Thursday, March 20, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
As a real estate professional in New Hampshire, I recently attended a webinar on flood management and mitigation strategies. While informative, it felt somewhat generic and lacked the depth I believe our community deserves. In this blog, I aim to provide a more engaging and comprehensive overview of how we can enhance flood resilience in our region, focusing on practical solutions and resources available to us.
Understanding Flood Risks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, like many parts of the country, faces significant flood risks. Flooding can occur at any time, impacting not just homes but also critical infrastructure like emergency access routes to facilities such as county nursing homes. It's crucial for us to understand these risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them.
FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS)
One of the most effective tools for managing flood risks is FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). This voluntary program incentivizes communities to adopt floodplain man. ...
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Wednesday, March 19, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Yesterday’s 2025 Homeownership Conference provided a sobering look at New Hampshire’s housing market, highlighting critical issues affecting homebuyers, sellers, and the broader economy. With rising costs, inventory shortages, and evolving policies, it’s clear that we are at a turning point. Here’s what the public needs to know.
Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern
According to Rob Dapice, CEO of New Hampshire Housing, the state is facing a severe housing shortage. The average price of a single-family home now exceeds $500,000, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many residents. Meanwhile, rental prices continue to rise, with the median two-bedroom apartment now costing $1,833 per month—and only 13% of rental units considered affordable for the median renter.
This affordability crisis is not just a concern for those looking to buy or rent—it affects workforce retention, economic growth, and even local businesses st ...
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
We’re sandwiched between Massachusetts and Maine, both experiencing massive real estate upheavals. The result? Pressure from both sides.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Home Prices Keep ClimbingThe median home price in New Hampshire has hit $540,000, a 63.3% increase since 2020.(Zillow)
Inventory Is DwindlingThe state has a housing shortage of 23,500 units—and will need 90,000 more by 2040 to keep up with demand.(HousingWire)
Affordability Crisis51% of renters in NH spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.(Roche Realty)
Sellers Have the Upper Hand… But for How Long?
With record-high prices, this is a fantastic time to sell—but there’s a catch. Where do you go next?
Multi-million-dollar homeowners aren’t worried—they can buy without blinking.
Second homes sit empty for months, while residents desperately seek places to live.
Sellers are hesitant, fearing they won’t find a new home after selling.
And; ...
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Sunday, February 9, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Just when we thought the real estate market couldn’t get any worse—surprise! Turns out rock bottom has a basement. And down in that dark, damp hole? A world where mortgage lenders run wild, credit scores are glitchy fiction, and hidden fees quietly drain bank accounts.
Why? Because the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—the agency that kept banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and debt collectors somewhat honest—has just been effectively shut down by its acting director.
So now, no oversight, no enforcement, no accountability. Just banks and lenders sharpening their knives while homebuyers, homeowners, and sellers are left to fend for themselves.
Welcome to the New Wild West of Real Estate.
Why This is a Real Estate Disaster Waiting to Happen
Mortgage Lenders Are Now Completely Unchecked
The CFPB used to monitor shady lending practices—forcing lenders to be transparent about fees, rates, and loan terms. Without it? Expect:
Hik ...
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Friday, February 7, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report confirms what we already know—housing affordability is in crisis. But Laconia has a choice: Step up, adapt, and fix this—or get left behind (again).
The Hard Truth in the Numbers
The latest Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Multifamily MarketBeat Report lays it all out: Read the full report here:
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/us-marketbeats/us-multifamily-marketbeat
Vacancy rates are up slightly, but don’t be fooled—demand for affordable housing is still outpacing supply.
Rents are rising, even as the market shifts.
New construction is slowing due to labor shortages and material costs, making the housing crisis even worse.
First-time buyers & Workforce housing applicants are getting outbid, leaving locals struggling to stay in their own communities.
And here’s where it gets even more frustrating: Zoning restrictions are preventing Laconia from using ; ...
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