This January, home sales in the Lake Sunapee Region totaled 40! That’s 16 more sales compared to January 2019, and a record high since we began collecting homes sales data in 2005. The median sales price did slip down from $259,875 in 2019 to $242,000, and the average days on market clocked in at 92. Grantham saw the most home sales with seven homes sold. The chart below shows historical home sales going back to 2005 and Individual home sales, are broken down by town. If you have questions, or are interested in data for individual New Hampshire towns, including land and investment property information, feel free to call/email/text any one of our team members!

 

January Home Sales by Town

Andover, NH
$164,900  -  828 Franklin Highway    
$285,000  -  50 Maple Street

Bradford, NH
$207,500  -  11 Ring Hill Road
$298,800   -  45 Maple View Drive

Croydon, NH
$146,000  -  0 Kemp Road

Goshen, NH
$110,000  -  1695 Brook Road
$340,000  -  590 Center Road

Grantham, NH
$175,000  -  15 Barn Owl Overlook    
$234,500  -  37 Walton Heath Drive
$240,000  -  26 Summit Drive
$280,000  -  89 Stocker Pond Road    
$332,000     12 Knob Hill
$350,000     25 Longwood Drive
$580,000     6 Allens Drive

New London, NH
$350,000  -  30 Chestnut Lane
$415,000  -  158 Summit View Road
$912,500  -  75 Bartons ROW

Newbury, NH
$200,000  -  42 Fowler Mill Road
$210,000  -  251 BAKER HILL Road
$552,000  -  51 Hearthstone Road
$1,400,000  -  21 Lakewood Manor Road

Newport, NH
$110,000  -  157 Maple Street
$155,000  -  58 Summer Street
$169,125  -  166 Pine Street
$190,000  -  31 Oak Street

Springfield, NH
$170,000  -  2527 Route 4A Route
$323,750  -  191 Four Corners Road

Sunapee, NH
$159,900  -  265 Prospect Hill Road
$200,000  -  26 Brook Road
$750,000  -  747 Jobs Creek Road
$1,962,000  -  40 Birch Point Road

Sutton, NH
$275,000  -  1733 Route 114

Warner, NH
$193,000  -  555 Schoodac Street

Washington, NH
$90,000  -  36 Snow Road
$190,000  -  150 Madison Drive
$215,000  -  564 Dole School House Road

Wilmot, NH
$245,000     573 NH 11 Route
$320,000     54 Cascade Road
$350,000     396 N Wilmot Road
$405,000     21 Quaker Path

There were no sales in Lempster or Unity for January 2020.

Data Source: New England Real Estate Network, February 26, 2020. Subject to errors and omissions.

The days are starting to stay lighter longer but there is still plenty of winter ahead of us. Whether you’re a snow sport lover or are just trying to stay warm and survive the season, make the most out of February and March by enjoying New London, Sunapee and the surrounding scenic towns. Here’s a winter “things to do” activity list, broken down into four categories, that will keep you busy well into spring!

Things to Do – Entertainment

Things to Do – On the Mountain

Things to Do - Inside Activities

Things to Do – Outside Activities

 

Things to Do - Entertainment

Live Music at the Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille
New London, NH
February 27 - Chris Smither
March 5 – David Mallett
March 22 – The Small Glories
April 1 & 2 – David Francey    
Check out the Flying Goose’s website for show times and additional events

Live Music at the Anchorage at Sunapee Harbor
Enjoy food and beverages while listening to live entertainment!
February 21 – Frogz Band
February 22 – Sum X4
February 28 – Rust & Ruin
February 29 Mo’Combo
March 6 – Club Soda
March 7 – Anjo $ Diamond Special
March 20 -  Tim Brick
March 21 – Frogz Band
Check out the Anchorage’s website for show times and additional events

Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon
The Center of Eastman, Grantham, NH

February 23 - JOSA Ensemble
Bill Wightman with Tim Gilmore, Matt Langley, Richard Gardzine, and others
March 8 - Amanda Carr
March 22 - Shawnn Monteiro
April 5 - Cercie Miller & Dominique Eade

All shows are from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For additional details check out the JOSA 2019 - 2020 Calendar.

March 14
The Logger & The Fiddler’s Music & Comedy Show
Newport Opera House
Featuring Actor/Comedian Rusty DeWee and Vermont-born fiddle player, Patrick Ross
8:00 PM

March 28
Beatlemania Again
Claremont Opera House
Beatlemania Again features Broadway cast members as well as former members of the Hall & Oates Band! This incredible show has performed to rave reviews nationwide.
8:00 – 10:30 pm

 

Things to Do - On The Mountain

From live music and pipe jams to pond skimming and slush cups. Between Mount Sunapee Ski Resort and Ragged Mountain Resort in Danbury, there is no shortage of things to do on the mountain!

March 7
Cable Junction Live at Ragged Mountain
Ragged Mountain Resort
3:00 PM
Go to event info

March 14
Not Another Banked Slalom
One-on-one boardercross race, double-elimination tournament
Ragged Mountain Resort
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Go to event info

March 17
Ladies Day Eztravaganza
Live music, food, demos and more
Mount Sunapee Resort
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Go to event info

March 20
Bode Bonanza
Here’s your chance to race against 6-time Olympic Medalist and 8-time world champion, Bode Miller!
Mount Sunapee Resort
8:00 am Race Registration
Go to event info

March 22
Back In The Day Old School Pipe Jam
A hand-shaped, old school inspired, mini pipe snowboard event with retro attire encouraged! All are welcome to participate and the overall winner will take home a 20/21 seasons pass to Ragged!
Ragged Mountain Resort
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Go to event info

March 29
Bump N Jump
A Freestyle ski contest that encourages you to bust out your old-school tricks!
Ragged Mountain Resort
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Go to event info

April 4
22nd Annual Slush Cup
For just $10, see if you have what it takes to ski or board across a 90’ man-made pond! This event is equally as fun for both participants and spectators!
Mount Sunapee Resort
11:00 am
Go to event info

April 4
Pond Skim
Celebrate the end of the season and see if you can go the distance! Music and swag make this event fun for all!
Ragged Mountain Resort
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Go to event info

 

Things to Do - Inside Activities

Cooking Classes with Chef Leary at the Inn at Pleasant Lake
New London, NH

February 23 - Knife Skills and Quick Vegetarian Dishes
3:00 pm

March 29 - Korean Food with Local Farm Ingredients
3:00 pm

For more events and happenings at the Inn at Pleasant Lake, check out their events calendar.

 

Take a Class at The Creation Place
New London, NH

February 28 - Pottery Painting Class Stamping Technique
6:00 – 8:30 pm

March 1 - Kids’ Canvas Painting Class
Multiple times

March 6 - Ladies Night! Have it Your Way!
6:00 – 10:00 pm

Visit The Creation Place’s website to view all events.

 

Sharpen Your Baking Skills at Blue Loon Bakery

February 24 - Challah Bread Class
5:00 - 7:30 pm

March 23 - Cream Puffs & Eclairs
5:00 - 7:30 pm

To reserve your spot, or to check out other classes Blue Loon Bakery is hosting, visit their website.

 

Think SPRING at Spring Ledge Farm

March 7 - Spring Bulb Arrangement Workshop
10:30 am - 12:00 pm

March 13 & 14 - Succulent Workshop
(see link below for times)

March 21 - Spring Inside!
11:00 am - 1:00 PM

For more information on Spring Ledge Farm events, check out their Facebook page.
 

Things to Do – Outside Activities

February 23
Wildlife Tracking Snowshoe with Susan Morse
Hay Forest Reservation, Newbury, NH
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Get event info

March 7th
4th Annual Winterfest
Inn at Pleasant Lake, New London, NH
11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Get event info

March 23
NH Maple Sugar Weekend at Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum
Complementary maple tastings, live demos, snowshoeing and more!
Warner, NH
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Get event info

 

Winter Hikes
With so many scenic trails to choose from, the Sunapee-Kearsarge region has winter hikes for all ability levels. Here are a few favorites:

Mount Kearsarge
Set in both Wilmot and Warner NH, Kearsarge offers some of the region’s most spectacular 360 degree views. Visitors to the mountain mostly visit during the warmer months, which is what makes hiking Kearsarge so spectacular in the winter. Plus, you’ll gain some extra mileage, due to both access roads being closed.

Hike Mount Kearsarge from Wilmot
Hike Mount Kearsarge from Warner

The Sunset Hill Trail – Hays Forest Reservation
With over four miles of available trails and sweeping views of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee that become even better in the winter, this is a hike not to miss. There are two access points (one off of 103B across from The Fells and off of Chalk Pond Road in Newbury). Check out the map here.

The Trails at the Fells Historic Estate and Gardens
Even when the gardens are covered in snow, The Fells offers great nature trails that are perfect for scenic winter walks. If you’re not a member, there is a small fee to enjoy the grounds. Money collected from visitors helps to continue the preservation of this very special historic estate for all to enjoy. Check out The Fells website for additional trail info.
 

Not only are we local enthusiasts who love where we live, but we're also in the business of helping others enjoy the area just as much as we do. As Realtors in the Lake Sunapee Region, our profession allows us to guide our clients through their home buying and selling journey as well as serve as their local tour guide and go-to resource for all things Kearsarge-Lake Sunapee Region related. Question? Call/email/text any one of our awesome team members, we’re here to help!

In 2019 home sales on Lake Sunapee increased 57% when compared to 2018 home sales. During 2019, 22 lakefront homes sold in 2019 compared to 14 in 2018. Out of those 22 lakefront homes, the median sales price was $1,400,000, with the highest priced lakefront house selling at $5,700,00 and the lowest at $525,000.

When looking at lakefront home sales by town, there were 12 properties sold in Newbury, 9 in Sunapee and 1 in New London. When combining all lakefront home sales on Lake Sunapee, a grand total of 3,472 feet of waterfront (or .66 miles) was sold.

 

 

Waterfront Property Appreciation

Taking a look at historical home sale trends on Lake Sunapee, we ran the cost per foot of waterfront sold. Since 2016 the per foot cost of waterfront property on the lake has appreciated from $6,547.47 per foot to $11,429.07. 2018 did see a higher cost per foot coming in at $12,009.47, but fewer lakefront home sales.  

 

 

If we go all the way back to 2003 (when we started collecting this data), and compare the median sales price per lakefront home sold, you’ll see a steady appreciation of value. In 2003, 8 lakefront homes sold, and the median sales price was $562,500. Check out the chart below to see how waterfront properties on Lake Sunapee have appreciated over the years, as well as days on market and total Lake Sunapee home sale trends by town.

 

 

If you are looking to buy a lakefront property in New Hampshire, or are interested in knowing the value of your waterfront home in today’s market,  call, email or text a member of our real estate team today!

Interested in learning more about the best New Hampshire lakes in the Sunapee Region? We are happy to provide a local perspective on each of the beautiful lakes and ponds that make our area so special. 

 

From skiing and riding to festive events and family fun activities, New London and the surrounding area towns that make up the Lake Sunapee Region transform into a winter playground for all ages. If you’re looking for things to do from December through February, here are a few local event recommendations!

December 26th – 31st, 2019
Gallery of Trees
Inn at Pleasant Lake
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm each day

3rd Annual Gallery of Trees! Come tour the trees and vote for your favorite. All donations will go to the New Hampshire Food Bank to help feed hungry families this holiday season. All the votes for the winning tree will participate in a raffle - the winner will get brunch for 2 at Oak & Grain!
 

December 28th, 2019
Ben Fuller Music
The Anchorage in Sunapee Harbor
9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Visit the Ben Fuller for a night filled with acoustic originals and some country music.

 

January 26th
Ice Day at Muster Field Farm Museum
Muster Field Farm and Kezar Lake
9:00 am start time

Ice Day at Muster Field Farm Museum! Gather the family, bundle up and share a New England tradition.

 

February 7th
Dinner with Jack Frost – New London Recreation
Colby-Sawyer College (inside & outside of Wheeler Hall), New London, NH
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Come join this progressive dinner featuring many local restaurants all in one place! This event will take place at Colby-Sawyer College inside and outside of Wheeler Hall. Tickets sell out in advance so be sure to purchase early!
Tickets on sale at www.nlrec.com or call 526-6401.

 

February 12th – 16th
Newport Winter Carnival
Newport, NH

Newport’s 104th Annual Winter Carnival on the town common and throughout the town. Many fun activities including the Queen’s Pageant, parade, winter activities and fireworks. Fun time for adults and kids.

 

February 16th
Blue Mountain Sled Dog Race 2020
Blue Mountain Snowdusters, Grantham, NH

Third annual sled dog race!
 

 

It’s no surprise that the 2019 housing market is another one for the books. Following a strong 2018 where we saw a record-breaking median sales price of $282,500 in New Hampshire, 2019 is showing equally notable stats coming in with a median sales price of $300,000, year-to-date as of November. Of course, December sales will impact that number, but it prompted us to take a deeper dive into historical homes sales data. Since we’ll soon be celebrating the beginning of a new decade, we wanted to dust off the numbers going back to 2000. Here’s what we found…

Since 2000, the median sales price has increased by 63% for the State. Looking at our local market, the median sales price for the Sunapee Region* has increased by 57%. Another remarkable data point to note is the Days on Market (DOM) which have dropped from 100 in 2000 to 61 DOM in 2018 for New Hampshire, and 110 to 50 DOM for the Sunapee Region. Locally we are seeing the DOM for 2019 hover around 39 and the median sales price at $250,000**.

The number of single-family properties sold are continuing to hold steady with 2018 transactions (644 transactions from Jan 1 – Dec 10), which is higher than pre-recession sales in 2005, both locally and for New Hampshire. In 2018 there were 655 transactions compared to 573 in 2015 and 613 in 2005. In 2010 when we were in the midst of the recession, single family home sales came in at 388 for the year.  Single-family home sales for the State followed a similar pattern with 17,525 transactions in 2018, 16,159 in 2015, 10,525 in 2010 and 16,264 in 2005.

The graphs below display median sales price data and DOM for both New Hampshire and our local market looking back to the year 2000. If you’re curious about data specific to a certain town, please feel free to reach out and we would be happy to send you town reports! As always, if you have questions regarding your local real estate market, we are available to provide additional information—feel free to call, text or email any of us on the O’Halloran Group Team.

 

 

 

* The Sunapee Region data set includes residential, single-family homes sales from the following 16 towns: Andover, Bradford, Croydon, Grantham, Goshen, Lempster, Newbury, New London, Newport, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Unity, Warner, Washington, Wilmot.

** Data pulled for the following time period: January 1, 2019 - December 10, 2019.

In reviewing property sales for the past 8 months (January through August 2019) and comparing that data to the past couple of years, we are seeing shorter median days on market (39 days) and a median sales price for the region that is almost $8,000 higher than the past couple years. On the surface, this sounds great–higher prices, shorter time on the market, sign me up!

If you dig deeper, we see that pricing more aggressively is key for this last quarter of 2019. Looking at the charts below, there is a $60,000 difference in the median price between available inventory and what is currently under contract. A similar differential is reflected in the average and median days on the market for the pending inventory. This shows that accurately priced homes are selling, while properties that push the sales price boundaries are seeing a much higher days-on market average.

In the spring/early summer we were able to counsel our sellers and drive a higher listing price. Now we are seeing buyers hold back, pause and not jump right away if the price is too high. With rates still at historic lows, and inventory levels down, there is high buyer demand—however, sellers should keep in mind that the key to selling your home in today’s market is knowing the accurate value of your property and pricing it accordingly. Sellers entering the market with a smart pricing strategy, paired with an expert marketing campaign can still have an excellent experience.

Buyers, so where does this leave you? It is still a seller’s market, but as covered above, things are slowing turning in your favor. Here are a few key things to consider when buying a home or investment property:

1) Hire a buyer’s agent to help guide you through the process and structure your offer for the highest chance of success. Real Estate is highly localized, and an experienced realtor will be able to provide the data you need to make an informed decision and give you confidence in the decision you are making.

2) Put your cards on the table. Worst case the seller says, “no” best case, you get the house!

3) Remember, if you are buying a home for a “home” not a flip or investment property, the long-term value of today’s rates is remarkable. Here’s a quick example to show how rates can impact the carrying cost of purchasing a home:

On a $250,000 loan at today’s rate of 3.75% versus rates back in 2007 at 6% it equates to a $55,301 savings over the course of 10 years!

• Total interest at 3.75% 10yrs on a 30yr mortgage = $84,824.37**
• Total interest at 6% 10yrs in on a 30yr mortgage = $140,125.54**

**Interest rate information sourced from bankrate.com on September 20, 2019. Always consult your lender for the most up-to-date rate information. 

Local Farm Stands and Markets

Beaver Pond Farm
50 McDonough Road, Newport
Phone: (603) 543-1107

Schroeder Farm
126 Sutton Road, Newbury
Phone: (603) 938-5911

Spring Ledge Farm
37 Main Street, New London
Phone: (603) 526-6253

Sweet Beet Market
11 West Main Street, Bradford
Phone: (603) 455-6196

The Vegetable Ranch LLC.
443 Kearsarge Mountain Road, Warner
Phone: (603) 496-6391

Warner Public Market
19 East Main Street, Warner
Phone: (603) 456-2602

Yankee Farmers Market
360 Rte 103 East, Warner
Phone: (603) 456-2833

Apple Orchards

Alyson’s Orchard
57 Alyson’s Lane, Walpole
Phone: (603) 756-9800

Apple Hill Farm
580 Mountain Road., Concord
Phone: (603) 224-8862

Blackwater Farm
120 Tyler Road, Contoocook
Phone: (603) 746-2349

Gould Hill Farm
656 Gould Hill Rd, Hopkinton
Phone: (603) 746-3811

Peachblow Farm
6 Strawberry Row, Charlestown
Phone: (826) 398-0826 x 5700

Poverty Lane Orchards
98 Poverty Lane, Lebanon
Phone: (603) 448-1511

Work Song Farm
124 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton
Phone: (603) 219-0297

What’s not to love about New London, Sunapee and the surrounding region during the fall season! Late September and the month of October are packed with events and things to do from cruising the back roads and taking in the bright colors of the leaves to fall festivals, pumpkin people, cultural events and 5k road races. Below is round up of events and happenings in fall 2019. Also, make sure to check out some of the local and regional farm stands and apple orchards this season!

September 26

Twilight Tasting
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Unique event with area restaurants, cafes, caterers and others showcasing their talents. The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum and The Little Nature Museum will be open and available to tour and walk the grounds.
https://www.indianmuseum.org/calendar

October 1 – month of October

Return of the Pumpkin People
Town of New London
Throughout the month of October keep an eye out as the Pumpkin People reemerge all around New London. Hosted by the New London Recreation Department, all are welcome to participate! There are categories for residential, business and organization entries.
https://www.facebook.com/events/453536285004783

October 5

Claremont Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off
The Green at the Claremont Visitor Center
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
This is the 22nd Annual Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off 5K Race, with live entertainment, exhibitors and chili contest.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2426571240710750/

October 6

Harvest Day
Muster Field Farm, Sutton
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of Muster Field Farm in Sutton, NH while listening to live music and watching artists demonstrate and exhibit their skills and crafts! Homemade soups will be available for purchase and the farm stand will be open.
http://www.musterfieldfarm.com/events/harvest-day-weekend

October 6

Open Farm Sunday
Sanctuary Dairy Farm
11:00 am – 2:00 PM
Cabot is hosting a fall open house and there will be blacksmith demonstrations, pressed apple cider, warm grilled cheese sandwiches/mac-n-cheese and tours of the dairy barn.

October 11 – 13

72nd Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Main St., Warner
Three days of family fun! Live music, parades, 5k road race, amusement rides, great food, farmer’s market and more!
http://wfff.org/

October 12

Corbin Covered Bridge Festival
Corbin Covered Bridge, Newport
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This is a FREE event that will include historical and cultural activities, fun, food, demonstration, hands on experiences, a heritage parade through the bridge, and photo opportunities.
https://www.facebook.com/events/405657833360964/

October 12

Mount Sunapee Duck Drop
Mount Sunapee Resort, Newbury
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Get ready to let the ducks fly! Enjoy live music, good food, and test out your duck tossing skills for a chance to win some great prizes.
http://nhduckdrop.com/

October 12-13

Open Studio Days
Whipple Hall, New London & Various Local Artist Studios
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
http://www.centerfortheartsnh.org

October 18

New London Chili Cook-off
New London Historical Society, New London
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Come try the best chili’s in the New London region! $10 per person! You vote for the best. Winner gets $500!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2590561287671980/

October 26

Haunted Harbor Halloween
Sunapee Harbor
5:00–7:30 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/2556458101079506/

October 31

Halloween Fun
Wilmot Community Association Red Barn, Wilmot
5:00–7:00 pm
The young and young-at-heart will want to join in. The decorations will be grand and the candy, cookies, cider and other goodies sinfully delicious. Kids of all ages are welcome to stop by the Red Barn for games and treats.
http://wilmotwca.org/upcoming-events/

November 2-10

Christmas at the Fells
The Fells Historic Gardens & Estate, Newbury
The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens, Newbury, NH Take a tour of The Fells Main House and get inspired! Professional interior designers, floral artists, decorators and talented volunteers have sprinkled their magic throughout to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas showcase.
https://thefells.org/view-by-date/christmas-at-the-fells

November 28

13th Annual Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot 5K
Sunapee Harbor
9:00 am
Now in its 13th year, the Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot has become a wonderful family tradition for more than 800 racers. Grab your family and friends, work off some calories, and make this great event a part of your Thanksgiving tradition.
http://sunapeeturkeytrot.com/

Spring and Summer 2019 have proven to be a busy season and our team continues to grow. We are thrilled to welcome two new colleagues to the O’Halloran Group—Realtor®, Lori Meding and Brandy Waterman.

Lori began her real estate career working behind-the-scenes as a broker assistant for over six years prior to becoming a full-time Realtor in 2017. This experience has allowed Lori to be involved in every aspect of the real estate transaction from start to finish on a wide range of properties and has led to her expansive knowledge and insight of the local real estate market. Lori grew up in Newbury and has owned a home in Wilmot since 1990 where she raised her son. As a native of the Lake Sunapee Region, Lori is passionate about our community and looks forward to helping clients discover all that this area has to offer.

Brandy comes to the O’Halloran Group from Sugar River Bank where she worked in business banking and marketing. With a long background in the banking world, she understands the importance of customer needs, and wants to make sure each client is assisted with prompt service and contact. If you haven’t meet Brandy yet, you will! Her work keeps her at the forefront of all client relations and marketing projects. Born and raised in Sunapee, now residing in Newport. She adores the communities she lives and works in. You’ll find her out and about volunteering for a number of community organizations including the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, the Orion House and Claremont Kiwanis Club.

We look forward to making this the best resource for information about real estate, our local area, and current topics that impact you. Please feel free to comment on our posts if you have questions or reactions to share. If there is anything you'd like to see us write about, we'd love to hear your ideas.