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Nicole Watkins

Find your lakes region dream home

Information For Sellers

Why Moultonborough Toy Box Owners Buy and Love Toy Box - Open Houses this Weekend April 27th and 28th 1-5 PM

Open Houses at 11 Redding Lane Moultonborough - 1:00-5:00 PM  Saturday and Sunday - April 27th and April 28th.  

Please call me at 603-707-7575 when you are 5 minutes away so that I meet you at the gate.


Since the pandemic, cost of land in our beautiful Lakes Region rose sharply, sold quickly, and became scarce. Non-waterfront esidential lots, in towns such as Gilford, doubled in one year. Even some Winnipesaukee multi-million dollar homes doubled in selling price in one year.

Waterfront owners and second home owners began spending much more of their year in our area. The need for climate controlled space that was an extension of their home for luxury collectibles, boat paraphernalia, race cars, RV's and the like became necessary.

Here’s the thought process some Lakes Region home owners went through deciding whether to buy or build.

First their requirements for the space:

Many of the buyers have homes within 3 miles of Winni Toy Box, right on the water in Moultonborough, so they were looking for buildable space that Shoreland development restrictions prevent on existing parcels.

These were common requirements:
10 minutes or less from their home
Interior uses:
Storage for car
General storage
Mezzanine – office, entertainment, etc.

Building the space
Initially many thought they should build so they looked at land parcels in Moultonborough within the distance required.



Location – They did find locations suitable to build.  The price for property was at minimum somewhere in $150,000 range. Several were tear downs.
Site prep cost whether empty lot or tear was in the $40,000 range
Design, permitting and architecture cost in the range of $35,000.
Finding a General Contractor they'd have confidence in meant a nine months to a year before they could start.  That means a 18-24 month wait until it was built.
Construction cost looked like $200,000 – 250,000 for 1,000 SF.
Then they asked themselves how much of their time would have to be committed over the 18–24 month time frame.  They estimated 300-400 hours.  A decent amount of time to commit.
Overall, somewhere in the $450,000+ range, with extensive work, and 18+ months off.  And then there’s the consideration of resale.  They believed an association of owners at a centralized commercial location, directly abutting residential properties, would command a higher resale.  So they looked at Toy Box.

Toy Box:
Experience building this type of facility – 3rd Toy Box of steadily increasing quality, not including the Laconia Municipal Airport Hangars, which this builder also built.
Quality. They already knew the quality from looking at other Toy Box developments by this builder.
Ease of maintenance.
Small Community of 13 units.
Very low Moultonborough taxes.
High efficiency heating and cooling.
Floor – set up for stacked car storage.
Move in ready.

Security:
Gate, Cameras, American Alarm
Personal considerations: They like being in a community.

In the words of one buyer client, who enjoyed watching the entire building process, Toy Box is "Above Expectations." At Toy Box, the joy the owners exude is apparent whenever you visit Moultonborough Toy Box! Check out the Moultonborough Toy Box Listing Details Page.

#LuxuryStrorage #Winnipesaukee #NewHamopshireRealEstateAgent #Moultonborough

Wishing you Bright New Paths and Continued Treasured Memories in the Wake of the Solar Eclipse.

From One of the Best Places to Live in New Hampshire and the U.S. 

Yesterday, on the day of total solar eclipse in history, we were reminded that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. The eclipse passed through many large cities and is considered the most watched solar eclipse in history. It was a powerful day to reflect and appreciate the people in your community. It was a powerful day to reflect on beginnings, changes, and where you have traveled. While Meredith, New Hampshire is becoming one of the more desirable lakeside resort towns in the U.S., those of us who have been in Meredith, or the surrounding Belknap County, for many years, love it, not only for recent exciting changes, but for the many ways that it hasn't changed.

Meredith has many quaint shops and spas on Lake Winnipesaukee, such as Lady of the Lake, Innis Free BookShop, and the Inns at Mills Fall and Church Landing. Lake and mountain views from many of the Inns guest rooms bring travelers to our Lakes Region year round.  Having 72 square miles of often awe-inspiring waterfront, Winnipesaukee is not like any other lake.  The beauty of the light reflecting off the breadth of the lake inspired the native Americans who lived here to name it "Winnipesaukee"...meaning  "The Smile of the Great Spirit." The NH DES and Non profit organizations such as NH Lakes and the Lake Winnipesaukee Association work to educate the public on lake-friendly practices to keep our lakes healthy. Festive holiday charity events at Church Landing sparkle with friendly smiles and the good will of friends and acquaintances. With the magnificent nature surrounding us, we are thrilled to live here. The abundant beauty we enjoy brings the best part of us forward.  Frequently after I've sold a property on Lake Winnipesaukee, the buyer will tell me that they left their job to do a consulting version of the job or to take on a less stressful and time-consuming job.  The life experience of the Lakes Region is truly transformative. 

As residents we feel that local businesses often seem like extensions of our family. Often being small and owner managed, the businesses around Lake Winnipesaukee are run with sensitivity to the nuances of life in the town.  Whether you are at the Meredith Library or a cafe on Main Street, many of the people you meet can't engage with you without instinctively trying to make your day better.

Some of the Inter-Lakes teachers at the schools teaching our children today were our teachers when we were school age. If we see them on the street they still remember our names and we remember some our most inspiring moments with them. The warmth and joy that they took in our learning is something that our own children have been able to experience in the Inter-Lakes School system. Some of our local residents who volunteered to choreograph the high school musicals decades ago still work with grade school children on story projects. We are intertwined in the best sense of the word in our small, but beautiful and big-hearted community.  I'm especially thankful this week to live in our community.  As move beyond the day of the historic total solar eclipse, I wish everyone a joyous new chapter in their lives.

Lake Winnipesaukee Market Snapshot from 4/27/2019 to 4/27/2021

Curious about the Latest News in the Hot Winnipesaukee Real Estate market?

Last spring there was a time period where we expected the real estate market might slow down because of the pandemic.  Do you remember those days? In fact, just the opposite happened. 

Please see attached a market snapshot showing a breakdown of Lake Winnipesaukee single family sales in the past 2 years.

The average list price increase year over year was 11%.

The average selling price increase year over year was 15% 

Please see this Winnipesaukee Market Snapshot to review the listing and selling prices in the individual towns.

These statistics are drawn from the Northern New England Real Estate Network for single family residential properties from 4/27/2019-4/27/2020 and from 4/27/2020-4/27/2021. The information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Antique Boat on Winnipesaukee

With lumber prices expected to continue to rise, the cost of real estate is not likely to go down any time soon.  CNN Business posted the following May 5 article by Matt Egan: "New Homes Cost $36,000 More Because of an Epic Shortage of Lumber." The full article is     https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/business/lumber-prices-home-building-costs/index.html.  You can follow him @MattEganCNN

Please email me with any questions about the Lake Winnipesaukee or Lakes Region NH real estate market. I can be reached at nicole@nicolewatkins.com. Or call me at (603) 707-7575.

#Winnipesaukee #WinnipesaukeeMarketStatistics #LakeWinnipesaukee #NicoleWatkinsNH #Waterfrontrealtor

Moultonborough and Meredith NH Winnipesaukee December 2020 Waterfront Statistics

West Side of Lake Winnipesaukee in NH

The desirability of the west side of Winnipesaukee is apparent in this photo of the waterfront by Lagos Restaurant and The Inn at Bay Point.

The desirability of this side of the lake is also apparent when looking at a snapshot of the Lake Winnipesaukee Moultonborough and Meredith December Statistics.

The low inventory on Lake Winnipesaukee is at a record level. It is hard to believe the numbers.

Lake properties have even sold, sight unseen, above listing price, with the inspections waived. It is not a market I would have believed if I was not in it myself.

*As of December 8, 2020 there were only 5 (five) Moultonborough residential properties with owned Winnipesaukee waterfront. Moultonborough has more waterfront than any other town on the lake so its stark inventory is staggering.

The average number of "Days on Market" for these Moultonborough listings as of December 8 was only fifty-eight (58). The high number of “Days on Market” was one hundred and forty-nine (149). The low number of "Days on Market" for these listings was 17 (seventeen).

Moultonborough and Meredith often share a similar pool of buyers as they are abutting towns. As of December 8, 2020 there were only 2 (two) active Meredith residential properties with owned Winnipesaukee waterfront. The high number of “Days on Market” was 97 (ninety seven). The low number of “Days on Market” was 12 (twelve). Both average and median number of “Days on Market” for these listings was 54.

It will be interesting to see in if the listing trend is up or down in January 2021!

*Statistcs drawn from the Northern New England Real Estate Network for the towns of Moultonborough and Meredith, respectively, for residential properties with owned Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront.

#homebuyer  #mountainview #BerkshireHathawayHomeServices #BerkshireHathaway#lakewinnipesaukee #evening #eveningsky#nhrealestate #lakesofinstagram #december #nhrealtor #waterfrontrealtor #december2020 #meredith #nicolewatkinsnh#meredithbaynh #meredithbay #lakesregionnh #docks 

Tips from Dan Coons of ILEX Wetlands Consultants on Helping the Wild Pollinators Crucial to our Food Chain.

It is estimated that one third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination mainly by bees, although additionally by other insects, birds and bats.  

In the building boom we are currently seeing, and likely to see more of with the low mortgage rates, it is also important to consider the environment that is altered during the construction process.

Below this photo are some tips from Dan Coons of ILEX Wetlands Consultants on creating a bee friendly environment.

For the general do-it-yourself gardener, this will probably help:

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/gardening.shtml 

A little more specific info on plants to consider was found below

 https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/pollinator-garden-design-for-bees/9144.html

a source of pre-packaged seeds

https://www.seedsavers.org/collection-pollinator-garden  

We have shrubs around our house that different species of bees just love. Azaleas and rhododendrons are frequented by bumblebees, the bridalwreath is another favorite, roses, milkweed. Anything with flowers, and the more colors the better. Also, species that bloom at different times of the year.

If you'd like to hire a consultant to help you understand how to work with your land and wetlands, there are many local experts in our community.  For wetlands advice and tree mapping especially, please contact Dan Coons at: Dan.Coons@ILEXwetlands.com 603.520.8533 P.O, Box 2185 Wolfeboro NH, 03894.

If you are interested in helping the birds and the bees, you should also check out this website for bird-friendly coffee: Birds and Beans (https://birdsandbeanscoffee.com/our-mission). #shadegrowncoffeecertification. 

While it is still winter, it feels as though a Happy Spring is right around the corner.  Enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

What's Your Dream Winnipesaukee Adventure? Make it Happen in 2019.

Fall in New England brings some of the best weather for enjoying the outdoors!

Setting out for a Winnipesaukee Sunset Cruise in the Mastercraft.

I hope this Winnipesaukee Adventure Video motivates you to enjoy whatever fabulous New Hampshire outdoor activities you like best!

Seize the day!

Setting off for the Tamworth Motorsports Club in a Ford GTE

Are you looking for a golf course? Canoe, boat, or water-ski rentals? 

Canoeing by 144 Veasey Shore Road Meredith NH

Remember the local Meredith, Center-Harbor, and Moultonborough area businesses below these photos!

canoeing by 144 Veasey Shore Road's Winnipesaukee Shoreline in a Winni Lifestyle Video.

Lemongrass Restaurant and Sake Bar  Meredith MarinaShep Brown's Boat Basin, a Goodhue Boat Company,
WaukewanGolfCourse
WildMeadowPaddleSportsCanoeandKayakRentals...

An Introduction to Jen McCall of Harbor One Mortgage

A high level expertise as well as a high level of personal attention to clients are valuable attributes I rely on in my circle of local professionals. As a real estate agent, I rely on people in connected fields to help my clients realize their New Hampshire real estate purchases.

I first worked with Jen McCall over 13 years ago when she ran the marketing for a real estate company where I was a real estate agent.  She has been a reliable source for some of my real estate clients seeking mortgages. Her attention to detail and genuine interest in her client's specific needs and wants help them find mortgages that are most suitable for them.

ABOUT JEN

  1. Experience matters! Jen has 13+ years of experience in the mortgage business.  She has seen countless regulation and guideline changes, and is well-equipped to guide her customers through the process using her experience to anticipate and avoid complications and snags along the way.
  2. There is no “one-size-fits-all” loan. Her absolute favorite part of her job is presenting various loan options to her customers and helping them to decide which is the right fit for them.
  3. Her personal yardstick for success is the satisfaction of her customers.  There’s nothing more satisfying to her than a customer who looks back on the process as quick and easy!
  4. Applying online or via her mobile app is quick and easy. Electronic communication is increasingly more common, and Jen has the tools to make it a snap from start to finish. However, she recognizes that everyone has a preference when it comes to communicating throughout the process, and she will utilize the methods you choose to communicate and keep you informed.
  5. “Bankers hours” are a thing of the past. She makes herself available to her customers both HOW they prefer and when.

When I asked Jen to highlight some points about Harbor One Mortgage she offered the following information.

ABOUT HARBORONE

  1. We are a direct lender with headquarters here in NH, but are owned by HarborOne Bank in MA. We are not a broker – which means we are the originator, underwriter, and lender. No middle man!
  2. We are a customer-first lender with a focus on making the mortgage process easier while delivering outstanding customer service.
  3. We offer loans for every need – from first-time buyers to jumbo loans and everything in between. We even offer portfolio loan options to accommodate certain unique properties or borrower profiles.
  4. We offer free pre-approvals. Especially in a market where inventory is low, and multiple offers are common, having a formal lender approval in-hand can be the difference between yours and a competing offer. Going beyond just a simple pre-qualification before you begin shopping for your next home can allow for a quicker closing, and provides peace of mind for both you and the sellers. There is absolutely no cost or obligation!
  5. Contact us for more information on mortgages or other real estate questions.

Additional Real Estate Related Information Available on my website www.NicoleWatkins.com

Not quite ready to ask specific questions or talk to a mortgage broker?

Are you still trying to get a frame of reference on the Lakes Region Real Estate Market?

An Outline of the New Hampshire Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, with ISA Master Arborist, Tim Berquist

 

Tim Bergquist,  an ISA Master Arborist and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist is a guest blogger and local expert.  His expertise with the Shoreland Protection Act is applied in his business practice.  In the below paragraphs, Berquist gives a basic outline of the New Hampshire Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, commonly referred to as the Shoreland Protection Act.

Berquist has a bachelors in environmental forest biology and over 28 years of experience in all aspects of arboriculture. He enjoys helping to educate those interested in regulations that protect our state's shorelands, one our most fragile and beautiful natural resources.

Meredith NH sunrise along Veasey Shore

The shoreland protection act was put in place in 1991 to establish the minimum standards for the use and development of land adjacent to the state’s public water bodies.

There were many changes applied over the following 20 years with the most recent changes occurring in 2011.

  • The shoreland buffer is the 250 feet adjacent to the state’s shoreline of the sea, large ponds, lakes, and large rivers.
  • It is measured from the reference line, a point near the shoreline from which the setback is determined.

The shoreland buffer includes (2) more restricted buffers, the natural woodland and waterfront buffer,

  • The waterfront buffer is the first 50’ along the shore,
  • The woodland buffer extends from the shore to 150’ and includes the waterfront buffer.

The woodland buffers purpose is to protect the quality of public waters by:

·         Minimizing erosion

·         Preventing siltation and turbidity

·         Stabilizing soils

·         Preventing excess nutrients and chemical pollution

·         Maintaining natural water temperatures and a healthy tree canopy and understory

·         Preserving fish and wildlife habitat and the overall natural condition of the protected shoreland

Loon near senter cove

It requires that on a given lot that 25% of the area from 50 feet to 150 feet shall be maintained as a natural woodland.

Tuftonboro NH natural shoreline

The waterfront buffer is highly restricted; it was put in place to protect the quality of public waters. It does, however, still allow homeowner discretion with regard to the following:

  • Access
  • Safety
  • View-scape maintenance
  • Lot design

Meredith NH Shoreline with lovely lawn leading to 2 decks and rocky shoreline

This discretion comes with prohibitions and limitations including:

  • The use and application of pesticides and fertilizers within the buffer, the setback can be extended to include the entire shoreland buffer in areas located near the water supply
  • The removal of rocks, stumps, trees and woody vegetation
  • Limitations on the pruning of trees and shrubs
  • The maintenance of the minimum quantity of points required by the act for each shoreline segment

As measured along the shoreline, the segments are 25’ wide parcels that extend inland to the 50’ setback.  They begin at the northerly or easterly boundary.

Each segment requires 25 points of vegetation, this vegetation can consist of tree, sapling, shrub and ground cover, but does not include a mowed lawn.

The points are determined by the diameter of the tree at 4.5 feet or the caliper of a tree measured at the height on nursery standards. A one inch diameter minimum is set for trees, ground cover and shrubs are measured by square feet.

Vegetation shall not be removed from any segment which fails to meet the minimum scoring but owners are encouraged to plant non-invasive vegetation to increase point scores.

This can aid in allowing future removal of vegetation as may become necessary while still meeting the point requirements.

Dead, diseased or unsafe trees or saplings shall not be included in scoring. 

Wolfeboro NH Shoreline

They can be removed even if the points fall below the minimum quantity if they pose a hazard to structures or have the potential to cause personal injury. I recommend consulting with a qualified arborist if you have a concern but are unsure how to proceed.

Normal trimming, pruning and thinning of branches necessary to maintain the health of the planted areas as well as to protect structures, maintain clearances and provide views is permitted as long as it does not endanger the health of the plant.

Meredith NH trees and shoreline

I recommend you include qualified professionals, contractors and consultants in any plan designs that you would like to implement within your shoreland property.

There are many limitations put in place by the shoreland protection act, all of which were put in place to preserve our beautiful shoreland and watershed.

 

cheetah boat ride

Feel free to continue to browse my site for valuable information about New Hampshire Lakes Region real estate and related topics.

Search 2018 town assessed versus selling prices for the Winnipesaukee shored towns. 

Search property for sale by lake or town in all Lakes Region Lakes and Towns

Search my listings.

Set up your own Lakes Region real estate search

or contact me with questions or to set up a search for you.

 

Rocco's Pick of the Week: Tuftonboro NH Open House on Labour Day

Rocco and his Best Friend Make 58 Eaglemere Road, a Winnipesaukee Waterfront Home in Tuftonboro,

Their Winnipesaukee Pick of the Week!

Visit Labour Day Weekend Open Houses

September 3rd and September 4th 10 AM - 12 PM

at 58 Eaglemere Road, Tuftonboro, NH.

Gunnison's prairie dogs of the U.S. and Mexico are said to have their own sophisticated language including adjectives, nouns, verbs, and all the nuances of lanugage. This is according to Dr. Slobodchikoff's videotaped studies as written in Temple Grandin's book, "Animals in Translation". It is surmised that the prairie dogs' language grew as a survival mechanism from many years of being prey.

Winnipesaukee dogs are considerably more coddled.  My dog, Rocco gets the cutest toys from WinniPaws boutique pet store in Wolfeboro, and need not worry about procuring his next meal, much less being someone's next meal.  The concept of being prey is foreign to him.  The concept of a boat ride to a beautiful property is his pinnacle of excitement.

Boating by by beautiful 58 Eaglemere Road is especially picturesque at sunset and, as pictured below, at Twilight, coincidentally referred to as the hour between wolf and dog.

 

(Learn more about this listing.)

 

Tuftonboro Nh Waterfront Home

Labour Day Weekend Open Houses at 58 Eaglemere Road in Tuftonboro NH are being held Saturday September 3rd and September 4th 10 AM-12PM

Contact Nicole Watkins with questions.

603.707-7575.

Rocoo boating by 58 Eagelmere, is inspired by its beauty.

While Rocco is clearly at his most philosophical and erudite self while boating by Winnipesaukee's 58 Eaglemere Road, we can not guarantee that all human beings will have such exceptional intuition and perception. If they are similarly inspired to be their best at this exceptional Winnipesaukee home, Rocco and I will attribute that to great taste! 

Ask Nicole about a luxury home design for 58 Eagelmere Road with a turreted home to match the turret of its distinctive boathouse.

 

The deck and breakwater at 58 Eagelmere have sunset views shared by the home.

Sunset August 2016 at 58 Eaglmere Road on Winnipesaukee. Listed by Nicole Watkins

Leaving the Turreted boathouse 58 Eagelmere Road in the Whaler August 2016.

Boating at sunset at Tuftonboro's Waterfront 58 Eagelmere has astounding views!Views of the Belknaps and Gunstock leaving 58 Eagelmere Road.
 
Leaving 58 Eaglemere, a Winnipesaukee waterfront home at sunset.Eagelmere's Turreted boathouse and the breakwater at twilight.
 
The twilight brings out the best in this Winnipesaukee Eagelmere property.
Read more about this unique Winnipesaukee property with stunning views and privacy, on earlier blogs on my website: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Just outside Wolfeboro, this is a property that offers the most desired elements of a Winnipesaukee property, including a sought-after location.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Open House at 64 Wagon Wheel Trail Meredith NH March 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th.

 

Twilight at 64 wagon Wheel Trail Includes Delightful Views across the Lake to Meredith Village. Twilight at 64 wagon Wheel Trail Includes
Delightful Views across the Lake to Meredith Village.

 

Sunset Skies, Quick Access to Many of the Best Amenities on Winnipesaukee, and Superior Construction!

Sunset Skies, Quick Access to Many of the Best Amenities on Winnipesaukee, and Superior Construction!

 

009-Twilight_Front_View-2130497-medium

Open House Friday March 4th through Monday March 7th 11-2 at 64 Wagon Wheel Trail Meredith, Contact Nicole Watkins for directions and details. Corporate office 603 253-7766 Direct cell (603) 707-7575

Berkshire Hathaway Verani Realty 60 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough NH 03254

Visit this custom home and see why Drouin Custom Home Builders LLC of Gilford NH are so in demand.

Contact Nicole watkins at 603-707-7575 for directions, details and to request and color brochure of this Meredith Winnipesaukee property.

64 Wagon Wheel Trail Listing Details.

64 Wagon Wheel Trail Video

 

Search all Meredith NH real estate.

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