Housing Market Slowdown

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

Thanks for your input. We understand what you're saying but without actually seeing the property in person we can say this.

Yes our place is small which we believe is reflected in the price. Someone could also add a second story which is approved and end up with a property worth much more for a minimal investment.

Pretty much all properties on Weirs Blvd are close to the street too. That's never been an issue with us. We can't even hear traffic inside. We're lucky to be one of the few places on the water side too. Not having to cross the street is huge.

Langley cove doesn't have a problem with shallowness itself. Just in front of the decks in units 1, 2, and 3. Our dock has always had deep enough water so we never removed our boat until late in the season. There's not even an issue now with our spot with the lake this low. The association beach is beautiful year round and the diving dock always has plenty of depth right until we take it out.

So unless we're missing something the only physical factors we're seeing would be size and the water level off of our deck. Everything else in our opinion and the realtors as well seems to check all of the boxes for not being a million dollar property.

The real estate market has always been unforgiving in our opinion. Buying or selling. Luckily we don't have to sell and would never feel stuck. It's been our dream home for many years. The more we talk about it the more we question if we're making the right decision. We're spontaneous like that. We're not even sure exactly where we will end up but will figure it out.

Our real estate agents, and other agents too, thought our place was a good deal and would sell fairly quick even before we slashed our price. Again, our reason for chiming in and thinking that yes, there is a slowdown. Also most people would probably not be buying to live here full time like us. Vacation homes we don't think are an option right now for many like they were in the past and that limits our buyer pool.

At this point we've been thinking about taking it off the market and waiting until early spring to try again if we don't change our minds all together. Who knows what the market will look like 6 months from now.

Thank you everyone for this thread. Lots of good insight.

I think the size is the issue, 400 sqft is quite small, JMO! That's over $1500 per sq ft.

[fatlazyless]

It probably has both Laconia city water and city sewer which helps by a lot for adding a bedroom and a bathroom.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

It probably has both Laconia city water and city sewer which helps by a lot for adding a bedroom and a bathroom.

Yes city water and sewer. Yes you can add a second story and it could be a 3 bedroom quite easily. We opted not to do that as it's just the two of us.

There was a larger home for sale on Christmas Island that everyone thought would sell quick. They have since taken it off the market. Although the price seemed good, the monthly expenses with taxes, condo fees, etc would have been over $1400/month not including any mortgage or other expenses. That's huge especially if you're just using it as a seasonal property.

We've also come to the conclusion that folks just don't understand the differences between many properties around the lake. Boat slips aren't free, jet ski slips aren't free, private beaches aren't free, being right on the water is not free, etc.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I think the size is the issue, 400 sqft is quite small, JMO! That's over $1500 per sq ft.

You are not factoring in the value of the boat slip which is worth about 200K if you were to purchase one separately. There is also the value of a jet ski lift (technically another boat). What is that worth? Also when the water is not this low you can dock another boat right off of your deck.

Folks cannot seem to understand those items are not included in the value of the home itself.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

You are not factoring in the value of the boat slip which is worth about 200K if you were to purchase one separately. There is also the value of a jet ski lift (technically another boat). What is that worth? Also when the water is not this low you can dock another boat right off of your deck.

Folks cannot seem to understand those items are not included in the value of the home itself.

Ultimately, it's only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

[NH.Solar]

I wonder if the news of the world will cause an even larger decline of home sales in the 4th quarter.
First, Russia sending warheads into Poland is shades of 1939 again where we have a large country in tough financial shape lead by an imperialistic dictator and Poland backed by the EU and NATO ...and that is on top of Putin determined to seize the Donbas region rich in oil fields and a bread basket as well.
Second, we have a president that seems to like to provoke the rest of the world more than exercising the proper diplomacy that might actually accomplish something lasting. Don't get me wrong, I believe in a strong stance and USA first, but think that the way things are presently being done are far too harsh and thus dangerous. Maybe Trump is just pushing so forcefully because he knows that he needs to get as much of his agenda done before the mid-term elections?
And lastly add in the huge negative economic effects that the tariffs are creating and the news becomes a recipe for a sharp downturn in our economy. Anyone else nervous? I suspect so. I know I sure am

[GusMan]

The big red flag to me is that the dock and jet ski slip are "owned by the association" not the homeowner.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by GusMan

The big red flag to me is that the dock and jet ski slip are "owned by the association" not the homeowner.

Why is that a "red flag"? It's been this way since they were turned into condos. Every unit has their own assigned boat slip and a spot for a jet ski. The dock is maintained by the HOA. It's never changed and never been a problem. Why would it be? The huge benefit is that you are not paying taxes on another potential 300K in value added to your home for these amenities. Maybe some people like paying more taxes. We don't. Hopefully no one from the city is following this and they change their mind

[Susie Cougar]

I am assuming that potential buyers have been looking at your place. What does your realtor say she is getting for feedback? This should give you a good idea of why there haven’t been any offers.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

I am assuming that potential buyers have been looking at your place. What does your realtor say she is getting for feedback? This should give you a good idea of why there haven’t been any offers.

Nice place. No money.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

Why is that a "red flag"? It's been this way since they were turned into condos. Every unit has their own assigned boat slip and a spot for a jet ski. The dock is maintained by the HOA. It's never changed and never been a problem. Why would it be? The huge benefit is that you are not paying taxes on another potential 300K in value added to your home for these amenities. Maybe some people like paying more taxes. We don't. Hopefully no one from the city is following this and they change their mind

There may not be a “tax” but is there an association fee?
Tomato…tomAto.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by BillTex

There may not be a “tax” but is there an association fee?
Tomato…tomAto.

HOA is only $200/month. Lowest waterfront association fee on the lake from what we can see.

We did have two different couples that wanted to buy at 699K. Problem was they wanted to rent in the off season and our association doesn't allow rentals. Living here full time we like that policy but not so much when you're selling.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

HOA is only $200/month. Lowest waterfront association fee on the lake from what we can see.

We did have two different couples that wanted to buy at 699K. Problem was they wanted to rent in the off season and our association doesn't allow rentals. Living here full time we like that policy but not so much when you're selling.

Whether it is a “tax” or an “HOA fee” any potential new owner will need to pay it (it is not optional). I am sure they factor that in to their purchase price (I would).
GLWS, the right buyer will come along.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by NH.Solar

I wonder if the news of the world will cause an even larger decline of home sales in the 4th quarter.
First, Russia sending warheads into Poland is shades of 1939 again where we have a large country in tough financial shape lead by an imperialistic dictator and Poland backed by the EU and NATO ...and that is on top of Putin determined to seize the Donbas region rich in oil fields and a bread basket as well.
Second, we have a president that seems to like to provoke the rest of the world more than exercising the proper diplomacy that might actually accomplish something lasting. Don't get me wrong, I believe in a strong stance and USA first, but think that the way things are presently being done are far too harsh and thus dangerous. Maybe Trump is just pushing so forcefully because he knows that he needs to get as much of his agenda done before the mid-term elections?
And lastly add in the huge negative economic effects that the tariffs are creating and the news becomes a recipe for a sharp downturn in our economy. Anyone else nervous? I suspect so. I know I sure am

Bingo! Everything that's happening in the world is contributing to a housing market slowdown pretty much nationwide from what we can see. Not everywhere but it is certainly widespread.

We believe there are a number of contributing factors that we won't get into in order to avoid thread drift. There is a lot in play and it's not just politics which we avoid like the plague. Unfortunately for those who only arrive at their conclusions from watching the MSM you are missing out. All you need to do to understand how unstable things are is to look at the precious metals market.

Again, our conclusion that yes there is a slowdown in the real estate market. But no matter how bad things get, we consider ourselves lucky to be at least "stuck" here!

Below is an interesting interview from 7/16/25 where he talks about the decline in the housing market.
https://usawatchdog.com/chaos-in-hou...r-john-rubino/

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

Bingo! Everything that's happening in the world is contributing to a housing market slowdown pretty much nationwide from what we can see. Not everywhere but it is certainly widespread.

We believe there are a number of contributing factors that we won't get into in order to avoid thread drift. There is a lot in play and it's not just politics which we avoid like the plague. Unfortunately for those who only arrive at their conclusions from watching the MSM you are missing out. All you need to do to understand how unstable things are is to look at the precious metals market.

Again, our conclusion that yes there is a slowdown in the real estate market. But no matter how bad things get, we consider ourselves lucky to be at least "stuck" here!

Below is an interesting interview from 7/16/25 where he talks about the decline in the housing market.
https://usawatchdog.com/chaos-in-hou...r-john-rubino/

I believe the HOA pays the taxes on the docks, and that would be part of your HOA fee.

Things are not slow in the area.
Changes have occurred over the last several years as to taste and value, but everything seems to just keep going from both the building materials and labor.

A smaller cottage on the lake me be currently "out of style" or it may be the location, but other properties are moving upward still.

[Biggd]

Construction is still very busy, but real estate sales have definitely slowed.
Many contractors were so busy the past few years that they were take large deposits from customers just to get a slot on their schedules.
I know a few people that bought in my neighborhood that had to give large deposits to get contractors that were booked a year out.
It will take some time to work through those projects, but they will eventually slow down also.
When there is a real estate boom there is always a construction boom that follows it.
A beautiful waterfront log cabin just went on the market this past week on my street, over 2 million, we'll see how long it takes to sell.
They have had two showings so far, so there are people looking.
Two years ago, this home would have multiple offers over list as soon as it hit the market.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Construction is still very busy, but real estate sales have definitely slowed.
Many contractors were so busy the past few years that they were take large deposits from customers just to get a slot on their schedules.
I know a few people that bought in my neighborhood that had to give large deposits to get contractors that were booked a year out.
It will take some time to work through those projects, but they will eventually slow down also.
When there is a real estate boom there is always a construction boom that follows it.
A beautiful waterfront log cabin just went on the market this past week on my street, over 2 million, we'll see how long it takes to sell.
They have had two showings so far, so there are people looking.
Two years ago, this home would have multiple offers over list as soon as it hit the market.

My guess. Quite a while.
Unless it is priced as a teardown.

Existing units being purchased and renovated are showing strong demand for English cottage style.

[BroadHopper]

I read in a trade journal the Southern states rely on Mexican immigrants, especially Texas. 80% of the workforce has been affected. Many are afraid to cross the border. Large development construction has almost stopped!

My son-in-law is a Project manager in Texas. He was let go because there was no work.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

My guess. Quite a while.
Unless it is priced as a teardown.

Existing units being purchased and renovated are showing strong demand for English cottage style.

This log home needs nothing, move in ready, IMO!
I don't see real log homes ever losing their appeal in the NH lake and mountain towns.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Biggd

This log home needs nothing, move in ready, IMO!

And here it is, 26 Sawmill Shores Rd, Meredith NH 03253 .....http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/26...86703584_zpid/ .... asking $2.2mil ...... built in 2000 ..... 0.68 acre lot ...... 145' Lake Waukewan waterfront in a quiet cove east of Chapman Island...... listed Sept 10 ..... last sold on Nov 15, 2010 for $785,000 ..... 2023 property tax $15,793/yr ...... just picture yourself fly-rod fishing and catching a 18.2-lb, 42 5/8" monster musky while standing in ice cold water, up to your neck on April 1, the opening day of fishing season, 2026!

Walking Score 0/100 car-dependent

Bike Score 16/100 somewhat bikeable

Does this cove inlet have a name like Sawmill Cove or something that refers to the sawmill run by Ebenezer Waukewan back in 1763?
.........

"Walking two miles each and every day, keeps the doctor away!"

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

This log home needs nothing, move in ready, IMO!
I don't see real log homes ever losing their appeal in the NH lake and mountain towns.

Should the buyer not wish to change anything, it may work. But renovation, especially on a shell, will most likely have to go through specific hurdles due to non-conformance and engineering limitations.

Imitation log siding will not have the same restrictions, but due to being raw wood will generally have higher maintenance requirements.
Many that use it, go to a solid stain as a means to extend the life and lower maintenance intervals.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Should the buyer not wish to change anything, it may work. But renovation, especially on a shell, will most likely have to go through specific hurdles due to non-conformance and engineering limitations.

Imitation log siding will not have the same restrictions, but due to being raw wood will generally have higher maintenance requirements.
Many that use it, go to a solid stain as a means to extend the life and lower maintenance intervals.

Not sure what renovations you're taking about, restaining the logs is just normal maintenance. The house is mint and doesn't need renovation, but people do like to add their own personal touches.
If someone is looking for a tear down or a complete renovation, then this is not the house for that!

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Not sure what renovations you're taking about, restaining the logs is just normal maintenance. The house is mint and doesn't need renovation, but people do like to add their own personal touches.
If someone is looking for a tear down or a complete renovation, then this is not the house for that!

Buyers have been avoiding products that need to be continually refinished.

We finally got in Q8 log siding oil, but stripping something that has been previously stained with another product can be a chore.

And trying to replace the real logs with a factory prefinished product is not an option that I would suggest.

Changing locations of openings in the shell can sometimes be done, others not so much. The shell is the structure.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Buyers have been avoiding products that need to be continually refinished.

We finally got in Q8 log siding oil, but stripping something that has been previously stained with another product can be a chore.

And trying to replace the real logs with a factory prefinished product is not an option that I would suggest.

Changing locations of openings in the shell can sometimes be done, others not so much. The shell is the structure.

You've takin this conversation way off course.
Not sure what remodeling a log home has to do with a slowing real estate market?

[BroadHopper]

A colleague of mine built his log cabin off Sebago Lake. He is satisfied with DuckBack products. 40 years old and counting!

[tis]

There might be a slowdown but a Wolfeboro realtor just posted he has 9 houses under agreement right now.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by tis

There might be a slowdown but a Wolfeboro realtor just posted he has 9 houses under agreement right now.

That's fantastic! If we can ask who is that realtor?

There's been an unbelievable development in the last 24 hours with regard to our place for sale. No it hasn't sold yet, but we will try to post what's happening sometime tomorrow. We're exhausted after today. But it's kind of nuts and we're speechless right now.

Again, we appreciate this thread!

[tis]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

That's fantastic! If we can ask who is that realtor?

There's been an unbelievable development in the last 24 hours with regard to our place for sale. No it hasn't sold yet, but we will try to post what's happening sometime tomorrow. We're exhausted after today. But it's kind of nuts and we're speechless right now.

Again, we appreciate this thread!

Ronn @ Berkshire Hathaway Verani. It used to be Spencer Hughes.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

You've takin this conversation way off course.
Not sure what remodeling a log home has to do with a slowing real estate market?

Part of the slowing is the product coming into the market.
Unique properties need to find just the right buyers at this time.

[FlyingScot]

I agree that the corporate investment is really bad here and in general--it will suck all the profit from real estate away from normal homeowners, like most of us on the forum.

But the septic issue cuts two ways. If the primary issue for current people is that they can't afford the septic systems that they should have at the edge of the lake, that means they've been shoveling their waste into the lake and getting away with it because the law only requires inspection when a sale occurs. That's not right.

Every home should have to have a periodic septic inspection and upgrade if necessary. There should also be programs to help people afford or finance those upgrades too. But no one should be allowed to just let "it" flow into our lake

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I agree that the corporate investment is really bad here and in general--it will suck all the profit from real estate away from normal homeowners, like most of us on the forum.

But the septic issue cuts two ways. If the primary issue for current people is that they can't afford the septic systems that they should have at the edge of the lake, that means they've been shoveling their waste into the lake and getting away with it because the law only requires inspection when a sale occurs. That's not right.

Every home should have to have a periodic septic inspection and upgrade if necessary. There should also be programs to help people afford or finance those upgrades too. But no one should be allowed to just let "it" flow into our lake

Removing the “grandfather clause” from many of these law would go a long way to correct these problems


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Removing the “grandfather clause” from many of these law would go a long way to correct these problems


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

It would also create Ex Post Facto.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

It would also create Ex Post Facto.

It does not have to hurt anybody harder than necessary. We could require all systems to be inspected every x number of years, and then brought up to standard if they failed. For people truly strapped for cash, towns could help them get loans.

I think they did this on Waukewan a few years ago. That was even more critical because it was public water supply.

[John Mercier]

The current system is that if the septic is found to be in failure, it has to be replaced.

We have a way to monitor that. Samples can detect E Coli, a sign of septic waste entering the lake. And can be tested to determine what species is the culprit.

After that, it isn't hard to track backward.

The Legislature just touched on this last session, and the current LSRs have this...

2026-2058 SB Title: relative to cyanobacteria and other emerging environmental water quality issues.
Sponsors: (Prime) David Watters


2026-2184 SB Title: eliminating the use of agitators in instances where temporary docks have been removed from bodies of water.
Sponsors: (Prime) Regina Birdsell

2026-2326 HB Title: requiring disclosure of Japanese Knotweed in real property transactions.
Sponsors: (Prime) Cathryn Harvey

2026-2332 HB Title: adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.
Sponsors: (Prime) Tanya Donnelly

2026-2345 HB Title: relative to changes to the Winnipesaukee river basin control replacement fund.
Sponsors: (Prime) Steven Bogert

So, it isn't like nothing is being looked at.

[fatlazyless]

Here's a fun new listing to look at, One Turtle Island, Lake Waukewan, Meredith NH ....... $295,000 ....... built in 1905 ...... close to Saw Mill Shore Rd over on the VERY quiet side of Lake Waukewan ...... ha-ha-ha

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1-...86703611_zpid/

Just LOOK at this place ...... especially the kitchen ....... OMG ...... oh, what a feeling! .....

Hey there Biggd ..... is this place within your view?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's a fun new listing to look at, One Turtle Island, Lake Waukewan, Meredith NH ....... $295,000 ....... built in 1905 ...... close to Saw Mill Shore Rd over on the VERY quiet side of Lake Waukewan ...... ha-ha-ha

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1-...86703611_zpid/

Just LOOK at this place ...... especially the kitchen ....... OMG ...... oh, what a feeling! .....

Hey there Biggd ..... is this place within your view?

It looks like a hoarders paradise!

[Major]

Originally Posted by codeman671

It looks like a hoarders paradise!

Geez, I could never imagine living like that! I guess the purchaser will be buying the land!

[John Mercier]

And a flame thrower.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by codeman671

It looks like a hoarders paradise!

In my 11 years on lake Waukewan, I don't think I've ever seen anyone there.
The market has really slowed down, I don't see them getting anything close to that.
The log cabin across the street from me has had very few showings even with a price cut.
My friends place over in Moultonborough, he has dropped his price below 400K with no bites!

[Juiced06GTO]

I was all in on buying a second home on a lake in NH, preferably Winni, but lately I find myself struggling to find the time to keep up with my primary home and 3 young kids running around deeply involved in sports, and nearing the end of my current mortgage, the thought of taking out another one for the limited amount of use and the added upkeep is becoming less appealing unfortunately...

The crazy inflation in costs certainly hasn't helped and I would venture to guess that a lot of other people in my age bracket (41) are feeling the same way.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I was all in on buying a second home on a lake in NH, preferably Winni, but lately I find myself struggling to find the time to keep up with my primary home and 3 young kids running around deeply involved in sports, and nearing the end of my current mortgage, the thought of taking out another one for the limited amount of use and the added upkeep is becoming less appealing unfortunately...

The crazy inflation in costs certainly hasn't helped and I would venture to guess that a lot of other people in my age bracket (41) are feeling the same way.

Having a lake home for your family is an awesome goal. You are young, with hard work and focus you can get there.
I would venture to say most vacation home sales in the last few years have been cash.
Be smart with real estate and you can get there. We did.

Good luck,
Bill

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I was all in on buying a second home on a lake in NH, preferably Winni, but lately I find myself struggling to find the time to keep up with my primary home and 3 young kids running around deeply involved in sports, and nearing the end of my current mortgage, the thought of taking out another one for the limited amount of use and the added upkeep is becoming less appealing unfortunately...

The crazy inflation in costs certainly hasn't helped and I would venture to guess that a lot of other people in my age bracket (41) are feeling the same way.

We are past "Peak Boomer"; and the State is resolving several revenue problems.

So the surge into the area is slowing, and calculations are being made about future cost structures.

[Couple of Lakers]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Ultimately, it's only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

That of course it true when buying and selling anything.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Couple of Lakers

You are not factoring in the value of the boat slip which is worth about 200K if you were to purchase one separately. There is also the value of a jet ski lift (technically another boat). What is that worth? Also when the water is not this low you can dock another boat right off of your deck.

Folks cannot seem to understand those items are not included in the value of the home itself.

As I read the listing, the RE agent talked about new floors. If you think there is great value in the docks (I think so) that should be the lead. This is the wrong RE Agent to sell waterfront.

[BillTex]

Our cabin is cedar log sided. Inherently rot/weather resistant. Just purchased a gallon of Cabot treatment/stain for some touch up which was ~ $50. Love the log cabin vibe!