Keene, NH

Traditionally, my real estate business takes a bit of a shift during the winter months when some sellers decide to take their homes off the market, while only the most serious buyers are shopping for real estate. Come February, March- early spring, I begin to see an upswing in calls from buyers and potential sellers then, in one week (usually a nice, spring-like, warm sunny week) the light bulb turns on and I see an influx in buyers buying and sellers wanting to list... Traditionally.

This year, however, I've seen the buyer market follow very closely the tax credit incentive offered by the government. My stream of buyers shopping under $200K remains very steady and homes continue to sell in this price range. There has been a slight drop in inventory this year, though still a seller's market, but the continuation of sales in the first time buyer bracket.

It's been a great year for me and, because my business tends to be mostly to first time buyers, I've met a lot of wonderful people who have gone on to send me referral. It's not just me, there are several agents right now who will agree that the real estate market, in certain price ranges, is moving. Now that sellers have realized that prices are expectedly lower, they are pricing their homes more competitively. It is a great time to buy.

What's happening in Keene, NH, you ask? Real Estate is happening in Keene, NH! Check out Beaman Real Estate's Website to peruse all of the homes for sale in Keene, NH. Downtown Keene, NH is a happening place, be sure to attend the Keene Ice and Snow Festival on February 6th.

Contrary to what you may think, no I did not take a vacation to attend more social media workshops...I took a vacation from social media! Sometimes to see the value of something, I might remove myself from it to reassess how I wish to utilize it. The changes I will make will be deliberate and intentional, after determining what it is I want to continue with my social media use, and what exactly I can live without.

Back a few weeks ago when I wrote my blog about "I will not make the Meatballs" I was going through a period of feeling inundated with some of the roles I had chosen for myself. Every once in a while, like cleaning out a closet or file cabinet, it's time to clean out the superfluous duties we've taken on. That's just what I did.

On the other end I saw a light, so to speak! New opportunties arose and, while it seems I should not take on anything new since I've just shed some baggage, the new stuff is quite positive, quite energizing and definitely something I'm ready to take on because it is more in line with where I want to be.

So I hope you will enjoy some of the changes I'm making. I think my blog style will reflect these changes indirectly.

Thanks for reading!

Upcoming Open Houses for Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group Keene office are as follow:

1/16/2010

39 Prescott Street, Keene- 11:00-12:30

26 Red Oak Drive, Keene- 12:00-1:30

17 Union Street, Keene- 10:00-11:30

48 South Grove Street, Swanzey- 11:00-1:00

84 Kendall Rd, Keene- 3:00-4:30

19 Iceland Circle, Keene- 1:00-2:30

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey- 10:00-12:00

1/17/2010

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey- 11:00-1:00

To schedule a showing on a listing, please do not hesitate to reach me.

If you're a first-time homebuyer ready to take the plunge, this is information you need to know to determine whether or not you qualify for up to $8,000 in tax credits. Regardless of how frigid it is outside at the moment, April 30 is closer than you think (110 days and counting...)

Everything you ever wanted to know about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit directly from the IRS can be found here!

Provided you meet the income and eligibility guidelines, you may be able to claim an $8,000 credit on your 2010 Federal Income Tax Return.

$8,000 can buy you a lot of paint, furniture, window treatments...whatever it is you need to make your new house a home...but you must have a purchase & sales agreement in place before May 1, 2010 and you must close before July 1, 2010 in order to take advantage of the tax credit.

Buying a house takes time...time to find the right property, time to complete inspections, time to obtain financing commitment from your lender, time to complete title work. It can take 6 weeks or more to make the transition from first offer to receiving the keys to your new home. Even though it may feel like time has stood still during this process, rest assured it has not...Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock.

Hard as it may be to believe right now, Spring is coming...Don't be left out in the cold!