Ron Fredette’s Blog

Residential home site overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee at MEREDITH BAY. Inside a private gated community with spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Amenities include recreational area, walking trails, tennis courts, pools, hot tub plus a marina and beach club located on Lake Winnipesaukee. Lot includes a 24 foot boat slip.

Directions:Us Rte 3, turn into Meredith Bay, Left on Soleil Mtn Rd, 2nd right on Dead Reckoning Way, then right onto Windjammer Ridge lot # is 104

Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lake Region, Meredith Bay is a 410+-acre private, gated residential and resort community on beautiful mountain high atop Lake Winnipesaukee. Featuring residential home sites overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, owners can customize the home of their dreams and embrace the natural beauty of this breathtaking area. On a clear day, the views extend 40 miles to the north to Mount Washington and to the south to Weir’s Beach, Gunstock, and Governors Island.

Meredith Bay will include an on-property Marina & Private Beach Club. The Akwa Marina & Beach Club will be accessible by walking, golf carts or automobile.

Meredith Bay allows its residents to experience the beauty of life on the lake and all the features and amenities of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.

Unique Positioning: Meredith Bay is the first new gated luxury community on Lake Winnipesaukee to be developed in the region in the past 10 years.

Surrounding Mountain Ranges: The three surrounding mountain ranges are: Ossippee, Belknap and Squam. Also visible is Sandwich Ridge and the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington (the tallest peak in New England).

Area Attractions: This area has long been attractive by virtue of its four-seasons offerings.

Seasonal visitors and tourists come to the area to enjoy the spectacular vistas along with the year-round activities including:

Summer - The magnificent lake and all that it offers - boating, lake cruises, swimming, fishing — tennis, biking, the annual motorcycle week, the attractions at Weirs Beach, NASCAR at New Hampshire International Speedway, golf is within a short driving distance, and countless more attractions and features.

Fall - The world renowned foliage, walking, hiking, country fairs, antiquing and art exhibitions.

Winter - Downhill skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski areas (the closest is Gunstock Ski Area just 15 minutes away with Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley only an hour away), cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Spring - Early season fishing and a jump on the summer season.

Anytime - Meredith Bay offers something for everyone all year long. Set in the heart of the spectacular Lakes Region, Meredith Bay attracts those seeking seasonal outdoor fun and invites visitors to discover its unique character, historic sites, scenic vistas and breathtaking wildlife. In addition, the surrounding area offers a variety of quaint villages including the antique shops and art and craft galleries of Meredith, the excitement and family enjoyment of Weirs Beach, the picture perfect New England village of Wolfeboro and other special towns peppered throughout the Lakes Region including Center Harbor, Melvin Village and Alton Bay.

All local communities have public parks and docks (so visitors can come by car, boat or sea plane), and many feature activities such as fireworks displays and band concerts throughout the year. All offer a variety of exceptional dining and lodging options.

 Site History: Meredith Bay is on the site of the former Brickyard Mountain Ski Area. For those who remember, Brickyard Mountain was a small area that operated in Weirs Beach during the 1970s and early 1980s. The ski area had a vertical drop of 420 feet, one chairlift and one rope tow, with the longest trail being 3000ft. Remnants of the ski area are still visible.

Accessibility: Meredith Bay is easily accessible off Interstate 93 just 90 minutes from Boston, 50 minutes from Manchester Airport, 15 minutes from the Gunstock Ski Area, 15 minutes from Laconia Municipal Airport (the largest airport in the region).

Overview: Akwa Vista is a village of exquisite single family home sites high atop Lake Winnipesaukee.

Number of Lots: 129

Lot Prices: $125,000 to $900,000

Preferred Builders: Meredith Bay will have a list of preferred builders including Great Woods Post & Beam.

Owners may also choose to use their own builder, subject to the approval of the Developer.

Covenants: Covenants have been implemented to ensure architectural and landscaping integrity of the community.

Tax Rate: In 2007, $16.20 per $1000

Monthly Homeowners Fees: Estimated to be approximately $170 per month which includes operation of gated entry, landscaping, paving and snowplowing of common grounds, operation of on-property swimming pools and tennis courts, and membership in the Marina & Beach Club.

Primary Access to Akwa Vista: Primary access to Akwa Vista is from Route 3 (also known as Endicott Street) through a gated entry with a secondary access from Scenic Road near Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Lighthouse: The Akwa Vista development is the home of the soon-to-be most recognized lighthouse on Lake Winnipesaukee. The lighthouse is actually a water tank at the Property’s highest elevation that holds approximately 500,000 gallons of water. The purpose of the tank is to create water pressure for the surrounding community and supply city water to future Meredith Bay Development.

The keeper’s cottage abutting the lighthouse is the Meredith Bay Sales Center.

Paved Paths: There are gravel and paved paths intertwined throughout the Akwa Vista development, which lead to the Akwa Marina & Beach Club as well as to Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront.

Typography: Akwa Vista rises 448 feet above the high point on the lake.

Utilities: Akwa Vista is serviced by city water. The sewer system, which ties into the city’s system is owned by the Homeowners Association.

Akwa Marina & Beach Club

Overview: Akwa Marina & Beach Club is a 5+-acre property providing Meredith Bay residents with lake access and the opportunity for boat docking. Akwa Marina & Beach Club is accessed via a paved path from Meredith Bay. Under an exclusive use and access agreement with the owner of Akwa Marina, Meredith Bay residents enjoy beach club membership at Akwa Marina & Beach Club.

The first phase of Akwa Marina & Beach Club is scheduled to open Summer 2008.

Akwa Marina & Beach Club

Amenities: The first phase of Akwa Marina & Beach Club is scheduled to open for the summer 2008 season and will feature 73 boat slips (the majority of which are exclusively available for lease by owners of designated lots at Meredith Bay), off-street parking and a private beach club offering a beautiful sandy beach, cabana units (subject to additional fees), a resort pool, children’s pool, hot tub with large tanning deck. The second phase of Akwa Marina & Beach Club is planned to include a restaurant, ice cream shop, general store, marine store, retail shops and a fitness center.

Akwa Marina & Beach Club will also provide storage area for boats, motors, trailers, etc.

Marina Services Available: Marina services are expected to include a boat launch, 54 boat lockers (subject to additional fees), marine store, etc.

Type of Docks: The plans for the Marina include state-of-the-art floating dock system with wave attenuator. Docks will feature water and electrical hookups.

Min. - Max. Boat Size: Jet ski to 60′ length, 17′ beam

Boat Slip Fees: The majority of the boat slips are exclusively available for lease by owners of designated lots at Meredith Bay and will be available for lease to such owners on an ongoing basis. Expected annual lease rates for the slips in 2008 will be $150 per linear foot. Should a property owner elect not to continue their lease, Akwa Marina will provide a first opportunity to lease to those on the Meredith Bay waiting list.

Beach Club Membership: Beach Club Membership and Annual Dues are included in HOA fees for all lot owners.

Some simple ways to care for your lawn in the fall to increase it appearance and worth:

• dethatch your lawn by raking up the dead grass and clumped topsoil.  Leaves will kill your lawn as a result of being compacted by snow all winter and robbing your spring crop.
• Water your lawn in the fall.  If there isn’t enough rainfall your lawn isn’t getting the treatment it needs to have a healthy spring.
• adjust the mower height.  Just because it is getting cooler out doesn’t mean the grass doesn’t grow.  Adjust the mower height to cut the grass less genorously.  If the grass gets too long it will mat together.
• Don’t seed after mid September in the NorthEast.  Horticulture Experts recommend no later because of the cold weather will eventually kill the leaves.
• watch out for snow mold- the lawn will turn brown in early winter if developing what some call “snow mold.”  If a fall fungacide is placed on early enough this will help avoid snow mold.

Hope these tips help.  Some of them may seem like a bit much, but a healthy lawn will attract much attention. 

With regard to the current rise in gas prices it has been apparent that a need exists for more efficient cars.  What most people expect is that a new car will reduce the need to go to the pump.  What most people don’t realize is that gas could possibly be fazed out at some point in the next few years and replaced by other sorts of energy, for example: Hydrogen, possibly solar, and maybe fully electric cars.  The demand is so high for gas that the Companies that supply gas cannot produce to fill the need.  Also, gas is a fossil fuel with has a definte life span, meaning it will eventually run out.  A better solution than buying a new car that will decrease almost a 1/3 of its value off the lot, and brand new, is to move closer to work.  Moving back to cities or towns with access to stores and work is the best investment one can make.  As we have seen there has been a slight decrease in the value of a home, but real estate is a better investment and a better solution to the gas problem.  With access to home and work one can use smaller forms of transportation and may even be able to walk to their destinations.  Wouldn’t that be swell?  You can step out on your front steps and ride a bike or walk to work.  A trip to the grocery store less than 2 miles from your new home.  Trends show in the past that real estate prices have consistently gone up.  Look at it this way: You buy a car you use it for 5 years and sell it back for less than you bought it.  A home you can live in and use and potentially sell it back for more than you bought it for would be the best investment by far.  So while you are thinking about what a pain it is to pay $4.00 a gallon, think about purchasing a home that short term is expensive, but long term will pay off and you will offset paying projected future prices on gas.

Today, you can buy a new 2 Bedroom condo for a low price of $159,900, even if you have lower credit score. These condos are “owner financed” meaning one can purchase them with little worry about past credit history. Applications are evaluated on a case by case basis. Many poeple have been forced out of their homes and are now renting. So why rent when you can rebuild your credit and own at the same time. These homes are 2 bedrooms, 1 +1/2 baths with a garage and deck located in a country setting. Located in Laconia, NH within commuting distance to Concord and Manchester, NH. Gas heat, A/C, Fireplace and Energy Rated construction make this an opportunity worht checking out! http://www.nneren.com/mls_num.php?state=&id=2733889&imageField.x=88&imageField.y=7 

Ron Fredette email: ronald@kw.com or www.justlistedNH.com

Today Congress acted to provide support for the troubled mortgage and real estate markets. By acting today, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been assured to continue to provide financial liquidity to the mortgage industry. More importantly many homeowners that currently have adjustable rate mortgages have been provided with access opportunity to acquiring a fixed rate mortgages. This opportunity will support those who may be facing foreclosure possibly saving their home. Congressional action has been criticised by some as a bailout, but hailed by proponents as prudent and long needed. Additionally States will be provided access to funds to purchase homes in critically affected neighborhoods, thereby stabilizing these communities by provided needed housing to affected neighborhoods and communities. Home ownership has long been labeled “The American Dream” and Congress today by their action have breathed new life into the Real Estate market in both a macro (National) and micro (Neighborhood) way.

NEW Interior-Low Price-Low Taxes! 3 bedroom 2 bath home w/NEW kitchen, NEW stainless steel appliances, NEW light fixtures, NEW baths, refinished wood floors, freshly painted, crown molding. NEW berber carpeting. NEW stone patio. Fenced yard, vinyl siding. Qualify for $0 or low down program. Great in city location

http://www.mlsfinder.com/nh_nneren/ronaldfredette/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=2733339&searchkey=390590bf-bf09-825b-4bec-5039db93aac7&npp=10&sr=1

Dir: West Hollis to walnut to Pleasant

I had the most difficult closing this week and wanted to share the experience with you all. I am a mentor to a great new agent, who represented the buyer. During my oversight of her negotiations it was apparent that help was needed. I offered to come to the closing in the hopes to mitigate things. This was one of the worst closings I have ever attended. In NH the sales contract states the home needs to be in “broom clean” condition. Needless to say the walk-through was a disaster. The seller left the home totally trashed, leaving furniture, debris, broken glass inside and piles of decomposing vegetation outside. Also there were many broken walls and pulled out electrical, phone and CATV outlets. The first time homebuyer, recently returned from Afghanistan, was in shock. The new agent skillfully discussed their options and the buyer decided they wanted to get a monetary credit at the closing table. Of course the seller screamed and yelled their agent offered no advice or help. What did the trick was the following. We talked briefly with the seller and seller agent and informed them that there was a problem to be resolved before any papers were to be signed. We left the room and discussed things with our buyer in private. This allowed the buyer to vent greatly, express his frustration and identify that indeed he really did want to still buy the home. After that we were able to distinguish our issues with a more level head, develop an approach and know an amount to ask for. We returned to the table. I spoke first, then asked the buyer to speak. He was still emotional, but I wanted the seller to see that there were real issues that were disturbing to the buyer and that we were just not trying to shack them down in price. I asked the buyer to give the sellers a higher amount than he wanted because I knew they would counter back in pricing. It worked out well and the buyer did receive a credit and closed. What I learned is that if you treat people respectfully, let them express their anger and frustrations in an environment that was protected, level headed thinking will eventually emerge. Once people see that real issues are a concern, and that one is not merely trying to take advantage of things, real compromise can come out.

I was thinking the other day about the high gas prices. It seems like everyone wants to blame someone else. I read a lot about the oil speculators driving up the price, but no one has been identified. I see a lot said about the oil cartel, but it looks like we are powerless again them b/c they control the output. What I really think is that our national politicians have failed. Yes, it’s their fault I think. We have no national energy policy. You would think that our national politicians would attempt to protect our sovereignty and our security by implementing a plan for our nation to become independent or less dependant upon imported oil. Instead of discussing real solutions to our problem of energy consumption and run away prices, our Senators and Representative are planning their summer vacations. I think they are to blame and it’s time we change their priorities by voting them OUT !

I get asked this question a lot. Having done some land development work in the past, I thought I would share with you some insights I have gained over the years. I will attempt to blog on this topic frequently and discuss land value from different perspectives. Firstly there are different types of value. There is market value, investment value, and insurable value and liquidation value. Let’s stick to market value for now. Market value is defined as the estimated amount for which a property should exchange between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction after proper marketing the land for a reasonable amount of time and where the buyer and seller had each acted knowledgeably, prudently, and without compulsion. One could also say it’s worth what someone will pay for it under normal circumstances. There are also different types of ownership. Do you have a fee simple or leasehold estate?

The value of your land depends it’s zoning. What is its possible uses, now and in the future. Anticipation of certain events can increase or decrease value. Some basic questions to ask yourself are: What is the zoning? How large is my land? How can the land be used? Can it be subdivided? How many lots? Is it possible to place a business there? What kind of business? Can you place multi family housing there? How many units? I guess I could go on and on, but as you can see there are many variables. Sometimes land value is negatively impacted. For instance near the airport, or solid waste facility. So some basic homework needs to be done to derive the value. Also there are different types of valuation. Is the value you are trying to determine for real estate taxes. You can get a sense of value from the real estate tax assessment, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is the true worth. Often the market value is much higher or lower. Is the value being determined to get a bank loan? The risk factor for the lender is a real concern here, so don’t get confused with the different type of value. Is there a highway or roadway being expanded and the state or town trying to purchase for eminent domain issues? And let’s not confuse price with value. A price paid for a piece of land may not accurately reflect its value. It could be too high or too low depending upon the reason for purchase. So you can see land value depends upon a lot of variable and price is different to valuation. We’ll talk again soon

With gas prices going up so quickly, I had to make a change. I had a very reliable Volvo S-70 that I loved. The problem was that with all the territory that I serve selling real estate, I was spending way too much money. So I walked into a car dealer which was a big mistake. They were all standing outside smoking. I was eyeballed as soon as I drove in. The up salesman quickly approached me. I told him I was meeting someone there just to get him off my back. I had to run the gauntlet of other salesmen also. No wonder why people hate shopping for cars. I attempted to make a deal that night. I was given only $800 for my trade and the dealer was working off the inflated sticker price of an ecconomical Honda Civic. I really liked the car, b/c it was fun to drive, but felt they were taking advantage of me (how unusual for a car salesman huh?). So, that night I went onto a website called Edmunds and got the dealers competing. A brillant move, I must say. I would recomend that anyone looking for a car to start price shopping on the web first, and get internet pricing. When you use a 3rd party, that company sends out your info to 2-3 dealers. They all email you with their internet price so when you show up at the dealer you start with a lower than sticker price. In this case it was $1,300 lower to start off from the day before. I bought my Civic that day saving over $1,900 from the day before. It was a very small triumph for me…go figure how a stupid start ended with a savings. It’s not your typical realtor auto, but it is practical and that’s what I expect from my buyers and sellers, so why shouldn’t I as a realtor practice what I preach!