As the fresh mountain air descends and combines with spring’s warming breath, the rivers rush and flow up on their banks. We shed layers of sweaters and jackets, and a welcome regreening signals the seasons to come. In a spirit of gratitude for the opportunity to live in this beautiful place, I offer these observations about our local economy and a real estate market outlook for the coming year.

Although the news cycle has been furiously spinning since the beginning of the year and published views of the future run the gamut of possibilities, the actual impact to date has been less than dramatic.

National statistics reflect a one-tenth of 1% increase in unemployment claims from February to March and a one-tenth of 1% decrease in inflation over the same one-month period.

In our local real estate market, continued low levels of inventory have contributed to sustaining the recent gains in property values. In our own office, we have had a very strong first quarter, with sales volume doubling from the same period in 2024, a year in which our annual sales led the local market.

The distinct advantages our region offers are gaining wider recognition. In addition to a unique quality of life and a cosmopolitan consciousness, our state is distinguished in the Northeast corridor by the absence of income, sales, personal property, estate and capital gains taxes. In addition, the interest and dividends tax on investment income has now been phased out. Our state’s largest single source of income, the property tax, is more susceptible to local control. Additionally, the property taxes have recently significantly increased in many surrounding states.

On top of these advantages, communities in the Monadnock region have been visibly engaged in community development, expansion of cultural and civic amenities and positive business formation and employment growth over the past several years.

What does this all mean for those considering a move in 2025? The likelihood of favorable results for those who partner with a quality broker and heed their advice.

To navigate the vicissitudes of an ever-evolving market and accomplish your goals, I recommend:

– Choose a high-quality local broker who puts your interest first and will represent you throughout the transaction.

– Establish a market price and offer the property at its value,

– Offer fair compensation to buyer/non-agent brokers to increase activity and augment final selling price.

– Properly prepare your home for showing. Understand the defects in the property and execute a plan to address them.

– Beat the spring market to the punch by offering your property for sale ahead of potential competitors.

– Choose a broker that is ready to put into action a marketing plan that distinguishes your property and presents its advantages in a credible and appealing manner to a broad audience.

There are many examples already this year of “tightly priced” properties selling at and above their asking prices in short order. The right asking price and proper presentation are a reliable formula to generate a successful sale. Consult with a real estate professional, consider the suggestions above and let them do their magic, and favorable results are likely to follow.

One delight of living in a true four-season state is to experience the radiance of spring, bringing that bright green of newly formed leaves that astonishes our senses as the region springs to life. As seasons progress, our optimal living circumstances may also evolve and change. The home we have so long loved no longer fits our lifestyle, or perhaps the time has come to find space for a growing family. Such transitions are emotional as well as practical. They are aided by cooperative effort and helpful guidance.

We love our homes and identify them deeply with a sense of place, a feeling of security and memories of irreplaceable moments together with family and friends. However, in an important way, the process of finding a more suitable home for another chapter of life can also be a revitalizing experience. Many find that they really are not selling their time and memories in a treasured home at all, as these are theirs to keep forever. What they are selling is the future in that place, where they now prefer to be elsewhere. We strive every day to make these transitions easier and successful for those we serve.

As Realtors, we stand ready to aid buyers and sellers in this process and “unlock the door to your best life” ahead!

Andy Peterson is a CCIM Broker Associate at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty in Peterborough.