Sopris Realty LLC | By: Kat Jalbert
Boutique Real Estate in the Heart of the Merrimack Valley

What's Really Happening This Month

Winter may slow down showing activity in New England, but the quality of buyers actually increases. There are fewer buyers "just looking" and more "ready to write an offer."

A few highlights for December:

• Interest rates continue shifting daily. Buyers who stayed on the sidelines this fall are re-entering the market.

• Inventory remains tight across Southern, NH & North Central MA, keeping well-priced homes competitive.

• Sellers who list now benefit from motivated buyers, less competition, and faster closings heading into the new year.

Why Winter Sellers Win👊

Most people assume spring is the best time to sell, but December often creates the perfect conditions for a strong sale. Here's Why:

• Low Inventory: Your not competing against 15 other listings.

• Motivated Buyers: Year-end job changes, personal deadline, relocations, and life transitions drive serious offers.

• Cozy Factor: Homes show beautifully with warm lighting, tasteful decor, and holiday charm.

• Faster Timelines: Lenders, inspectors, and attorneys
  often have more availability.

Pro Tip: If your home needs light updating (paint, flooring, kitchen refresh), to help your home stand out, we can help you prepare everything based on current market trends for maximum appeal.

Realtor Tip of the Month
If your home has been sitting, It's time to adjust your strategy.

A few high-impact updates can drastically change a buyers perspective on the home. Here are a few suggestions under $5,000:

▶️ Fresh interior paint (whites & soft creams)
▶️ Updated light fixtures
▶️ Modern hardware on cabinets
▶️ Deep clean & professional staging
▶️ Declutter & simplify shelving

These updates can create a 3-5x ROI and can increase showing activity.

🙋 Have questions about which updates matter most? I can walk your property and create a customized plan for you.

🚨 Hot off the Press! 🚨
New Fannie Mae Update: Lower Credit Score Requirements

As of November 16th, Fannie Mae removed the 620 minimum credit score requirement. This Means:

• More buyers can qualify for conventional loans

• Pre-approvals may broaden

• Credit scores still impacts interest rate
  (higher scores = better pricing)

• Stronger opportunity for first-time and lower-
  down-payment borrowers.

If you've been hesitant to start the pre-approval process, now is a great time!
We can connect you with a trusted local lender.

✨ Community Spotlight
Local Holiday Events in the Merrimack Valley

🎄Milford Holiday Stroll | December 6th, 9am - 2pm

🎄Nashua Winter Holiday Craft Fair | December 6th, 11am - 4pm

🎄 Londonderry Christmas on the Common | December 7th, 3pm - 6pm

🎄Hollis Town Tree Lighting | December 13th, 10am-7pm

🎄Litchfield's Holly Jolly Journey | Now through January 11th, 4:30 pm daily

Active Listings 🏠

For Sale | 195 Corning Rd, Manchester, NH | $4245,000

Solid 3 bed, 2 Bath home with potential, perfect for a buyer wanting to personalize their own space for instant equity. New price reflects adjustments based on current market.

For Rent | 107 Russell St. #2, Manchester, NH | $1,850/Mo

Second floor 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in Manchester, NH. Charming New England character, hardwood floors throughout, includes an enclosed porch and small deck.
Pets allowed, No off-street parking.

💚Life Lately with Kat

This season has been full of gratitude, balancing motherhood, clients, and preparing for another baby on the way🤭. It has reminded me why I’m so committed to simplifying the real estate process for families here in New Hampshire & Massachusetts. In the past few months I've been working on our brokerages social media presence, developing new business models to help our sellers, and continuing to help place homeless Veterans into safe homes. We are working through a small home project, expanding a safe place for our boys to play. I am so excited to get into 2026 and continue building this beautiful life with you all!

🤝 How I Can Help You This Month

Whether you're buying, selling, downsizing, or planning a land + build project, I offer:

• Complementary home value assessments

• Buyer strategy sessions

• Land + ADU consultations through Kinstruct Tiny Homes

• Listing consolations & prep to get high visibility for your home in the first week

Reach out any time, even if you're in the "just thinking about it" stages.
[email protected] | (603) 833-5191

Thank your for being a part of the Sopris Community.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and momentum as we head into the new year. 🍾

-Kat Jalbert
Sopris Realty LLC
Your Neighbor. Your Guide. Your Real Estate & ADU Specialist.