Hampstead , Nebraska
This Blog is all about real world real estate, no pie in the sky, just the information needed to help you make informed decisions. Looking for information on a career in real estate? Buying or selling? Looking for market data and trends? No crystal ball here but 22 years of solid real estate experience at your disposal. Humor me as we travel around a bit and discuss everything from family to business.
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Apr. 11, 2007
Categorized in: Agency Issues
Important information for all NH Real Estate Agents
By Monika McGillicuddy
*Updated* Dual Agency Consent Agreement.
The New Hampshire Association has made some crucial changes to their Dual Agency Consent Agreement to reflect the required Rule changes that the New Hampshire Real Estate made.
Rule change go into effect on May, 1 2007. Changes to the consent agreement are linked to a PDF form with changes highlighted courtesy of NHAR.
Dual Agency Informed Consent Agreement
Changes Include:
Addresses of parties and Agency added [per 404.04(k)(3)].
New section 4 listing disclosed dual agent’s duties [per 404.04(k)(4) – excerpted from RSA 331-A:25-d II]
Expiration date of dual agency informed consent agreement added [404.04(k)(6)] and a statement that it shall not be extended beyond the term of the buyer agency or listing agreement [404.04(k)(5)].
All forms will soon be available on True Forms.
www.monikamcgillicuddytrainer.com
Read the rest of my articles...
Apr. 9, 2007
Important message from NHAR 2007 President Bonnie Guevin…REALTORS please don’t ignore this plea.
Call to Action: NHAR Opposes Increasing Real Estate Transfer Tax
Dear REALTOR ® Members,
From the beginning, REALTORS® have supported LCHIP (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program) and its predecessor, LCIP (Land Conservation Investment Program). LCIP started under Gov. John Sununu in 1987 as a temporary program funded by a $20 million bond. LCHIP came into being in 1999 under Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (RSA 227-M).
REALTORS® have opposed funding these programs from a small group of taxpayers – the buyers and sellers of real estate.
We believe LCHIP should be funded through the State’s general fund, and not through a tax increase paid only by buyers and sellers of real estate because:
- The RETT (Real Estate Transfer Tax) is already too high (second highest in the country), and this would increase the tax from $15 per $1,000 to $15.60 per $1,000.
- A RETT increase of any amount is not consistent with policies promoting affordable housing.
- LCHIP should be measured on its own merits, and not and not exempted from scrutiny by dedicated funding.
- Passing the RETT increase will create a harmful precedent: to use increases in the tax as a funding source for other state programs. Such additional increases in the tax will further increase the cost of housing and discourage home ownership.
- REALTORS® have been consistent in their position, and New Hampshire Legislators have agreed.
Until now.
The RETT increase, which was originally proposed as an amendment to HB 868, has now been placed within the budget bill, HB 2. NHAR opposes an increase in RETT to fund LCHIP and opposes its inclusion in the budget bill. At a minimum, the Legislature should vote on any increase in the RETT and the creation of a dedicated fund on its own merits, not as part of the larger budget bill.
Contact your State Representative and State Senator and ask that they OPPOSE funding LCHIP through an increase in the RETT.
Special Note: If the House passes the budget, which includes the RETT increase, the Senate will have an opportunity to defeat this increase. It is imperative that the REALTORS® come out in force to the Senate public hearing on the budget, scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, from 3 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the
State House.
Apr. 4, 2007
 Last week I was invited to teach an Agency class for the North Country Board of REALTORS. Because they are located about 3 hours away from me they put me up in a hotel the night before. It was a rainy foggy day as I arrived and the mist just enveloped the entire hotel...cradling it snugly! It was an awesome site to behold...lovely and serene and a bit spooky at the same time. I just wish my camera would have done it justice.
Check out my other blog for more photos and a tour of a very unique pool...here
A local artist painted some awesome murals all over the indoor pool...truly amazing!
Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County
Jay and Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty
Hampstead NH
603-548-7728 www.nh4sale4u.com
Mar. 16, 2007
By Monika McGillicuddy
Where has the time gone? I have to ask myself that, as this year I enter my 23rd year in real estate! Sounds scary doesn't it?
I must be feeling nostalgic...don't really know why but I am. I can't help but think of all of those that have come and gone as the Lure of easy money is a mighty pull...and for them the reality really does bite.
 I've been a real estate professional for nearly 23 years now. I've been through many ups and downs...good markets and bad ones....been there... done that and got the T- shirt!
So I can safely say that over the years I've seen many agents come and go...the lure of "easy" money and then the reality of having to really work hard to earn that easy money sets in and poof their gone!
Years ago at a former company...I trained an agent who after sitting through 2 weeks of our company's new agent training program thought he knew it all. I thought to myself...I'll give him a month. His first customer did him in...he showed her four houses and refused to show her more...he thought she should just buy one of the four he showed her and she should be grateful that he had taken the time to show her those four.
What did she expect that he would cart her butt around until she found something??? He lasted 3 weeks.
Another agent didn't understand why he had to be available to show homes during the customers schedule...he wasn't wasting his weekends with Looky Lou's.
One guy told me point blank that he couldn't stand real estate agents...he had all sorts of degrees and certainly knew how to sell real estate...he didn't want to waste his time participating in training. After all he had sold many of his own homes without the help of an agent...what was it that I could teach him that he didn't already know...I wonder what he is doing today? Not selling real estate thats for sure!
Then there was the nurse who left a highly stressful career to do something "easy"...she needed to remove all the stress from her life and real estate sounded like fun!
The guy that takes the cake was in his late 50's, he sat through training...a good student, watching everything I did. This was the days of the floppy disks...Bill Clinton was president...remember those days? Anyway after training was complete, he came up to me and gave me a floppy disk labeled "Monica" and told me I left it at his house. I had never been to his house and reminded him of that and that my name was not spelled Monica with a c but Monika with a k. It didn't matter he insisted it was mine and left it on my desk.
Much later I decided to play it and see what in the world it was. I was pretty grossed out as it was full of pornography... an X rated spoof of Monica and Bill Clinton. It really grossed me out and made me wonder what he was thinking about all those times he sat in class watching me. Yuck!
The list is endless...and it always bothered me to see someone spend $1,000 plus just in start up money just so they can do real estate and last less than a month. They were clueless about the reality of being a real estate agent.
 What does it take to be a good real estate agent? What would you look for if you were to hire an agent to represent you? Can you describe you ideal agent?
Often I've wondered what special attribute do you have to have...to love this business.
I've never been lucky enough to get rich in this business.
I've missed more family time than I care to remember. My kids had to learn to accept that mom might jump in the middle of dinner or laugh when they cut into their birthday cake in front of all their friends to find somehow the table spoon got baked into the cake...mom must have had a real estate call in the middle of mixing the cake and forgot about the spoon.
Just what is that makes us a good agent?
I may not financially be rich but I am rich in many ways...I've helped shape the future for many people...helped them be able to create memories and achieve the American dream of home ownership. I'm a damn good agent...I know my stuff, I'm ethical even when no ones looking and I love what I do. Is that enough? I think so.
What makes you a good agent? What sets you apart ?
Serving Southern NH
Jay and Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty
Hampstead NH
603-548-7728
Mar. 5, 2007
Categorized in: Agency Issues
Important Changes to New Hampshire Dual Agency Rules
By Monika McGillicuddy
Dual Agency Rule change effective May 1 2007
The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission recently approved rule changes that go into effect on May 1 2007. These changes now bring the Rules (REA) in line with the Law and as some of you know changes to the law (RSA) 331-A:25-d Disclosed Dual Agent;Duties were approved in 2005 and since that time the "Rules" really didn't make any sense.
Many agents seem to be a little confused by the difference between RSA's (Laws) and the REA's (Rules)...what is what...and which one do you listen to? Now that won't be a problem any more but to clarify I have always considered the Law (RSA's)to be like your car's owners manual...full of advice on what Must be done and the Rules (REA's) to be like the operators manual...telling you How to do what must be done. Make sense?
Our Rules will now coincide with our Law! What a novelty!!
The biggest change is to REA 701.01 Agency and Non Agency Disclosure and Rea 404.4 Brokerage Contracts
REA 701.01
(a) A licensee shall provide a written agency relationship disclosure to the consumer at the time of first business meeting.
(b) A licensee showing a property listed with another agency shall disclose their agency or non-agency relationship verbally or in writing to the other party’s agent prior to showing the property and in the writing at time of the offer.
(c) Licensees shall use the agency/non-agency disclosure form adopted by the commission (as of this writing they are still developing the form that we all will have to use)
(f) A licensee intending to act in the capacity of a dual agent shall:
(1) At the time of first meeting with a consumer to discuss a specific property, provide a written agency relationship disclosure pursuant to Rea 701 .01(a);
(2) On the listing contract and buyer agency/tenant representation contract, give the client the option to accept or deny a dual agency statement of consent to showings, pursuant to Rea 404.04;
(3) have the informed consent to dual agency agreement signed and reviewed by the buyer/tenant and seller/landlord at the time which in the dual agency occurs but no later than the preparation of a written offer for sale or lease pursuant to Rea 404.04
Changes to Rea 404.4 Brokerage Contracts as of May 1 2007 will now require that listing agreement and buyer agency agreements have consent for dual agency showings within the agreement by separate dated signatures.
Caution...You must be sure to gain Informed written consent at time of listing for potential Dual Agency showings and then be sure to get the actual consent form signed prior to drafting an offer for sale or lease of real estate.
Best Practice...Make sure you have (1.) signed consent for showings on the listing agreement and then (2.) Contact your seller client and inform them that a dual agency showing is taking place and try to get written consent...if unable to get written consent...make sure you get it before you present or draft an offer and make sure your buyer client understands what dual agency really means.
These changes are more in line with how we actually do business in NH but if not handled correctly the agent has more rope to hang themselves with in my opinion.
Need a refresher on what dual agency in New Hampshire is check out my blog post called Dual Agency Life in the Fast Lane
The New Hampshire Association of REALTORS will be adding new forms to our True Forms (forms on line) once we get final approval from the Board of Directors that will reflect these changes.
A listing of the forms pending approval are;
The Revised Forms will include:
CONDITIONAL RELEASE FROM EXCLUSIVE LISTING AGREEMENT
CONDITIONAL RELEASE FROM EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
DUAL AGENCY INFORMED CONSENT AGREEMENT
EXCLUSIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
EXCLUSIVE LISTING AGREEMENT
PROPERTY DISCLOSURE – LAND
PROPERTY DISCLOSURE – RESIDENTIAL ONLY
PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT AND DEPOSIT RECEIPT
Brand Spanking New Forms will be:
BUYER AGENCY DISCLOSURE
SELLERS SUITABLE HOUSING ADDENDUM TO PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT AND DEPOSIT RECEIPT
I'm sure we'll all have a bit of a learning curve to go through but these forms will make it easier for all of us.
Serving Southern New Hampshire
"Real Estate Your Way...No Pressure- No Hassles"
Jay and Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty
Hampstead NH
603-548-7728
Mar. 4, 2007
We need your help!!!!
This is very important Information for all New Hampshire Property owners...and an UNFAIR burden on the backs of all property owners.
This Bill has been defeated before with the help of all New Hampshire REALTORS® and now it is being revisited again with House Bill 868.
Please help us defeat it again!
If passed this will impact you and your pocket when you sell your home, we already have the highest real estate property transfer tax in the nation!!!
Please take action and help us fight this new tax Again!!!! Pay close attention to talking point # 4...double taxation.
Thank you for your support and attention to this very important issue...we really need your help on this one!
Please call your Representatives- find them by clicking here.
The following reprinted with permission from the NH Association of REALTORS®...
Please contact your local State Representatives regarding House Bill 868, relative to a surcharge on recording documents with the register of deeds to fund the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).
HB 868 proposes a new tax on recording documents in New Hampshire. The revenue generated by the tax is to be dedicated to LCHIP.
The New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® supports LCHIP, and to that end endorses the $12 million LCHIP line item in Gov. Lynch's proposed budget. However, a new tax related to real estate is unreasonable.
The bipartisan majority of the House Municipal and County Government Committee voted 9-8 in favor of killing the bill, and the House will be voting on the legislation very soon. Please take a moment and call your local Representatives to express your opposition to the new tax.
For your Representatives' contact information, click here.
Talking Points:
- New Hampshire has the highest uniform state real estate transfer tax in the country. New taxes will create higher burdens for individuals attempting to purchase new property and could reduce housing opportunities across income spectrums.
- LCHIP is already funded in the proposed budget. Why should LCHIP, a non-state agency, receive a dedicated funding source with no oversight, while other human service programs must justify their needs through the budget process?
- Almost all county registrars of deeds oppose the new tax. Many testified that the bill creates administrative burdens for the counties and were unclear whether the $40 tax applies to every page recorded in a deed, mortgage or recording of plats.
- Is this double taxation? The Department of Revenue did not take a position on the bill but did provide a list of serious concerns, including the issues of whether the counties should be collecting a tax for a non-state agency and whether the proposal was, in fact, double taxation.
Jay and Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty
Hampstead NH
603-548-7728
Nov. 30, 2006
Categorized in: Hampstead NH
2006 Christmas Parade
This years Annual Santa Parade will be held on December 10th. The theme will be "Christmas in the Country" and as usual the parade starts at 2pm on Main Street at Holiday Lane. The Parade will proceed down Main Street to Emerson Avenue. The line up begins at 1:00pm at the Holiday Lane location.
Anyone wanting to enter a float or marching group can visit the Hampstead Fire department's web site for details and an application.
The Fire Department also has some gorgeous Christmas trees for sale...visit the department to get yours before they're all gone.
Don't forget... Every year the fire Department invites everyone back to the department after the parade for award presentations, hot chocolate, munchies and a very special visit from Santa himself. This is a great opportunity for catching up with old friends and making new ones. As I mentioned in a previous addition of Hampstead Tid-Bits this is a "not to miss event".
Mark the date...for the Hampstead Mothers club annual Breakfast with Santa will be held on Dec 2, 8 AM - 11 AM at the Hampstead Central School.
Prudential Verani Realty's 5th Annual Coat Drive is still going strong ....Our goal this year was to collect 6,000 coats, hats, mittens and scarves to donate to those in need. To date we've...collected 3,588 coats!
We can still do it with your help ...just drop off your coats by Sat. Dec. 2, 10:00 to 2:00 at our Hampstead office location at 2 Mian Street Hampstead.
All of your very generous donations will be given to local shelters, charitable organizations and to those less fortunate. Call or e-mail me to donate a coat and make a difference to someone this winter.
Do you have any town info you'd like to see posted contact me here or drop me an e-mail. Till next time have a Safe and Happy Holiday.
Monika@monikamcgillicuddy.com
Nov. 3, 2006
Categorized in: Town Information
A Little Bit About Atkinson New Hampshire
I love driving through Atkinson especially in the fall along rte 121...the road is embraced by trees and when the colors change...Wow is it ever pretty! Next year I am going to make a point of taking photos along that road!
Atkinson is a small Southern NH town in Rockingham County; the community was named after
Col. Theodore Atkinson, a landowner whose farm once covered a good portion of the town.
He was the Brother-in-law to Governor Benning Wentworth, and served as secretary of the colony until the Revolution.
 Atkinson contains 11.2 square miles of land area and 0.2 square miles of inland water area.
The latitude of Atkinson is 42.838N. The longitude is -71.147W. Elevation is 262 feet.
The population, at the time of the 2004 census, was 6,638
Atkinson is a flourishing community whose border location is ideal for those commuting to Massachusetts or simply wishing to have easy access to the city of Boston, 35 minutes east brings you to or 1-2 hours north you'll be in ski country
Click here for community profile.
Atkinson has some pretty cool conservation trails and shares part of Big Island Pond a popular 500+/-acre lake with the towns of Hampstead and Derry NH.
Atkinson historically has had a strong re-sale value mainly due to its great location.
If I didn’t live in Hampstead I would definitely love living in Atkinson NH.
monika@monikamcgillicuddy.com
Nov. 1, 2006
Categorized in: Town Information
Hampstead is a small town that has a lot of community spirit and civic pride.
Very rich in history and often described as a picture perfect postcard town. Hampstead is located in Rockingham County. The town is 30 miles south of Concord, 30 miles west of Portsmouth, and 20 miles from Hampton Beach on the Seacoast.
The 2004 Census estimate for Hampstead was 8,700 residents, which ranked 32nd among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Hampstead contains 13.4 square miles of land, approximately 8,350 acres, 400 of which are inland water area, wholly or in part Island Pond, Sunset Lake, and Angle Pond.
Hampstead is a great commuting location...35 minutes and you’re on an ocean beach, an hour north and you can be skiing.
I have lived in Hampstead since 1972 and watched as the town has grown from a small village to bustling little (by some standards) community. Yet with all the convinces of a much larger town…shopping, community activities, and town beach and recreation fields Hampstead still retains that small town feel. Come and visit us and you’ll see what I mean.
Town Profile Fishing Info
monika@monikamcgillicuddy.com
http://www.monikamcgillicuddytrainer.com
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