With heating cost going up and no sign of them coming down in the near future, living in New Hampshire during the winters months is a challenge. One builder in this wonderful state of ours Cargill Construction is meeting the desires of their clients.
Liam Cargill, Project Manager of Cargill Construction Co. LLC is awarded the first New Hampshire Emerald Green Home Certification July 19th, 2010.
New Hampshire’s first Emerald award winning home sits on the shores of Lake Kanasatka.
The Emerald award is the highest achievement presented by the National Home Builders Association, National Green Building Standard.
Cargill Construction is please with this Emerald home and its array of energy-saving products and technologies. The HVAC is a state of the art hybrid geothermal and a propane furnace system. It consists of five zones, a heat recovery ventilation (HRV), and steam humidification. The system uses “Energy Management” to self diagnose through one thermostat which communicates with the other zones to create the perfect balance for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In addition the system offers the homeowner the ability to remote access all controls through the internet.
Liam Cargill states it is not difficult to achieve an energy efficient home with good building practices and the availability of so many products on the market today.
In order to achieve this high level of reward there are many sustainable and recyclable materials found throughout the home. Examples are found in FSC framing lumber, local hardwood flooring, 100% recycled underlayment’s, Energy Star appliances, concrete that contains 30% fly ash, and reclaimed cabinets to name but a few.
The envelope is ultra tight with BIBS insulation in the outside walls (R-23) and vaulted ceilings have an additional 2” of rigid insulation (R-49). The efficiency is reflected in the HERS of 46, despite the 4,000 SF.
Bill Cargill president of Cargill Construction Co. LLC has been building homes for the past 40 years and has witnessed first hand the transitions from small foot prints to large, larger and now the scaling back again. No matter if we are building a first home or a vacation home the most important aspect in home building is the livability of the home for our clients.
For more information on Homes that are designed or built to the National Green Building Standard visit their website.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
It's Back!! -- No Money Down -- Almost?
When the housing bubble burst, one of the culprits, economists agreed, was exotic mortgages, including those that required little or no money down. In our greedy hey-day, they were the mortgage lenders rising star; if you wanted a house you obviously couldn’t afford -- no problem. Oh, you don’t have a down payment? -- No problem, you don’t need one. Oh, you have a low credit score? No problem we’ll waive that. Oh, you have bad credit too? No problem, we’ll just increase your loan rate one point and there’ll be no credit check. Step right up buyers! Here are the keys to your new “shining home on the hill.” No matter you can’t pay the monthly mortgage or the taxes or even the utilities -- no problem!! Next customer please; and so it went, mortgage after bad mortgage creating havoc with our financial institutions and leaving millions of foreclosures and abandoned homes in its wake as far as the eye could see.
Although home foreclosures are again expected to top two million this year, Fannie Mae, the lending giant that required a government take over, is slowly getting back into the market for mortgages with no down payments. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that this type of loan might be the kind necessary to restart the housing market, because down payment requirements are keeping first time home buyers out. Low down payments themselves were not the problem, except when combined with other risk factors like adjustable rates or lax underwriting.
This new program is called Affordable Advantage, available to first time home buyers in four states and created in conjunction with the states housing finance agencies. The initial program is small but if successful it will be available in other states as well. So far Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin are offering them. The loans are a thirty (30) year fixed mortgage with mandatory home ownership counseling, available to people with credit scores of 680 and above (720 in Massachusetts) and buyers must invest one thousand dollars ($1,000) in the home and they must live in it. The Wisconsin Housing Authority has issued 500 of these loans since last March, making it the first state to act; and to date there are no delinquencies.
It’s the mission of Federal and State agencies to put people in their homes and keep them there, not to foreclose unless all other options have been exhausted. This new form of sub-prime loan is much safer because income is fully documented, monthly payments are fixed, credit score requirements are generally higher and borrowers must be thoroughly counseled on the home buying process and managing their debt. With the growth and enhancement of the Affordable Advantage program it may very well be that the young first time home owner will help lead us out of our housing doldrums and -- WITH NO MONEY DOWN -- ALMOST?
We wish them well in their mission.
Dick Clark
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
Campton NH
800.926.5003 or 603.726.4580
Although home foreclosures are again expected to top two million this year, Fannie Mae, the lending giant that required a government take over, is slowly getting back into the market for mortgages with no down payments. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that this type of loan might be the kind necessary to restart the housing market, because down payment requirements are keeping first time home buyers out. Low down payments themselves were not the problem, except when combined with other risk factors like adjustable rates or lax underwriting.
This new program is called Affordable Advantage, available to first time home buyers in four states and created in conjunction with the states housing finance agencies. The initial program is small but if successful it will be available in other states as well. So far Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin are offering them. The loans are a thirty (30) year fixed mortgage with mandatory home ownership counseling, available to people with credit scores of 680 and above (720 in Massachusetts) and buyers must invest one thousand dollars ($1,000) in the home and they must live in it. The Wisconsin Housing Authority has issued 500 of these loans since last March, making it the first state to act; and to date there are no delinquencies.
It’s the mission of Federal and State agencies to put people in their homes and keep them there, not to foreclose unless all other options have been exhausted. This new form of sub-prime loan is much safer because income is fully documented, monthly payments are fixed, credit score requirements are generally higher and borrowers must be thoroughly counseled on the home buying process and managing their debt. With the growth and enhancement of the Affordable Advantage program it may very well be that the young first time home owner will help lead us out of our housing doldrums and -- WITH NO MONEY DOWN -- ALMOST?
We wish them well in their mission.
Dick Clark
Alpine Lakes Real Estate
Campton NH
800.926.5003 or 603.726.4580
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Plymouth State University Panthers are Going Green
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
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
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.
We have a very small year-round population, mostly second homes and retirement properties. This combines to make our property tax bill one of the lowest in the state. Even though the graduating class is less than 30 students annually, our kids are near the top in S.A.T. scores and athletically find themselves in the state finals for their leagues in soccer, baseball, softball and, of course, skiing.The town's big four features are: Loon Mt, Pemigewasset River, and the Kancamagus Scenic highway and the lowest tax burden in the state.
Loon Mountain Recreation Area: The most popular ski resort in the state with gross ticket sale exceeding all other resorts in New Hampshire. Five lodges to choose from, a great mix of beginner to expert trails, snowboard terrain parks, night tubing and one of the country's best handicapped adaptive ski schools ranked by the professional ski instructors of America. Summer offer: horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing wall and major state festivals right through the fall (including the Scottish Highland Games).
Kancamagus Scenic Highway: This highway has been designated by the Federal Government as one of the Most Scenic Routes in the Country. From Lincoln, New Hampshire to North Conway (shopping mecca) you travel 35 miles through an unspoiled wilderness area. During your drive you will likely see moose and bear, or pull over at one of the many scenic vistas created to park and view the mountains. There are several places you can park and swim under waterfalls, but there are no commercial buildings of any kind for gas or food for the entire 35 mile trip.
The Pemigewasset River: This river flows through the center of Lincoln and was once used to transport timber to the paper mills in town. The mills are gone now - replaced by shopping and conveniences. There are a few remnants of an old dam or trestle crossing that make for swimming and floating in the river fun. Add fishing, kayaking, biking and hiking in the summer and cross country skiing along the river in the winter and the water still offers commerce but of a new kind.Recreation, Attractions, & National Forest Stations make the list:
An absolute slew of outdoor activities can’t be left out of the area's best features.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.
Clark’s Trading Post: One of the only places in the country where you can see a live bear show. Ride a steam locomotive, drive bumper boats, visit the fire truck museum, the crooked house or be scared by the Wolf-Man.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.
The View walking down the18th hole of the "Jack"
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.
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