Jan 23, 2018

New verse Existing

 

Always an interesting topic. What to considerbesides just the sqaure foot cost of a new home. How old is the exisitng house? Are there deferred maintaince concerns? What’s the area around the house? How about the appliances? Is it exactly what your looking for? These are just a few of the questions to ask, if you have an option maybe new construction is right for you.

for more information contact me at shane@cblifestylesre.com  or 603-252-6757

www.shanemacdonald.com

 

 

Aug 30, 2017

There's truth in numbers

We’ve all seen recent articles about Lebanon, NH and how it has become one of the finest towns in North America. A blend of employment, recreation, sense of community and diversity have all contributed to the focus on this Upper Valley town. Since 2009 the median price of a home in Lebanon has increased from $225,500 to $260,000 in 2017 and the percentage of home sold above $300,000 has also risen from 19% in 2009 to 33% in 2017. This is great news for both buyers and sellers.

 

for more information contact me at shane@cblifestylesre.com  or 603-252-6757

Facebook page www.facebook.com/bshanemacdonald

 

Aug 15, 2017

Is it worth waiting?

So you haven’t seen exactly what you’re looking for? Then wait.  I know as a first time buyer you may feel like you’re losing out, but it might be better to wait and take the risk of losing out on a home then get caught up in a competitive situation and have regrets. If you know what you want, prioritize them, and don’t make concessions on your top 5, but be realistic.

 

Shane MacDonald

CB Lifestyles

O: 603-643-9398

C: 603-252-6757

shane@cblifestylesre.com

 

Jun 19, 2017

There's no Substitute for Doing Your Homework

After several months of discussion and a couple years’ worth of upgrades these sellers hit the market on Wednesday, June 14th. At the end of the day on Sunday, June 18th we had 19 showings with 16 different buyers and two offers.  The market is hot and getting your house ready for the opportunity always makes sense.

for more information contact me at shane@cblifestylesre.com  or 603-252-6757

 

 

Apr 27, 2017

Is it Luck?

Even in a hot market I don’t believe in luck. In my opinion you need to have good planning and opportunity, and when those two come together this is viewed as being lucky.  It’s never too early to take steps for listing your home for sale or even looking for a new property to move to.  Knowing the market, having realistic expectations all lead to “luck”.   It’s never too early to plan for your opportunity.

for more information contact me at shane@cblifestylesre.com  or 603-252-6757

 

 

 

Apr 8, 2017

Two Sold and Five More Being Built

Hopefully with no more snow the construction will start getting ramped up. With one resale closing soon and the two bedroom home closing next month, the ground will break for another four homes in the next 21 days. Besides the current two bedroom and three bedroom designs another 3 bedroom and two four bedroom designs are ready to go, with occupancy as quick as July 1st.

for more information contact me at shane@cblifestylesre.com  or 603-252-6757

 

 

Mar 21, 2017

Spring is Coming

There’s no question the ground doesn’t look  much like spring,  but the spring buying market is in full bloom. Already in Lebanon NH houses are going under contract quickly and the market is having a hard time building inventory. In this type of market trusting your real estate agent may make all the difference.
for more information contact me at     shane@cblifestylesre.com or 603-252-6757


Mar 11, 2017

Progress Continues

Even with my transition to CB Lifestyles progress continues at Rock Ridge. The two current homes under construction are nearing the final stages and will be ready within the next 4 to 6 weeks. A blend of hardwood and tile floors with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances make these bright and sunny one floor living ideal for the spring.

 

For more information contact me

Shane MacDonald

603-252-6757

shane@cblifestylesre.com

 

Feb 10, 2017

Tenant or No Tenant

One of the tougher decisions a seller needs to make is weither or not to rent a house while it’s on the market.  There’s no question collecting rent to offset mortgage, taxes or assocaition fees can certainly help, but at what cost?  I can’t tell you how many times,as a realtor, I enter a home that has a tenant and it’s a mess. I haven’t seen numbers to measure the cost of this for a seller, but I’ll guess half, if not more, of the money you collect for rent will be lost in any offer price. Besides location the single most important feature for a home is it’s condition. The condition is a combination of ongoing maintaninace on the house plus how it looks for showings. Before you rent consider all the consequences.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Jan 30, 2017

Spring Always Comes Early

Historically many believe the selling season arrives in April, but the fact is many buyers are out looking already. If you’re thinking of selling now is the time to start the process of finding an agent, conducting an interview, prepare the house and gather market data.  In Lebanon NH there are already 12 houses under contract and low inventory, so buyers are very active.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Jan 11, 2017

Need More Control

Looking to purchase a home and cant’ find exactly what you want? Maybe a new home is your best option. By purchasing a new home you are able to customize the house to your needs, you can pick a lot that best suits your lifestyle, you get a more efficient home, you have newer appliances, fewer repairs and less maintenance.  Sure there might be a few trade offs, but overall it is worth considering.

For more information contact Shane
603-252-6757


Jan 4, 2017

Public Open House

As a seller is it worth considering an open house? Many think all you get are neighbors curious about your house and just want to nose around. Maybe or maybe not, but you also get another sets of eyes to see your house, give feedback plus they already like the neighborhood. An open house could lend itself to a wonderful marketing opportunity, the neighbor might even be looking for a friend, a potential buyer.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Dec 27, 2016

It's Never Too Early

Regardless if you’re a seller or buyer, knowing the market earlier is always better. During the winter months might be the perfect time to list your house? Inventory is low in many towns and buyers that didn’t find what they wanted last year are ready to buy plus if trends continue consistent rate hikes might be the new normal, so why wait until spring? Start the process now and  let the pre-selling begin.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Dec 19, 2016

Progress Continues

Even with a fresh 4 inches of snow over the weekend progress continues. The electrical work has begun and plumbing starts this week with occupancy slated for early March. The two model homes can have modifications done before they are finished and as demand increases more building will happen throughout the development.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Dec 13, 2016

Making Progress on New Construction

Even with the new snow fall, things are moving quickly at Rock Ridge. These two and three bedrooms homes have windows in, roofs complete and electrical line being pulled with completion dates slated within the next 60 days. Close to Dartmouth College and DHMC, visit www.rrleb.com.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Dec 7, 2016

New Construction In Lebanon NH

Open Concept, one floor living, two and three bedroom homes with full basement now under construction. Rock Ridge is a planned community development set on 326 acres in Lebanon close to Dartmouth College and DHMC. Visit www.rrleb.com for more information.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Dec 5, 2016

Last One For 2016

Well after a busy year it’s always good to end with a good deal. Sometimes overlooked by many, these homes can be a wonderful investment and an economical way to live. Many find monthly bills, including mortgage, to under $1,000 per month. Like any purchase you need  proper due diligence on the park and the property, but in the end always worth consideration.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757

 

 

Nov 22, 2016

It Just Takes Time

For buyers there is no rush. Do not feel pressured in buying a house, you have time there are options. I met these buyers on 12/10/2015 at one of my listings.  Although that house wasn’t the right one, after plenty of searching, we did find exactly what they wanted at a price point they were comfortable with. Take your time and don’t cave in on your wish list stay patient, with an open mind.

For more information contact Shane
603-252-6757


Nov 17, 2016

Sometimes it Just Feels Good

Buying or selling a home is never easy, but making sure everyone involved continues to push in the same direction can smooth things out. This buyer is a Veteran and financing with a VA Loan, which can be a challenge in the best case scenario.  In the end, the deal closed and the buyers are more grateful than any dollar amount written on a commission check could make you feel.  It’s worth a moment to step back and realize the importance a transaction can be to your client.

For more information contact Shane
603-252-6757


Oct 26, 2016

Is the Season Over?

There’s always been different thoughts on when the buying or selling seasons start or finish. What determines this is you. Sure there are market indicators, but your individual need to sell or buy should determine when the season really begins and ends. If you have time, then maybe waiting until March makes the most sense to list, but if you’re looking to buy maybe this is the perfect time. If the seller has moved and the house is empty, this might be the an opportunity to purchase before the winter heating season.

 

For more information contact Shane

shane@uvmaxre.com

603-252-6757