While we're all spending most of our time indoors, air quality is becoming a pressing issue. Here are a few tips from experts recently highlighted at Curbed.com.

Indoor Plants. Clean the air with plants. In an age when a “healthy home” is what so many of us crave, this is an inexpensive alternative to improving the air quality in our homes.

 

Use the vent when cooking. “One of the big things we’re starting to understand a little more is the problems with cooking,” Adriano L. Martinez, an environmental lawyer who tweets about air quality issues as @LASmogGuy, told Curbed.com. “A hood and fan that siphons toxic fumes out of your kitchen can make a big difference, even if you’re just boiling water. Try to run the fan every time you’re cooking.”

Clean surfaces. Cleaning has never been more important than in the age of a pandemic, but it can also help improve the indoor air quality of your home. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum frequently to remove build ups of dust, pollen, and mold, which all impact air quality, Curbed.com reports.

Avoid the VOCs. Pay attention to the labels when cleaning to avoid products containing volatile organic chemicals. The fumes have been linked to irritating lungs.

Use a high-quality filter on the HVAC. A good filter can help trap airborne pollutants inside a home. Martinez suggests looking for a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, of 8 or higher on the HVAC filter. Also, change it frequently. Plug-in air purifiers can also help, experts say.

Source: “Breathe Cleaner Air Everywhere,” Curbed.com (April 7, 2020)

Don't let Hackers get the best of you.  Following is an article from REALTOR Magazine alerting homeowners on their devious ways.

Cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies has found a surge in coronavirus-themed malware and malicious software that is targeting the growing number of people working from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Cybercriminals are infecting home computers that may not have the same safeguards that employees use at their offices.

“The hackers are out in force, and they know that everybody’s home, so I think working from home without appropriate security is a risk,” Beth McCarty, owner of TeamLogic IT/Central Pinellas in Clearwater, Fla., told realtor.com®.

Phishing emails continue to prey on individuals, security experts warn. Hackers are sending out emails impersonating charities. They’re making requests for money or other personal information. For example, one reported scam purports to be an app by Johns Hopkins University that tracks the coronavirus and urges people to download a file or to click on the link, which contains malicious malware. Some cybercriminals are also hijacking video conferences, displaying pornography.

Check Point Software Technologies’ research shows that more than 4,000 coronavirus-related domains had been registered globally. Three percent were found to be malicious and 5% were labeled “suspicious.”

While companies offer in-house internet networks, many people who are working at home don’t have that same type of security in their home networks. Also, many households are now sharing devices among family members, and aren’t just using them for work. Children may be using devices to access classroom portals or for entertainment.

What can you do?

“Make sure you change that default password on your router,” McCarty told realtor.com®. “Many people have not.”

She also recommends enabling encryption on the router, using two-factor authentication to access programs, not storing any company information on your personal device, and using only approved company storage.

Also, she urges the use of a virtual private network, if available from your company. View more tips at realtor.com®.

Source: 

“The Rush to Work From Home Creates Opportunity—for Cybercriminals,” realtor.com® (March 24, 2020)

It's that time of year again to spruce up your home before the really good weather arrives.  Check out these helpful tips from See Jane Drill.  

Welcome warmer weather with a spotless home (in just one weekend).

Spring cleaning is all about getting our homes ready for a new season of sunshine, warmth and time outdoors — and indoors, too — especially if that’s where you’re spending a lot of time right now. Get ready to wipe off the grime, clear out the cobwebs and refresh your living spaces.

Add these project to your spring-cleaning checklist, and you’ll be rewarded with a home that feels brighter, cleaner and more functional.

Best of all, you can knock out most of these jobs in a weekend.

Wash windows, inside and out

Some say clean windows make your whole home look better, and we think it’s true.

For a DIY cleaning job that yields professional results, use a solution of water, ammonia and white vinegar. Apply the solution to your windows with a large sponge, and remove it with a professional-grade squeegee.

Clean refrigerator and air conditioner coils

These appliances create a cooling effect by circulating air through the coils. Over time, dust builds up on the coils and decreases their efficiency, making your refrigerator or air conditioner work a lot harder.

Unplug the appliance, then vacuum out the coils with your vacuum’s crevice tool. You can also use a special refrigerator-coil cleaning brush, available at most hardware stores.

Check ceiling fans

Clean your ceiling-fan blades to remove winter dust build up.

And if you reversed your ceiling fan’s direction to clockwise for the winter, turn it back to counterclockwise for the warmer months. This sends the air straight down, creating a cooling effect.

Clean dryer vent

Cleaning a dryer vent is easier than you might imagine. First, unplug the dryer from the power source. Next, clean out the vent with a special dryer-vent cleaning brush or a vacuum.

Deep-clean carpets

Even if you vacuum regularly, a thorough carpet cleaning once a year will reach deep down into the fibers to clean out debris, dust, and food particles.

If you don’t own a carpet cleaner, you may be able to rent one from a home improvement store or even your local grocery chain store.

Inspect roof, gutters and chimneys

Spring is the perfect time to check your roof for damage that may have occurred over the winter. If you can’t use a ladder to get up on the roof, try inspecting it with binoculars.

Check decks and patios

If the finish on your wooden deck still looks good, that’s great! You might just need to clean the deck to get it ready for summer.

If the finish appears to be worn, then you’ll want to consider both cleaning and resealing the deck. For decks made of composite material, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and preserving the deck.

Prep lawn equipment

Get those lawn mowers, weed whackersnand pressure washers out of storage, turn them on, and make sure they are running properly. Sometimes a little lubricant or cleaning is all you need to get your tools back in shape.

Clean outside furniture

Use Murphy Oil Soap for wood furniture. For most other types of outdoor furniture, a solution of dishwashing liquid and water should do the trick.

Freshen up your front entrance

Sweep and/or wash the front porch and steps. Shake out your welcome mat, or replace it if it’s starting to fray or fall apart. Add a pot or two of brightly colored annuals, and your home will feel renewed!

 

See Jane Drill was founded by Karen DeVenaro and Leah Bolden to provide the beginning home improvement enthusiast with skills, information and step-by-step how-to instruction on tools usage, home repair and home improvement projects.  You can do this!

See Jane Drill has been teaching and empowering homeowners to take care of their own homes since 2013. With easy-to-follow tutorials and detailed explanations on a wide variety of home repairs, they encourage everyone, including beginners, to become a DIY-er and save money! They produce a new DIY video every week. Follow See Jane Drill on YouTube and Facebook.

 

Originally published April 2017

Don't fall prey to these scammers.  Below is an article from REALTOR Magazine alerting homeowners of their tactics and how not to be a victim to their schemes!

Scam artists are reportedly using multiple methods, including spoofing tactics, to try to trick struggling homeowners with offers of financial aid. Freddie Mac warned this week that it learned of a scam where borrowers were receiving fraudulent calls impersonating the mortgage financing giant in offering low interest rates and other false promises.

Freddie Mac says it will never reach out to consumers over the phone with a refinancing opportunity or a new loan.

As some homeowners struggle from the economic toll of the COVID-19 outbreak, scammers are looking to take advantage of those looking for help. They may call owners offering immediate relief from foreclosure or relief from making mortgage payments.

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and many lenders are offering programs to help homeowners at this time, but those calls need to be initiated by the owner.

“Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID in an effort to disguise their identity while pretending to be someone else,” Freddie Mac warns in a statement about the growing scam.

“During times of distress, it is important to be on your guard against fraud schemes,” Freddie Mac says in a post.

Here are some tips from Freddie Mac to help homeowners avoid being scammed:

• If a call comes from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.

• If you answer and receive a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Hang up.

• Never give out any personal, financial, or other sensitive information unless you’ve verified the caller is a legitimate source.

• Be cautious of numbers on your caller ID since scammers can make any name or number appear.

Source: 

“Avoiding Fraud: Call Spoofing,” Freddie Mac (March 25, 2020) and “Avoid Getting Caught Up in Coronavirus Scams Involving Your Mortgage,” Forbes.com (March 26, 2020)

 

 

Yes, we are open for business!

Following an appeal by NH Realtors, real estate transactions are now included in the state’s list of essential businesses allowed to function as a result of Gov. Christopher Sununu’s stay-at-home order. 

In our effort to abide by the guidelines in the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus, we request the following:

 

• Call us at 603-569-4488 if you wish to speak with an Agent.  

• Meetings: Meetings between brokers/agents and clients (or prospective clients) cannot take place at a real estate brokerages’ physical offices, but may take place with social distancing or remotely by phone, video or other electronic means.

• Virtual Tours: If you wish to schedule a showing of a property, you can do so by calling us and we can set up a viewing via virtual tour or Facetime.

• Closings: Real estate closings can continue either through remote means or with social distancing for any in-person transactions.

• Inspections: Property inspections and appraisals may continue with appropriate social distancing.

• Delivery Personnel: You may enter our lobby area but we request you keep a minimum distance of 6 feet between yourself and our Agents and Administrator. 

 

Please follow these preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Stay home and avoid public places as much as possible

• Avoid close contact through social distancing, at least 6 feet from anyone.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve then immediately throw the tissue away and wash your hands as soon as possible.

 

Stay Healthy & Safe Everyone!  We're all in this together!

 

Melanson Real Estate, Inc.

www.melansonrealestate.com

Mobile: 603-651-7228

 

 

 

List or Buy with Us This Spring!

 

 

The agents at Melanson Real State, Inc. are committed to providing professional advising to both buyers and sellers in New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

With us, you never have to worry about not receiving the personal attention you need through each step of the real estate process.

 

34 North Main Street

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

www.melansonrealestate.com

603-569-4488

 

One of the Oldest and Most Respected Real Estate Firms in the Lakes Region

 

 

Yesterday, Gov. Chris Sununu reached out to New Hampshire residents with ways they can help as the state prepares for a long fight against the novel coronavirus.

Sununu and Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette outlined several ways that residents can volunteer, including providing or supporting health care and helping ensure that hospitals are stocked with personal protective equipment.

"We need more volunteers to step up and help mitigate this pandemic," Sununu said. 

 

Below is the information on volunteering, as released by Sununu's office. Click on the links below (highlighted) for more information:

NHResponds.org: This effort will serve as a secure online registration system for medical and non-medical volunteers who can quickly mobilize if needed. NHResponds is part of a nationwide volunteer management system that was established after 9/11 to get medical professionals quickly, and properly deploy them during a public health emergency or disaster. 

VolunteerNH.org: New Hampshire is blessed to have many amazing non-profits which do critical work 365 days a year – and especially in times like these. Individuals interested in volunteering for a local non-profit can visit volunteernh.org to be connected with an organization in their area.

NHEconomy.com/PPEHelp: This portal will allow for all businesses to see what products the State needs, and reach out to offer assistance. The State has already heard from nearly 100 companies who are ready to adapt and adjust their operations to provide the protection, equipment, and knowledge base to stop the spread of COVID19 by either donating or producing PPE. 

Sununu on Monday urged people to practice social distancing and said if this didn't happen on a widespread basis, "further action may be necessary to ensure the health and safety of our neighbors."

As we head into April and the weather starts to warm up a bit, now is a great time to think about home improvement projects to build equity in your home and make it more beautiful. Building equity in your home is usually a process that takes a lot of time, money, energy, and patience. 

Following are some helpful tips to turn your neighborhood into a community and how to get ready for a home inspection. 

Maintenance

Before you start thinking of ways to create equity, consider what you can do to maintain your current equity. Keeping up with routine maintenance and fixing problems as soon as they arise will help your home stay in good shape so that you don’t lose out on existing home value.

Landscaping

Nice landscaping increases your home’s curb appeal, which can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. Investing in quality landscaping is often the quickest, easiest way to earn a home equity boost. 

Outdoor upgrades

Replacing torn window screens, updating the paint on your porch, replacing your front door, and other small projects can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal. This, in turn, can be a quick and easy way to improve your home’s value and the equity you have in it.

Indoor updates

Some projects like a full kitchen or bathroom remodel will add a lot of value to your home, but they’ll also cost a lot of money. Some simpler projects like repainting your cabinets, updating your appliances, or checking your attic insulation can improve your home without emptying your wallet.

Raise your payments

Another way to build equity in your home is to pay down your loan. Add extra money to pay down your principal loan or make additional payments on your loan to earn additional home equity.

 

By Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside, 208 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH 03253

 

The world is on fire—at least that’s how it feels. Concern over the coronavirus (along with overwhelming, 24-hour media coverage) has resulted in long lines at grocery stores, empty shelves, and general feeling of “what’s next?” Here are 7 things you can start doing now to remain healthy and to help others.

1. Wash your hands. The best way to prevent getting and spreading this virus is to wash your hands. Oh, and don’t touch your face. Simple and effective. Don’t forget to use those Clorox wipes (when you can find them in stores) and clean off your phone. It has a ton of germs on it.

2. Social distancing. Keep yourself away from others—at least 6 feet if you’re in public—and say no to attending large events where there’s potential for exposure. Don’t become a hermit; just be smart. Help end this pandemic by keeping your distance.

3. Order food to-go and tip well. When you get take-out, be sure to tip more than normal. Your servers need the income as they are hurting like everyone else. Order food to-go or delivery and eat at home. You can still support the local businesses and eat a meal you didn’t have to cook yourself.

4. Buy gift cards. Buy gift cards from your favorite local stores and restaurants so those small business owners continue to have income. When the pandemic ends, you can go cash in those gift cards.

5. Look out for neighbors. While some people have the opportunity to work from home, others may be left without work or paychecks due to coronavirus measures—especially in light of school closures and lack of childcare options. Be on the lookout for your neighbors and see if you can help provide groceries.

6. Spring cleaning. Some of you may find that with cancellations and social distancing, your schedule is a little freed up. Don’t just Netflix and chill all day. (The Netflix release of Outbreak last week was an ironic timing.) Use this time to be productive. Take the next week or two and spring clean your house. I’m talking a couple of hours a day after work—you don’t have to miss your favorite rerun of The Office to do it. Tackle one room a day. It’s a great time to get your office organized as well. Get rid of clutter, make digital copies of what you can, and get rid of paperwork. You’ll feel accomplished and able to focus better on work.

7. It’s all going to be okay. You can’t fix it, stressing won’t help, and over-buying toilet paper is not the answer. Try to go about life as normally as you can while taking precautions along the way. Life will go back to normal—or a new normal. You can do this without stressing out to the max. Just focus on these 7 steps and continue on.

By Jef Conn: Jef Conn, CCIM, SIOR, is a commercial agent specializing in industrial, office, and investment properties with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Lubbock, Texas. 

Getting ready to sell or purchase your home.  Well, here are some helpful tips suggested by Christopher Kelly when it comes to your home inspection. 

Home inspections are a chance for a homeowner or buyer to learn of any potential problems a home may have. These inspections are often considered a crucial part of the home-selling process. Make sure any inspections on your home go smoothly with these tips.

Turn on the lights.

Turning on the lights gives you a chance to make sure none of your light bulbs are burnt out, thereby avoiding concerns over whether or not those sockets are working. It also makes it easier for the inspector to see where they’re going and to assess your home’s condition more accurately.

Tidy up.

Making sure your house is neat and tidy will ensure the home inspector can quickly and safely make their inspection. Because the home inspector will be evaluating the entire home, remember to tidy up the basement, attic, storage areas, and utilities in addition to the main living areas.

Finish your to-do list.

Most homes have a few minor repairs that need fixing - leaky faucets, running toilets, wobbly banisters, etc. Now is a great time to go ahead and fix those so that they don’t show up on your home’s inspection report!

 

By Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside

If you're thinking of buying your first home, forever home or are ready to sell your current home? Don't go it alone! Melanson Real Estate is one of the oldest and most respected firms in town. Our experts know the Lakes Region and will assist you every step of the way, from showing to closing. We provide the care and personal service you deserve from day one to minimize surprises and make your buying and selling experience as stress free as possible. Call or stop-in today to speak with one of our experts! 

Buyers and sellers are on separate sides of the fence when it comes to home sales. What one is trying to achieve is often diametrically opposed to what the other wants to see happen—the first usually wants to steal the property while the other wants top dollar. And yet, they share the same ultimate goal. They want a sale.

Both sides can benefit significantly from hiring a real estate agent to assist them, but their reasons can be different. 

1.  It's All About the Money... 

Consider this if you're contemplating going "FSBO"—for sale by owner—when listing your home. Of course, you want to get as much for their home as possible, and you might think that means not parting with extra commissions. But a 2017 study indicated that FSBOs fetched about 30% less for their owners than agent-listed properties. 

And you're probably going to have to pay a commission anyway if your buyer is represented by an agent. The buyer's agent's commission is typically factored into the deal—although you'll still save on the commission you would otherwise have paid your own agent.  

And why not use an agent if you're the buyer? After all, the seller is paying the commission, not you. Of course, there's always a slim possibility that the seller will refuse to do so, but you can probably move on and look at other properties if it appears that this will be the case, although it can depend on whether you're shopping in a buyers' or sellers' market and who has the upper hand. 

2. ...And Attention to Detail 

You might be far out of your element when it comes to reviewing and understanding the multiple documents involved in a real estate deal, and you should have a thorough understanding of what you're getting into regardless of whether you're buying or selling. Purchase agreements alone can top 10 pages in 2019, not to mention federal, state, and local document requirements. 

Luckily, your agent will be far more familiar with all this paperwork than you are. Consider this if you're still thinking about saving money: Some mistakes or omissions in these documents can cost you as much as that commission you were trying to avoid paying—or even far more. 

Here's an example: Maybe a buyer makes an offer on a home, but it's contingent on getting a mortgage. There's no possibility that the buyer could purchase the property without first securing financing—but there's no such contingency or escape hatch built into the purchase agreement to let the buyer out of the deal if financing fails. The buyer is obligated to go through with the sale or be sued if it turns out that a mortgage isn't happening. 

Consider hiring a broker for a smaller one-time fee to simply review your contracts before signing if you're still dead set against hiring an agent to take care of all this. 

3. Privacy, Confidentiality and Fiduciary Duty 

Your real estate agent has your back whether you're a buyer or a seller. Agents have what's known as a "fiduciary" responsibility to their clients. They legally obligated to put their clients' best interests first. 

This duty imparts a very high standard for confidentiality. As a buyer, do you really, really want to turn over your most intimate financial details to a FSBO seller who's under no legal obligation to keep the information confidential? The same goes for turning any and all information over to the seller's agent, who has no fiduciary responsibility to you but only to the seller. Your own agent would know whether any information the other agent is requesting from you is reasonable. 

You do have recourse if you're the buyer and the seller's agent has lied to you, misled you, or disclosed confidential information. You can report it to the agent's professional association, such as the National Association of Realtors. But again, this assumes that the seller has an agent. You'll have far fewer options if the property is FSBO. 

4. Agents Know What to Look For 

Buyers usually have a pretty firm idea in mind of what they want in a property, from number of bedrooms to an attached garage to any number of other must-have and must-not-have factors. You'll probably feel pretty comfortable looking at homes with that list tucked firmly in the back of your mind.

But your agent will be alert for issues that might not cross your mind, such as furnace issues, leaks, roofing problems, and mold and insect issues. An agent will recognize the telltale signs of these problems and know how best to approach them. Again, this experience and knowledge can end up saving you thousands down the road. 

You know exactly how much you want for your home if you're the seller, but is the price you've arrived at reasonable? You might only know for sure if you're able to identify comparable sales that confirm that you're in the right range—or not. Agents can do comparative market analyses in their sleep. 

An agent can hand over researched, current, and reputable data regarding a neighborhood's demographics, crime rates, schools, and other important factors. That's a lot of time-consuming research to do on your own, particularly if you don't know where to start. 

5. Agents Have Superior Negotiating Skills 

You might not be a negotiation shark if you don't happen to be an attorney, mediator, union rep...or a real estate agent. Remember that fiduciary responsibility your agent has to you. It's your agent's job to get you the best possible price for your home, or to see to it that you get the best possible deal on the property you want to buy. 

Agents are trained to negotiate well, if only from experience. They know what normally works and what does not. Most have tried-and-true techniques all their own. And, most importantly, they have no emotional stake in the outcome that can cloud their thinking. 

You, on the other hand, might be willing to come up with $10,000 more to purchase that to-die-for home, never realizing that it's really not necessary because you possess certain bargaining chips. It's just more money saved if you have an agent who prevents you from taking an unnecessary financial plunge. 

The Bottom Line 

Henry Ford once said that it proves that you're smarter than they are when you hire people who are smarter than you. The trick is to recognize when you need help and to find the right person.

BY ELIZABETH WEINTRAUB (Click to read more about the author)

 

Sunday, March 8th

Love it or hate it, our annual ritual of early March – daylight saving time – is coming this weekend.

At 2 a.m. Sunday, the few analog clocks still around must "spring forward" an hour, turning 1:59:59 a.m. into 3 a.m. 

Since most of our computers, smartphones and DVRs do it automatically, it's not as much of a chore as it used to be. Unless you have smart appliances, microwaves and ovens are on the short list of household items that would need a manual adjustment.

Here are some questions answered about daylight saving time.

Do we gain or lose an hour? 

We all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday when going to DST, as the day is only 23 hours long. Starting Sunday, that one hour of daylight is basically shifted from morning to evening as daylight saving time begins. 

We don't go back to standard time until Sunday, Nov. 1.

Who's in charge of time?

Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation is in charge of daylight saving time and all time zones in the U.S. "The oversight of time zones was assigned to DOT because time standards are important for many modes of transportation," according to the department's website.

Why do we observe daylight saving time?

The DOT says daylight saving is observed because it saves energy, saves lives by preventing traffic accidents and reduces crime. 

The agency also says people tend to spend more time outside during daylight saving time, meaning they run household appliances and lights less during those eight months. Also, the DOT says, it prevents traffic incidents because people are driving around more during the light hours. It also is a crime deterrent, DOT says, because people are out during the daylight and not at night, "when more crime occurs."

What are the downsides to DST?

Not everyone agrees it offers energy-saving benefits, however. Some studies report the time switch saves energy on lighting but is surpassed by increases in heating and air conditioning. It can also mess with our sleep patterns, at least temporarily.

Other health consequences, according to studies and research, include increased headaches, heart attacks and depression.   

Which states and territories don't observe daylight saving time?

Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands don't spring forward or fall back. 

Are there states that would like to dump daylight saving time? 

Yes. In Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the state Legislature but still needs to be approved by Congress. Other states where bills have been passed include Washington, California and Oregon. 

There's much to do this weekend! Whether it's a home show, sportsman show, chili fundraiser or celtic music, there's something for you! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

 

Friday, March 6 - 8

53rd Annual New Hampshire State Home Show

THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW NORTH OF BOSTON

When:   Friday, 1 PM -  8 PM
             Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM
             Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Where: Doubletree Hotel, Downtown Manchester, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

WITH OVER 300 VENDORS and Exhibitors covering all aspects of the home building/remodeling industry plus items in the New England Made concourse.

Other highlights of the Show include the Junior Lego Build Competition, seminars and demonstrations.

Produced by the professionals at the New Hampshire Home Builders Association this is the one show of the year to attend and interact with builders, remodelers, decorators, landscapers, and all types of home solutions providers. The latest in home-related products and services will be showcased – everything from mortgages to landscaping, hot tubs to custom home builders, and custom closets to fabulous kitchens and baths.

$6.00 discount parking is available in the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Manchester parking garage. Validation machine is located inside the Expo Center, or at the check-in booth located in the Armory Concourse. 

Admission Fees:

Weekend Pass: $15.00

Adults: $10.00

Seniors 62 and over: $7.00

Children 12 and under: FREE

MILITARY DISCOUNT
With Military I.D.: $6.00

DISCOUNT: $3.00 discount with
donation of non-perishable food
items or toiletries.

Click on the Home Show logo above for more information!

 

NH Outdoor Expo

Hosted by Lake Life Brand

When: Friday, 1 PM - 8 PM

           Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM

           Sunday,   10 AM - 5 PM

Where: The Hampshire Dome, 34 Emerson Road, Milford, New Hampshire

Free parking!

Adults: $12

Children 12 & under: FREE!

Click on the Outdoor Expo logo above for more information!

 

Saturday, March 7

Chili & Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Hosted by Castle in the Clouds

Where: Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, New Hampshire 

When: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Castle in the Clouds hosts its third annual Chili and Beer Tasting fundraiser inside the Carriage House. Guests can enjoy sampling chili and beer from nine local Lakes Region restaurants and breweries, plus spirits from Tamworth Distilling! Enjoy two hours of tasting, mingling and music on the first floor of the Carriage House. Relax by the large hearth fireplace or on the lake-view terrace to let that delicious chili and beer settle. 

Admission for the Chili & Beer Tasting is $25 and includes a Castle in the Clouds tasting glass. The Fair Market Value of each ticket is $5, resulting in $20 of this cost being a tax-deductible donation which will be reflected on your ticket receipt.Tickets are limited and must be purchased by March 6, so be sure to reserve yours soon! All sales are final. Please be sure to have a valid photo ID on you during the event.

This event will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather. If cancelled, your ticket purchase(s) will be refunded.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

High Time-Celtic Trio

Presented by Wolfeboro Friends of Music

When: 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM

Where: Anderson Hall, Brewster Academy, 205 S. Main Street, Wolfeboro

St. Patrick’s Day begins a week early in Wolfeboro with this spectacular young Celtic trio from Connemara. High Time features combinations of harp, guitar, flute, whistle, bodhran and voice to create a rich and exciting sound. Each of the three lifelong friends performs multiple instruments: Ciarán Bolger on guitar and vocals, Connall Flaherty on flute, whistles and vocals, and Séamus Flaherty on Celtic harp, whistle, bódhran drum, and vocals, plus Irish dance. Their music exemplifies the best of today’s Celtic music scene, crafting energetic modern arrangements of traditional folk melodies.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

Sunday, March 8

Don't forget, daylight saving time begins!  

 

Here's an interesting article from PulteGroup to aid you in sprucing up your home!

February 19, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

ATLANTA--Ditch the winter blues and white hues for vibrant and illuminating new trends that will be sure to add a breath of fresh air into your home! From bold color statements to unexpected adornments and wall art, 2020 marks the year of taking risks in design. The interior design team at PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) is sharing its top trends to look for in 2020.

“Look for daring color statements and unexpected uses of natural elements to accessorize and help transform home designs”

“This year is all about reflecting your individuality through design,” said PulteGroup National Vice President of Interior Design Angela Nuessle. “The key to making these trends your own is to follow your personal style and listen to what speaks to you, while subtly implementing the latest trends to bring out the true personality of the home.”

Joining the shift towards more adventurous trends in interiors are bold colors making a big splash in homes this year. Think bright, vivid and optimistic colors to rejuvenate the home just in time for spring.

“Look for daring color statements and unexpected uses of natural elements to accessorize and help transform home designs,” said Nuessle.

The interior design team shares the top trends and colors for 2020.

2020 Home Design Trends:

1. Curvilinear Forms

Curves are in this year! Arched lines with smooth transitions provide a softer look in the home. From couches and chairs to tables and ottomans, curves add a retro vibe that spans from mid-century to high-glam.

2. Natural Texture

This universal trend highlights elements in their raw form. From household accessories to furnishings and textiles to home decor, natural texture will add visual significance, intensity and depth to interiors.

3. Unique Adornments

Expect the unexpected with adornments adding pizazz this year! From leather accents and belts added to chairs and beds, to gilded hardware on cabinets and furniture, look for touches of ornamentation to create truly unique spaces.

4. Dare to be Different 

Think off the wall when it comes to wall art. This year will move beyond traditional design to focus on wall applications that incorporate mixed-media and abstract elements with natural materials, including yarn, wood, woven fibers and stone. The key is to achieve texture, depth and intensity with unique pieces that will make a lasting impression.

5. Walk on the Wild Side

Large graphic florals and botanicals will continue to bloom across designs this year. Embracing the wild side comes with color palettes reminiscent of camouflage and a pronounced focus on alluring moments in nature coming into play with design.

6. Bold Color Statements 

This year, bold color statements will go beyond simple accent walls. More distinct elements such as upholstery, case pieces and large statement art will embrace this impressive trend. The key to embracing this trend is to strike a balance between incorporating bold color statement pieces with subtle, layered neutrals.

Top Color Trends:

Layering neutrals with pops of saturated colors will continue to be influential in interiors this year. Here are the top color trends to look for in 2020:

1. Cobalt Blue – Blue remains a staple in design but look for 2020 to go deeper into cobalt hues. Both timeless and calming cobalt provides a sense of familiarity into the home while still adding an exciting a pop of color.

2. Chartreuse – Think brighter this year as chartreuse and other variations of green tones take over interiors. This trend will challenge homeowners to explore their wild side with bold chartreuse statements to incorporated in the home.

3. Violet – Known to symbolize royalty, this purple hue provides a luxurious yet subtle accent color. Violet can work to help fade away the winter blues and vitalize interiors with the change of season.

4. Rust-Tone Shades – Look for rich terracotta shades and primitive earthy tones to create a warm, calming environment with a profound quality inside the home.

 

PulteGroup’s in-house team of interior designers exclusively design and furnish model homes across all brands nationwide. Inspired by the lives of homebuyers and influenced by the latest trends, the team will design and decorate upwards of 500 model homes in 2020, making them the largest builder-embedded interior design firm in the country.

About PulteGroup, Inc.

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America’s largest homebuilding companies with operations in approximately 50 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide homebuyers with innovative solutions and consumer inspired homes and communities to make lives better.

Contacts

For Media Inquiries 
Mackenzie Eldridge 
office: 404-978-6615 

What's a better time to celebrate Wolfeboro's Winter Carnival than on Leap Year Weekend! Yes, for those of you wondering exactly what a leap year means... well, here goes!  A leap year is a calendar year that contains an additional day added to keep the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year or seasonal year.  February 29 is a date that usually occurs every four years, and is called leap day. So, Happy Leap Day everyone!!!  Following are the fun things happening this weekend for you and your family.  

Wolfeboro Winter Carnival Schedule of Events

Sponsored by the American Legion, The Friends of Abenaki and Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation!

Thursday, February 27th

American Legion Skating Party

The American Legion will be on hand to hand out free Hot cocoa and Hot Dogs. Skating for this event is FREE, but Ice Skate Rentals are $5.00 if needed. Bring the entire family and skate to some good music with great people!

When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Rd, Wolfeboro

Telephone: 603-569-5639

 

Friday, February 28th

Little Air/Big Air Competition

  

When: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Abenaki Ski Area, 390 Pine Hill Rd, Wolfeboro

5:00-8:00 PM  –  Bonfire  Abenaki Ski Area

8:00 PM – Snowsnake Torchlight Parade  Abenaki Ski Area

 

Telephone: 603-569-5639

Saturday, February 29, 2020

 

Join Friends of Abenaki for their Annual Pancake Breakfast. They'll have pancakes, maple syrup, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee. There is no cost for this event, but donations are accepted and appreciated. All of the money raised will go to Friends of Abenaki and put back into the Ski Area!!

When: 7:00 – 10:00 AM  

Where: Abenaki Ski Area

 

Winter Carnival Festivities in the Great Hall at Wolfeboro Town Offices, 84 S Main St, Wolfeboro include the Mad Science show and BINGO!

Family BINGO immediately following the Mad Science Show. There will be prizes available to win. This event is FREE. 12:15 PM – 1 PM 

 

ENJOY!!!

 

 

Doesn't it always seem like we're envisioning new ways to enhance the beauty of our surroundings... particularly in our homes?  When it comes to lighting, there are cost effective and energy-saving ways to do just that!  Here are some simple and worthwhile ideas!

Improve a Home's Lighting Without an Electrician

Lighting can set the right mood in a home and make it feel more welcoming, and achieving that doesn’t always require an electrician. Curbed.com asked three designers to provide their best tips for improving the lighting in a home. Here are a few of their suggestions.

Match the lightbulbs. Change the mismatched types of lightbulbs, particularly old compact fluorescent bulbs, Jenny Guggenheim, owner of Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio in Portland, Ore., told Curbed. Replace them with one type of LED bulb. “In old homes, there are sometimes three or four different types of lightbulbs—each with its own color temperature,” says Guggenheim. “This easy fix can go a long way towards elevating your lighting.” Try using 2,500K to 2,700K warmth LED bulbs. “That range mimics daylight, but a little on the warmer side,” Guggenheim told Curbed.

Layer the light. By layering the light in your space, you can create a more welcoming atmosphere. Have at least two layers of light, designers say. The first layer will likely be an overhead, brighter light. For the second layer, use a light on a table or a floor lamp. Make sure to offset the brighter light with a layer of more diffused lighting. “You’ll immediately recognize how expansive the light is—it’s softer, warmer, and more flattering,” she says. Diffusion can take many forms, including the opaque glass of a bulb and the fabric, glass, or paper of the shade,” Alex Kalita, founder of Common Bond Design in Brooklyn, N.Y., told Curbed.

Watch the scale. Avoid using too small a light source for the space it’s in, Guggenheim suggests. For example, don’t use a tiny table lamp in a large entryway.

Place lamps throughout. “I love putting lamps on shelves mixed in with books or on the open shelving in the kitchen,” Megan Pflug, designer and owner of the Woodhouse Lodge in Greenville, N.Y., told Curbed. “You can even put one on top of the fridge.”

 

Source: “Pro Tips to Improve Your Home’s Lighting—Without an Electrician,” Curbed.com (Feb. 20, 2020)

 

Friday & Saturday, February 21st & 22nd

Looking for something really fun to do this weekend?  Well, search no more... below are a couple of ideas to keep in mind. The weather looks perfect for outdoor activities too.  Enjoy the weekend!

2020 Fire & Ice Festival

  Hosted by the Wolfeboro Inn

Celebrate winter at our annual Fire & Ice Festival outside on the gazebo lawn! Three ice bars, two bands each night, fire pits, free s'mores fixings. Just $5 to get in. Complimentary town car transportation from 5 public parking lots from 5pm to 10pm each night. 

Big music news for this year's Fire & Ice Festival! On Friday Copilot will be opening at 5pm. Following Copilot will be the The A-Beez with Aaron Bellamy, Amy Bellamy, vocalist Melissa Bolling, Will Nelson and drummer Peter MacLean of the Maceo Parker Band.

On Saturday the A-Beez lineup will be joined by DJ Mister Rourke, Jeff Lockhart the legendary guitartist and professor at Berklee, and Sam Kininger on saxophone. 

This year's sponsors are Harpoon, Jameson and Barr Hill.

This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately. 

 

Sunday, February 23nd 

Learn to Curl

Hosted by Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation

Where: Pop Whalen Ice and Art Center, 390 Pine Hill Road, Wolfeboro 

When: 2:30 PM – 4 PM

Lakes Region Curling will be on hand to to give you a demonstration on the sport of curling. Participants will get hands on lessons and learn the basics during this FREE program. Participants must be at least 16 years old to participate. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver on site.

Friday, February 14th

Dueling Pianos Valentine's Day Dinner

Hosted by the Wolfeboro Inn

When: Tonight 7 PM – 10 PM

Where: The Wolfeboro Inn, 90 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH

For Valentine's Day, enjoy dueling pianos over a three course dinner.

Dueling Pianos, the best of Boston. 

Dinner starts at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.

Start With: Glass of Champagne

First Course: Bacon & Corn Ravioli with Roasted Pork Belly, Snap Peas, NH Mushrooms and Pecorino Cheese. A vegetarian option is available.

Second Course: Surf & Turf with Braised Short Ribs, Pan Seared Halibut, Pommes de Terre Gratin and Glazed Baby Carrots with Beurre Rose. A vegetarian option is available.

Third Course: No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars

Cash bar. 

Ticket price includes tax and gratuity.

For more information, click on View Map

 

Saturday, February 15th

Alton Winter Carnival

When: 10 AM – 3 PM

Where: Alton Bay, NH

Please come join the Alton community on the ICE for some outdoor WINTER fun!

This is a FREE admission event and is sponsored by the Alton Business Association! Local businesses sponsor events and provide raffle + prize items!! Be sure to stop at the ABA booth to purchase raffle tickets.

Featured Events Include:
• Chowder-Fest (local restaurants will be on the ice for you to sample + vote on the best chowdah!) Sponsored by TD Bank, Alton, NH.
• Crazy Hat Contest- Most creative wins a prize!
•Bob House Decorating Contest, Sponsored by Cyr Realty Group
• Horse Sleigh Rides - Nothing like a dash across the ice to embrace the season. (A charge does apply for this event.) Sponsored by TDS!
• Bed Race Contest - Feeling creative + competitive, then bring your best built bed contraption to race across the ice! Team of 5 required (four pushers and one rider). Sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank and Future Business Leaders of America/Prospect Mountain High School! Email us on how to register for this event.
• Helicopter Rides - Curious what the aerial view of The Bay is like in the winter? Take a ride and see for yourself! (A charge does apply for this event.) This service is offered by CR Helicopters.
• ”Yoga on the Ice” -This is a breathtaking experience! This event is sponsored by Breathe Yoga NH, registration and detail information will follow on this event page.
• ABA Food & Drink Booth - Sausage & peppers, burgers, french fries, fried dough, water, sodas, coffee, hot chocolate and more.
•Food Vendors - Speciality food from The Lodge at Smith Point and Dockside restaurants. * NEW this year!!
•Caricature Artist!! NEW this year!!
• Kids Games, Music, Scavenger Hunt, Skating, Hockey Puck Shoot, S’mores Roasting and more!
• There will also be vendor tents & local small businesses on the ICE too!!

See event page for updated event information + the Winter Carnival schedule https://altonbusinessassociation.com/

Hope to see you on the ICE for this fun outdoor WINTER community-building event!

 

Looking for some great ideas to capture one's eye in room decor?  Well, search no more. Here's an article that does just that...

Room design ideas by Jamie Wiebe

Room design ideas are a dime a dozen. But you want your place to look like those expensive home design website images you drool over, don't you? Of course you do! Problem is, your budget may not match your design aspirations. Fear not! Making your home look high-end isn't always about spending tons of cash.

It's a matter of taking the time and care to arrange things in an eye-pleasing way—and making small, inexpensive updates that have a big impact. In other words, it's about being sneaky.

Here are a few tricks to pull if you want to add the illusion of luxury.

1. Declutter

Nothing says "this home ain't worth much" like tons of disjointed knickknacks, piles of books, and other miscellaneous items that should be tossed or stored.

No, you don't need to go full Marie Kondo, but going through your rooms and getting rid of anything that doesn't mesh with your personal style is a great first step toward transforming your home from average to exceptional.

Walk through each room of your home and edit items. Make some tough decisions. Sure, you love your grandma's vintage Chinese vase, but does it really jibe with your West Elm look? It might be time to store it or let it live in another room with similar family heirlooms.

Next step: Tackle any stuff that piles up—toys (if you have kids), shoes by the door, mail on the dining table. At the very least, find places for your stuff to live in a more organized way; an upgraded closet with beautifully sorted nooks and crannies looks luxurious.

2. Eliminate grunge

You may not have time for intensive cleaning on a weekly basis, but a once- or twice-yearly deep clean is an easy way to make your home look far more luxurious. After all, you rarely see a mansion with dirty baseboards.

Go through your home and search for overlooked areas that have become dirty and downright gross. You'll want to pay special attention to the grouting, says designer Young Huh.

"Having old tile cleaned and regrouted makes a huge difference in having your bathroom look sparkly and fresh," she says. Best of all: The process is simple and inexpensive.

Get sparkly new floors–minus the refinishing. Try steam cleaning wood floors for an immediate lift to the finish.

3. Add—or rearrange—lighting

Designers use lighting to define spaces and separate rooms, making a small space grand.

Think of your living room—where you might have a reading nook, sofas and chairs for company, and a television. Visually differentiate among the areas by using different kinds of lighting: Add a table lamp beside your cozy reading chair and sconces behind your couch for conversation. Consider a dimmer for overhead lights. Architects and lighting designers swear by them. Installing is a relatively simple DIY.

Bonus cheapskate tip: Use warm-colored lightbulbs, Huh says. Cool tones are a “sure-fire way to make your home look down-market," she says. Daylight bulbs work best for reading nooks.

4. Upgrade your hardware

Don't have a kitchen renovation in the budget? You can get a similar effect for much less by swapping out old, dated hardware for new.

Tired of your brushed-steel drawer pulls? Try gold, bronze, or even crystal—or make an adventure of it and scour your local thrift store for vintage hardware that screams your style.

It's not hard to find attractive options in any decor style for next to nothing (a drawer pull, for instance, might start at just $3 or less). For hard-to-find designs, search etsy.

Changing the countertop and faucets is another change that can make your home look much pricier, Huh says. If you have the budget, exchange your dated sink accessories for something fresh that matches your brand-new hardware.

5. Repaint

There's no simpler way to make an old home feel new than painting.

"This is the most important part," Huh says. "Repaint and choose beautiful colors for an instant makeover."

You can't go wrong with classy neutrals. Minimalists might love a bright white combined with a bold accent wall; DIY decorators might enjoy a tasteful, sandy tan tone, which pairs well with any number of woods.

Paint isn't just for your walls: Add some color to your front door, window trims, or even the floor, if you're brave (hardwood can look amazing when painted white).

6. Focus on the devil in the (decor) details

Does your home feel a little meh—and you're not sure how to change it? Try vignettes—combine decor items (e.g., vases, frames, and objets) that add visual interest to an otherwise bland area—perhaps a shelf or console table.

Organize your vignette around a theme so that the decor items are unified and tell a visual story. Go around your house and cull items you love that need a new home (see tip No. 1 on decluttering).

For example, take that silver tray you've been wanting a use for, add a glass tumbler with a fresh flower, that postcard your parents sent from Thailand, and a white bowl filled with colorful candy. Voilà: You now have a magazine-worthy vignette!

Another way to go: Grouping together multiples of the same object (e.g., glass vases in the same color) is an instant update. Decorators often use odd numbers because they are said to be more appealing.

Before you know it, you'll be posting pics of your gorgeous home.

 

Jamie Wiebe writes about home design and real estate for realtor.com. She has previously written for House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Real Simple, Veranda, and more.

Hosted by Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation

Saturday, February 8th

When: 6 PM - 11:00 PM

Where: Abenaki Ski Area 

390 Pine Hill RdWolfeboro, New Hampshire 03894

The Annual Progressive XC Ski Dinner is held on the Abenaki X-Country Ski Loop Trail. Participants will strap on skis, snowshoes or good winter boots and progress out on to the candle-lit 4 Kilometer XC Ski Loop starting at Abenaki Ski Area. Skiers and hikers will stop at warm bonfires along the 4K trail and be treated to a delicious multi-course Italian dinner served at various stations along the way. Appetizers and a small warming fire will greet participants at the first table, followed by a delicious Italian main course at the second station a kilometer or two down the trail, followed by the dessert station in Pikes Pasture, complete with s’mores, ice cream sandwiches, cookies, cocoa, coffee and more.

In between stations, participants ski or hike through the tranquil woods of the Abenaki Loop Trail, lit by hundreds of candle-lit luminaries.

Local restaurants, cafe's, and chefs contribute their expertise to provide a simply delicious meal, served to you under the stars. Participating restaurants in the past have included Garwood’s, Wolfeboro Inn, Nolan's, Harvest Market and Hunter’s Shop N' Save It is truly a magical event that is sponsored by Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation and Wolfeboro Lions Club all to raise funds for the Friends of Abenaki. All skiers/hikers must have a ticket that is available to purchase for $25 for adults, $15 for youth.

We recommend bringing the following items for your enjoyment of the experience: headlamp, warm layers, appropriate gear for being outside at night in February, a sense of adventure and an empty stomach! Limited to 125 participants, this event typically sells out prior to the day of the event.  As of today, tickets are still available!!!