New Hampshire saw a dramatic increase in home sales in 2012 while median prices were flat last year, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported January 24, 2013.
New Hampshire single-family home sales increased 21 percent in 2012, increasing to 12,961 from 10,714 in 2011.
Most real estate professionals agree NH home prices are still several years away from the point prior to the real estate bubble bursting.
The median sales price for 2012 was $202,000, a slight increase from $201,700 in 2011. Lower prices, NH first-time home buyer programs and low interest rates are providing first-time home buyers with an opportunity to purchase their first home in the Granite State; however, a continued lack of inventory may spark an increase in prices in 2013.
"The number of foreclosure sales in the state has remained stubbornly high, between 3,300 and 3,500 every year since 2008, according to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, but distressed sales are shrinking as a percentage of the overall sales numbers,." the New Hampshire Union Leader reported. Nationally, distressed sales declined 35 percent last year.
Although some foreclosures may appear to be a bargain, NH foreclosure home buyers should be prepared for a lot of work in most cases.