New Hampshire Realtor Keeps Pulse on the Community

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Every four years, Jocelyn Lavoie and all her New Hampshire neighbors get to hear in person the presidential candidates as they try to sway the state?s voters. This year was no exception.

As manager of the Nashua office of Carlson GMAC Real Estate and past president of the regional real estate association and active member of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, she has her finger on the pulse of the community and the real estate industry.

?A lot of people in New Hampshire don?t make up their minds until they?ve seen or heard the candidates in person,? Lavoie said during an interview in her office just a few days before the state?s primary.

When it comes to real estate, Nashua (located on the Massachusetts border) has seen an increasing number of residents who have left the Boston region for the lower prices and taxes that New Hampshire provides.

?2003 has probably been the best year ever,? Lavoie says about the Nashua market. They have seen a 12% increase over 2002 in average sales price of homes. In addition, the number of homes and condos sold has increased by 5% from 2002 to 2003.

?I think that?s a healthy increase,? she says.

Both Nashua and the nearby city of Manchester have a diverse housing stock with many opportunities for first time buyers. At the same time, some streets in Nashua have homes that sell for up to $1 million.

The New Hampshire Association of Realtors has taken an active position on many issues to ensure that homeownership continues to be a reality for the state?s residents, such as eminent domain, homeowner?s insurance, affordable housing, and open space preservation while still providing housing for as many people as possible.

?Home ownership is considered by Realtors to be a very, very desirable goal for our society,? Lavoie says.