First I want to thank Ann Cummings for letting me be a guest author in her Portsmouth, New Hampshire Real Estate Blog - it's an honor and hope to bring a different perspective to everyone reading.

I am always interested in researching what architecturally relevant buildings there are in different places around the US. When asked to guest blog I found none other than the Phillips Exeter Library designed by one of my favorite architects Louis Kahn ...and it's in Exeter, New Hampshire! (Ok....maybe not in Portsmouth, and don't know how far, but definitely worth the drive).

**photo courtesy of Exeter.edu.com**

For you locals, this may not be a big deal and not think much of it. Well.....let me first tell you that you are extremely lucky. Louis Kahn was one of the architectural master minds of all times.

"Kahn's architecture is notable for its simple, platonic forms and compositions. Through the use of brick and poured-in place concrete masonry, he developed a contemporary and monumental architecture that maintained a sympathy for the site. While rooted in the International Style, Kahn's architecture was an amalgam of his Beaux Arts education and a personal aesthetic impulse to develop his own architectural forms."

Although you many still not think much of it, all I ask is that you visit the library with a different eye now that you have read this. To the untrained eye, the Phillips Exeter Library may look like a boxy brick building.....but look closely. From the entrance, to the transitions, to how the windows frame the view, to the use of wood and concrete, the geometric shapes and the use of natural light. You have a monument in your back yard, now I have to make a special trip to visit Ann.

Now ask me how you can apply this knowledge to New Hampshire Real Estate? Simple.....if you are relocating to New Hampshire know that there is historical and very relevant architecture there and you should not expect cookie cutter homes. If you are selling a New Hampshire home, know that people pay attention to details and make sure you stage, prepare and also point out important architectural features that may set you apart from other sellers.

          Portsmouth New Hampshire - Stop and Shop Then Go Party!!

This Saturday in Portsmouth NH, you get the opportunity to do a little shopping on your way into one of Portsmouth's largest, and longest-running celebrations.  Saturday June 14th - mark your calendars!  All day long - what a day full of fun you'll have!


 
  
Who doesn't love a great multi-family yard sale??  Check this one out at:

520 Sagamore Avenue in Portsmouth NH - 8:00am to 12 noon

Loads of fun stuff:  15 year Playboy Magazine collection, antique wooden trunks, artwork,  collectibles, great variety of books, household goods, electric stove, loads of baskets, and more...... 



Stop by on your way into the fabulous Portsmouth celebration of Market Square Day!

What is Market Square Day?  Well, it's a great celebration of the heart of what Portsmouth is all about - fun, good times, friends, and great spirit.  It's day to enjoy great food, fun music of all kinds, shopping, seeing old friends and making new ones, all in the very heart of our great Port City of Portsmouth. 

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Portsmouth NH Homes - Homeowner Improvement Trends

As a professional New Hampshire Maine REALTOR, I frequently get asked questions about remodelling homes.  Some potential home sellers go back and forth between wanting to sell homes or making some home improvements and staying put in their home.

I've recently read several articles that talked about the top home improvement trends for this year, and most of them mentioned pretty much the same items. 

There are a number of websites that have some great home resource and project planning information for all areas of your home - HGTV, Lowe's, Service Magic, etc.

The top 3 home improvement areas that all the articles talked about were:  

1) Super cutting-edge kitchen appliances - these aren't necessarily stainless steel appliances, but rather appliances that you see on TV or would imagine James Bond or the Jetsons having.  Computerized refrigerators that have a screen to allow you to access the internet and retrieve recipes for whatever foods are inside the refrigerator - they think for you.  Ovens that lift up so you don't have to do heavy lifting of dishes, etc.  We already have the venting fans that rise up at the push of a button, so why not ovens as well?  Ovens that use steam to heat foods - keeps them juicier and better for us.          

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Rye New Hampshire Home For Sale!

210 Locke Road Rye NH

Offered 'As-Is' for $269,900

WOW - check out this great Rye NH homes unbelievable opportunity! 

Fabulous Rye location - just a very short walk to Rye Harbor on a beautiful piece of land.  What a spot!

This property is being sold for the value of the land - .64 AC +/-, house is being sold 'as-is'. 

This 1920's Rye NH home has a living room and eat-in kitchen on the first floor, 2 bedrooms and a bath on the 2nd floor.  There is a deck off the kitchen overlooking the beautiful back yard.  Bordered by wonderful stone walls on 2 sides, this property is serviced by town water and private septic.

Location - location - location!  Rye Recreation Area entrance is across the street, Rye Harbor is at the end of the road, and the ocean is beyond that.

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