Maple Sugaring season has just past and signs of spring are upon us. Every year the lakefront real estate market takes some twists and turns and this year is no different. The Lakes Region including Sunapee and Mount Washington Valley has 429 homes available right now. Prices range from $174,000 to $13,000,000. Typically the most active early buyers are those looking for a home priced under $800,000 and there are a ton of buyers looking in this price range. They have a variety of homes to look at on the 200 plus lakes in the area. Most of the quality homes in this price range are on smaller lakes, those lakes with 1000 acres or less. Pricing for a nice home on Sunapee, Squam, Winnipesaukee starts at $1,000,000 plus. Surprisingly homes in the $1,000,000 price range on these 3 lakes are typically seasonal camps but the location on the lake may be what you are looking for. If you really want a nice home you need to jump up over $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 price point.
In choosing a lake home step back. I was with a buyer last week and they insisted they needed to be on a 4000 acre lake. I inquired why and they really did not have an answer. If you have family coming up to enjoy the lake with you they are going to want to be out in the water. Look for a home with a sandy beach, or sandy bottom swimming or with older swimmers you can swim off the dock. What is your family situation? Boating, if you're going to get out on the lake to enjoy waterskiing and tubing not everyone can be in the boat to enjoy watching the fun. You may want a camp where you can sit on shore and watch all the fun from the comfort of your deck chair. Dad and Mom did you see me?? So choose a location that meets your families expectations. Quiet waterfront with no noise or the fun and activities that children bring? So if your goal is to enjoy the lake with family and friends a 100 acre lake with a sandy beach and view of the lake is all you may need.
Let's change the scenario. You are a retired couple entertaining friends or using the home as a business retreat. Yes you want to take a dip in the lake but off the dock works just fine, are you really going to water ski? What you might want is taking boating adventures, heading out on the lake for a mid day ice cream or dinner cruised to one of the local ports. The only lakes to support this activity are the larger lakes. Squam and Sunapee have limited shopping and restaurant access, Winnipesaukee is endless with Meredith, Gilford, Alton, Wolfeboro, Center Harbor, Tuftonboro, and Moultonborough access ports.
So what do you really need in a lake home? My list starts with a ( sandy beach or sandy bottom or dock swimming ) ( docking and possible mooring for your boat ) ( view or extended open water view is great - add mountain view - add sunset ) ( level yard - room to park 4-5 cars ) ( crystal clear water ) ( privacy or community ) ( other variables, access to ski areas - snowmobile trails - fishing, warm water or cold water - distance to shop - distance to social activities ) Take the list above and highlight what is important to you and call us to find a home. This home may be on 150 acre Lake Winona or 3000 acre Lake Wentworth.
As you noted above we really don't talk much about the house. Buy the lake and the location on the lake! You can change the home but not the lake. If your heart is set on gorgeous sunsets don't settle for a cove location on a large lake in the shade, that sunset location is out there maybe on a 250 acre lake.
For additional information on lake homes in NH call Lady of the Lake Realty 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 us today to find your dream home in New Hampshire!!