February was a pretty good month for waterfront home sales on Lake Winnipesaukee with six propertiessold at an average price of $467,667. The monthly sales average was low because there were no million dollar sales last month. Last February there were only three sales on the lake, and two of the three sales were over the $1 million mark so the average was considerably higher at $1.248 million.

Not surprisingly, the least expensive waterfront that sold last month was an island property and it was located at 291 Cow Island in Tuftonboro. This home was a built in 1980 and it has 1,424 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, and a bath. The home has some upgrades and some work yet to be finished. The 4.17 acre lot is very private and has a newer three bedroom septic, dock, and 104 feet of frontage. This property was Fannie Mae owned and was originally offered at $250,900, reduced to $179,900, and then sold for $180,000. It was on the market only for about three months. The current tax assessment is $364,600, so I am sure the new owner is quite happy with his purchase.

Over at 3 Stonedam Island Road in Meredith, a property that was originally listed way back in April of 2007 for $1.49 million finally attracted a buyer. Unfortunately, the buyer came far too late to help the owner because he didn’t own it any more…the bank did. At the time the property was listed back in 2007 it assessed for $946,700. The home was then relisted in 2008 for an even higher t price tag of $1.649 million and then again for $1.399 million. The home is a 2,842 square foot contemporary built in 1974 and has three bedrooms, three baths, large family room with brick fireplace, and a huge master suite. The home sits on a .17 acre point of land with 180 degree views and 145 feet of shoreline. The home was foreclosed on and listed at an even $1 million with subsequent price reductions that brought it down to $629,900. It finally sold for $595,000 which is 62% of the current tax assessment is $960,200.

The largest sale for the month was at 9 Worcester Island Road in Wolfeboro. This 1969 vintage home has 2,374 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, two baths, an open floor plan, two fireplaces, finished lower level with guest quarters, a screened porch, and a large deck to sit on and gaze out at the lake . The home sits on a level .81 acre lot with 150’ of shorefront, permanent dock, and a sandy beach. It sounds pretty perfect to me. This home was originally listed at $1.09 million, was reduced to $899,000, and then sold for an even $800,000 which is 85% o the current tax assessment of $944,700. This property was on the market for 553 days.

There was only one sale on Winnisquam last month, which is one more than last February. That sale was a 3,341 square foot cape located at 70 Weed Road in Meredith. This well maintained home was constructed in 1988 and has three bedrooms, four baths, a first floor master suite, lower level family room, a deck, and patio. The beautifully landscaped .33 acre lot offers long views of Winnisquam, a perched beach, a dock, and 100 feet of shoreline. This property was originally listed back in July of 2008 for $827,000, relisted in February of 2010 for $719,000, and then reduced to $679,000 enticing a buyer to do a deal at $624,000. This property sold at about 12% higher than the assessed value of $555,300.

So all in all, February was a pretty good month for waterfront sales. And there were some bargains, or they were at least perceived to be, by the buyers. But when someone buys a property for one half of the assessed value is it really a steal or is the tax assessment way too high? When someone pays more than assessed value (as is often the case with waterfront property) did he pay too much? That is hard to answer because every property is unique and the market is forever moving. Sellers (and owners that aren’t selling) are always unhappy when their properties are assessed for more than they can sell it for and others are equally unhappy when they are assessed lower than what they have invested in the property. All I can tell you for sure is that a property is worth exactly what someone will pay for it and that can be more, or less, than the tax assessment. That kind of sums up Real Estate 101…

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It’s the time of year when there is actually a lot of activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Town of Meredith just hosted another highly successfully Pond Hockey Classic with 152 teams playing on 14 rinks out on the bay. Snow machines are whizzing by and bobhouses are sprouting up all over the lake as ice fisherman claim their favorite fishing spot for the 32nd annual Rotary Fishing Derby this weekend. Waterfront home sales activity was also pretty good in January as five happy new owners also claimed their favorite spots on the lake. The average sales price was $1.17 million and the average time on market was 243 days (not including properties that were listed previously). Four out of the five sales were under the $1 million mark (still a shade more expensive than a really, really nice bobhouse). Last January there were just six sales on the big lake at an average price of $1.45 million, so we are really not off to a bad start this year.

The least expensive sale on the lake was at 126 Castle Shores Road in Moultonborough. This three bedroom, one bath ranch with 1,344 square feet of living space sits right on the water’s edge offering a true lake home feel. The home has a classic knotty pine interior, two living rooms, a screened porch, deck, a detached garage for the toys, deep water docking, and sits on a .33 acre lot with 100 feet of sandy bottom frontage. This home was originally offered at $629,000, was reduced to $539,900, and sold for $485,000 after 178 days on the market. This property is currently assessed for $633,900 so I would say that this lucky buyer got a pretty good deal. What do you think?

Another happy fisherman, I mean buyer, closed on a property in Wolfeboro at 18 North Keewaydin Shore. This cute 1954 vintage, 1,200 square foot, two bedroom cottage has hardwood floors, a knotty pine interior, fireplace, the requisite deck, and has a detached two car garage with storage above. It sits on 1.55 acres (two lots of record) with 71 feet of level frontage and an “L” shaped crib dock. It’s the perfect spot to enjoys some great sunsets…when it warms up that is. This property took 230 days to secure a buyer as it was initially listed at $905,000, reduced to $850,000, and sold for $765,000 which is just under the tax assessment of $783,400.

The largest sale of the month was at 104 Veasey Shores in Meredith. This beautiful 4,900 square foot four bedroom, seven bath, Adirondack home was built in 1997. It features a gourmet kitchen and pantry, living room with cathedral ceilings and stone wood burning fireplace (one of three), a master suite with its own screened porch, game room, two car garage, and a newly completed guesthouse. The home sits on a 2.4 acre point of land looking out at the Beaver Islands with 300 feet of frontage, a two bay boat house, and spectacular 180 degree views. The grounds feature lots of patios, walking paths, extensive plantings, and even a small pond. This fabulous property didn’t sell overnight though…it took 822 nights. The property was originally listed for $4.495 million way back on September 26, 2007, It was dropped to $3.995 million, then to $3.499 million, and finally sold at $3.2 million. The current assessment stands at $2,438,000.

There was only one sale on Lake Winnisquam last month, but that was one more than last January! Located at 372 Leighton Ave North in Laconia, this 1,584 square foot home was built in 2007 and has three bedrooms, two baths, a high end kitchen with granite countertops, a master suite with a private deck, and a full basement. It sits on a half acre lot with 100 feet of frontage and sunset views. Unfortunately, the previous owner didn’t get to enjoy them for long. The bank foreclosed on this waterfront retreat, listed it for $454,900, reduced it to $429,900, and sold it for $399,000 which is well below the $691,700 assessed value!

Even with snow up to their eyeballs, buyers are out looking for waterfront homes and they are dead serious about finding a place for this summer season. So if you’d like to sell this year, you might want to think about getting your property on the market. It’s a good time to go fishing, not only for bass, but for buyers…

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December 2010 turned out to be a very strong month for waterfront sales on Winnipesaukee with nine waterfront properties exchanging hands compared to just four last December. The average sales price came in at $1,306,044 which is up just slightly compared to $1,288,750 last December. All nine sales were mainland properties which really isn’t surprising as it is a bit difficult looking at island properties this time of year. The great news is that in 2010 Winnipesaukee waterfront sales were up 26% over 2009. There were 96 waterfront homes sold this year at an average price of $1,257,584 that took an  average of 237 days on market to find a buyer. In 2009, there were 76 waterfronts sold at an average price of $1,178,566 and 205 days on the market. So, all in all, even in a down economy it seems pretty evident that interest in owning a home on the big lake is still very strong. There are some great deals on the lake right now and savvy buyers can recognize it. These buyers believe that investing their money in lakefront property is not only a sound idea, but that they will get the added benefit of being able to enjoy the money they have invested. Try getting some enjoyment out of your mutual funds…

The least expensive property that sold in December on the big lake was at 469 Weirs Boulevard in Laconia. While this three bedroom home is located across the Boulevard from Paugus Bay, it does have a waterfront lot on the water with 96 feet of frontage, three docks, and a deck with its very own Tiki hut. This 1,540 square foot home has an eat in kitchen with hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, a nice living room with views of the lake, a grand master suite on the upper level, a finished basement, and a one car garage under. This home was originally listed at $425,000, was reduced to $375,000, and sold after 306 days on the market at $299,900 which is 81% of the current tax assessed value of $371,600. That’s a great deal with instant equity!

Down in West Alton at  52 Woodlands Road a new 4,000 square foot, four bedroom, five bath Adirondack home also has some happy new owners. This beautiful, energy star rated home constructed by local builder Jason Drouin features two master bedroom suites plus two additional suites, a gourmet kitchen (of course) with all the bells and whistles, a wet bar and fieldstone fireplace in the living room, a nice screened porch and southerly views. The home sits on a level .32 acre lot with 103 feet of shoreline and a U shaped dock. There is an addition 17 acre parcel across the street that has a detached two car garage and 30’ x 35’ accessory building for storing all the toys. This property was originally listed at $1,995,000, was reduced to $1.75 million, and sold for $1.65 million after 538 days on the market.

The largest sale in December was at 49 McLeod Road in Alton. This property is a spectacular 23 acre family compound with three lots of record, a circa 1914 year round main home and four charming vintage cottages with a total of eleven bedrooms and 5,000 square feet of living space. The property has a private, tranquil setting with its own pond, 650 feet of shoreline, a sandy beach, covered boat dock, and long range views with beautiful sunsets. It was originally offered at $4.1 million, was reduced to $3.95 million, and sold after 471 days on the market for $3.5 million. The property is currently assessed for $1,918,516.

Over on little sister Winnisquam, there was only one sale in December at 101 Collins Brook Road in Meredith. This is a five room, two bedroom cottage built in 1938 that sits on a .65 peninsula lot near the north end of the lake. From the 472 feet of frontage you can look into the loon sanctuary making it a very nice spot on the lake. The property needs an overhaul but the call of the loons must have captivated the buyer. It was originally listed at $429,000, was reduced to $389,000, and sold for $340,000 after 221 days on the market. The current property assessment is $364,4000.

Sales were up for the year on Winnisquam if only marginally, but that’s still welcome news considering the economy. There were sixteen sales at an average price of $583,182 in 2010 compared to fourteen in 2009 at an average sales price of $496,536. That is right on par with the average number of sales on the lake over the past seven years. Winnisquam will continue to be an affordable and desirable alternative to Winnipesaukee for those looking for little more of a quiet lake experience.

Currently there are over 175 waterfront listings in Winnipesaukee ranging from $264,900 for a cottage on Bear Island to over $10 million for a couple of small estates on Governor’s Island. So if you are lucky enough to be in the market for a waterfront home, there’s bound to be something somewhere in between that will fit your lifestyle and pocketbook. There are currently nine properties on Winnisquam priced from $275,000 to just under $1 million and of course there are many more homes on the other smaller lakes in the area at even more affordable price points.  2011 just could be the year to make your dreams come true in the Lakes Region…

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Are looking for a nicely remodeled, ready to move in to, Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront at a reasonable price?

If so, check out this turn-key property at 11 Virginia Court in Alton.

MLS #4036312   Offered at $649,999

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Buuurrr! It’s getting cold. There were ten sales in November of 2010 on Lake Winnibuuurrsaukee at an average price of $1.55 million and a median price of $1.645 million. The old lake is pretty consistent as there were 10 sales last November although the average was a little higher at $1.835 million and the median was just $925,000. What’s that mean? She’s consistent and cold (you just thought of your mother-in-law didn’t you?).  With one month to go for the year we stand at 87 sales on the big lake at an average price of $1.252 million which is well up from the 74 sales at an average price of $1.144 million for the same period last year. If you recall, waterfront sales were red hot for the first few months of 2010 (it even caused an early ice out) and that contributed to a higher sales tally for the year. Let’s hope the trend continues this coming new year.

 The least expensive honors go to a five room, three bedroom, 1900 square foot contemporary island retreat on a 1.25 acre lot with 220 feet of water frontage at 804 Rattlesnake Island in Alton. The lot appears to be one of those steep ones but the saving grace is that the property has great views and is bordered by conservation land. The property was bank owned and was originally listed at $284,900, reduced to $199,000, and sold for a mere $150,000. With a listed assessment of $321,400, I would say that this buyer believes in Santa Claus. A great buy!!

Over at 27 Umbrella Point in Wolfeboro, an eight room, four bedroom, five bath, 7,571 square foot  contemporary also changed hands just in time for the Christmas season! The listing sheet says it has one of the best lots on the lake (you can check the pictures out on my website—so you be the judge). There are some incredible 180 degree views and gorgeous sunsets to be had from this completely remodeled home which sold completely, and impeccably, furnished! This gorgeous home sits on a three acre lot with 210 feet of sublime waterfront, a boat house with direct access to the home, and a seven car garage (yes, Tiny Tim, everyone needs a seven car garage!) This property was listed at $3.39 million and sold at $2.3 million which was less than the listed tax assessment of $3.15 million. Yup, Santa Clausstrikes again!

 The biggest sale on the Winnipesaukee occurred at 14 Calverly Point Road in Tuftonboro. This 6,500 square foot Adirondack has 14 rooms, six bedrooms, and eight baths. Unfortunately, Timmy, it only has a three car garage, but no matter it has two boat houses, a tennis court, and a carriage house. This spectacular home has all the amenities one would expect in this price range including a huge living room, family room,  a well appointed kitchen, screened porch, two master suites, several fireplaces, and quality craftsmanship throughout. This home sits on a 4.4 acre lot with 204 feet of frontage and incredible views. This property was originally listed at $3.95 million, was reduced to $3.75 million, and sold for $3 million even. A very Merry Christmas will surely be celebrated in this home!

 Over on Lake Winnisquam there were just two sales in November, but there were none last November. The first sale  at 31 Pine Brook Lane in Laconia is a well maintained and remodeled 1957 vintage multi-level lake home with 2,700 square feet, three bedrooms and two baths. This home is in a nice residential neighborhood on a quiet cul-de-sac and sits on a 1.2 acre lot with a large lawn leading down to the dock on 169 feet of shoreline. Listed at $899,000, it was reduced to $699,000 and found a new owner at $657,657 (must have been the lucky number?). The current assessment after the recent Laconia revaluation is $722,600 so these buyers should be pleased. Just around the corner at 58 Shore Drive, a 4,156 square foot, five bedroom, six bath, stately brick colonial home built in 1941 found a new buyer after being on the market just 14 days. The home sits on a .79 acre wooded lot with 199 feet of westerly facing shoreline perfect for enjoy the sunsets. It was listed at $829,000 and sold for $750,000 which was considerably less than the current $932,100 tax assessment.  It looks to me like Santa is visiting a lot of waterfront properties early this year ensuring that both sellers and buyers will have a great Christmas! With just a few house shopping days before the big holiday, the question is, will he visit you, too?

 The number of waterfront sales on Lake Winnipesaukee continued to improve over last year with eleven sales in October at an average sale price of $1.464 million compared to seven last October at an average price of $1.856 million. The total number of sales this year on the big lake stands at 77 with an average price of $1.214 million compared to 64 for the same period last year at an average of $1.36 million. Total sales are up about 20% over last year and the average price is up 17%. Not too bad for being in a bad market!

The least expensive sale on the lake was actually a bank owned island property on Paugus Park in Laconia. This is a post and beam, 1,200 square foot, three bedroom home built in 2005 and is the only home on this tiny .14 acre island. The buyer doesn’t have to worry about neighbors, but the home is solar powered so he might be watching the weather some. This home was originally listed at $299,900, was reduced to $199,900 and sold for $189,500. Considering the current town tax assessment of $436,400, I would say this new owner should be very happy all by himself out there on his island!

The second highest sale for the month was at 65 Spindle Point in Meredith. This home is a 5,699 square foot, twelve room, three bedroom post and beam contemporary built in 2004. The home features an open living area, high cathedral ceilings and stone wood burning fireplace (one of four in the home) in the great room, the requisite master suite, a family room in the walk out basement, radiant in-floor heat, beautiful hardwood floors, screened porch, and even an elevator. The home sits on a wonderfully landscaped 1.39 acre lot with 170 feet of frontage on Meredith Bay and a deep water U-shaped dock. The property was listed at $2.925 million and sold for $2.6 million which was well above the assessed value of $2.055 million. This is a beautiful home in a great location!

The highest sale honors for the month of October go to the spectacular property at 59 Little Road in Meredith. This extraordinary home has 12,933 square feet of living space, 20 rooms, five bedrooms (including a first floor master suite), seven total baths, and a five car garage! This home obviously has all the high end features imaginable including beautiful wood and stone work, massive fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, soaring great room, an in-law apartment, wine cellar, exercise room, an outdoor kitchen, and multiple decks and patios. This home sits on a 4.31 acre lot that provides total privacy and 830 feet of frontage with great views. This property was originally listed at $8.9 million, was reduced to $6.999 million and sold for $6.839 million after 419 days on the market. The town has it assessed at a$4.466 million. I wonder if these folks are looking to adopt?

There was not a lot of activity on Winnisquam in October this year, or last, as there was only one sale in each month. There have been 13 sales on the lake so far this year at an average price of $583,327 compared to 12 with at an average price of $485,375 for the same period last year. The sale this year was at 212 Black Brook Road in Meredith. This home is a very nicely done 2,200 square foot, eight room, three bedroom, contemporary sitting on a .67 acre lot with 100 feet of frontage. The home features an open concept living area with a large great room with cathedral ceilings, floor to ceiling fieldstone fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, radiant in-floor heat, a screened porch, and a great deck with broad views of the lake. The home was listed at $975,000 and sold for $814,000 with a current tax assessment of $594,400.

Right now there are over 250 properties available on Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam with prices starting in the $200-300,000 range for island properties. It is a great time to buy your own spot on either of these fantastic lakes!

Click Here for the latest listings on Lake Winnipesaukee!!

We are three quarters of the way through 2010 already. Where did the summer go? There were eight waterfront sales (including island property) on Winnipesaukee in September 2010 at an average price of $941,938. That compares to ten sales last September with an average of just $735,390. For the first nine months of 2010 there were 67 sales at an average price of $1.155 million and an average time on market of 252 days. That is up from a total of 57 sales for the same period last year at an average of $935,612 and 169 days on the market. The total sales volume is up 25% from $53.3 million in 2009 to $77.4 million so far in 2010. Last year there were 78 sales on Winnipesaukee for the entire year with 21 sales coming in the last three months. Hopefully, we’ll see the same results this fall.

The least expensive property sold on Winnipesaukee in September was at 920 Rattlesnake Island in Alton. This two room, one bedroom camp built in 1985 has an expansive 512 square feet of living space so you are not likely to get lost inside. Since the privy is outside, however, I hope the new owner has plenty of flashlights and batteries for the night time treks to the john. The cottage sits on a .81 acre lot with spectacular views of the Ossipees and has 100 feet of frontage with a perched beach, breakwater, and dock. This property was originally offered at $279,000, was reduced to $199,000 and sold for $175,000 which is 70% of the current tax assessment. This was a really inexpensive way to get on the big lake and a good deal for the new owner.

An extremely nice and rather unique property sold at 202 Lees Mill Road in Moultonborough. It is unique because this 2.76 acre lot has frontage and docks on both Lee’s Pond and on Lake Winnipesaukee. This Adirondack style home was built in 2005 and has a total of 5,878 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, five baths, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and cherry cabinetry, a great room and family room each with stone fireplaces, a first floor office with built ins, the requisite master suite, a screened porch, a game room over the attached two car garage, plus a 30’ x 40’ heated post and beam barn. This property was listed at $1.65 million and sold for $1.5 million which was just under the listed tax assessment of $1.58 million (the Town of Moultonborough recently adjusted the assessment down to $1.43 million). It may be just my taste, but personally, I think this was a great deal on a wonderful property.

The largest sale for the month was another island property at 8 Big Beaver Island in Meredith. This period island estate is comprised of a five bedroom, 4,800 square foot main lodge and three cottages on 5.3 acres of land with 1,200 feet of frontage. The property also had two boathouses with three bays, 2 mainland boat slips, and four mainland parking spaces. This property was listed at $2.5 million and sold for $1.5 which was above the current tax assessment of $1.146 million.

Over on Lake Winnisquam there were just two sales last month compared to four last September. That puts the tally at twelve sales year to date compared to eleven for the same period last year. A classic waterfront camp (sometimes that means that the place needs work—and yes, this one does) at 62 Hill Road in Tilton on a ¾ acre peninsula lot was originally listed for $359,000 sold for $320,000. This lot had public sewer and 490 feet of frontage. I would expect to see a new home there in the future. The other sale was a ten room, five bedroom, 3 bath, 3,564 square foot contemporary home at 454 Shore Drive in Laconia. This home was built in 2000 and has a nice open concept living area, custom kitchen with granite countertops, first floor master suite, and a large family room in the basement. The home sits on a one acre lot with beautiful lawns leading gradually down to 214’ of sandy frontage and two docks. This home was listed for $875,000 with a tax assessment listed at $976,200, and sold for full price going under agreement after only eleven days on the market. The property now has a current assessment of $801,800 due to the recent property revaluation in Laconia. But you know what? This was a great house, in a great neighborhood, so it was still a great deal…

August was another good month for Winnipesaukee waterfront sales with a total of fourteen homes that have happy new owners. The average sales price came in at $1.1 million for the month. Of these fourteen properties, three were island cottages with one on Pine Island (sold-$305,500), one on Mark (sold-$345,000) and a nice one on Camp Island (sold-$800,000). Sales in August mirrored August 2009 with the same total of fourteen at an average price of $1.09 million.

The least expensive waterfront sold for the month was an island property at 10 Pine Island in Meredith. This turn of the century cottage—not this past century, but the one before (built in 1891)—had been in the same family for 50 years and has that great campy feeling. The cottage has 1,200 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, a nice open living area with a pine interior, a brick fireplace, and a great screened porch. The cottage sits on a large 3.1 acre lot with 270 feet of frontage, a sandy beach, an L-shaped crib dock, and southern exposure. It was listed at $329,000 and sold for $305,500 which was well below the current tax assessment of $426,500. I bet the new owner was so happy that he probably ran out and jumped in the lake!

On the opposite end of the price range, a buyer found the fabulous waterfront at 7 Summit Ave in Laconia to be just what he was looking for… and maybe more. This 7,000 square foot, six bedroom, three and one half bath, high quality home has two family rooms, soaring ceilings, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, beautiful woodwork, and lots of windows facing the lake providing panoramic views. The landscaping is spectacular with plenty of patios and perennial gardens leading down to a 125 foot sugar sand beach. This home also is part of the Governor’s Island association thus having access to all of the club amenities there. This stunning home was originally offered at $3.895 million, was reduced to $2.9 million and sold for $1.975 after 753 days on the market. The property’s current tax assessed value is $1.98 million.

The highest sale in August occurred at 48 Caitlin Estates Road  in Moultonborough. This is a newly constructed 4,000 square foot Adirondack with 5 bedrooms suites on a 1.3 acre lot with 228 feet of frontage with fabulous westerly views offer great sunsets. This property was listed at $3.495 million and sold for $3.1 which is just about the assessed value.

Over on Winnisquam there were two sales in August compared to four in August 2009. A classic seasonal two bedroom cottage at 7 Leighton Ave South in Laconia on a third acre lot with 60 feet of frontage and westerly views was originally offered at $425,000, then reduced to $399,000 sold for $365,000. The other sale was also in Laconia, at 234 Shore Drive. This 4,834 square foot, four bedroom, four bath, open concept contemporary sits on a half acre lot with 260 feet of frontage and a beautiful sugar sand beach. This three level home is perfect for entertaining with plenty of space inside plus there is a huge deck, patio, and nice lawn. The home also has a three car garage on the street level and two bays under for all the toys and lawn equipment. This property was listed at $1.225 million and sold just a little below the current tax assessment at $1.081 million.

Check out the video tour of this outstanding Lake Winnipesaukee Waterfront by clicking on the picture.

For details on this listing, click here!

July was a good month for Winnipesaukee waterfront sales, at least when compared to last year. There were a total of six Winnipesaukee sales at an average of $955,333 compared to only half that number last July although the average sales price in July 2009 was higher at $1.82 million. Two of the six sales posted last month were island properties and those do obviously bring less money that mainland homes.

The least expensive home sold is at 260 Rattlesnake Island in Alton, NH.  This is an 1,166 square foot cottage with three rooms, two bedrooms, and the description in MLS said it had only a half bath. I guess maybe there was an outside shower or the bath tub was the lake? The cottage sits on a .7 acre level lot with 103 feet of frontage and nice southwesterly views. There is also an outbuilding on the property that would make a great bunk house for the in-laws. This property was originally offered at $429,000, reduced to $359,900, and sold for $324,000 after 432 days on the market. The property is currently assessed for $376,500, so that seems like a fair deal.

A beautiful 2,127 square foot contemporary at  368 Sewall Road in Wolfeboro also changed hands at $1.48 million after 349 days on the market. This home was originally listed at $1.95 million and subsequently was reduced to $1.875 million. The town has the current tax assessment at $1.677 million. This beautiful home at the entrance to Jockey Cove has 144 feet of sandy bottom frontage, an 8’ x 35’ crib dock, and broad views across the lake toward the Belknap Mountains. It has an open and spacious interior boasting thirteen rooms, four bedrooms, and two and a half baths. The exterior has nice perennial gardens, stonewalls, and a great patio area taking advantage of the wonderful views. Nice!

The highest sale in July was at 36 Broadview Terrace  in Gilford. This Governor’s Island, 5,000 square foot contemporary has a bright and open floor plan featuring a great room with cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, hard wood floors, and a wall of windows to take in the view. There are four bedrooms, five and a half baths, and a bonus room with wet bar for entertaining. This home sits on a .74 acre lot with 100 feet of frontage with a covered U-shaped dock. This property was originally offered at just under $2.6 million, then reduced to $1.995 million in March, and found a buyer at $1.7 million after a mere 641 days on the market. With an assessment of $2.035 million it seems like the new owner got a fair deal.

There was only one sale on Winnisquam last month which equals the one sale posted last July. The honors go to a six room, three bedroom cottage at 74 Black Brook Road in Meredith. This knotty pine paneled cottage epitomizes what lake living is all about. There is a great stone fireplace in the living room, a basketball court outside, and 130 feet of sandy frontage. What more could you want? Well, maybe a pitcher of Margaritas out by the lake? This little place was only on the market for 19 days and closed 17 days later. So, possibly there really was a pitcher of Margaritas waiting there! It was listed at $499,000, assessed at $369,500 and sold for $477,000. Es tiempo de fiesta, Señorita!