Navigating a NH Lakefront Home Purchase - April 2021 Covid 19

Lakefront home inventory is at an all-time low in the NH lakes region. We have 32 active lake listings on March 29, 2021, only 8 are priced below $600,000. When a quality lake home is listed it typically lasts less than 2 days on the market and with delayed showings, some buyers are actually purchasing sight unseen, a risky move in my book.

If you see a waterfront home of interest I urge you to make an appointment immediately.

Typically new lakefront listings start coming on the market in March with an increasing inventory into April. We did see a small surge in inventory mid March. Lets hope we an inventory increase in the coming months.

Sign up at our website for new listing alerts or visit our website at this link and you will find newly listed lakefront homes - one click -  New Lakefront listings 

Feel free to contact us and we will send you homes that meet your criteria!

Call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com #nhlakesrealty

Scroll to the bottom for all waterfront listings on quality lakes 

Flood Insurance Changes are on the horizon!    March 2021 update 

The flood insurance market is undergoing a variety of changes.  We are watching this closely and will continue to keep you updated as we know more.  Below is a quick summary of current changes and trends.  - Flood Insurance was historically only available through FEMA.  Private Flood Insurance Carriers have now emerged and can offer competitive quotes and options.  Mortgage companies are now required to accept Private Flood Insurance.  In the past they could require coverage be placed through FEMA which was often more expensive. - FEMA is planning to review zoning, flood maps, and premiums.  FEMA feels that flood insurance is underpriced and this review could result in changes that require flood insurance in areas not previously required and overall increased flood premiums. They are targeting October 2021 for this change. - NH has accepted the most recent update to the FEMA flood maps on January 29, 2021.  This is resulting in immediate changes to NH real estate and many properties are either being required to carrier flood insurance for the first time or being moved into a higher rated zone. Below are a few articles that go into these topics in more detail.  Let me know if you have questions or want to discuss any of this in more detail. Flood Insurance Myths     Fema Flood Map Portal  Nick Aube, CIC | Director of Risk Management Avery Insurance Office: 603-766-3733 Scroll to the bottom of the page to view lake homes for sale

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is right around the corner and it is almost time to get your boat in the water. 

Launches and Marinas in the NH Lakes Region Listed Below

Lake Winnisquam 

Adams Marina Winnisquam, NH 603-528-3561

Jay’s Marina Winnisquam, NH 603-524-3150

Winnisquam Marine Belmont, NH 603-524-8380

Lake Winnipesaukee

Channel Marine - Weirs Beach, 603-524-4801

Fay's Boatyard - Laconia,          603-293-8000

Irwin Marine - Laconia, 603-524-6661

Lakeport Landing Marina - Laconia, 603-524-3755

Marina Melvin Village 603-544-3583

Meredith Marina - Meredith, 603-279-7921

Parker Marine - Alton Bay, 603-875-2600

Paugus Bay Marina - Laconia, 603-524-1233

Paugus Bay Marina - Meredith, 603-279-5505

Shep Brown's Boat Basin - Meredith, 603-279-4573

Silver Sands Marina - Gilford,  603-293-7200

Thurston's Marina - Weirs Beach 603-366-4811

Trexler's Marina - Moultonborough 603-253-7315

Goodhue and Hawkins Boat Yard  603-569-2371 

Newfound Lake  

Westshore Marine Bristol 603-744-2900

Squam Lake  

Asquam Marina Holderness 603-968-9001

Riveredge Marina Ashland 603-968-4411

LAUNCHES

ALTON

Alton Bay Public Launch 1/4 mile north of the Route 11 bridge, on Route 11, in a public parking lot. No fee charged. 

Alton Landing Just east of the Route 11 bridge. 

Roberts Cove Marina From the Alton traffic circle, proceed 5 1/2 miles towards Wolfeboro on Rte 28.Turn left onto Roberts Cove Road. Fee charged 

West Alton Marina At the junction of Route 11 and Route 11-A. Fee charged 

CENTER HARBOR  Public Docks In town behind Heath's Hardware Store adjacent to town docks. Fee charged. Short walk to parking.

Fay's Boat Yard 71 Varney Point Road, Gilford (603) 293-8000 From Jct. 11/11B, east on route 11 for .1 mile. Turn left onto Varney Point Road. Fee charged. 

Silver Sands Marina On Route 11B, 1/2 mile northwest of junction 11B/11. Fee charged (Parking included).

Lakeport Landing Marina 65 Gold Street, Laconia (603) 524-3755 Southern end of Paugus Bay at the Junction of Elm Street and Union Avenue. Fee charged.

MEREDITH  Meredith Public Docks Fee charged. Parking for trailers is 

Meredith Marina 2 Bay Shore Drive. Just off Route 3 on the right between Route 104 and Route 25. Fee charged.

Shep Brown's Boat Basin North on Route 25/ 2/10 mile from downtown Meredith, turn right onto Pleasant Street as it curves around Meredith Bay. Follow Pleasant Street to Meredith Neck Road. Turn right. Follow for 3 miles and turn left onto Lovejoy Sands Road. Fee charged

MOULTONBOROUGH

Moultonborough Public Launch Turn right onto Moultonboro Neck Road from Route 25. Proceed 6 2/10 miles south/east on Moultonboro Neck Road and cross onto Long Island. Launch site is on the left 2/10 mile after crossing bridge. Parking requires Moultonboro beach & dump sticker.

Harilla Landing Long Island, From Route 25 and Moultonboro Neck Road, proceed 6 2/10 miles south/east on Moultonboro Neck Road and cross onto Long Island. After crossing bridge, proceed 2 2/10 miles on Long Island Road.

Lee's Mills From Moultonborough Center, proceed 4/10 mile south on Route 25. Turn Left onto Blake Road. At end of Blake Road, turn right onto Lee's Mills Road and proceed to end. No fee charged. Parking available.

States Landing From the intersection of Route 109 and Route 25 (at the Moultonborough Airport), proceed south/east on Route 109 for 2 8/10 miles and turn right onto States Landing Road. Follow States Landing Road 1 mile.

TUFTONBORO  Melvin Village Public Landing Off Route 109. No fee charged.

WOLFEBORO  Libby Museum Opposite the Libby Museum on Route 109, 3 1/10 miles northwest of Wolfeboro. No fee charged. No parking.

Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard Sewell Road, Wolfeboro. From downtown Wolfeboro, head west on Route 109 for 2/10 mile. Turn left onto Sewell Road and proceed for 1 mile.

Back Bay Marina Bay Street, Wolfeboro. In downtown Wolfeboro, go one block north (away from the main lake) on Railroad Avenue. Launch site is behind the old Wolfeboro railroad terminal. No fee charged. Parking available. Note: to get to the Big Lake you must travel under a bridge with a clearance of only a little over four feet (full lake).

Wolfeboro Public Launch Main Street. In the public parking lot behind shops, next to Wolfeboro town docks. No fee charged.

 

You can view available lake listings on our website. www.nhlakesrealty.com 

Call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or text 603-566-6608  #nhlakesrealty   2/20/2021

Popular Lakes - Squam - Winnisquam - Winnipesaukee - Wentworth - Sunapee - Merrymeeting - Ossipee - Great East - Newfound - Waukewan - Pleasant - Silver  - Lovell  - Pine River - Dan Hole - Webster 

View lakes we service at the bottom of the page! 

 

Is your dock ready for another season on the lake?  It could be time to make major repairs or install a new dock in New Hampshire

The state of NH controls dock and boating issues on our lakes and ponds. The NH wetlands laws for dock are administered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

Department of Environmental Science Frequently Asked Questions - Answers

https://www.des.nh.gov/land/waterfront-development/docking-structures-and-shoreline-stabilization  

Options you can look at for your new dock, upgrade or repair.  

1. Floating dock.
2. Aluminum dock.
3. Galvanized Steel.
4. Rolling dock for easy removal 
5. Cedar Dock.
6. Lift Docks.
7. Permanent Docks, require extensive permitting.

Additional Docks and Features.

1. Boat and Jet Ski Lifts 
2. Covered Boat Slips, seasonal canvas
3. Permanent Covers, are no longer allowed.  
4. Docks should be 20 feet from your abutters lot. 
5. Jet ski drive on's 

Swim Platforms do not need permits, they can not impede navigation, must be marked with your name and reflectors attached.  

Review the Seasonal Dock Notification for rules for repair or installation of your new replacement dock.  You are going to have many questions,  I would urge you to contact shoreland@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2147 prior to purchase of a new dock or installation.

Seasonal Dock Permitting information. 

This information will cover the size and configuration of the new dock you can install. 

https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/wb-19.pdf

Call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550, e-mail - info@nhlakesrealty.com or view lake homes in New Hampshire at www.nhlakesrealty.com

Contact Carl Sack or Paula Hinckley both specializing in NH waterfront Sales  #nhlakesrealty

Popular Lakes - Squam - Winnisquam - Winnipesaukee - Wentworth - Sunapee - Merrymeeting - Ossipee - Great East - Newfound - Waukewan - Pleasant - Silver  - Lovell  - Pine River - Dan Hole - Webster 

Go to the bottom of this page to view quality lakes in our area

Lake Home Purchase Considerations in New Hampshire

Lakes can vary in size and water quality. One lake might work for one family and not for your lifestyle. Research all aspects of the property you are interested in prior to investing.

Some research/homework needed when considering buying a waterfront property. 

1. Water Quality - Oligotrophic is the best!  
2. Is the swim area bottom sandy? You might have to step into the water to find out. 
3. Boating opportunities? Motorboating or kayaks only? Jet Skis? 
4. How busy is the boat traffic at the home's location? 
5. Fishing? Trout, Small or Largemouth Bass, Salmon
6. Ducks and Geese are nice to look at but they can become a nuisance.
7. Is there milfoil? If yes do they have an active mitigation program?
8. Flood Zone? Ask about an elevation certificate.
9. What is the water depth? 
10. The ideal lot is level with sunsets and mountain views.
11. Winter usage? Skiing, Skating, Snowmobiling? 
12. Prior to buying talk to the neighbors! 

Hire a lakefront specialist! 

Buy the lake and location! The home can be changed!

Lady of the Lake Realty 1-888-737-5550, e-mail info@nhlakesrealty.com or visit www.nhlakesrealty.com to view lake homes. 

Popular Lakes - Squam - Winnisquam - Winnipesaukee - Wentworth - Sunapee - Merrymeeting - Ossipee - Great East - Newfound - Waukewan - Pleasant - Silver  - Lovell  - Pine River - Dan Hole - Webster #nhlakesrealty

 

 

NH Lakefront Real Estate Covid Market is Painfully Hot!

Simply put there are more buyers than lake homes on the market. When lake properties hit the market buyers are lined up at the door making offers. It is a vicious seller's market and a time you need a buyer's agent on your side. 

Just because the home is on the water will it meet the lifestyle you are looking for? You can change the home but what about the water quality? Is the lake bottom deep enough to swim, sandy or muddy?

Here are some basics, have a bank letter in hand or proof of funds to purchase. Talk to your lake specialist on how to construct an offer that has a chance of winning the bidding process. 

Lady of the Lake Realty knows the lakes!

You can view available lake listings on our website. www.nhlakesrealty.com 

Call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or text 603-566-6608  #nhlakesrealty   2/20/2021

Popular Lakes - Squam - Winnisquam - Winnipesaukee - Wentworth - Sunapee - Merrymeeting - Ossipee - Great East - Newfound - Waukewan - Pleasant - Silver  - Lovell  - Pine River - Dan Hole - Webster 

Scroll to the bottom of the page for all lakes! 

Why New Hampshire? Lifestyle of Course!

The New Hampshire advantage makes New Hampshire not only one of the finest vacation destination in the country but a great place to work and retire. Some obvious reasons are no sales, income tax, inheritance tax plus a low crime rate. 

When I was young NH was commonly referred to as Cow Hampshire. Yes we still have Dairy Farms but we have 7 lakes over 3000 acres and 48 - 4000 foot mountains challenging the most aggressive hikers. In addition to over 250 quality lakes we have 19 ski resorts all within 30 minutes of the lakes region plus 15 cross country skiing destinations along with all the back woods trails available. Snowmobiling is found across the state along with more than a dozen ATV destinations. Don’t get me started on the wonderful fishing opportunities, salmon to bass. 

Discover NH with Lady of the Lake Realty. We specialize in waterfront and water access homes in the greater Lakes Region. Sunapee to the Mount Washington Valley. Our team can help you find a luxury lakefront property to an affordable cottages on a smaller pond or lake. 

You can view available lake listings on our website. www.nhlakesrealty.com 

Call Lady or the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or text 603-566-6608  #nhlakesrealty  

Popular Lakes - Squam - Winnisquam - Winnipesaukee - Wentworth - Sunapee - Merrymeeting - Ossipee - Great East - Newfound - Waukewan - Pleasant - Silver  - Lovell  - Pine River - Dan Hole - Webster 

Over 35% of 2020 homebuyers made an offer to purchase a home sight unseen

With videos and Matterport 3D tours that enable buyers to view the interior and exterior of homes it's like you are actually walking through the home. Our office is also doing one on one face-time tours giving a narrative as we walk through the home and grounds with buyers.

Out of town home buyers are searching for vacation or retirement homes but don’t have the time or ability to view homes in person they will use virtual tours to view the attributes the home and lot has to offer. The increased use of this technology, coupled with more people relocating, means the sight-unseen trend will continue in this competitive market with limited inventory.

In summary, home buyers will continue to make offers sight unseen during their search for vacation lake homes in NH 2021. Reach out to us so we can give you expert opinions on the lakes you are interested in.

You can view available lake listings on our website. www.nhlakesrealty.com 

Call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or text 603-566-6608  #nhlakesrealty  

Covid Real Estate Inventory update in the NH lakes region!   January 20, 2021

January 1st year to date. New listings that have remained on the market in the last 20 days, totals below. This update covers the major 40 towns in the greater lakes region.

53 new residential and condo listings came on the market. With 29 homes returning to the market.

152 homes went under contract.

120 homes closed.

Of the total current inventory, 63 are waterfront homes and only 10 water access condos available for sale.

With low-interest rates properties are flying off the shelves faster than toilet paper did last year.

Typically towards the end of March into April as the ice recedes from the lakes new waterfront homes come on the market. Be patient but move swiftly if you find a home of interest.

Call Lady or the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or text 603-566-6608

New Hampshire is a great location to retire or raise a family.

No Sales Tax - No State Income Tax - No Inheritance Tax - Scroll to the bottom of the page for lakes searches 

What you should know when buying a waterfront property!

Helpful Tips to achieve your dreams - memories - investment.

1. Buying a waterfront home, it might be your primary home purchase, second home, or future retirement home. You are buying more than a lake home it is a lifestyle. 
2. Hire a Waterfront Expert! If you have a toothache you go to a dentist not to a chiropractor. Interview agents, why settle for an inexperienced agent. Ask your agent for past client testimonial lake sales and what lakes they have sold properties on. 
3. Get your financing lined up. Get a bank pre-approval letter, home equity loan or cash as an option. In this competitive market the seller wants to see your proof you can pay.  Some sellers will not even show their home unless the buyer has a bank letter in hand. 
4. What is your goal in purchasing a waterfront home? Memories! It may be a four-season home that has close proximity to ski areas and snowmobiling or a seasonal cottage for summer usage. Motorboating or a kayaking non-motoring lake. List your must-have options and start comparing homes and lakes. 
5. Buy the lake and location! You can change the home!  You can’t change the - sunsets - sandy beach - mountain views - deep water dock - fishing - non-motoring lake - privacy - proximity to attractions - shopping - restaurants. Take a day and drive-by lakes of interest. Why spend a day looking at homes when you have ruled out the area after the first showing. 
6. Talk to us about the lake that fits your lifestyle. Winnipesaukee and Squam are wonderful lakes but if you have young boaters they can easily get lost with all the islands and inlets. On a smaller lake, your whole family can view them enjoying all watersports from shore and not get lost. 
7. Research the lake, ask your agent if the lake has milfoil, average depth, lake size, general water quality rating, and if the lake has occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms.  Again buy the lake! 
8. Talk to the neighbors! 
9. Lady of the Lake Realty is familiar with shoreline rules. The in-depth rules cover tree cutting, home expansion, dock rules, swim platform rules and boating restrictions. We have or can get the answers for you. 
10. Look at the Fema maps to determine if you will need flood insurance. If in the flood zone an elevation certificate may help with insurance costs. 
11. Lake experts like Lady of the Lake Realty can offer you expert opinions on lakes. Example Belleau Lake water quality was just reduced to Eutrophic ( Worst Water Quality ) Information you need to know for future resale.  

For additional information on lake homes call Lady of the Lake Realty LLC at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com  or visit our website to view lake homes in New Hampshire at www.nhlakesrealty.com

Contact Carl Sack or Paula Hinckley   #nhlakesrealty

Scroll to the bottom of the page for individual lake searches. 

 

 

 

 

 

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