Concord, NH

Dear Concord, New Hampshire Buyer,

Educating Buyers on Agency, Explaining what they can expect from me - depending on the Relationship they choose - and working on and within that Relationship....is a major part of my job. It is arguably the most challenging part.

Sadly (for us Realtors) in many cases we (myself included) neglect to educate our Buyers on their part in Agency in regards to us. In other words...what we expect from them.

The list isn't long but in my opinion...it can make or break a good working relationship.

How To Be The Perfect Buyer

• Never go to see a property on your own and if you must go to an Open House without me, hand out my card and explain that you have representation
• Communicate. communicate, communicate...this by far is the most important! You need to tell me what you're feeling and thinking of the process as we move through it. It should be fun...but won't be if you stress and let something fester
• Be honest with me...I'm on your side!

• Any changes that may affect your financing before we close....tell me about them so that we can attempt to resolve BEFORE we get to the table. Remember, I'm on Your side!
• If we are at a showing where the Listing Agent is present, be friendly but keep your emotions and personal information in check....many a contract negotiation has been compromised by an inadvertant slip of the tongue!
• Be on time to showings if we are meeting there! Remember there are other people there who have schedules to keep...and good feelings during negotiation...go further than bad.
• Lastly...but not leastly...stick to the plan and stay focused!

(Reverse Agency~ For Sellers)

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Concord New Hampshire Realtor Observations

So ....how's the Condo market?

In New Hampshire it's still good. There is a lot of Inventory and every style to chose from. When listening to or reading about The Real Estate Market, you need to remember that Trends are Regional and RE Trends are VERY Regional.

Concord Statistics 12/01/07-2/15/08

Units on Market Average List price DOM Average Selling Price

92 $201,732 164 $167,698

Roughly half of the active listings are valued at under $150,000. The remainder fall under more up-scale developments that are more expensive. This accounts for the skewed numbers!

In the same time period of 2007: The average List price declined to around $168 thousand (from 2006) with units selling at an average of $169 thousand- slightly more than asking!

Condominium Pluses:

• Buyers in the 200K range are mostly finding smaller or cosmetically challenged ...handyman friendly houses!Condominiums on the other hand, have amenities, space, and are generally in good repair. For a young professional family they allow for more disposable time by eliminating weekends devoted to home maintenance.
• Condominiums also appeal to Retirees'. They encourage a more casual life style and socializing and their owners are free to pursue outside interests such as education , traveling or volunteering. One of the fastest growth segments in this State of New Hampshire can be seen in the "over 55" community housing.
• Many condo's have on site Maintenance Staff.
• Many condo's have swimming pools, fitness centers and other up-scale amenities
• Most Garden Style Condo's have secure keyed entry

Condominium Cautions:

There are definitely cautions that Buyers need to observe. When looking at condominiums most Buyers concentrate on only two financial figures: The Price and The Condo Fee. Some experts compare this to "kicking tires". To really determine the condition of a condominium a potential Buyer needs to review pertinent documents. If the documents are not available for immediate review the Buyer's offer should contain a contingency to allow for sufficient time to review them. If the documents are unacceptable this gives the Buyer the ability to cancel the contract. The State of New Hampshire has laws covering the availability of these documents.REA 356-B:58

• A Buyers Packet should include the NH Condominium Rider. This is part of the Sellers Property Information Report.
• If storage is a need...some condos have storage lockers but there are rarely attics or basements for extra belongings.
• You will be charged a monthly "condo fee" Many Buyers assume that this is the extent of their responsibility. Every association has different rules. They may have a "reserve Funds" or "yearly Assessment policy. A Buyer needs to be aware of these charges.
• Some Associations are more restrictive than others. They may prohibit renting your unit out, having a home based business or having a pet. Read the covenants and restrictions carefully!
• There are circumstances where financing may be an issue. Your Realtor needs to check what the Lender's Ratio Requirements are (Renters/Owners). This could affect your loan!

Trends

What does the future of condominiums look like?? A Trend catching on in New Hampshire is that of "condo-conversion" This changing the use of duplexes or large single family homes to use as privately owned, converted units of varied shapes and sizes!

Predictions indicate that by 2030 one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Today's older retiree's are a younger more active adult market who are looking to take advantage of life-long learning. Many colleges and universities are recognizing this trend and have developed flexible studies arrangements for older students. Many developers are also recognizing the trend and are seeking to partner with Universities to build Retirement Housing in or near Higher Learning facilities.

A third trend that is developing in the Condominiums of the Future is that of Mixed Use. This is where Residential and Commercial condominiums coexist. Usually with the living space above and Retail or Restaurants at street level. This trend is in existence in other areas of the Country and follows an increase in the popularity of people returning to the cities and the convenience of City Living and Services.

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I believe Condominiums are here to stay. Their potential for flexibility ensures their desirability.The present Market is expected to continue to fluctuate at some level for an unknown time period.But Condominiums will be a fixture in any Market because of they combine Convenience with Affordability and Ownership!

Concord New Hampshire Realtor Market Conditions

Concord New Hampshire.....A Main Street Community

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Looking for something to do? There's something for every taste in Concord NH, the Capitol city with a small town attitude!

The spirit of Saint Patrick's Day arrives early at The Capitol Center for the Arts. Former "Irish Tenors" Ronan Tynan and John McDermott are appearing February 22cd at 8:00PM. They are now performing as the Rogue Tenors. Tickets will be $35-$55 and can be purchased at the box office.

If you're a victim of Cabin Fever this activity might be for you! Just outside of town at Canterbury Shaker Village on Saturday 2/16 from 11:00-1:00.is the 1st Annual Snowshoe Race. There will also be sledding and snow sculptures and hot chocolate will served. The event is open to all ages! (783-9077 x281) No fee...donations welcome

Feeling Romantic and looking for an in-expensive date? Snowshoe the Village Trails under the Full Moon- 2/20 from 7-9PM. Refreshments served. Fee-$20 or $18 for members.

This should be a great family event! Drawn To The Music- A family concert. Capitol Center for the Arts. Performed by The New Hampshire Philharmonic with a picture exhibition by the schoolchildren of New Hampshire. The Instrument Petting Zoo. 2/17 at 2:00PM Tickets $8 and $13

If all you are looking for is a good old fashioned New Hampshire activity. Plan to spend Saturday afternoon on 2/23 in our neighboring town of Boscawen! For just $10 you can enjoy a homemade Turkey dinner with all the fixins (plus dessert) from 12:00 to 1:00PM. Then make your money back playing Bingo or at the 50/50 raffle. If you chose to empty your pockets...there will be a silent auction table! Boscawen Town Hall (661-3524)

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Check back often for more upcoming events! There's always plenty to do in Concord New Hampshire!

Concord New Hampshire Realtor Local Information

The New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Program is part of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

They are dedicated to teaching restaurant and lodging owners to be more aware of the environmental impact their businesses have and the need to be more energy efficient. To date the most success has been with the Lodging Operations. They have been able to accommodate by replacing light bulbs, incorporating local food into their menus and reducing their everyday and hazardous waste. The program was expanded to Restaurants over a year ago but has met with more resistance....until lately that is.....

The Concord Monitor recently had an article about a local restaurant The Red Blazer. This popular establishment has recently started an extremely ambitious Green Campaign.

It all started with the desire to reduce the accumulation and expense of weekly wine and beer bottle empties (they have a very popular bar). Owner Sarandis Karathanasis saw a glass crusher at a restaurant show in Chicago. He and his partner, Pedro Godoi, bought it. The results were immediate...they saved $500 a month on trash fees. The Blazer actively recycles and they are now in the process of replacing all light bulbs with the energy efficient alternatives. But that is not their biggest project! They are in the process of supplementing their natural gas water heaters with a "green sustaining" oil burner that will use the restaurants used vegetable oil to heat its hot water. They expect this will save them at least $300 a month in natural gas costs never mind the cost of having the used oil picked up and disposed of by an outside vendor.

The Blazer partners have more "Green"plans on the horizon. They are building (listen up patrons) an energy efficient cooling room. This will allow them to cut their cooling costs and to expand their beer selection ...now that's incentive!!

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If you are interested in "Green Restaurants" in the New England Area be sure to check out the web site of the green restaurant association

Concord New Hampshire Realtor Local Information

Concord New Hampshire.....A Main Street Community

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Looking for something to do? There's something for every taste in Concord NH, the Capitol city with a small town attitude!

Into the Arts? If you are in the mood for a play about significant social issues....go to Wrecked a play about Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Capitol Center For The Arts, South Main Street Tuesday 2/12 from 7:00PM to 8:30PM 225-1111

For those who crave a good Lecture...Dean Kaymen-a Master of the Physical Sciences and and Inventor Extrordinaire will be speaking at the McLane Center (at the Audubon) on Silk Farm Road.

To be held on Thursday 2/07 7:00PM - 8:30 224-9909

Eye Candy! Prints of The Year 2008 - Prints on view will cover the full range of techniques including engraving, woodcut, etching and lithography to name a few. Also on display prints done on unconventional surfaces. Free

Franklin Pierce Law Center (228-1541) weekdays 8AM-5PM, weekends 10AM-5PM through March 28

Foodies! Celebrate Scout Sunday with an "All- you- can-eat"Breakfast. All the fixins..Eggs, Pancakes, Sausages,Potatoes and more! Wesley United Methodist Church

February 10th 7:30AM to 10:15AM $5(children$3) Seniors $4 Families $15

Ahhhh Flowers! Think Spring ! Classes at NHTI on Planting a Perennial Garden. Seminar will focus on plant selection and the planning process.

February 16 - 9AM to noon $49 (registration 271-6663)

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Check back often for more upcoming events! There's always plenty to do in Concord New Hampshire!

Concord New Hampshire Realtor Local Information