Housing Market Slowdown

[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 area have a name?
.........

"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!