Badger Peabody & Smith Blog

October is here, and with it comes the magic of fall in Jackson, New Hampshire. This year marks a special milestone as the 40th Annual Return of the Pumpkin People returns to delight locals and visitors alike. At Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, we've gone all-out with our own Pumpkin People display out in front of our Jackson office. Designed and created by Wanda Allen, it is a sight to see first hand. Stop by and check out our Fairy House themed display.

For four decades, this event has brought the community together in a celebration of creativity, autumn spirit, and all t...

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Staging a home and making improvements can definitely help you sell your home faster and at a higher price point. However, staging and improving a home can also get a bit pricey. If you're on a budget, there is no need to spend thousands on renovations before listing your home. Our real estate agents offer some tips to help you prepare your home for sale without breaking the bank.

• Clean, Clean, Clean
  When potential buyers walk into an impeccably clean home, they notice. A clean home is not only nicer to be in, but it also demonstrates to buyers that you've taken good care of the home over the years. They're more likely to overlook an outdated floor or older appliances if everything looks clean and fresh.

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As we glide into the fall selling season, the market continues to be strong and is growing on all fronts. For the first time in 2 years, the number of homes for sale increased. At the end of August, there were 2,346 homes for sale in NH, a 28.9% increase over a year ago. With increased supply, Buyers now have a better selection and see affordability improve as interest rates decline. Rates have dropped considerably, and now are in the mid 5% to low 6% range. Expect to see interest rates continue to drop, leveling off in the low 5% range.

Although the number of homes closed in NH continued its downward trend through July, the pending sales, or those properties that are under contract and headed to closing has increased 19% year over year. We expect this trend to continue as there is a pent-up demand for homes, and there just has not been the inventory to match.

With solid demand, increased inventory, and lower interest rates, the outlook for both Buyers and Sellers is quickly getting back to pre-pandemic levels, and that bodes well for all. As always, please don't hesitate to connect with any of our 65 full time professional Realtors® from any one of our 8 conveniently located offices for a confidential discussion of your local market, and how we can help in your journey for your next real estate transaction.

As warm weather starts to give way to cooler autumn days, it's not too early to start preparing for the winter months ahead. Winterizing your home is an important part of your annual home maintenance routine, and it's the key to a safe and happy winter. Taking preventative steps now while the weather is nice can limit the risk of major home projects during the frigid months. Our real estate agents are here with some important winterization projects to add to your list this fall.

• Prepare Your Plumbing
  When it comes to winterizing, preventing frozen or bursting pipes is a top priority. Now is the time to prepare any plumbing that is exposed to the elements and can potentially freeze. Drain any outdoor faucets, garden hoses, and in-ground sprinklers. If you have pipes that run along exterior facing walls, add extra insulation or heat tape to help keep them warm throughout the winter.

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CONCORD — Linda Walker of North Conway, a REALTOR® with Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, has been selected as the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® 2024 Good Neighbor Award recipient for her volunteer efforts with the Christmas Stocking Project.

Walker founded the organization with three friends in 1973 and has served for the 51 years since. She was honored at the NHAR REALTOR® of the Year awards ceremony, held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord on Sept. 17.

The Christmas Stocking Project is designed to make Christmas special for Mount Washington Valley area families, providing gifts for more than 45 children each year.

At 81, Walker currently serves as the organization's chair, and she's still going strong. "I've had lots of help along the way," she said. "It's so much fun on Christmas morning, when you know all these kids are having a great Christmas. I'll keep doing it as long as I physically can."

As a result of the award, the Christmas Stocking Project will receive a $3,000 check in Walker's name. "Linda is exactly the sort of person the Good Neighbor award was designed to recognize, honor and support," NHAR President Joanie McIntire said.

"It's the kind of volunteerism that sets an example for us all."

Walker's efforts haven't been limited to the Christmas Stocking Project. Among her other volunteer endeavors:

Board member with Arts Jubilee, a non-profit which brings world-class, live music performances to the Mount Washington Valley.
Original member of the Mount Washington Valley Band, which performs in the annual Fourth of July parades.
Past President of the White Mountain Board of REALTORS®.
Board member for Pope Memorial Library in North Conway
Greeter for Mt. Top Music
Server for Jen's Friends Hill Climb.
Past member of the Habitat For Humanity Board.

"The Good Neighbor Working Group was blown away by Linda's efforts," McIntire said.

Walker has lived in North Conway for 55 years and has worked with Badger Peabody & Smith for the last 44 of those. She has been married to David "Doc" Walker or over 57 years and is the proud mother of three grown children and five grandchildren.

She was selected from a strong Good Neighbor applicant pool that included runners-up Kiera Russell and Kristi Whitten, each of whom has earned $1,000 for their respective organizations: Russell for Holiday Hope New Hampshire and Whitten for Roca Kidz Club.

"We are so proud of Linda, and delighted she was recognized by her REALTOR® peers with the Good Neighbor Award. Linda had led the way on dozens of community support initiatives over her 40+ year career. Linda has set an example of generosity that many have followed, and we continue to learn from every day." said Andy Smith, Broker/Owner of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty.

The NH Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbors program was introduced in 2003 and serves to annually recognize REALTORS® who make exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities through volunteerism.

To learn more about Linda Walker, visit her agent page... Click Here.