NHAR President Joanie McIntire was quoted as saying, “The problem remains the shortage of available housing that is continuing to make homeownership more difficult than ever for those workers needed to help an economy thrive.”

McIntire went on to say that “less restrictive zoning” would empower private property owners. An example is HB 1291, which would allow homeowners to add an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit to their primary residence. This will assist with housing and care for aging parents. The bill passed the House and is on its way to Senate hearings.

Here in Sullivan County, 21 homes sold in the month of March. In 2023 for the same month, there were a total of 33. The current median residential sales price for Sullivan County stands at $394,450. At present, 57 homes are available for sale in our county, showing a 1.4 months supply of inventory. “Months supply” translates to the number of months it would take to sell the current inventory on the market. A low number, such as we have now, favors the seller. A balanced market contains five to six. The last time New Hampshire saw any sense of balance for buyers and sellers was in 2015.

Late spring is typically when home sales soar. Families with school-age children want to move and settle before a new semester begins. We shall see what a promising season might bring to our communities and our economy.