What Changed in the Market
For four years, Southern New Hampshire buyers have been competing fiercely in a sellers market. Bidding wars were common. Inspection contingencies disappeared. Cash offers ruled. But national data shows a significant shift: asking prices are down 2.5% year over year, pending sales are up 3.7% year over year, and we are seeing the first balanced market conditions in 26 months.
Translation: buyer power is returning.
What Buyers Get Now
With negotiating leverage back, buyers can finally evaluate homes strategically instead of panic buying. You have time to:
- Negotiate on price. The asking price is no longer the final price.
- Request inspections. Contingencies matter again.
- Compare neighborhoods thoughtfully. Inventory is growing, which means choice.
- Lock in rate certainty. With rates stable at 6.3 to 6.5%, prepared buyers can act without waiting for the perfect rate.
In Southern New Hampshire specifically, this rebalancing is even more pronounced. Hillsborough County inventory is stable. Sale speeds are normalizing (no longer selling in 18 days). This is the moment for prepared buyers.
Smart Next Steps for Buyers
If you have been waiting on the sidelines, now is when you move. Here is why:
- Less competition: Fewer bidding wars means your offer stands out without needing to overpay.
- Rate security: Dont wait for 5.9% rates. Rates are expected to stay above 6% through the end of 2026. A locked rate of 6.3% today beats waiting six months for rates that may never come.
- Southern NH advantage: Boston relocators are still moving to Mont Vernon, Amherst, and Nashua. But inventory is growing and prices are stable. This is the sweet spot for value.
The message is simple: conditions are shifting. Now is the time to be strategic, not reactive.
