Quips, tips, snippets, advice, and more about life and real estate in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. This blog is designed to be a resource for real estate assistance - both buyers & sellers, and for general information about living and working in the coastal areas of New Hampshire and the southeastern corner of Maine. Please feel free to post comments and/or ask questions.....I look forward to hearing from you! Make sure to visit my websites at http://www.AnnCummings.com and http://www.PortsmouthNewHampshireHomes.com
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1/15/2007
We all want to be DEBT-FREE, and here are some tips to help you do just that
We all know how hard it can be to manage our own finances. Been there, done that! I just didn’t know how, until someone showed me the way, and I’ve never looked back since that turning point.
These tips may just help you find your way to being debt-free, if that’s your goal:
1) Pay your bills when they’re due every month – this is so hard to do at times, but it’s so very important to not pay your bills late & rack up late fees and credit blemishes.
2) Learn to live on less than you make – you must learn to put some money aside in order to have money in the bank.
3) Think twice before whipping out that credit card – if you use credit, have a plan for paying off your balance(s). It took me a LONG time to pay off my balances that I had built up, but I did, and I now pay my balance off every single month.
4) Have a plan for where and what you’ll spend your money – you need to know how much you make and how much you need to live on. You may need to make a change in your spending habits if you want to be debt-free.
5) Set up a savings account for emergencies – 3 to 6 months’ of basic living expenses is what is recommended. You never know when you’ll need to replace an appliance or when you might be out of work. Start small and build this account up.
6) Have financial goals – if you don’t have goals, you’ll never get where you want to be. You should consider setting both short-term and long-term goals to help you achieve not only debt-free status, but those goals will also help you go forward toward building that nest-egg for your retirement.
7) Learn how to make your money grow and work for you – take classes, read books and investing magazines, find a great financial planner – make your money earn more money!
I’ve walked in the same shoes as those looking to be debt-free – and I can very proudly say I am DEBT-FREE, except for my mortgage! I pay my credit card balance off every month, I learned to live under my means, and I can tell you it’s a very satisfying feeling to know I have money in the bank.
Here’s to your success in achieving the same satisfying feelings!!
Ann Cummings
1-888-349-5678 x 3839
1/8/2007
WELCOME to the quaint little town of Exeter New Hampshire! A drive through the center of Exeter will make you feel like you're right smack dab in the middle of a Norman Rockwell painting! Exeter is part of the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, and has a wonderful welcoming community spirit.
Located just minutes from commuter routes - 5-7 minutes to I-95, right off Route 101 (the major east-west highway) - this is a perfect spot for those looking for the great quality of life New Hampshire offers and are working out of the area. Not only does Exeter have terrific access for highways, you can hop on the Amtrak Downeaster and head south to Boston or north to Portland Maine. Commuting north, east, south, or west just doesn't get much easier than it is from Exeter! The University of New Hampshire is just about 15-20 minutes away, in Durham. Exeter is just minutes away from area beaches along the ocean. And it's just 15 minutes from all that Portsmouth has to offer!!
Exeter is just loaded with all kinds of history! Did you know that Exeter used to be the state capital of New Hampshire? It was indeed, during the Revolutionary War! Exeter was incorporated in 1638, and was at one time quite a ship-building center and West Indies trading port. Exeter was also where the modern Republican Party as we know it was founded back in 1853 by Amos Tuck.
The first time the census was taken, Exeter recorded 1,722 residents. It's grown a little over time, with a year-round population of just about 14,700 now.
  
These are just some of the beautiful historic homes and buildings that can be found all around Exeter!
Real estate in Exeter is pretty diverse, from mobile homes to condos to single family homes to multi-family homes, as well as land and commercial properties. There are presently 74 single family homes offered for sale, ranging in price from $229,900 to $2,250,000. Days on market for these homes is averaging 167 days. There are presently 11 homes under agreement, and those range from $269,000 to $575,000. The average sold price for the last year on single family homes in Exeter was $433,313, and the average days on market was 104 days.
There are 84 condos presently for sale, and those range in value from $89,000 to $635,000, average days on market 162. There are currently 9 condos under agreement, and those range in price from $114,900 t0 $389,900. The average sold price of condos in Exeter for the last year was $199,908, and the average days on market was 116 days.
Exeter is home to the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781 by Colonel John Phillips. This private secondary school serves students in grades 9 through 12, with the students coming from all over the world. In addition to the campus being an absolutely beautiful addition to the beauty of Exeter itself, Exeter residents enjoy great benefits from the Academy. As a resident of Exeter, you're able to use a number of the Academy facilities for free - library, tennis courts, musicals & plays, and much more.
Exeter Hospital is a leading healthcare hospital offering a full range of comprehensive services, including a health and fitness facility. And as if that weren't enough, the cafeteria in Exeter Hospital has been written about as offering food so good that locals go out to eat there! They were even written up in the paper awhile back because their food was so good!
Downtown Exeter is just as quaint as it can be - lots of cute shops and great locally-owned restaurants, as well as one of the few remaining old-fashioned theaters with a soda fountain in it! All of this is located right along the banks of the Exeter River. The Bandstand, right in the heart of downtown, is the site of many community-centered events - concerts, fundraising, and more.
It's no wonder so many people love living here and making it their HOME!! If you're interested in exploring the charm and history of Exeter further, ........... I'm at your service!!!
Ann Cummings
1-888-349-5678 x 3839
1/2/2007
Categorized in: Seller Info
You've made the big decision to offer your home for sale, or it's already on the market for sale. You've done all the things your REALTOR suggested you do to make your home show at its best. And it looks good.........
But is it really SAFE for showings? It's really easy for us, as we live in our homes, to work around the idiosyncrasies of our own homes. But can we expect strangers to do the same, especially strangers who are looking at our homes as potential buyers for it?
Take a good hard look at your stairways, if you have any. Is the railing a little loose? Are there stair treads that you've been meaning to replace but just haven't really noticed how frayed they are any more? You've gotten used to the worn treads on the stairs, and know to lift you foot just a little higher on that one step to avoid that edge that's lifted up a little. Any any of the light bulbs in the stairways burned out? And those area rugs in the hallway are a little slippery unless you step just so on them. .....
If your house has kids in it, you know how easy it is to not see toys here and there because that's part of your every day world in your own home, and you know where they usually are so you just automatically step over or around them. Potential buyers aren't aware of those nuances, and might not see that little toy car or that cute little stuffed animal that Santa brought.
When you go to hang up your coats in the closets, you know to duck just a little in case one or two of the hats up top fall out, or in case one of those games stacked up on the top shelf comes tumbling down. Potential buyers have no clue what might be waiting for them when they innocently open a closet to check out the space they'll have if they choose your home as their next new home.
Don't forget the basement! Make sure the lighting down there is as bright as it can be - you don't want any buyers or their agents tripping over things, or hitting their heads on any pipes that might be a little lower than they'd expect.
If you live in areas where you enjoy the beauty of winters, then you're accustomed to snow and ice, and how carefully you have to walk on it. BUT, potential buyers could be relocating from anywhere, and may not appreciate walking through the snow if they don't have snowshoes on. They actually may not even know how to drive or walk on it, as they may never had lived anywhere where it did snow! Take some extra time and make sure your walkways are shovelled and kept clear of snow and ice. If the only way into your basement is through an outside bulkhead, make sure there's a pathway shovelled to that.
While we're talking about the outside of your home, please clean up messes left by the family dog. You know where your dog likes to do his business, but potential buyers and their agents don't. Most of the time when we're checking out the exterior of the house, we're not looking down, we're looking around at the house. Then it's too late, and that really doesn't sit too well with potential buyers, and most assuredly homeowners don't want that tracked around inside their homes. I know I sure wouldn't!
Take a walk through your home and look for little hazards like these that may be a liability for you as a homeowner. Tighten the railings - place nonskid mats under rugs - straighten up the insides of closets - make sure toys are put away safly - change any lightbulbs needing replacing - clear drives & walkways. We all live with little things like this, but when it comes to selling your home, you want to remove as many potential liabilities as possible.
Safety for showings on your home is important! If someone is injured while looking at your home, they could sue you for damages. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often, and it's easy to take the necessary steps ahead of time to avoid potential nasty situations as much as possible. It's so much better to be safe than sorry with just a little bit of effort ahead of time!
When selling homes here in Portsmouth New Hampshire during the winter months, I suggest to sellers that they keep a shovel near the front door, and some ice melt handy. In the event it snows while they're at work, and I have a showing before they can get home, I'll clear out a path for us to get to the house, and having those tools handy, sure makes it a little easier to do my job for my clients. Working together as a team helps to get the job done!
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth, NH
1/1/2007
 It's really very easy to fall in love with
Portsmouth New Hampshire, and the whole Seacoast area!
We have so much to offer both residents and visitors alike. As a matter of fact, many buyers I've worked with over time initially came here as visitors, returning again and again, and then decided to make Portsmouth their primary home. And it's no surprise they do, if you ask me! ;-)
Five GREAT reasons to make Portsmouth YOUR home:
~~ Portsmouth has a terrific location! We are right here on the coast of New Hampshire, just 45 minutes south of Portland Maine and 45 minutes north of Boston, Mass. The closest snow skiing is an easy 30-40 minute drive to Gunstock Ski Mountain. The coast, with our beautiful beaches and Atlantic Ocean, is right here at our doorstep. We've got great highway access for all major commuter routes, airports in 3 cities are less than an hour's drive and we have a small airport right here in Portsmouth, Amtrak rail service is just 15 minutes away.
~~ Portsmouth is just full of all kinds of things to do year-round! We've got parks, multiple theaters and venues for all kinds of productions - plays, musicals, concerts, etc. Loads of shopping abounds all over the place, and we've got just about every kind of dining right here in Portsmouth that you can think of! Spring through Fall, our Seacoast Farmer's Market runs every Saturday - a great place to buy fresh local produce, make new friends, and meet up with old friends.
~~ Portsmouth has great schools, including a beautifully renovated and expanded high school. We have 3 wonderful elementary schools, serving the various neighborhoods around town. And to add to all that our schools have to offer, we have a brand new beautiful library right next door to the Middle School. In addition to our great schools right here, we're only a few minutes away from the University of New Hampshire, located in Durham. UNH has one of the prettiest college campuses you'll ever see!
~~ Portsmouth offers great housing opportunities of all kinds, with a home to fit everyone's needs. Being in New England, we have all kinds of antique homes as well as lovely new construction homes, and everything in between. We've got great condos - both conversions as well as newly built, in all price ranges. We have plenty of homes for buyers to choose from, and with today's interest rates what they are & prices a little lower than they were last year, it's a GREAT time to be a buyer!
~~ Portsmouth's economic environment is great! We've got many great businesses here in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Over the last few years, a number of high-tech businesses have relocated to this area, causing this area to be dubbed the "e-Coast". Our downtown area has free wireless set up, a perfect environment for businesses and business people who love being downtown. They are looking into expanding this further to encompass more of the downtown area as well going into some of the neighborhoods close to downtown. Plus here in New Hampshire, we have NO income tax nor do we have a sales tax!!
And as if all those reasons weren't enough to convince you Portsmouth is a great place to call home, we've got a FABULOUS Little League Team!!
 Come to visit - come to STAY because you'll want make Portsmouth New Hampshire YOUR home! Once you're here, this area just makes you fall in love with it, and this just helps to make my job that much easier!
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire Homes
12/13/2006
Categorized in: Just For Fun!
Magical Mistletoe
Have you ever wondered about mistletoe - where it comes from, how it came to have the romantic magic it does? I saw a bunch of it for sale somewhere recently around Portsmouth, and I got to wondering how a plant like that evolved into something with the magical powers that mistletoe symbolizes.
Did you know that mistletoe is really a parasite? It is! It's a parasitic shrub that's usually found in fruit trees, maples and sometimes in oaks. And in North America, it's typically found in trees from New Jersey down to Florida.
Mistletoe has been associated with the holidays at this time of year going back for centuries, and has symbolized peace and love.
In ancient times, Druid priests thought mistletoe was a sacred plant because it grew in the air in oak trees, which was their sacred tree. They would climb into oak trees and cut the mistletoe with golden sickles. Worshippers below would catch it on white cloths before it touched the ground, because it was considered bad luck for even the tiniest piece of mistletoe to touch the ground. It would then be hauled off for use in fertility rites and in cures for a variety of ailments.
In Norse mythology, the soldiers who met in battle under mistletoe would stop their fighting, kiss and make-up. They had to put their weapons aside and exchange a kiss of peace, declaring a truce for that day. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe may have originated from this custom, and from the Druids, since both considered the mistletoe to be sacred. Other beliefs in folklore say that a sprig of mistletoe placed over a baby's cradle would protect that child from goblins. And another legend says that giving a sprig to the first cow calving after the New Year would protect the entire herd.
Greek mythology says that a bough of mistletoe plucked from an oak will guarantee safe passage to the Underworld. In Swiss folkfore, it was shot out of trees with arrows for good luck, but had to be caught before it touched the ground.
Mistletoe has meant all kinds of things over the years. The language of flowers shows it to be associated with overcoming difficulties. It was believed to be a cure for epilepsy, since it doesn't ever touch the ground, it could prevent epileptics from falling during a seizure. Native American tribes in the southwest drink a tea made from mistletoe to relax the muscles during childbirth. Today, it's being researched as a drug to used to fight inflammation and cancer. Who knows what it might be used for tomorrow......
 In the 18th century, kissing balls made of mistletoe were popular, and continue to this day. In the 1700's, the exchange of kisses between a man and a woman was seen as a promise to marry. Getting caught under the mistletoe was supposed to increase a young lady's chances of marriage back then. Their belief then was that a girl who wasn't kissed would still be single until the next Christmas. I'm thinking "the times, they have a'changed"!!
Mistletoe was the state flower of Oklahoma until 2004, but it does still serve as the state's official floral emblem.
There's everything you could ever want to know about mistletoe! And remember, if you're standing under the mistletoe, be mindful of what it COULD mean!! ;-)
Here's another little snippet of Holiday History for you to read about!
Merry Christmas!!
Ann Cummings
12/11/2006
 Looking to do some home improvements and/or repairs?
Most homeowners typically think the only ways to pay for home improvements and/or repairs is to either pay cash or to put those expenditures on their credit cards. Those may not necessarily be the best way for you to pay for them!
Consider these options:
~~ Home Equity Loan - This is a second mortgage on your property that's secured by the equity you've acquired in your home. The rates on a home equity loan might be a little higher than your first mortgage, but these rates are typically better than you'll end up with on your credit cards. Another big reason to consider this route is that the interest you pay on a home equity loan may be tax deductible. Interest paid on credit cards likely isn't.
~~ Home Equity Line of Credit - This is a variation of a home equity loan. With this type of funding, you get a revolving line of credit which is secured by the equity in your home. You can repay the amount you borrow, and then you can use it again and again as needed. This type of funding is really useful when doing major improvements/repairs where you have to make multiple payments over a period of time to contractors as they complete specified stages of the work contracted for. You'll typically have a variable interest rate on this type of loan.
~~ Cash-Out Refinancing - For this option, you refinance your existing mortgage into a new mortgage that is made up of your original mortgage plus whatever the amount is you want to pull out for your home improvements/repairs. This option may allow you to obtain a lower interest rate, and the interest you pay is typically tax-deductible.
An example of this is: you have a $300,000 house with a mortgage on it of $150,000, and you would like to have $50,000 to do improvements, etc. You would refinance your existing $150,000 mortgage plus the $50,000 for improvements, making your new mortgage amount $200,000. You'll receive the $50,000 as a lump sum amount when you close on your new mortgage.
Make sure you choose the right project to spend your money on. The right improvement can dramatically increase the value of your home, and those types of improvements that provide the highest return on your investment include remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and second story additions. Take care not to over-improve for your neighborhood, and remember that too much personalizing of your house likely won't appeal to too many mainstream buyers when it comes to resale value.
If you have questions about improvements that you're considering and how they'll impact potential resale value, feel free to contact me, either via phone or email. I'll be happy to set up a time to meet with you.
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire
603-431-1111 x 3839
12/6/2006
Some Great Ways To Help Keep Your Carpets & Rugs Looking Their Best
The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that you clean your carpets and rugs every 12-18 months, or thereabouts, to help keep them in nice condition. To do that, here are some easy basic suggestions to help you:
~~ Vacuum your carpets and rugs at least once a week. Ground in dirt is the worst thing for carpeting and rugs.
~~ Make sure to have entry mats at your doors that enter your home. Consider removing your shoes in the entryway. If you wear shoes inside your home, consider buying a pair that you keep just for wearing inside your home.
~~ Clean up spills as quickly as possible. Try to scrape up or lift up as much of the spill as you, and then use a cleaning solution. Make sure to work from the outside edge of the spill in to the center. This helps to avoid making the spill area even larger. And then after using the cleaning solution, blot the cleaned area instead of rubbing.
~~ Dry the cleaned area by placing clean white towels or paper towels weighted down over the spot. If you allow it to air dry, you may end up with a ring that forms around the cleaned area.
If I can help with any other suggestions for home-maintenance, give me a call or send me an email.
Ann Cummings
11/28/2006
Categorized in: Seller Info
Your Needs Are Changing - Should You Stay & Remodel or Should You Sell??
It can be a really tough decision to have to make when you've reached the point where you've outgrown your home. You've got two options - sell and move to a new home or remodel and enlarge your current home for more living space.
Statistics have shown that most homeowners who do extensive improvements to their homes often end up selling their homes within just a few years of the work being completed. The decisions you make about your remodeling could have a significant impact on whether you can recover your investment or not when you decide to sell your home.
As REALTORS, we see many homes and talk with many buyers. We can provide professional advice on what buyers are looking for. Having that knowledge, we're able to help you with suggestions on your remodeling projects that can help to add to your family's enjoyment while keeping in mind future resale value.
Before you decide to tackle the remodeling project, make sure to consider whether expensive improvements will over-improve your home for the neighborhood. Think about the investment you're about to make and how that compares to the selling prices of other homes in your area. If that investment far exceeds the values of the homes around you, it may make more sense to sell your present home and look to buy a new one that better meets your needs.
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire
11/27/2006
Looking for something to do in Portsmouth??
 We have three great theatrical treasures here in Portsmouth New Hampshire, and two of them offer year-round enjoyment for residents and visitors alike!
The Music Hall is a historic theater that was built in 1878. It's the oldest theater in New Hampshire, and the second oldest theater in New England. This beautiful 900 seat theater is one of only fifteen theaters built in the 1800s still in use in America.
In its early years, The Music Hall was home to vaudeville performances and silent film shows. Today, it offers a wide variety of offerings, from films, comedy, concerts, evenings with authors, and so much more.
In 2004, the theater went through a multi-phased, multi-million dollar restoration that returned this gem to its turn-of-the-century splendor. Much of the beauty and original structural construction and design was able to be restored, as well as upgrades to technology, stage systems, and patron amenities that will enable this beautiful theater to continue offering fabulous programs for many years to come.
 This is the stunningly beautiful restored arch above the stage. It's called the "proscenium", and you just have to see this in person to see just what an amazing restoration job this was.
In 2003, the US Senate voted to include Portsmouth' Music Hall in the "American Treasures" because of its preservation and restoration work.
Some of the upcoming events are "A Vintage Christmas"; "A Celtic Yuletide"; "Holiday Pops with the NH Symphony Orchestra"; and "Clara's Dream - A Jazz Nutcracker".
Just a couple of blocks away from The Music Hall is another of Portsmouth's special little gems - The Seacoast Repertory Theater. This theater in the round was orginally built as a beer and grain warehouse in 1892. It was renovated into the theater we know today back in 1979. Because of the size of this theater and due to it being a theater in the round, you'll experience a much more intimate setting here.
Boston Magazine has selected The Seacoast Rep Theater for their "Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Year Round Theater" in the Seacoast. They've won this award several times for their premier entertainment offerings.
Some of the upcoming plays on the calendar here are, "Miracle on 34th Street"; "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"; "The Spitfire Grill"; and a varierty of
other plays. The schedule here usually has 3-4 different plays offered each month.
Both The Music Hall and The Seacoast Repertory offer annual memberships as well as ticket sales for each individual event.
We are very fortunate here in Portsmouth to have both year-round and summer theaters!
Our beautiful Prescott Park has offerings all summer long that include concerts, plays, story-telling, art shows, chili and chowder cook-off festivals, and more.
Come and visit us, and check out all three theaters! With all the various offerings each has to offer, you'll certainly find something everyone will enjoy. Once you've been here to visit us, you'll fall in love and want to make this area your home!!
Ann Cummings
11/26/2006
Categorized in: Buyer Info
All About Portsmouth New Hampshire Public Schools
 "The purpose of the Portsmouth schools is to educate all students by challenging them to become thinking, responsible, contributing citizens who continue to learn throughout their lives."
Most buyers I work with moving into the Portsmouth New Hampshire area have questions about the schools - where they are, what the curriculum is like, what the student-teacher ratios are, what programs are offered at the different schools, etc.
I've put together information on all of the elementary schools here in Portsmouth, as well as information on the Middle School and the High School. You can access that information in here in this link.
You'll find all kinds of information in the various links I've included on the schools that I hope you'll find very helpful as you explore and discover Portsmouth.
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth NH
11/26/2006
MAKE YOUR HOME AS SAFE AS YOU CAN
Unfortunately, crime is no longer isolated to certain areas, it's become an issue that seems to be at the forefront of the news everywhere we turn. And it can very unexpectedly land on your very own doorstop with no notice. Take heart though, there is no need to feel you can't do anything about it!
Here are some simple but smart steps to take that can greatly increase the security of your home:
~~~ Keep your doors locked and make sure all doors have deadbolt locks of at least 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch.
~~~ Have 'pry-proof' locks on your windows. I found some of these at both Home Depot and Lowes recently.
~~~ Keep the bushes and trees in your yard and right around your house trimmed so your windows and doors can be seen by your neighbors. This helps in not having hiding places for potential intruders.
~~~ Keep all of your entrances well-lit at night. You can purchase from a wide variety of inexpensive spot-light systems with motion sensors that turn the lights on when movement takes place within certain ranges. You can also buy sensor lights that come on at dusk and go off at dawn or some other preset time.
~~~ If you're thinking about a pet, a dog would be a good choice. Convicted burglars have been interviewed and have said that homes with dogs were the homes they broke into least. Dogs can be a great deterrent for burglars.
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire
11/26/2006
Be Safe During the Holidays!!
With holidays coming soon, I always feel that we can never hear these fire safety tips enough. Too many house fires over the holidays could have been prevented with just a little planning.....
*** Inspect all Christmas lights and electrical cords for fraying wires. If they aren't in perfect condition, throw them away!! It's not worth the risk!
*** If you use real trees inside your house for the holidays, make sure they're freshly cut. Trees with high moisture contect will stay green longer, and they're less likely to set fire. Make sure you keep the tree watered as long as it's inside your house.
*** Don't hang Christmas stockings from your mantel if you've got a fire burning.
*** Don't put your Christmas tree near a radiator, a fireplace or near a heating duct.
*** Don't burn wrapping paper, boxes, or the Christmas tree in your fireplace. These things all burn much too quickly, and let off too much heat.
*** Always stay in the kitchen when preparing your holiday meals. Be aware of what you're cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires.
*** Never leave a burning candle unattended.
The holidays should be a time of enjoyment, so take the time to heed these precautions so you can relax and enjoy the holidays.
Ann Cummings
11/22/2006
Categorized in: Just For Fun!
Did you know that Thanksgiving actually began in the United Kingdom, as their Harvest Festival? It was later brought to America by the early settlers, and from there it became a much more important holiday than it had been originally. The first celebration in America took place in Plymouth in 1621 by the Pilgrims, which was actually a form of the UK's Harvest Festival. The first official Thanksgiving was actually in the Virginia Colony on December 4, 1619. The first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington and celebrated on November 26, 1789.
Take a trip with the Pilgrims and see how they made it to America, how they lived once they got here, and what their Thanksgiving feasts were like back in the 1600s.
Want to learn more about Thanksgiving and the history and lore behind it? Take this quiz and see how you do!
Want to have some fun with some turkey trivia and see how much (or not) you know about the good old Thanksgiving staple?
~~ Tom the Turkey ~~ Be a "Top Turkey" ~~ Turkey Facts Trivia
  
Here's some fun things for the kids and grandkids!!
~~ Games, Screensavers & Storybooks ~~ Turkey Crafts ~~ Stories, Games, & More
What to do with all those leftovers???????
Check out these sites for ideas for leftovers and some great recipes - lots of yummy ideas here!!
Even those ice cream mogels, Ben and Jerrys, get into the Thanksgiving fun!
And don't forget that fabulous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!! My sisters and I so looked forward to watching this parade every Thanksgiving morning while my mom was putting together a fabulous meal for us. As a matter of fact, I still watch this parade every Thanksgiving morning..... ;-)
My wish to all of you is for a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire
11/22/2006
WELCOME TO NEW HAMPSHIRE!!
New Hampshire was named by Captain John Mason for Hampshire, England. It was part of the original 13 colonies, and became the 9th state in the country on June 21, 1788. We are one of the six states that make up New England. New Hampshire was the first state to declare its independence from Great Britain, and it was the first to set up its own independent government, having done so in January 1776. That fierce independence that NH natives are known for was shining through way back then!
"The Granite State" is one of 4 nicknames that New Hampshire is known by, and it's also the one most people know of. This nickname came about because of the enormous amounts of granite formations and quarries throughout the state. The other nicknames are "Mother of Rivers", for the five great rivers of New England that originate in NH's mountains; "The White Mountain State" for the White Mountain Range; and "Switzerland of America" for the beautiful mountain scenery. Our state is certainly a very beautiful state!
 Our state motto is "Live Free or Die", and most New Hampshirites take that motto very seriously. This motto is relatively new, having been adopted by the General Court in 1945. According to some, our motto is probably the best-known of all state mottos because 'it speaks to an aggressive independence inherent in the American dream, and partly because of its contrast to the mild sentiments usually found in most state mottos'.
This phrase came about from a letter General John Stark wrote on July 31, 1809. He sent his toast via letter to an anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, in which he wrote:
"Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils."
To learn a little about our logo in the middle of our state seal, "The Old Man in the Mountains", visit my friend Monika McGillicuddy's blog - we're missing him more each day!!
 
Our state seal is the broadside view of the frigate "Raleigh", with a granite boulder in the foreground, and a beautiful rising sun in the background. A laurel wreath surrounds the picture. The ship signified the state's emergence as a major shipbuilding center during war years. New Hampshire's state flag has the state seal centered on a blue field surrounded by laurel leaves and the nine stars for NH being the 9th state in the country.
The very fragrant purple lilac is our state flower. Oh they smell so
heavenly, too!! Our lilacs come in a variety of colors, but the purple lilac
is the one that is most prevalent here in NH. When they're in bloom, I
like to grab a bunch of them and bury my face in them so I can inhale
that heavenly scent.......if you've never smelled fresh lilacs, you're really
missing a real treat of Mother Nature!!
These are just a few historical tidbits about my state of New Hampshire! Check out the links I included to learn even more, and even better - watch my blogs for more posts about this place I call HOME - Portsmouth New Hampshire!!
Ann Cummings
http://www.portsmouthnewhampshirehomes.com/
11/6/2006
Winter's coming, whether we want it to or not! And that means it's time to get your house ready for cold weather. Getting it ready now will help in several ways:
- It will help save on energy costs;
- It will help provide worry-free maintenance;
- And it will help to keep you and yours warm & cozy
inside.
 Inspect the exterior of your home, and create yourself a fortress:
- Walk around the outside of your home and check for areas
that might allow water to get in, things that are broken, or
things needing repair.
- Check your storm windows and your doors. Caulk and
seal any openings and gaps to keep cold air out and to
keep warm air inside.
- Look for any overhanging or dead tree limbs and have them
removed. If these get coated in ice, they'll become
heavy & break off and hit your home.
- Shut off water to outside faucets, and drain those faucets.
This will help to prevent any freeze-ups in those pipes.
Create a warm and cozy home inside - you'll love coming home and knowing you and your family will be nice and protected:
- Have your fireplace checked out professionally for dirt and soot build-up
- Have your furnace serviced and any parts replaced that are needed
- Have your air filter replaced if you have forced air heat
- Have the fins vacuumed in your baseboards if you have baseboards for heating
- Have your furnace replaced if it's old and not functioning as it should
Having your home as fine-tuned as it can be, before the cold sets in, will help to ensure a warm and safe winter for you and your family.
Ann Cummings
Portsmouth New Hampshire
11/6/2006
Categorized in: Seller Info
Making a good first impression with your home when it's for sale 
is very important, whether it's for an open house or for showings.
You put on your best clothes for special occasions, and your home
should be dressed up in its best as well!
Here are 5 simple things you can do to dress your home in its best:
1) Clean away clutter
- Take all post-it notes, pictures, menus, magnets, etc. off the refrigerator
- Keep all countertops free of small appliances
- Put away toys in the closet or tucked away out of sight
- Remove newspapers & knick-knacks from coffee tables & countertops
2) Keep it Simple
- If there are unusual or wild colors on the walls or furniture, it's a good idea to mute them with neutral
paint or perhaps cover that day-glo orange couch with a neutral slipcover
3) Music to Their Ears
- Play some light instrumental or classical music in the background, softly - sets a nice calm ambiance
for the showing
4) Light up the World
- Appropriate lighting in each room - open up blinds and/or heavy curtains - have lights turned on
to show the home at its best
5) Warm Welcoming Smells
- Light a lightly scented candle, bake a pie or cookies, etc - creates a nice positive effect
The way your home smells greatly affects buyers subliminally, and scents and smells create positve
or negative memories.
Ann Cummings
888-349-5678 x 3839
11/4/2006
 Splashes of Color!!!
Colors in your home can set the tone for your day. Did you know that? I had felt that, but never quite put it into words just like that, but color really can alter your mood, and the moods of those who enter your home, whether family & friends, or potential buyers looking at your home when it's for sale.
The real beauty of color is that you don't necessarily have to repaint anything to change your mood or set a different tone in various rooms in your house. How can that be, you wonder.....
Simply add a splash of color here and there with decorative throw pillows, rugs, and curtains. Those simple items can really make a big difference, and it's easy to do and doesn't have to cost much at all. How cool is that??
YELLOW adds cheer, happiness, and warmth - a welcoming color for the entryway.
PINK/ROSE and shades of PEACH are very flattering for complexions, and really work well in bathrooms. In bathrooms, a color to stay away from is yellow-green, as it can make you look a little jaundiced, and who wants to look like that??
RED and ORANGE shades can be stimulants - feeling a little hungry when you're in rooms with those colors? Be careful using them in the kitchen.
BLUE and BLUE-GREEN shades are quite soothing for most everyone. This can be very helpful in bedrooms....anyone for a great night's sleep?
Choose colors that make you feel good - you are the one who will be living with it!
Ann Cummings
 
WELCOME to my wonderful part of this great world we live in, Portsmouth New Hampshire and the surrounding areas of coastal NH and southeastern Maine!!
I appreciate you stopping by my blog and checking out my posts. You'll find all sorts of posts here, some to do with life, most to do with real estate. Stop by, visit, and feel free to comment and/or ask questions. I love blog visitors, and want you to feel welcome in my world, real estate in Portsmouth New Hampshire!!
Thanks for visiting for a bit, and for checking out my world!
Ann
Ann Cummings
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