The Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Market: Doom and Gloom or Happiness and Sunshine?

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A recent report released to the New Hampshire Association of Realtors by
Peter Francese, a local demographics and consumer markets expert, reveals interesting facts about New Hampshire's real estate situation.

Despite ongoing negativity in the national media, New Hampshire stands apart from the crowd with some positive trends.

*All but one of New Hampshire's counties saw an increase in the median sales price from the first 6 months of 2010 compared to the first 6 months of 2009.

*All of New Hampshire has seen an increase in the number of units sold in the same 6 month comparison period with Hillsborough county having a 10% increase and Rockingham county having a 22% increase!

*Median sales price in these two counties has only increased by 1% and 3% respectively, but hey, it did go up, and that's more than can be said for most of the country!

Francese suggests that one reason the New Hampshire real estate market is bucking the national trend is that the demographics of our state are significantly different from the rest of the U.S. as a whole.

For one thing, his research has showed that the percentage of adults currently in their peak earning years (the age range of 45-54 years old) is 19% nationally and 22% in New Hampshire. This translates into more homeowners, with an average of 74% of adults in that age range being homeowners compared with only 45% of households ages 25 to 34.  (Email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for a chart showing the distribution of the number New Hampshire residents by age in 2010. -Also available for Hillsborough and Rockingham counties.)

The shifts taking place in the demographics of New Hampshire indicate that we'll see a strong increase in demand for retirement homes as well as small starter homes.  (For a chart showing age shifts in the US and New Hampshire - Hillsborough or Rockingham counties - from 2000 to 2010, email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com)

Hillsborough county currently has 2,302 single family homes for sale and 3,002 single family homes have sold in the past 365 days in the county.  For condominiums, there are 1,797 active listings and 1,083 sold in the past 365 days in Hillsborough county.  Thus, in Hillsborough county, single family homes as a whole have a better absorption rate than condominiums.  Individual cities/towns and specific price ranges can and do vary widely from these general numbers. 

For specific details on recent property sales in your city or town in Southern New Hampshire, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com!

How to Throw a Block Party at Your Southern NH Home

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. You can easily throw a block party that everyone who lives near your Southern New Hampshire home will love. Here’s how:

1.    Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your Southern NH home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask others in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.

2.    Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.

3.    Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a beach theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations: anything blue or tan, coconuts, beach balls, and Frisbees. You also know to serve beach foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.

4.    Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean up. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.

5.    Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you plan. This is your night to shine.

6.    Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.

Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable.  Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.

Let me help you find a Southern New Hampshire home in a great neighborhood. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Top 3 Facts About Using an Agent When Selling or Buying Southern NH Homes

As you may be aware, there are two primary ways to sell and buy Southern New Hampshire homes. One, FSBO (For Sale By Owner), means just what it says – the owner sells the home. The second, of course, is selling the home through a real estate agent. What you may not be aware of is the main reasons why so many choose to hire an agent, whether selling or buying Southern NH homes.

Should you hire an agent? Of course I’m going to say yes. However, what I really want you to do is make up your own mind after reading. Only you can answer this question because only you know your situation, but you need to know the facts:

Fact #1, for buyers – Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud in the U.S., and a fraud in which the scammer is less likely to be caught. Instances abound where an unsuspecting buyer has bought a home that still belonged to someone else.  Someone who had no idea their home was up for sale in the first place. You won’t be able to get your down payment back, because the con artist will be long gone with it. Agents deal directly with the homeowner whose name is on the title.  If a licensed real estate agent represents a home, you know it’s really for sale.

Fact #2, for sellers – Real estate agents have access to many marketing venues that individuals don’t. FSBO sellers are limited to a few websites on the Internet versus the multitude of websites agents use to advertise homes for sale. With the knowledge agents gain through training and experience, the marketing available to agents, and the resources agents have at their fingertips, you have a much better chance of selling your home with an agent than on your own. If you don’t mind having your home sit on the market for awhile and are comfortable making decisions on pricing, presentation and negotiation, FSBO may be the way to sell. However, if you need your home to sell sooner rather than later or if you don't have experience in marketing and negotiation, you need an agent.

Fact #3, for buyers and sellers – Selling or buying a home isn’t as simple as “yeah, I’ll take it” and throwing money down. Selling real estate includes everything from negotiations and inspections to appraisals and legalities. If either side doesn’t complete the steps correctly, actually closing the deal may be impossible. To be blunt, real estate agents are trained to handle the pitfalls of selling or buying a home and ensure that the sale goes smoothly.

Should you hire an agent to sell or buy Southern New Hampshire homes? To me, this isn’t the real question. The real question is:   Can you afford not to?

If you’d like to work with a knowledgeable, experienced agent to buy or sell a home, I’d love to have the opportunity to interview for the job. Call me at 630-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Before Painting Your Southern New Hampshire Home For Sale

Nothing makes a Southern New Hampshire home for sale look better than a new coat of paint.  Many people are intimidated by the thought of painting the exterior of their home and hire someone else to do it.  But you can do it yourself, with these simple steps:
   
Getting Your House Ready to Paint
The first thing that you’ll need to do is inspect the house.  Look at all the walls, under the eaves and around the doorframe(s) and windows.  Check for peeling paint, mildew and rough surfaces.
You’ll need to gather a few tools before getting to the repairs and putting your Southern NH home up for sale:
·    Power-washer
·    2-3” inch putty knife
·    2-3” inch pull scraper
·    Wire brush
·    Sander   
·    Chlorine bleach

Preparing the Surface
Power-wash the walls so you'll have a clean surface.  You don’t need to use detergents; plain ol’ water works just fine in most cases.

The putty knife and the wire brush remove problems where paint has peeled, blistered or wrinkled.  Avoid gouging the surface by holding the putty knife perpendicular to the wall and using moderate force. 

The pull scraper is for areas that won’t easily come clean.  It’s used the same way as the putty knife, but it has a sharp blade attached that quickly gets through old paint.  The walls will need to be sanded smooth after you finish this step.

For small spots, a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block works just fine.  An electric sander is best for large areas; it'll save you time and energy.

Removing Mildew
Mildew is a dark patch of fungus, like a dirty spot, often found on a damp, shady spot of your house.  If you aren’t sure it's mildew, put a few drops of chlorine bleach on it.  If the spot fades away, you know you have a mildew problem.

Mildew shows through new paint, so you’ll need to get rid of it before you start painting.  A simple mix of chlorine bleach will kill it quickly.

All you have to do now is pick out a paint color and wait for the right weather to paint.  Soon you’ll be ready to put up your Southern NH home for sale. 

If you're thinking of selling your home, I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Condos vs. Houses: Which Should You Choose?

Southern New Hampshire condos or houses:  that is the question!

You may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need. If you opt to look at houses, you have plenty of choices.  Houses, both large and small, are abundant in today’s real estate market.

Even though Southern NH condos are typically smaller than most houses, there are large condos available (even condos larger than houses).  And, just like traditional houses, there are a lot of condos available in this buyer’s market.

So, how do you choose?  Your selection should be based on your current and near-future needs.

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection criteria:

·    Space: Is your family large?  Are you planning to add many more?  Do you work from home?  Consider your plans for the next 5 to 7 years, and buy the size that fits those needs.

·    Price: Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.  But, with condos you have to pay condo association fees.

·    Location: If you want a condo with a great view, close to work in Nashua or Manchester, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and neighborhoods are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice!

·    Luxury: Lavish Southern New Hampshire condos, much like ideally-located ones, are often steeply-priced.  Luxury houses are expensive, too.  The good news is that whichever style of housing you choose, you’ll find luxurious versions.

·    Availability: There are typically more houses on the market than condos, so, in general, your selection is greater with houses.  If you're looking around $250,000 and under, however, you'll have more condos than houses to choose from in certain cities such as Nashua and Merrimack.

·    Privacy: Houses typically offer more in the way of privacy.   But, the trade off is that you also have more responsibilities and maintenance when you own a house.  Want a care-free, low-maintenance lifestyle?  A condo may be your best bet.

·    Acreage: If a smaller yard (or no yard) doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best way to go.
 
Still Unsure?

I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com and together we’ll find the perfect home to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Remodeling Your Southen NH Home for Sale: Cost vs. Value

When considering a remodeling job for your Southern New Hampshire home for sale in an effort to increase value, it’s hard to decide what should be done. Well, this isn’t exactly true.  If your carpet is old, matted and outdated, for instance, you might want to start there. Grungy wooden kitchen cabinets? That’s another starting place.

However, if your Southern NH home for sale is in darn good condition (if you do say so yourself) and you’re not being noticed by buyers, you just might be asking, “What can I do to improve?”

Well, for frustrated, confused homeowners, there is good news. You don’t have to guess. Twenty-two years ago, Remodeling magazine, with cooperation from REALTOR® Magazine, began publishing an annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” This report covers 33 possible home remodeling projects over 80 cities.

The recouped cost for many of these projects has been slowly declining since 2006 or, in some cases, rapidly dropping. However, the recently released 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report for home remodeling shows some surprising increases.

If you just look at the trends from 2008-09 to 2009-10, you might think any type of addition or change would be a waste of money. When looking over the report, though, pay attention to the recouped cost. For instance, a little red arrow says a wooden deck addition is dropping in resale value, while the recouped cost is still 80.6%. Not bad in a hard buyer’s market.

If you don’t want to look at the report, I understand – it’s a lot of numbers. So, I’ve summarized some of the important bits for you:

Recouped cost of 75% or above
·    Attic bedroom – 83% (up from 2008)
·    Basement remodel – 75.4% (up)
·    Wooden deck addition – 80.6% (down)
·    Steel entry door replacement – 128.9% (up)
·    Minor kitchen remodel – 78.3% (down)
·    Vinyl siding replacement – 79.9% (down)
·    Vinyl window replacement – 76.6% (down)
·    Foam-backed vinyl siding replacement – 79.0% (down)
·    Fiber-cement siding replacement – 83.6% (down)
·    Vinyl window replacement – 76.5% (down)

Rising Trends from 2008 – 2009/10
·    Fiberglass grand entrance
·    Roofing replacement
·    Steel entry door replacement
·    Fiberglass entry door replacement
·    Basement remodel
·    Backup power generator
·    Attic bedroom

So, where will you get the best bang for your buck for home remodeling? The trends say replacements. Buyers want security (steel doors), shelter (roofing) and energy savers (windows). They want the exterior to look good for less work (siding) and maybe an extra guest or child bedroom (attic). The great thing for you is:  they’re willing to pay for it.

If you’re still wondering whether you’re remodeling the right area of your Southern New Hampshire home for sale, read the report.

If you’d like to sell your home or are looking for a new home that’s already been remodeled (or that you can remodel), I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

How to Identify Your Perfect Southern NH Real Estate Agent

When you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect Southern NH real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Southern New Hampshire real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don't. Don't fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Southern NH real estate agent isn't going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.  Find out how much experience, knowledge, and time they have to devote to you.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Southern NH real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don't be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.