tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43139874216501744252012-03-14T06:12:27.887-04:00A Real Estate Blog by Debbie Mae KershawDebbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.comBlogger251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-82667054275869442752012-03-09T08:23:00.000-05:002012-03-09T08:23:26.264-05:00

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Changes A new premium structure for FHA-insured single family mortgage loans was recently announced.* Beginning April 1, 2012, all FHA mortgage applicants will be subject to new fees. The up-front mortgage insurance premium, which is currently 1 percent of the loan amount and can be financed into a borrower’s loan, will increase to 1.75 percent of the loan amount

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-48505839828215434332011-11-13T08:43:00.001-05:002011-11-13T08:43:52.289-05:00

Poached Pear from Michelle's on Market Square ,Portsmouth,NH. WWW.Michellesonmarketsquare.com. You won't regret it.

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-38672837162193577222011-10-04T15:19:00.002-04:002011-10-04T15:42:45.539-04:00

Today I read a very good post by my friends at Keeping Current Matters - the post gives 2 examples of someone facing Foreclosure.   In almost all instances in which a potential seller is contemplating whether they should short sell their house or let it go through the foreclosure process, a short sale is the better option. For someone facing Foreclosure it can sometimes be very hard to think

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-35827327898323421012011-09-22T16:01:00.000-04:002011-09-22T16:01:58.669-04:00

You hear it all the time - If you want to sell your home you need to price it correctly - from the beginning. Here's why. Back in May of 2011, I read a blog from my friends at KCM ( read KCM's blog. ) which talked about how you have to sell your home twice - Because not only are you selling to a potential buyer, but if the buyer is financing the purchase of that home, it has to basically be

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-34924865913557788192011-09-14T14:54:00.000-04:002011-09-14T14:54:53.164-04:00

Have you heard about "ReStore"?  Well, it's a program of Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity.  I just had a visit by one of their volunteers and I felt it was worth sharing.  The idea is simple - ReStore accepts (donations) of furniture and appliances, overstocked, discontinued, new and used building materials* - Then, these donated items are made available For Sale to the public (at

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-19942763174240666602011-08-30T22:23:00.001-04:002011-08-30T22:26:10.689-04:00

While the storm skirted the seacoast of NH & Maine (for the most part), she did visit Pepperrell Cove.  Two boats were blown from their moorings and crashed onto the rocks.  It was sad to watch as one of the boats which was pulled from the rocks, fill with water as they tried to get her to safety. No one was injured, and hopefully the owners of the boats had insurance.  While I tried to video

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-82472844434582140772011-08-26T12:57:00.000-04:002011-08-26T12:57:24.758-04:00

On September 10th 2010, I posted a Blog on Hurricane Earl, which turned out to be (at least for us in NH/Maine) no big deal. Well, almost a year later and Hurricane Irene is being purported as " the most dangerous Hurricane since Katrina" "A once in a lifetime event"...  And they are talking about the Entire East Coast - and NH & Maine are included in this -    Is this a Cry Wolf for those of us

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-81534100635718295812011-08-14T10:08:00.000-04:002011-08-14T10:08:14.066-04:00

In July of 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform  and Consumer Protection Act -   The name Dodd-Frank... comes from the original proponents of the act (Barney Frank - House of Representatives/(d) MA - and, former Senant House Banking Committee Chairmen Chris Dodd /(d) CT. - Among the many sections of the Act is - Title XIV - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-80228165758144292082011-07-17T10:44:00.003-04:002011-09-01T11:42:32.018-04:00

So What is a QR Code? Simply put a QR Code (meaning “Quick Response”) – is like a Bar Code that you see used in the grocery store when they scan your items. QR Codes basically do the same thing. The exciting thing is- if you have a Smart Phone – you can download a QR Code Reader App and have instant access to information on anything that has the QR Code displayed - (For Sale Sign for Example)-

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-87072151001834773182011-06-03T14:59:00.000-04:002011-06-03T14:59:17.232-04:00

This is the Weekend - June 4th & 5th - If you are looking to Buy REALTORS all across the country will be holding Open Houses -  Tell all your friends who may be looking to buy in your neighborhood to check it out!  Visit, http://www.pointsne.com/   or click here  to see which houses my office will be holding open this weekend.

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-78901670660057642712011-05-25T15:19:00.000-04:002011-05-25T15:19:29.303-04:00

National Open House Weekend - June 4th & 5th - Mark your calendars if you are selling a home or are in the market to buy a home - A big push for Open House Weekend is underway and with home prices at more realistic levels and interest rates lower than they have been in decades, this is a win-win for everyone. Buyer Tip - Take a sheet of paper with 3 columns on it - label the columns   Address

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-88672790449543687082011-03-30T11:40:00.000-04:002011-03-30T11:40:23.764-04:00

Beleive it or not, people often ask me what is considered a full bathroom? When a Home is listed for sale in the MLS (MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service),   you'll see Bathrooms broken down like this (at least NH & ME MLS): Total Baths: 4 Full: 2 3/4: 1 1/2: 1 From an Appraisal perspective this is technically not 4 Bathrooms - This home has 3 1/2 baths - A full bath basically has 3

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-90088942213191503282011-02-27T15:40:00.067-05:002011-02-27T16:09:53.060-05:00

Remember those sayings when you were a kid  "...Don't step on a crack, it will break your mothers back" or the one about " ...7 years bad luck if you break a mirror", Well, when it comes to your credit and how long things hang around "7" seems to be the magic number. Applying for Credit, Late Pays on Credit Cards or Loans, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure... they all stick around (on your credit) for

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-4428006191742712422011-02-21T18:48:00.001-05:002011-02-27T12:16:57.675-05:00

Reminder!  Fund Raiser Party Tomorrow! And You Are Invited Monday - February 28th, 2011 From: 5:00 p.m to ? The 401 Tavern 401 Lafayette RoadHampton, NH Cash Bar/ Live MusicGreat Prizes will be Raffled OffTo support Megan Healy for her upcomingCross Country Bike Trek Megan Healy, the daughter of my colleague Sandy Healy will begin a Cross Country Bicycle Trek of 3,700 miles this summer with “

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-68686714426665844572011-01-17T08:51:00.000-05:002011-01-17T08:51:11.321-05:00

According to Remodeling magazine's 2010-2011 "Cost vs.Value Report," even despite the challenging economy, investing in your home still pays off at resale – and it doesn't have to cost a lot. The report also showed that home sellers consider first impressions to be a top priority, with nine out of the top 13 projects being exterior replacements that contribute to curb appeal and help attract

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-48146723361047630652010-09-26T20:25:00.000-04:002010-09-26T20:25:48.483-04:00

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-18761470775239046152010-09-02T13:55:00.001-04:002010-09-02T16:49:32.979-04:00

Forgot about the Dingy: c.DMKershaw Hurricane Earl is the topic of conversation right now on the coast of New Hampshire and Maine (as it is everywhere else on the East Coast).  People are betting whether or not we will be impacted by Earl to any degree other than high surf and heavy rain. Well, as the picture to the left shows, even a strong rain can cause havoc if you are not prepared. I

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-65515789615907320642010-08-15T14:43:00.001-04:002011-12-16T11:31:21.420-05:00

I can't tell you how many homes I have seen in my travels around the seacoast area working with clients who are getting ready to sell their home or buy a home. In many of these homes I have seen issues relating to Mold that the homeowner is unaware or in denial of.  Folks, Mold is a serious problem. But it can be dealt with. Prevention and Maintenance are the key to reducing the chances of

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-44679567697005592672010-08-09T10:06:00.001-04:002010-08-09T10:32:56.215-04:00

Many homeowners are in fear of loosing their home to foreclosure. The reasons range from job loss, job relocation in a market where the value of a current home is worth less than what is owed, death of the primary wage earner... and the list goes on.  The problem is where does someone get help.  I've heard countless situations where homeowners are having a hard time (for whatever reason), and

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-38643743399397973302010-07-21T12:28:00.001-04:002010-07-21T12:31:01.412-04:00

We always want to make sure that we get at least a fair price for anything we are looking to sell... Some folks take the position that if they list their house higher than it's real value that perhaps they will find a buyer willing to overpay or, at least, leave room to negotiate....This is a dangerous strategy in tody's real estate market... Aligning yourself with an Experienced Real Estate

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-68559677590553594002010-06-23T08:12:00.000-04:002010-06-23T09:59:43.522-04:00

June 23rd, 2010 - Tonight at 7:00 at the Little Theater at Portsmouth High will be the last opporunity for the public to have it's voice heard on the topic of the Memorial Bridge - At the Final Public Meeting of the Connections Study.In the previous Stakeholders meeting, the Maine DOT made it clear that the State does not value the Memorial Bridge; instead it wants to rebuild the Sarah Long or "

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-11391952719423746382010-05-28T10:24:00.000-04:002010-05-28T10:42:21.998-04:00

A great new web site for parents with kids has been launched and it's all about things to do on the Seacoast. If you have kids or know someone coming to the area, you'll want to make sure you share this site with them.SeacoastKidsCalendar.com

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-85801281285021457282010-05-28T10:17:00.000-04:002010-05-28T10:22:39.994-04:00

This is a great way to See Portsmouth or ride around out to New Castle and over to Wentworth by the Sea. There's no better way to appreciate all that this area has to offer than on a bike. Bill Downey is a local who's middle name should be "enjoy". Come visit the Seacoast of New Hampshire. Kayak shop owner expanding to include bicycle rentals | SeacoastOnline.com

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-55582932362668956772010-03-04T10:15:00.000-05:002010-03-04T11:11:27.127-05:00

Did you know that if you are thinking of purchasing a home and it is in need of modernization, repairs or rehab, that you may be able to finance some of that cost in your new loan? Yep -This is why it is very important for you to talk to a lender BEFORE you start looking at houses - FHA has 2 programs designed just for this purpose - So, it's important to find an lender that is an FHA Approved

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4313987421650174425.post-37230403830094832422010-02-24T10:34:00.000-05:002010-02-24T10:59:14.742-05:00

So, whether you are getting ready to Sell your home or you've decided to stay in your home, I'd like to share some very helpful tips for you on Tax Credits that are available to you - Feel free to share this with your friends and family. And when the time comes to either purchase, sell, or relocate - remember that I can assist you with all your needs and even if you live in another state, I can

Debbie Mae Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820997265062808635noreply@blogger.com0