Which is hotter, Concord’s real estate market or craft beer scene? (Or, why a realtor matters)
In my previous blog post, I gave a very general overview of the Concord real estate market and a few ideas on what makes the different parts of our community unique. Today, I’ll share thoughts on why your relationship with your realtor is key (and I’ll throw in a few gratuitous plugs for some great local breweries). So here goes!
As you recall from my previous post, Concord’s residential real estate market is, to put it frankly, crazy. As in crazy hot.
Homes are selling in a day, viewings are being cancelled because offers are coming in well over asking, and sellers are scrambling to get their strongest offers in as soon as homes hit the market. Thanks to 3-d tours, some homes are even going under contract without the buyer actually having set foot in the home (as I said, it’s a crazy market). So what’s a shopper to do? Choose your realtor wisely! You’d be surprised how much you’ll lean on your realtor not only for home buying advice, but help with home inspectors, finance folks, contractors and so much more. You want (need, actually) to know and trust your realtor completely. And like romantic relationships, not all fits are good fits. Do you want a super patient person who will hear you out no matter who picky or fussy you may be? Or do you want someone who’s very cut and dry and will tell you straight up when you wants outweigh your means. Some realtors have been active in the market for so long that it may seem like they’ve been in every house in Concord, while others may get confused by the many different side streets and roundabouts and not know their Penacooks from their Contoocooks (and, believe it or not, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing - remember - it’s all about the relationship). So my advice, talk to at least 3 or 4 realtors. Think of it a little like speed-dating. Even after just a few minutes, you’re likely to get a good sense if a realtor is right or wrong for you.
When you choose wisely, you’ll end up with someone you can be honest with, who will be honest with you. You want some who will be just as invested as you are in finding you your perfect home - be it a starter home, a home to fit a growing family, or a home with room for the grandkids. If you do a really good job selecting your realtor, he or she may even share with you their favorite local microbrewery. And, because you’ve read this far, I’ll share a few of the must see (and taste) breweries in and about Concord. Your first stop should be Concord Craft Brewing . They just expanded what was once a very small tap room and their Safe Space New England IPA is one of the best anywhere. After leaving Concord Craft, head over to Lithermans Limited Brewery. There you’ll find more delicious IPAs and sours with some of the most interesting names a beer can have (extra credit for when you figure out the theme behind the names of the beers). If you’re looking at homes just outside the Concord city lines, you’d be doing yourself a favor to take a break from it all and stopping by Blasty Bough Brewing Company is a must visit. Their American amber (appropriately named after the brewery) is delicious and the relaxed atmosphere and countryside views will put you at ease, no matter how stressful the home shopping experience may have been. Lastly, after visiting Blasty Bough, you may be in the mood for some food. Just down the road a little is Northwoods Brewing Company where you can get not only delicious beers, but also some awesome pizza.
That’s it for now. Best of luck with your home buying search and remember, be patient, choose your realtor wisely, and make time for some of Concord’s great craft beers!
Jonathan Smith is a licenced real estate agent in Concord, NH. He’s happy to answer your real estate questions. He can be reached at or call or text him (703) 307-3887 (and yes, that’s a Virginia area code. If you’re lucky - or perhaps unlucky - he’d be happy to tell you how his family ended up in Concord after spending two decades inside the Beltway).
In my previous blog post, I gave a very general overview of the Concord real estate market and a few ideas on what makes the different parts of our community unique. Today, I’ll share thoughts on why your relationship with your realtor is key (and I’ll throw in a few gratuitous plugs for some great local breweries). So here goes!
