🎓 Transitions & Thresholds
05.09.25 The Friday Footnote: From cap & Gown milestones to shifting real estate market dynamics, this week has been all about crosing lines into adulthood, new homes, a new kind of housing cycle.
Congratulations Class of 2025
I was 42 years old when I graduated from college. Since then, I’ve picked up a second Master’s degree, considered a PhD (still not quite off the table I think), had a successful college teaching career, and moved into all of the very unexpected places: real estate.
Nothing I thought was going to happen actually happened, but so many more wonderful unexpected stuff has happened that I don’t think I could have asked for anything even remotely better to have happened.
Tomorrow, after years and years of saying she would never go to college, I get to watch my oldest daughter walk for her own diploma.
But that photo of me with my cohort, my eyebrows lifted, with that stupid closed-mouth grin, the not-yet full beard, that sense of pride exuding from everyone in that photo—not near what I’m feeling for tomorrow.
IS YOUR HOME WITHIN A BLOCK OF DOWNTOWN?
I’ll run your numbers this week—no pressure, just insight.
The Bare Bones Numbers 💀📉
The statewide housing market continues its strange, slow dance. Inventory ticked up again to 4.6 months, the highest level since the Before Times—and that’s a balanced market in my books.1 The median price dropped to $505,000, and affordability improved slightly to an index of 70 (still rough, but we’ll take it!) Don’t let the extra elbow room on the dance room floor fool you, though.
Prices haven’t dropped enough to bring buyers off the wall—think 8th grade boys clutching their punchbowl Styrofoam cups, too nervous to ask anyone to dance.
We’ve pretty much traded scarcity for uncertainty, and no longer a question of “Will I find a home?” but “Will finding a home be worth it?”
Seacoast sellers are still dancing like it’s prom night, but the dances are getting more complicated. The average list price sits just under $880k, yet the average sold price is a full $175k lower. Deals are happening below asking more often these days!
This is a “shoulder season” market, not quite buyer-friendly, not quite seller-dominated. Everyone’s circling the punchbowl. The best wins will go to the ones who negotiate and reprice without ego.
And sellers, if your listing has hit 20+ days on market, drop the boombox fantasy.
📍 Statewide New Hampshire Housing Market
Active Listings: 1,754
Closed Sales (Last 6 Months): 2,309
Pending Sales: 810
Median Sales Price: $505,000
Median Days on Market (DOM): 8
Inventory: 4.6 months
Affordability Index: 70
📍 Seacoast Area
Active Listings: 295
Closed Transactions (Last 6 Months): 445
Pending Transactions: 190
Days on Market (DOM):
Highest: 178
Average: 20
Median: 8
Pricing Trends:
Lowest List Price: $150,000
Lowest Sold Price: $199,000
Average List Price: $879,424
Average Sold Price: $704,681
Median List Price: $649,000
Median Sold Price: $590,000
📍 Tri-City Area (Dover, Somersworth, Rochester)
Active Listings: 53
📍 Durham, Newmarket, Madbury & Lee
Active Listings: 9
📍 Portsmouth & Newington
Active Listings: 44
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
🛏️3 Beds, 🛁3 Baths, 📏2,140 sq ft, $445,000
Estimated payment: $3,378/mo
Estimation provided by Keller Williams Realty Inc.
Contact a mortgage broker today!
Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in Somersworth’s historic district! Nearly every major system has been updated in recent years, including a new roof, heating system, and 12 windows. Begin in the charming three-season porch—ideal for extra living or storage space. Stunning wood doors open to a spacious living room featuring built-ins, new stain resistant carpeting, and a cozy pellet stove. A bright nook leads to the basement and a convenient ¾ bath on the main floor. The renovated kitchen boasts new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, with sliding doors opening to a fenced backyard and deck—perfect for entertaining. Exposed brick and tasteful new wallpaper add warmth and character throughout. A sun-filled dining room offers large windows and abundant natural light. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms with ample closet space, new carpeting, and updated baths. The upgraded 2nd floor laundry room adds convenience. The attic features four additional rooms ready for your finishing touch. Previously assessed by the town as a multifamily home until 2021. Set on a large landscaped, lot with flowers and blueberry bushes, this home offers the perfect mix of charm, fenced yard space, and a walk to town location. Showings start Friday 4:30–6pm, Saturday 1:30–3:30pm, Sunday 10–11:30am.
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