Here are this week's North Conway properties with rental potential:

In Bartlett, a proposed warrant article aimed at regulating short-term rentals (STRs) was unanimously rejected by the Planning Board after receiving criticisms from selectmen and the public. The article, if passed, would have required STR owners to apply for a conditional use permit, adhere to National Fire Protection Association safety standards, and handle taxes and insurance appropriately. However, concerns about enforceability and legality, particularly regarding insurance requirements and tax collection, led to its dismissal. Selectmen and residents raised issues about the practicality of enforcing such regulations, the potential for expensive litigation, and the fairness of treating STRs differently from long-term rentals. Suggestions for a more educational approach towards safety codes and alternative certification for STRs as "renter-friendly" were also discussed. Ultimately, the planning board decided against moving the article forward due to these concerns and the tight timeline for warrant articles.

Read the full story: https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/bartlett-planners-shelve-str-article-following-pushback/article_7c4096aa-c4ed-11ee-b63f-cf5d9ef492ae.html

Here is an exceptional opportunity with this .69-acre parcel in Hale Estates, located a mere 20 minutes from the heart of North Conway. This prime land promises a quiet atmosphere, backed by 15 acres of common land to ensure lasting privacy. Ideal for creating your dream home, it combines the peacefulness of a quiet neighborhood with the convenience of North Conway's amenities. The growing prestige of Hale Estates is evident, with two homes currently under agreement, each listed over $800,000, highlighting the substantial value of this area. Whether you're ready to build now or planning for the future, securing a parcel in this sought-after community is a wise decision. The property comes with access to community water, and a community leach field simplifying the development process.

Ever wonder why mortgage rates go up and down? One key factor is the 10-year U.S. Treasury note. Think of the 10-year Treasury note as a reflection of how the government borrows money. Its yield, or the return investors get, is a big deal for setting mortgage rates. Here's a straightforward breakdown:

The Connection

• Benchmark Buddy: The 10-year Treasury note is like a benchmark or a standard for long-term interest rates, including mortgages. Since mortgages are often paid back over 30 years, they're seen as having a similar risk and duration to the 10-year Treasury.

• Economic Crystal Ball: The yield on the 10-year Treasury gives clues about what investors think will happen in the economy. If they expect inflation or higher interest rates, the yield goes up. Mortgage rates often follow suit because lenders want to make sure they're offering competitive rates that also reflect economic conditions.

• Investor Appeal: Mortgages get bundled into securities that are sold to investors. These need to be attractive compared to the safe and steady 10-year Treasury. So, if Treasury yields go up, mortgage rates often need to rise to attract investors.

What It Means for You

When the 10-year Treasury yield moves, mortgage rates tend to move in the same direction. It's not a perfect match, but it's a reliable trend. However, other factors like the Federal Reserve's actions and the overall demand for mortgages also play a role.

So next time you hear that the 10-year Treasury yield has gone up or down, you'll have a hint about where mortgage rates might be headed. It’s a bit like the financial world’s version of predicting the weather – not always perfect, but useful for planning ahead.

Bartlett is the latest town considering regulating short term rentals.  Below is a copy of the proposed amendment to Bartlett's zoning ordinance:

SHORT-TERM RENTAL: A dwelling where transient lodging is provided for compensation for stays of between one and thirty consecutive days and where the dwelling would normally be considered a residential living unit not associated with regulated commercial activities such as hotels, motels, etc.

A conditional-use permit to operate a short-term rental must be obtained from the selectmen’s office using the prescribed form and after paying the required application fee. The permit is owner-specific, and a change in ownership, density, or number of bedrooms will require a new application. The owner will submit a copy of the permit to the selectmen’s office and post it in a prominent location in the rental unit.

Signing a conditional-use permit will indicate that the owner is aware of and will adhere to the NFPA health and safety requirements listed on the permit. Failure to comply with the safety conditions can result in revocation of the permit for a period of one year. A new permit can be applied for after that time. A 30-day grace period will be allowed to correct any violations prior to revocation of the permit.

Short-term rental occupancy is based on the number of approved bedrooms listed on a town- issued building permit or as listed on a state-approved septic plan. A limit of two (2) people per approved bedroom, plus two (2) additional people will be allowed. For example, eight (8) people would be permitted to occupy an approved three-bedroom dwelling. A short-term rental will not be listed or advertised as offering sleeping accommodation that exceeds the above-mentioned limits.

Adequate on-site parking will be provided for all guest vehicles. On-street parking will not be allowed.

A short-term rental does not include boarding houses, inns, and bed & breakfast establishments which are required to be owner-occupied or manager-occupied by Bartlett’s zoning ordinance.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will not be used as a short-term rental as approval of ADUs is based on decreased septic capacity.

The short-term rental use of a condominium unit may require the assent of the condominium association.

A dwelling or dwelling unit used as a short-term rental will at all times be covered by a short- term rental insurance policy.

The owner of a dwelling or dwelling unit used as a short-term rental shall register for the State rooms and meals tax and will pay all required taxes, unless the owner uses a rental platform that pays and forwards the taxes to the state of New Hampshire.