Eastman Real Estate Blog

Although the sales numbers for condos are down so far this year we are starting to see some activity that wasn’t there just a few weeks ago.

There has been four condo sales this year, not a lot! Three of those sales took place in January and February and the fourth in June.

Recently however we’ve received calls on condos from print ad’s and web hit’s are up. A few good waterfront units just came to market, at what seem to be attractive prices. Several showings have taken place and one unit went under agreement.

It’s not a lot but comparing this to what was happening earlier this year, I am encouraged. The news out of Wall St. last week was very positive and earnings seem to be strong. As the stock market rises, the vacation home buyer (condos core buyer) will return and I believe we will finish the year on a strong note. I don’t want to hinge condo sales on a strong stock market but it certainly helps. A stable or climbing market is never a bad thing and will help the second home market.

Eastman Lake View From 28 Bay Tree

Just a few years ago you would have had to pay more than $200,000 for this condo. Today it hits the market at just $179,900. Are you looking for Eastman Lake waterfront? Do you want the ease if life condo living provides? Do yo like falling to sleep to the call of the Loon?

This condo has such a great location, easy access to the beach, walking trail, tennis. Level entry is another huge bonus. Only one step down from the parking spaces.

The Eastman Community has so much to offer and values like this do not come along very often. Come see for your self, or for more info go to www.jeffadie.com

Eastman Golf Links

What a great week of golf and the weather could not have been more perfect. Golfers from around the state flocked to Eastman and took advantage of a golf course that was in just amazing shape.We also have to tip our hat to the weather. It was just perfect golf weather for the tournament as it has been for all of this summer.

With the recent capitol improvements that the community and golf course invested, hosting the NHGA Amateur Championship is a wonderful stamp of approval. The Eastman community is always re-investing in itself as can be seen with not only the golf course but the new activity center.

If you ever wondered what the course or community are like, now is a great time to see just how special Eastman is.

It’s very hard to believe that half of 2010 is behind us. Two of the best things I can say about this year is the weather has been mild, not that much snow and finally a real summer with heat and sunshine. More importantly home sales are up HUGE!!!

Sales are up just over 225% when you compare the first sixth months of 2010 to 2009. In 09′ there were just fourteen home sales compared to 32 home sales this year. The first 6 months of 2010 equaled the entire amount of home sales for the year in 2009. How does that sound for an improving market?

As for condos and land the numbers are not nearly as good. In the same time periods used for home sales, condo sales totaled 3 in 2010 and just 2 in 2009. Land sales, there was only one in 09′ and 2010 has seen 2.

Here is where the debate comes in: Has the market really turned? Web site traffic is down, sales are up. Is the buyer pool stronger because only the most financially sound buyers are left? Did the tax credits that the government had in place really drive sales? Now that the credits are over will sales drop? Are web hits down because the tax credits have ended?

This is what I see in the micro market of Eastman with observations of the Upper Valley and New London/Lake Sunapee mixed in.

May was most likely the quietest May I will ever see. At least lets hope so!! June started off slow but finished strong. The activity I see in my office has been steady to fairly busy. The mid priced home is no longer a non existing market. There has been several homes in the $350,000 to $550,000 price range that have gone under agreement. There always seems to be some action in the sub $200,000 range. Currently the selection of Eastman Lake waterfront homes is down and it would be good to get some inventory in that category. ($500,000 plus with good water access)

I think land sales are down for the obvious reason. Why build when you can buy existing for less?? Condo sales? No that’s a good question. Are sales down because of the maintenance fees? Are buyers looking at homes and just see better values than a condo? There are some great prices on Eastman condos but can buyers be watching their monthly dollar expense so closely and they are not figuring for repairs on a home making a home look inexpensive?  Home maintenance is not a monthly expense but it still adds up by the end of a year?

I can not understand why condos are so over looked right now. Maybe the vacation buyer has really been taken out of the market? If that’s the case than condo sales will remain slow until those buyers come back. About 75% of Eastman condos are vacation homes.

OK enough typing, home sales are up HUGE and that’s GREAT news!!

It’s going to be a fun next couple of weeks her in the Eastman Community. Some of the highlights are watching the baby Loon chicks grow up. Right now on Eastman Lake there are two babies from one nesting pair of adult Loons.

Another huge event, especially if your a golfer, Eastman Golf Links is hosting the New Hampshire Amateur Championship Tournament, July 12th-17th. Three Eastman members are competing.

Day by day events can be found here and coming weeks here.