The feeling at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company and within the real estate industry in general is that the business “tweaks” that we’ve been experiencing over the last six months or so are finally becoming business “trends”!  Supply continues to be strong, and now demand is starting to catch up.  Buyer activity in the form of telephone calls, e-mails, walk-ins and showings has increased exponentially in the last couple of months, just in time for the busy spring, summer, and fall sales season.  If you are looking to buy, prices are as low as they’ve been in years and mortgage interest rates are still at record lows.  For Sellers, if you are realistic about the price you want for your property, chances are better today than they have been in a few years that your property will sell.  If these indicators alone aren’t convincing enough for you to hop on board the real estate train, then let me cite some statistics from the National Association of Realtor’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun.

Annual Forecast

                                                   2011                         2012 Forecast                         2013 Forecast

Existing Home Sales                      4.26 million                    4.65 million                              4.71 million

New Home Sales                           304,000                          400,000                                 530,000

Housing Starts                              611,000                         760,000                                 960,000

Existing Home Price                        $166,100                    $168,000                                 $172,000

30-yr Mortgage                             4.7%                            4.3%                                        4.9%

     What about the specific real estate market in New Hampshire which directly affects the Lincoln-Woodstock area?  Did you know that 22 percent of all sales in New Hampshire so far this year were from an out-of-state buyer?  In Grafton County, where Lincoln and Woodstock reside, 36 percent of buyers were from out of state.  Data from 2010 and 2011 shows that out-of-state buyers typically increase during the summer and fall months.  Also, New Hampshire ranks third in the nation in the percent of homes (10 percent) that are second or third homes.  New Hampshire Association of Realtors columnist Peter Francese says, “There is no doubt in my mind that with many thousands of affluent Baby Boomers reaching their peak asset years, combined with more buyers from other countries, the demand for second homes in New Hampshire will continue to increase in the foreseeable future.”

     Also, U.S. consumer sentiment rose to its highest level in more than four years in early May as Americans remained upbeat about the job market, a survey released recently showed.  The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary May reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment improved to 77.8 from 76.4 in April, topping forecasts for 76.2. It was the highest level since January 2008.  Housing demand is very closely tied to Consumer Sentiment reading, so this is more great news as the busy purchase season ramps up.

     So, the message is, whether you are a buyer or a seller, now is the time to jump into the Loon area market!  For Buyers, find your dream home now before mortgage interest rates start to creep upwards and while prices are the lowest.  For Sellers, if you feel the time is right for you to sell, now is the time to list your property to take advantage of the increased amount of buyers available in the peak summer and fall selling seasons!

     All of us here at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company have regained our consumer confidence, have you?  As we all know, the economy is driven by the housing market, so do your part for the good of the economy and call us today for a free market analysis of your property or to set up an appointment to find the home of your dreams!  Here’s to a great real estate season!

     Spring has sprung early this year and has brought with it a bright spot in these difficult economic times. Loon Mountain Real Estate Company has seen an interesting real estate buying trend in the last few months which has helped buck the trend of a challenging real estate market. Buyers who have been interested in purchasing vacation property in the Lincoln-Woodstock area but have been tentative about how much of an investment they are willing to make, have been choosing Quartershare purchases as their point of entry into the Loon real estate market. By purchasing 13 weeks per year instead of the entire 52 weeks, buyers are able to purchase the condo of their choice affordably, and may choose to supplement their income by putting the weeks that they know they will not be using into a rental program. The brokers at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company are the region’s Quartershare specialists with over 30 listings at the Mountain Club on Loon and Deer Park Resort. Buyers are able to enjoy all the benefits of ownership, but at a fraction of the cost. As time goes on, it is not unusual to see Quartershare owners selling their properties and upgrading to whole ownership condominium and townhouse opportunities once they’ve decided that the Loon valley is the best location for them to be able to enjoy four season relaxation or adventure, depending upon their lifestyle. Loon Mountain Real Estate Company continues to remain optimistic about the state of the White Mountains real estate market as new opportunities present themselves every day!

     It is possible to invest in Loon area real estate starting in the ten to twenty thousand range and either keep your Quartershare property to enjoy over time, or choose to pursue a full ownership opportunity that may better meet your future needs. In both cases, the brokers at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company are the Loon area real estate professionals you can count on and trust to assist you in your search to buy your own little piece of paradise! With mortgage interest rates continuing to remain at record lows and prices adjusting favorably to demand, now is the time to contact Loon Mountain Real Estate Company to assist you with that investment! We look forward to hearing from you soon!

So it has not been a banner snowfall year to date here in New Hampshire…that just means that spring skiing this year at Loon may be the best it’s ever been!! How’s that for optimism given the realities of Mother Nature so far this year? Given the realities of the real estate market the last five years or so, those of us here in the White Mountains have chosen to maintain our optimism about anything that impacts our livelihoods!  The chart below depicts the accumulated snowfall comparison from this year to last year.    

                                        Current Year              Last Year
Snowfall since July 1         35.8″                                44.6″

Snowfall since Dec. 1        10.1″                                44.6″

Snowfall since Jan. 1          9.5″                                 36.5″

Even with the dearth of natural snow, ski conditions at Loon have been awesome this year due to the increased snowmaking capabilities at the mountain.  Unfortunately, we are now into February and there is no snow on the ground south of Concord.  Experience tells us that if people don’t see snow in their own back yards, they don’t think of skiing, which definitely impacts the number of visitors coming to the area.  A few feet of snow in Lincoln-Woodstock and a few inches of snow in the southern New England area before February vacation week and we’ll be able to salvage a decent ski and winter sports season…and then hope to extend the season into March and beyond that, spring skiing in April!  According to wildlife experts, this has been a huge winter for home rodent infestations which is usually a prediction for a snowy winter.  Maybe that snowy winter may just occur a bit later in the season than usual…we  hope! 

Now that we’ve identified how to save the ski season, how can we salvage the Loon area real estate market?  The chart below depicts the realities of the New Hampshire real estate market over the course of the last five years.

                                    Current Year                  2007    

Residential Sales               10,700                          12,025

Residential Price               $201,700                      $262,000

Condominium Sales            2549                              4200  

Condominium Price           $155,000                       $189,000

How can this trend be improved moving forward into the next five years?  To address the vacation home market, consumer confidence simply has to improve.  People need to be more comfortable in their jobs and in their futures to optimistically approach the purchase of a second  home.  Real estate prices are as low as they’ve been in years, and mortgage interest rates are also at historic lows.  The only obvious factor holding the market back is confidence.   

The primary home market’s improvement is dependent upon a longer term solution.  The good news is that New Hampshire does have some economic advantages over other parts of the country.  New Hampshire’s unemployment rate is consistently one of the 5 lowest in the country; its median household income remains in the nation’s top 10; personal tax rates are among the lowest in the country; and the state’s crime rate may just be the lowest in the nation.  Unfortunately, although New Hampshire is considered one of the best states in the nation to retire to, it is also one of the fastest aging states in the nation.  This is not a trend that positively impacts the area’s real estate market.  New Hampshire also needs to keep its own younger people and attract out of state youth in order to positively impact the trend in home sales and prices.  Young families are the catalyst for an improving housing market.  New Hampshire needs to market its economic advantages to a new generation in order for it to maintain those advantages and to positively affect its real estate trends in the coming years.

What’s the best case scenario for both snowfall accumulation and the real estate market based on our inherent optimism?  February and March will welcome much needed snow into all of New England.  Confident young families will then come up to enjoy Loon’s winter wonderland, love it, and decide to buy vacation homes.  Within a couple of years those same young families will decide that they want to raise their families in an economically advantageous state, specifically New Hampshire’s White Mountains region.  They will sell their vacation home, purchase a permanent residence, and start a small business.  The result…upward trending of our area’s economy and real estate market!

Think Snow…it drives Consumer Confidence!! 

     As New Hampshire hosts its first in the nation Presidential Primary this month, we are all reminded that every four years presidential elections bring with them optimism, regardless of your party affiliation. The real estate market is hoping to ride that wave as it has been a lack of optimism which has shackled the real estate industry in the last few years. There is no doubt that we are starting to see a rise in consumer confidence as unemployment rates are continuing to trend downward; mortgage interest rates are remaining at near record lows; the amount of home sales nationally has increased 11% over the last year; and home prices have declined 4%.  These national trends have positively impacted the Consumer Confidence Index which rose 17% from November to December 2011 with every indication that the trend will continue into 2012.  The time has come for the real estate tide to rise, and with it the rest of the nation’s economy.  If that’s not a reason to be optimistic, I don’t know what is!

Here at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company, we have been impacted directly by this spike in consumer confidence with an increase in the amount of inquiries we’ve been receiving, offers we’ve been writing, and sales we’ve been closing.  Loon Mountain Real Estate Company increased it’s market share in the Lincoln-Woodstock area substantially over the last quarter of 2011 and expects to continue this trend into 2012. With an increased “on-mountain” presence; including newly created Loon TV advertisements running daily; shuttle bus signage; and dining area table tent promotions; Loon Mountain Real Estate Company is sending the message that it is the best located and most experienced real estate company to handle Loon area property. Complementing our “on-mountain” presence is our commitment to advertising and promotion in the Lincoln-Woodstock community. You will find our display ads at the Lincoln Cinema and White Mountain Attractions building, as well as flyer distribution in local restaurants and visitor centers, supported by our large display ads in the Littleton Courier and Valley Fun newspapers. 

Loon Mountain Real Estate Company is investing in optimism as we finally see the signs of a real estate and economic recovery. We hope that you will choose to invest along with us here in the Loon area. Happy New Year…to you and to the real estate market!

As a potential buyer or seller of Loon Area Real Estate, there are a few key reasons why the time has never been better to own a piece of paradise here in the Lincoln-Woodstock New Hampshire area.
1. Cash is King! The days are gone when we all believed that a cash deal was not much different than a financed deal since it was all cash to the seller at closing. In today’s market, a cash buyer has more leverage than ever before! Many sellers are more inclined to negotiate more aggressively when they know that a cash deal is more likely to close sooner and with fewer obstacles than a deal involving financing. For a buyer, given the fluctuations in the financial markets, the time has never been better to consider diversifying your portfolio with real estate investments which could also serve as an investment in quality family getaway time!
2. The Real Estate Value Gap is Narrowing. The gap between the price that a seller wants for his property and the price that a buyer is willing to pay for a property is finally narrowing! The result is that more deals are happening as both sellers and buyers are becoming more realistic in their expectations. This is a normal real estate market adjustment, which we all knew was inevitable, but one which is resulting in more real estate activity here in the Loon area.  To learn more about how to narrow this value gap, tips for buyers and sellers are available from our brokers.
3. Ski Season Is Upon Us. As thousands of skiers and winter outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the Lincoln-Woodstock and Loon Mountain areas, thoughts of owning a piece of this winter wonderland arrive with them. If you’re thinking of selling, winter is a great time to have your property on the market as your potential buyers are here in the area thinking about the same thing you thought about when you purchased your property here at Loon.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us here at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company! You know where to find us!!

It is time to give thanks for skiing here at Loon, thanks to the efforts of Mother Nature and her impeccable timing for snow right before the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend!

We also give thanks to all of our Loon Mountain Real Estate clients!  Thank you to all of you who have visited our office here at the base of snow covered Loon Mountain for assistance with real estate sales or seasonal lease opportunities.  Thank you in advance to all of you who may be planning to visit us if you are looking for entry level properties here in the Lincoln-Woodstock area as Loon Mountain Real Estate has over 20 Quarter-Share listings starting at only $20,000!  It’s a perfect way to break into the real estate market here at Loon…and many of these opportunities are actually slopeside at the Mountain Club on Loon!

All of us here in snow country are thankful for the comforting rumbling of snow plows providing the background sounds of winter in each of the many resorts located in the Loon Valley.  If you have been thinking of investing in any of these resorts, or any other property in an area which is as close to four season as you can find, now is certainly the time to seriously look at what opportunities exist only two  hours from Boston!  We are thankful that we are currently experiencing a strong Buyer’s Market with prices as low as they’ve been in years; record low interest rates; and sellers who are ready to sell.  All of us are thankful that now, finally, is a great time to buy real estate here at Loon!

I am also thankful to Loon Mountain Recreation Corp. for contracting with Polimeno Realty to manage Loon Mountain Real Estate Company.  It has been less than a month since I took over as Principal Broker at Loon Mountain Real Estate and I am happy to report that all of us here are settling in, acclimating to each other, and most importantly, continuing to sell!  Donna, Amy, Pauline, Kathy, and I are here to assist you in all things real estate…give us a call or stop by! 

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Loon Mountain Real Estate Company!

Thanks for stopping by! Writing from our offices at the base area of Loon Mountain, we will keep you updated on what’s happening in Loon Mountain area real estate news. We’ll also keep you informed of  the latest New Hampshire real estate trends.

Here are a few of the topics we’ll touch on in future blog posts:

• Why is having a realtor important when buying or selling a property?
• Is price per square foot of an association’s past sales an accurate measure of how to make an offer on a property today?
• Is today a good time to buy New Hampshire real estate?
• Why is White Mountains NH  vacation home real estate market  not as affected by the ups and downs of the primary real estate market?
• Why are NH White Mountains second homes  so desirable?
• Who do so many families love spending their leisure time at Loon Mountain?

 We’ll discuss all of these topics – and more – in our blog. If you’re itching for the answers to the topics above now, call us at 800-229-5666 ext. 5381 – we’re happy to discuss these with you.

We’re a full-service, independently-owned real estate company, with over 40 years’ experience bringing together buyers and sellers – and now offering  seasonal ski rentals of privately-owned real estate in the Loon area and White Mountains region.

We’re thrilled to help you in your search for the perfect second home, primary residence, land, commercial venture or vacation rental. Stop in at Loon Mountain Real Estate  any time – we’re conveniently located in Loon’s base area, next to the Loon Mountain Adventure Center.

 Cheers!
Your Loon Mountain Real Estate Team