Keene, NH...New England At Its Best: New Hampshire: Keene

My good friend and colleague here at Keller Williams Realty Tattersall, Mary Larsen, is hosting an Open House this Saturday, September 24, from 10:00am to 12:30pm at this beautifully renovated 4BR home set in a well-established neighborhood and within walking distance of the new Keene Middle School, Jonathan Daniels Elementary, and SAU 29 offices.

Located at 26 American Avenue at the corner of Liberty Lane, the breathtaking gardens and charming outdoor living spaces are but an extension of this warm and inviting home, featuring a beautifully updated kitchen, open concept living, and a peaceful main floor master bedroom retreat.

I think this may be one of the nicest homes in the entire neighborhood!  Why not stop by and see for yourself?  Mary would be delighted to introduce you to your new home!

And, if you can't make it tomorrow, feel free to give me or Mary a call to make an appointment. Some listings are simply a joy to show...and this beauty is no exception!

(PSST!!!  Here's a sneak peak...I think you'll agree that this home's worth stopping by while you're in the neighborhood!)

26 American Avenue, Keene, NH 03431 Beautiful 4 Bedroom Home

Overview Maps Photos Open House

$208,750 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 1635 sqft Lot: 0.29 acre(s) Location 26 AMERICAN AVENUE KEENE, NH 03431 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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MARY LARSEN (603) 357-0514 mlarsen@kw.com   Listed by: Mary Larsen, Keller Williams Realty Tattersall

Nearby properties for sale

Even chickens know that the place to get all the latest gossip is around the watercooler...

Since I don't speak "chicken", I have no idea what or who they're talking about.  Which is probably for the best...Who wants to be known as a gossipy old hen?

Have a fun and relaxing Labor Day Weekend, everyone!

I love the discount corner at my local grocery store.  Yours probably has one, too...usually hidden at the back of the store, you can find some shelves tucked into an out-of-the-way corner stocked with all kinds of things that have been discontinued, have damaged packaging or simply weren't selling, and they're typically marked way below their suggested retail price in order to get them sold. 

On my last trip I scored big time!  One-pound packages of imported pasta from Italy:  50 cents each. (MSRP:  $4 each)

Here at Chez Brown we go through a lot of pasta.  It's quick and easy, and, good mother that I am, I've made sure that everyone in the family is an accomplished water boiler.  At 50 cents/pound, I couldn't resist.  I bought 10 of them.

Would I have paid the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $4/pound?  Not bloody likely.

I bought them because they were very attractively priced, the packaging (in this case) was in perfect condition, and the pasta suited my needs.

My supermarket in Keene, NH offers lots of different brands of pasta, the vast majority of them competitively priced, and when it failed to sell, the fancy-shmancy Pasta Italiano was banished to the dark and dingy discount corner.

Clearly, somebody believed that consumers would pay a premium for their pasta.  Had it been the only brand of pasta available, or offered some special feature or rare ingredient, they probably would have been right.  In this case it was essentially flour and eggs wrapped in bilingual packaging.  Pasta is pasta in either language.

How many people are going to pay a premium for what, at the end of the day, is the same basic product that they can buy for significantly less?

As long as the pasta eventually moves through the check-out line and out the door, I suspect the supermarket considers it a win, although I doubt they'll be placing any more orders for that particular product.  I wonder how the manufacturer feels about that?  Definitely food for thought...

Buon Appetito!

After reading a post by Lisa Hill, Does Your "Professional" Photo Look Like A Facebook Picture?  I really started thinking about it.

I see all manner of profile pictures in my social media travels...logos, avatars, casual shots, glamour shots...you name it...and as I read the post, I began to wonder whether or not my profile picture (which also happens to be my personal Facebook profile picture) might be considered unprofessional.

I have a business page on Facebook, complete with my "professional" head-shot.  The very same shot that I use on my business cards and on our business website.  And I hate it.  Oh, it's not necessarily a bad picture...actually, it's pretty good.  My age has apparently diminished, and the zit that had, predictably, chosen that morning to put in an undeniable appearance...HA!  What zit?

The photographer was skilled, and before my eyes rendered the digital images "print worthy".  Included in the mix were several poses, including what I refer to as my own personal glamour shot.  Love that picture..it's the image I wish I saw first thing in the morning (bet hubby wouldn't put up a fuss, either) but it's just that...an image...and one that I couldn't possibly replicate.  Honey, there ain't enough spackle in the world, and handing out filtered lenses to all and sundry hardly seems practical, you know?

When I first joined AR, I actually used my glam shot...why not? Nobody knew me, so what difference would it make, right?

Then I started to get to know people out there in the Rain...and they got to know me.  I began to feel as though the picture was a sham:

at worst, a misrepresentation; at best, a serving suggestion.

One afternoon a couple of years ago I decided I needed to find a more honest photo.  One that looked like me.  One that looked like I might look if I were actually in the same room listening to them...and since I tend toward snarkasm, a bit of skepticism wasn't completely out of line.  So, one day, whilst seated at my desk, I whipped out the ol' Motorola Flip-phone. 

I centered myself in the tiny fisheye mirror on the back and, with a digital <click>, the deed was done.

But now I'm thinking...should I be even more honest?  I'm professional, but I want to be real.  I'm a tad weary of hearing "gosh, you don't look like your picture".  Um, I thought it looked like me...but since everyone else sees me more than I do, I suppose I should take their opinion to heart.

There are some other pictures of me floating around...like the picture of me when my youngest graduated from high school...that looks like me, right?  

 But then again, this was taken of me that same night...and, sadly, it looks like me, too.

I can't be the only person in the entire social media realm "faced" with this quandary!

Perhaps I should just go with this caricature a friend did for me:

Would you buy or sell a home with this agent?

JULY 2010 MARKET REPORT FOR CHESHIRE COUNTY, NH

The July Real Estate Stats are in!

Below you will find Real Estate Market statistics for July 2010, for Cheshire County, NH, broken down into four categories:  Residential, Condo, Manufactured (mobile homes) and All Properties.

Sellers will be encouraged to see that the average days on market for Residential properties from January through July 2010 are reduced by 13 days compared to the same time period of 2009, and the average days on market for condominiums has dropped a whopping 57 days during the same time period.  That's a reduction of 9.03% and 22.8%, respectively. 

Although the median sales price for residential listings dipped by 3.85%, the median sales price for condominiums increased by 23.05%, Year-to-Date.

If you would like further clarification on any of these figures, please give me a call or shoot me an email.  I'd be happy to go over them, as they pertain to buying or selling your property in Cheshire County, NH.

As a long-time hockeymom, I've seen countless ice arenas, and spent time and money in a lot of different New England towns.  For years our Keene NH area hockey players and figure skaters have longed for a beautiful, modern facility in which to skate.  Seems to me that Plymouth State University has accomplished what we have been dreaming of.

I believe with all my heart that a facility such as this one would be a huge benefit to our local economy.  How do I know?  Because for well over a decade, my husband and I spent most every weekend traveling with our sons to various hockey venues and spent lots and lots of money on hotels, shopping and dining while we were there.

With so few state-of-the-art facilities in our neck of the woods, an ice arena like Plymouth State's would be a tremendous attraction.  What do you say, City of Keene?  If you build it, they will come (and support our local economy in the process!) 

So, my Cheshire County Ice Fanatics...what do you think?  Isn't it a beauty?  Here's hoping we can see something similar in our neck of the woods sooner rather than later!

Luxury Country Home in the City of Keene, NH.

Don't try to dazzle me with lots of shiny trinkets and endless examples of conspicuous consumption. Seduce me with thoughtful design and approachable, comfortable elegance. Entice me with a lush and rolling countryside setting. I'm so smitten by our newest listing, I'm afraid my own house is going to start getting suspicious.

If you've been searching for a year-round NH getaway, look no further!  Overlooking the pastures that are home to Stonewall Farm's own dairy cows, and surrounded by the hills of the Monadnock Region of NH, this luxury property blends the classic good looks of times gone by with thoughtful updates that meet the needs of today's family.

Just minutes from Downtown Keene, shopping, schools and I-91, you can easily forget that you live in a city when your surroundings reflect such a peaceful, country idyll.

Featuring a beautifully updated kitchen, 6 fireplaces, and architectural details found only in the most discriminating homes, this exceptional property easily accommodates the family in style and comfort, while allowing you to embrace the lifestyle you've worked so hard to achieve.

A three-level barn and separate three-car garage provide shelter for horses and horsepower.  The beautiful in-ground pool and outdoor kitchen are the perfect backdrop for your warm weather entertaining.

Convenient to lakes, ski areas, and just a few hours from Boston, New York City, Hartford and Montreal, you will be perfectly placed to attend to business in person or telecommute from one of two beautifully appointed in-home offices.

Whether entertaining a crowd or enjoying some well-deserved downtime with your family, this gracious home and beautiful setting delivers the quality of life you seek.  It welcomes you...ever-so-softly, it's saying...You've arrived.

Visit www.KeeneCountryHome.com to view additional photos and links of interest.

VITAL STATISTICS:  15 Stearns Road, Keene, NH 03431

Price:  $775,000

4 Bedrooms, 7 Baths (including his & her 1/2 baths in pool house!)

Lot Size:  5 acres    Approx. Total Finished Living Area:  7494 sq. ft

Year Built:  1940

MLS #2835916

www.KeeneCountryHome.com

Susan Haughton, of Alexandria, VA hits this one out of the park!  A good lesson reminding REALTORs that the homebuying process can be overwhelming and our "must haves" are negotiable.  Even when we're absolutely, positively adamant that they are not.

And, for those of you "outside" our crazy industry...let this put your mind at ease!  Some of us really do "get it!"  and that's the truth!  :)

Read the post below, watch the video, sign the petition.  Will it help?  Perhaps.  I'd like to think it will.  It certainly won't hurt.  If you'd like to share the link on your own blogs, FB pages, etc. you'll find a link when you watch the video. 

Forget the blame for now.  There are bigger problems to address, and it's easy for us to forget that when we're not right there living it.

Doing nothing begets nothing.

I love open houses.  I love attending them, and I love hosting them.  Today's my lucky day!

I'm holding my fabulous 18 Morgan Lane, Keene listing open today, June 5, from 1:00--3:00pm.  This beautiful colonial has all the features today's buyers demand and then some.  Located in Meadowview Knolls in West Keene, you'll find this wonderful family home on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Keene, NH. 

You know, I could go on and on, but pictures are worth a thousand words, so take a peek below.  Also, be sure to click on the link to see even more pictures and information. Then, plan on stopping by for a visit.  If you think the photos are enticing, just wait until you see it "live and in person"...you'll fall in love!

And I really love it when *that* happens!

18 Morgan Lane, Keene, NH 03431 For more information visit: www.18MorganLane.com For Sale $379,900   You've been biding your time...and it was worth the wait. More Photos Below Bedrooms: 4 + Bathrooms: 3 2 Full, 1 3/4 Area: Meadowview Knolls, West Keene Style: House Lot Size: .39 acres Year Built: 1992 Your patience and persistence have paid off. This beautiful colonial delivers the "wants" and the "needs". Granite and stainless in the eat-in kitchen. Plenty of room to relax or entertain in the huge, fireplaced family room featuring gorgeous windows, oak floors and brick hearth. Escape to your Master Bedroom suite which offers a spa-like bath with jetted tub, separate steam shower and dual-sink vanity. 3 additional bedrooms and another full bath to keep the kids close, but not too close! Find your peace and quiet in the den with window seat and built-ins. The basement level offers even more great family space..built-in office area plus large rec room for exercise or play, closets galore and mudroom entry from the 2-car garage. Still want more? You've got it: formal DR and LR, huge deck w/built-in seating, sep. rear entrance to additional main level mudroom, beautiful landscaping, peaceful dead-end location yet still easy access to the association pool/tennis/clubhouse and just a few minutes from Downtown Keene. Truly a dream come true! Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac   A place for your family to call home   Family Room Stunning, comfortable and spacious. Gorgeous floor to ceiling brick with raised hearth. And those windows? ...swoon...   Family Room Plenty room for all your family and friends to enjoy.   Family Room Cozy up by the fireplace to enjoy the game.   Family Room So inviting...feels like "home"   Kitchen Be a part of everything from the kitchen.   Kitchen Brand new granite and stainless appliances await your culinary adventures.   Kitchen Bay window to enjoy the beauty outdoors.   Kitchen When the dishes are done, step through the sliding glass door to your huge deck.   Kim Brown Diamond River Realty LLC Office: 603-358-3123 Mobile: 603-545-1632 Fax: 603-352-4822 Email: kim@diamondriverrealty.com Website: DiamondRiverRealty.com Powered by AgencyLogic