Buying A Lake Home!
Some basic steps will move the process along smoothly.
Talk with your banker and get a pre-qualification letter on how much you can spend and then sit down with the family and decide what you feel comfortable spending. If your banker says you can spend $650,000 but your comfort level is $425,000 look at homes in your comfort zone.
Luxury Winnipesaukee Home on Governors Island. Listed and Sold by Carl
If you are unfamiliar with the area you should take an afternoon to drive by your top lake choices and some homes selected on those lakes. Realtors take great pictures and you will eliminate a couple of the lakes and most of the homes.
Be loyal, find a realtor who specializes in the type of property you are interested in buying and stick with them. If your looking for a lake property my wife and I have been in the business since 1999 and know the lakes. If you want a Historic home built in the 1800's we really aren't your go to agents. Basic question to ask to find a knowledgeable lakefront realtor. Ask them about lake sizes and shoreline rules. If they can't answer how big the lake or building setbacks you might not have a knowledgable agent.
Showings!! The lakes region is not your typical market, 95% of the homes are assisted showing, which means no lock boxes and you have to set appointments. Showings need to be coordinated ( you - seller - listing agent - buyers agent ) You can't call at 6 pm on Friday to see 8 homes on Saturday morning. Call Wednesday for Saturday if you want your day to go smoothly.
When you find the home of interest my wife and I will get you sales comparisons, walk you through the paperwork, explain to you what the DES Site Assessment is and how it affects the property you are interested in.
We will also supply you with local vendors to help you, home inspectors to title companies and lawyers.
Selling your Lake Home
Select an agent that is familiar with the type of home you are selling, you feel comfortable with and is local to the market.
Marketing your home is important. Look for an agency that has an effective local marketing program plus reaches buyers nationally and globally. Our Sotheby's brand exceeds all online marketing programs. Review our statistics.
In addition to the companies print and online marketing examine the social media presence that will be used to promote your homes listing. Linkin, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging etc.
Photography sells homes, compare the video and photo portfolio each agent has and pick the agent who will puts your home online in the best light. Also compare listing descriptions. You will be surprised what you will find there is a vast difference from agent to agent in descriptive detail.
Price your home to sell. Unrealistic pricing only delays the sale. Don't use price reductions as a fall back as you try to move the home.
If you are currently renting your lake home ask your tax advisor if a 1031 Exchange might work?
Listed by Paula and Sold by Carl
For additional information on lake homes call 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 or www.lakeorskirealestate.com.
Contact Paula Hinckley or Carl Sack today for NH Lakes Region Real Estate #nhlakesrealty