Why Isn't Your Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Selling?

You've listed your property. You've spent your weekends with people traipsing through your home. You've done everything you can and your Southern New Hampshire real estate is still sitting on the market while others around you are selling. Why won't your home sell?

You've cleaned your home—you think. Let's examine a few areas many people overlook:

·     Did you stuff all your stuff in cabinets thinking no one will be bold enough to open cabinets and look inside? Hum… maybe. Maybe not. Lots of people open drawers, cabinets, and definitely will look in closets, so don't stash all your stuff in closets. Besides being untidy it is likely that overstuffed closets will fall out in an avalanche when an unsuspecting buyer happens to peek.

·    Are there dirty dishes stacked up, clothes in the laundry baskets, or used towels all over the bathroom? Just because you have to live in your Southern New Hampshire real estate until you sell it doesn't mean it looks good to your buyers. The 'lived in' look only makes your home look comfortable when friends and family visit, not prospective buyers.

·    Does your loving pet adore your visitors? Even the most well-behaved dog or cat may be a distraction. Not everybody is a pet lover, and even if they are they don't want to have to deal with your pets while viewing a home.   Have your dogs and cats in their crates when buyers come to see your Southern New Hampshire real estate listing.

·     Is the lawnmower sitting on the patio, the pool skimmer lying on the lawn, the kid's bikes piled up in the driveway? The inside of your home isn't the only place that shouldn't look 'lived in' when you are showing your home to the public.

Little things mean a lot. Don't let those little nail holes, stray wires from a removed fixture, or coffee stains on the carpet go unheeded. Your buyer is not going to want to fix those things when they move in. And, it makes potential buyers think that if minor repairs haven't been taken care of, most likely, major repairs have been let go also.  Take the time to do minor home fix ups and make your house look as inviting as possible.

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Green Building Still Running High for Southern New Hampshire Homes

At the beginning of 2008, it was predicted that green national and Southern New Hampshire homes would not only become a steady trend, but would also become the nationwide norm. As the home building industry struggled with economic upheaval, the building of green homes was one sector that kept growing.

Energy Star Designations
As of December, 2009, over 1 million homes have received the EPA's Energy Star designation since the program’s inception in 1995. Despite the many foreclosures, the glutted housing market and drowning homeowners, 75,000 more homes gained the Energy Star designation in 2009, raising the numbers to 1,024,200.

In 2007, 12% of single-family homes in the U.S. were Energy Star homes. In 2008, the numbers had reached 17%. Although the reports have yet to come in for 2009, there’s no doubt the numbers are increasing.

Two Other Green Home Certifications
Energy Star isn’t the only one with a green program; the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) also has a green home certification program. The number of participating homes is small (3,050 by the end of ’09), but noteworthy.

The National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHB) provides the National Green Building Certification, with over 500 participants.

The need for green national and Southern New Hampshire homes is, admittedly, consumer driven. Homebuyers want energy efficient homes - whether those homes are newly constructed or remodeled – and are willing to pay for them. Yes, the cost is higher, but most expect to make back the money spent on the house through future energy savings.

As we move forward in 2010, keep green in mind because energy efficient Southern New Hampshire homes are in high demand. If you’re trying to sell your home and can’t get it off the market, consider renovation towards a greener world.

If you’re trying to sell your home or find a green home to buy, I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com.

How to Improve the Insulation of Your Southern New Hampshire Home

We’re all looking for ways to cut costs in our Southern New Hampshire homes.  One of the most efficient ways to save money is to insulate.  There are two simple ways to insulate your home that you may not have thought of before.  Here is the lowdown on each of them:

Add Weatherstripping
 You may be familiar with weatherstripping on your car, but have you ever thought about weather-stripping your house?  It comes in many different sizes, so you can easily choose the right kind for your Southern New Hampshire homes.  Pre-weather stripped doors are now sold in many home improvement stores. 

 When choosing which weather stripping to buy, consider the amount of friction that it will need to stand up to.  It would be better to use vinyl weatherstripping in high traffic areas. You could use felt weather stripping to protect areas that don’t get a lot of wear and tear.

Clean and dry the area before applying the weatherstripping in one long strip.  When installing the weatherstripping to doors, make sure that the edges compress slightly when closing the door.  Install around each of the windows and doors to your house.  It will keep the cold air out, and help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Insulate Your Water Heater
 Another way to conserve energy is to insulate your water heater.  A water heater jacket is one of the most inexpensive ways to protect from heat loss.  Look for an insulating jacket that has a rating of at least R-8.  You can buy them pre-cut for easy installation.  Most water heater jackets are held in place with belts provided in the installation kit.   

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you set the temperature on the water heater.  A temperature setting that’s too high can cause the wiring to overheat.

These insulation tips are easy to do in your spare time.  You can save a lot of money on your utility bills by preventing energy loss and insulating your Southern New Hampshire homes.

Want to buy a well-insulated, energy-efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com.

The Clock is Ticking on that Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire - Again

Once again, the clock is ticking for first-time home buyers to get a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire before the tax credit runs out. Extended in November, 2009, the first-time buyers’ tax credit is set to expire in April, 2010, and there are no plans for another extension.

What does this mean for you? If you’re a home seller, it’s time to look over your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire, make sure all your t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted and that you’ve done everything you can to put your home at the front of the buying line. If you’re a first-time or repeat buyer hoping to take advantage of the credit, it’s time to start looking for your new home; the binding sales contract has to be signed by April 30, 2010.

Making the Buying Process Easier
Many times, the buying process can take forever.  Red tape, failing negotiations and other snags have caused more than a few possible sales to fall through. So, what can you do to make the buying process easier? Here are a few tips:

1.    Find out if you qualify for the first-time or repeat buyer tax credit. The home buyer requirements are many.  If you can’t afford to buy a home without the tax credit, make sure you qualify.

2.    Shop for lenders before hand. Choosing a mortgage lender can be a lengthy process, so finding one you want to use before you start looking for a home will cut down on the time it takes to buy the house.

3.    Get pre-approved. Getting pre-qualified is the first step in the loan process, but it’s based on an estimate, not verified facts. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you know exactly how much you qualify for, and how much house you can afford. Because this is a large part of the buying process, once you’re pre-approved, the lender can expedite the rest of the deal for a quicker closing, though you should still expect 5-6 weeks to close your loan these days.  With all the changes to lending practices in the past couple years, 3-4 weeks to close is a thing of the past.

4.    Negotiate wisely. Remember that you’re on a time-line and try not to let negotiations with the seller turn into a contest of wills. Yes, negotiate, but make sure your counteroffer on the home is realistic.

Buying a great home for sale in Southern New Hampshire before the tax credit expires is definitely possible, even with only three months to go.  Following the tips outlined above can make the sale go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Have questions about the home buyer tax credit?  Contact me at 603-821-1134 or dave@daveheeter.com.  If you want to start browsing properties, enter your search criteria in my MLS Property Finder search.

Was Your Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Financing Declined?

If you’ve recently applied for credit to finance a Southern New Hampshire real estate purchase, and were declined, you might be wondering why a lender would deny you credit.  Most lenders have a checklist of qualifications necessary to get approval for a home loan, and some don’t have anything to do with what your credit score is.  Here are the basic reasons a lender may deny a mortgage loan (Or, as mortgage consultant Charley Farley refers to them, the Four C's of Mortgage Lending.):

Cash - The amount required really depends on what program you are going with.  (VA, FHA, Conventional, etc.)  Not having enough money for a down payment or closing costs doesn't necessarily mean waiting to buy until you've saved up more.  Maybe you can make use of a seller credit towards your closing costs, or perhaps a friend or relative is willing to 'gift' you some additional funds that will enable you to buy now while the tax credit is still available.

Collateral - Your lender will do research to ensure that the property you are buying is worth what they are lending you.  Also, different types of properties are seen as more or less of a 'safe' investment for lenders and will influence the lenders decision, since 2 Families and Multi-Families have higher default rates than single family and condo properties.

Credit - The lender will review your credit report as well as consider your credit score in determining whether you have a sufficient and satisfactory credit history.

 ·     Little or no credit.  You may be under the impression that no credit is better than bad credit, but you’d be wrong.  A blank credit history is not something a mortgage lender wants to see.  A lender needs some idea of how you make payments.  You can build your credit history by getting a department store credit card, and using a maximum of thirty percent of your available credit to make purchases (keeping a good Credit-to-Debt ratio).  Consistently paying off the balance in full every month will soon add up to good credit, and lenders will look more favorably at your loan application.

·     Bad Credit.  It'll be difficult to find a lender that will approve a person with bad credit.  It’s not the end of the road, however.  You can improve your credit score with a little hard work and still buy that Southern New Hampshire real estate you want.  You’ll want to get a copy of your credit report from all three of the major credit bureaus.  If you have frequent late charges or many items in collections, you’ll need to call each company and arrange to get your accounts current.  You’ll be surprised at the difference each timely payment makes on your credit score.

Capacity - Comparing how much income you have with how much debt you are carrying enables the lender to determine how much additional debt in the form of a mortgage payment you can afford.

·    Income-to-Debt Ratio.  Most mortgage lenders will decline a loan application if your income to debt ratio is too high.  The percentage of your income allowed to be applied towards debt can vary depending on how much money you are putting down and how high your credit score is, up to a maximum of 50% on government loans and 45% on conventional.  If you personally figure on just above a third of your income for all your debt, you'll be well within the lender's comfort zone.

Let me help you get on the road to a Southern New Hampshire real estate loan.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

2010 Forecasts for National and Southern New Hampshire Real Estate!

From national and Southern New Hampshire real estate to the U.S. economy, the predictions for 2010 are in.  Like any predictions, they vary from somewhat bright and cheery to doom and gloom:

CNBC’s Realty Check predicts:
·    the beginning of a housing market recovery after a post tax-credit lull
·    higher foreclosure inventory
·    rising mortgage rates, probably leveling off around six percent.
·    continued suffering of commercial real estate

The National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) chief economist is projecting:
·    A sustainable recovery.  The tax credit expansion will help to relieve extra housing supply through mid-2010.
·    A rise in existing home sales.  The NAR is expecting existing home sales to rise as high as 5.69 million, even with continuing unemployment issues.  That's a 13.6 percent increase.

In fact, the U.S. forecasts for national and Southern New Hampshire real estate are overall positive for 2010.

Housing Predictor, one of the first places to predict the wave of foreclosures, also forecasts positive numbers for 2010.  They anticipate rising home sales, market improvement and even value appreciation for some places. Again, the magic period for the start of stabilization is the middle of the year.

Although no one knows for certain what will happen in the future - especially for such struggling sectors as national and Southern New Hampshire real estate - we can all gain a little hope from the 2010 forecasts. There is one thing that is fairly well agreed upon according to these predictions:  there will be a real estate recovery in 2010.

To find out the current market values in your neighborhood or town, request a Market Snapshot

and receive a detailed report via email! 

If you're considering making a move in 2010, I can help make it a smart one.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for a free consultation.

Benefits of Exterior Lighting for Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

As many Southern New Hampshire real estate agents will tell you, curb appeal shouldn’t end when the sun goes down. Exterior lighting can be both utilitarian and create a welcoming atmosphere even at night. The huge variety in lighting types will also lend uniqueness to your property and make it stand out to potential buyers.

Benefits of Popular Lighting Types

·    Reduces crime:  Motion-activated flood lights on the front and back porch are essential in high-crime areas and always a good idea for any area. It’s been proven that criminals don’t like Southern NH real estate with bright exterior lighting.  The bright lights will draw attention to visitors before they’ve ever reached your door.  Additionally, you should never discount the value of being able to see clearly when arriving home in the dark.

·    Decreases trip hazards:  Solar lamps make beautiful walkway lighting. They’re generally not bright enough to be obtrusive or attract many nocturnal insects, but they will show the exact location of a walkway and reveal any trip hazards on the way. Solar lamps also provide an additional selling point on which Southern New Hampshire real estate agents can capitalize.

·    Improves safety:  Good garage lighting can help you find your way to and from your vehicle. More importantly, the garage is a potentially hazardous area. Good lighting ensures that anyone walking through or working in the area will have a clear view of their surroundings and the task they may be performing.

·    Relocates bugs:  In rural areas, a high outside light (similar to a street light) not only lights large areas enough to recognize any hazards, they can also draw nocturnal insects away from lights emanating from the home. Moths and other insects often plague rural residents as they like to fly into houses from any open door or window.

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Cost for New Construction Homes in Southern New Hampshire May Rise

Not too long ago the “Greening of America” was just an idea.  Now, it’s a government mandate.  The latest requirements for new construction may just cause the cost of new homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire and around the nation to rise.

In December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new stormwater management requirements for new construction.  These new requirements have the National Home Builder’s Association (NAHB) up in arms. In a news release posted on the NAHB website, the Chairman said the new housing regulations are unrealistic, "a standard that no builder, anywhere, can consistently expect to achieve – and EPA’s own studies show it’s not the answer to reducing pollutants in our nation’s waters...".

It all comes down to stormwater. When it rains, water hits the ground and seeps into it. In most cases, that water is absorbed and filtered by the ground, and then replenishes the world’s water supply. Not so in developed areas, where pavement and roofing, among other man-made surfaces, prevent the water from being absorbed.

The remaining water becomes runoff, which, according to the EPA, damages the infrastructure of surrounding development, causes downstream flooding and bank erosion. In addition, the water carries pollutants, which are carried into streams and water supplies. The new regulations have set stricter limits on pollutants in stormwater from construction sites, as well as requiring that the stormwater has little to no soil or sediment in it.

While less pollution is a fantastic idea, NAHB says something is missing – such as understanding soil differences. Certain types of soil absorb water better, reducing the amount of run off, while other types of soil produce a naturally high amount of sediment. The cost for homebuilders to meet these regulations can be expensive – an expense that will be passed on to those looking for newly built homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire.

The EPA has done some wonderful things for environmental protection, such as the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), that already affect construction costs. However, for new homes being constructed in Southern New Hampshire, this new stormwater requirement may end up not only being impossible to keep but impossible to pay for.

If you’re looking for greener new home construction (either in a new development or on a pre-existing lot), I can help.  Browse properties on my mls search or contact me at 603-821-1134 or dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Thinking About Buying a Southern New Hampshire Condo? What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying a Southern New Hampshire condo, it’s imperative that you know what you’re getting into, and how the past year has changed things. The rules and regulations for condominium mortgages changed a lot in 2009…

In April, the two government-run mortgage companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, tightened their guidelines for those looking to own a Southern New Hampshire condo or any multi-family home. The restrictions make it harder for potential buyers to get financed through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which makes a mortgage more expensive.

The April policy requires that the condominium association and operations be evaluated, as well as your credit qualifications. The new requirements touch on subjects such as:
   
·    The association’s insurance
·    Financial statements
·    Status of dues receivable from those living in the condo
·    Who owns what units
·    How many units are empty

If the condominium you’re looking at doesn’t come back with a good report, you may have to rely on a private mortgage insurer. Unfortunately, private insurers are becoming even pickier; some have quit covering condo mortgages all together. To be able to get a loan, even with good credit, you may end up paying as much as 40% down to get mortgage payments you can afford.

Even if the condo is approved, however, you’ll still need to come up with 25% or try government financing (FHA). Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say it doesn’t matter what your credit score is. If you can’t pay 25% or more in the down payment, you’ll end up with a three-quarter point add-on penalty - $750 for every $100,000 borrowed. What’s the penalty for? Not buying a “traditional,” single-family home.

What’s the moral of the story? If you want to buy a Southern New Hampshire condo, spend more time researching than you normally might. Look for those that have at least
a 50% occupancy rate. Find out if the occupants pay their dues, and if one person owns more than 10% (a big “no deal” for the two mortgage companies). Good condos are out there and available, but the rules make buying a hard game to play.

If you’re looking for a great condo that qualifies for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac financing, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Buy Your Valentine One of the Southern New Hampshire Foreclosures

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Are you wondering what to get your loved one? Buying Southern New Hampshire foreclosures may not be on the top of your list, but maybe it should be. Do you need some extra room? Is it time to spread out? Are you a repeat buyer?

You’ve probably heard the term “buyer’s market” more often than you care to, but if you want to expand your living quarters, you might want to pay attention.

What is a buyer’s market?
The typical reply might be something like, “A buyer’s market is where the supply is greater than the demand; the heavier the supply, the stronger the buyer’s market.” What you really need to know is that a buyer’s market is heavily tipped in your favor. Mortgage rates, housing supply and negotiations are all pointed towards helping you find – and buy – the home of your dreams.

What’s so great about buying Southern New Hampshire foreclosures or other homes for sale now?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or currently own a home and want to upgrade, there are plenty of reasons to get into the action now:

·    Home prices in Southern New Hampshire are lower than they’ve been in 6 or 7 years.
·    Foreclosures are going for rock-bottom prices as lenders try to stem their losses.
·    The number of programs to help buyers get into a new home is higher than it’s ever been.
·    Between government programs, lenders’ programs and private programs, the chances of getting into a home you can afford are high.
·    Many sellers are eager to find qualified buyers. If you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, you have a better stance in negotiations.
·    Mortgage rates are lower than they’ve been in a long time, but are slowly starting to rise again.

These are just a few of the reasons.

Why buy foreclosures?
Foreclosures are selling at much lower prices than other homes. In fact, many expect to save at least 30% when buying foreclosed property and that percentage isn’t unrealistic.

If you’ve been trying to figure out what to buy your Valentine, and you’ve been thinking about buying a home, look around at Southern New Hampshire foreclosures. Not only can you find a fantastic deal, but with the right lender and loan, you could celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new home!  (Most loans take 3-4 weeks to go from contract to closing.)

National and Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Gets a Makeover

When home values started dropping in 2007, a lot of homeowners panicked and immediately began putting their houses on the national and Southern New Hampshire real estate markets. The supply of homes for sale rose to a staggering amount and prices dropped lower, fueling more homeowners to “get out while they still could.”  However, as 2009 rolled to a close, a new trend emerged that may mean a calming of the panicked markets.

Meet the Nesters

During the real estate boom, house flippers popped up everywhere. In fact, flipping houses became such a big industry that cable channel A&E began producing “Flip This House” for those who wanted to try it themselves. Houses had become short term financial investments with very low upfront cost, traded in regularly for the latest model or for immediate cash as prices rose swiftly and equity gain seemed automatic. However, as prices dropped for national and Southern New Hampshire real estate, investors found their investments failing.

So, if you can’t count on building equity with a property, you can’t invest in a home without putting some of your own money into it and you can’t flip homes in a short time frame with little time/effort/money invested, what good are they? Ask the "nesters," who’ve decided that a home is something to hold on to and a good investment in the long run.

2009 showed a 20% increase in the first three quarters for home construction according to NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), and another 8.7% increase in the last quarter of the year. The amount spent on remodeling in 2009 hit $114 billion by October. What are these nesters doing?

While some paying for remodeling are trying to raise the quality of their home to sell it, most are fixing it up to live in. Most people move to get more space, but these nesters would rather expand the place they live in than buy a new home. As well, many contractors believe the number of home improvement bids have gone up thanks to the $1,500 energy tax credit for raising the energy efficiency of a home.

Whatever the reason, the rise in nesters may mean an evening out of the housing supply. Although the national and Southern New Hampshire real estate markets may not stabilize immediately, a drop in the number of homes hitting those markets could make all the difference in a housing recovery.

If you’re looking for a beautifully remodeled home, I can help.  Browse properties on my website: www.DaveHeeter.com or contact me at 603-821-1134 or dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Low Budget Decorating Tips for Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Don't despair if you are short on cash. You can still have a beautiful Southern New Hampshire home. Sometimes a little elbow grease is a decent replacement for extravagant money, and other times you can get great deals by shopping around for items that are usually costly.

Indoors

Simple things can mean a lot. You can change the entire look and feel of a room by simply changing the window treatments. New drapes or blinds add warmth and appeal and instantly give your Southern New Hampshire home a fresh new look.

If that's not enough, a fresh coat of paint transforms any room. Paint is one of the least expensive home decorating tools, and you can save even more money by doing it yourself instead of hiring a painter. It doesn't require a lot of skill and is hard to do wrong.

If your furniture looks tired, adding new throw pillows in vibrant colors that either match or contrast your room's colors can make a world of difference.  Pillows also help your old furniture regain its appeal.

The bathroom is the second most commonly remodeled room in the house (after the kitchen), but it can cost a lot of money to replace cabinets, fixtures, or tile. Simple things can help give your bathroom a face-lift:
·    Add candles for a lovely glow and inviting fragrance.
·    Get new towels to hang and repaint walls.
·    Re-grout any tiled areas for a fresh new feel.

Outdoors

Coming home from a long day of work to a worn-out looking home can be a downer. Add some hanging baskets of flowers or vines by the door and trim your path with a flower bed or decorative stone. Apply a little labor and repaint the trim on windows and doors to give your home a quick lift.

It doesn't take a lot of money to make your Southern New Hampshire home a haven.

If you would like more tips on sprucing up your home on a budget, subscribe to my blog.

How to Make the Kitchen in Your Southern New Hampshire Home More Energy Efficient

The kitchen in your Southern New Hampshire home offers multiple ways to improve energy efficiency.  It can be challenging to have versatility, style, comfort and design while still being energy efficient.  The good news is that small changes can be easy to make, without breaking your redecorating budget.

·    Use the appropriate cooking utensils in your kitchen.  Most electric stoves are equipped with two small burners and two large ones.  Make sure that you are using your small pans on the small burners, and large pans on the larger burners.  Using a small pan on a large burner wastes energy, adds heat to kitchen, and may cause the handles to warp on the pans if they become too hot.  Place lids on your pots and pans when they are on the stove, this will conserve the heat and decrease the workload on your cooling system.
·    Repair dripping sink faucets in the kitchen.  You can repair or replace the faucet in your Southern New Hampshire home inexpensively.  A few drips on a constant basis adds up to gallons of wasted water.  Fixing a leaky faucet can substantially decrease the amount of water you use.
·    Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.  There are several ways to save energy with the dishwasher.  Make sure that the appliance itself is energy efficient.  Next, scrape the dishes before you load them.  This may allow you to set the wash cycle to a light or normal wash, instead of a heavy wash cycle.  Set the drying cycle to air dry.  Air-dry cycles decrease the amount of heat the appliance creates.  These tips will save a lot of water and energy.

It's easier than you may think to update the kitchen in your Southern New Hampshire home using green appliances and energy-saving methods.  Depending on what you buy, you may also qualify for a federal tax credit for energy efficiency.

Want to buy an energy-efficient home?  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Stay Safe When Working With Electricity In Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Chances are you’ll have to work with electricity in your Southern New Hampshire home at least once.  You might have to replace a broken ceiling fan or install a garbage disposal.  Always keep these things in mind when with working with electricity:

·    Turn off the power at the main panel box.  If you only flip off the switch, you’re in danger of receiving an electrical shock that could prove fatal.
·     Use a voltmeter to test the wires after you shut off the power.
·    Thoroughly read all the instructions, including the safety information, that come with the item you’re going to install.
·    Wear protective equipment like goggles and use only materials intended specifically for that purpose.
·    Have an inspector out to look at your work.  It’s better to err on the side of caution with electricity.  For some projects, you may need to hire a licensed electrician.

After you finish the project, it’s a good time to inspect the electrical system in your Southern NH home for safety.  You’ll want to look it over each time the seasons change to ensure that the system is in good working order.

·    Look for any frayed or discolored wiring on the cords to your electrical appliances.  If you see anything unusual, you may need to call an electrician to further evaluate the situation.
·    Inspect your home’s power outlets for cracks or loose plates. 
·    Make sure that extension cords and other plug-ins aren’t overloading the outlet.
·    Always run extension cords along the side of the wall, taking care not to place the cord across a doorway, causing a walking hazard.
·     Keep all heat-producing appliances, like lamps, away from combustible materials like drapes.

You can work with electricity safely by following these guidelines. 

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Can Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale Beat the Rising Competition?

Any time supply is bigger than demand, businesses start looking for a way to set themselves apart from the competition.  If you have a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, you’re probably doing the same thing. What is the competition like, though? Are you looking for similar houses, similar neighborhoods – or is the competition nation wide? By paying attention to homes that are selling nationwide, you can find out a lot about what buyers want.

Once again, CNN Money published their “Top 100 Best Places to Live” for 2009. If your Southern New Hampshire home for sale is in a place similar to the Top 10 (or happens to be in one of the four New Hampshire cities in the top 100 - Merrimack, Concord, Hooksett and Hanover), you just might have a much better chance at selling, especially if you market those positive attributes. Here are just a few of the things these places have in common:

·    Small towns: Whether a place is small or not is always relative. For instance, someone who lives in a town with less than 3,000 people would think Bryant, Arizona, with a population of almost 15,000, was a big place. However, the Top 100 list points the way; the population numbers range from 8,000 to 50,000. If your home is in a low population area, this could be a great selling point.

·    Robust, needed industries: High-tech industries, energy services and health care are just a few sectors that haven’t been hit as hard by the recession. These industries will be needed for years to come, and the demand for trained workers is higher in areas with these industrial sectors than in others. If your home is located in an area with lower than average unemployment, brag about it!

·    Low crime rates: For most, if not all of the top 100 places, crime is low, if not almost nonexistent. For instance, Papillion, New England has around 22,000 people. They also have less than one personal crime per 1,000 people. If you aren’t sure what the crime rate is around your home, check! Low crime rates are an excellent selling point; one that you could be missing out on.

·    Education: Education has always been important to most people – a fact that is clear with the Top 100 list. The list averages 20 universities or professional schools within 30 miles, and over 71% of the population per place has had some college. Do you have great universities? Do you live in a highly educated community? It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it will to the buyer.

From population demographics to the number of recreational activities available, everything goes into making your Southern New Hampshire home for sale attractive to buyers. Do the research and find out what makes your area special.

Market Snapshot

 If you're trying to find your home's selling points, I can help.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Get Rid of Clutter in Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Getting rid of clutter in our Southern New Hampshire homes can be a challenge for anyone.  We are overwhelmed with junk mail, paper from our children’s school, bills, magazines, trinkets, toys and clothes.  It can be difficult to sort through the mess to determine what we really need.  Even when the clutter is all sorted, new clutter seems to replace it overnight.  There are several ways that you can get rid of the mess in your home.

·    Start in one room and finish it.  It can be overwhelming to try to organize a whole house.  Start in one room and go through it.  Discard things that you have not used in the last six months (or the past year if a seasonal item).  If you have not worn it or used it in that time, then you don’t need it.  Discard all broken or stained items.  You aren’t going to fix them, or you would already have done it.

·    Throw things away.  Don’t set things aside to sort later, just in case you may need it.  When sorting, make a bin of items to keep and a bin of things to throw away.  Getting in the habit of discarding unneeded items can be difficult at first, but it will drastically cut down on clutter in your Southern New Hampshire home.

·    Give things away.  Get rid of clutter and help those in need by donating items that you're no longer using. 

·    Label your storage bins.  Many times clutter develops because there is no set place to put things.  For instance, in the toy room, have individual storage bins for toy cars, railroad tracks, dolls and crayons.  Each bin should be clearly labeled so that all family members can participate in putting things where they’re supposed to go.  With young children, it may be helpful to take a picture of the items that go in the bin, and tape it to the front of the container.

It’s easy to have clutter free Southern New Hampshire homes using these organizing tips. 

If your home is already organized, but you still don't have enough room, it may be time to buy a larger home.  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

How to Pay Off Your Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Mortgage Early

Few things sound better than paying off a thirty-year Southern NH real estate mortgage early.  Not only will you be free of mortgage payments, you could also save thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.  Here are four ideas to help you pay off your mortgage early:

1.    Apply any windfall monies you receive to your mortgage balance.  Be sure to indicate that this is an extra payment and should be applied exclusively to your principle. 
2.     Make bi-weekly mortgage payments.  Making exactly one-half payment every two weeks will add up to a total of twenty-six half payments per year.  Or, thirteen whole payments each year instead of twelve.  That’s the secret to paying off a Southern New Hampshire real estate mortgage early with bi-weekly payments.  The interest rate itself isn't reduced, but the amount of money you pay in interest on the principal is. 
3.    Overpay a fixed amount every month.  By sending in an extra fixed amount as an additional principal payment every month, you'll reduce the length of time it takes you to pay off your mortgage. By sending in a fixed amount every month, you can easily automate this process.
4.     Use a prepayment calculator to figure out other ways to pay your mortgage off early.  The free prepayment calculators available on the internet can also help you determine how quickly you can become mortgage free.

Before implementing any of these methods to pay off your Southern New Hampshire real estate mortgage early, contact your mortgage lender to find out if you'll be incurring any additional fees.  It's also a good idea to ask your mortgage lender if there are any specific instructions you need to follow to be sure your payments are processed correctly.

Thinking about buying a home that you can pay off quickly?  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Real Estate Update for Southern New Hampshire Home Sellers and Buyers

2009 was a rough stretch for many Southern New Hampshire home sellers and buyers, but new reports hint at possible stabilization in the housing market that may prove beneficial for everyone. As 2009 rolled to a close and 2010 opened into a new year, economic and real estate reports poured out good news, but bad news wasn’t far behind. For each positive note, there is always that unavoidable “but”:

·    Mortgage rates are holding steady below 5%, thanks to government intervention. Thanks to the low rates, more people are buying and refinancing. However, the downside is that banks are more reluctant to refinance or loan. This leaves many who want to buy a Southern New Hampshire home with the inability to do so. Ironic that, in a buyer’s market, it’s the banks with all the selling power.

The other “but” is that the Federal Reserve program providing the low mortgage rates is set to expire in March. Rates could very well double shortly after, which is highly likely to drop the number of interested buyers. A drop in buyer numbers will only further shift the supply/demand ratio.

·    As of December 10, 2009, the number of foreclosures in a month had dropped 16%, nationwide. The home buyer tax credit expansion, foreclosure prevention programs and loan modification programs have helped, as well as state mandated financing programs. As great as that is, there were still over 300,000 foreclosures in November 2009, which is 18% higher than November 2008.

·    Home prices are “firming,” showing improvement over five consecutive months. Although the rise is considered mild, fewer homeowners are underwater, where they owe more mortgage than their house is worth. Because housing prices are improving, home sellers are more confident in the listing prices they’ve set.

However, many – some of whom are currently unemployed - have ARM mortgages that will be resetting shortly. While they can afford their current mortgages, many won’t be able to afford a higher one. This could bring another round of foreclosures and another drop in housing prices.

What does all this mean for Southern New Hampshire home buyers and sellers? As Ben Franklin put it, “nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes.” However, there is also the famous “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” 2010 could be rocky, but, if you’re careful and do your research, you’ll find smooth sailing ahead.

If you’re trying to buy or sell a home, I can help.  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

What to Consider Before Buying a Southern New Hampshire Condo

If a Southern New Hampshire condo lifestyle sounds interesting to you, here are a few things to consider about living in this type of residence:

Ownership
When you purchase a Southern New Hampshire condo, you own the space within your condo's walls.  The actual walls are co-owned with your neighbor, as well as the common areas like the hallways; building exterior; yard and amenities such as the pool, gym, and walking trails. 

Condo Association Fees
Each condo has Association fees that are in addition to the mortgage.  These fees are used for maintenance and repairs of the common areas.  The Association fees also pay for the landscaping and, usually, trash and snow removal.

Condo Association Rules
Associations also have rules.  They have regulations about what you can do with your property, including what kind of pets, if any, are allowed.  Most Associations don't allow making changes to the exterior of the property.  You can paint the walls inside your condominium, but can't paint the outside.

Neighbors
 So you’ve found the condominium that works for you.  The next thing to consider is what kind of neighbors you'll have.  Disruptive and noisy neighbors can ruin even the perfect condominium.  A good thing to do is stop by the condo at different times on different days, so you can get an accurate impression of what living there is really like.  Think about looking at the minutes for a recent Association board meeting.  They'll list what complaints the other owners have, and by looking at those you can get the big picture of life there.

Don’t let Association fees and close neighbors scare you away from condominium life.  While purchasing a Southern New Hampshire condo is not simpler than buying a single-family home, living in one may be. 

Thinking of buying a condo?  I can help.  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Keep Your Southern New Hampshire Home Clean the Green Way

Lots of people think about ways to save the environment in a physical manner such as changing light bulbs from incandescent to florescent and recycling, but many drop the ball when it comes to cleaning their Southern New Hampshire home. Keeping your home clean in a way that is healthy to you, your family, and the environment just takes a little extra thought and soon becomes second nature.

Danger, Danger

Get rid of any products under your sink, in your bathroom, or your cleaning closet that have danger cautions.  If they are bad for you, they are probably bad for the environment too, and why have such hazardous materials in your Southern New Hampshire home?

Labels that have cautions such as poison, hazard, and danger on them are not only bad to have around small children, the toxins leak into the air when you use them causing health problems for your family. They also leech into the environment when you use them and are hazardous for the environment.

Re-usable and Natural

Buy mop heads and sponges made from natural materials that are bio-degradable and replenishable. Check for recycled materials labels on paper towels, toilet paper, and other disposable objects so that you know those products are making the best use of production materials.

Conserve

Use as little water as possible when doing dishes by turning off the faucet while you are washing and only using running water when you are ready to rinse. Don't just think about conservation when cleaning your home. Turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth as well for extra savings. Remove your shoes or put a rug by the entry doors of your home to help cut down the need to wash floors.

Bring in the Green

Bring nature into your Southern New Hampshire home in the form of hanging and potted plants. In addition to converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, plants can remove other harmful chemicals from the air, providing you with cleaner, healthier air.

Want to buy a clean, green home?  Let me help.  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

FHA On Solid Ground: Hope for Purchasers and Sellers of Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

The Federal Housing Administration now covers at least 30% of new home loans, so when the FHA commissioner David Stevens announced this fall that it might not make its 2% capital reserve, people were understandably nervous.  Once it was out that the FHA wouldn’t meet its 2% (please note that the FHA itself is the one who broke the news), news portals, blogs and other websites spread the news that the FHA was a train wreck. However, a follow up interview with David Stevens on CNBC cleared the air a bit and gives hope to Southern New Hampshire real estate purchasers seeking FHA loans.

It appears that the FHA, put in place for instances like this when people can’t afford other loans, actually has two capital accounts and the one with a 2% goal is a backup account.  According to Stevens, the FHA has “lots of capital in primary reserve to cover expected defaults.” Combined, FHA capital is over $30 billion dollars, and though the FHA's 2009 Actuarial Review Briefing report indicates significant losses expected on loans made before 2009, it concludes that under most economic scenarios considered the FHA’s reserves will remain positive.

The FHA has also taken action to address risks to its portfolio.  Instead of immediate risk management in the form of strict borrower guidelines (like the tighter guidelines Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have put on condo mortgages) that might make it harder on potential Southern NH real estate owners, the FHA is going for some management and process changes. The changes include hiring a chief risk officer and requiring higher capital standards for loan originators.

At the present, says Stevens, the FHA isn’t considering a minimum credit score, and they may not have to. Looking at their portfolio, the average credit score has gone up 60 points, from 630 to 690, pointing to a higher quality of borrowers.

So, when thinking about buying Southern New Hampshire real estate and looking at mortgage companies, don’t forget to look at the FHA. If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are lending, the FHA is – and it’s going strong!

You can watch the CNBC video for the full interview.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home, I can help.  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.