The White Mountain Blog

SWINE FLU!

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:53:34 -0600

Well it had to happen sometime!

The good news is that both Peter and Emmet had very mild cases with no real complications.

Peter had a high fever and felt beat up for three days. Emmet started a day later, & still has the fever, aches and cough

The bad news is that I think dad might have caught it too!

Fall in North Conway, NH

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:25:41 -0600

The weather has been beautiful this Fall, in North Conway.

After a wet Spring and an on and off Summer, the Fall Foliage was perfect and the last fall has been warm & balmy.

So, off for one of our favorite walks. Pudding Pond. First we pick up Emmet's buddy Ryan.

On the mountain bike trail we found a neat rock ramp, then came across beautiful red dragon flys, and lots of fresh beaver meals.

Finally we made it around to the pond and found a new beaver dam.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN JACKSON & BARTLETT NH!!!!!!

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:19:10 -0600

Another Great Halloween In The White Mountains!

Carving pumpkins, Dressing up as super villains, and of course grabbing as much candy as you can!

Jackson NH Real Estate Blog

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:51:06 -0500

The Wild Things are loose in the Great White North!

Black Bear Realty designed another fun addition to the Jackson NH Pumpkin People tour.

This Hunter doesn't know what he is missing while he enjoys a nap in the "Indian Summer" warmth of October. Check Out this display and may others on the Jackson NH Pumpkin People Tour!

Asleep under a Pumpkin Tree, the Hunter is surrounded by a Red Fox, A Little Skunk, A Fat Tom Turkey and a Surprised Little Deer.

For a Map of all the 40+ displays check out www.JacksonNH.com or your friends at www.Black-Bear-Realty.com .

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:35:48 -0500

Happy Birthday Peter!

Peter celebrated his 11th birthday with his friends on Sunday. The crew headed to Lost River just outside Lincoln NH.

Lost river is a narrow valley filled with huge slabs of granite from the ice age. The river disappears under the rocks and runs in and out of caves.

You start at the bottom of the "Flume" and climb up along the river, following it in and out of the caves.

Some of the caves are big, some are small, & one is so small they call it the Lemon Squeezer!

After we made it out of the gorge it was time for fun. A little prospecting at the old mill. The boys all found minerals and then we were off to Lincoln NH and Elvio's Pizza.

Then back over the "Kanc" to Bartlett over Bear Notch Road. The boys shared some really great gifts with Peter. Then Cake and Ice Cream for all!

North Conway Real Estate Merger

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:47:37 -0500

United Country Real Estate Joins Black Bear Realty

Black Bear Realty announced that Bill G. Soule, Owner of United Country Real Estate in North Conway NH has joined the Black Bear Realty team. Bill started the local United Country franchise starting in October 2006. In addition to residential sales, United Country focused on commercial real estate including variety stores, gas stations, country inns and other rural businesses. "I really loved building the United Country franchise here in the White Mountains, but to take the company to the next level required merging with Black Bear Realty." said Bill Soule, "The technology advantages and marketing programs Black Bear offers their clients are so superior." Black Bear Realty is a boutique real estate firm specializing in residential and commercial sales from Ossipee to Bretton Woods & Western Maine.

Bill Soule, moved to the valley with his wife Jenny four years ago and settled in Fryeburg to be near his daughter Kate and twin granddaughters, Shannon & Dylan. They have three grown sons who remained in California. "I was fortunate to have lived in some great places in my life; Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Boston, New York City, & Washington, DC, while working for 30 years as a manager for Alaris Medical Systems, and Cardinal Healthcare in sales and marketing." said Soule "But, when the opportunity came to move to the Mount Washington Valley, Jenny and I jumped at it. We both love hiking, & snowshoeing. I know why so many of my baby boomers clients want to retire here."

Black Bear Realty opened in 2007 and has grown to be one of the top real estate firms in the area. "The addition of Bill Soule has strengthened our Commercial Division." Said Paul Mayer Broker & Owner of Black Bear Realty. "Bill is a true sales professional, including being awarded the number one sales agent in the country, during his years with Cardinal Healthcare. He built the United Country franchise into a respected area real estate firm. We are proud to have him and his clients join us."

Bill Soule is actively involved with community programs, outdoor activities, Our Lady of the Mountains, & The White Mountain Board of Realtors. For more information about Bill Soule or Black Bear Realty's services he can be contacted at 323-893-4488 or BillG@SouleNHRE.com

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:01:14 -0500

One Last Trip To The Lake Before School Starts.

This Summer had a late start, but the weather has been wonderful these last weeks before school begins.

This year the kids go back to school before Labor Day and are missing out on some of the best swimming and hiking weather of the year.

On the Real Estate front, home sales in the North Conway NH area have increased in August, base mainly on lower prices as the bank owned and distressed property is sold off. Prices seem to have bottomed out and wont drop much more now that unit sales are reducing inventories. We are forecasting an increase in sales in the White Mountains for each of the next three months with level or slight increases in prices till the end of the year.

Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 09:03:57 -0500

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:34:58 -0500

Story Land & Family!

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just just have a little fun. ( Oh, the kids liked it too!)

North Conway NH Real Estate update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:54:08 -0500

Need some more motivation to purchase Real Estate in the mountains of Northern New England?

Home sales in The White Mountains from Madison, Eaton, North Conway, Bartlett to Bretton Woods have increase along with the increase in vacation tourists enjoying the Summer in the mountains.

A lot of buyers have been sitting on the sidelines during the last 18 months. Some waiting for the bottom of the real estate market, some due to difficulty finding financing, and some just out of a overall economic caution.

As the temperatures increase, the real estate market in second homes has also increased.

So, enjoy a week in the White Mountains and give us a call at Black Bear Realty, 603-383-8080 www.Black-Bear-Realty.com to find your "Little Piece of Paradise", at a bargain price.

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:28:39 -0500

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!

No doubt about it. June & July have been wet in northern New Hampshire.

June had over 7 inches of rain fall and only one day of full sunshine. The average for June is 4.06 inches.

July has started off with a bang, or maybe a drizzle, also. In just 9 days we have had 3.65 inches. We were lucky to have had a brief break in the rain on July 4th as if on cue by the local Chamber of Commerces.

Black Bear Realty www.Black-Bear-Realty.com handed out over 600 American flags at the Bartlett parade and we were also proud to sponsor the Fireworks in Jackson Village.

Gardeners have had a terrible time getting anything to grow except for a huge crop of slugs.

The local rivers are swollen and unsafe for swimming or canoeing. Outfitter who rent canoes on the Saco have had to spend more time keeping people out of the river than helping them get in.

Even Storyland's new owners can't handle the rain. Instead of just shutting down some of the rides this week they just shut the whole park down. I remember one of my best days at Storyland with the boys was on a rainy day when the crowds were thin, the lines were short and no one minded getting wet over and over again on the Bamboo Chutes. Santa's Village in Jefferson handed out free ponchos. "we only close rides for a few minutes because of lighting or a huge downpour." Said Bruce Hicks; Santa's Village's Marketing Elf, "If someone's not open, it ruins people's vacations."

But, maybe the worst is behind us! This morning we woke up to beautiful blue skies and bright sunshine.

So, dry out your hiking shoes and enjoy the day!

Oh, by the way, if you are looking to buy a condo, vacation home or retirement property in the White Mountains call us at Black Bear Realty and we will show you the best properties and especially the ones with dry basements!

Black Bear Realty 603-383-8080

White Mountain Real Estate Blog

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:35:10 -0500

"This Place Is LAME.....Can we come back!"

Six Gun City in Jefferson NH is an old park with a silly theme and a miss match of rides.

The boys walked through the entire park in about 5 minutes. They were not very impressed. But after riding a few rides and playing about a dozen games of Laser Tag things turned around.

There are also go-carts, laser tag, and a mini Roller Coaster.

The water park slides were great. Even on a Spring day, no-one complained about getting wet.

But what would Six Gun City be without a gun fight!

The boys were deputized and then of course all volunteered!

North Conway NH Real Estate update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:06 -0500

Just A Little Something To Enjoy.

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:16:22 -0500

SPRING IS HERE

THE GRASS HAS RIS'

I WONDER WHERE THE FISHIES IS!

We are getting ready for the Summer up here in Bartlett. One sure sign of the season is the stocking of the Ellis River here beside our office.

So grab your fly rod and come on up.

Don't forget your fishing license. www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm

Oh by the way if you have some extra time and money maybe we can show you a nice condo while you're here!

www.Black-Bear-Realty.com

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:48:50 -0500

More notes from Florida.

This year we cut our annual trip down to three weeks. Along with some outstanding beach time, we had some side trips.

Of course, we had to do Disney! It was three days in the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Animal Kingdom was really great!

North Conway NH Area Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:58:24 -0500

A White Mountain Tradition... APRIL VACATION IN FLORIDA!

After a great winter of skiing, XC and snowshoeing, locals in the White Mountains head south for the month of April to bake in the warm sun of the Florida coast.

We have been spending every April since the boys were born, on Casey Key on the Gulf Coast, just South of Sarasota. The island is very small and by April most of the seasonal owners have already headed back to their homes in the North. So, we have the island's beaches almost all to ourselves.

We try and swim 2-3 times everyday and this year it was perfect swimming weather everyday but one. Warm water, & blue skies.

On the one cloudy day we headed to Mote Marine Aquarium.

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:46:43 -0500

Spring Is Here!

The Grass Has Ris'

I Wonder Where The BUYERS Is?

While the weather has been wonderfully mild this Spring. The Buyers are still very leery of taking advantage of the low prices and low interest rates. Sales in March continue to accelerate, but are running about one property a day, half of a normal March. www.Black-Bear-Realty.com had a very strong 1st quarter with over 2 million in sales.

The government's $8,000 credit for first time home buyers has not been a big driver in the white mountains since we are dependent on second home buyers. But, as more and more 1st time home buyers realize what a great bargain they are being offered it will get more homes under contract. Many will find it is cheaper to buy now than to rent, a good sign of the market bottom.

So get out and enjoy the Spring. The slow March sales are just "Water Under The Bridge!"

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:05:38 -0500

And now for something completly different....

Ever wonder where the words we use everyday in real estate come from?

Mortgage- When an impoverished heir (eldest son of a noble) wished to borrow money, he would sign a pledge to pay when his father died and he came into his estate. mort = death, and gage is of Gothic origin relating to the word pledge.
Economy- via Latin from Greek oikonomia = management of a household (oikos = house, and nomia = control.
Offer- from Latin offerre = to present in sacrifice.
Finance- From Late Latin financia from finare, to pay a fine, and finis, a settled payment.
Location- From Latin locus, meaning place: hence location.
Bungalow- From Hindi bangla = Bengali, house built in the style of Bengal (Bangladesh).
Architect- from Greek arckhitekton = chief builder; arkhi = chief, and tekton = carpenter, builder.
Mansion- Comes from the French word maison = house. A mansion was originally a place that held soldiers overnight during their marches.
Room- From German raum as in lebensraum, a space to live in.
Landscape- Dutch landshap = region, countryside; hence ‘picture of countryside.'
Contract- Con is from Latin meaning ‘together'. Also from Latin, tract = to draw. So contract = draw together.
Attorney- From Old French atorner, which means ‘to turn to'.
Term- From Latin terminat = to end, and terminus = boundary. Term is a period (that comes to an end). Over time, term grew to mean the limiting conditions, as in the terms of an agreement.
Neighbor- In the old days, the man next door was a farmer: neighbor, from neahgebur, nigh boor. Boor was a farmer.
Acre- From Latin ager, meaning fertile country or field.
Garrison - From Old French guerite = watch tower, which often meant just
windows on the top story of a building. From guerison, we have the English version
garrison.
Porch- From Latin porticus. Porta = gate. The word veranda comes from Portuguese varanda = porch, gallery.
Roof- From Old English hrof, Germanic khrof.
Application- Comes from Latin application, meaning ‘the act of bringing things together'.
Glitch- From the German word glitschen, meaning ‘to slip'.
Value - From Latin valere, to have worth; via French valoir, past participle valu, value, comes English value.

This information compiled for you by Randy Guida, of Residential Mortgage Services
603.662.6702 cell, 603.356.7937 fax, rguida@rmsmortgage.com

Randy is a great guy for mortgages and like eveyone here at www.Black-Bear-Realty.com has plenty of time on his hand to serve you better!

(Source: The Dictionary of Word Origins by Joseph P. Shipley and Success with Words from Reader's Digest)

North Conway NH Area Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 10:38:10 -0500

New Hampshire Foreclosures Lower Than National Numbers.

Home foreclosures are less than one percent of all owned homes in New Hampshire, but they often are, a much larger fraction of all sales in a town, particularly when there are so few transactions.

The result is that in a slow market with a high percentage of distressed sales, the median home price can show a substantial drop. But, home not in foreclosure may still be demanding fair prices.

This distorts the perception of home values. Potential buyers want to discount every property, while Sellers not in foreclosure are holding out for higher prices.

When the number of foreclosures starts to decline, which it must do fairly soon, then home prices will at stabilize and lenders will feel more comfortable writing mortgages.

Contact the team at www.Black-Bear-Realty.com for more insight on New Hampshire real estate for sale.

St. Patrick's Day In Bartlett

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:55:12 -0500

ESSC SKI DAY! & St Patrick's Day!

The best time of year and the best day with the kids!

45 - 55 Degees in the middle of March! "Who Could Ask For Anything More!"

Bartlett & Jackson NH Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:46:00 -0500

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

        I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

        I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

        I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most
        peaceful feelings in the world.

        I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

        I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

        I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to
        help him in some other way.

                I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when
        I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

        I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the
        end, the faster it goes.

        I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

        I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class..

                I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated
        and loved.

        I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

        I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that
        person continue to hurt you.

        I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

        I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself
        with people smarter than I am.

        I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

        I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

        I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

        I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

        I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

        I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time.

        I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow
        he may have to eat them..

        I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

        I've learned..... That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his
        little fist, that you're in love for life.

        I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the
        happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

        I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Jackson NH Real Estate

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:55:34 -0600

Not all the Turkeys live in Washington DC.

This beautiful Tom has been running loose in Jackson NH since last Summer.

He has become a town fixture, standing in the middle of the road, pecking at tires and bringing traffic to a stand still.

Hope to see you around Jackson this year. The Cross Country has been excellent as has the downhill at Black Mountain & Wildcat.

If you want to look for Jackson NH Real Estate, check out www.Black-Bear-Realty.com We know the area and all it's strange inhabitants!

Real Estate Stimulus Package? "Will it work?"

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:12:20 -0600

While no one denies that the real estate crash triggered the recent financial recession, no one seems to want to fix the root problems.

Below are 4 of the major items in the Real Estate stimulus package. They are all welcome, but none of them will stop foreclosures or address the bigger problem of frozen credit markets.

The only program being discussed that will benefit those who are in trouble as well as those who have paid their mortgages and acted responsibly, is the emergency "4% 20 Year Fixed Federal Mortgage". By offering a Fixed 20 year Mortgage through Fannie May and Feddie Mac at 4% to all Americans until the markets turn around you would ignite the local real estate markets, and help home owners who have "Toxic Loans" refinance, while not make the rest of us pay to bail them out, and you can stop offering the loans at any time that the markets show the ability to stand on their own feet. This threat of shutting off the tap will give buyers the sense of urgency needed to get back into the market.

Why isn't this program being supported by Washington even after economists have said that it will actually MAKE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MONEY? Because it doesn't make the Banks rich!

So this is what you get......

Benefit #1 - Expansion of Home Improvement Tax Credit The tax credit for making energy efficient home improvements is now 30% of the cost of the improvements up to a maximum of $1,500. This means that if the improvements cost you $4,500, you would receive a tax refund of $1,500 when you file your tax returns. Eligible improvements include energy efficient exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. "As if anyone has money to fix up their homes before the bank takes it!"

Benefit #2 - Expansion of First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit The tax credit available to first time home buyers (You qualify if you have not owned in the last 3 years.) was increased from $7,500 to $8,000 for homes purchased between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009. Also, the credit no longer needs to be paid back as long as you live in the home without selling it for at least 3 years. "WOW! a whole $500 dollars more! Honey our prayers are answered! What are we waiting for?"

Benefit #3 - Higher Reverse Mortgage Loan Limits The loan limits for FHA-insured reverse mortgages have been increased to $625,500 across the entire country - not just the higher cost areas. The previous limit was $417,000 across the country. This is especially important because the FHA program is virtually the only game in town as private and jumbo reverse mortgage programs have nearly all evaporated. "Boy, I didn't even know that we had a problem with the 'Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Program'. I wonder who Lobbied Congress for that one? Oh by the way, did you know reverse mortgages are one of the most profitable mark-up in the financing industry?"

Benefit #4 - $729,750 FHA and Conforming Loan Limits Restored in High Cost Areas The $729,750 maximum loan limit had been in force throughout 2008, but was reduced to $625,500 in 2009. The economic stimulus plan restores the $729,750 maximum. "Thank God the Federal Government is FINALLY doing something for those poor Americans who can't buy $729,750 homes!"

Jackson NH Real Estate Blog

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:38:54 -0600

8th NH Sanctioned Snow Sculpting Event!

If you have never enjoyed the Jackson NH snow sculpting competition, you are missing an awesome event!

Every year, my family is amazed at the unique and beautiful designs these teams come up with.

"Castle in the Sun" People's Choice

Gregory, Greg & Kalvin Grady

12 Teams are invited to compete from all over New England. The winner of the sanctioned competition will represent NH at the National Sculpting competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with crowds of over 1.5 million visitors in attendance.

"Balanced Budget" Invitational Winner

Dave Rothstien

The carvings stand well over 6 feet tall and seem to defy gravity.

This year's overall winner is so detailed and delicate, people just stood and stared.

"Snow Carousel" The Sanctioned Winner

Cathee Nash

Cathee will go on to represent New Hampshire in Wisconsin and we wish her all the best. Below are some of the other outstanding sculptures. The first is not only my boys favorite, but had a great name..."Sheep Trick"!

check out www.Black-Bear-Realty.com for Jackson Real Estate.

Jackson NH Real Estate Update

BLACK BEAR REALTY — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:24:36 -0600

SKI JACKSON!

Groomed trails, outstatnding vistas and good friends mean that Jackson is still number one!

It just doesn't get any better than this.

The kids spent the day on Ellis River trail and stopped for a little Coco at the "Coco Cabanna".