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

🌱 January in the Merrimack Valley

January always feels a little quieter, but beneath the surface, a lot of meaningful planning is happening.

This months update is about new beginnings in our communities, in real estate, and at home.

🏘️ January Market Snapshot: What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

While activity slows slightly after the holidays, January is one of the most strategic months in real estate, especially for those who like to plan ahead. Here's what we're seeing across the Merrimack Valley:

• Home prices remain steady in towns like Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Milford, and Hollis, supported by limited inventory.

• Mortgage interest rates continue to fluctuate, but many buyers are finding opportunities through lender programs, rate buydowns, and creative financing strategies.

• Buyer demand is picking back up after the holidays, especially among motivated, prepared buyers.

• Sellers who use January to prepare (rather than rush) are often best positioned for strong spring outcomes.

👉 If you're thinking about buying or selling this year, January is the perfect time for a pressure-free conversation to map out options.

✨ New Year, New beginnings Around the Merrimack Valley

January is full of opportunities to reset, reconnect and try something new.

🎯New Fitness & Wellness Businesses in the Area:

• Dynamite Pickleball in Merrimack, NH

• Crunch Fitness in Nashua, NH

• Flexable Assisted Stretching in Concord & Manchester, NH

📚Classes & Learning Opportunities

• The Canvas Roadshow in Bedford, NH - endless crafting classes

• Credit Reports 101 -Virtual with Granite State Credit Union

• Nashua Public Library -Educational and family events

🔮 Looking Ahead: What 2026 Is Shaping Up to Look Like

While no one has a crystal ball, early-year trends give us helpful insight. Spring 2026 is looking like a more balanced market with a modest increase in inventory and potentially continued home price appreciation, even with easing mortgage rates. Here are some ways you can best prepare.

For Buyers

January and February are ideal months to:

• Review credit and financial goals

• Get pre-approved or re-approved

• Learn what programs and incentives are available

• Start watching neighborhoods closely before spring competition increases

Prepared buyers often gain flexibility and confidence when the right opportunity appears.

For Sellers

This is the season for smart preparation:

• Light updates that make a strong first impression

• Pricing strategy based on current data, not last year's headlines

• Understanding timing options and being ready to list in stead of feeling rushed

A calm, well-prepared plan almost always beats a last-minute scramble.

💚 What's Happening with Kat Lately

This holiday season was a quiet and meaningful one for our family. Watching our 15-month-old light up over his new stuffed animal on Christmas morning made everything feel slower and sweeter.

As we step into the new year, we're also preparing to welcome our third and final baby, (send me your boy names!!), while getting ready for what's shaping up to be a busy spring season in NH and MA real estate. It's a season of growth in every sense and one I am incredibly grateful for.

🌿Closing Thoughts

January is about intention and the choices we make now often shape the year ahead.

As always, closing day is just the beginning, and I'm grateful to be part of so many meaningful journeys across the Merrimack Valley.

Whether you're

• Planning a move

• Exploring downsizing or ADU options

• Buying your first home

• Or simply gathering information

I believe real estate works best when it's thoughtful, informed, and centered around real life, not pressure.

If you're thinking about your next chapter, I'm always happy to talk it through. 🙂

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

-Kat Jalbert
Sopris Realty LLC