One of the harder hit segments of the market has been condominiums. It is very common to get questions: WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE SALE OF CONDOS? and Why hasn't me condo sold yet?Market condition from area to area are different. Here in Manchester New Hampshire there is a good demand for condos. Condos that are priced right are selling. Right now there are 2 factors. Prices on single families are as low as many condos. Some buyers are choosing single families over condos.   The 2nd factor is banks are not loaning as freely on condos, this is hampering condo sales to people that are ready and willing to buy, they just are not able, Banks are checking the delinquincy rate for HOA fees and want to see it less than 15% Condominiums are a way of life, people who do not want to cut the grass... 08/16/2011

MARKET UPDATE  and Report for MANCHESTER NH for week 2 of August 2011 compared to Week 1 of August 2011 What do market updates mean? Basically this is a snap shot form week to week here in Manchester. I wanted to take the stats and break them down for you. So sit down and enjoy them a please email me any questions on my report or buying or selling a home in New Hampshire.* Currently there are 604 properties for sale in MANCHESTER NH * There were 41 new listings from 8/8/11 to 8/14/11, That is  2 MORE than 8/1/11 to 8/7/11 * There were 13 properties put under contract from 8/8/11 to 8/14/11, That is  4 LESS than 8/1/11 to 8/7/11 * There were 18 properties that Closed from 8/8/11 to 8/14/11, That is  THE SAME AS 8/1/11 to 8/7/11  TOTAL Active Listings Count 604     Listing Price Total $13... 08/14/2011

Do you have rocks on your head? No but i have rocks in my suitcase.... What???  Well i was showing a condominium yesterday and the neighbor pulls in their drive way. It was a lady and 2 small children, You opened the hatch on her minivan and suitcases fell out. I tried not to stare and continue with letting the buyer know about the amenities this condo offered.I could not help but continue to look over as the kids were crying and the woman tried to drag her suitcase (on it's side) up to her stairs. I asked my buyer if they would excuse me for a couple of minutes while i helped her get her bags inside. They said "go ahead". So i went over and asked if i could help, she said no at first but then with 1 child jumping on the suitcase she was pulling, with a tear in her eye she said "Yes, pl... 08/14/2011

Manchester NH children will be heading back to school on September 2, 2011.Did you know you can sig up to receive texts form the school department for Weather Related Closures, Building Mechanical Closures, Followup to Police Lockdown etc.Just go directly to their site and sign up for free. Manchester, NH: Public Schools (SMS: Manchester Schools) Alerts: Weather Related Closures, Building Mechanical Closures, Followup to Police Lockdownhttp://local.nixle.com/manchester-nh-public-schools  Please click here to see the MANCHESTER SCHOOL SCHEDULEhttp://www.trulia.com/blog/scott_godzyk/2011/08/the_first_day_of_school_is_approaching_for_manchester_nh_-_school_calender_attachedPlease click here to see the MANCHESTER SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULEhttp://www.trulia.com/blog/scott_godzyk/2011/08/manchester_... 08/13/2011

The first day of School is approaching for MANCHESTER NH. The first day of school for students is Friday, September 2, 2011.  SCHOOL CALENDER First Day of School for Students September 2, 2011 (Friday) First Day of School Holidays (H) September 5, 2011 (Monday) Labor Day Holiday October 10, 2011 (Monday) Columbus Day Holiday November 11, 2011 (Friday) Veterans’ Day Holiday November 24&25, 2011 (Thursday & Friday) Thanksgiving Holiday Recess January 16, 2012 (Monday) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday February 20, 2012 (Monday) Pres. Washington’s & Lincoln’s Birthdays May 28, 2012 (Monday) Memorial Day Holiday Teacher Workshop Days (W) September 1, 2011 (Thursday) September 20, 2011 (Tuesday) City Primary Voting Day June 19, 2012 (Tuesday) School Vacations (X) November 8, 2011 (Tues... 08/13/2011

Recovery is abound in alot of US Real Estate markets. Housing Predictor came out with the top 25 Recovering Real Estate markets in the USA on 8/8/11. Of those 25, 2 of them are here in New Hampshire. Manchester NH came in at #20 while driving an hour towards the seacost Rochester NH came in #25.NH has been blessed with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Business has been great for me with lots of sales and new relocations coming in from out of state. It was great to see this published yesterday to know that NH is still a great place to play, work and live. Rank    City   Forecast    1.    El Paso, TX      3.7%    2.   Tri-Cities, WA      3.4%    3.    Omaha, NE      3.3%    4.    Fargo, ND      3.3%    5.    Austin, TX      3.3%    6.    New Orleans, LA      3.2%    7.... 08/09/2011

In my travels i get to see alot of BANK OWNED HOUSES here and around the MANCHESTER NH area. I thought i would share some of the nicer flooring options that you could choose from.1. "NEWER" VINYL IN THE KICTHEN (Slightly worn)2. LIVING ROOM CARPETING (where is the that Kirby salesman with the free trial on that carpet shampooer.3. There is a carpet here somewhere (I think)4. There used to be a carpet here and a wall 5. The results of lets toss full beer cans all over the house and add some 90 degree weather.6. A tour of the nicest flooring would not be complete without a bathroom floor included7. And lastly dont ask... just be glad this isnt scratch and sniffPLEASE COME BACK SOON AS I UPDATE YOU WITH MORE GRET FORECLOSURE PICTURES.Updated August 9, 2011PLEASE ADD ANY TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS... 08/09/2011

One of the most common questions i have been asked recently is "HOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN GET A MORTGAGE GIVEN TODAY'S Real Estate MARKET?"  The first thing any potential buyer needs to do when they start thinking they want to buy a home, is to contact a local and trusted mortage broker, bank or credit union. STAY AWAY from the internet lenders. A good local loan officer will pre-qualify you at no cost. They will look at your credit score but more importantly your whole financial picture. This includes your credit report, current income, debt and employment history. They will let you know what programs you may quailify for and what the down payment and closing costs for each are so you can compare them.WHAT DO I NEED TO GET PREQUAILIFIED?You should get together your last 2 years tax return... 08/09/2011

MARKET UPDATE  and Report for MANCHESTER NH for June 2011 compared to July 2011During a recent in depth conversation with a reporter, they said they see all sort of market reports but what do they all mean. I wanted to take the stats and break them down for you. So sit down and enjoy them a dplease email me any questions on my report or buying or selling a home in New Hampshire.* Currently there are 595 properties for sale in MANCHESTER NH * There were 157 new listings from 7/1/11 to 7/31/11, That is  56 LESS than June 2011* There were 80 properties put under contract and 105 placed contingent for a total of 185  from 7/1/11 to 7/31/11, That is  6 LESS than June 2011 * There were 92 properties that Closed from 7/1/11 to 7/31/11, That is  13 MORE than June 2011 TOTAL Active Listings Coun... 08/06/2011

I have always had strong feelings abiout National Preservaion Companies and after the last 2 days, i just do not get why no one is listening to me. I was assigned a new bank owned listing, a nice condominium with a garage. The former owner abandoned it 9 months ago so it has just sat empty. The bank despite this wanted to continue with a personal property eviction even though i had the former occupant sign a release. I completed my initial reports that the front door lock did not lock or even close and there were 2 broken windows. A good month went by with daily emails and still no work. Finally Thursday night a contractor from a national preservation company showed up, knocked glass out of what was left of the window into the back yard, boarded up the window, opened teh garage door kno... 08/06/2011

The Mayor of Manchester NH, Ted Gatsas is asking that a 2 year moratorium on bringing refugees from other countried into Manchester NH. Manchester has been the center of where the majority of all refugees brought into NH have been placed.  400-600 new refugees are slated to arrive in the coming months. Gatsas is asking the International Institute of New Hampshire to withdraw new applications for two years.They however have not been accomodating to the city as the city and it's residents have been to them. They get paid for every refugee brought in so their opinion is not one of genuine concern, but monetary. Gatsas and the Board of Alderman have concerns that those already in Manchester aren't getting the support they need from the federally funded program. Manchester is the second larg... 08/04/2011

Attached is a MARKET UPDATE for Manchester NH for the 4TH week of JULY 2011Currently there are 593 properties for sale in Manchester NH   (7 LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK)There were 43 new listings from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (2 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK)There were 21 properties put under contract from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (1 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK)There were 38 properties that Closed from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (16 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK) TOTAL Active Listings Count 593     Listing Price Total $129,576,204     Listing Price Average $218,510     Average Days on Market 116     Average Price Per Sqft $357 New Listings 7/22/11 to 7/31/2011 Count 43     Listing Price Total $8,074,299     Listing Price Average $187,774 Closed Listings 7/22/11 to 7/31/2011 Count 38     Listing Price Total ... 08/01/2011

Effective July 21, 2011 consumers who were denied creditor whose existing loan terms were changed will be able to get free credit scores under new rules from the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Trade Commission. It was part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Sytreet reform and consumer protection act.If a credit score was used to set certain creidt terms, or to deny or revoke credit or change existing terms, then banks and others will be required to disclose credit scores and related information to consumers, The lender must also disclose the range of possible scores under the model used to generate the score, the date the score was created, the name of the consumer reporting agency taht provided the score and up to 4 key factors that hurt the credit score or up to 5 factors if the number of ... 07/29/2011

Early results are in from Manchester Nh's 2011 revaluation and property values are down 15 to 20% from 5 years ago. Although values are down, unfortanately in will not result in lower property taxes.  Vision Appraisal was tasked with completing the new revaluation. The total picture will not be complete until fall after they have had a chance to meet with anyone challenging their value.The city started sending out letters to home owners last week, some values that i have seen are down an astonishing 30% while others did not fall as far. If you would like a hearing, please call 1-888-844-4300.If you would like information on buying or selling a property in or around Manchester NH, please feel free to contact me.HOW HAVE THE VALUES IN YOUR AREA BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS DOWNTURN?Updated  July... 07/29/2011

Listening to the radio this morning they were going over a recent poll of what power most people would want. As a Real Estate Agent some days we need super powers, We need to be in 2 places at once. We need to be some where now. We need to have super strength to unlock a door. We need Super Sight to see that address behind those overgrown shrubs.  We need the ability to mindread to know what sellers are thinking when they tell us we brought them an offer too quickafter listing their home. We need to be ale to fly to get away from a dog. Right now the ability to get the congrees, senate and president to come with a deal comes to mind...In the national poll the number one power was the ability to heal instantly. It would work well with all the nicks, cuts and scrapes i  get from all these... 07/29/2011

Foreclosure mediation program sees limited success just 18 months into it's start. Out of 102 cases in 18 months only 14 reached settlements. Because NH is a non judicial state which means teh court does not have to hear the foreclosure case, the program has been voluntary and lenders have been slow to participate.Things do look like they are changing though as judges are now ordering court ordered mediation on both parties. If a borrower asks the court for an injunction putting off the foreclosure, if the judge agrees the borrower meets the standards for granting an injunction, the jusdge can refer the borrower and the lender to mediation. Mediation relies on trained volunteers to mediate an agreement between parties and is provided free of charge.  If you are a home owner and are behi... 07/28/2011

MARKET UPDATE for HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NH for the 1st half of JULY 2011Currently there are 3190 properties for sale in HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NHThere were 374 new listings from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11,There were 158 properties put under contract from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, There were 160 properties that Closed from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, TOTAL Active Listings Count 3,190     Listing Price Total $909,417,479     Listing Price Average $285,084     Average Days on Market 138     Average Price Per Sqft $176 New Listings from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, Count 374     Listing Price Total $94,422,522     Listing Price Average $252,467 Pending Listings from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, Count 158     Listing Price Total $37,490,059     Listing Price Average $237,279     Average Days on Market 106 Contingent Listings from 7/15/... 07/25/2011

Attached is a MARKET UPDATE for Manchester NH for the 3rd week of JULY 2011Currently there are 600 properties for sale in Manchester NHThere were 41 new listings from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (4 LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK)There were 20 properties put under contract from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (THE SAME AMOUNT AS LAST WEEK)There were 22 properties that Closed from 7/15/11 to 7/22/11, (THE SAME AMOUNT AS LAST WEEK) TOTAL Active Listings Count 600     Listing Price Total $130,781,662     Listing Price Average $217,969     Average Days on Market 115     Average Price Per Sqft $355   New Listings 7/15/11 to 7/22/11 Count 41     Listing Price Total $9,651,759     Listing Price Average $200,161   Closed Listings 7/15/11 to 7/22/11 Count 22 22   Listing Price Total $3,820,400     Listing Price Average... 07/25/2011

Attached is a MARKET UPDATE for Manchester NH for the 2nd week of JULY 2011Currently there are 600 properties for sale in Manchester NHThere were 45 new listings from 7/8/11 to 7/15/11, (12 LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK)There were 20 properties put under contract from 7/8/11 to 7/15/11, (THE SAME AMOUNT AS LAST WEEK)There were 22 properties that Closed from 7/8/11 to 7/15/11, (7 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK) TOTAL Active Listings Count 600     Listing Price Total $130,781,662     Listing Price Average $217,969     Average Days on Market 115     Average Price Per Sqft $355   New Listings 7/8/11 to 7/15/11 Count 45     Listing Price Total $9,651,759     Listing Price Average $214,484   Closed Listings 7/8/11 to 7/15/11 Count 22 22   Listing Price Total $3,820,400     Listing Price Average $1... 07/25/2011

I am beside myself in disbelief the sheer amount of rental scams that are out there right now. What is even crazier is the amount of people who are falling victim to them. I wanted to write this blog to remind both agents and potential tenants of the dangers they face and what to avoid. please re-blog this and also add comments or additional tips. If you have come accross any of these scams please write about them.   The most common scam is coming from Africa and has people cloning actual listings that are for sale or for rent and they add a new contact email. They are listing the price at half of market value. They are easy to spot as they usually say they cant get you in but if you mail or wire the rent they will mail you the keys that may never come. They will rent the house to 2,3,6... 07/24/2011