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The Windham real estate market in the first half of 2010 almost made me think I was having a flashback of the good old days, say in 2005. Over all, there were 112 homes and condominium sold in Windham during the first 6 months of 2010 compared to 63 sales in the same period of 2009. This is a jump of over 77.8% this year as compared to last year. The average sales price of homes and condominiums dropped 5.97% from $390,540 to $373,615 during the same period of comparison.

The upsurge in demand locally has been driven by the return of buyers in the all important $400,000 to $600,000 price range, where much of the Windham market inventory exists. Last year the market was all about first time buyers and the Windham market suffered as a result. What a difference a year can make! One of the most encouraging signs in this market segment has been the return of the relocation buyer which is an indication that large corporations have the confidence to start relocating employees.

In the first half of 2010, 91 single family homes sold in Windham, with 38 in the $400,000 to $600,000 price range. This segment represents over 40% of the market activity so far this year. Over 58 sales or over 60% of single family sales were in the $300,000 to $600,000 price range. If there is a weakness in the Windham market it is in the $700,000 plus range. Only one home, a waterfront property on Canobie Lake, sold for over $700,000 during the first half of 2010. This matched 2009 when there had been only one sale over $700,000 before June 30th. By the end of 2009, 6 homes over $700,000 had closed, many of which were waterfront properties on Cobbett’s Pond. In my past experience, the upper range sales usually are more prevalent in the last half of the year.

This compares to the first half of 2009 when 55 single family homes sold in Windham with 22 in the $400,000 and $600,000 price range. In 2009, 34 sales were in the $300,000 to $600,000 price range.

The Windham condominium market has also seen an upsurge in 2010. There were 21 condominium sales in the first 6 months of 2010 as compared to only 8 during the same period of 2009.

So how does all of this compare to the nostalgic days of 2005? Well in the first six months of 2005, 141 homes and condominiums sold in Windham. That was a decrease from 2004 when 163 homes and condominiums sold during the same period. The average selling price for homes and condominiums in 2005 was $420,822 which was a 6.7% increase over the $386,488 average sale price for the same period in 2004.

One thing missing so far this year in the Windham market were bank owned sales. There were very few homes sold in Windham that were bank owned. This may not be the case in the future. It was reported in the Eagle Tribune, that Cathy Stacey, the registrar of Deeds, has seen a surge of foreclosures, up 32% in Rockingham County, in the first half of 2010. Most of these will translate into bank owned inventory in the future.

So what is ahead for the Windham real estate market? Nationwide the National Association of REALTORS is reporting that pending home sales dropped 30% in May nationally and 31.6% in the northeast. Currently, there are 40 homes pending in Windham. What will happen to the market in Windham for the rest of 2010? No one can predict the future but the past six months show a housing market that is returning to normal. Being a real estate professional, I now have to give you the obligatory admonishment that now is the time to buy or sell a home. Rather than being self serving though, this just may be good advice for both buyers and sellers. If you are a buyer, sure you missed the government handout, I mean tax credit, but you may gain that back in better pricing as the surge of first time and trade-up buyers fade. You also have an opportunity to lock in an interest rate, in the unheard of 4% range, but don’t hesitate, because rates don’t always just go down. Once upon a time, not so long ago, 8% was considered a great mortgage rate because they had dropped from 17%. For sellers, the advice is always the same, pricing is the key, and you have to price your home like it has to be sold in 90 days or less. You never know what lies ahead for the economy, what competing property will come onto the market that will upstage your home or what will happen in the local real estate market.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Granite State South Board of REALTORS, Inc. Neither the board or its M.L.S. guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its M.L.S. may not reflect all activity in the market. Sales of Windham Homes and Condominiums from 01-01-2010 to 06-30-2010

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  7 Tips for Improving Your Credit

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  7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

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Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Buckland $389,900

If you haven’t taken the time to check out Spruce Pond Estates, you are missing one of the best opportunities to own a new home in southern New Hampshire. Where else can you find a new home in Windham NH starting at just $389,900?

The homes on Buckland Road have been a popular choice for buyers who have been priced out of Windham in the past. Currently there is one house available for a quick close or you can choose one of the other beautiful lots to build a home that exactly meets your needs. Don’t hesitate too long though because 10 homes have been sold or are pending in Spruce Pond Estates in 2010 and there has been one price increase.

The experienced builders at H&B Homes have been constructing homes in southern New Hampshire for over 30 years.  Past developements include, Braxton Woods, Nottingham, Carr Hill, Hadleigh Woods and others.

The Morrison starts at $464,900

The Morrison model which is currently offered at $464,900 has been a popular choice at Spruce Pond. Buyers are attracted to the spacious floorplan, the family room in the back of the house right off the kitchen and the three car garage.

H&B Homes team will work with you in building a home that specifically meets your needs. Homes with in-law apartment and first floor master bedrooms are available.

Of course, Spruce Pond Estates has easy access to Interstate 93 and the greater Boston area.

To start off 2010 Prudential Dinsmore Associates has decided to offer our web site users a valuable new tool. Buyers and Sellers can now search southern New Hampshire sold home prices. This is a comprehensive search of all sales reported in Multiple Listing. In the dark ages of real estate, consumers had very little direct access to the information they needed to make informed decisions. Today, Prudential Dinsmore Associates is making this information available to you for free. You can now use this site to search for New Hampshire sold home prices by town, price range, and even street. This will allow you to do a quick check of what homes are selling for in your town or neighborhood.

Keep in mind that home pricing is based on many factors. It is important to have all the details about a sale including condition of the property, location factors and market conditions that affect value. This is where Prudential Dnsmore Associates can help you!  No matter whether you are buying or selling a home in southern New Hampshire, you need a real estate professional who knows the local real estate market inside and out.  When one of their agents is representing you they can prepare a market value report for you. This will provide you with all the information you need to understand current home pricing in southern NH. 

They would be glad to answer a question or have a sales professional to contact you a

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Sold New Hampshire Waterfront: 28 Horseshoe Road, Windham, on Cobbett's Pond

The selling season on Cobbett’s Pond in Windham was one of the best in recent memory. The fact that this beautiful lake is within easy reach of I-93 and Boston has made Cobbetts a very desirable waterfront address.

Many waterfront homes changed  hands, including Prudential Dinsmore Associates, REALTOR’S listings at 28 Horseshoe Road and 16 North Shore Road. Both of these homes sold in a very short period of time indicating excellent demand exists for waterfront property on the lake. 28 Horseshoe Road was listed by Debbie St Jean and sold by Eliane Unsworth both with Prudential Dinsmore Associates.

28 Horseshoe Road closed for $1,250,000 and 16 North Shore Road closed for $815,0000.

Kristie Dinsmore of Prudential Dinsmore Associates also represented the buyers in the purchase of a single family detached condominium at Heron Cove which sold for $540,000.  Debbie St. Jean at Prudential Dinsmore Associates also worked with the buyers of 9 Grove Street which was a bank owned waterfront cottage which sold in March for $265,000.

There were also several private sales on the lake. 28 Ash Street was a waterfront contemporary which sold for $745,000 and 21 Rocky Ridge Road sold for $457,500 according to public records. 17 Armstrong Road, a year round waterfront cottage,  also sold privately for $280,000 according to public records. Currently (11/4/2009) there are two more homes pending on the lake.

The inventory in Windham on Cobbett’s Pond is still dynamic and varied. These two listings, Cobbett’s Pond waterfront and water access, give you an idea of the variety still avialable:

MLS# 2777196 - Windham 2-Bedroom - Cobbett's Pond Water Access This charming, reasonably priced Windham home has 2 bedrooms, a Boat Mooring, a wood fireplace, and 50′ of private water access for under $350K.

Windham NH Real Estate - Cobbetts' Pond Waterfront “Waterfront elegance with 114 feet of lake frontage on Cobbetts Pond” This spectacular property has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, custom kitchen,  and the “Luxurious master bedroom suite features spa bath with lake views” for less than $1M.

The extension and expansion of the home-buyer tax credit is good news for buyers, sellers and REALTORS in southern New Hampshire. The federal government hopes that the extension will have a positive effect on the real estate market. The first time tax credit had a big impact on the lower end of the market in southern New Hampshire towns like Derry, Salem and Londonderry. The expansion of the credit to move up buyers means that the upper end of the market should benefit, especially in a town like Windham NH with higher priced homes.  At one point in October there was only two home available for sale in the $200,000 to $275,000 range in Windham. The inventory was depleted as a result of first-time buyers rushing to put homes under agreement before the November 30th deadline. Now all buyers have a chance to benefit from the program. This should help with the inventory of higher priced homes in town. Here are the details:

The time limit for the program has been extended. You must have a home placed under agreement before April 30, 2010. The closing on the property must take place before June 30, 2010. First time buyers will still qualify for up to $8,000. Income limits have been raised so that single buyers can earn up to $125,000 and still get the full credit while a married couple can earn $225,000. A FIRST TIME BUYER MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK! Under the program, you are a first time buyer if you have not owned a home during the last three years.

Now, buyers that want to trade up can also qualify. Those who have owned and occupied a residence for the at least five of the past eight years can claim a $6,5000 tax credit if they close on a purchase before the end of June.  Also, this program does not require you to pay the money back to the government as earlier versions did. Prudential Dinsmore Associates, REALTORS are not accountants or tax advisors and if you plan to participate in the program we urge you to consult with a tax planning professional before you purchase a home. Here is the IRS link to the program information.

If you want to explore your options, why not contact Prudential Dinsmore Associates, REALTORS today.

Cemetery W A L K

The friends of the Windham NH Historic Commission will be hosting a cemetery walk to benefit Searles School and Chapel on October 11th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Local residents will play the roles of those buried beneath the ground. Among those portrayed will be David Greg who was killed by Indians near Golden Brook in 1740 when he was just nine years old. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children under 18. Why not come and find out who lays slumbering in the dust in the Cemetery on the Plain in Windham NH.

Gravestone EPITAPHS

For those of you who plan upon your death to have your body placed in the cold, still, earth rather than the more free spirited spreading of ashes, the question becomes how will you mark your grave? Today people have their faces and their Harley’s etched on their head stones.  In the past, the historic stones have reflected the inevitability of death and how best to approach it.

    Many years ago, before I was married, my wife and her cousin Sue Alosky stopped by my house after they had just walked through the “old” Cemetery on the Plain. They recited the following epitaph to me.  

“As you pass by remember me, As you are now so once was I, As I am now so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me.”

 A few weeks ago, my wife and I walked through the “old” cemetery again and found the stone and the epitaph. This particular verse is very popular and is found on several grave stones in town.  We also noticed that many of the stones are becoming very difficult to read which is sad because they have stories to tell. Take the stone of Hannah Campbell who died in March of 1789. On the stone with her are the names of four of her children who died before the age of four and of another infant who was still born. Her epitaph reads:

 “Tis God that lifts our comforts high, Or sinks them in the grave, He gives and blessed be his name, He takes but what he gave.”

The epitaph on the stone of Lieutenant Jeremiah Hills sums up the eternal question;  Why am I here, what is the meaning of life, is there a God and if there is a God am I a part of an eternal future beyond death. People who live to find out often leave with more questions than answers. Lieutenant Hills epitaph: 

Tis a point I long to know, Oft it causes anxious thought, Do I love the Lord or no, Am I his or not?”

Many of the stones reflect the belief in the resurrection of the body. Jennet Park who died at 81 in 1830’s has on her grave,:

 “These ashes poor, this little dust, Our father care shall keep, Till the last angel rise and break the long and dreary sleep.”

 Mary Meeker who died in March of 1836 at the age of 19 indicated that her spirit will be in heaven to be rejoined later by her body:

“Let all who now behold me here, be faithful till the Lord appears, Farewell dear friends, a short farewell, Till we shall meet again above, I go from you to heaven to dwell, To realize a Saviors love. Though friends and kindred weep around, my body slumbers in the ground, Till the last trumpet shall bid it rise, To meet the Savior in the sky.”

 Nancy, the wife of Isaac Cochran, who died in 1826 has a stone that states:

“From husband torn for friends and family dear, At life’s bright moon of death laid her body here, So let it rest from joys and sorrows driven, Till Christ shall call her sleeping dust to heaven.”

Deacon Samuel Morrison who died in 1816 at 69 has an epitaph that reads:

“Forgive, blest shade, the tributary tear that mourns thy exit from a world like this, Forgive the wish that  would have kept  thee here, And stayed thy progress to the seats of bliss”

NEW DATE!!!!! So see you on October 11th…there is no telling what you might find among the stones.

Big Island Pond is a 532 acre lake located in the towns of Derry, Hampstead and Atkinson New Hampshire.The lake has a long and varied history going back to the aboriginal peoples and the possible settlement nearby of Irish Culdee monks over 1,000 years ago. Chief Escumbuit’s life from 1665-1727 intertwines with the history of the Big Island Pond. Into the twentieth century there was even a brothel located near the pond called “Laverne’s Place.” All of the interesting history is available in the book “Legends of the Pond, Stories of Big Island Pond, Atkinson, Derry and Hampstead”  by Alfred E. Kayworth. Mr. Kayworth’s book gives a fascinating look at the pond and the people who have lived nearby.

One interesting character on the pond was George Eli Whitney.  “Derry from Turnpike to Interstate,’ says that  ”For nearly fifty years a steamboat provided enjoyable trips on its waters. It was unique in that the man who built the boat in 1900 operated It for forty eight summers. He was George Eli Whitney, a descendant of Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin. No Sunday school picnic or family reunion at the pond was complete without a ride on Whitney’s steamboat. At a certain point along the way, in a shaded cove, Whitney always stopped the craft for a few minutes while he related a fanciful tale about pirates. Adults might smile, but the children listened eagerly.”  According to Hayworth the boats name was the “Ida F.” Whitney built steam yachts and launches in Boston. He designed and built a small steam engine for automobiles for the Mason Regulator Company. It was one of the first production engines for automobiles. Soon after Whitney was building steam automobiles of his own design. Whitney was an early resident of Big Island Pond and lived at what is stilled remembered as Whitney’s Grove.

Today, I wanted to share with you to beautiful old photographs of Conley’s Grove on Big Island Pond. These photographs were identified by the original photographer as “Westville, N.H. which was the mailing address for Atkinson at the time.   Conley’s Grove and pavillion were both located in Atkinson,  New Hampshire. Hayworth says that, “By the end of the Roaring Twenties people began to explore the world beyond the ethnice neighborhoods of the city. As more and more people bought automobiles, the unerringly headed for the seashore and the country in their time off. The “Big Band” era was in full swing and the dance halls located at lakes and ponds were a strong draw for city-bound people. Big Island Pond features two dance halls; one was built on the shore at Conley’s Grove and the one at Chases Grove is still active. Working class people were able to afford the cost of a mass produced automobile and people were no longer limited to electric trolleys. Big Island Pond with its scenic beauty and its dance halls became a big draw.”  The cottages pictured at left were owned by Elsie Lippold. The descendants of the Lippold family still live in Conley’s Grove today.

Big Island Pond is a beautiful lake with a beautiful shoreline and water depths that reach up to 70 feet. Governor’s Island is “the big island” in the middle of the lake for which the name is derived. If you want more information about real estate for sale on Big Island Pond please follow this link.

On one of the signs at the front of the pavilion is the name “Jack Mills ___ Orch.”  Jack Mills Company represented many orchestras in the twenties including Duke Ellington. Another sign on a tree advertises “Bathing suits and boats to let.”

Cobbett’s Pond, in Windham New Hampshire, has experienced a dramatic transformation over the past twenty years. The summer cottages and seasonal lifestyle have been totally replaced by upscale homes with year round residents.  

My great-grandfather’s farm ran to the shore of Cobbetts Pond in Windham and my grandfather rented summer cottages along the shore. I grew up on Cobbetts and still live there today. The changes that are taking place along the shoreline are simply amazing to me.  The old summer cottages are being replaced by luxurious waterfront homes and the recession has had little impact on the pace of change.

A little history first: Cobbett’s Pond was named for the Reverend Thomas Cobbet, a minister from Lynn and Ipswich, Massachusetts who received a grant of 500 acres on its northern shore in 1662. The first summer cottage was built in 1886. From then until the 1970′s the pond remained largely a summer community with public beaches, a dance hall over the water and a thriving summer theater nearby. When I grew up on Cobbetts most of the residents disappeared after Labor Day. There were a smattering of year round residents but all my lake buddies were gone in the fall.

All that began to change in the eighties when a few cottages were demolished to make way for modest year round homes. The real change occurred in the early 1990′s. Prudential Dinsmore Associates sold 3 waterfront lots on the “big pond” that had remained vacant for years.  The prices in the $225,000 to $250,000 range raised the bar at that time. At that same time, we also sold quite a few summer cottages in the $300,000-$350,000 range which were torn down for new upscale homes. This was the beginning of the changes on the lake. Today, it seems that a cottage is being torn down every time you go out in your boat being replaced by a lavish new home. 

The increased desirabilty of the town of Windham has raised the cache of Cobbetts. The main appeal is that you can enjoy waterfront living close to work. If you are going to make a large investment it is nice to know you can enjoy your lake house each and every day without having to travel two hours to the north. Many business owners and professionals from southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts call the lake home. A good many of the new homes are being built by Windham residents who want to stay in town but want to live on the water. Of course Boston is a straight shot down Interstate 93, less than 35 miles to the south.

The market for waterfront property on Cobbetts remains strong in spite of the current downturn. Waterfront properties that are priced correctly are selling to the pool of buyers who want to be on the lake.  

Imagine enjoying your ”front” yard by the water as the warm sun rises over the lake while a Great Blue Heron flys by, low over the water.  Savour the drive home from work, turn onto your narrow road, knowing the day is done, and walk barefoot to a lakeside patio to enjoy the an evening cocktail. That is until the kids start begging to go tubing or water skiing. There is a firework display over the water on the fourth of July. Even the winter is enjoyable watching the carnival of ice fishermen, skaters and snowmobilers. This is lakeside living at its best and it all can be yours.

Cobbetts Pond is a 302 acre spring fed lake with an average depth of about 30 feet and with 50 feet being it’s deepest. The “Big Pond” and the “Little Pond” are divided in the middle by the “Narrows” giving the outline the lake an hour glass shape. There is a seperate village district that taxes for lake improvements and water quality initiatives. All waterfront construction is governed by local Windham zoning laws and the state of New Hampshire Shoreline Protection Act.  More information about waterfront living in southern New Hampshire here. 

Overlooking the “Narrows” this exquisitely appointed residence offers crown moldings, hand-crafted cabinetry and designer fixtures. Incredible custom kitchen features granite and opens to the great-room which offers panoramic lake views. Luxurious master bedroom suite with fireplace an spa bath overlooking the water. Over 6,000 Sq.ft with ten rooms. 3 car attached garage plus a 3 car carriage house with an unfinished bonus room above. A unique lot with over 100 feet of frontage and offering beautiful views and sunsets.  Offered at $1,395,000. Click here for full details and more pictures.

Waterfront elegance can be enjoyed in this beautiful custom home. 114 feet of lake frontage allows you to enjoy sweeping lake views. Impressive entry with leaded glass doors and handsome wood and cast iron staircase design.  Designer kitchen with granite counters. Beautiful master suite and attached two car garage. Offered at $1,150,000. Click here for full details and more pictures.

BUILDING LOT WITH ALL APPROVALS ON COBBETT”S POND.  $349,900 CALL OR E-MAIL FOR FULL DETAILS

See all of the current homes for sale on Cobbetts Pond in Windham NH.