 603-271-5171 and include the number attending and if you are a Realtor, Home inspector or other.

How do you know technology has taken over your life....read my list

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:05:59 -0500

You Know you are living in a new Technology age When...

1) You accidentally enter your pin number..when operating the microwave

2) You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3) You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three

4) You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you

5) your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6) You pull up in your driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry groceries.

7) Every Commercial on TV has a web site at the bottom of the screen

8) Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20-30-40 years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go get it.

10) You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee

11) You start tilting your head sideways to smile :)

12) You're reading this and nodding and laughing

13) Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this too.

14) You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list

15) You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

Have A great Weekend My friends on Active Rain!!

Trivia-Questions, and the answers you should have guessed.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:38:03 -0500

Questions

1) Q: Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?

2) Q: Most boat owners name their boat, what is the most popular boat name?

3) Q If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find one with the letter "A"?

4) Q: What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers have in common?

5) Q: What is the only food that doesn't spoil?

6) Q: Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?

Answers

1) Their Birthplace 2) Obsession 3) One Thousand 4) All were invented by women 5) Honey 6) Father's day

Some More Did you know!- Trivia

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:14:49 -0500

* If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air the Person died in Battle. If the horse has one leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the persona died of natural causes.

* Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, John Hancock, and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

* In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase..good night sleep tight.

* It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the Honeymoon.

* In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts...So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down". It's where we get the phrase mind your P's and Q's.

*Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get service. "Wet your Whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.

Here's some great did you know trivia

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:49:48 -0500

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no bigger than his thumb, hence we have "the rule of thumb".

Many years ago in Scotland a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only..Ladies Forbidden" and thus the word GOLF entered the English language.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstones.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury (I hope that's still true).

Men can read smaller print than women can, women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness 28%- North America 38%

The cost to raise a medium sized dog to the age of eleven $16,400

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

Each King in a deck of cards Represents a great king: Spades-King David, Hearts- Charlemagne, Clubs- Alexander the Great, and Diamonds- Julius Caesar.

I hope you get a kick out of these, fun facts. P>S> at least 75% of the people who read this will try to lick their elbow!!!

Old Farmer's Almanac..out today!!

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:29:54 -0500

The Chief Meteorologist believes Sunspot cycles will have an affect on the oceans, and this will cause Colder climates in our future. The Almanac's Editor in Chief has gone so far as to suggest the global warming will be canceled out by the cooling trend : "we say that if human beings were not contributing to global warming, it would become real cold in the next 50 years".

Other current predictions for this upcoming year are: Heavy Snow from the Ozarks into southern New England, Forecasts for snow in Northern Texas, A warmer than usual winter in the plains, A hot summer in much of the nation's midsection, Continued drought and wild fire conditions in California, and An active Hurricane season in Florida in 2009.

Last years Almanac predicted above average snow fall for New Hampshire, and we saw the most snow on record for last 134 years. Here at Loon Mountain we received over 200 inches in the 2007-2008 winter. Some of the above forecasts and predictions offer concern, but the Old Farmer's Almanac is the oldest continuously published periodical, dating back to first issue in 1792.

This is a six and a half foot tall sliding glass door I took a picture of last season - the owner wanted me to find someone to shovel off his deck, which is three steps down from the slider our best guess was about 7.5 standing feet of snow (Woodstock NH).

New Hampshire Riverfront Fall Foliage photos

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:51:23 -0500

Ammonoosuc river Lisbon NH

The Baker River Rumney NH

The Connecticut Haverhill NH

The Mad River Waterville Valley NH

Pemigewasset River Woodstock NH

Hancock Brook Lincoln NH

Squam River Ashland NH

Lost River Woodstock NH.

Russell Pond Woodstock NH

Glover Brook Woodstock NH

All the photos come from locations in Grafton county

we are located in the center of New Hampshire 2 hours from

Boston Massachusetts, 2 hours from Portland Maine and

40 minutes from the Vermont border, The Kacamagus Scenic

highway and Franconia Notch are two of the favorite driving tours

for foliage viewing. Peak foliage is from the 10th of September to

the 10th of October. Make Loon Mountain in Lincoln NH part

of your trip if you visit New Hampshire the views are spectacular.

Vacation homes owners are not loosing money on the sale.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:15:59 -0500

Ok. Folks it's time to gain some perspective on vacation homes profit (and or) loss.

The industry bench mark is every 7 to 10 years on average people will sell their vacation home. This is due to lack of use children starting college, retirement to other parts of the country or what ever other scenario you may have heard. The main thing is 7 to 10 years ago 1998-to-2001, with little or no exception prices were lower than they are even today (in our current soft market).

If you are a seller right now and could have sold for more money if you had wanted to in 2004-2006 we in the real estate business are sorry. But that was your choice, and now the prices are back to where they were in 2003 (which are still higher than 1998-2001).

Let's get a little perspective on your choice to buy a second home verses say putting the money in the stock market. The stock market had a great run back in the late 90' and early 2000's but has back off considerably since then- so lets say you're no further ahead Vs. buying the vacation home. Next comparison lets say you just left the money in your money market for the last 7 years at 1-2% you gained an average of 10% by doing nothing- not a great return but not a loss either.

Now you purchased a vacation home on the average of 8&1/2 years ago (late 1999-early 2000) it ran up 50% in value but then lost 12% in 2007 and 10% more in 2008. You are down to only about a 25-30% gain on your original investment or a 3.5% annual return.

Now let me ask about enjoyment, pride of ownership, rental income, quality time with family, tax benefits, and your own personal comfort while being away from your primary home and being away from work. Do you think there is a non-monetary value assigned to this ownership?

So the next time a second home seller tells you he made a bad investment, you can point out where he has miscalculated his return or you can let him take his dark cloud elsewhere.

Owning a vacation home isn't all about the money, it's about choice, comfort and family and no one keeps a running tab on your level of enjoyment (happiness is still not taxable).

The View From two of my current listings, who in their right mind would consider these "BAD INVESTMENTS"

Lincoln NH Art Gallery: Artist Show case First Friday of each month

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:16:00 -0500

September 5th: Artist Rosemary Conroy will be displaying her Wildlife paintings. Rosemary is a freelance-writer, naturalist and Award Winning Artist, and her art will be on display for the entire month of September. Rosemary Conroy will be at the Lincoln Art Gallery from 5pm to 8pm in person to talk about her work and her art please stop by to see her beautiful paintings(refreshments will be served).

Rosemary has been featured on; New Hampshire Chronicle, was named as one of the states "renaissance Women" and was also named the "New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the year". Rosemary is a juried member of the N.H.Arts association, the N.H. Chapter of Women's Caucus for the Arts, and the Oil Painters of America. Please visit her web site : www.studiobuteo.com , call the art Gallery for more information 603-745-8828 or email the owner at adventureimage@roadrunner.com

This will be an ongoing series of Gallery Showings with the featured Artist in residence on the first Friday of each month, and the associated art work remaining in the Lincoln Art Gallery for the balance of each month.

Solving the mysteries of the world one phone call at a time.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:21:45 -0500

I am a real estate expert, which qualifies me to solve life's little quirks, hang ups and conundrums. 1)What should I do about this tenant? 2)Can you tell my wife this is a good deal, she thinks I'm crazy? 3)What is the mystery wetness in the entry way? 4)I was thinking of painting by daughters room what color do you think?

Yes I can!: 1)Give the tenant a 30 day notice before the first of next month do it in writing and send it return receipt requested. 2) this is a good deal the data supports it, and by the way you still may be crazy but for that we will need to schedule another session. 3) Your dog is a pig and drinks his water like he's been in the desert, since this is the low point in your old house I'm guessing a test would reveal it to be water and dog slobber. 4) Any color more neutral than the Barbie dream house you allowed your 6 year old to pick out 10 years ago would be an improvement.

It's 5 o'clock on the east coast my world is safe for the time being next 4 questions. 1)regular or light beer? 2)Driver or fairway wood? 3)Turn off the cell or leave it on 4) highway or back road?..Answers see ya tomorrow

work or play? I'm sure I'll be solving mysteries there too!

Coolidge Falls, Ski Home at Loon Mountain, Lincoln NH.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:32:16 -0500

Last Winter's view from the home (Loon Ski Slopes) Second Fireplace in the Billiards Room

A summer exterior look, nice privacy & multiple decks Living Room Fireplace

Coolidge Falls; The park place of the Loon Ski Resort, Great views of the slopes shuttle service from your door to the lifts, nice common area landscaping, Beautifully maintained homes in a terrific neighborhood.

This home features four bedrooms, four full baths, a billiards-game room with wet bar, oil heat, and the home has the views that families with discriminating tastes are looking for. For more information and additional photos view our web site : www.alpinelakes.com email; steve@alpinelakes.com or call me toll free at 800-926-5653. Asking Price $534,500 Your Loon Mountain Area Expert: Steve Loynd

Loon Mountain Winter seasonal rental or rent with option to buy.

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:03:10 -0500

Living Room and out side deck area Master bedroom, nicely decorated

Mountain Views From the deck Guest bedroom Loft area

Indoor pool, game rooms, sauna, outdoor pool, tennis / great room with fireplace & WiFi service

The Lodge at Lincoln Station, a condo hotel type ownership. This building feature all the above amenities as well as a direct river front location and views of the New South Mountain Ski Slopes at Loon Mountain. The complex offer an on-site rental program if you wish to do short term rental to off set your cost of ownership.

Winter rental: One bedroom with living room pull out available for 6 months (November 1st-May 1st) cost $4,800 plus utilities ....Two bedrooms in the same building $6,200 same terms, all condos come with Cable TV. Shuttle service to Loon and all on-site pools and amenities in the rental Price.

Rent With option: Try it before you buy it, the above rental cost will be applied to the purchase price if sales contract is entered into during your lease and sale is completed no later than 30 days after lease term has ended.

For more Photos, and listing information visit my web site: www.alpinelakes.com or email me with any questions steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653

The Farmers Almanac says we're in for another big snow year (last year Loon received over 200 inches).

Built before the Shore Land Protection act (good or bad for NH)

Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:33:24 -0500

Loon Area Resort Condo.

In July of this year the Department of environmental services started enforcing the new State requirements calling for a strict review process for anything built with in 250 feet from a class 4 or higher river and most if not all lakes and ponds in the state.

Needless to say this building at the Lincoln Station Riverfront condominium complex would not be allowed today. When it was constructed the requirement was 25 feet from the average high-water mark (as determined by a Wetlands engineer) and since the town provides municipal water and sewer there were no further set backs required.

I'm a life long Realtor and will state for the record that the old way suited me fine. Yes the owners association is required to have flood insurance but with two hundred condos (and only a few in the 100 hundred year flood plain) the shared cost is still very low. The benefit is that the Pemigewasset river is all on the common land so all the owners can enjoy having the water frontage.

So here is the question is the government getting too strict with development guide-lines or should they have done this long ago?