LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Sometimes there is a home too good to be true and this is it!  Minutes close to highways and Southern NH shopping and resrtaurants, 45 minutes easy to Boston and Logan airports and Manchester airports too...1 hour to the coast of NH...  a real gem of a home.  Sited in a nice quiet neighborhood of similar homes

AMENITIES GALORE

Beyond compare for location, cleanliness, construction, comfort & layout! Sited near to MA border in an established & tidy neighborhood, this home feels "like home" and is near to everything yet is tucked away against a wooded backdrop w/superb landscaping & lots of well groomed, open lawn. It looks great! Crabapple trees, a Cherry & Pear tree, Forsythia & green lawn w/irrigation! The home features open concept living, spacious bedrooms, upscale berber carpeting, nicely tiled floors & granite countertops in kitchen & bathrooms throughout, & also offers a partially finished lower level w/hearth & ceramic tile & a solid, functional woodstove. Easy yet elegant entertaining is poss in this home w/plenty of room outdoors for basketball, swimming or relaxing in your hotub off the raised deck which adjoins to your 3-season enclosed & finished porch, easily modified to add heat for yr round living. A 12 X 16 barn w/loft holds all your garden toys & equipment. Systems all working & maintained

PRICE PRICE PRICE- Always spot on when listed by THE POPE OF REALTY, Buddy Pope!

$289,900

Buddy Pope's new listing at 18 Juniper Dr Amherst, New Hampshire

Perfect starter or retirement home in Amherst, NH.  Priced well under town assessed value for quick sale! Property has: roof < 5 years, septic serviced annually under this ownership, great insulation, recently painted in every room within last 12 months, exterior stain in spring of 2010, basement painting in process- nice and bright with windows and walkout, walkway, retaining wall,new driveway, drainage and crushed stone and irrigation system ALL within last 7 years, separate shed with new pressure treated roof and shingles in last 5 years.  Hardwood floors up and downstairs and tile in the kitchen. Gorgeous brick fireplace uses real wood. Firebox on furnace rebuilt 7 years ago. Sweet neighborhood near to BOTH Amherst and Milford. Established lawn and working sump pump. This is a great chance to get into Amherst on the less expensive side of life still while enjoying a well maintained home just as the current owner has done for the past 22 years! Quick close possible!

About Amherst, NH

Amherst, NH is a small New England village of about 11,000 people and growing in a controlled manner.  Land is very hard to come by in Amherst and long gone are the days of 1-2 policemen as was the case when I grew up here!  The town is well policed and has ambulance and fire protection services, a robust community spirit, a wonderful library and an active conservation committee.  The school system is Amherst, which it shares with the abutting town of Mont Vernon at the middle and high school levels, is highly regarded.  Sports programs, theater, great teachers...this town has shown itself to be a wonderful community time and time again.  Canoeing in the Souhegan river, 18 holes golf at the country club, a driving range right next to my office where I watch the "duffers" do their thing as well as those that can hit the ball a mile.  A short pitch and put course is here too.  Then there is the regularly featured comedy night at the country club which is open to the public and features Boston and other regional comedians. 

Location of Amherst, New Hampshire

Amherst is only one hour and 10 minutes to downtown Boston, one hour and 15 minutes to New Hampshir's seacost and is accessible easily to Manchester and Boston airports.  Manchester NH is a very diverse population with over one distinct hundred ethnic populations...New Hampshire has long since outgrown its reputation as a strictly conservative mostly Caucasian community.  We have indeed a Demogratic governor at this point in time.

If you care to find out about the local real estate market or want to know more about this home or Amherst in general, feel free to browse my site or that of the fantastic real estate company where I work!

This post is a listing by Buddy Pope, the Pope of Realty!  See this listing soon at www.popesays.com

Located in quaint Hollis, NH and listed by The Pope of Realty, Harold Buddy Pope, this splendid luxury condo abuts the Overlook Golf club with its well manicured 18-hole golf course.  Sited on the premier location in the development, this home sports amenities too numerous to cover without your actually coming to see it.  The video and photo gallery are highly recommended and remember to look at the price on this one!  On a comparative basis, this home offers far more square footage than nearby competition and I believe you will see the value leap out at you!  This home could fit visiting guests and family with ease and privacy for both.

Hollis, NH offers well reputed schools, proximity to Boston, Nashua, Manchester and airports!  Attend the decades old Saturday morning Hollis flea market or make friends at the playing fields where local athletics are a regular draw.  Swim at Silver Lake State park or snowmobile the park's estabished trails This is a tightly knit community, with a solid emphasis on conservation and all things New England.  The downtown has local breakfast shops and the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua is within 20 minutes door to door. Basically a rural community yet so close to everything NH and Massachusetts.  Establish yourself in income tax and sales tax free NH!

Remember to watch the video!! See it on youtube anytime by searching on 14 Durgin's Way Hollis, NH OR visit www.thepopeofrealty.com and click on photo!  Or click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8IGfQz1ZZE

WANT A FULL MLS SEARCH CAPABILITY THROUGH ME?  Click here:

http://www.mlspropertyfinder.com/login.asp?agentid=107992

MLS# 4036847

See amazing video at www,thepopeofrealty.com  or here If for no other reason watch this video for what video can do for your eventual listing!  Get with an agent that does video right!

211 Bible Hill Road...the "Soapstone quarry" house
The grey fox stands for a moment in the middle of the lawn as if to say, "admire me!"
And he is indeed admirable and has chosen the property to our south as his home among
several abutting and conserved pieces of mostly open fields. Our six and one-half acres
seems so much larger.
Our Acorn style home sits on the top of the hill, with a long stately driveway that leads to
it. Newly painted inside, and with outside staining in process, the cathedral living space
and shiny countertops blend well into the openly designed kitchen. Huge windows
throughout the home let in plenty of sun and warmth. A cozy New England fireplace in
the living area makes a great place to snuggle up and read a book while surrounded by
nature... this is a property for lovers of the outdoors, for those that seek a quieter way of
living with nature's bounty all around and visible from the home's inside and outside
tranquility.
Our ownership of part of the old Francestown Soapstone quarry gives us a magnificent
place to swim from our dock in the refreshing, sixty to eighty foot deep spring fed clear
water! If you have not experienced swimming in a NH quarry then you are in for a treat!
From up above the quarry wall we enjoy summertime and the quarry splendor from
within the fully screened gazebo which is viewable from the house. In the seventeenth
and eighteenth centuries, this high-quality soapstone quarry was Francestown's raison
d'etre, until it was overtaken by natural springs in 1890. Two seasonal streams and three
interlocking pools empty into the quarry pond. These snake through granite walks and
stairs, woodlands and flower beds adorned with myrtle. Once a part of the still famous
Francestown walking garden tour, this property is easily within range of restoration to its
rightful place as one of the town's most precious garden properties! When in summer
drought, an in-ground irrigation system allows a draw from the quarry to fill the sculpted
hollows outlined by myrtle and granite stone!
The home has spaces arranged to good use with windows on the South and West sides to
take advantage of the sun, and a sun porch on the West side overlooking the gardens and
woods. The basement is nicely finished in part and offers walkout access over a slate
walksway to the large stone boulder with its old steel piling still sticking out from
yesteryear.
There is a master bedroom on the first floor with adjoining bath or on the second floor,
also with adjoining bath, depending on one's preference. The guest room is more than
ample. A two car garage is accessed directly from the undercover porch with sitting
swing and is attached to the house. Behind the garage is an attached woodshed with
cement floor. The roof is recent too!
Look at the Maple out of the dining room window, the blueberry bushes, the Rainier
Grape vines, the cherry, peach and plum trees...honeysuckle draws hummingbirds galore
in summer and the tall pine backdrop brings woodpeckers and owls of many varieties.
Deer, fox, moose and mink are some of the inhabitants of these woods.
Take a snowshoe walk around the property and see the tracks of that grey fox around the
back of the garage...take a hot bath in your tub and watch through the large window as
the snowflakes fall. The road is lightly travelled, but it is paved and town maintained and
that is good. Meet your human neighbors with their conserved fields of sheep and say hi
to them or greet them in the village store or at town meetings or community suppers.
This is it, this is Francestown, NH where everything good in a small New England town
can be yours for the seasons.

A brief primer on designated and buyer agency...

Our company practices, as many do, "designated agency"... if you feel you need representation at all, which of course is optional based on your comfort level in the home buying process, then if you approach the listing agent directly AND want buyer representation, then you will be eventually referred to a different in house agent to take up your side of the transaction, the purchasing side.  Designated agency creates that arm's length transaction which guarantees that your interest will be protected during the real estate transaction. Here is an example...for instance, you may simply use your own knowledge base as a guide in the purchase or you may hire a lawyer to look over your offer before submitting it and in both of these ways you can still bring the offer through the listing agent or any other agent for that matter WITHOUT representation from a buyer's agent. 
 
Alternatively and as part of this example, if you should choose representation in the form of a buyer's agent from our (the listing agent's) company, then you would be referred to a different in house agent appointed by our principal broker and that agent and the listing agent would work out the commission split in house along with whatever other commission may have nbeen negotiated between that buyer agent and yourself as the client.  We as a company have moved away from the days of dual agency where the listing agent represents both interests in the same transaction (difficult, if not impossible to do and remain 100% evenhanded- which is why our company does not practice dual agency anymore). Dual agency is the number one cause of lawsuits in RE transactions in NH (and likely nationwide) because it is very hard to split one's loyalties evenhandedly try as one might. 
 
So, it gets down to whether you feel you need representation from an agent or whether you are simply going to march on your own.  If you march on your own and choose to use the listing agent, then they can assist in ministerial ways like dutifully typing what you tell them to on the offer, supplying you the proper forms at the right time and as well  owing you you duties at the customer level, that while falling short of a client relationship, still guarantee you that you will be treated fairly and honestly.

DEFINITION OF AGENCY IN REAL ESTATE

A buyer's agent represents a consumer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction.  This agent owes full fiduciary responsibilities, duties and loyalty to the buyer.   The buyer's representative works for the buyer and has the buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate transaction process.

The word "agent" in the legal sense means "fiduciary." A fiduciary's primary duty is to put the interest of his/her client first. (Doctors, lawyers and accountants are examples of fiduciaries.) The courts have ruled that when real estate licensees act on behalf of others and represent them, they are accountable as fiduciaries. Obviously, buyer's need protection and representation as well as sellers. That is why the traditional real estate setup no longer makes sense.

The buyer's representative is compensated through a negotiated fee, or in some states the commission is split between the buyer's and seller's representatives based on the selling price of the real estate property.  It is important for the consumer to discuss compensation in the initial interview.  In many cases, it is recommended that the consumer and buyer representative agree to the terms of compensation prior to viewing real estate properties and sign a written agreement based on these terms.  This agreement should spell out the responsibilities of both parties throughout the real estate transaction.  It is important to note that in some states, legislation has been enacted to protect the client to the point that absent a written agreement the agent represents the buyer throughout the real estate transaction.  Consult your local REALTOR® for complete details when you first start the search for purchasing any real estate property.

Why use a Real Estate Buyer's Representative?
As a consumer, how often do you buy real estate property? Once, twice, three times in your lifetime? Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled. In the majority of cases the seller will be represented. Wouldn't you want to have complete and fair representation in the real estate transaction?

The Benefits of Using a Buyer's Representative
Using a Fiduciary representative offers the consumer many benefits.

• Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the client and locate properties that fit those specifications.
• Assist the client in determining the amount that they can afford (pre-qualify) and show properties in that price range and locale the consumer has determined.
• Assist in viewing properties and either accompany the client on the showings or preview the properties on behalf of the client to insure that the identified specifications are met.
• Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the consumer in making an informed decision prior to making an appropriate offer on the property.
• Advise the client on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
• Present the offer on the clients behalf.
• Negotiate on behalf of the client to help obtain the identified property. Keep in mind that the buyer representative will be doing so with their clients best interests in mind.
• Review and explain all legal documents to their client.
• Recommendations and assistance in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.
• Provide a list of potential qualified vendors e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters if these services are needed by the consumer.

Most importantly, the consumer would know that they are fully represented throughout the real estate transaction.

Agency Disclosure Form
All agents are required by law to present you with a disclosure form explaining your rights as a consumer and the agency's representation policy. Below are links to the state mandated forms for MA and NH as they exist at time of this initial

posting.
Massachusetts - Mandatory Consumer Relationship Disclosure
New Hampshire - Brokerage Relationship Disclosure

I read a recent blog on Activerain about incorrect information beiong supplied on a listing sheet and how buyer agents are now being asked by listijng agents on the listing sheet to verify information prior to close...

If there is so much incorrect information posted on listings, then why hasn't NAR or whatever local MLS decided to start policing this with spot checks?  That might make the listing agents really look at the information a little harder than apparently they do before posting.

Milford NH features quite cute downtown Oval that provided the setting for the play THE MINSTER'S BLACK VEIL.  Barber shops, a bicycle shop, several restuarants, a pet shop, a close walk to the library...down the road find seafood resturants, Italian restaurants, a Citizen's bank, a Gold's gym, the COUNTY hardware store, THE ISLE AT LEDGEWOOD assisted living facility, CHAPPELL TRACTOR.  Also in Milfrod is one of Sothern NH's finest fitness facilities called Hampshire Hills which has tennis courts, swimming pools, gym equipment and training, nutrition seminars, a restaurant- Hampshire Hills serves as one of Milford NH's great successes hositng balloon chairity events and a weekly Antiques  market. 

The listing featured below is within walking distance of the high school and Jr. Hiogh schools and one of several Milfrod, NH elementary schools.  Milfrod retains that old world charm despite its recent growth- for example Milford has all three supermarket chains- Market Basyet, Shaws and Stop and Shop.

Here are market stats for Milford, NH as well as a link to this PRISTINE CAPE listed at $239,900, located on a dead end road with good privacy abutting protected property and nearby to conservation land.  The home boasts Hickory floors, 2.5 baths, nicely tiled and intact floors, large bedrooms one with a walkin closet and so much more.  Here is a video to the property followed by Milford, NH market statistics:

 http://www.nashuavideotours.com/virtualtours/sample/22Edgewood/branded.html

Milford, NH Real Estate Market Statistics

The following information was extracted from the state-wide MLS system and its accuracy is not guranteed.

Milford Single Family Home Sales Trends:

Average Selling Price of Single Family Homes in Milford

2006		$305417
2007		$297861
2008		$259165
2009		$232868

Milford Condominum Sales Trends:

Average Selling Price of Condominiums in Milford

2006		$210087
2007		$181538
2008		$169881
2009		$167838

Francestown NH and listing agent for this property, Buddy Pope, the POPE OF REALTY, seem made for one another.  As the listing agent I have always had a fondness for older homes, country homes and village homes and Francestown, NH is full of them.  Take this listing of mine for example, a village center brick Cape with a lot of sq footage, dramatic interior space, tall ceilings and a load of historical features and period crafsmanship.  Comes with a barn and an ell and room for the artist as well...

Unique 1837 brick cape with attached barn nestled amidst English cottage gardens designed by Gordon Hayward on @ 1 acre in quintessential New England village. Four bedrooms, three baths. Living room and kitchen run entire width of house for large, dramatic space. Large kitchen with original, exposed beams is newly remodeled with soapstone counters and farmer's sink, handmade cabinetry by local artisan, and large fireplace with original cooking arm. Living room offers built in bookshelves and cabinets, working fireplace with surround historically restored by local craftsman, eight windows (some with original panes) and rail for hanging artwork.  Hardwood floors throughout. Tin ceiling and original molding in sitting room. First floor bathroom is newly remodeled with marble floor and large corner shower. First floor bedroom has ample linen closet, walk in closet and built-in bookshelf, and is privately located (with bathroom) off sitting room - perfect for au pair, exchange student or visits from grandparents. Cathedraled family room with woodstove in ell features two sets of French doors that open to fieldstone courtyard and gardens. First floor barn offers enormous office overlooking woods and brook below, heated with extremely efficient Rinnai propane heater. Second floor barn is cathedraled and unfinished. Large laundry room on first floor offers access to basement. Five-year-old boiler. Upstairs bedrooms are of modest size with original hardwood floors. Master bedroom has small footprint but offers walk-in closet and private bath. House is grandfathered for inlaw apartment in barn space. Two-car garage below barn. Walk to general store and library, Old Meeting House and recreation fields.

Look here for the link to this amazingingly priced property!  Lots of square footage and many many recent updates to this home in the last 2 years... http://www.nashuavideotours.com/virtualtours/sample/734CandlewoodHill/branded.html

Sales since 3-15-2009 to 7-15-2010

There are currently 34 ACTIVE or CONTINGENT properties available in Francestown NH.  YTD 2010 there have only been 8 sales. The AVERAGE Days on Market figure for these SOLD properties was 163.25 days.  OUCH!  Pricing is everything if the goal is to sell.  It is not a guarantee however.  Buyers are in short supply and over regulation by lenders does not help the equation.  Strong marketing of your property is a must to even be in the game.