Happy 4th of July!


Happy 4th of July from all of us at Better Homes and Gardens RE The Milestone Team!

 

Just Sold in New London!

Just Sold in New London! It’s the power of two! Marilyn and Deb put their combined experience to work for a smooth and successful sale! For the best selling, buying, or renting experience, call "The Best Team in Town" at 603-526-4116!

 

New Boat Slip Listing in Sunapee!

1024 Lake Avenue, Slip #13, Sunapee, NH 03782 | Offered at $275,000 | MLS #5042265

Hours of summer fun await you! There is everything here to indulge in being on the Lake Sunapee. GMBC offers 4.8 acres of waterfront property with 56 individually assigned slips. Slip #13 accommodates an 8' x 22' boat. The buildings are of a character of times gone by, but all in excellent condition serving good purposes. The site has plenty of room for member and guest parking, as well as ample space for off-season storage of boats/trailers. There is a sandy, shallow swim area along with a deep water dock for jumping into the lake; a club house with a wonderful porch over the water, a gathering room, a kitchen, and bath; restrooms, changing rooms and lockers. All convenient to the slips. Kayak and canoe storage are handy by and Adirondack chairs beckon. There is also a picnic pavilion with grills and tables. Members also have the opportunity to rent the club-owned Evergreen Cottage. The Annual Fee is $1,050 with an additional $150 to the Reserve Fund and a one-time Buy-in fee of $2,500.


For More Information Contact:

        

Marilyn Kidder

Listing Broker

O 603-526-4116
marilyn@bhgmilestone.com

The Cost of Waiting to Buy

Every buyer wants to purchase at a great price and a low mortgage rate as that is a major factor in the monthly cost. Here’s how today’s buyers are being impacted:

Price – Based on a home price expectation survey released by Pulsenomics on April 15, more than 100 housing experts predict a 3.4% annual gain in US home values for 2025. Values are forecasted to increase 3.3% in 2026. The Fannie Mae survey expects that home prices will rise at least through 2029.

Mortgage Rates – The average fixed 30 yr. rate is 6.88% this week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Experts project rates could be in the mid-to-low 6% range by the end of the year as greater uncertainty unfolds in the economy.

If you're holding off on buying a home, hoping mortgage rates will drop, it's important to also consider where home prices are headed. Experts expect prices to keep rising — which means waiting could end up costing you more, even if rates improve. Buying now lets you start building equity sooner and take advantage of today’s market before prices climb higher. 

Contact me if you would like expert advice on buying in today’s challenging market.

        

Donna Forest

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

Wondering What The Quarter 1 Stats Looked Like for Merrimack County?

Single Family Residentials

Closed Sales: 240
+5.3% compared to Q1-2024

Median Sales Price: $485,000
+7.8% compared to Q1-2024

Days on Market: 35
+25.0% compared to Q1-2024

Condos

Closed Sales: 64
+28.0% compared to Q1-2024

Median Sales Price: $347,500
+10.3% compared to Q1-2024

Days on Market: 39
+25.8% compared to Q1-2024

Current as of April 5, 2025. All data provided by NHAR.

Whether you are buying or selling, we are the local experts… experienced agents who listen to our clients and know our marketplace. Our goal is to ensure that your real estate experience with The Best Team in Town surpasses all expectations! Get in touch! We’d love to make YOU our next success story!

New Listing at The Seasons!

18 The Seasons, New London, NH 03782 | Offered at $998,500 | MLS #5040794

This gracious stand-alone Seasons condo is sited across from the 1st green and, while set back for privacy, enjoys broad views of the golf course. The established perennial gardens and bushes at the front and around the house create a lovely setting. The amount of thought and planning which went into this home’s interior renovation very thoughtfully created design and finish details which are pleasing to live in and outstanding, while uncomplicated. The use of many windows and skylights throughout provide light and air, which with the high ceilings, create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere along with a sense of spaciousness. The floor plan offers multiple living areas suited for either casual or more formal use. With 4 bedrooms, and 4 ½ baths, there is plenty of room for family and guests. The layout of the main floor provides everything one needs to live primarily on that level. Additional bedrooms, baths, and living areas are on both the 2nd and lower levels.


For More Information Contact:

        

Marilyn Kidder

Listing Broker

O 603-526-4116
marilyn@bhgmilestone.com

Just Listed in Warner!

186 Iron Kettle Road, Warner, NH 03278 | Offered at $749,000 | MLS #5040423

Discover tranquility in this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom log-sided home, perfectly set on 10.6 acres amidst picturesque mountain views, fruit trees, stone walls, and open fields. With inviting spaces like a screened porch, sunroom, farmer’s porch, and expansive back deck, there’s no shortage of places to relax and recharge. Inside, the kitchen shines as the heart of the home with a 6-burner range and large island, complemented by warm wood tones, cathedral ceilings, and skylights throughout. The finished lower level has a kitchenette, bedroom, living area, and ¾ bath, ideal for guests, multi-generational living, or a creative studio. Bonus features include a 32-panel solar array and a spacious 30' x 40' garage with storage above. If you are seeking peaceful solitude or space to connect, this special property offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and convenience. Just under two miles from Exit 7 on I-89, this location provides peace and privacy with quick access to local amenities. Whether you are looking for creative inspiration or a place to gather with friends, this is more than a home - it’s a living canvas for your life. OPEN HOUSE SAT. MAY 17 1-3 PM. Showings begin 5/17.


For More Information Contact:

        

Donna Forest

Associate Broker

M 603-731-5151
donna@donnaforest.com

Market Update Thru March

The good news for buyers is the number of NH homes for sale is up 7.5% thru March compared to 2023. However, it is still a seller’s market as the demand for housing continues to exceed supply. The median selling price is up 7.4% at $510,000 vs. $475,000 in 2023. Homes sold at 99% of their asking price with an average of 41 days on the market, 9 days more than last year.

A more local snapshot from the 8 towns in our area shows that sales jumped 29% thru March, 48 solds vs. 37 solds in 2023. The median sales price increased 12.5% to $494,950 ($440,000 last year). Homes are selling around 100% of the asking price with an average of 44 days on the market.

You may be wondering if the volatile stock market or the potential for recession will lower home prices. Historical data doesn’t support this. Home prices usually follow whatever trajectory they’re already on. According to Cotality, home prices went up in 4 of the last 6 recessions. Also, a drop in the stock market doesn’t mean home prices go down. The stock market is more volatile. Home values tend to hold steady, even when stocks dip. And during 4 of the last 6 major stock declines, home prices actually went up. 

Contact me if you want to know how current market conditions impact your buying or selling goals.

        

Donna Forest

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

The Juggling Act of Buying Before Selling

Buying a new home before selling your current one can be tricky. It usually requires having enough cash on hand and possibly managing two mortgages at once. While it's a challenge, here are some strategies to explore.

  • List your house for sale subject to finding suitable housing - usually done with a time limit on how long you would have to find a new home.
  • Sell your house with the contingency of leasing it back for a set period of time.
  • Use the home equity from your current house.
  • Take a loan out from your 401(k).
  • Obtain a bridge loan.

There are pros and cons to these options and it's important to understand the financial impacts of each by talking to both your financial advisor and your Realtor.

Whether buying or selling, contact me to work with a Realtor® who can help you find the best option.

        

Donna Forest

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

Get to Know Marilyn Kidder

Retiring? Not me! I love my job and my team too much to retire! The challenges (new every day) and successes, the laughs and the mutual support keep me engaged and committed to providing the best buying or selling experience to our clients. It is fun and productive to share my nearly 40 years of experience with our team. Also, I so much enjoy having the opportunity to show newcomers the richness of our area. It’s a wonderful place that we live in, and it is so much fun to be continually reminded of that by seeing it freshly through the eyes of others. For me, the most important things in life are family, friends, traditions, community, and having a job that you love.

TESTIMONIAL: “Marilyn is professional, responsive, organized, calm and kind - all attributes I needed and valued. She definitely goes ‘above and beyond’. Her knowledge of the area is unsurpassed. There is no question that I would recommend Marilyn to friends who are interested in purchasing real estate in and around New London.” ~ Buyer, New London