January 1, 2013
MARKET POISED FOR CONTINUED GROWTH.
Having been in the real estate business for over 35 years, I’ve been close witness to several major pull backs in our market. I think all would agree that this one has trumped them all . We can’t complain. Other parts of the country have been ravaged in foreclosures and short sales while here in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region we have been, to a large extent, spared from the economic forces which have created havoc in so many other markets. I believe quality real estate such as you ‘ll find in our Squam and Lake Winnipesaukee areas is less vulnerable to the ups and downs in the market place.
The Lakes Region, overall, has offered a higher level of resilience to the negative market forces thus resulting in far fewer foreclosures and short sales on most any of the lakes you will find in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. “HOLD” power has been impressive as owners price their homes and are willing to wait to get their price, confident that the market is going to move favorably.
The past three years have shown positive trending which would indicate we are in “stong recovery mode.” As an example, on Lake Winnipesaukee, unit sales have increased in each of the past three years.
2012 saw an 17% increase in unit sales and an 18% increase in dollar volume transactions on real estate sold on Lake Winnipesaukee. (Includes all towns which front on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Another indicator that the health of our economy is improving can be measured the greatly increased level of activity (bookings) realized last summer as families feel more comfortable in spending dollars for, in some cases, those long awaited vacations. As long as the interest rates remain anywhere near their current record low levels, low rates coupled with good incentives to buy should result in continued positive news for our local real estate market. Positive incentives would be price stabilization. I believe that buyer’s are noticing that the rate of declining prices has leveled off substantially in many cases. If prices are at or near the bottom and the cost of money remains historically low, now truly is the time to jump in and purchase real estate if, of course, all of your other stars are lining up for you.

The Vacation Home Rental business in the Lakes Region is experiencing strong demaind, for the third year in a row.
Many people choose to rent a private vacation home on or by the lake prior to making their pruchase decision.
Visit www.LakesRegionRentals.com for further details.

We’re optimistic, and we wish you all the very best for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!