Planning Ahead

It is such a great time to buy a home – low interest rates, plenty of inventory, time to get settled in before the kids start school, just to name a few reasons. I have been working with a lot of buyers lately and had a few thoughts about the process. Having been through this many times with wonderful buyers and their families, I thought I would write down a few of my thoughts on the subject that will make things a little easier on you, the buyer.



First – Select your location. This can be very general or very specific. I suggest that you don’t start looking at the insides of houses until you decide what locale you prefer. It could be a town, or specific part of town, or maybe you like 2 or 3 towns. But try to narrow it down or you will get tired and frustrated doing something that should be enjoyable and fun. Take a few rides with your family and get to know the different towns and villages first. It will pay off in the long run. There is no sense finding the ideal home in a part of town you just can’t abide. You can change a house with remodeling, but you cannot change the location. Do you like the sea, the woods, are you concerned about the school system, do you like to walk to shops and neighbors or do you like deep solitude?



Second – Decide what kind of house you like. This does not have to be a specific style, but more importantly, it is about how you and your family live in the space. How many public rooms do you need to be comfortable? How many bedrooms and baths? Garage space? Do you really need a basement or will it become a storage unit for unwanted possessions? Do you like walk-up attics? Big yards or small? Open floor plans or lots of small rooms or a combination of both? Do you need a guest suite?



Third – Fill in the details. After you have the location narrowed down and have an idea of what kind of living space you like you can fill in the list with details like fireplace, hardwood floors, granite counters, patios, sheds, big windows……in other words, details. You may or may not get all of them in one house but these details are something that can be added later if not currently in an otherwise perfect house.



Fourth – have fun and remember that buying a house is not an event – it’s a process. I hope to see you during your house-hunting adventure.

Tractor Santa

Little faces peer out of every window in Portsmouth as the children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. He can be heard from blocks away, but not by the typical "Now Dasher, now Dancer". No, this Santa is blasting Christmas carols and is pulled through the streets by a tractor. He starts his tour of Portsmouth December 1 and continues every night until he's finished.

We bundle up in our winter coats and stand outside with the rest of the neighborhood children. Squeals of delight, shouts of "This is the best Christmas ever!", and nervous giggles can be heard up and down the street.

When he finally arrives in front of the house the children are delighted. Santa graciously accepts letters, has his picture taken, and hands out candy canes. Then it's off to see the rest of the children in the neighborhood.

My children will talk about the visit from Santa for days. Their eyes will sparkle and their smiles will get me through all of the hectic lines at the stores. To me this is the official start of the Holiday season and I look forward to it every year as much as the children.

Thank you Tractor Santa for all the magic you will bring to our lives this holiday season. We will see you next week.

To see when Santa will be in your neighborhood visit: http://www.onaquidneck.com/santa/index.htm