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Opinion
Realtor Q and A: 'Spring Market' under way
A.: This year, the traditional “Spring Market” in New Hampshire has already gotten started. We usually see an increase in the number of homes listed for sale and more calls from buyers in the March-through-June timeframe. Perhaps because of the warm weather we've had, sellers and buyers have already been active for several weeks. While rates remain at historic lows, we are seeing some signs that mortgage rates are edging upward and the national economic news has improved — we have topped the 4 percent barrier on mortgage loan interest rates for the first time since October of last year. We are also seeing home prices in New Hampshire showing some increase over last year. For example, in Hillsborough County, average prices rose 5 percent to $200,000 in February.
What does this mean to you as a buyer? It means that now may be the best time to buy that new home you've been thinking about, before we see more increases in rates and prices.
Home buyers can expect to look for the perfect place for about 12 weeks — that's the national average for time spent searching. A buyer looks at an average of 12 homes during that time before choosing the right one. Most importantly, a national survey indicated that 51 percent of buyers said that “finding the right property was the most difficult part of the buying process.”
Currently in our area, homes priced at or below $200,000 are selling very quickly. It's not uncommon to find one that you'd like to see and it's under contract before you can get to it. To be able to put in a quick offer when you're ready, it's critical to have your financing set.
The best approach is to meet with a lender who can go through a pre-qualification process with you and give you that pre-qualification letter to include with your offer to the seller. It shows that you're serious about your offer and ready to go. So you can see why it's best to get started now so that you have plenty of time to get pre-qualified and find the right home.
If you're thinking about selling your home, this may be the best time of the past several years to get it on the market. While we are still seeing values below what they were five years ago, we're definitely seeing an improvement overall. And remember, while you may sell your home for less now than five years ago, the home you want to buy will also cost you less that it would have five years ago. You'll see your purchasing dollar will go a lot further than in the past. So don't wait for the lowest rates and the lowest home prices — they may already be in your rear-view mirror. A Realtor can help you evaluate your options, connect you with a reputable lender, and generally make this process as smooth as possible. They're aware of the pros and cons for sellers and buyers and are ready to help you.
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Rick Stoudt is president of the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of Realtors. This information has been provided by the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of Realtors in conjunction with the New Hampshire Union Leader's Advertising Department. Readers with questions about the content or who wish to pose a question for a column may contact the realty board at 166 S. River Road, Bedford 03110 or e-mail communications@gmnbr.org.
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