If you are thinking of selling your house this spring, now would be a good time to start preparing. Most homes could benefit from sprucing up and de-cluttering. Putting a house up for sale without prep usually means a lower price and longer time on the market. Here are a few tips so you can be ready for the spring market.
- De-clutter. Remove/rearrange furniture so rooms appear larger.
- De-personalize. Pack up collections, clear knick-knacks, remove personal photos, etc.
- Paint. Freshen up rooms; use nature and spa-inspired colors.
- Modernize. Update cabinet hardware, replace lighting, paint dark cabinets.
- Make repairs. Both large and small.
- Deep clean. Make every surface shine from baseboards to ceiling fans.
Looking for more advice on how to entice buyers? Contact me to arrange for a personalized list on how to enhance your house before putting it on the market. 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Come join the fun with Winter Carnival 2016, January 27th-30th, New London, NH. Click here for the schedule of activities: WinterCarnivalSched_2016 Thanks to all the volunteers, businesses and participants who make this such a success each year.
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
New Hampshire residential home sales and prices showed increases again in November, according to data released recently by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR). The 1,137 closed sales in the month marked a 10.5 percent increase from November 2014, while the median price of those sales was $233,975, a 3 percent hike from the median price of November 2014. It was the ninth consecutive month in which both the number of residential sales and median price were ahead of the same month prior year. And sales volume, meaning the total dollars exchanged in those residential transactions, was 16 percent ahead of last November. “We’ve had a very consistent message for the last couple of years, and that’s been a steadily improving housing market, reflective of a steadily improving economy,” said NHAR President Maxine Goodhue, an 18-year veteran of the real estate industry and a broker associate with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. “That’s no different this month.” Year to date, the numbers are similarly on the rise. Through the end of November, 14,493 residential homes have been sold (an 11.3 percent increase from last year) in 2015, at a median price of $240,000 (5.3 percent increase), and a sales volume increase of 16 percent. And although the total supply of the state’s available residential housing inventory was down by 11 percent at the end of November, compared to 2014, the new listings for the month increased by 9 percent, meaning prospective sellers seem to be optimistic about their market conditions. Another indicator of inventory levels – months’ supply – dropped to 7.7 months, the lowest November number in more than 10 years. Months’ supply represents the number of months it would take to sell off the current inventory at the average pace of sales for the previous year. And while the trend indicates momentum toward leverage on the sellers’ side, 7.7 months is considered a balanced market. More than nine months’ supply is traditionally thought of as a buyers’ market, and anything less than that a sellers’ market. “This is a healthy market for both buyers and sellers,” Goodhue said. The condominium market is also experiencing increases in 2015, with closed sales up by better than 8 percent in September and nearly 15 percent year to date. The median price on those sales was up by 6 percent in November and 2.4 percent year to date. Locally, nine of 10 New Hampshire counties saw residential unit sales increases in November 2015 compared to 2014, and all 10 counties are ahead of 2014 year to date. Seven of 10 saw an increased median sales price in November, while year to date all but Merrimack County (down 1.4 percent) have seen a median price increase. See Market Report November 2015 market dataSource: Press Release, 12/17/15, Dave Cummings, NHAR Director of Communications
As we near the end of 2015, I thought it would be helpful to know how our local market has fared. Looking at the past 11 months, we continue to move in a positive direction. In the 10 area towns, the total number of sales are up 14% from last year. Prices are about the same with the average price of all home sales only being down by 1%. These figures vary from town to town, but the combined data shows forward momentum. For example, in home sales under $1 million - Newbury sales are up 41% from 2014 with the average selling price about equal. Sunapee sales are 3 ahead of last year with the average sales price down 13%. New London’s volume is down 34% but prices are up almost 7%. Nationally, home sales are up 3.9% through October compared to the same time period in 2014. Lawrence Yun, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist stated, “As long as solid job creation continues, a gradual easing of credit standards even with moderately higher mortgage rates should support steady demand and sales continuing to rise above a year ago." What does all this mean? Properly priced and prepared homes will continue to sell and waiting to buy will only cost you more money. Contact me if you would like to know the specific sales data for your town! 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@donnaforest.com Figures are based on information from the Northern New England Real Estate Network, Inc. for the period 1/1/15 through 11/30/15 and 1/1/14 through 11/30/14.
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
As 2015 comes to an end, I started reflecting on the year and what I’ve observed. I thought it might be helpful for buyers and sellers if I shared a few thoughts. In no particular order, here are my words of wisdom!
- Most buyers don’t want a project. They don’t have the inclination to fix up a house. Sellers need to repair/ update their homes in order to sell.
- Sellers should disclose everything; good and bad. Not disclosing will end up costing you.
- Location, location still holds true. Today’s buyers want to be near amenities and closer to town. Rural areas hold less appeal; targeting about 11% of the buyers.
- Antique homes take longer to sell - only about 8% of the buyers are looking for one.
- If you wait to find the “perfect” home to buy, you will never find a home.
- Home prices have risen since 2013. You will end up paying more for a house the longer you wait to buy.
And lastly, it still is a good time to purchase a home. Low pricing, historically low rates, and good inventory combine to make perfect buying conditions. Thinking of buying or selling? Give me a call! Donna Forest 603-526-4116, www.donnaforest.com, donna@donnaforest.com
You’ll be moving in the right direction with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Make your appointment today to view this very unique and special Hilltop Place condominium. Great location, convenient yet private. The backyard abuts approximately 29 acres of the common land surrounding the Great Pines neighborhood and provides an inviting area to woldlife, including turkey, deer, hawk, owls, blue heron, and an occasional beaver. Nearly 1.800 sq. ft. of flowing living space including a gracious living room with fireplace, adjacent large dining area, cozy sitting area and sunroom facing the privacy of the back yard. Master bedroom with private bath plus guest bedroom. Attached garage. $715 monthly condo fee and $3,500 buy-in at closing. Offered at $178,000. For more photos and details, visit www.nhhilltopcondo.com.
Marilyn Kidder, Broker/Owner, Listing Agent
603-526-4116
It’s time for your annual check-up. The good news is that for this one, you won’t have to don one of those revealing hospital gowns — and you may walk away with a healthier pocketbook. We’re talking about a homeowners insurance check-up, a task you should complete once a year, ideally around renewal time. This will ensure your policy still provides the right level of coverage for your family, and your premium isn’t costing you more than it should. Remember, homeowners insurance is essential. The coverage is designed to protect your home and its contents, as well as shield you from liability for accidents and such on your property.
A new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau went into effect Oct. 3 requiring lenders to give consumers more time to review their loan documents. Mortgagors must give borrowers the terms of their loan and final charges & fees at least 3 days before the closing (7 days if sent by mail). It is designed to protect you from surprises at the closing table. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well the reality is, it is a massive change in the way lenders do business from new forms to new timetables. The 3 day period is mandatory and this waiting period can start over again if one of 3 changes occur: 1) The annual percentage rate increased more than 1/8th; 2) The loan product changes like switching from a fixed rate to an adjustable; or 3) A pre-payment penalty is added. Other alterations don’t require a new 3-day review like revisions to taxes, utility prorations, etc. Until lenders have some time under their belt in dealing with these new regulations, buyers & sellers need to be prepared. 60 day closings may be the normal, last minute changes most likely will not be authorized, required paperwork will need to be completed earlier, and buyers & sellers should have a backup plan in the event something triggers a new 3-7 day waiting period and you can’t close as scheduled. Contact me if you are looking to work with a knowledgeable REALTOR® who can help you successfully navigate the buying or selling process! Donna Forest, Broker Associate, 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, donna@donnaforest.com.
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
This stately colonial could be it! It's sited on a 2.5 acre beautifully landscaped lot, well back from the road with a country vs in-town feeling. It offers the best of privacy, plus convenience to services, shops, entertainment, restaurants, and activities at Colby Sawyer College. The house is airy and flooded with south and west light. The layout is very well-planned and living areas are very spacious. The rooms lend themselves easily to a variety of uses. It's a wonderful place to entertain family and friends and has a cozy fireplace area for wintry nights. Sit on your back deck and see almost nothing but gardens and trees! A wonderful combination of features. Offered at $440,000. For more information and photos, visit www.VillageColonialNH.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Now offered at $100,000 BELOW recent appraised value! If it weren't for its very distinctive fencing, the hint of beautiful landscaping over the fence, and its blue standing seam roof, this charming and inviting 1840 cape might remain unnoticed among its peers on New London's Main Street. However, behind the fence is a warm and welcoming four bedroom, four bath home with three fireplaces, many original doors with iron hardware, traditional moldings, wainscoting, and a variety of mostly wood floors throughout. Wonderful views of Mt. Kearsarge across the back fields and lots of space to enjoy the outdoors, including a Gunite pool. Was $685,000, now $635,000. For more photos and details, visit www.NHAntiqueCape.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
You’ll be moving in the right direction with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.