Donna Forest, Listing Broker

Stacey Viandier, Listing Agent

Median price on those sales, meanwhile, dropped nearly five percent, from $197,500 in the first quarter of 2011 to $188,000 in the same period 2012.  “This is about supply and demand, and it’s about home prices continuing to adjust to a market
that has been favoring buyers for several years now,” said NHAR President John Rice, a 40‐year veteran of the real estate industry and an agent with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye.

New Hampshire residential sales for March‐only were also ahead of last year’s pace by 17 percent, from 769 in 2011 to 896 in 2012. Median price in March 2011 compared to March 2012 declined 3 percent, from $195,000 to $188,750.

In terms of local markets, each of the state’s 10 counties saw unit sales increases in the first quarter compared to the same period a year ago, including a 65 percent gain in Sullivan County, 42 percent in Coos County, 31 percent in Cheshire County, and 18 percent in the state’s largest, Hillsborough County.

Only Merrimack and Coos counties showed first quarter median price increases.
March 2012 data residential

March 2012 data condo-1

Rice said he believes the surge in sales is likely to mean the beginning of the end of dropping prices. “That’s just fundamental, free market principles,” he said. “More sales equals less inventory, which eventually equals higher prices.  “In future years we’ll look back and be able to pinpoint when prices stabilized. We can’t know that point while we’re going through it, but if this pace keeps up, I can’t imagine we’re too far from it right now.”

Source:  Press Release, New Hampshire Association of REALTORS®, Dave Cummings, Director of Communications

Jane Snow, Listing Agent

In New Hampshire, water is essential to our quality of life and to economic vitality.  Water has shaped our history, settlement patterns, and economy, from pre-colonial times to the industrial revolution to today’s tourism- and knowledge-based economy.  Recognizing this, the Water Sustainability Commission was created in April 2011 to address the sustainable management of water resources and water infrastructure.  The decisions we make or fail to make about water sustainability in the next few years will shape our futures and those of our children.

On May 8, 2012, the Commission will hold a statewide conversation on the subject simultaneously at five sites throughout the state: Berlin, Greenland, New London, Keene, and Manchester (see below).  The discussion will be facilitated by New Hampshire Listens, a project of the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.

We need to hear from you.  Please join us for an evening that is designed with the general public in mind.  The meetings will consist of small group conversations, not presentations by talking heads.  What about water is important to you? What are you concerned about? In what direction should New Hampshire be heading with respect to water resources and infrastructure?

The meetings will run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with a light supper served before the discussion.  Pre-registration is required so that we know how many people to expect at each site.

To register for this event or for more information, please click on the link below, visit http://m1e.net/c?82384231-/Zhj7gWiuD2TI%407457490-.C/5COgidt5qk or call (603) 862-0692.  Members of the Commission and I are eager to hear from you.

Note that a separate meeting will be held on June 19, 2012 in Concord to hear from professionals with a more direct interest in water resource issues.

This statewide conversation will report findings to the Governor’s Commission on Water Sustainability. More information on the Water Sustainability Commission, its charge and water resources can be found at http://m1e.net/c?82384231-szG6oMbst76Ck%407457491-OQ6GfiFNUnvfI

Stacey Viandier, Listing Agent

Complete entry information and the registrations form can be found at www.NewLondonHistoricalSociety.org or call Jody Cooper to have a copy mailed 603-526-4517.

The art show is free so invite your family and friends to attend on May 12, 2012 at the New London Historical Society, 179 Little Sunapee Road, New London, NH.