Insider Notes on the Spring Market. Plus the two towns I think will see the most growth over the next few years

• Speed is still the edge in competitive situations.
  Buyers who are winning on desirable properties are acting quickly and decisively. I’ve had two buyers win in multiple-offer situations simply because they were prepared to move the moment the right property hit the market. In both cases, different towns and price points, waiting even a day would have meant more competition or missing the opportunity entirely.

• Condition is outweighing size right now.
  Buyers are feeling the weight of higher price points and are less willing to take on projects after closing. The cost, and mental load, of renovations is pushing many buyers toward homes that feel move-in ready, even if it means compromising on size.

• Opportunity does exist for buyers.
  Homes that have been sitting are often there due to pricing missteps, not necessarily because something is fundamentally wrong. For buyers willing to take on updates, or look past days on market, this creates real leverage and the potential to buy more house at a better value.

• Presentation is no longer optional, it’s critical.
  I feel like we know this by now but it is worth repeating, the first showing happens online. Professional photography and strong presentation are directly impacting whether a buyer schedules a showing at all. The days of “anything sells in any condition” even if that just means a lot of belongings are still in the home, are behind us.

• The first weekend sets the tone.
  Well-prepared homes that come to market at the right price are seeing the strongest activity immediately.

• Buyers are more selective, and more informed.
  Today’s buyers are doing significant research before ever stepping foot into a home. By the time they schedule a showing, they’ve often already determined whether it’s a serious contender. They are still willing to compete, but only for homes that feel justified in value.

• Not every listing is a frenzy, but the right ones still are.
  There was an initial surge of activity early this spring that felt highly competitive. While that intensity has leveled out, well-positioned homes are still seeing multiple offers—just with more measured competition and fewer extreme over-ask outcomes.

• Certain price points remain highly competitive.
  On the North Shore, single-family homes in the $900K–$1.1M range continue to be one of the most competitive segments, with strong buyer demand and limited inventory.

• While most towns have leveled off, these two have room to gain.
  In my opinion Haverhill, particularly the Bradford section, and Topsfield are two markets that will see strong appreciation over the next few years.