Eastman Real Estate Blog

I hate to say this but this is the last weekend of summer for most local kids. My how August has flown by!!! One thing I can say is this was one of the nicest summers we have had in years. The lake, tennis courts and golf course have all seen plenty of action and their condition is unparalleled.

Some of the upcoming highlights are: The woodland hike on the North Twin Trail, the Root Beer Float- A kayaking adventure. Next week is Jason Cann at the Bistro.

For all the details, get the Things To Do In Eastman pdf.

If you haven’t noticed recently interest rates have dropped to their lowest point in decades.

Local lenders all around Grantham NH have rates as low as 4.375% for a 30 year fixed rate loan. If you want a 5 year adjustable then how does 3.5% sound?

When I bought my first house in New London NH I was thrilled to have an interest rate of 7.99% I thought that was the best I would ever get. Back in November I purchases home number 4. Just 9 months ago I was happy to see 4.75% I’m still happy with this rate and who would have thought that rates would continue to drop?

So many “experts” were saying how rates would jump as high as 8% by the fall of 2010. I had serious reservations about that but I too thought rates would start to head higher. This down trend is perfect timing for the housing market and is really the true stimulus, an unforced natural effect of the “market place”. So unlike government interference and programs that cost so much money.

Buyers and sellers should take notice, do some math and figure out just how much money they can save.

We are well into the first week of August and what a fantastic summer it has been so far this year!

The weather could not be better. Warm sunny days have been consistent and yes there has been a lack of rain but after the two previous summers we are more than due for no rain and hot sunny days.

Some of the highlights for the next two weeks include:

Jason Cann this Friday night at the Bistro. How about a woodland hike up Zealand Mt.? Lobster dinners at Peppermint Patties, that sounds like a hassle free way to enjoy a great meal.

Get the complete list of Things to do in Eastman.

Welcome to 11 Barn Owl overlook in the community of Eastman in Grantham, New Hampshire. This home is over 2300 square feet. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and just a lot of space and a lot of fun in the community here. The sunshine comes in quite generously into the, well, eating area. Deck off through the sliders and a nice kitchen with big window out to the backyard. The loft upstairs, humongous window lets in plenty of light. But, what a great size room, hallway to the master and as we turn around here, look over the railing and we are looking down into the living room which the current owner uses as her favorite room. The propane stove adds great ambiance on those snowy winter nights.

Enjoy the deck and water view.

Location is the key to this property. Not to mention the level entry that you don’t always find with Eastman Condos.

There has also been some significant upgrades. The kitchen has been completely renovated and redesigned. Add the oak wood floors and newer carpets and you have a move in condition condo where you can just relax and enjoy the view.

If you would like more info on the spectacular condo, please email me at jeffadie@gmail.com

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.