Quick market stats posted on 5/16.  Check them out and let me know if you have any questions :) 

North Conway in Conway, New Hampshire, is experiencing a significant boom in commercial construction. Despite the town's one-year commercial moratorium on buildings over 50,000 square feet or hotels, which was approved by voters in April, ongoing projects were granted approval before the moratorium was enacted. Projects include the Ridgeline Community development, the construction of a Cambria hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, a retail complex, and the completion of a Market Basket store. Additionally, plans for a Tractor Supply Co. store, rental housing, and affordable housing projects are in the works.

The construction activity extends beyond North Conway. In Intervale, Ledge View Lodges is building 19 single-family homes, while in Jackson, the Wentworth Inn is undergoing upgrades after being purchased by Atlantic Equity Partners. Attitash Mountain Resort is replacing its summit chair with a high-speed quad for the upcoming season. The town of Conway has seen a significant increase in commercial permits, with construction costs estimated at $19,199,444 this year.

The commercial moratorium was implemented to allow the town's planning board to update the neglected master plan. The goal is to finish this process by January 2024 and subsequently update zoning ordinances. However, the moratorium has affected some projects, such as the planned revamping and expansion of the Yankee Clipper Motor Inn. Local construction experts are amazed by the current level of growth and commercial construction in the area. Residential construction is also expected to catch up, as there are still many residential permit applications being processed.

Despite the moratorium, the construction activity in Conway and the surrounding areas remains robust. The completion of ongoing projects and the approval of new ones will contribute to the town's commercial and residential development.

More details in this story from the Conway Daily Sun

Click here to see a copy of the ruling

On Tuesday, May 2, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in favor of short-term rental owner Scott Kudrick, allowing owners to continue renting properties, at least until the town of Conway decides to regulate them. The case centered on whether non-owner-occupied short-term rentals are permitted in residential districts under the Conway Zoning Ordinance. In January 2022, a county superior court judge ruled that short-term rentals fit within the definition of "residential dwelling unit" and did not need to be owner-occupied in residential zones. The recent New Hampshire Supreme Court ruling upheld this decision, stating that the language of Conway's ordinance did not clearly address short-term rentals and that it was up to the legislature and municipal authorities, not the courts, to consider any policy concerns related to short-term rentals. The town of Conway had previously filed for a declaratory judgment against Kudrick, arguing that "living as a household" required a level of stability in occupying a residential dwelling unit, but the court disagreed. The recent town vote to change a definition central to the case is also unclear in terms of its implications for short-term rentals. The town has been moving toward regulating short-term rentals in commercial zones for several months and has approved funds to expand the building department to allow licensing of short-term rentals and inspections of property.

From the Conway Daily Sun, the town of Jackson is going to ask owners (with permits that require it) to supply a log of their rental activity so the town can make sure those owners are not exceeding 30 rentals per year.  I am a fan of occupancy restrictions because they are helpful & easy to monitor.  Limiting nights or number of rentals seems impossible to enforce and really doesn't solve the problem.  What is better... 40 good rentals of small, respectful groups.... or 30 rentals with overcrowding and noise?

https://youtube.com/shorts/YnLS1pB6aCE?feature=share

Franconia's new STR license will require a safety inspection for approval.  This seems like a good idea as there are so many properties in the area that have bedrooms without egress, decks without railings and inadequate smoke detectors but I wonder why many towns do not inspect properties offered for long term rental.

I recently saw a new vacation rental posting.  Scrolling through the pictures, I saw a couple of bedrooms without proper egress.  Unfortunately, this is not something that is monitored or enforced around North Conway, so it puts the burden of care on owners.

When planning a vacation rental, it's essential to consider the safety of your guests. One area that often gets overlooked is egress from bedrooms. Egress refers to the ability to exit a room in the case of an emergency, and it's crucial to ensure that guests can do so safely and quickly.

Here are a few reasons why egress from bedrooms in a vacation rental is so important:

1. Emergency situations can happen at any time No one plans for an emergency, but they can happen at any time. From a fire to a medical emergency, guests need to be able to exit their bedrooms quickly and safely. If egress is obstructed or difficult to navigate, guests may be trapped in the event of an emergency.

2. It's a legal requirement In many places, it's a legal requirement to provide safe and accessible egress from bedrooms. Building codes dictate the size and placement of windows and doors to ensure that occupants can exit the building in case of an emergency. As a vacation rental owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that your property complies with local building codes.

3. It gives guests peace of mind When guests stay in a vacation rental, they want to feel safe and secure. Knowing that they can exit their bedrooms quickly and easily in an emergency can give them peace of mind and help them relax during their stay.

So, what can you do to ensure safe egress from bedrooms in your vacation rental? Here are a few tips:

1. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom and throughout the rental property.

2. Ensure that all doors and windows are in good working condition and that guests can open them easily.

3. Provide clear instructions on how to exit the rental property in the case of an emergency.

4. Consider installing emergency lighting in hallways and staircases to guide guests to safety.

5. Regularly inspect and maintain egress points to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Even though it is not enforced, please don't make the mistake of adding extra bedrooms to maximize income while exposing guests to a dangerous situation.

On Saturday, Madison voters approved Article 16 that will establish a fund to fight short term rentals in the town.

More information about the discussion here:

http://www.madison-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023_Town-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

Here is the most recent pending and sold information:

Single Family Homes

• Recently sold in North Conway
• Recently sold in Bartlett
• Recently sold in Jackson

Condo / townhomes

• Recently sold in North Conway
• Recently sold in Bartlett
• Recently sold in Jackson

Update on Madison's efforts to regulate / ban short term rentals in Madison, NH.

https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/madison-seeks-to-build-str-legal-fund/article_3413d378-b45f-11ed-811d-af84edf91550.html

STRs are a major focus at Jackson Planning Board Meeting.

Board member Allan suggested limiting STRs to 25% of a residence.

Chairman Terry suggested increasing the fees and additional registration requirements.

Member Campbell proposed working with other towns to get the State for assistance and direction to help deal with short-term rentals. (I guess they never heard of SB 249)

Jackson has been cautious in enforcing their current regulation and seem to be aware that some of their regulations would not be upheld in the courts.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/386595595614313

Madison Residents and STR Owners, the time to act is NOW!

As of mid-February 2022 the Madison Select Board (SB) have sent first and second letters to "random" Madison STR owners. According to their latest meeting, those that didn't respond to the first letter received a second letter. How, why, and what the SB's order of operations are at this point is unclear. But from the letters, we can divide up the properties receiving the letters into 3 classes: Edelweiss, Non-Eidelweiss, and STRs started after March 2022. Each of these have their own unique facts supporting why STRs are not illegal in Madison.

The SB recently submitted a request for a special warrant article to the Town of Madison Budget Advisory Committee for the sum amount of $80,000. This sum amount was specifically titled as Legal fund for STRs, essentially priming the pumps for a legal battle that the SB are bringing on themselves. The motion to put this article on the town meeting warrant passed with two members of the budget committee voting against it. The SB has cl early made their intentions: increase taxes in Madison in order to defend a potential lawsuit that they themselves are creating. Keep in mind, there could be 3-4 classes of STR lawsuits bought upon the town, each one requiring a budget of between $50-$100k drawn out over 3, 4 or 5 years.. Conway is on year 5, and it is still not over.

The SB itself is changing come March 2023. One member of the SB is not running for re-election, and we can only hope that the new person elected will bring some clear minded thinking. In the past decade, the Madison SB has been involved in four to five lawsuits, all were lost by the town costing taxpayers money.

Special warrant articles for the town don't take place at the ballot box. They are actually voted on at the deliberation portion of the town meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday March 18, 2023, at 9:00am. It's a meeting filled with deliberation from town council and the voting public. The meeting itself is open to the public, any one can speak if sponsored by the registered voters, but only registered voters can vote on the topics at hand. Historically only a small percentage of people from Madison actually attend; that is maybe 100 people. So yes, those 100 people are making the decisions for the town, hardly a representation of the Madison population. It is the end of February, and the town website doesn't even have the time or location posted yet.

We believe the SB is counting on a good turn out by the Anti-STR crowd. All they need is a majority when the $80k STR Legal Defense article comes up for vote, and it is passed, paving the way to up the taxes in Madison to pay for their battle. If it scares you, good…it should.

There are new mothers in town that want a recreation department or better fields for their kids. What about our first responders equipment? The conservation committee needs funding. Old home day could use some cash. What about the roads that are failing in areas of town? Instead, the leaders of this town are focused on creating defenseless lawsuits because of their lawyers opinion. Who wins here? The people in town? No. STR owners? No. The local economy? No. The lawyers? Yes.

So what do you do? What do STR owners do? Simple. You get people to that meeting hook or crook. You defend property rights. You stand up and tell them what you think. You get the local business owners there; the cleaners, the stores, the snow plows, the handy-man services, landscapers. You get those that can’t afford taxes going up. You bring FACTS. There are no issues with STRs in Madison; instead, a phantom problem has been created that would ultimately cost the town’s residents. Everyone should show up to vote down this $80,000 proposal! Madison is already heading towards a record tax increase; do we need to add to it for a lawsuit that will spiral into multiple class defenses for years and affect the local economy and your Tax Bill?

Get your neighbors there. Get your local business people there. Get yourself there. VOTE NO!

Madison Elementary School

March 18, 2023

Time: 9:00am

Source: Mt. Washington Valley Association for Responsible Rentals on Facebook

The North Conway real estate market has seen some significant activity in the past 60 days, with homes selling at a brisk pace and prices continuing to rise. According to recent data, the average selling price for a home in North Conway during this period was $385,722, with an average price per square foot of $267. Additionally, homes in North Conway are moving quickly, with an average days on market of just 29 days.

One interesting aspect of the current market is the fact that there are currently only three homes on the market in North Conway (2/23/23). This scarcity of inventory can be attributed to a number of factors, including high demand, low interest rates, and a robust local economy. With such limited options available, buyers are advised to act quickly when a suitable property becomes available.

Overall, the North Conway real estate market continues to be a strong and competitive space for buyers and sellers alike. With homes selling quickly and prices on the rise, now is a great time to invest in this beautiful and thriving community.

Here is an interactive report showing the comps from this article.

Here are some reports for single family homes and condos sold in Bartlett, North Conway and Jackson:

• Here is a link with recent home sales in North Conway
• Here is a link with recent home sales in Bartlett
• Here is a link with recent home sales in Jackson

• Here is a link with recent condo sales in North Conway
• Here is a link with recent condo sales in Bartlett
• Here is a link with recent condo sales in Jackson

If you're a foodie looking to experience the best of what North Conway has to offer, you'll be pleased to know that the town is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular restaurants in North Conway.

1. Horsefeathers Restaurant: Horsefeathers Restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment that has been serving the North Conway community for over 30 years. The restaurant is famous for its classic American cuisine, including steaks, burgers, and seafood dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

2. Shalimar of India: Shalimar is one of my absolute favorites.  The food is amazing and everyone in the building is very friendly.  Take out only right now - a great treat!

3. Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.: Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. is a popular brewery and smokehouse located in North Conway, offering a range of craft beers, smoked meats, and delicious pub-style cuisine. The brewery is known for its relaxed atmosphere, live music, and outdoor seating, making it a great place to gather with friends and family.

4. White Mountain Cider Company: White Mountain Cider Company is a popular cidery and restaurant located in North Conway, offering a range of artisanal ciders, local beers, and delicious pub-style cuisine. The cidery is known for its relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, and live music, making it a great place to relax and unwind with friends and family.

5. Flatbread Company: Flatbread Company is a popular pizzeria located in North Conway, offering a range of hand-crafted pizzas made with fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The pizzeria is known for its relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, and live music, making it a great place to gather with friends and family.

Whether you're a foodie looking to try something new or a local resident looking for a classic, comforting meal, North Conway has something to offer for everyone. So, why not head to North Conway and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of these popular restaurants today!