Looking for something to do while visiting Eastman? This week we have Jason Cann at the Bistro Friday night from 6-9pm. Sat March 6th is the big trip to the Trapp Family Lodge for a day of cross country skiing.
Still want more, Things to do in Eastman 3-4-10 we help you find what you are looking for.
Now that power has been restored to everyone in Eastman NH, (after a a day for some and 4 days for others) are you looking for things to do? Here are some ideas but to me the highlights are Jason Cann, Friday March 5th and a cross country ski trip to Stowe VT, March 6th.
The numbers are finally in. Although on a national level they are not great, locally they are not bad.
Home sales dropped 7.2% from December to January but the good news is January 09′ to January 10′ sales were up 11.5%
I see this as a positive number as inventory seems to be declining also.
As for the Northeast, existing-home sales fell 10.9 percent to an annual pace of 820,000 in January but are 22.4% above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $245,300, a gain of 8.8% from January 2009. When prices start to go up that is never a bad thing.
On a more local basis. January was a so much better this year than last. In the Eastman Community there were 5 home sales in Jan. 10′ vs. 0 home sales in Jan. 09′. There were also 2 condo sales this January vs. 0 units sold in 09′
Statistically these numbers are staggering but I think they are way to unrealistic to put percentages on them. Here’s something to consider though. It took, starting Jan. 1st through May 31st to get a total of 10 home and condo sales in Eastman last year. Are we going to have a better year than last. I believe so! Will prices start to increase? That, I do not anticipate. There is just to much inventory on the market for prices to increase. Price stabilization? Maybe… it will depend on weather we sell 40 units or 60 units. If we get into the 60’s for total unit sales that would help to cut the inventory, which will help pricing power.
I’m including the State, Merrimack and Sullivan Counties Sales Stats Jan-2010. As you will see on page one, all trend lines are still heading in the wrong direction. Again, I am not a huge fan of days on market as that number can be manipulated several ways. If a listing changes from one agency to another. If a listing is withdrawn then entered as new after 30 days (which is perfectly legal). There are others but you get my point. Cost per sq. foot and median sales price are good to look at.
Looking for something to do in Eastman this week? Find out what with Things To Do!
The big event this week is the Chili Cook-off is Sat. 2/20 10am -2pm. It’s an awesome time and a great fund raiser for David’s House.
This is the time of month that I usually post the State & County Sales Stat.
What I really want to talk about is what has happened to Eastman in the last year to year and a half. Here are some great numbers that to look at:
After the financial crisis of September 08′ buyers that were in the middle of a transaction kept going and stayed the course. In the fourth quarter there were 10 total transactions, 6 homes and 4 condos were sold. A respectable number considering buyers basically vanished. We didn’t see the affects of the melt down until the first half of 09′ particularly the first quarter. There was one condo sale and three homes sold. By the end of the second quarter there were 11 home sales and one condo for a total of twelve for the quarter. The total home/condo sales for the first half of 2009 is 16.
The third quarter 09′ things in the financial markets were starting settle down and the stock market was showing signs of recovery bouncing as much as 20% from the lows of the year. This stabilization brought out some home buyers along with tax incentives, low interest rates and fallen home prices. Buyers were looking, but the weather played a roll as the early summer months brought plenty of rain. From 07/01/09 through 09/30/09, six homes and four condos sold. A slight drop from the previous quarter.
Nicer weather and the looming end to tax credits brought buyers out the decision to buy was made. There were 17 total transactions. Twelve homes and five condos were sold. This momentum seems to have carried over to this year as the first five weeks of 2010 we have had five home sales and two condo sales, far surpassing 09’s first quarter already.
As long as interest rates stay around 5% we should see this momentum carry on. The forecast is for rates to rise to 6% or higher and I believe that will stop the rebound in housing sales. I can only hope we don’t see a fourth quarter like the first quarter or 09
Activities in Eastman are always easy to find if you know where to look. Talking to the recreation staff at the South Cove Activity Center is a good place to start. The golf pro shop in summer or Cross Country Ski Center in the winter could have some answers too.
The community also publishes a winter and summer recreation guide. This booklet highlights six months of activities which is great for long term planning or a reminder if you happen to look in there at the right time.
The best way to find things to do is look at the weekly Eastman Highlights. This will give you dates and times of all events happening from mens investment club, Mommas Night Out, or snow shoeing treks.
There is always something to enjoy. Now that you found things to do, ENJOY!!
The Eastman community has 336 condos. There are six basic floor plans but the original four designs are the most common. They are the Wheelock, Webster, Ledyard, and Parkhurst. The Wheelock is the smallest floor plan. A two level has approximately 1155 square feet. The Parkhurst is the largest of the original 4 totaling approximately 1521 square feet on two levels.
There are some variations to the floor plans but most changes are found if there is a lower level. Many lower levels were finished to the original owners liking, without changing any structural supports.
Websters and Parkhursts are the two units that could be altered the easiest on the main or second floor. Some were altered during construction and some interior changes take place as properties change hands or owners needs change.
Another variation found is with the Ledyard. Nearly all were built with spiral stairs. The exception is in West Cove “C” where a slight floor plan change was made adding some square footage but most importantly removing the spiral stairs and changing the stairs to a more conventional style.
Last but not least is the addition of the A Design and the B Design. Towards the end of the condo development there was a decision made to adapt the four original units by taking the best features of the four and build two options. These units three floors, the “A” has 2300 square feet and the “B” has 2489. These units not only make great vacation getaway’s but work well for full time living. The only issue with these units is the fact that there is limited supply. Only 53 are in existence vs. 283 for the original four.
This is an overview about the Eastman Community. As the saying goes, often imitated but never duplicated. This community is one of a kind….
A 3500 acre four season community centrally located between the college towns of Hanover, NH (Dartmouth College) and New London, NH(Colby Sawyer College) known as the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region. There are about 1000 homes and 336 townhouse style condominiums surrounding the 325 acre Eastman Lake. Residents that live here come from all walks of life. There are young families, working couples, empty nesters and retirees.
Eastman Lake is located in the center of Eastman. Swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed from any of the six beaches. Canoeing, sailing, fishing and kayaking can be enjoyed by all. Even Loons love Eastman Lake. Most summers there is a nesting pair that raise their young on the lake. The lake is speed restricted to 10mph.
South Cove Activity Center is the new jewel of the community. It is a new building that opened in July of 2009. The design and look is amazing. The indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center with all new equipment, WiFi Internet, flat screen TV’s, community rooms are being enjoyed by the community residents. Yet there is NEVER a growd like you might find at other gyms or fitness centers. Another huge plus is the recreation department no has a permanent home which they desperately need. The best part is the building is LEED certified for energy efficiency.
The Center At Eastman is home the Bistro Nouveau, an outstanding restaurant, the golf pro shop that becomes the ski touring center in the winter.
Eastman Golf Links is 18 holes of championship golf. Major improvements took place in 06′-07′ and the course has never been better.
Tennis is another summer activity that you will find many residents taking part in. There are 12 courts in the community. Five of the courts were built in 2007. Hard True surface is the preferred surface and there are 8 courts now that are Hard True.
Miles of nature trails can be accessed from many different locations. The “Lake Trail” is just that. I like this one the best. It is a real hiking trail for 3/4 of the way around the lake. The last 1/4 is a fire lane that is a little less adventurous, which is just fine with most people, especially when there a bit tired. Other trails abound through the forest and are well marked so it is easy to find your way.
The sports field area is home to the soccer, baseball/softball fields and basketball court.
Cross Country Skiing is right out so many back doors. Easily accessed and miles of trails. Beginner to expert skier, all will be happy on these trails.
Ice Skating, when the lake freezes that’s great, but Eastman maintains a skating pond right near the Center At Eastman. So if you don’t want to shovel there is a place to skate.
Sledding, this is New Hampshire. You have to have a sledding hill! There are certain areas on the golf course where sledding is allowed.
I can go on and on……. If you would like an Eastman Info packet please sign up for one and you will receive one in a few business days. If you would rather come for a visit, I would be glad to take you on a tour.
The last few days of January are upon us, how hard is that to believe. This month has just flown by. I guess when your busy and having fun winter is not that long after all.
If your looking for things to do in Eastman then this is the place to fine out what to do. Eastman Events is a PDF that will let you know what is happening from January 29- February 20th.
One of my favorite events is the David’s House Winter Fest. The Chili Cook-off is just so much fun and a great fundraiser!
Some reports are in. I have talked to several skiers and even after the rains on 1/24/10 the skiing is still wonderful!
The groomers have been working and keeping the trails in top shape. The snow pack not affected that much by the rain as the temperature stayed cooler than the 50 degrees that was predicted. Skiing the lake however would be a bit icy. So unless you plan to skate I would stick to the trails.
The sun is bright and the trails are wide. Give Eastman a try if you haven’t yet.