With over 1,300 homes on the market right now in the Lakes Region towns I report on (Belknap County & Moultonborough) there ought to be some pretty good deals out there right now. It really is a great time to be a buyer. Interest rates are still amazingly low, there are plenty of homes in every price category to look at, and prices have fallen considerably. Here are a few properties that may, or may not, be a good deal. You can’t tell what’s a bargain until you go look, but given the fact that the following homes are on the market well under their tax assessment they might be a place to start.
Antique homes don’t seem to be as desirable as they once were, but they do have a certain allure to old home purists if they are in the right location and decent condition. The home at 543 Sanborn Road in Sanbornton is in the historic district. It was once owned and restored by Robert and Richard Wiggins who are well known for their work bringing antique homes back to life. This home was built in 1805 and has 2,426 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two baths, two fireplaces, wide pine flooring, built-ins, updated kitchen, and an attached barn for the critters. You can get back to basics here although the .86 acre lot isn’t going to allow a huge garden. The property is now bank owned and there will be some repairs necessary. But, the property is offered at only $114,900 which is 44% of the current tax assessed value of $260,700. I would say someone is going to get a great deal on an antique home.
Another possible good deal on a bank owned property is at 14 Highcrest Drive in Belmont. This 3,048 square foot home was built in 1996 and has three bedrooms, one bath, an open concept layout, hardwood floors, front porch, two car garage, and a 1.23 acre lot on a cul-de-sac. It looks like it needs carpets, paint, appliances, and some good old TLC but it is priced at 46% of its assessment at $162,900. It’s certainly worth a look if you are in the market for a home in Belmont.
I like the looks of the home at 246 Durrell Mountain Road in Belmont. The good thing here is that it is not bank owned so you can get some history and disclosures on the property. This 2,036 square foot cape was built in 1988, has three bedrooms, one and three quarter baths, master bedroom suite, a stone fireplace in the living room, attached and detached two car garages, and a 3.74 acre lot. This home is listed at $199,900 which is 67% of the current assessment of $296,400. Good deal? Go see…
There are also some potential waterfront buys out there. On Waukewan there is a very affordable sixties vintage waterfront cottage at 25 Chapman Point in Meredith. Waukewan is a real hidden treasure so don’t tell anyone else about this. Anyway, this seasonal two bedroom, one bath cottage has a little over 1,000 square feet of space, a large eat in kitchen, a fireplace to take the chill off, a deck overlooking a peaceful cove, and a one car garage which has a bunkroom for the in-laws. The cottage sits on a .27 acre lot with 100 feet of owned frontage and you have access to a shared sandy beach next door (not sure what other kind of beach there is if they aren’t sandy?) This property is offered at $349,000 which is 21% below the assessed value of $440,500.
Over on Winnipesaukee at 17 Chipmunk Lane in Moultonborough there is another cottage with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and 964 square feet of living space being offered at $425,000. It has a master suite (sweet!), a large living room, a gas fireplace, a sunny kitchen, and a detached two car garage with possible living space above for your new found relatives. The cottage sits on a .39 acre level lot with 100 feet of frontage with another one of those sandy beaches and a three fingered dock. This property is priced at 66% of the town’s current assessed value so it just might be worth checking out. So if you are looking to buy a home, you’ll find plenty of potential bargains. Meet with a REALTOR® and go look. Just remember though, a cheap price alone doesn’t mean that it’s a good deal. You need to consider the repairs or upgrades that need to be done to the property, the all important location, location, location, and whether the home really fits your needs and lifestyle. Don’t just buy the least expensive home, buy the best home for you at the best price possible. That’s a real bargain...
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