We all know that the Seacoast region of New Hampshire is a wonderful destination in the warmer months. With our beaches, parks, outdoor concerts and plays, waterfront dining and other fun activities, who could argue with that! But don't rule out the Seacoast in the winter. You may have to bundle up a little more, but there are so many fun things to do around Portsmouth, Dover and the Greater Seacoast in the winter months.

Ice Skating at the Puddle Dock Rink

Strawbery Banke in the historic South End of Portsmouth has a beautiful, brand new ice skating rink and people are flocking from all over the region to take in the atmosphere. Skating day or night is fun in this picturesque environment adjacent to Prescott Park. Grab a cup of hot chocolate at a coffee shop downtown, lace up your skates and enjoy!

Indoor Public Skate in Dover or Exeter

If indoor skating is more your speed, many of the local rinks have public skating hours almost every day. The Rinks at Exeter and Dover Ice Arena are two popular area rinks that offer this service. They also offer skating lessons and hockey league play.

Snowshoeing and Sledding at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH

If you've driven along Route 4 in Durham anytime that there's snow on the ground, you've likely seen sleds and saucers flying down the large hill, perfect for sledding! It's an institution in our area. Many people have slopes in their yards or a favorite sledding spot on the Seacoast, but Wagon Hill Farm is the unofficial mecca on the Seacoast!

These are just a few of the local winter activities that are popular in the Seacoast. The wonderful thing about New Hampshire (and New England, for that matter) is it's drivability. In just a few hours you can be downhill skiing on Gunstock or Canon Mountains, taking all those holiday gift cards on a shopping trip to picturesque North Conway or going on a sleigh ride at Charmingfare Farm in Candia. We are lucky to live in such an incredible, versatile state that is fun year-round!

Greenland, New Hampshire is the closest thing to a suburb of beautiful riverfront Portsmouth as there can be. Set along Great Bay, this charming town is a very popular residential area with buyers flocking to take advantage of the low property tax rates (2014 tax rate is $15.92) and convenient location.

The location of the town itself is one of the main selling features. In less than fifteen minutes you could be on I-95, Route 101, Pease Tradeport or in downtown Portsmouth! The easy access to everything makes Greenland one of the most sought after communities in Seacoast New Hampshire. Most of the commerce within the town of Greenland is local business, although some international stores such as Target and Lowe's call Greenland Home.

Real Estate in Greenland NH

Due to the proximity to downtown Portsmouth and Pease International Tradeport, homes in Greenland tend to command a higher sales price than many other towns in Rockingham county of similar size and population. Much of the inventory on the market currently in Greenland is new construction, whether in a large neighhborhood or a small cul-de-sac just off the major routes. The sweet spot of the market seems to be from $300,000 to $500,000.

Click here to Search for Homes for Sale in Greenland NH

Number of Homes on the Market TODAY - 61

Average LIST Price in the Last 60 Days - $357,100

Average SOLD Price in the Last 60 Days - $347,357

Number of Homes Sold in the Last 60 Days - 95

*Image courtesy of nhpr.org.

Welcome to 3 Oliver Street!

Set on one of New Castle's most popular streets, this charming fixer upper has great potential. Many search for real estate in New Castle that they can make their own... here it is!

Features include:

• Large fenced yard
• Detached 1-Car Garage
• High Ceilings
• Cozy Fireplace with Custom Mantel
• Wide Wood Flooring
• Original Period Details and Trim
• Tons of Warm, Natural Light

Click here for more details on this lovely New Castle NH home!

During the process of a home buyer's loan there are certain things to be aware of that could impact the loan transaction. During the loan approval process, the borrower's credit history, income and assets are verified for the initial approval and often times just before the loan closing. So here are some Do's & Don'ts to make home buyers aware of to help ensure closing:

DO:

• Tell the mortgage planners of all debts and liabilities
• Keep credit accounts current - such as existing mortgages, car payments and credit cards
• Contact the mortgage planner before changing jobs, leaving your current job or becoming self-employed
• Retain copies of all paycheck stubs and any statements on bills being paid off during the loan process

DON'T:

• Authorize any inquiries into your credit (that is, don't apply for any financing including charge cards, appliances, vehicles or charge a large amount on an existing credit card)
• Close any open accounts
• Co-sign a loan for anyone else
• Sign up with any credit repair or 'consolidation' companies
• Spend money that has been set aside for closing
• Make large account deposits into a bank account outside of payroll or gift funds

Article Courtesy of

Scott McCauley, Mortgage Planner

Regency Mortgage Corporation

Phone: 603.610.8852

Email: scott.mccauley@regencymtg.com

NMLS #174108

Licensed by New Hampshire Banking Department, NMLS # 1938

Known as 'The Garrison City', Dover is home to approximately 30,000 people and is located in Strafford County, New Hampshire. The Cocheco River winds through the city, setting the scene for a charming downtown complete with updated millyards, beautiful brick buildings and an abundance of thriving small businesses.

Location, Location, Location

Dover is a desirable homebase for residence and commerce alike. Residents love the proximity to major commuting routes (the Spauding Turnpike travels through Dover) and its accessibility to dining, shopping and everything else that suits a busy, active lifestyle. The arts scene is vibrant with local music and studios and there is always something going on whether it be the annual Apple Harvest Day or a 5K road race through the city. As home to The Children's Museum of New Hampshire and Henry Law Park there is plenty for children to do in town as well! Public transportation in Dover is a breeze. The Amtrak Downeaster train stops in Dover giving passengers a direct line to Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts.

Real Estate in Dover NH

The real estate market in Dover is always healthy with a very versatile cross-section of homes available. Homes in Dover NH that are currently on the market range from a two bedroom mobile home under $40,000 to a 19 room, 17 acre estate, Three Rivers Farm, currently priced at 3,999,000. The homes along the Cocheco waterfront are beautiful and there are also many great little neighborhoods throughout the city. Rentals in Dover are also very active with apartments in the Cocheco Mills and all over the downtown area.

Number of Homes on the Market TODAY - 205

Average LIST Price in the Last 60 Days - $277,682

Average SOLD Price in the Last 60 Days - $274,111

Number of Homes Sold in the Last 60 Days - 82