David Grant

Staging Sells: New NAR Report Shows How Staging Boosts Home Value and Speeds Sales

If you're on the fence about whether staging your home is worth the effort, the latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) should help you decide. Their 2025 Profile of Home Staging confirms what many real estate pros have long suspected: staging not only helps homes sell faster—it can also increase the sale price.

📈 Staging Adds Value

According to the report, 29% of real estate agents said that staging led to a 1% to 10% increase in the dollar value offered by buyers. Specifically, 19% of sellers' agents reported a 1% to 5% increase, while 10% saw a 6% to 10% bump .

For a $400,000 home, even a 1% increase translates to $4,000—more than covering the typical $1,500 cost of professional staging .

⏱️ Faster Sales, Less Stress

Staging also helps homes sell more quickly. Nearly half (49%) of sellers' agents observed that home staging reduced the time homes spent on the market. Specifically, 30% saw slight decreases, and 19% reported significant reductions in selling time .

🛋️ What Buyers Care About Most

When it comes to staging, some rooms matter more than others. The living room topped the list, with 91% of sellers' agents staging it, followed by the primary bedroom (83%) and the dining room (69%). Buyers' agents echoed this, noting that the living room (37%), primary bedroom (34%), and kitchen (23%) were most important to buyers .

💡 Staging Tips That Make a Difference

If you're considering staging, focus on:

  • Decluttering and depersonalizing: Remove personal items to help buyers envision themselves in the space.

  • Neutral color palettes: Use light, neutral tones to appeal to a broader audience.

  • Maximizing natural light: Open curtains and clean windows to let in more light.

  • Highlighting key features: Arrange furniture to showcase the home's best attributes.

Professional stagers can also assist with furniture placement and decor to enhance the home's appeal.

💰 Is Staging Worth It?

Given the potential for a higher sale price and a quicker sale, staging can be a worthwhile investment. The cost of staging varies, but the return on investment often justifies the expense, especially in competitive markets.

🏡 Final Thoughts

In today's market, where buyers often begin their search online, first impressions are crucial. Staging can make your home stand out in listings and during showings, potentially leading to a faster sale at a better price.

If you're preparing to sell and want to make the most of your listing, consider staging as a strategic move to enhance your home's appeal.

New Hampshire Home Prices Hit $525K in March: Inventory Crisis Drives Record Highs

New Hampshire Housing Prices: $500K Is the New Normal

March 2025 Market Update

New Hampshire's real estate market continues to climb, hitting another record this March. The median price for a single-family home reached $525,000, the highest ever for the month — and the 13th straight month that the median price has stayed above the half-million-dollar mark.

This also marks 62 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases. If you’re feeling like $500,000 is the new baseline in New Hampshire real estate, you’re not wrong.

What’s Driving It?

In one word: inventory.
There were just 1,245 single-family homes on the market at the end of March. Compare that to 7,300 homes back in 2016, and it’s easy to see how supply is affecting prices. At the current pace of sales, there’s only 1.2 months of inventory available — far short of the 5-7 months considered a balanced market.

What About Affordability?

The NHAR Affordability Index dropped to 59 in March, the lowest ever recorded for this time of year. That means the median household income in New Hampshire is only 58% of what’s needed to afford a median-priced home with today’s interest rates.

For context, the index was over 100 as recently as 2021, and even above 200 in 2012–2013. That’s a serious shift in just a few years.

What’s Being Done?

There is some movement toward solutions. NHAR President Susan Cole pointed to recent legislative progress aimed at:

  • Allowing smaller, more affordable lot sizes

  • Expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) options

  • Reducing regulations that lead to sprawl and loss of open space

Cole emphasized that this crisis has been decades in the making, and it will take long-term, consistent action to bring affordability back within reach for New Hampshire families.

What's Worth Remodeling Before Selling? Here's What the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report Says

What’s Worth Remodeling Before Selling? Here’s What the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report Says

Every year, the National Association of REALTORS® releases a report on home remodeling—what projects homeowners are tackling, how happy they are with the results, and what kind of return they’re getting if they decide to sell.

The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report just dropped, and there are some great takeaways for anyone considering home improvements—especially if you're thinking about selling in the next few years.

Top Projects with the Best "Joy Score"

This year’s highest “Joy Score”—how happy homeowners feel after completing a project—goes to:

  • Adding a primary bedroom suite

  • Kitchen upgrades

  • New roofing

Each of those scored a perfect 10 out of 10. (Not a shock—who doesn’t love a fresh kitchen or a cozy new suite?)

Which Projects Pay Off the Most?

If you're thinking about ROI (and you should be), here are the top renovations in terms of cost recovery:

  • New steel front door – 100% cost recovery

  • Closet renovation – 83%

  • New fiberglass front door – 80%

  • New vinyl windows – 74%

  • Basement conversion to living space – 71%

These projects give you a big bang for your buck, especially if you're prepping your house for the market.

REALTORS® Say: Do These Before You Sell

According to the agents surveyed, the top things they recommend sellers tackle before listing are:

  1. Paint the entire home

  2. Paint at least one interior room

  3. Replace or repair the roof

Why Are People Remodeling?

Interestingly, many folks aren’t remodeling just because they plan to sell. The top reason? To upgrade worn-out surfaces and finishes. That was followed by improving energy efficiency and simply deciding it was time for a change.

That said, 18% of homeowners remodeled because they were planning to sell within two years—so you’re not alone if that’s your motivation.

Want to Read the Full Report?

If you’re a homeowner in the North Conway area and you're wondering which updates make the most sense for your home, I’ve got the full 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. Just send me a message and I’ll send it over to you. It’s full of great info whether you’re thinking about selling soon, refinancing, or just making your space a little more “you.”

And as always, if you have questions about what buyers are looking for right now in the Mount Washington Valley real estate market, I’m happy to help.

Carroll County NH Home Inventory Up 39% in 2025: Market Update

New Listings: January 1 – April 8

Single-Family Homes:

  • 2024: 165 new listings

  • 2025: 229 new listings
    That’s a 39% increase in single-family inventory!

Condos:

  • 2024: 66 new listings

  • 2025: 59 new listings
    A slight dip here — about a 10% decrease.

Land:

  • 2024: 119 new listings

  • 2025: 99 new listings
    That’s about a 17% drop in new land listings.

What Could Be Causing the Change?

The jump in single-family home listings — and the drop in land and condo listings — likely comes down to a few factors:

1. More Homeowners Are Ready to Move

Some sellers who sat on the sidelines during the peak of interest rate hikes in 2023 are finally making moves in 2025. Rates have stabilized a bit, and many are adjusting their expectations — especially if they’ve outgrown their current home or are heading into retirement.

2. Landowners Are Holding Off

The decrease in land listings could be a mix of higher construction costs and limited buyer demand for raw land. Building a home is still expensive, and some sellers might be waiting for better conditions before listing their lots.

3. Fewer Condos Available to List

The condo market in our area tends to be a bit tighter, and some owners may be hanging onto their properties as short-term rentals or second homes — especially if they bought at lower rates.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

If you're a buyer looking for a single-family home, you have more options now than you did this time last year. That can mean less competition and potentially more negotiating power.

If you're a seller, especially of a single-family home, you’re entering a more competitive market — so pricing and presentation matter more than ever. For condo and land sellers, the lower inventory could work in your favor if buyer demand stays steady.

If you're curious about what your property is worth or want help navigating the market, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to run numbers or just chat about what’s going on in Carroll County real estate.

– Dave
North Conway Realty

Conway Q1 review with a bigger picture look

Conway NH Real Estate Market Update – The Bigger Picture (April 2023–April 2025)

If you only looked at Q1 numbers, you might think the Conway market is slowing down — but zooming out tells a much different story.

Yes, the first quarter of 2025 saw a few shifts:

  • There were 28 single-family home sales, up from 21 in Q1 2024

  • The median sold price dipped slightly from $470,000 to $445,700

  • Days on market doubled (24 to 48)

  • Cash sales were up a bit (9 this year vs. 7 last year)

But these short-term stats don’t tell the whole story.

Let’s take a step back and look at a full-year comparison:

April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024

  • 143 single-family home sales

  • Median sold price: $450,000

  • Median days on market: 14

  • 52 cash sales

April 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025

  • 121 sales (a slight dip, likely due to low inventory)

  • Median sold price: Still $450,000

  • Median days on market: Dropped to 8 days

  • 46 cash sales

What Does It All Mean?

Despite higher interest rates, inflation concerns, and the usual market noise, home values in Conway have held steady. Not only that — homes are actually selling faster now than they were a year ago. That tells us demand is still strong, and well-priced homes are moving quickly.

Cash buyers remain active, making up roughly a third to nearly half of all purchases, and the fact that the median sale price hasn’t dropped is a strong indicator of stability.

Yes, Q1 2025 showed some hesitation — especially with homes taking longer to sell — but the bigger picture points to a healthy, resilient market.

If you're thinking of selling, now is still a great time to do it — especially if you price it right and have a smart marketing plan. And if you’re buying, you might have a little more breathing room than last year — but homes are still going fast.

Want to talk more about where the Conway market is headed, or what your home might be worth today? I’m happy to help.

Reach out anytime — I’d love to chat real estate with you.

What is radon & why do we test for it during home sales?

 

What is Radon? A Quick Guide for Home Buyers in New Hampshire & Maine

If you're buying a home in New Hampshire or Maine, you’ve probably heard the term radon tossed around during the inspection process. It’s something that comes up often in our area—and for good reason.

Let’s break down what radon is, why it matters, and how you can handle it if you find high levels in a home you love.

So, What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless—so you won’t know it's there unless you test for it.

The big concern? Long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right behind smoking. That’s why it’s a serious topic when buying a home.

Why is Radon a Big Deal Around Here?

Radon is common across the country, but parts of New Hampshire and Maine—especially areas with a lot of granite in the ground—tend to have higher levels. I see elevated radon readings come up frequently during home inspections, and it doesn’t mean the house is flawed—it just means it needs a fix.

How Do You Test for Radon?

Testing is simple and affordable. You can go with either:

  • Short-Term Test: Usually takes 2–4 days. This is the most common test during a real estate transaction. It's often done with a charcoal canister or a continuous monitor set up by a home inspector.

  • Long-Term Test: These take 90 days or longer and give a better average over time. These are great for after you move in if you want a fuller picture.

The results are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends fixing radon issues if levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher.

What Happens if the Radon Levels Are Elevated?

Good news—radon is very fixable.

The most common solution is a radon mitigation system. This usually involves:

  • A PVC pipe system installed in the basement or crawl space.

  • A fan that draws the radon gas from beneath the foundation and vents it safely outside, usually above the roofline.

These systems are typically $1,000–$1,500 and can often be installed in a day. Once installed, they can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

Should You Walk Away From a Home With Radon?

Not at all. Radon is extremely common, and mitigation systems are straightforward and effective. If you find a home you love, and the radon test comes back high, it’s totally reasonable to ask the seller to install a mitigation system—or to negotiate that into the deal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re house hunting in NH or ME, make sure radon testing is part of your inspection process. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes health and safety items that’s easy to overlook but very important in the long run.

Have questions about radon, home inspections, or anything else as you navigate the buying process? I’m always happy to help.

– Dave from North Conway Realty

Madison, NH 2024 Sales Summary

Madison, NH Real Estate Market Recap – 2024

The 2024 real estate market in Madison, NH saw steady activity, with 53 homes sold over the course of the year. From affordable homes to high-end properties, buyers showed strong interest across various price points, particularly in the Eidelweiss neighborhood.

Home Prices & Market Trends

Throughout the year, home prices in Madison reflected a diverse range:

  • Average Sold Price: $523,449
  • Median Sold Price: $399,000
  • Median Days on Market: 12
  • Lowest Sale Price: $165,000
  • Highest Sale Price: $1,849,000

With a median days-on-market of just 12 days, well-priced homes continued to sell quickly. Buyers were willing to move fast, especially in competitive price ranges.

Buying Trends: Cash vs. Financing

A significant number of homes were purchased with cash in 2024, highlighting the presence of both investors and buyers looking to avoid mortgage-related delays.

  • 25 of the 53 sales closed with cash

Eidelweiss is popular!

  • 28 of the 53 homes sold were located in Eidelweiss, reaffirming its popularity among buyers

Eidelweiss, known for its scenic setting and access to ponds, remained a top choice for both primary homeowners and those seeking a vacation retreat.

What Buyers Purchased

Breaking down home sales by bedroom count offers insight into buyer demand:

  • 1-Bedroom Homes: 1 sold
  • 2-Bedroom Homes: 12 sold
  • 3-Bedroom Homes: 31 sold
  • 4+ Bedroom Homes: 9 sold

Three-bedroom homes remained the most in-demand, making up nearly 60% of total sales. These properties offered buyers the ideal balance of space, affordability, and functionality, making them a top choice in the market.

Key Takeaways from 2024

  • Well-priced homes sold quickly, with a median of just 12 days on the market
  • Cash buyers played a major role, closing nearly half of all transactions
  • Eidelweiss remained the most active neighborhood, accounting for over half of all sales
  • 3-bedroom homes dominated the market, showing strong demand for mid-sized properties

Looking Ahead

As the Madison real estate market moves into 2025, trends from 2024 highlight a competitive yet diverse market. With steady demand, quick sales, and strong buyer interest in Eidelweiss, Madison remains an attractive place for both homebuyers and sellers.

Thinking about buying or selling in 2025? Let’s connect! 

Here is a link to homes currently for sale in Madison

Madison sets limits on STRs

From a story in today's Conway Daily Sun: Click here for the full story

Madison Zoning Board Sets New Limits on Short-Term Rentals Despite Court Ruling

The Madison Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) has imposed new restrictions on short-term rental (STR) owners, despite a recent court ruling in their favor. The case involves two couples, the Ardizzonis and the Clymers, who own a property at 13 Lucerne Drive in Madison’s Eidelweiss community. The New Hampshire Land Use Court ruled in December that the owners could continue short-term renting under a "nonconforming pre-existing use" provision, as the property was used as an STR since 2017, before Madison’s 2022 ban on new STRs.

In response, the ZBA voted 5-0 to limit rentals to the highest number of days rented in a single year plus 15%. For the Ardizzoni/Clymer property, this translates to a 61-day rental limit. A similar case resulted in a 69-day cap. ZBA members believe the formula ensures fairness and consistency.

However, STR owners' attorney Matt Johnson warned that limiting rental days could face further legal challenges, arguing the ZBA lacks authority to impose such restrictions. David Cavanaugh of the MWV Responsible Renters Association criticized the decision, noting the court already deemed STRs as residential use, protected under grandfathering rights, and raising concerns about unequal treatment and enforcement issues.

With a 30-day appeal window open, further legal action may follow. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between property rights and local zoning regulations in Madison.

Regulating the number of days a property is rented is one of the hardest things to do. Out-of-state plates in the driveway? That could be the owner, a friend, family—or frankly, none of your business. Even if a town wanted to enforce it, how could they realistically track the number of rental days?

On the other hand, limiting occupancy is much easier. Airbnb or VRBO listings are public and can be regularly checked. Plus, in my opinion, occupancy limits tend to address the real issues. What’s better: 15 people in a three-bedroom house for 50 nights a year, or the proper number of guests with no strict rental timeline? Other towns have tried to regulate the number of rental nights, and it just doesn’t work.

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