To buy a home, or to not buy a home. It’s a common debate for many people. There’s no denying that renting is basically paying for someone else’s monthly mortgage without receiving any equity from the property, but that does not always mean that buying a home is the better option for each individual. Everyone’s situation is different, and home buying can be expensive. People’s lifestyles also change and their motives for wanting to buy a house are just as varied. Determining whether or not it’s worth buying a home has a lot to do with individual specifics. It’s highly recommended to speak with a real estate agent who can give you detailed real estate advice based on the information you provide. However, the general costs and rewards of home buying can be found right now to help steer you in the right direction.
Maintenance Costs
When you buy a home, you are taking on the responsibility of maintenance costs. They’re inevitable for all homeowners, but they can be significant depending on the specific property. Before buying a home, maintenance costs and unexpected repairs must be considered. It’s recommended to hold back 1% of the home’s value annually for maintenance and appliance replacement, but that does not cover unexpected repairs.
Property Taxes
Property taxes can be a significant expense. The actual amount can fluctuate, and this must be considered before buying a home. There are a variety of factors to determine the amount of property taxes, such as the area, state, and local budget cuts, renovations, as well as many other things.
House Insurance
Many mortgage loan lenders require homeowners to have house insurance. Unlike rental insurance, which covers possessions, homeowners’ insurance covers both possessions and the cost of the property. Although it’s an extra expense, it’s beneficial to have even if it is not required. As for the cost of home insurance, it depends on the specifics, but you can get an estimate by dividing the home’s value by 1000, and then multiplying that by 3.5 (HomeGuides).
Tax Deductibility
A benefit that comes when you buy a home is the tax deductibility of mortgage interest. This number is hard to estimate from a general standpoint because it greatly depends on your specific financial situation. However, owning a home can provide you more savings than if you were to rent, simply because of the tax deductible.
Home’s Value Appreciating
The appreciation of a home’s value is generally high. However, this can change rather quickly depending on the housing market, as well as many other factors. ABC News estimates home prices will appreciate around 3%, according to the historical average. The thing that many people forget is that as a home’s value increases, the cost of maintenance and insurance does as well, due to inflation.
In terms of liquid money, home ownership won’t bring you much of that. However, buying a home does have the potential to bring you a high return on investment. More importantly, your monthly bills go towards something you own. When renting, you’re essentially paying someone else’s mortgage without receiving any ownership. Many additional factors also need to be considered when determining if buying a home is worth it, such as whether you want to buy a home as an investment property, plan on flipping the house, or want to retire in it. The first step is to answer the inevitable question, “Can I afford a home?” and these general guidelines can help you determine that.
Source: Reprinted from www.bhgre.com/bhgrelife/
Come see this special condominium at Hilltop Place in New London, NH! Lovely airy and bright unit in a quiet and private location with many other significant upgrades and improvements. Beautiful new custom kitchen was installed in 2015. The Master bath also offers a brand new (2017) fiberglass walk-in shower with both hand-held and overhead shower heads, a removable seat, mutiple grab bars, and built-in shelves for convenience. Large den/office (3rd bedroom) with direct access to screened porch and open balcony. Generously sized living room has a propane fireplace installed. The unit is fully air-conditioned and has been converted to baseboard hot water heat. Move right in! Offered at $229,600. For more photos and details, visit www.HilltopPlaceNH.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Low housing inventory has been the topic of conversation nationally as well as in NH this year. There just seems to be a lack of homes for sale. So why now? It’s a combination of many factors: homeowners are moving every 10 yrs. compared to historically being 6-7 yrs., many homeowners are staying put as their mortgage interest rate is lower than what rates are now, there was a lack of new construction during the recession, and owners don’t want to sell as they are fearful they will not find a home to buy. As a result of having low inventory in many markets, prices are going up. In NH, the median sales price is up 6.2% through October compared to 2016. A stable market has a 6 month supply of existing homes to sell. Anything less means home values will rise and anything longer than 7 months will cause prices to fall. As of October, NH as well as the rest of the U.S., had about a 4 month supply. Bottom line, buyers will continue to compete for homes and sellers will see home values rise. Contact me to see how this market impacts you! 603-526-4116; www.DonnaForest.com; Donna@DonnaForest.com
Having read numerous articles lately on the housing market, my takeaway is most economists feel 2018 will see an increase in total home sales and median sales price. National Association of REALTORS Chief Economist Lawrence Yun expects sales to increase 3.7% in 2018 and the National median existing home price to rise around 5.5%. Freddie Mac forecasts home sales to increase about 2% and about 4.9% in price. Core Logic predicts a price increase of 4.7%. The reason for this optimism is the economic environment remains favorable for housing and mortgage markets; we have moderate economic growth, solid job gains, and low interest rates. Freddie Mac forecasts these conditions to continue into next year. What are the downsides for 2018? Limited inventory will be a persistent problem. This will keep prices elevated and prevent some buyers from home ownership. Also, the proposed tax reform plan includes a limit on mortgage interest deduction when could impact home values, especially in higher priced cities with home values over $500k. In the words of Lawrence Yun, "Assuming no changes to the tax code that hurt home ownership, the gradually expending economy and continued job creation should set the stage for a more meaningful increase in home sales in 2018." Contact me if you're wondering how the market will impact you! 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
This home is just two miles to Mt. Sunapee Resort and Lake Sunapee State Park for skiing, family fun, boating, swimming, etc. Well-maintained, sunny and bright home on 10.1 acres with beautiful views to the west of Mt. Ascutney and Croydon Park. Bult in 1983, the house has two decks off the rear of the house, plenty of parking, a large partially finished basement, which could easily be completed as a bunk room or family room. Come take a look at this great home in a super location! Offered at $239,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/8HQ8HX/2265-Brook-Road-Goshen-NH-4653472
Susie Moore, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Don't let all that food on Thanksgiving widen your waist! Sign up for the Sunapee 5K Turkey Trot in Sunapee Harbor Thanksgiving day. Register on Wednesday, November 22, 5-8pm at the Harbor House Livery. Bibs and pins can be picked up on race day, 7-8am or at pre-registration. Race starts at 9am. The 1K Chicken Run for kids begins at 8:15am. For more information, visit www.sunapeeturkeytrot.com
This one floor living home offers a lifestyle choice without the sacrifices of a tiny house. Compact, move-in ready and offers many of the same advantages of a tiny house with a bit more space! Live with less clutter and spend less time cleaning. You still have space for privacy, an ample sized kitchen, a one car garage, and yes, a full basement for storing things you just can't part with. If you want to live big by living small, give this one a serious look! For more photos and details, visit www.RanchinNH.com. Offered at $178,000.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
The answer is “yes”. It is both depending on the property you are trying to buy or sell. I know, the news is full of stories on the shortage of inventory, high demand, and rising prices. The truth is the type of market you face is dependent on the price point and condition. In general, our area does not have enough listings in the price range for the bulk of buyers who are buying. Home prices have reached unaffordable levels for many 1st time buyers. And the downsizing baby boomers have specific needs (newer, 1st floor master, near town amenities, mostly under $400k) for which there is pretty low inventory.
Overall, sales are about the same as 2016 in New London, Sunapee, & Newbury, mainly due to lack of desirable inventory. New London is actually down from last year YTD, thru Oct. With a median price of $342,000 in these 3 towns combined and an average days on market of 127 days, it can be confusing to understand what type of market is in play.
Bottom line, buyers trying to find a move-in ready home under $300k are in a sellers’ market. Sellers with homes that don’t fit the desired condition and price for the bulk of buyers are in a buyers’ market. Whether buying or selling, contact me if you want to know what you are facing!
Figures are based on information from the Northern New England Real Estate Network, Inc. for the period 1/1/16 thru 10/31/16 and 1/1/17 thru 10/31/17.
Donna Forest 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Don't miss Mt. Sunapee's annual ski swap held in the Sunapee Lodge November 18 from 9-noon. New and used skis, boots, snowboards, poles, skates, cross country, clothing and more! Local shops will also have equipment at great prices as well. This is the largest ski swap in the region and is organized and run by the Mt. Sunapee Area Ski Club.
If you have an item you would like to sell, you can drop them off in the Spruce Lodge at the mountain on Friday, November 17 between 12pm-7pm. They will accept equipment in good condition, skis with approved bindings, skates, snowboards, clean winter clothing, etc. No straight skis.
If you would like to expedite your drop-off of equipment to be sold, you can download, print, and fill-out the Sale Item Sheet beforehand and bring it with you when you drop off your items.
If your item is sold, you will receive 75% of the sale. The other 25% of the sale is donated to the Mount Sunapee Area Ski Club's Junior Programs. You can pick-up your unsold equipment and any sale money between 2:00pm - 3:00pm the Saturday of the swap. Any unclaimed money or equipment will be donated to local programs. www.mtsunapee.com
Price reduced on this New London raised ranch on 2.2 acres. Was $247,700, now $238,500! Three bedrooms, 2 baths, new carpeting, new wall oven and cook top. You'll love walks through this neighborhood or enjoy sitting back and relaxing on the huge wraparound deck. Great location for commuting north or south. Make your appointment today!
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team