Walking tours around Portsmouth NH

Living on the Seacoast one of the best things to do is be a tourist in your own backyard. Walking is one of my all time favorite activities. I am blessed to have lived in downtown Portsmouth for 20 years. Portsmouth is the ultimate walking town on the Seacoast. From my current home I can walk to the office, church, the library, dozens of restaurants, 2 theaters, Prescott Park, Hannaford's Supermarket and 2 pharmacies. There is never a dull moment living in Portsmouth. On any given nght you can find live music, dancing, buskers on the street, fishing off the piers, darts, pool, movies, book groups and more.

My all time favorite walk is, of course the Downtown Loop. Coming in on State Street by the John Paul Jones House and the Rockingham Hotel go all the way down to the end - to the right is Marcy Street and Prescott Park and to the left is Bow Street and Daniel Street. The Park is a great place for a stroll amongst the gardens and fountains. For a long walk down by the river - don't forget the Eastern Trail out on Pierce Island.

If you follow Bow Street it will take you past the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and into the heart of the decks along the river and the tugs on Ceres Street. At the end of Bow Street hang a left onto Market Street and within a couple of blocks you are in the heart of Market Square in front of the North Church.

If you are looking for more of a walk along the ocean there are two to choose from that I recommend. The first would be Odiorne Point State Park. There are very well marked trails all through the area. Forests, tide pools, vast ocean vistas, and a freshwater marsh are great for exploring, meandering and bird watching.

The second ocean walk would be the sidewalk path that goes from North Hampton State Beach to the Rye Beach Club and back. Metered parking at the North Hampton State Beach during the season. So be prepared with quarters. This walk is about 4 miles round trip directly along the coast.

The Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth boasts a 4 mile network of trails including a 1/4 mile fitness trail with 14 fitness stations. The paths take you through a mixed deciduous forest, northern hardwood, saltmarsh wetlands, red pine plantations and a stand of mature blue spruce. This is also a great area to do some cross country skiing in the winter. Some walkways are wheelchair-accessible and there are several gardens.

And finally the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge out at the Pease International Tradeport features two trails that are ripe with wildlife sightings. Peverly Pond Trail is 1/2 mile long takes you through the forest to Peverly Pond. Along the way look out for beavers, turtles and migratory birds. The Ferry Way Trail is a 2 mile loop to Furber Strait where Little Bay enters Great Bay. Along the shore line you might spot osprey, red tail hawks, kingfishers and possibly even a bald eagle. White tail deer and turkey are also out in this area.

So there are five of my favorite walks. Hope you get out and enjoy one or all of them.

FREE 1031 Exchange Class on 7/15/08

You are invited to attend:

"Advanced 1031 Exchange" presented by HB Buckner, Legal 1031 Exchange

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from 1 to 4 pm

3 New Hampshire and (pending) 3 Maine Continuing Education Credits

All classes held at 501 Islington Street, Second Floor Training Room, Portsmouth NH

To sign up - just email me at saldrich@kw.com

This class is FREE and open to all agents.

Please bring your real estate license numbers with you for credit.

Q2 Portsmouth Real Estate Sales in 2008

Well, let's take a look at the numbers to see what has been happening in Portsmouth for single family and condominium sales:

2008 Q2

Total Sales 74 - Average Sale Price $351,409 - DOM 121

2007 Q2

Total Sales 106 - Average Sale Price $336,922 - DOM 133

The obvious is not as many homes sold this year compared to last year. Our total units sold is down 30.18% but lo and behold our sales price is up by 4.19% and days on market have reduced by 12 days or 9%.

2008 January 1-June 30

Total Sales 143 - Average Sale Price $337,129 - DOM 120

2007 January 1-June 30

Total Sales 167 - Average Sale Price $330,577 - DOM 122

So, overall Portsmouth is not doing badly at all. Our total units sold is down by 15% but our home values are holding steady and even rising by 1.9%. Now is a great time to invest in Portsmouth. There are 173 properties in inventory - something for everyone. Come take a look at living in Portsmouth!

Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty

Join our Real Estate Seacoast enewsletter for up to date real estate information and area happenings by emailing saldrich@kw.com. Your privacy is important to us - we will never share or sell your contact information.

Deerhill Estates Cul-de-Sac Building Lot in Brentwood NH

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 Lot F Homestead, Brentwood, NH Prime Location in Deerhill Farm Estates 2.03 acres Vacant Land offered at $159,500 Lot Size 2.03 acres DESCRIPTION Cul-de-sac building lot available in Deerhill Farm Estates. Prime location to build your masterpiece. Bring Your Own Builder. Perc Test available. No Impact fees. Current Use to be paid by the Buyer. Easy access to 101 & 125 for commuting. see additional photos below LOCATION FEATURES Cul de sace OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES level wooded ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: May 13, 2008, 11:42am PDT

Premium Building Lot in Brentwood NH

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 Lot I Sherry Circle, Brentwood, NH Private location - ready to build in Deerhill Farm Estates. 2.02 acres Vacant Land offered at $159,500 Lot Size 2.02 acres DESCRIPTION Private location - ready to build in Deerhill Farm Estates. Established subdivision of exquisite homes. Bring Your Own Builder. Perc Test Available. No Impact Fees. Buyer to Pay Current Use. see additional photos below LOCATION FEATURES Level ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: May 13, 2008, 11:01am PDT

Deerhill Estate Building Lot in Brentwood NH

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 Lot C-35 Gallant Drive, Brentwood, NH Ready to Build 1.26 acres Vacant Land offered at $149,500 Lot Size 1.26 acres DESCRIPTION Ready to build lot in attractive Brentwood NH location. Bring your own builder. Perc Test available, No Impact Fees, Current Use Fees Already Paid. No resitrictions, no covenants, no square footage requirements. Easy access to Rte 101 & Rte 125 for commuters. see additional photos below LOCATION FEATURES Easy access to Rte 101 & Rte 125 OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Established neighborhood Level Underground utilities ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 12, 2008, 9:46am PDT

Multi Use Property in Arundel Maine

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 164 Mountain Road, Arundel, ME Muti Family - Multi Zoned Residential & Commercial 7BR/4BA Multi-Family, 3 units offered at $400,000 Year Built 1984 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 5.59 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Spacious Home with two 2 bedroom rental units plus commercial space all on enough land for horses! Inground pool and close to Biddeford and Portland. What more could you ask for. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Basement Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard Swimming pool OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Commercial Space in Barn ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 12, 2008, 9:46am PDT

1776 Cape in New Castle NH

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 69 Cranfield Street, New Castle, NH Exquisite Antique Cape in the heart of New Castle 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $595,000 Year Built 1776 Sq Footage 1,416 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Uncovered spaces Lot Size .08 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This 1776 Cape in the heart of New Castle is the best deal in town. Bank appraised 11/07 for $690,000. All updated systems including custom kitchen, roof, heating, landscaping, siding and insulation. 3 off street parking spaces, first floor master suite, 2 working fireplaces. Easy to show. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Living room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Basement Washer Dryer OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Terraced Grasses Garden Some water views SS Applainces Rumford Fireplaces Hardwood Floors ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 12, 2008, 9:46am PDT

Dover Waterfront Condo

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 25 School Street, Dover, NH Delightful Downtown Dover Condo with private entrance. 2BR/1BA Condo offered at $169,000 Year Built 1966 Sq Footage 944 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Uncovered spaces Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $112 per month DESCRIPTION Delightful Downtown Dover Condo-River views and a private entrance sets this downtown condo apart from the others. Large bedrooms with big closets make this unit a practical purchase. Eat in kitchen has SS appliances. Parking right outside the door and 36 inch doorways allow wheelchair access. Cats are welcome here see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Walk-in closet Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Stainless steel appliances COMMUNITY FEATURES Laundry on-site Wheelchair access OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES River Views Private Entrance Large Bedrooms Eat In Kitchen 36" Doorways Natural Gas FHW heat Public Water/Public Sewer ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 12, 2008, 9:46am PDT

A Gem of a Home in Portsmouth

Shannon Aldrich | Keller Williams Coastal Realty | 603-610-8511 109 Diamond Drive, Portsmouth, NH A Gem of a Home to Call Your Own! 4BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $399,900 Year Built 1979 Sq Footage 2,408 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 4+ Car garage Lot Size .23 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION A Gem of a Home to Call Your Own! Jumbo Chef's Kitchen with top of the line appliances including Dacor 6 burner stove, Sub Zero Refirgerator, Built in Microwave, Convection Oven, Dishwasher and Instant Hot Water. Large 16x24 addition increases living space both upstairs and down with radiant floor heating. Woodstoves in living room and lower level family room. 2 car garage under. Expansive deck overlooks large fenced in yard. Great space that is in ready to move in condition. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat High/Vaulted ceiling Hardwood floor Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Stainless steel appliances Basement Washer Dryer Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Top of Line Stainless Appliance Large Fenced Back Yard Radiant Heating in Addition 2 Wood Stoves Convenient Location for Commuters Move In Condition ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Shannon Aldrich Keller Williams Coastal Realty 603-610-8511 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 11, 2008, 10:07am PDT