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This past year we continued to see rising prices and low inventory, making it challenging for buyers. NH saw fewer home sales than any other year since 2011. The total number of closed sales was down 19% compared to 2022. December had only a 1.4 month supply of homes to sell – 1382 homes for sale In the whole state compared to 1551 in 2022 (a balanced market has a 5-6 month supply). Since demand exceeded supply, this pushed the median sales price of a home in NH to an all-time high of $470,000 – a 6.8% increase over 2022.

Looking closer to home, the combined sales for Newbury, New London, and Sunapee followed the same trends as the whole state. Sales were down 19% from the year before with 126 homes sold for the year vs. 155 in 2022. The average days on market was 22 days and the median selling price was $645,000, up 7.5% from 2022.

Whether buying or selling, contact me to find out how low inventory and increasing buyer demand impacts you.

Donna Forest M: 603-731-5151 donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook

187 Knights Hill Rd, New London, NH 03257 | Offered at $725,000 | MLS# 4982107

Charming is a word which can sometimes be overused, but certainly not in the case of this 1948 home with addition sited on 7+ acres on the top of Knights Hill. The living space of the home flows comfortably among 4 bedrooms, a dining room, seasonal sunroom, kitchen, a large living room with a fireplace and space for a breakfast table. Wood floors and some paneling create a warmth throughout. The property itself consists of open fields and woods. The back and side of the house offer views of hills beyond the fields. The back line of the property abuts Knights Hill Nature Park with nearly 70 acres of conservation land; one side line abuts another conservation parcel of 51 acres. A well-loved and tended gardening area is beyond the edge of the driveway. Located a big block off Main Street, almost everything one could need is conveniently nearby. This property is a wonderful combination of charm and comfort and would not be easily duplicated. 

For More Information Contact:

Marilyn Kidder Listing Broker W (603) 526-4116 marilyn@bhgmilestone.com

January is a month for new beginnings and resolutions! It is also a great month to get re-focused and re-fresh your home for the year ahead! Here are five tasks that homeowners and renters should add to their January lists.

1. Deep Clean

Spend some time tackling those spots you've been putting off. Wipe down kitchen cabinets with a damp cloth with a few drops of Dawn dish soap and warm water. Dust those baseboards. Give your fridge a nice cleaning inside and out. Anytime you do a normal clean, add one deep cleaning task and it will be less daunting!

2. Clean Filters

This is a great time of year to check all of your filters and see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. Filters should be changed or cleaned at least once a year to be more effective. Check your dryer, dehumidifier, air filter, and any other items you have in your home. 

3. Get Organized

While you're deep cleaning take the time to go through some places that need a re-fresh. Go through and organize that full storage closet or empty out that junk drawer. Make a weekend out of it! Order some fun take-out, listen to great music and get organizing!

4. Fix It Weekend

Have a cracked switch plate, loose screws, or need to replace some light bulbs, spend the time coming up with a list and buying the supplies you'll need. Then pick a weekend to tackle all of these projects.

5. Look Ahead to Summertime Projects

Are you looking to have a new patio for summer? Now is the time to look for contractors, so you can spend the summer on that new patio.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2022/12/29/home-maintenance-checklist-january/

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/cleaning-decluttering/time-saving-tips/

Just sold in Claremont! Want results? Contact us at: www.bhgmilestone.com

Economists are optimistic about this coming year, especially as mortgage rates are expected to be lower and inflation appears to be slowing. Below are some top predictions from the experts.

• Mortgage rates are expected to ease. Forecasters are calling for rates to be in the 6% range.
• Home prices will continue to rise. The Home Price Expectation Survey from Fannie Mae, on average, anticipates home price growth at 5.95% in 2023, followed by slower growth in 2024 at 2.4% and 2.7% in 2025.
• The housing market will remain competitive. This is due to several factors, including population growth, strong job growth, and a limited supply of homes for sale.
• The supply of homes should loosen up somewhat as mortgage rates drop and changing circumstances will lead to more moves and new listings.

Overall, there are positive signs this will be a better year for the housing market with the expectation 2024 will see slight home-price gains, lower mortgage rates, and a somewhat easing of inventory constraints. Prices will vary by local markets, but experts project they will continue to rise across the country at a pace that’s more normal. 

Contact me to find out how the market may impact your buying or selling goals.

Donna Forest M: 603-731-5151 donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook

There are lots of music performances around the New London area this January! Check them out below or find them on our Community Calendar.

January 5th

"First Fridays" - Community Contra Dance

Starting at 6pm
Whipple Hall, New London

This traditional New England folk dance is fun for all ages and skill levels. Don't have a partner? No problem! Contra dancing is a social dance and you'll have plenty of chances to dance with others. So grab your dancing shoes and come join us for a night of laughter and fun with live music!

Free admission

For more information, visit: Center for the Arts NH
Source: Sunapee Happenings email

January 7th

Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon (JOSA) at Eastman

4-6:30pm
The Center at Eastman, Grantham

Featured Performer: Greg Abate

Tickets: $25

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: JOSA

Source: Sunapee Happenings email

January 12th

Sunapee Coffeehouse Performance

7 – 9pm
9 Lower Main Street, Sunapee

Featured performer: Dylan Patrick Ward
Second hour: Open Mic. Sign up on site with the host for your 15 min or 3 songs.

Free admission with pass the hat for the performer.

For more information, visit: Sunapee Coffeehouse
Source: The Sunapee Coffeehouse Website

January 13th

Dinner & Concert at The Livery

Starts at: 6pm
The Livery, Sunapee Harbor

Featured Performer: Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo
For dinner select either meat & cheese or vegetarian lasagna alongside a tossed salad and homemade garlic bread. An assortment of desserts and coffee included. BYOB. Meal prepared by Chef Mary McDonald. Sponsored by Bob Skinners Ski & Sport supporting the SCES Winter Activities Program.

Reservations are required
$40 per person

For more information and to make reservations, visit: The Livery

Sources: Sunapee Happenings email & The Livery website

January 18th

Guy Davis at The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille

Starts at: 7:30pm
40 Andover Rd, New London

Tickets: $30

To make a reservation or for more information, visit: The Flying Goose
Source: The Flying Goose website

January 19th

Andover Coffeehouse Performance

Starts at: 7pm
Highland Lake Grange Hall, Andover

Featured performer: Holly Furlone
With Open Mic performances

Free admission. Doors open at 6pm for a light dinner and refreshments. Open Mic sign-ups open at 6pm, first come, first serve. Can play two songs or ten minutes.

For more information, visit: Andover Coffeehouse
Source: The Andover Coffeehouse Website

January 26th

Sunapee Coffeehouse Performance

7 – 9pm
9 Lower Main Street, Sunapee

Featured performer: Cosy Sheridan

Free admission with pass the hat for the performer.

For more information, visit: Sunapee Coffeehouse
Source: The Sunapee Coffeehouse Website

0 Bunker, New London, NH 03257 | Was $217,000; Now Offered at $203,000 | MLS#4978415

Wishing to build? Here is a great opportunity. A 6.7 acre, lightly wooded, lot on an appealing and attractive residential road. Not far to Town or the Town Beach at Elkins. Great area for walking, biking and running. Spring Ledge's famous Pick Your Own Strawberries are just at the bottom of the hill. New London's Elementary School is just at the top. Really a great location! Potential for subdivision. Where the photos depict the lot boundaries with a red or white line, this is an approximate size and location. There are boundary markers at the road (one being the utility pole closest to the beige Victorian); the other a reddish thin pipe on the lot line of the next property. Walking into the depth of the property, the back line is marked by a stone wall.

For More Information Contact:

Marilyn Kidder Listing Broker W (603) 526-4116 marilyn@bhgmilestone.com