Realtor Perspectives

Marilyn Kidder, Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate, New London, New Hampshire

New England Showcase recently interviewed Marilyn Kidder, the owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate in New London, New Hampshire. She is pictured at right with her dog, Reba.

Showcase: What is your connection to New London?

Kidder: I grew up in New England (born in Vermont) and attended college in Connecticut, moving to Boston after graduation. I met my husband, Bill, in college and we ended up in Boston and were married in 1969. Bill was born and raised in New London and we spent practically every weekend there, deciding early on that we wanted to live there when we "grew up." An opportunity arose at the only bank in town much sooner than we ever dreamed and we grabbed the chance while we could. We moved to New London in 1972 and Bill ran the local bank for more than 25 years. In 1977, we bought a wonderful 1779 farmhouse near town where we raised our two boys (Will, 1973, and Putnam, 1976), plus pigs, sheep and numerous labs. The boys kept me happily busy and mostly at home until 1983. Our lives were shattered by Bill's unexpected death in 1998, but my wonderful friends and very special "team" at work have made it possible to "keep it together" and experience the joy of life and family in our very special part of the world.

Showcase: How long have you been working in the real estate industry?

Kidder: A good friend purchased an existing real estate business in New London and, in 1983, I went to work for him as a sales associate, working around my boys' school and sports schedules. The company grew and we were all greatly successful in the late '80s real estate boom. I also did all the advertising for the company, which I enjoyed. After some efforts to work out a partnership arrangement, I and another broker in the company decided to strike out on our own in 1987. (We opened our office the month before the stock market crash of October 1987.) Eventually, we were able to build the company, add a number of agents, move to a new, larger location, and affiliate with Coldwell Banker in 1994. In 1996, my partner and I parted ways and I became sole owner of the company. I now have a talented, professional staff of 11 agents and support staff.

Showcase: What is special about the New London region in terms of lifestyle and real estate?

Kidder: I once wrote an article for a local publication and titled it "How lucky we are!" It expressed perfectly how we should feel blessed in many ways: our location (within 30 minutes to 2 hours are Dartmouth, Lebanon, Concord, Boston, Burlington, and Manchester airport); all manner of recreational opportunities; three Class-A lakes plus uncountable smaller lakes; hiking trails; spectacular views; good schools; a college community with all of its academic and cultural offerings; a great public library; a variety of basic and specialty shopping venues; good restaurants; concerned, active citizens; a good town government; good medical facilities; local assisted-living facilities; a nursing home; etc. Real estate wise, we have a broad variety to meet nearly every need (although our values have steadily increased to a point where first-time home buyers might struggle a little to get into the market right in New London, while some of the surrounding communities might offer some better opportunities): condos; lakefront homes; village and neighborhood settings; and large and small parcels.

Showcase: How have things changed since you've been in the real estate business?

Kidder: Life was simpler, people were more trusting, there was less paperwork, less concern that "evil forces" were lurking. Buying and selling real estate was not an adversarial event where each side had to have an "agent" protecting them. There were no home inspections, no radon concerns, people agreed to buy/sell with a handshake followed by the paperwork, people were more willing to buy emotionally. (I think today's buyers are missing that part of the experience — it's supposed to be fun!) There were fewer people coming to our area, fewer properties to sell, fewer realtors. You could buy a property on Lake Sunapee for $250,000 (think $1 million plus now). Life was simpler. Don't get me wrong: I don't miss my selectric typewriter or carbon copies; I love email, the Internet, faxes, laptop computers, cell phones, etc. They all make our business easier, but I haven't yet found all the time I'm "saving."

Showcase: What trends do you expect to see in real estate in New Hampshire over the next 3 to 5 years?

Kidder: I believe New Hampshire’s lifestyle and all that its communities have to offer will continue to attract buyers in a steady stream — even in the so-called "downturns" that are eventual in the real estate cycle. The greatest concern I have is that we maintain our commitment to preserve those characteristics of New Hampshire that define it — our landscape and planning for growth. We need to protect our large tracts of forestland (for peace and quiet, wildlife, hiking, snow-shoeing, skiing); small open spaces that define the character of our community; places where people can get out on the land, see the wonderful views, have a productive farm; and our beautiful water bodies, watersheds, and water resources. To do my part, I serve on the Board and am Secretary of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and have served on the Boards of the local land trust (where I was also Chair), the Lake Sunapee and Pleasant Lake Protective Associations, and the local historical society.

Showcase: What is the most common piece of advice you offer your clients who are seeking property? selling property?

Kidder: Trust me to help you get all the information you need to make good decisions, so you can relax and have some fun along the way!

More Realtor Perspectives

Looking for New London and Lake Sunapee area real estate? Click here.

Home | About Us | Listings | Agents | Members | Services | FAQs | Contact Us

New England Showcase, 14 Noahs Lane (off Putney Road)
P.O. Box 996, Brattleboro VT 05302-0996
(802) 257-4387

Feedback | Site Map | Terms and Conditions | Privacy