Monday, May 31, 2010

A Summer Party Recipe: Gelatin Fruit Salad

 "This gorgeous salad is so refreshing and bursting with flavor that you won't think of it as sugar-free," says Eleanor Mielke of Snohomish, Washington.  "A diabetic friend shared the recipe." 

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 package (.6 ounce) sugar-free cherry gelatin
1 can (12 ounces) or  1-1/2 cups diet ginger ale
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
Apple slices & fresh mint, optional


In a saucepan, bring the applesauce to a boil; remove from heat.
Stir in gelatin until dissolved.  Slowly add ginger ale and pineapple.
Pour into a 2-qt. serving bowl.  Chill until set.  Garnish with apples
and mint if desired. 

Yield: 8 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 30 calories, 53 mg sodium,
0 cholesterol, 7 gm carbohydrate, 1 gm protein, trace fat.

Friday, May 28, 2010

New Southern New Hampshire Home Construction Scheduling Delays

Creating a home for your family, from the ground up, can be an exciting experience.  But with the numerous steps involved in building a Southern New Hampshire home and the sometimes unexpected setbacks that can plague new construction, it can also be a stressful experience. 

Knowing what potential setbacks lurk ahead can help you come up with a realistic schedule for the building of your Southern New Hampshire home.  Having a good idea of what can go wrong and preparing for the possibility of a setback will help lower your stress and make the process go much smoother.

Following are some of the setbacks commonly experienced in new construction:

·    Weather:  Depending on the stage of the home building process you’re in, rain can cause a work stoppage.  If you’re building your home during a time of year when there’s typically a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably have setbacks, especially if you’re just starting the building process during this time.

·    Building permits:  Numerous permits are required before building can begin, so there may be a delay.  Permits can involve a lot of paperwork and time.  Also, agencies which issue permits may not move as quickly as builders and homeowners would prefer.
 
·    Reworks:  Most people building a home visit the building site frequently to keep an eye on work in progress and make sure that what they’ve asked for is being done.  Even when you take this precaution, there are times when things will be done incorrectly.  This will slow down work because the incorrect item will need to be removed, reordered (in most cases) and then reinstalled.

These are just a few of the things that can put a Southern New Hampshire home building schedule out of whack. 

To take some of the pressure off you, hire a professional real estate agent who has experience working with new construction.  A Buyer's Agent can help keep tabs on the building progress and make sure the work schedule stays as close to the original timeline as possible and follows the new home construction checklist.

If you’re interested in having a new home built, I can guide you through the process and make sure you get exactly what you want.  Give me a call before you go to a builder or start home hunting: 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@daveheeter.com.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Home Inspection and Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale

The home inspection is one of the most important considerations that can directly impact your Southern New Hampshire home for sale. 

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 84 percent of all residential real estate transactions include a provision for home inspection.  The purpose of this inspection is to provide an unbiased, analytical analysis of your Southern New Hampshire home for sale.  In a sense, this is the purchaser’s opportunity to avoid the “buyer beware” syndrome.

Because of the importance of the home inspection, as the seller, it’s an excellent idea to get your Southern New Hampshire home for sale inspected before putting it on the market.  That gives you a chance to fix any problems before potential buyers see your home.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

Not every state requires a home inspector to be licensed.  Therefore, you need to do your homework before choosing a home inspector.

Well informed buyers and sellers usually ask for inspectors who are members of either the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors

Additionally, before hiring a home inspector ask for:

·    A description of the services to be provided:  A typical home inspection should include a thorough and itemized written report detailing the home’s structural elements, an exterior evaluation, roofing, plumbing electrical and appliance testing.  Outbuildings and garages can also be included in the inspection.  Items such as insect and rodent infestation and radon inspections can also be performed.

·    A list of references:  Be sure to contact these references and ask what they thought of the home inspector and whether or not they’d use the inspector again.

Now What?

Okay.  Now the inspection has been performed and you’ve received the written report.  You have a couple of options to resolve any problems noted in the report:

1.    You can fix the problems yourself.
2.    You can hire someone to fix the problems.
3.    You can reduce the sales price by the estimated cost to fix the problems.

While it’s ultimately your decision, a professional real estate agent can help you determine which option will get your home sold the fastest and for the highest profit.

If you’d like recommendations to the best home inspectors in Southern New Hampshire, or want help getting your home sold, give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Why Get Pre-approved for a Southern New Hampshire Home Loan?

There are a few things you can do to make the process of buying a new Southern New Hampshire home easier and faster.  Getting pre-approved for financing is one of them.  Here are four advantages of having a loan pre-approval:

REALTORS® Take You Seriously


When you walk into an agent’s office with pre-approved financing, the agent knows he is not wasting his time showing you homes. If you do not have pre-approved financing, be prepared for agents to ask a lot of questions and even possibly request that you get financing in hand. They are not trying to be invasive. They are avoiding "tire kickers" while helping you streamline the process.

Home Sellers Feel More Comfortable Dealing with You

When you have pre-approved financing, sellers are more apt to work with you on price or other needs in order to close the deal. They know that there are not going to be contingencies on a loan, or waiting and wondering if you qualify for the loan. They know they don't have to worry about turning other prospects away and then finding out you haven't been able to get a loan.

Fast Closings

Getting pre-approved for a loan means no waiting on the biggest of all hurdles before closing.  Other items needed to close on a Southern New Hampshire home purchase usually move quickly, but loan applications can drag out and require setting a closing date far into the future to allow for the time needed. 

Less Stress

Above all else, having your financing in hand before you even begin to look for the perfect Southern New Hampshire home makes the entire process less stressful for you. Knowing you have the money to back you up when you find the home of your dreams is much better than finding paradise and having to worry about getting financed and possibly losing it.

If you would like to find out more about pre-approved home loans, I can help. Contact me at 603-821-1134 or Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dos and Dont's of Buying a Southern New Hampshire Home in Foreclosure

Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a home for your family, a foreclosure might be a good deal for you. However, buying a foreclosure is different from buying a home from a seller and requires different considerations.

Before you sign a contract, consider what you should and should not do when buying a Southern New Hampshire home in foreclosure.

·     DO consider the cost of repairs. Foreclosures are sold “as is.” That means the bank will not make any repairs to the Southern New Hampshire home in foreclosure before closing, so you will be responsible for them. For example, if the home needs a new roof, make sure you have enough money to pay for it or find out if you and the property qualify for a FHA 203K rehab loan.

·     DO get a home inspection. In a traditional home sale, the seller is required to tell you about any defects or problems they’ve had with the home. However, a bank does not have to supply a disclosure statement because they have not lived in the house and do not have any information about defects.  Make sure you hire a professional home inspector to check the structural integrity and condition of the home.

·    DO be prepared to wait. Buying a foreclosure usually takes longer than buying through a traditional sale. You will have to look through and sign stacks of paperwork. In some states, banks are required to go through the court system to sell a foreclosure which can take time.

·    DON’T buy a home just because the price is low. Banks like to sell their foreclosures as close to market value as possible. If the price is exceptionally low, there’s a reason why. Make sure you know it. Home repairs can easily add up, turning what you thought was a bargain into a money trap.

·     DON’T expect to flip the home for a quick profit. Despite what the get-rich-quick-buying-foreclosures crowd tells you, foreclosures don’t automatically mean you’re getting a steal, nor can you always quickly sell them. Buy a foreclosure because it’s an affordable home for you and your family, not as a way to build an overnight fortune.

When you take your time and do your homework, buying a Southern New Hampshire home in foreclosure can be a great bargain.  I can help you find well-priced foreclosures.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Renting versus Buying Homes in Southern New Hampshire

Before you start looking for your next home in Southern New Hampshire, you need to decide whether to rent or buy. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to look at your situation and decide which is best for you.

 To help you with that decision, here’s an examination of the pros and cons of renting and buying homes in Southern New Hampshire:

·    Pros of Renting.  Maintaining a home properly takes a certain level of time and commitment. When you rent, you are not responsible for the lawn, major repairs or maintenance. If you have to leave the area on short notice, you won’t be tied down to a home that needs to sell in order for you to move.


·    Cons of Renting.  The most significant con of renting is the fact that you get no tax deduction and have no potential for equity gain.  Also, if you have to move suddenly, you may have to pay extra money to break the lease. You may even have decorating restrictions, like not putting nails in the walls.

·    Pros of Buying.  Because of low interest rates and house prices, many renters find that their current rent payments are similar to what their mortgage payments would be. Unlike rent payments, mortgage payments add up and create equity in your home. Additionally, owning your own home provides tax deductions.

·    Cons of Buying.  To buy a home, you will need a down payment, which can be difficult for some people to acquire. There’s also the possibility that you may lose money on the home if you have to sell it before you’ve built equity in it or if your local market declines in value. Also, it can take considerable time and money to maintain homes in Southern New Hampshire.

 After you’ve considered all the pros and cons, there’s one more tool I recommend to help you make an informed decision: Use a free online rent versus buy calculator.

If you’d like help deciding whether buying or renting is right for you, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.  I’ll put together some current home prices to help you determine what your house payments would be, and I’ll also help you figure out what you can afford.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents Sell Ugly Houses, Too!

So, you’ve decided you want to sell your house.  You know it qualifies as one of those “ugly houses,” but you don’t want to do any work to your home.  You especially don’t want to do major repairs or updates like replacing all the windows with broken seals.  

You may think that means real estate agents will not want to list your home for sale.  Think again.  Southern New Hampshire real estate agents sell ugly houses, too!

Here’s what you should expect if you have an ugly house that you don’t want to make improvements to:

·    A lower price:  Maybe you don’t have the time, energy, money or know how to make improvements to your home.  That doesn’t mean it won’t sell, it just means the price has to be low enough to convince a buyer that it’s worth the time and money they’ll have to spend to get it into shape.  An experienced Southern New Hampshire real estate agent can do the necessary research to come up with the right price to get your home sold.

·    A smaller number of potential buyers:
  In today’s market, most homebuyers are looking for that perfect home.  The one they can move into without doing any work.  Since your home doesn’t fit that description, you’ll lose those homebuyers.  Typically, homes like this will sell to Southern New Hampshire real estate investors or buyers who enjoy fixing up houses.

·    A longer time on the market:  Because of the smaller number of potential buyers, it may take a bit longer to sell your home.  Because of the lower price, you’ll probably have several lookers, but getting someone to purchase it will most likely take longer than normal.

Don't say you're going to sell your house "someday, when you get all the repairs and upgrades completed", if you know in your heart that isn’t reality.  Sometimes it's worth taking a lower price and moving on. 

Whether your home is gorgeous, ugly or somewhere in between, I can help you get it sold.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

How to Buy the Right Deck Stain for Your Southern New Hampshire Home

 If your Southern New Hampshire home needs a face-lift, you can instantly brighten up the appearance of your house by staining your deck.  There are many different types of wood stain sold at home improvement stores.  You’ll need to keep a few things in mind when choosing wood stain:

·    What kind of wood are you staining?  Different types of stain are made for different kinds of wood.  Some stains are specifically made for pre-treated wood only.  Untreated wood requires special care and specific stain and sealant products.

·    What color deck do you want?  Most stains will look like natural wood when dried.  You can choose from oak to redwood and even cherry woods to match your Southern New Hampshire home.

·    What are the weather conditions where you live?  Since the secondary purpose of most stains is to act as a sealant, you’ll need to pick the type that will be most beneficial to your deck.  Some stains protect against ultra-violet rays and others are made to protect against wood rot and mildew.

·     How much stain do you need to buy?  You’ll need to calculate the square footage of your deck to know what quantity of paint to buy.  Check the labeling on the stain.  Some brands require more than one coat for the best results. 

After you’ve chosen the stain for your deck, pick up a few supplies to apply the stain:

·    Buy work gloves to keep your hands from becoming discolored by the stain. 

·    Most home improvement stores will have paint pans and brushes for sale near the stain.

·     Because stain is very thin, it tends to drip easily.  You may find that a paint pad will apply the stain more efficiently than a paintbrush.

Want more tips on how to improve your Southern New Hampshire home’s appearance?  Subscribe to my blog now.  It’s fast and free.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Southern New Hampshire Homes and Lawns: Growing Greener Grass

If you're anything like me, you've driven through neighborhoods, admiring the Southern New Hampshire homes and immaculate lawns.  You've pictured your dry, brown yard, wondering how these homeowners managed to get their lawns looking so great. 

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help achieve that plush, green grass that everyone hopes for:

1.  Choose a type of grass seed that's right for your climate zone. 

There are three climate zones:  Warm, transitional and cool.  Warm season grass is better for lawns in the South, cool season for the North, and transitional for Central.  The best bet for the transitional zone is either a mixture of warm and cool season grass or using the same seeds as the warm zone. 

2.  Plant at the right time.

Throw grass seed on the ground at the right time, and it’ll grow.

·    Warm zone grasses - sown in the spring, once the soil is warm enough for sprouts to grow.

·    Cool zone grasses – sown in the fall, generally between August 1 – 15 for the far North, and August 15 – 30 for the warmer areas.

3.  Cut at the right height.

No matter what zone the homes with gorgeous green lawns are in, you may notice that the lawns all seem to be about the same height.  There’s a reason for that.  Lawn care experts say you should never cut your grass shorter than two inches.

4.  Use the right mower.

You want to use mulching lawnmowers, replacing the blades every season to keep them sharp for cleaner cuts.  These lawnmowers turn the clippings into perfect grass-feed, which takes care of about half of the feed for the season. 

5.  Have a good watering schedule.

The best time to water a lawn is first thing in the morning.  You want to water all at once instead of in short spurts, soaking your lawn with about one inch each time you water.  Cool zone Southern New Hampshire lawns should be watered whenever it's been dry for a week.  Lawns for warm zone homes should be watered twice a week during the summer.

Want to buy a home with a lush lawn?  I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Looking for the Perfect Southern New Hampshire Home

 When you first decide to look for a new home, whether you are a first time buyer or you currently own your own Southern New Hampshire home, it is an exciting experience. Visions of perfection begin to dance in your head. Grand expectations and all of your fondest dreams begin to spring into being. But how do you balance dreams with reality so that you get what you need and maybe some of what you dream of?

Condition Counts

 You can get great deals on amazing homes when they need a little repair. However, that is a big trap if you don't take into consideration how adept you are with a hammer and nails. If home repair isn't up your alley, that's not a sin.  But, it is unwise to buy a fixer-upper if you're not into fixing or not financially prepared to hire professionals to do the fixing.

Wide Open Spaces

Rural living or huge parcels of property can be very appealing. The desire to own a big spread with rolling lawns can make you feel like a real land baron—until you have to maintain it. There are other aspects to looking at property removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Lack of convenience that might seem like a good thing can soon become just inconvenient. Consider the trade-offs if your idea of a perfect Southern New Hampshire home isn't exactly in the city.

Don't Settle


While you need to be realistic if your budget isn't unlimited, you should not settle for less than what you truly need. Take the time to determine exactly which features are most important to your family. Consider:

·    Which rooms will be most used
·    How many people will be living in the house
·    How many bedrooms you need
·    How many bathrooms are necessary

 Don't try to squeeze into something that won't fit those needs. If you have to wait a little while until you can afford a home that is the right size, it will be worth it to avoid the frustration of being dissatisfied with something as important as your Southern New Hampshire home.

 If you would like more information on what to consider before buying a home, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com. 

Monday, May 17, 2010

Short Sales: A Viable Option for Distressed Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

I know the words “short sale” may scare you.  But please take just a minute to learn why short sales have become a viable option for your Southern New Hampshire real estate if you’re considering foreclosure.

Once deemed difficult to get, hard to close and rough on the credit score, corrective measures have been taken to improve the valued short sale.  And, the winners are those who understand how short sales work with Southern New Hampshire real estate.

If you are faced with a house underwater and considering foreclosure or a short sale option, please understand the game has changed. 

Short Sales Then and Now


In early 2009, the typical short sale had less than a 50% chance of success.  Banks were skeptical, unprepared and unwilling to accept losses.  No longer!

Thanks to aggressive changes made by the Federal Government, the short sale has become the preferred option for lenders as well as buyers and sellers of distressed property. 

·    The administration has thrown incentives to first mortgage holders, second mortgage holders and new lenders. 
·    Primary lien holders who agree to a short sale can receive as much as $3,000 from the government. 
·    Secondary lien holders, who previously were often asked to step away empty handed, now can receive up to $6,000 for formal releases.

Additionally, there used to be more serious credit devastation for the short sale seller.  In some cases, outright releases were not provided.  The administration has stepped in to protect these distressed sellers.  Today’s short sale has less credit impact on the seller than a foreclosure.

 Now that short sales are a viable option, the market has exploded.  Short sales increased by 4% between November, 2009, and February, 2010.  Activity will only continue to increase.

If you would like to find out whether a short sale could benefit your distressed Southern New Hampshire real estate, give me a call now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com. 

Monday, May 10, 2010

Will Your Credit Stop You from Getting a Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Loan?

Good credit is more important than ever, if you want to get a Southern New Hampshire real estate loan.   Knowing what’s on your credit report and how lenders view various aspects of your report is crucial.

First Things First


Get a copy of your credit report from all three of the credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free report every year from each of the three credit reporting companies.  Whether you’re considering getting a loan or not, you should always take advantage of that opportunity to make sure your credit reports are accurate.

Range

FICO® scores range from 365 to 840. While the standards for what lenders consider a “good” FICO® score changes constantly and varies by lender, here’s a general breakdown of today’s standards:

·    Over 750 is excellent and should get you the best terms and rates. 
·    Under 600 might get you a Southern New Hampshire real estate loan, but you’ll want to shop for the lender who’ll give you the best rates and terms.
·    Under 500, you need to brace yourself for waiting until you get your credit in better condition.

What Determines Your Score

There are many things that can affect your score.  Magically (or not), each of the three companies tend to view things just a little differently, which means your score will not be the exact same for all three. That’s why it's so important to get copies of your report from all of them. However, the two main things that all companies consider in rating your credit score are delinquencies and debt-to-income ratio.

What You Can Do To Immediately Improve Your Score


·    Check the entries: Make sure any debts or delinquencies listed are true. Report any errors.
·    Pay off debts: But do not close accounts. Having available credit is good as long as it doesn't look like you’re over-extended by having your credit maxed out. The lender may worry that you’re living off your credit and can't afford your bills.

If you would like more tips on how to improve your chances of getting a Southern New Hampshire real estate loan, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Buying or Selling Green Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

“Going green” can mean something as simple as using recyclable paper bags from the grocery store to something as complex as buying green Southern New Hampshire real estate.  A greener world is a dream for many people. Even without promotions pushing consumers towards healthier choices and better living, a shift in consumer minds has begun.

What does this have to do with Southern New Hampshire real estate? Simply this:  If you’re a buyer trying to find a green or energy-efficient home, you may be surprised to learn that you could run into some difficulty.  And, if you’re selling your green home, you may not get the results you expect.

The Problem with Green

Energy-efficient and green homes are still a fairly new market. In fact, it’s still considered a niche market. This not only affects prices; it also affects appraisals.

Green Sellers
If you own a green home and are now trying to sell it, you and the appraiser may have a fight on your hands. For example, new regulations passed down over the past year say that loan originators can’t ask for appraisers experienced in green building evaluation. What this means is that you may very well get an appraiser who knows nothing about the value of green homes or green home improvements.

As well, some appraisers base their evaluations on foreclosed homes in the area.  Depending on how hard hit the area has been by defaults, this could severely affect your appraisal.

Even if the appraiser understands green building and wants to give a fair home appraisal, they may not be able to assign full value for the green enhancements, because the market won’t support it. In other words, you may not get back what you put into the home when you sell it.

Green Buyers
Somehow, buying a green home has become as difficult as selling one. Sometimes, the issues don’t make sense in light of the difficulties sellers may have. For instance, the seller may have to take a cut in price when they sell. However, strangely enough, the buyer may end up having to pay more for a green home.

Often (and, again, because many don’t appreciate the value of a green home) the appraisal will come in for less than the home is actually worth. This means that the bank, which has agreed to pay a certain percent for financing, will only cover the percentage based on the appraisal. This leaves the buyer having to make a larger down payment than they might otherwise.

If you’re looking for green Southern New Hampshire real estate or trying to sell your green home, have your real estate agent negotiate for you before throwing up your hands. Remember that buyers and sellers both have issues with green homes. Be willing to discuss and negotiate so everyone walks away happy.

If you’re trying to find an environmentally friendly home or have one you’d like to sell, I can help you avoid these problems. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Where Can I Find XYZ On the Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Market?

If you’re like me and other real estate agents, home sellers, homebuyers and homeowners, you’re always looking for a great resource for information on the Southern New Hampshire real estate market. You have questions and you want answers.

·    What are the mortgages like in this area?
·    What are the current selling prices for homes?
·    What’s a specific neighborhood like?
·    Is there anything besides the economy affecting the Southern New Hampshire real estate market?

For instance, you want to know current market trends. Are they stabilizing? Are things still sliding down hill? Is there a buying trend sellers can take advantage of to market their homes? While a professional real estate agent will help you sell or find a home, it doesn’t hurt for you to do some research on your own to become more knowledgeable. Who knows, you may come up with some ideas we haven’t thought of!

So where can you find reliable information on the real estate market? On the Internet, there are thousands, perhaps millions, of informational sites. Below are just a few of my personal favorites:

CNNMoney.com (real estate) – The information on CNNMoney.com has no bias in terms of convincing you to sell or buy. Where are home prices falling? Where are they strongest? What information do you need to know as a buyer or seller? From mortgages to pricing and market stability, you can find it here.

RISMedia.com – If you can’t find it on CNNMoney, you can most likely find it on RISMedia. Home improvement, financing and foreclosure information are just a few of the topics. As well, because RISMedia is actually involved in real estate, you can find the latest market information.

DQNews.com – DataQuick provides real estate data on a state-by-state basis or on a specific area. While the information can be a little technical for the non-real-estate-professional, if you want to know how the Las Vegas region is doing for home sales, or the average mortgage rates in Missouri, DQ can help. New Hampshire is currently one of the areas where you have to pay for the data, but it’s fairly inexpensive and can give you great information.

DaveHeeter.com – For a free snapshot of the current market conditions in your neighborhood or town direct from the MLS, request a Market Snapshot on my website.  For more info, go to my blog describing this service I provide: Southern NH Real Estate Info!: Has the Market Stabilized? See data on Southern New Hampshire homes.

If you’re interested in the Southern New Hampshire real estate market in any way, bookmark this blog and the listed sites for easy reference. The more you know, the better you can prepare for upcoming trends, good or bad!

If you’re trying to sell your home, or are looking for your dream home to buy, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Getting Help for Moving Day after Buying Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Whew—you're finished! You've signed all the forms and the race is won, you think. Okay, go ahead and sigh that huge gasp of relief that your Southern New Hampshire home is finally yours.

Now, get yourself up and realize the heavy work is about to start. Oh yeah, you have to move all that stuff you've managed to accumulate over the past however many years you've been alive. Stuff doesn't ever die; it just continues to follow you around.  So, how do you get it to your new Southern New Hampshire home?  Here are a few ideas to help:

Send out invitations: You would do it for any other big event in your life. Send out invitations to your family and friends and invite them to help you on your big day. Make it sound like fun by promising a picnic in your new backyard either the day of the move or soon after. It doesn't have to be a big complicated affair.  Order some take-out fried chicken or pizza and have plenty of beverages for sweaty, tired helpers.  Make it a real event that everyone can enjoy while laughing about the day's adventures.

Store it:  If you're like most people, you have plenty of things you rarely use but can't bear to get rid of. Take advantage of the fact that you'll be packing all your things, and put those items you never use into boxes and tote them to a storage unit. You get to keep them, at least for now, but they won't be cluttering up your brand new Southern New Hamsphire home.  In six months, if you haven't missed the items, take the boxes (without opening them) to your favorite donation location.

Safeguard your pets: Moving day is hectic and can be frightening for your pets. Board your cats or dogs for the day. It will be worth the expense to make sure they don't escape through doors propped open for moving.

Still looking for your dream home?  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com, and together we’ll find your dream home fast.