John and new addition to the show, Sales Associate with Tate and Foss, Sean Fellows have a lot to discuss in this episode: understanding the beautiful 13 sample seacoast towns and a few of the surrounding towns. Plus we have the Tate and Foss Market Watch, and a spotlight on two towns similar in lifestyle, but with big differences in tax rates. John talks about the story he did with the Portsmouth Herald on affordability which they are defining as $450,000 and below. And finally, what can we expect in 2022? John and Sean share their thoughts on the year ahead and how to make the most of the situation at hand.
The Tate and Foss Market Update: Lowest January inventory ever for 13 Sample Seacoast Towns—Less than half of last year. Some 57 active single-family listings. Median price for 2021 in the Seacoast was $629,000 (No change from 2020) Highest price in Maine $7.5 in Kennebunkport and $5.676 in New Castle, NH …In Portsmouth $596,000; Rye $1m; Greenland $539,000. Overall, in the 13--$615,000 up 9.4% or about .7% per month.
SPOTLIGHT on Kittery Point, ME and New Castle, NH. Buyers love these towns because they are ancient seacoast communities where lifestyle amenities are superior, and one can feel that “sense of place” you would hope to find in two towns founded in 1647 and 1693 respectively. What you might not realize out of the gate is that both towns are about 11-degrees cooler than Portsmouth in the summer, thanks to ocean proximity. John happened to grow up in Kittery Point and spent many a lazy summer day on Sea point Beach. It’s still beautiful, pristine, and not on everyone’s radar. It’s also a great place to walk the dog in winter. Similarly, New Castle has New Castle Common which is right on the Piscataqua River and has a lovely beach from which you enjoy views of all river traffic coming in and out of Portsmouth Harbor. Both communities have first-class marinas and the Portsmouth Yacht Club in New Castle hosts recreational and competitive sailing activities during the season. New Castle is home to the famous Wentworth Hotel as well as the Wentworth Country Club for golf, tennis, and swimming. Kittery has an extensive working town wharf with spectacular views looking directly out to Whaleback Light and the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor, known to locals as Pepperrell Cove. It’s also five miles from the York Golf and Tennis Club. Tax Rate is $6.19 in NC, but $13 in Kittery.
Contact John Rice HERE
Contact Sean Fellows HERE
Contact Michelle O'Dell HERE
