December 2024 Lake Winnipesaukee Report

Lake Winnipesaukee Market Update: November Trends

In November, only one single-family residential waterfront home on Lake Winnipesaukee was listed for sale—a stark contrast to the seven homes listed during the same month last year. While 10 homes sold last month (compared to 9 in November 2023), the one newly listed property remains available, priced at $850K. The catch? It offers just 30 feet of frontage in a channel within the Balmoral Association in Moultonborough Bay.

As of today (December 5th), there are 28 properties for sale on the lake, with prices ranging from $850K to $10.95M and an average listing price of $3.3M. Many of these properties are sitting on the market longer, reflecting either overpricing or specific characteristics that significantly limit buyer interest.

What are some buyer “deal-breakers” at current asking prices?

    •    Steep slopes to the water’s edge, making access difficult.

    •    To-be-built homes—buyers may not want to wait or struggle to visualize from renderings.

    •    Privacy concerns or neighboring lot lines that diminish the appeal.

    •    Shallow water frontage, even at normal lake levels.

    •    Homes requiring extensive remodeling or teardown work.

These factors often make properties less competitive in a market where buyers are discerning and looking for the right balance of price, location, and features.

If you’re curious about how these trends impact your property’s value or your search for a lakefront home, let’s connect!

You Never Know in Real Estate: Timing is Everything

The real estate market can be full of surprises, and timing often plays a bigger role than you think. Even if a property has been on the market for a while, there’s always a chance someone else is considering it just as you are.

Take this example from last month: a property had been on the market for about a month when a buyer submitted an offer. The agent notified other interested parties, asking if anyone else wanted to act before the offer was finalized. No one came forward, and the property went under contract. The very next day, another buyer decided to submit an offer—but it was too late. The first buyer’s offer had been accepted the night before. Based on the final sale price, the second buyer likely would have secured the property, as their offer would have been significantly higher.

In another case last month, negotiations dragged on with one buyer, going back and forth without resolution. In the meantime, a new buyer came in with a stronger offer, blowing the first out of the water. Frustrated with the delays, the seller moved forward with the new offer, leaving the original buyer out.

These situations underscore the importance of having expert guidance to help you act decisively, whether you’re buying or selling. It’s all about maximizing your position and avoiding missed opportunities or regrets.

Here’s another interesting sale from last month: a property on Lunt Road that was purchased in May for $3.9M just resold this fall for $3.7M—a $200K+ loss. Of the 10 properties sold last month, one went for asking price, and two sold over asking.

If you have a flat yard, a walk-in beach, and southwest exposure, your property is in very high demand, with patient buyers ready to make strong offers, potentially leading to a bidding war. Let us know how we can help you navigate the market and ensure you make the most of every opportunity!

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