Can't decide on property, we want our cake and eat it too

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by Biggd

It sounds like you are going to have to settle for something less than what you already had. Not to dig the knife in any deeper but I would love to have had your problems on Newfound Lake.
Good luck with you're search. It's a sellers market right now.

In hind site I would too. But I didn't get into all the problems.

Road to it was steep and would wash out every moderate T-Storm. I had a tractor to fix it, and could fix it in 20 minutes. We could have paved the road but it would be expensive. And was concerned it would feel to residential.

Because it was a on south cove I'd haul 3-5 trailer loads (5k lbs Gross wt trailer) from Ice out to middle of June. A lot of work. Often spent half my weekend hauling stuff away.

It was a 3 level house (Washroom in Finished Cellar and Bedrooms on 2nd floor). And another level (and a half) to the water. My wife is slightly handy capped. She managed it, but it was a lot. We had a golf cart she could use to get from cellar level down to water.

We could not have garage. Cars covered in sap and pine needles got old. Even a car port would have been tricky on this site. You had to back down the steep road to get out. Which was a compromise and that was never an issue for us or guests.

Septic was newish (1996, same as house) but not state approved. And labeled as 2 Bedroom seasonal by the state. We lost a buyer because of that (we didn't even know until we got the septic review). But next buyer accepted it.

Property also had a very old boathouse which was cool. I used it for storage because there was just no place to put stuff.

I could launch my boat from the property which was feature nice too. 230 ft frontage. 120 was sandy and gradual and all sand everywhere. Never needed to bring in sand.

Taxes as I said were high.

Sun was limited. To get that sunset for 2 month I mentioned above, my neighbor allowed me to put my dock right up to their property line. That added about 2 weeks on either side, helped a lot. With out that sunset hit our property about 4 weeks year. And sun would go out at maybe 6pm and come back.

But in hind site, I wish we kept it. We didn't know what it would sell for. Nervous about committing to something new before selling.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by mswlogo

In hind site I would too. But I didn't get into all the problems.

Road to it was steep and would wash out every moderate T-Storm. I had a tractor to fix it, and could fix it in 20 minutes. We could have paved the road but it would be expensive. And was concerned it would feel to residential.

Because it was a on south cove I'd haul 3-5 trailer loads (5k lbs Gross wt trailer) from Ice out to middle of June. A lot of work. Often spent half my weekend hauling stuff away.

It was a 3 level house (Washroom in Finished Cellar and Bedrooms on 2nd floor). And another level (and a half) to the water. My wife is slightly handy capped. She managed it, but it was a lot. We had a golf cart she could use to get from cellar level down to water.

We could not have garage. Cars covered in sap and pine needles got old. Even a car port would have been tricky on this site. You had to back down the steep road to get out. Which was a compromise and that was never an issue for us or guests.

Septic was newish (1996, same as house) but not state approved. And labeled as 2 Bedroom seasonal by the state. We lost a buyer because of that (we didn't even know until we got the septic review). But next buyer accepted it.

Property also had a very old boathouse which was cool. I used it for storage because there was just no place to put stuff.

I could launch my boat from the property which was feature nice too. 230 ft frontage. 120 was sandy and gradual and all sand everywhere. Never needed to bring in sand.

Taxes as I said were high.

Sun was limited. To get that sunset for 2 month I mentioned above, my neighbor allowed me to put my dock right you to their property line. That added about 2 weeks on either side. With out that sunset hit our property about 4 weeks. And sun would go out at maybe 6pm and come back.

But in hind site, I wish we kept it. We didn't know what it would sell for. Nervous about committing to something new before selling.

Maybe you should try Winnisquam. There were some nice properties in that price range and it's not quite as busy as Winni. Personally, Winni is too busy for my liking.
I'm on Waukewan and property goes fast on that lake because very few come available. It's just a crazy time right now.
I bought a new pontoon boat last August so this 4th of July I decided to sell my two Sea Doo jet ski's. I sold them both that weekend for more money than I paid for them.
It seems like anything to do with out door activities and property in the Lakes region is in high demand right now.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Maybe you should try Winnisquam. There were some nice properties in that price range and it's not quite as busy as Winni. Personally, Winni is too busy for my liking.
I'm on Waukewan and property goes fast on that lake because very few come available. It's just a crazy time right now.
I bought a new pontoon boat last August so this 4th of July I decided to sell my two Sea Doo jet ski's. I sold them both that weekend for more money than I paid for them.
It seems like anything to do with out door activities and property in the Lakes region is in high demand right now.

1) COVID-19, and
2) New York City emptying out...!

I'd suggest investing with brokerage-house Edward Jones, and come back in Winter, 2021.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by ApS

and come back in Winter, 2021.

Seen many cycles of high prices and dead markets over the decades.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by ApS

and come back in Winter, 2021.

Would love a nice island. But logistics is a tad difficult for some of those isolated islands.

[znh]

We have a camp on the Broads near Ellacoya state park. Yes when you get the 'three day blow' if the wind is from the west it can make swimming and boating a little bit difficult. But the open views, clean clear water and being centrally located on the lake are just some of the part we love about being in that location. From where our marina is we can basically get to any of the major town docks in just about the same amount of time (Center Harbor would be the furthest away). You learn to deal with the wind when it comes in because the trade off for the view and nice beach are well worth it...

[Doobs41378]

Originally Posted by znh

We have a camp on the Broads near Ellacoya state park. Yes when you get the 'three day blow' if the wind is from the west it can make swimming and boating a little bit difficult. But the open views, clean clear water and being centrally located on the lake are just some of the part we love about being in that location. From where our marina is we can basically get to any of the major town docks in just about the same amount of time (Center Harbor would be the furthest away). You learn to deal with the wind when it comes in because the trade off for the view and nice beach are well worth it...

Looks like LSP by the footbridge to me.

[NH.Solar]

MSWLogo,
If you haven't already done so, be sure to have a conversation with Nancy and Doug Deporter at KW about your real estate search. They know about this area better than most other lakes region realtors, especially when it comes to island living. If you call in the early morning you'll probably find them sitting on their southeast facing island deck enjoying their morning coffee...

[map]

Originally Posted by ApS

1) COVID-19, and
2) New York City emptying out...!

I'd suggest investing with brokerage-house Edward Jones, and come back in Winter, 2021.

I have yet to meet anyone from NY in the Lakes Region. In fact I have only met like 2 603 born and raised. Everyone I have met since moving here from NY in February is from Massachusetts.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by map

I have yet to meet anyone from NY in the Lakes Region. In fact I have only met like 2 603 born and raised. Everyone I have met since moving here from NY in February is from Massachusetts.

New York, NY...

“People are fleeing the city in droves,” says Moon Salahie, owner of Elite Moving & Storing in Yonkers, who has been working nonstop since the city began its reopening in June.
--New York Post

The folks nearest me* go (in west-to-east order) CT, NH, CT, CA, FL*, NY, VA, MA, NY...

An outlier--a few houses over--lives year-round on this desolate island (that isn't really an island).

Yesterday, via postcard, a realtor really-really-really wants to buy my place.

(Postmarked=Arizona).

[Barney Bear]

Caution - Island living is not for everyone as noted in several threads. Do not even consider it unless you have tried it.

We have been on the east side of Bear Island for 53 years, and love it. However, weather is always a big factor to be aware of. This morning we left early for the mainland to get ahead of an oncoming storm. Made it okay, but we decided that it was not a smart move and we should have waited.

As you mentioned, a boat, a slip on the mainland, hauling everything, etc. are important things to consider. Good luck in your search. 🐻

[Seaplane Pilot]

Like they say, the grass is always greener on the other side....

But you may want to kick the can down the road for a while until the impending (in my opinion) bubble bursts. Once it does, you can go bottom feeding for the property of your dreams. History has proven this time and time again. Good luck.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Like they say, the grass is always greener on the other side....

But you may want to kick the can down the road for a while until the impending (in my opinion) bubble bursts. Once it does, you can go bottom feeding for the property of your dreams. History has proven this time and time again. Good luck.

That is an option we have been considering. Back in March we also expected the "bubble to burst" and we knew things were selling down even in MA (COVID hotspot) and up on the lakes. But we didn't realize how much it was gonna hurt not having a place to go to.

We are willing to take a hit on a market dip, assuming it will eventually bounce back. We are also worried prices might get driven up for a while too. Because of so little inventory.

Nothing makes sense these days.

BTW a realtor told me folks are removing their listings due to "COVID" fears because NH is a low COVID infected state.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by mswlogo

That is an option we have been considering. Back in March we also expected the "bubble to burst" and we knew things were selling down even in MA (COVID hotspot) and up on the lakes. But we didn't realize how much it was gonna hurt not having a place to go to.

We are willing to take a hit on a market dip, assuming it will eventually bounce back. We are also worried prices might get driven up for a while too. Because of so little inventory.

Nothing makes sense these days.

BTW a realtor told me folks are removing their listings due to "COVID" fears because NH is a low COVID infected state.

I sort of thought the same thing that the bubble would burst earlier this year, but we can see how that has turned out! And you're right, nothing makes sense these days. Again, good luck with your endeavors.

[MeredithMan]

...When we were finally able to afford a place on the water, we thought it would be an easy purchase. Not so. We looked at about 15 places over the course of more than a year. Some had a nice house, but crappy water quality; Some had great water, but a crappy house; Some never had shade; some never had sun; and so on, and so on. We finally made a list of "must haves": things we would not compromise on; and "nice to haves": things we would compromise on. We finally found a place that checked all the boxes, with the only real compromise being not a great dog yard, (we have two goldens who like to run and wrestle with each other).

The unfortunate part was that the house checked everyone else's boxes too, and after only being for sale for 3 days, it was shaping up to be multiple offers. Fortunately, the realtors handled it responsibly and there was no bidding war and playing one buyer off the other. Everyone had to submit "best and final" at the same time. And this was 8 years ago...

So, I would say determine what you will compromise on; stick to your budget, (don't get emotional with your money); be prepared that you might lose out to someone else; but, take comfort in words of wisdom that someone gave me a long time ago, (that apply to almost any situation in life): "you'll be where you're supposed to be"

[jazzman]

We face Southwest and it's kind of the best of all worlds. The season is easily a month longer at either end because of the sun exposure and in the middle of summer you're protected from the hot sun in the west after 4pm. Sunsets are available every day of the year.

We're on the broads. It can make boat docking challenging in a NW wind, but I don't find it impedes swimming (if you're exposed on the broads, you'll likely have a breakwater which can make swimming a little easier).

Of course the NE views are the best, but looking at the Belknap mountains is pretty nice too.

I'm a big fan of the east side of the lake. There is way less human and boat traffic over here. You need to make sure you understand weekend boat patterns as part of the equation. The western shore of the lake is like a 4 lane highway on nice weekend days and the east side has a few choke points too that can get pretty busy.

We find a flat yard between the house and the water to be really nice. You get a much better sense of living on the water from that perspective.

I happen to live on an island and love the lifestyle. You do need a decent sized boat. You do need a mainland dock. There are days when you really can't leave, so you have to plan ahead a little. But, there are way fewer people around and it's very quiet. I can go a week in the shoulder seasons and not interact with another human.

Island house prices are about 1/2 of mainland (and of course the taxes are too). You can find a pretty nice island place for way less than your budget.

[Descant]

Boating on Winnipesaukee is a lot different than Newfound. If you live on an island, boat commuting is a whole new experience. Many of us have multiple boats. You may be able to telecommute, but quality of internet varies a lot.
Go to VRBO and rent a place for a couipe of weeks. Anywhere, sunset etc irrelevant. Find out what Winnipesaukee is like, then start some sort of search. You may decide another lake is for you. There are island places on Homeaway and VRBO too.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by Descant

Boating on Winnipesaukee is a lot different than Newfound. If you live on an island, boat commuting is a whole new experience. Many of us have multiple boats. You may be able to telecommute, but quality of internet varies a lot.
Go to VRBO and rent a place for a couipe of weeks. Anywhere, sunset etc irrelevant. Find out what Winnipesaukee is like, then start some sort of search. You may decide another lake is for you. There are island places on Homeaway and VRBO too.

I know about the internet issues.

Speaking of internet. Does Cellular data get bogged down during peak season on Winni (Verizon)?

I think renting during prime time vs owning for a full season are completely different. I'm sure it would be helpful but it won't expose a lot of it. Like no access in Winter is a big one to us. We would occasionally come up in winter and cross country on NewFound. So that's out.

We don't mind taking a chance on an island but it's hard to judge the value on the islands. We just want to make sure we are paying "market" value. Prices might drop everywhere next year, who knows, can't forecast that (or I should say can forecast when that might happen). Holding on to what we had would have been no different than buying something else.

[jazzman]

The very first thing I did at any house we looked at was test the internet speed on both Verizon and ATT since I was a work at home person. Pretty much any place (even islands), has access to at least DSL. I was actually pleasantly surprised that "working from home" was very doable even on 2.5 mbps DSL. I did have 2 levels of backup though. DSL -> ATT mifi -> tethered verizon smart phone. I never missed a day of work in 6 seasons of working from home.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by jazzman

The very first thing I did at any house we looked at was test the internet speed on both Verizon and ATT since I was a work at home person. Pretty much any place (even islands), has access to at least DSL. I was actually pleasantly surprised that "working from home" was very doable even on 2.5 mbps DSL. I did have 2 levels of backup though. DSL -> ATT mifi -> tethered verizon smart phone. I never missed a day of work in 6 seasons of working from home.

I checked Verizon "Signal Strength" at a few properties but I should have done a real data speed test. But it was not on a weekend with peak usage either and my guess is, it was fine (at that time).

I heard cellular data can get bogged down due to all the users during peak periods.

[BroadHopper]

Family been on Winnipesaukee since 1892. I grew up on The Broads from 1950 to about 2000. The family moved to Winnisquam because the atmosphere of the lake and neighborhood was getting worst. Never regret the move, in fact a number of 'old families' have moved to other lakes in the Lakes Region.
I envy those on Newfound Lake. Excellent boat ramp and a friendly atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, Winnisquam is a lot quieter and friendlier than Winnipesaukee. I'm 70 and enjoy waterskiing on this lake because it is a lot calmer, don't have to worry about yahoos cutting me off.

As for the neighborhood, it was basically blue-collar until the mid '90's when taxes skyrocketed and folks decided to sell. Big spenders buy up the properties, tear down beautiful lake cottages and build McMansions. Neighborhoods were known for annual 'block parties' until the NIMBYs call the police. They even call the police if fellow boaters anchor out front to visit! They are so anti-neighborly!

Some food for thoughts if you really want to enjoy Lakes Region.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Family been on Winnipesaukee since 1892. I grew up on The Broads from 1950 to about 2000. The family moved to Winnisquam because the atmosphere of the lake and neighborhood was getting worst. Never regret the move, in fact a number of 'old families' have moved to other lakes in the Lakes Region.
I envy those on Newfound Lake. Excellent boat ramp and a friendly atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, Winnisquam is a lot quieter and friendlier than Winnipesaukee. I'm 70 and enjoy waterskiing on this lake because it is a lot calmer, don't have to worry about yahoos cutting me off.

As for the neighborhood, it was basically blue-collar until the mid '90's when taxes skyrocketed and folks decided to sell. Big spenders buy up the properties, tear down beautiful lake cottages and build McMansions. Neighborhoods were known for annual 'block parties' until the NIMBYs call the police. They even call the police if fellow boaters anchor out front to visit! They are so anti-neighborly!

Some food for thoughts if you really want to enjoy Lakes Region.

My understanding is it varies a lot on where you are on the lake. We are looking mostly at Tuftonboro and Moultonboro on Mainland and islands (nothing on the broads).

Newfound lake was great but there wasn't much to go to by boat after 35 years. We thought it would be cool to go to restaurants by boat. But maybe that's a grass is greener thing.

We have considered Winnisquam, Squam, Sunapee as well. The range of islands on Winni was attractive. Some really nice properties for much less money.

But you post is food for thought. And some of what you said is happening on NewFound as well. Just not as fast as on Winni.

[BroadHopper]

Forgot to add, I still boat on Winnipesaukee during the week. I can actually walk to the marina on the WOW trail. Pontoon boats are great on Winnisquam, not so rough even on weekends! Best of both worlds!

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Forgot to add, I still boat on Winnipesaukee during the week. I can actually walk to the marina on the WOW trail. Pontoon boats are great on Winnisquam, not so rough even on weekends! Best of both worlds!

Borrowed a neighbors pontoon a few times, not sure on size maybe 21ft. They are ok, if you want to putt putt around. But when you want to really get somewhere they typically have no windshield and you get wind blown. Also awkward to cover. I think Winnipesaukee needs a "Deep V" of around 23ft or more. Realtor took us out on a 25ft Cobalt R5 to see island property. Really nice boat. Went through the broads like silk, but it was a pretty calm day (during the week) but there was still a 1ft chop on the way out and 1-2ft on the way back. That would not have been fun on a Pontoon or on a full inboard ski boat like we had. We had a Deep V 18ft I/O before the inboard ski.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by mswlogo

Borrowed a neighbors pontoon a few times, not sure on size maybe 21ft. They are ok, if you want to putt putt around. But when you want to really get somewhere they typically have no windshield and you get wind blown. Also awkward to cover. I think Winnipesaukee needs a "Deep V" of around 23ft or more. Realtor took us out on a 25ft Cobalt R5 to see island property. Really nice boat. Went through the broads like silk, but it was a pretty calm day (during the week) but there was still a 1ft chop on the way out and 1-2ft on the way back. That would not have been fun on a Pontoon or on a full inboard ski boat like we had. We had a Deep V 18ft I/O before the inboard ski.

I have a Formula on 'pesaukee. There is nothing like it anywhere! I'd give it a test drive. Expensive but worth it. The 260 SS or BR is perfect, even on rough days!

'Toons are popular on 'squam. I have a 20' Bennie with 150. Great for watersking but hardly a wake boat. At my age I like put puttering around a calm lake. The kids, grandkids love the sandbar scene. Nice on a 'toon. If I have a need for speed the missle is a must have on 'squam!

As SNoel says sell high and buy low! I know a property sold for 300K in 1998, sold for 1.3 mill in 2006, auctioned off in 2009 for 700K, listed but not sold in 2018 for 2.3 mill. Market is a yo yo!

[mswlogo]

I might have found an option for Internet.

It’s called a MoFi.

It’s basically a device you add to your Cellular plan like an iPad.

It has huge Antennas so it can pull in weak signals.

It has Ethernet ports and WiFi like a typical router.

So this doesn’t tie up your phone. Always on.
Can connect things like a Nest Camera, ThermoStat, Smoke Alarms.

You can get them for Verizon, AT&T etc. around $250.

This could be cheaper than FairPoint and better speeds. Depends on your existing plan. Like adding my Apple LTE Watch was free for my plan.

You also have to be careful what Cellular plan your on. Some will throttle during busy hours. Some will throttle Video streaming. I think almost all unlimited plans are now throttled. But if they do offer unlimited and unthrottled, it’s expensive. But that might be more than you need.

Also need to be careful with speed tests. Because they might kick in throttling after a certain amount of data is moved.

Googling MoFi, it’s popular for RV’s.

Curious if anyone is using it. Seems almost to good to be true.

[sky's]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Family been on Winnipesaukee since 1892. I grew up on The Broads from 1950 to about 2000. The family moved to Winnisquam because the atmosphere of the lake and neighborhood was getting worst. Never regret the move, in fact a number of 'old families' have moved to other lakes in the Lakes Region.
I envy those on Newfound Lake. Excellent boat ramp and a friendly atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, Winnisquam is a lot quieter and friendlier than Winnipesaukee. I'm 70 and enjoy waterskiing on this lake because it is a lot calmer, don't have to worry about yahoos cutting me off.

As for the neighborhood, it was basically blue-collar until the mid '90's when taxes skyrocketed and folks decided to sell. Big spenders buy up the properties, tear down beautiful lake cottages and build McMansions. Neighborhoods were known for annual 'block parties' until the NIMBYs call the police. They even call the police if fellow boaters anchor out front to visit! They are so anti-neighborly!

Some food for thoughts if you really want to enjoy Lakes Region.

so true man in many ways has ruined Lake Winni. never did anything for me except put food on my table. been in New Hampshire all my life and in Moultonborough for 21 years Columbus day weekend is my favorite time of year.

[JEEPONLY]

We've gone the way of the craw-fish!

[chasedawg]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

We've gone the way of the craw-fish!

Yep they are gone with many more species of wildlife.

[swnoel]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Like they say, the grass is always greener on the other side....

But you may want to kick the can down the road for a while until the impending (in my opinion) bubble bursts. Once it does, you can go bottom feeding for the property of your dreams. History has proven this time and time again. Good luck.

I agree... patience is a virtue. Once the free money stops flowing... and it will, things will get pretty depressed. My wife and I have been looking for a fishing boat and are amazed so few are available. It seems this has been an outstanding year for boat sales, even used boats are selling close to the price of new. Then again it's understandable, few were working and the government was rewarding everyone to stay home. The free money kept us from the depression that was inevitable, but I don't believe that little boy can hold his finger in the dike forever...