Should You Trust AI To Price Your Merrimack Valley Home in 2025?

AI tools offer a quick estimate, but they can’t factor in your home’s unique features.

If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably checked its value using tools like Zillow or Redfin. These apps promise quick estimates based on data and algorithms, and they’re getting better every year. But here’s the big question: can you really trust AI to price your most valuable asset accurately? Before you list your home with an AI price estimate, you need to hear this: Recently, clients reached out to us after seeing an AI estimate valuing their home at $620,000. They wanted a professional valuation, so we met with them and discovered that their home included a $70,000 kitchen upgrade, along with several impressive technology enhancements throughout the property. After listing the home at $685,000, we received multiple offers within weeks, ultimately securing $70,000 more for our clients than the AI estimate suggested. They were thrilled that they trusted our professional guidance rather than relying solely on AI. So, let’s break down what these tools do well, where they fall short, and how to ensure your pricing strategy helps you avoid losing out on thousands.
"AI can crunch data in seconds, but it can’t walk through your house."
What AI does well in home valuation. AI tools have come a long way by 2025. They pull in tons of data from public records, MLS sales, and even tax info to give you a quick estimate of your home’s value. If you’re in a neighborhood with cookie-cutter houses, like a suburban subdivision where every home’s got a similar vibe, these tools can be pretty spot-on. Where AI misses the mark. Despite their strengths, AI tools have notable blind spots. They can’t physically tour your home to assess unique upgrades, like a $40,000 basement turned home theater or breathtaking mountain views. It also struggles in markets with diverse or limited sales data, like older neighborhoods, custom builds, or rural spots. In fast-changing markets, AI often lags, relying on past sales rather than current buyer behavior. Why local real estate agents still rule. AI’s only as good as the data it has, and that data isn’t always up to speed. A new development down the road or a big community project boosting your neighborhood’s appeal? AI might not know about it yet, but a local agent does. We’re out there seeing what’s selling, what’s sitting, and what buyers are buzzing about at open houses. That kind of real-time, boots-on-the-ground insight gives human expertise an edge that no algorithm can match. What’s the best strategy to get your home’s true value? Simply put, just use both AI and ask for help from a local expert. Having a local real estate agent help you with your pricing will be one of your best decisions if you want to get more for your home. AI is a great starting point, but it shouldn’t be your only pricing tool. Top agents combine data-driven tools with real-time feedback and local knowledge. We use AI for broad trends and human experience for the details that actually drive offers. Remember: Getting the price right isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding what makes your home stand out today. If you’re planning to sell this year, don’t let a computer decide your asking price. Feel free to reach out to us at (978) 852-3001 or PBrouillette@LaerRealty.com. We’re happy to help you see how much your home is really worth and how to get the offers you deserve.

Why Massachusetts & New Hampshire Buyers Are Finally in Control Again

With higher inventory and lower demand, market conditions are working in buyers’ favor.

Want to buy a home but scared about overpaying? I have good news: in 2025, buyers are finally calling the shots. We’ve been watching the market closely, and the shift is clear. Recently, we worked with a cash investor who had been searching with us for months. We found a prime opportunity, a $1.4 million property, and negotiated a 9% discount. That’s over $130,000 saved simply by taking advantage of the market conditions right now. With more sellers lowering prices and offering perks, buyers aren’t just getting good deals; they’re dominating negotiations. Here’s why. 1. Largest discounts in two years. According to Redfin, typical home sales across the U.S. are now about 1.8% below the list price. This is the largest discount we’ve seen in nearly two years. With the average closing time at 56 days, making it the longest January timeline since 2020, there’s a lot of inventory out there waiting for you.

"Homes are selling below their list price for the first time in years."
2. Inventory surge fuels buyer leverage. We're also seeing a surge in inventory. New listings climbed from 4.7% to 8.8% year over year in early 2025. This has resulted in a five-month supply of inventory, which is a very good sign for buyers looking to take advantage of the available opportunities. 3. Sales are slower. Even with more homes available, demand has weakened. Pending sales have fallen by 4% to 6% compared to last year, marking the lowest January levels outside of the pandemic years. In fact, over 60% of homes now stay listed for more than 60 days, which is up from previous months. This slowdown not only cools competition but gives buyers even more power at the negotiating table. 4. Sellers are offering more concessions. Sellers aren’t just dropping prices; they’re offering real value to close deals. These buyer perks include closing cost credits, repairs, or even interest rate buydowns. It’s safe to say, buyers aren’t just getting discounts; they’re also walking away with added value, making this one of the strongest buyer markets in years. If you’re buying now, this is your moment. You have the power to negotiate, avoid bidding wars, and enjoy more perks than we’ve seen in years. If you’re ready to take advantage of this unique market, or if you want a custom plan for buying or selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out at (978) 852-3001 or PBrouillette@LaerRealty.com. You can also visit our website: www.homesareus.com to learn more about us. We’re here to help you make your next move with confidence.

What Is Absorption Rate and Why Does It Matter in Real Estate?

For investors and buyers: discover how a low absorption rate signals prime opportunities to secure properties at favorable prices.

Have you ever wondered what the absorption rate in real estate really means? Understanding the absorption rate provides useful information about the market speed and whether the market favors buyers or sellers. Which is why today, we’ll break it down for you simply and clearly What is absorption rate? Let’s say there are 100 homes for sale in your town this month. If 50 of those homes sell within the same month, the absorption rate is 50%. That’s considered a very strong market. A high absorption rate means homes are selling quickly, which usually gives sellers the upper hand. Why should you care about absorption rates? Understanding absorption rates is crucial when pricing your home. If you’re looking to sell, you’ll want to ask your realtor about the current absorption rate in your town. If the rate is high, it might mean you can price your home higher. But if it’s low, you may need to consider lowering your asking price to attract buyers. Calculating the absorption rate is simple. Just divide the number of homes sold in a month by the number of homes available for sale in that same month.

"Absorption rate tells you how fast homes are selling and how your listing will compete."
For example, if 1,500 homes sold out of 5,600 listed, the absorption rate would be 27%. In Chelmsford, with 35 homes sold out of 84 listed, that’s a 41% absorption rate. What’s the impact of absorption rates on investors? If you’re looking to buy, a low absorption rate (like 15% or 20%) indicates that homes are taking longer to sell, often 5 to 7 months. This is the perfect time for investors to swoop in and snag properties at lower prices. It’s a signal that the market favors buyers rather than sellers. What’s the local market looking like right now? In the Merrimack Valley, the absorption rate last month was about 27%. Out of roughly 5,600 homes listed, around 1,500 were sold. That’s a slower market overall. But in our town of Chelmsford, things are moving faster. The absorption rate there is 41%. That’s 35 homes sold out of 84 listed in the past month. That’s a strong market and a good sign for local sellers. Whether you're selling a home or looking to invest, understanding the absorption rate gives you insight into how fast properties are selling, and whether the market is leaning in your favor. If you have any questions about absorption rates or real estate in general, feel free to reach out at (978) 852-3001 or PBrouillette@LaerRealty.com. You can also visit our website: www.homesareus.com to learn more about us. Understanding these rates can help you make smarter decisions in your real estate journey, and we’re always here to help.