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, March 12, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Sometimes, It’s Just a Smart Move
By Vanessa Saunders | Associate Broker, Keeler Family Realtors
We’ve all been trained to be skeptical. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
But every once in a while, something comes along that is as good as it sounds—no catch, no gimmicks, just a solid opportunity.
And right now, that opportunity is the HOPER Program.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you already know the biggest roadblocks:
Upfront costs – Saving for a down payment while juggling life’s other expenses? Tough.
Closing costs – Those add up fast and can feel like a financial sucker punch.
Realtor fees – The confusion around who pays what can make things even trickier.
But what if I told you that a program exists that can cover up to $13,000 of these costs? Yes, including your buyer’s agent fees. In fact, you are free to spend it on anything you want!
HOPER: A Real Solution for Homebuyers
Th2 ...
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Saturday, March 8, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Going the Extra Smile
You’ve probably had one of those moments—when someone goes the extra mile for you, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Maybe it was a server who comped your dessert after noticing you’d had a rough day, or a hotel clerk who upgraded your room just because.
Those small gestures don’t just make an impression; they build trust, loyalty, and a feeling of genuine care. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years in real estate, it’s that these moments matter just as much—if not more—than the contracts and negotiations.
Real Estate is More Than Just a Transaction
Great teachers don’t just show up, hand out assignments, and clock out. They stay after class to help struggling students, buy supplies out of their own pocket, and cheer from the sidelines at weekend games. Their impact goes far beyond the classroom.
Real estate is the same way. Some agents do the bare minimum—tak; ...
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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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Saturday, February 15, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Dear Granite Staters,
As we find ourselves in the icy grip of mid-February, Mother Nature seems intent on reminding us who's boss. With a hefty 8 inches of snow already blanketing our picturesque towns and another 8 to 12 inches forecasted, it's time to talk turkey about a chore that's as New England as clam chowder: roof raking.
Why Bother with Roof Raking?
You might wonder, "Isn't roof raking just another quaint Yankee tradition, like maple sugaring or complaining about tourists?" Well, not quite. Here's why wielding that roof rake is more than just a winter workout:
Preventing Ice Dams – When snow accumulates on your roof, the heat from your home can cause it to melt and refreeze at the eaves, forming ice dams. These icy barricades can lead to water seeping under your shingles, causing leaks and a cascade of costly repairs.
Reducing Structural Stress – Snow is deceptively heavy. Wet, dense snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot. For a standard roof, tha. ...
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