Story Archives of 'Real Estate'

March saw good news for real estate watchers, the largest single month increase in sales on a one year basis since July of 2004. But experience shows that one uptick does not a trend make: April’s numbers dropped again and though housing prices have gone up over time, it seems like there may be a rocky road still ahead for homeowners, buyers and sellers. Add to that, several laws both federal and in the state that also have the potential of both helping and hurting the real estate business. We’ll check in on our housing market and see how these new and proposed laws may affect it.

Guests

• David Darman, NHPR’s business reporter
• Russ Thibeault, president of Applied Economic Research in Laconia

We'll also hear from

• Jim Lyons, realtor and immediate Past President of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors
• Ralph Coppola, past president of the Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Association of New Hampshire and Branch Manager of Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. in Manchester

US housing starts hit record lows in January, according to the Commerce Department.

Here in New Hampshire, housing starts have also slowed considerably.

NHPR’s David Darman has more.

We continue our monthly series on the economy with a look at the New Hampshire housing market. The state has been hit hard by shirking home prices and a rise in the rate of foreclosures, but there may be hope. President Obama’s stimulus package may help responsible homeowners at risk of losing their homes, and allow first time homebuyers to find a house that is finally in their price range. We’ll look at housing and mortgages and how they are faring in a down economy.

Guest

• Russ Thibeault, president of Applied Economic Research in Laconia

We'll also hear from

• Jerry Little, president of the New Hampshire Bankers Association
• Peter Wright, bankruptcy attorney, member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and Director of Clinical Programs, Consumer and Commercial Law Clinic at Franklin Pierce Law Center

Dean Christon, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority

It's a west side story in a city that has poured most of its development efforts into its east side.
The Rimmon Heights district in Manchester is coming into its own, attracting new businesses even while the city's downtown area is losing some storefronts.
NHPR Correspondent Ellen Grimm reports.

Congress is debating a bailout for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The two companies hold more than 12 trillion dollars worth of mortgages.

New Hampshire mortgage lenders are keeping an eye on the possible bailout. But many say a bailout is not their most pressing concern.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s David Darman has more.