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Carrol County NH Real Estate Sales Report 2012

The 2013 real estate sales market is predicted to slightly improve compared to 2012, so it is more important than ever for buyers to stay abreast of local market conditions. Here is a quick review of the statistics for Carroll County NH*.

As you can see, the real estate market in our area is definitely improving, with less inventory, greater sales volume and average sale price, and fewer days on market. So how did JtRealty Lakefront to Mountainside do?

• Our list to sell price ratio is 2% higher than the rest of Carroll County, with an average of 95% compared to 93%. That means we get you an average of 2% more money!
• Our average Days on Market are 139, shorter than the rest of the Carroll County agencies with an average of 158, meaning we will sell your property an average of 19 days faster.
• In 2012 JtRealty sold one out of 3 sales over $1,000,000.
• JtRealty continues a strong hold on the Luxury Home market, participating in almost half of all sales over $570,000.

Rest assured that if you are working with a JtRealty Lakefront to Mountainside sales associate, you are working with the best.  Our agents are trained to give you the best advice, and make sure that we are doing everything possible to assure that you sell for the most favorable price and terms. Joy is a Lifetime Member of the Realtors Honor Society, and holds the CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation which was awarded for her significant experience in the luxury home market, high-volume real estate sales, and rigorous educational requirements.

Our clients are most important to us, and we want to live up to your expectations. To further improve our services to you, we have committed to implementing a paperless office system by March 2013, by contracting with dotloop for their upgraded Dashboard program. Yes – you will be able to sign contracts on your iPad!

We’d love to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the market or real estate sales in general, please email Joy@JtRealty.com.

Finishing a basement is a great way to increase living area and add to the value of your property. 

Outline a Plan

How would you like the room to function, what would you use it for?  Maybe a home office, workout room, game room, bedroom or extra space for storage?  Knowing what you want to use the room for will help you plan it’s construction.  Consider the configuration based on that function and include enough space for furniture, equipment, and storage. If using a local contractor, review your ideas and request input from them on floor plan, materials, and other considerations.  Are you planning a game room with a full-size pool table?  You’ll want to make sure that the table fits and still have enough room to make that perfect shot!

Finishing a basement involves more than just adding walls

Basements typically house heating and other systems for your home that could impact where walls and finished ceilings are constructed.  Inspect electrical and other mechanical components that may affect the space. Understanding all of the systems and its impact on the project will help you better budget for the renovation.

Choose Appropriate Building Materials for the Conditions

Basements are unlike upper levels in a home because they are below ground level. A knowledgeable builder can help explain any special building material needs to you.  One consideration may be moisture and an easy fix for that can be as simple as installing a dehumidifier.  

Plan Ahead for best results

Like any construction project, whether new construction or finishing a basement, plan ahead for best results.  Careful planning of the space and materials will help minimize future issues and promote solid construction of a fun space to enjoy for years to come.  Contact us for advice on how much a finished basement will add value to your home and keep that information in mind as you budget for the renovation.

Condo purchases are much different than single family home purchases. 

Condos Differ From Single Family Properties

Condominiums are complexes with two or more units sharing common space.  JtRealty Lakefront to Mountainside has several condos for sale.  Are you tired of mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges or shoveling the snow?  Condo ownership may be just the change that you are looking for!  Check out our website for information on buying the right home, whether a condo, single dwelling or multi-family property we’re here to help you with your home buying choices.

More Leisure Time 

1. The outside work is done for you.
2. You own the inside – and share in the costs to maintain common grounds, without doing the physical work!  Sell the riding lawn tractor and grab your pool towel instead.
3. Tired of landlords who restrict the color of paint to choose for your next remodel?  Forget all about it – you own the inside- go wild, paint a jungle theme.  You’re only limited by your imagination.
4. Try container gardening.  Fresh tomatoes and cooking spices grown right on your balcony.  Good bye weeding!

Ski from your front door

Lots of time on the slopes and less time driving to them

Swap the long car ride for a front door key!  Park the car and grab the skis~ we have trailside condominiums available for your enjoyment. 

Say Goodbye to the Gym Membership

You can still take care of your health, by using the exercise rooms right at your condominium association.

Location, Location, Location

Why drive to your next hiking destination when you can live there?  Ever consider rock or ice climbing?  The Mount Washington Valley area has it all.

Financing Considerations

1. Tired of paying rent?  Take a step towards home ownership – a condominium is a great first, second or retirement home.
2. Financing programs may restrict condo purchases based on specific criteria. For example, FHA requires specific owner occupancy rates, sufficient reserves, and a variety of other items. Buyers using FHA should identify whether a complex qualifies prior to making an offer. 
3. Condo Fees and Assessments;  It is useful for buyers to understand how much the condo fee is, what the fee covers, past increases, and any expected changes in the future. 
4. Contact us and we can help you with this process.

Ask any of our awesome real estate agents to provide a report on past sales trends in the complex. Accurate Information helps buyers make an informed decision about a condo purchase.  Contact us for facts on a particular complex in the area or regarding any other real estate questions that you may have.

As a home buyer or home seller, it is important to hire a Real Estate Agent who will work with you to provide support and protect your best interests.  Our agents at JtRealty are always available, every step of the way, from the first phone call to the final signature on the closing documents.  Below are important facts regarding the agreement between you and the agent which will outline the responsibilities of both parties.

Real Estate Agent Duties

Federal law specifies that agents fulfill certain duties to their clients after they enter into an agency relationship.

Confidentiality

Agents are responsible for keeping all information on their client confidential. They may not reveal anything about your business, financial or personal affairs, or motivations unless instructed by their clients or ordered by a court of law to do so. This responsibility remains active at all times beyond any closings or contracts.  Don’t worry, our lips are sealed!

Reasonable Care

Agents have a fair amount of knowledge of real estate related matters and on the home buying and selling process, but they are not experts in all real estate related fields (such as contract writing). For information outside of the knowledge of an agent, we will always refer clients to the proper experts.  This is how we look out for your best interests, if we don’t know the answer to a question we will help find an expert who does.

Lawful Obedience

Agents must obey their clients instructions, as long as the requests do not violate any laws. For example, sometimes clients may ask their real estate agents to write a contract with terms that the agent does not agree with. Agents must comply with those requests despite the differing opinions.

Accounting

Agents must accurately keep track of the whereabouts of all money pertaining to a home sale or purchase. This includes any deposits given and the return of such deposits.

Loyalty

Real Estate Agents must retain the best interests of their clients ahead of any other party, including themselves. Earnings, particularly in competing offer situations, should not be a consideration and would be disloyal to clients. Our loyalty is to you.

Diligence

Agents must perform tasks and comply with requests in a timely manner. This can be even more important in multiple offer situations, so having an agent on your side will best protect your interests.

Disclosure

All agents must disclose all material facts about a home,…often referred to as material facts. The responsibility to disclose also covers any facts or details that might affect feelings about a home or improve their negotiating power.

Why You Should Hire an Agent

Hiring an agent has many advantages. In addition to the items above, agents have an even more vital role of influencing interactions between parties. The real estate process can be very stressful and emotional. Having the involvement of a person who has your best interests but is not emotionally involved can facilitate the process and lead to desirable results. You can contact us for additional advice and with any questions you may have. To be matched with your own agent that will help you through your transaction every step of the way, email: Info@JtRealty.com

In my positions at The Echo Group and JtRealty Lakefront to Mountainside I have the great fortune of sharing bits and pieces of my co-workers lives. They all have a driving force at the end of the week and it is like poetry in motion to see them filter out on Friday afternoon to get home. Beth says, I’m off Holly, my family’s coming from Boston and we have a big cook out planned. Barbara then follows, have a great weekend everyone she says as she leaves with a skip in her step, she and Robert are working on their garden this weekend, hiking and taking in a concert at Stone Mountain Art Center. George is excited to get home at the end of the day as he will be boating on Silver Lake, working on the garden and having a tennis match with friends at his Silver Lakeside tennis court. Then, out rushes Tom, cocktails on the deck and a golf tournament at The North Conway Country Club are among his adventures this weekend. Joe is off to get the boys, their friends are sleeping over, camping, fishing and hiking will be on the weekend list along with B ball and of course he will be shooting award winning pictures all the while. Tracy sets off to be in another show, then to her lakeside vacation camp retreat. Eileen pops her head in to say goodbye, smiling ear to ear and in song announces we have closed on OUR house, we are in it. I’m going home everyone! Then the weekend kicks off at JtRealty with the amazing view from the office I am always reminded how very blessed we are to live in such a majestic area. The hikers and bikers are out in full force, a stop at Katrinas is always a reunion with my climber friends of ole, all enjoying the valley life. Upon arrival at JtRealty I hear of Ryans rafting adventures, another satisfied buyer moving here to enjoy the good life and it just goes on everywhere I look. They all have many things in common. They are hardworking driven professionals who give 100% every day, and at the end of the work week they share a driving force. One in which I can see clearly guiding their hearts in the same direction and that is home! Home in Mount Washington Valley is most assuredly where the heart is! Homes are for sale all over the valley. Lakeside, mountainside, river front, anything you want can be found here. Prices are amazing and there is no greater time to purchase the home you dream of. The home that pulls your heart to it, where you lay your hat, nurture relationships, and create memories! Let the professionals at JtRealty be your gateway to the Mount Washington Valley, Lakeside Properties and lifestyle. We know what an amazing life it is in our beautiful valley and are enthusiastic in bringing everyone’s heart home! Our goal is to get you to that one place that pulls you like a magnet, guiding your heart at the end of each day to the place where you will rest, rejuvenate, play, and create memories, your own dream home!

Holly Reville

When I learn of the real estate inventory and prices in the valley I can’t help but be reminded of the movie Far and Away. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise play Joseph and Shannon a couple in search of the American dream and the opportunity to own their own land!

Realtors, buyers and sellers are confident in 2012 and they should be!
The natural beauty of The Mt Washington Valley draws people to the area. It is all too common that visitors on vacation decide this is the perfect place to live, and it is! With ideal weather providing four seasons of activity surrounded by a back drop of beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers, the housing options are much more diverse than other areas.
JtRealty agents are looking forward to another year of great growth. Buyers and sellers alike have reason to be optimistic about what spring and summer in the Valley will bring. When taking into account that traditionally the 3 months of summer are the busy real estate months buyers will be wise to strike while the iron is hot early in August with inventory at its highest. Don’t let your dream property pass by this summer.
Here are some reasons why now is the time to take advantage of the best opportunities in the Mount Washington Valley. Properties are priced right and they are going to move quickly!

 Mortgage interest rates are below 4%! That’s almost free money!!!
 Selection! During the summer August especially, the market is flooded with homes meaning the choices are almost countless and the deals are unprecedented!
 The number of buyers in the market right now is very low. This means that you have less competition and are more likely to get the house you want for the price you want.
 2011 and 2012 will rank as the years with the highest number of distressed properties to hit the market. This translates into more deals and lower prices.
 Builders are just now starting to get back in the market and build some new houses. Because the number of buyers in the market is still low, there are some great builder incentives right now. Land is available all over the valley! Builders and developers will be wise to buy up land now as home inventory will dwindle by October.

Holly Reville

New Hampshire is rated 10th in the top 10 States for Entrepreneurs. The Mount Washington Valley’s George Epstein, chairman and co founder of The Echo Group was recognized as the 2012 entrepreneur of the year by the NH High Technology Council. The Echo Group, a leading software development company, The Glen Group, an award winning ad agency, and Rapid Insight, statistical data analysts are shining examples of what The Mount Washington Valley is made of and can produce. Not only do we offer four seasons of tourism, and attractions that generate strong revenue for our state, we generate strong leaders and developers with amazing work ethics and integrity that continue to grow and prosper in a resort community. The Mount Washington Valley Corporations like The Echo Group, Glen Group and Rapid Insight are proof that successful corporations can flourish in a resort community.

New Hampshire’s key economic advantages over other states & the nation:
1. NH has the 4th lowest unemployment rate at 5.2.
2. NH has the highest median household income.
3. NH has the lowest crime rate.
4. NH has the lowest personal tax rates.
5. NH has a low average for business costs.

Holly Reville

I’d like to take a second to discuss what everyone else has been discussing, this amazing weather! While quite unexpected, these beautiful days and mild nights have been so welcome for this non-skier (shh!). I spent all weekend outside with my kids, and got a taste of what this summer will bring. We decided to take a trip to Schouler Park on Sunday, and maybe it was the weather or maybe it was the Blue Moon I had at Horsefeathers, but my body was tingling with excitement and appreciation for this great town. After about an hour playing at the park, we were all pretty hot and hungry, so we decided to grab a bite to eat and cool off inside for a few minutes. We walked the short walk from the park up the street to Horsefeathers, and I took the opportunity to glance around. I saw a group of college aged kids tossing around a football in the park, a young couple playing with their dog, a small band shaking tambourines and beating on hand drums without a care in the world outside of The Met, families in and out of Zeb’s opening their favorite childhood candy…there was this buzz in the air that only comes with those first few glorious spring days. The days when everyone is happy and high on Vitamin D, and when it isn’t hot enough yet to be uncomfortable. It can be so easy to just ignore all of this as I pass by in my car every day on the way to work, so to have this opportunity to slow down and remember North Conway as I saw it when I was a kid was good for my soul! Sound amazing? Are you ready to take a look for yourself? I urge you to spend a spring day walking around North Conway Village and just take it all in.

With ski season finishing up this weekend, it is easy to start thinking about summer and your summer plans. I know this year I plan on spending a lot of time at my family’s private beach on the Saco! Have you always wanted a waterfront property to call your own? Could this be the summer that you finally take the leap? Check out what Joy has to say about Conway Lake and contact us today to take a look. It is only March, you still have a couple of months to find your dream waterfront home and still be able to move in and enjoy it this summer! Or do you find yourself already aching for next ski season? We still have slopeside inventory, and the time to buy is now!

Cheers!

I read this article today on one of my favorite real estate blogs, The Zebra Blog and it really hit home for me. Sometimes in the world of real estate it is easy to get caught up in numbers and emails and negotiations and forget about what this business really is. This is people, human beings, selling their homes. The place where they watched their children grow up, or brought their spouse on vacation, or waved to their kids from as they skied down the trail. These properties that we swoop in and determine a value for are of course important to us, but not nearly as important as they are to you. While every piece of the puzzle is important, from taking photos of a new listing to coordinating a closing, every once in awhile it is necessary to take a step back evaluate how the most important part of the puzzle is doing, YOU. Because without these people, without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. You are the most important part of what we do, and if you aren’t happy, then we probably won’t be hearing from you again. We are always open to feedback from our clients, or potential clients, about what we could be doing that would make this sometimes daunting process easier on you, the one that for whatever reason, is selling their home. Our door, and our ears, are always open.