The Hanaway Ice arena Opened mid-July, the University and the town will benefit from this sports center. 16 million dollars spent on the facility delivered a state of the art geothermal operating system. The arena runs on the most energy efficient integrated heating and cooling systems currently devised and available today.
How can over 20 miles of pipe produce a superior heating and cooling system? The Geothermal system provides heat, cooling and hot water, while eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The ambient temperature of well water is pumped through a refrigeration cycle removing the heat to heat the building and hot water…pumping glycol (a nontoxic liquid better suited than ammonia used in other areas) is the key to the ground source heat exchange. Once you get below the frost line about 6-8 feet down the soil temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year and allows consistent heat and cooling from the water drawn up in the 260 wells located under the parking lots.
The building will serve multipurpose. It will be used for teaching, a community center and provide meeting facilities for the school, various town functions, teen nights and figure skating events. With seating for 850 visitors there will be ample room for sports and recreational skating events.
The building is quite stunning and offers a gateway to the Plymouth State University campus…as parents, students and visitors exit Interstate 93 they see this great accomplishment staring back at them. This will be a great economic boost to the town and of course allow the school to recruit some of the counties best Hockey players. A proverbial win – win for the town of Plymouth and the campus of Plymouth State University.
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate, Lincoln, NH
800.926.5653 or 603.745.3601
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
The FHA is A-OK
THE FHA IS A-OK
The federal Housing Administration, generally known as FHA was created in 1934 in part to help a housing industry that was flat on its back as a result of the great depression which had started in the 1920’s. During the 1940’s , FHA programs helped finance military housing and homes for returning veterans and their families after the war.
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s they helped spark production of millions of privately–owned apartments for elderly, handicapped and lower income Americans and when soaring inflation and high energy costs threatened their survival, FHA’s emergency financing kept many cash-starved properties afloat.
During the last two decades the FHA has struggled. Like so many government agencies the years had taken its toll; they were no longer the aggressive problem solving entity they had been; the bureaucracy became un-wielding and un-responsive: slowly their influence waned. Most business institutions and much of the general population had lost faith in the FHA.
The good news that was then and this is now --- the FHA is back, better than ever. Under new aggressive leadership they have developed many new loan programs that are now available to everyone; in fact even Bill Gates can get one. Loans can be as high $ 800,000 and due to the general unwillingness of today’s lenders to extend credit with respect to conventional loans, many borrowers find that the FHA is their best bet. Lenders don’t mind lending when the federal government assures them repayment.
Compare these FHA loan figures from previous years; 2007 FHA lending volume was a mere $ 60 billion dollars, in 2008 the amount tripled to almost $200 billion and in 2009 it was close to $300 billion and in 2010 they have requested a whopping $ 400 billion dollars to insure new mortgages. What an amazing turn-around for an agency that had fallen on hard times. In a recent poll, 87% of home buyers indicate they plan to use FHA loans. They are the largest insurer of mortgages in the world, currently insuring over 34 million homes and they are the only government agency that operates entirely from its self-generated income and costs the taxpayers nothing. What a novel idea!!!!
As a realtor the new FHA program I like the most is the- 203 K loan. How many times have you had a buyer that absolutely loved the house you were showing them but the old kitchen turned them off or they hated the rugs and would rather have all hard wood floors or the bath rooms were dingy and out of style ? Sound familiar? Most times the buyer could not afford both the mortgage payments and the rehab costs related to the home and as a result they continued looking and moved on. Another sale was lost.
Now there’s hope, through the new 203 program the FHA will escrow up to $ 35,000 dollars for repairs and related expenses from your loan for materials and labor along with a 10-20% contingency reserve and up to six months worth of mortgage payments. It’s a gift from you federal government. According to the FHA,” all persons who can make monthly mortgage payments are eligible to apply” for this program. You’ll be surprised by the variety of home repairs and improvements that are covered by this loan; these include, but are not limited to: painting, room additions, decks and patios, kitchens including appliances, heating, plumbing and roofing. Yes, there’s paperwork and certain procedures must be followed and the property must appraise but I encourage all realtors to learn more about this program and to search out banks that are experienced with the 203K program; its one more tool to help make a sale in this difficult market.
I have touched briefly on this new program, there is of course much more to it. To get more information I encourage you use the search tool at http:/www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm and check box for 203(K).
Dick Clark
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
Campton NH
800.926.5003 or 603.726.4580
The federal Housing Administration, generally known as FHA was created in 1934 in part to help a housing industry that was flat on its back as a result of the great depression which had started in the 1920’s. During the 1940’s , FHA programs helped finance military housing and homes for returning veterans and their families after the war.
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s they helped spark production of millions of privately–owned apartments for elderly, handicapped and lower income Americans and when soaring inflation and high energy costs threatened their survival, FHA’s emergency financing kept many cash-starved properties afloat.
During the last two decades the FHA has struggled. Like so many government agencies the years had taken its toll; they were no longer the aggressive problem solving entity they had been; the bureaucracy became un-wielding and un-responsive: slowly their influence waned. Most business institutions and much of the general population had lost faith in the FHA.
The good news that was then and this is now --- the FHA is back, better than ever. Under new aggressive leadership they have developed many new loan programs that are now available to everyone; in fact even Bill Gates can get one. Loans can be as high $ 800,000 and due to the general unwillingness of today’s lenders to extend credit with respect to conventional loans, many borrowers find that the FHA is their best bet. Lenders don’t mind lending when the federal government assures them repayment.
Compare these FHA loan figures from previous years; 2007 FHA lending volume was a mere $ 60 billion dollars, in 2008 the amount tripled to almost $200 billion and in 2009 it was close to $300 billion and in 2010 they have requested a whopping $ 400 billion dollars to insure new mortgages. What an amazing turn-around for an agency that had fallen on hard times. In a recent poll, 87% of home buyers indicate they plan to use FHA loans. They are the largest insurer of mortgages in the world, currently insuring over 34 million homes and they are the only government agency that operates entirely from its self-generated income and costs the taxpayers nothing. What a novel idea!!!!
As a realtor the new FHA program I like the most is the- 203 K loan. How many times have you had a buyer that absolutely loved the house you were showing them but the old kitchen turned them off or they hated the rugs and would rather have all hard wood floors or the bath rooms were dingy and out of style ? Sound familiar? Most times the buyer could not afford both the mortgage payments and the rehab costs related to the home and as a result they continued looking and moved on. Another sale was lost.
Now there’s hope, through the new 203 program the FHA will escrow up to $ 35,000 dollars for repairs and related expenses from your loan for materials and labor along with a 10-20% contingency reserve and up to six months worth of mortgage payments. It’s a gift from you federal government. According to the FHA,” all persons who can make monthly mortgage payments are eligible to apply” for this program. You’ll be surprised by the variety of home repairs and improvements that are covered by this loan; these include, but are not limited to: painting, room additions, decks and patios, kitchens including appliances, heating, plumbing and roofing. Yes, there’s paperwork and certain procedures must be followed and the property must appraise but I encourage all realtors to learn more about this program and to search out banks that are experienced with the 203K program; its one more tool to help make a sale in this difficult market.
I have touched briefly on this new program, there is of course much more to it. To get more information I encourage you use the search tool at http:/www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm and check box for 203(K).
Dick Clark
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
Campton NH
800.926.5003 or 603.726.4580
Building Family Memories in Lincoln
South Peak offers opportunity for your family in the beautiful White Mountains that will ensure your fondest memories for a life time.
The town of Lincoln is quaint and very hospitable affording many great experiences for mind, body and soul. There are Fireworks, foliage, hiking, canoeing and fabulous skiing to start of with and between the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock there are a number of Religious Communities offered.
The South Peak - Mountain community is a special place with ski back trails throughout the resort, and a river walk trail with access to local swimming holes and cross-country trails when snow covers the ground.
The South Peak neighborhood is a short stroll to shopping, entertainment and eateries of all kinds. The conveniences are close but the community is very private. The South Mountain slopes of Loon feature easier cruiser runs and one of the only double black diamond trails in the east. South Peak Home owners group has their own warming hut at the Pemi base camp, where the high-speed quad whisks you up the mountain, and all trails lead back to your door. Much thought went into designing the resort, the common areas, fire pits and shuttle service. Water frontage make the grounds friendly for neighbors to share the common bond of mountain living. The owners have frequent get together that involve music, food, fun and recreation. Snow cat rides, golf outings, bike rides, dog sledding and group nature hikes are just some the planned activities that take place throughout the year.
If you are looking to forge those strong family bonds, a mountain retreat can offer family recreation, relaxation and reconnection away from the stress of life. Many of our second home owners will one day retire to their beautiful mountain home to enjoy all the seasons and look forward to visiting family and friends. When you offer recreation as part of your trip they will always come home. This writer knows as I had come to Loon Mountain 40 years ago as a boy with my family on vacation. With those memories always alive it brought me here as an adult and I never want to leave.
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
The town of Lincoln is quaint and very hospitable affording many great experiences for mind, body and soul. There are Fireworks, foliage, hiking, canoeing and fabulous skiing to start of with and between the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock there are a number of Religious Communities offered.
The South Peak - Mountain community is a special place with ski back trails throughout the resort, and a river walk trail with access to local swimming holes and cross-country trails when snow covers the ground.
The South Peak neighborhood is a short stroll to shopping, entertainment and eateries of all kinds. The conveniences are close but the community is very private. The South Mountain slopes of Loon feature easier cruiser runs and one of the only double black diamond trails in the east. South Peak Home owners group has their own warming hut at the Pemi base camp, where the high-speed quad whisks you up the mountain, and all trails lead back to your door. Much thought went into designing the resort, the common areas, fire pits and shuttle service. Water frontage make the grounds friendly for neighbors to share the common bond of mountain living. The owners have frequent get together that involve music, food, fun and recreation. Snow cat rides, golf outings, bike rides, dog sledding and group nature hikes are just some the planned activities that take place throughout the year.
If you are looking to forge those strong family bonds, a mountain retreat can offer family recreation, relaxation and reconnection away from the stress of life. Many of our second home owners will one day retire to their beautiful mountain home to enjoy all the seasons and look forward to visiting family and friends. When you offer recreation as part of your trip they will always come home. This writer knows as I had come to Loon Mountain 40 years ago as a boy with my family on vacation. With those memories always alive it brought me here as an adult and I never want to leave.
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
South Peak at Loon Mountain
South Peak offers opportunity for your family in the beautiful White Mountains that will ensure your fondest memories for a life time.
The town of Lincoln is quaint and very hospitable affording many great experiences for mind, body and soul. There are Fireworks, foliage, hiking, canoeing and fabulous skiing to start of with and between the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock there are a number of Religious Communities offered.
The South Peak - Mountain community is a special place with ski back trails throughout the resort, and a river walk trail with access to local swimming holes and cross-country trails when snow covers the ground.
The South Peak neighborhood is a short stroll to shopping, entertainment and eateries of all kinds. The conveniences are close but the community is very private. The South Mountain slopes of Loon feature easier cruiser runs and one of the only double black diamond trails in the east. South Peak Home owners group has their own warming hut at the Pemi base camp, where the high-speed quad whisks you up the mountain, and all trails lead back to your door. Much thought went into designing the resort, the common areas, fire pits and shuttle service. Water frontage make the grounds friendly for neighbors to share the common bond of mountain living. The owners have frequent get together that involve music, food, fun and recreation. Snow cat rides, golf outings, bike rides, dog sledding and group nature hikes are just some the planned activities that take place throughout the year.
If you are looking to forge those strong family bonds, a mountain retreat can offer family recreation, relaxation and reconnection away from the stress of life. Many of our second home owners will one day retire to their beautiful mountain home to enjoy all the seasons and look forward to visiting family and friends. When you offer recreation as part of your trip they will always come home. This writer knows as I had come to Loon Mountain 40 years ago as a boy with my family on vacation. With those memories always alive it brought me here as an adult and I never want to leave.
The town of Lincoln is quaint and very hospitable affording many great experiences for mind, body and soul. There are Fireworks, foliage, hiking, canoeing and fabulous skiing to start of with and between the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock there are a number of Religious Communities offered.
The South Peak - Mountain community is a special place with ski back trails throughout the resort, and a river walk trail with access to local swimming holes and cross-country trails when snow covers the ground.
The South Peak neighborhood is a short stroll to shopping, entertainment and eateries of all kinds. The conveniences are close but the community is very private. The South Mountain slopes of Loon feature easier cruiser runs and one of the only double black diamond trails in the east. South Peak Home owners group has their own warming hut at the Pemi base camp, where the high-speed quad whisks you up the mountain, and all trails lead back to your door. Much thought went into designing the resort, the common areas, fire pits and shuttle service. Water frontage make the grounds friendly for neighbors to share the common bond of mountain living. The owners have frequent get together that involve music, food, fun and recreation. Snow cat rides, golf outings, bike rides, dog sledding and group nature hikes are just some the planned activities that take place throughout the year.
If you are looking to forge those strong family bonds, a mountain retreat can offer family recreation, relaxation and reconnection away from the stress of life. Many of our second home owners will one day retire to their beautiful mountain home to enjoy all the seasons and look forward to visiting family and friends. When you offer recreation as part of your trip they will always come home. This writer knows as I had come to Loon Mountain 40 years ago as a boy with my family on vacation. With those memories always alive it brought me here as an adult and I never want to leave.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Town of Lincoln, New Hampshire

Lincoln, New Hampshire is the second largest town in the state, featuring 95% of its land area within the White Mountain National Forest.

The town's big four features are: Loon Mt, Pemigewasset River, and the Kancamagus Scenic highway and the lowest tax burden in the state.



Recreation, Attractions, & National Forest Stations make the list:

Whales Tale Water Park: One of the largest water parks in the state. It’s fast, wet and wild fun for the whole family. Adult and kiddie pools, after dark music and libations - all can be found on summer weekends.

Lost River Caves: Another great place to take the kids. Pan for gold and explore the many caves and crevasses formed over a million years ago.
The Flume State Park: Hike through the covered bridge, and walk the intricate boardwalk cut into a series of chasms with falling waters and breathe, taking views at every turn.

Jack O’Lantern Golf Course: Fifty years of family tradition along the Pemi River, 18 holes of golf with all the amenities you would expect - pro-shop, restaurant, lounge and a great round of golf.
There are many types of properties to choose from as well. Slopeside new construction homes, condominiums that are river side, ski side and golf side, or undeveloped land for your future plans. Lincoln is a great place to live and recreate, retire or start a business. Give Alpine Lakes a call for all your White Mountain real estate needs.
Monday, March 8, 2010
THE FLAGS ON THE 48
One of the great joys experienced in selling real estate, is meeting so many new people who are willing to share their life experiences with you. I recently sold a condo unit to a client and he shared information with me about an annual event in New Hampshire that I had not heard about; it’s inspirational and patriotic and filled me with a deep sense of pride: it’s great to be an American! That event is called FLAGS ON THE 48.
The “Flags on the 48” began as an act of remembrance and a demonstration of patriotism in response to the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.
On September 15, 2001, three days after the attacks, six hikers met at the White House Trailhead packing a 96 square foot American flag, 30 feet of PVC tubing, 100 feet of rope and 2 rolls of duct tape. They were compelled to do something to express their grief for the devastating loss of lives on 9/11. In a small demonstration of their compassion in the wake of such incomprehensible violence, these six hikers ascended with heavy hearts to raise the American flag from the summit of Mount Liberty. This was their personal tribute to the victims who perished in the attacks.
Now, each year, on or around September 11th, impassioned hikers embark on a collective journey to raise American flags on all 48 of the 4,000 foot summits in New Hampshire. Hundreds of people take part; from Boy Scout troops and veteran groups to every day hikers. Participants from around New England create a moving memorial that is a compassionate show of support for those who have suffered such heartbreaking loss.
We encourage you to join in this patriotic and emotional endeavor; those of you who are not hikers can access transportation to the top of Cannon, Washington or Wildcat Mountains to watch the flag rising. For more information go to www.flagsonthe48.org
See you on the mountain-top!!

On September 15, 2001, three days after the attacks, six hikers met at the White House Trailhead packing a 96 square foot American flag, 30 feet of PVC tubing, 100 feet of rope and 2 rolls of duct tape. They were compelled to do something to express their grief for the devastating loss of lives on 9/11. In a small demonstration of their compassion in the wake of such incomprehensible violence, these six hikers ascended with heavy hearts to raise the American flag from the summit of Mount Liberty. This was their personal tribute to the victims who perished in the attacks.
Now, each year, on or around September 11th, impassioned hikers embark on a collective journey to raise American flags on all 48 of the 4,000 foot summits in New Hampshire. Hundreds of people take part; from Boy Scout troops and veteran groups to every day hikers. Participants from around New England create a moving memorial that is a compassionate show of support for those who have suffered such heartbreaking loss.
We encourage you to join in this patriotic and emotional endeavor; those of you who are not hikers can access transportation to the top of Cannon, Washington or Wildcat Mountains to watch the flag rising. For more information go to www.flagsonthe48.org
See you on the mountain-top!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Radon Gas - Deal Killer or.. Serious Issue?
Three deals dead in three months due to radon.
This odorless, invisible gas that as far as I can tell can't be unequivocally linked to health issues has done another deal in.
I live and sell properties in the Granite State (New Hampshire)...Radon is everywhere.
If the Radon count has above 4.0 PCI based on an independent test...inside the home, its high on the front steps, sidewalk...road leading to your new home. What are you going to do about that?
Is this a Government plan to put radon mitigation specialist back to work?
Or is this a test to raise the home inspectors fee?
All three of these sales were done in by counts between 8 and 12 PCI...how bad is living with this?
In each case I asked the buyer what the count was at their current home...where they have lived 24/7 for years, none of them had any idea.
I know you are all itching to comment have a system put in...drill a hole in the basement slab...attach a PVC pipe and hook up a fan...no big deal...Right?
1) This questionable test has just scared the buyer...and you can't put Pandora back in the box. One canceled as not being convinced a zero could ever be achieved and children's room will be on the lower level.
2) The cost of this out of the blue concern is prohibitive. Deal two has half a finished basement and half is a dirt floor...the only way to fix this house pour a new slab, but the seller is upside down on the mortgage and can't do anything about the required repair.
3) Deal three, a five story condo with the high count on the ground floor. There are windows on all five stories and no way to get a vent system above the roof line without a major engineering under-taking...if at all possible.
I have had properties come in with radon counts over 30PCI and there - systems have made the difference. But the counts that are in the single digits, the change of barometric pressure, weather patterns, an open window or a re-test can change the results.
Once the cat is out of the bag…good luck coaxing him back in.
The damage is done, the buyer is scared and many times nothing can put this deal back together again.
If the seller pre-tested, would buyers accept there results...this tests are done through independent labs and the numbers are accepted to be "real"...but is there a real health concern?
What is the radon level at your house...at your office...at your children's school, or is the stress caused by this concern worse for you than the radon itself.
In new construction we are putting a vent in the floor and a pipe to the attic space before finishing the inside of the home...if a test rate the living space in a high range, a $200 fan will fix the PCI levels.
Here's the USGS radon map:

The best advice I could give is to educate your buyers by either sending them to the EPA web site or giving them the EPA publication Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
This information is from: The United States Environmental Protection Ageny - Site.
Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer - Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miner’s who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”
Read the University of Iowa press release about the North American study at www.uihealthcare.com/news/news/2005/03/21radon.html
Abstract of the pooling of North American Residential Radon studies (PDF) (2 pp, 22KB, About PDF).
Abstract of the pooling of the European Residential Radon studies (PDF) (1 page, 21KB, About PDF).
You decide if you should be testing homes for sale (I think you should).
Steve Loynd
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire Real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com
This odorless, invisible gas that as far as I can tell can't be unequivocally linked to health issues has done another deal in.
I live and sell properties in the Granite State (New Hampshire)...Radon is everywhere.
If the Radon count has above 4.0 PCI based on an independent test...inside the home, its high on the front steps, sidewalk...road leading to your new home. What are you going to do about that?
Is this a Government plan to put radon mitigation specialist back to work?
Or is this a test to raise the home inspectors fee?
All three of these sales were done in by counts between 8 and 12 PCI...how bad is living with this?
In each case I asked the buyer what the count was at their current home...where they have lived 24/7 for years, none of them had any idea.
I know you are all itching to comment have a system put in...drill a hole in the basement slab...attach a PVC pipe and hook up a fan...no big deal...Right?
1) This questionable test has just scared the buyer...and you can't put Pandora back in the box. One canceled as not being convinced a zero could ever be achieved and children's room will be on the lower level.
2) The cost of this out of the blue concern is prohibitive. Deal two has half a finished basement and half is a dirt floor...the only way to fix this house pour a new slab, but the seller is upside down on the mortgage and can't do anything about the required repair.
3) Deal three, a five story condo with the high count on the ground floor. There are windows on all five stories and no way to get a vent system above the roof line without a major engineering under-taking...if at all possible.
I have had properties come in with radon counts over 30PCI and there - systems have made the difference. But the counts that are in the single digits, the change of barometric pressure, weather patterns, an open window or a re-test can change the results.
Once the cat is out of the bag…good luck coaxing him back in.
The damage is done, the buyer is scared and many times nothing can put this deal back together again.
If the seller pre-tested, would buyers accept there results...this tests are done through independent labs and the numbers are accepted to be "real"...but is there a real health concern?
What is the radon level at your house...at your office...at your children's school, or is the stress caused by this concern worse for you than the radon itself.
In new construction we are putting a vent in the floor and a pipe to the attic space before finishing the inside of the home...if a test rate the living space in a high range, a $200 fan will fix the PCI levels.
Here's the USGS radon map:

The best advice I could give is to educate your buyers by either sending them to the EPA web site or giving them the EPA publication Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
This information is from: The United States Environmental Protection Ageny - Site.
Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer - Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miner’s who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”
Read the University of Iowa press release about the North American study at www.uihealthcare.com/news/news/2005/03/21radon.html
Abstract of the pooling of North American Residential Radon studies (PDF) (2 pp, 22KB, About PDF).
Abstract of the pooling of the European Residential Radon studies (PDF) (1 page, 21KB, About PDF).
You decide if you should be testing homes for sale (I think you should).
Steve Loynd
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire Real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com
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