Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, May 03, 2013 @ 07:08 AM
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC continues to move through springtime closing sales and making their Sellers very happy. Here are some of the properties we sold last month:
19 Hummingbird Hill, Eastman, NH
This updated 4-bedroom contemporary home in Eastman, NH was sold by DeeAnn Shepherd.
141 Hilltop, New London, NH
This 3-bedroom condo unit at Hilltop Condominiums in New London, NH was sold by Joe Bergin
239 Stocker Pond Rd
, Grantham, NH
This waterfront log cabin in Grantham, NH was sold by Wendie Wright.
132 Miller Pond Rd, Grantham, NH
This country ranch in Grantham, NH was also sold by DeeAnn.
If you would like to list your home with CG Shepherd Realty, LLC, contact us for more information.
If you’re considering placing your home on the market, fill out this quick form for a free Comparative Market Analysis from one of our qualified REALTOR®s to see what your home is worth in today’s market.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC: Serving New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee and Upper Valley Regions, Eastman, & Vermont Real Estate Buying and Selling Needs for Over 24 Years.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Dec 14, 2012 @ 07:54 AM
You may think that having your Upper Valley real estate for sale during the holiday season isn’t
worth the extra hassle around this already overwhelming time of year. However, the real estate economy not only varies from year to year, but also from season to season. There are common misconceptions about listing a home during the holidays. Here are some facts to consider provided by CG Shepherd Realty, LLC...
Less Competition: Fewer homes are listed for sale during the the holiday season, so there is less competition.
Buyer’s Need: Some buyers still need to find a Lebanon, NH or Hanover, NH property and move during the beginning of the following year, so they must complete their home selection during the holidays. Being one of the few listings available gives you a higher chance of being selected.
Time-off: Furthermore, potential buyers have more time to view listings during the holiday season. Between Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, there is a steady stream of relocation buyers coming to the Upper Valley. Relocation buyers also routinely use the time-off around the holidays to finalize a home search. It is, therefore, not uncommon to hear of homes going under agreement on Christmas or New Years Eve.
Selling Upper Valley Real Estate During The Holiday Season
If you are not sure about selling your Lebanon, NH or Hanover, NH property during the holiday season, think about the opportunities you may be missing from home buyers who absolutely need to find a property during this time and are out considering homes for sale right now. A recent survey of real estate professionals by Realtor.com discovered that 79% of buyers looking during the holiday season were more serious and 61% consider less competition among listings to be a benefit. Waiting for the new year may result in your property being lost among the large volume of new homes on the market or needing to be priced lower due to the competition.
If your home is or will be on the market this holiday season, here are 5 Tips for Selling Your Home this Winter from Shepherd Realty.
This advice on selling Upper Valley real estate during the holiday season was prepared by CG Shepherd Realty, LLC. Contact us for guidance on placing your home for sale.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC: Serving New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee and Upper Valley Regions, Eastman, & Vermont Real Estate Buying and Selling Needs for Over 24 Years.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Oct 19, 2012 @ 12:24 PM
If you are considering selling your Eastman NH property, one of the first steps is to request a comparative market analysis. A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a report prepared by a local real estate broker to identify the possible price range of a property. It is not the same as an appraisal, which identifies the exact price at a given time. It is crucial that property owners comprehend how a comparative market analysis is compiled in order to better understand why you need a comparative market analysis for Eastman NH properties.
How an Eastman NH Comparative Market Analysis is Created
The current value of a dwelling is driven by what a buyer is willing to offer. Since the economy changes regularly, a reliable way to estimate current value is to compare it to other listings that have sold in recent months. Active homes on the market are not accurate estimations of price since there is no way to determine what they will eventually sell for or if they will sell at all. When developing a comparative market analysis, listing brokers attempt to locate similar properties to yours, preferably in comparable areas, that have recently sold. It is not always feasible to find close matches, so adjustments are usually made to the price range to compensate for differences. The age, square footage, enhancements, updates, and other elements of the property are taken into consideration. Not all home features add value, and the dollar value of adjustments typically do not match the amount paid for them.
Why You Need A Comparative Market Analysis For Eastman NH Properties
A CMA report traditionally results in a recommended price range. Where a home falls within that range depends on the abundance and desirability of competing listings currently on the market and your time frame. If you have a small time frame in which to sell, your selected price should be more aggressive (at either the low end of, or even below, the price range). This is particularly true if there is a large volume of real estate on the market. In general, the higher you price a home, the more time it may take to find a buyer. However, in markets where competition is low and your property is extremely desirable, you may have the benefit of pricing at the high end of the price range. A knowledgeable real estate agent has the ability to help you with this decision and provide invaluable guidance. Wrongly pricing a home can lead to loss of valuable time and money as the property sits on the market deterring potential buyers, so rely on the expertise of a qualified real estate agent and the useful information provided by the CMA report to price your home appropriately.
You can see why a comparative market analysis is the first step to listing your Eastman NH property for sale. This is where the knowledge and experience of a professional are imparative. CG Shepherd Realty, LLC's team of qualified REALTORS® are happy to provide you with a comparative market analysis for your property. You can request a FREE comparative market analysis through our website, or find a REALTOR® to help you begin this process. For other guidance on marketing real estate for sale, review the other articles on our Shepherd Realty blog or contact us at CG Shepherd Realty, LLC.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC: Serving New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee and Upper Valley Regions, Eastman & Vermont Real Estate Buying & Selling Needs for Over 24 Years.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 @ 06:20 PM
Now that the weather has warmed up and the flowers are in bloom in New Hampshire and Vermont, it's that time of year again…time for spring cleaning! This ritual of homeowners and renters alike provides a rejuvenating lift for a home that has been closed up all winter long during our New England hibernation. For home sellers, spring cleaning is especially important. The spring market for real estate is the prime time for showings and open houses. Help your home to look it's best so that it attracts the buyer's eye.
Whether you're a spring cleaning veteran or new to homeownership, your spring cleaning
experience doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. No matter the size of your living space, here are 5 simple tips and tricks from HouseLogic to jump-start a thorough spring cleaning of your home:
1. After vacuuming up the cobwebs and dust, wash down your walls, but don't use spray cleaners. They like to leave streaks behind. Instead, soak a cloth in an all-purpose cleaner and wipe walls; then rinse with a cloth soaked in plain water.
2. Vacuum and wipe down your baseboards after you clean your floors because debris can easily get kicked up onto baseboards from the floor.
3. For washing windows, use a microfiber cloth soaked in a solution of ¼ cup vinegar, ¼ to ½ teaspoon dish soap and 2 cups water. Too much vinegar in the solution will leave windows cloudy, so don't go overboard.
4. Use a "whipped detergent" to spot clean upholstery. Mix equal parts dish soap and water and beat to a froth. Use a cloth soaked in the mixture to wash stain and rinse with a clean damp cloth.
5. To clean ceiling fan blades without sprinkling dust all over yourself and the floor, spray the inside of an old pillowcase with cleaning solution, slip the bag over blade and wipe clean.
Find more spring cleaning tips and tricks on the Spring Cleaning List for your home's interior and exterior. For room-by-room tips, check out Spring Cleaning 101.
If you're a home seller who really wants to make an impression on buyers, take a look at this article for Staging Your Home to Sell from the Shepherd Realty blog.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC: Serving New Hampshire's Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee and Upper Valley Regions, Eastman, and Vermont's Real Estate Buying and Selling Needs for Over 20 Years.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 01:09 PM
Having your home on the market during the long New England winter season in New Hampshire and Vermont can be discouraging at times, but it is still an opportunity to bring buyers to your door. In light of the New Year, let our team of experienced Realtors® give you 5 tips for selling your home this winter so that your home can catch the eye of potential buyers this season.
5 Tips for Sellers this Winter:
1. Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere: Use the seasonal sights and scents of the holidays to create an atmosphere in your home that is attractive to buyers from the moment they step inside the door.
2. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature: People don't always realize that they're cold, but being uncomfortable in a home is a negative to buyers. Be especially aware of this if your home is winterized.
3. Keep walkways and driveways clear: With all of the snow and ice here in New England (even though it is unseasonably dry at the moment), it is important to make it safe for buyers and agents to come see your home. It helps sell the house too by showing buyers that there is manageable snow and ice maintenance.
4. Have photos from other seasons: Have pictures of your home and/or gardens in the spring or fall in full flower bloom to share with potential buyers.
5. Be patient: For some buyers, this is great time of year to look at homes, but for others, it is not ideal. So stay positive!
Read 5 More Tips for Selling Your Home During the Winter Season.
CG Shepherd Realty LLC hopes that you are enjoying the New Year and the opportunity that it holds for potential buyers.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Mon, Aug 22, 2011 @ 01:32 PM
When you're selling homes in Grantham NH, sometimes it’s difficult to know how much to do to prepare your home for a showing. You want your home to show well, but many times, showings can be on short notice and you don’t have a lot of time to prepare.
Here are 10 quick and easy ways to prepare for a showing:
1. Mini mop ups: sweep smooth floor surfaces and use a damp cloth or sponge to spot clean
2. Dust the furniture: wipe down the furniture, TV screens, and computer monitors
3. Clean off counters: Clean and clear clutter off all counters as much as possible
4. Make beds: make sure all the beds are made and consider updating worn covers
5. Empty garbage cans: all of them, and disinfect them once a week to reduce odors
6. Vacuum carpets: go once over carpets concentrating on entryway and living room
7. Lights on: turn on lights and open blinds and drapes
8. Load the dishwasher: Clear dirty dishes out of the sink and into the dishwasher*
9. Load the washer and dryer: put clothes in the hamper or washer and dryer*
10. Pick up every room: Work backwards from the entry into the house, picking up the floor
* Don’t start the dishwasher, washer, or dryer so that it’s running during the showing.
(Trulia Staff.10 Ways to Prepare For a Showing. 14 October 2009. http://www.trulia.com/guide/home_selling/increase_your_homes_value/10_ways_to_prepare_for_a_showing/)
If you don’t have time for everything, start with the most important, and most 
noticeable, first. The more of this cleaning you can maintain throughout the week when you have a little time to spare, the less time it will take to prepare the day of a showing. Also, the more hands you have at work, the faster it will go, so get the rest of your household involved.
Remember, it’s okay for your home to look “lived-in”, but you don’t want to cover up the wonderful features of your home. Use these quick tips to let your home shine through and catch the eye of buyers. Contact CG Shepherd Realty for more tips and tricks to prepare for a showing on short notice when selling homes in Grantham, NH.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley, Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region buying and selling needs.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Sat, Jan 29, 2011 @ 08:38 AM
In today's real estate market, it is more important than ever to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Whether they are viewing photos or personally walking through your home for a showing or open house, buyers are looking at your home with a critical eye, comparing it to dozens of others on the market. To get your home sold, you must prepare your home to undergo this critique and come out on top.
We like to call the process "staging". For most homes, it only requires some small cosmetic changes that you can easily do yourself. For more information about what staging is and how it can be accomplished, visit: http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/staging/.
There are many resources available to help you stage your home. Some people watch TV programs such as "Designed to Sell". Others search the Web to find articles such as these: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090109_clutterfree.htm. Either way, there are plenty of ideas and tips for staging available. Some can be expensive, while others just take a little time and effort.
My one quick tip for staging that won't cost you a penny is to "get rid of the eyes". In other words, remove some of your personal items from view, such as family photos. Then buyers can walk into the house envisioning how their own personal touches could make this their home instead of yours.
I encourage you to take a little time to research home staging strategies that will work for you and your home, and discuss them with your real estate professional.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Eastman is the place to live in New Hampshire! Eastman is located in Grantham, a bedroom community to Hanover, which is part of the thriving Upper Valley and is a top-rated place to live. Eastman residents enjoy golf, cross-country skiing, tennis and many other great amenities. Eastman has homes and land for sale, along with great and affordable rentals. For more information, including our free packet about Eastman, visit www.sheprealty.com or email info@sheprealty.com. Join our efforts to go green by requesting a PDF form of our information packet to save on paper!
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 @ 04:32 PM
An important part of positively showcasing your home for potential buyers is finding and enhancing your home’s focal point. Does your home have an extensive great room or an open-concept kitchen? It’s important to accentuate the focal point of your home in a tasteful manner that is not too personalized. Choosing universally popular colors, such as earth-tone kitchen flooring, is a better idea than designing specifically for your own tastes. Earth tones are a smart idea because they not only look stylish, but they also won’t show every speck of dirt!
It is also important to remove personal decorations, especially knick-knacks. Potential buyers aren’t there to see the home you’ve put together, they’re looking for the house they can make into their own home. Personal photographs may not allow buyers to visualize your home as their future home, so try to keep up impersonal paintings instead.
Finally, make sure your entire home is uncluttered and organized, including closets, cupboards and other storage areas. Buyers are going to explore every nook and cranny before they decide to buy your home. It’s better if they can see all of the available space instead of what you keep in that space.
Make sure you keep your home aesthetically pleasing and hopefully soon you’ll be moving out!
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Jan 11, 2011 @ 02:33 PM
5 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Winter Season
1. Decorate simply without clutter.
When a buyer is viewing a home, they are not looking at your home, but instead at their possible future home. With less clutter and personal décor, buyers are able to see the potential a home has.
2. Don’t take your home off the market for the season!
It may seem like the market is slowing and others are removing their listings, but the market is still alive! During the winter season, there are more buyers motivated to close within 60 days. Some of the benefits include low interest rates, so the buyers who are looking are serious and pose great opportunities. Don’t miss out on the sale just because the market looks slow.
3. Sensory staging can be enticing.
Light, fresh fragrances are universally comforting. With the dreary winter weather, a warm, well-lit home with inviting aromas can really lift spirits.
4. Provide small, unknown warnings.
Simple kindness such as a “Watch Your Step” sign on the steep basement stairs will seem thoughtful to a buyer. Even signs such as “Please Remove Your Shoes” will give an idea of cleanliness without you having to make such requests.
5. Keep walkways and driveways clear.
The winter weather can bring ice and snow, so make sure any outdoor paths or driveways where buyers will be walking remain clear and safe.