About Portsmouth's Market Square

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- New statistics show that New Hampshire's real estate market is in the midst of a slow and steady recovery.

The numbers from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors showed October home sales were up 8 percent compared to a year ago. And home sales through the first 10 months of 2009 show sales are up over the same period last year. But it's not all good news. Numbers show that so far this year, prices are down 11 percent over last year. The New Hampshire numbers contradict national trends. The U.S. Commerce Department said that nationally, housing starts dropped 10.6 percent last month. Slow and steady sales show that those homes under $300,000 are the ones that are selling.

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Here is a brief synopsis from Barnes and Noble of The Book Thief:

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Last week we finished and discussed Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. Our group ranged in opinions from a bit of distaste to overflowing appreciation and joy. Although I was leaning more towards distaste, I did appreciate the satyr and the way Vonnegut just puts it all out there in almost a reckless manner.

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BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010 all home inspectors in the state of New Hampshire will have to hold a license in order to inspect homes.

Makes sense to me how about you? For a long time now this hasn't been the case here in the "Live Free or Die State of NH." Anyone could go through a home and inspect it without holding a license. As a Realtor I would always recommend those home inspectors who were licensed to my buyers. I would give them three names and let them decide who they wanted.

When I'm looking for a doctor, lawyer, or Realtor I always look for those who are licensed. It says to me that they are educated first off and they have to live by the rules. It also tells me that they care enough to go to school/classes to become licensed. They have put in the time and the effort. Wouldn't you want a "licensed home inspector checking out your house?"

Is this the case where you live and work? Curious......

My tip for dealing with difficult customers: Practice the Golden Rule and put yourself in the other person’s position. Always treat the customer right ..as you want to be treated.

Keep meetings productive... Keep to the list of homes you've set up showings for. Don't deviate, stick to the list.

Be sure to show Byers your listings... If you have a listing that falls into the price range that your prospective buyers are looking for make sure you include it on the list of homes to view.

My best marketing techniques... Everything I do drives traffic to my website. Whether I use print advertising, billboards or TV, we direct everyone to our website because that is where the action is.

How to keep consumers educated about today’s buying opportunities? I spend time talking/educating buyers/sellers I am working with and try to give them articles, statistics and data they need to navigate through the buying or selling process in today's market.

Stay upbeat and optimistic... I treat each new appointment with an optimistic point of view. This may be the "one" that will buy a home today so always be smiling and helpful...no matter what the story is.

Hope this post helps you confront the general public in today's real estate market!

The North Church steeple in Market Square as seen from State Street. The townhouses to the front left are Porter Street and the building to the right is home to Stonewall Kitchens store and Ollie's Bakery. The steeple has recently been completely restored. My home town - Portsmouth, New Hampshire