Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire? Why Disclosure Is Important

If you have a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire or anywhere else in the U.S., you may have heard of the term “disclosure.”  What is it, why is it important, and what does it entail?

What is disclosure?
First, disclosure is the act of informing a buyer about any issues that your home for sale in Southern NH may have. For instance, if the home has water damage in the basement, you may have to tell the potential buyer about it. I say, “may have to,” because in some states disclosure is a legal issue. In some states, not disclosing issues may be illegal, while in other states, non-disclosure is perfectly legal.

Why is disclosure important?
Real estate transactions are fraught with pitfalls, many of which can end with a lawsuit. Non-disclosure is one of the pitfalls. Several sales throughout the years have ended in non-disclosure lawsuits, where the homebuyer believes, basically, that the homeowner knew a problem existed. The seller didn’t let the buyer know about the issue, which left the buyer feeling as if they’d been scammed – thus, the lawsuit.

What should I disclose to the buyer?
Many real estate agents (including myself), follow a simple rule when it comes to disclosure. “If you wonder whether you should tell the buyer about something, you probably should.” While disclosing problems may mean a lower sales price, not sharing may have you paying more than you ever wanted to in legal fees.

Some things, such as a violent death in the house, have a statute of limitations in most states. For instance, with few exceptions, California Civil Code 1710.2 requires that you tell the potential buyer if the death happened less than three years prior.

Certain disclosures are required, such as lead based paint, the presence of asbestos, or if there’s ever been toxic mold or termites. The rest of the requirements vary from state to state.

As you can see, disclosure isn’t a minor issue. What you have to share versus what you should share, however, all depends on whether you have a home for sale in Southern NH or elsewhere in the U.S. If you’re up front, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping the money you made off the sale, versus spending it in legal fees.

If you’re trying to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

6 Things to Consider When Looking at Condos in Southern New Hampshire

Let’s face it.  A lot of people like the idea of the easy lifestyle condos in Southern New Hampshire provide.  While there are a multitude of positive reasons to buy a condo, many people are so glamorized by the idea that they fail to make sure condos fit their needs. 

Before you jump in and buy one of the condos in Southern NH, make sure you also consider what some people see as the downside to owning a condo:

1.  Space – Buying a condo means sharing an interest in it.  What you own is your personal “box of air.”  The rest of the condo - the common areas - is shared between the other owners.

2.  Neighbors – Because you share walls and common areas, there’s a high chance that you’ll be able to hear them as they move about their own space.  You’ll run into them more often, and have to coordinate with them in issues regarding the common areas.

3.  Reselling – If you own a condominium and think you might resell it later, be aware that condos in Southern NH are typically more sensitive to the real estate market and take longer to recover than traditional single family homes.

4.  Fees – You’ll have to pay monthly condo fees to take care of the maintenance of the common areas and for amenities you may not use, such as a swimming pool or fitness facility.

5.  Rules – All condominiums have CC&Rs, or Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, also generally referred to as Rules & Regulations.  The CC&Rs may not fit your lifestyle.  They can include noise level restrictions, types of renovations, owning a pet or even the type of curtains you use.

6.  Association – Instead of property management professionals, the association is made up of homeowners.  It may be weak or inefficient, and you might have to get approval to make renovations or rent out your unit.

Condos in Southern NH are great to own, but they aren’t for everyone.  Make an informed decision before buying one, and you’ll be a happy owner. 

If you’re looking to buy the perfect condo, I’d love to help.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com. 

5 Tips for Selling Your Southern New Hampshire Home on Your Own

Sometimes sellers want to try to sell their Southern New Hampshire homes on their own.  That’s called selling your home “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO for short. 

If you’d like to give FSBO a try, here are some tips:

 1. Prepare your home for sale. Go through your Southern New Hampshire home and make a list of repairs that need to be done. Clean your carpets. Repair the grout in the bathroom. Remove dead plants from your yard. Paint the interior. Wash the windows. Make sure your home looks as good as possible.

 2. Choose a fair selling price. Look at what the houses in your area are selling for to get an idea. You should hire a professional appraiser to assess your home. Of course you want to make as much money as possible, but you also have to have a reasonable asking price if you want anyone to look at your home.

 3. Advertise your home. Put a sign in your front yard. Create a flyer. Put an ad in your local paper. Post information online. Rather than not having it there at all, place your home in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) through a flat fee listing service and offer a commission to just the buyer's agent. Spread the word to everyone you know. People need to know your home is for sale. 

 4. Get help with the legal issues. Selling a house involves several legal documents. You need someone to help make sure everything is complete and correct.  If you don’t want to work with a real estate agent, consider hiring a local real estate lawyer to handle the paperwork.

 5. Know when to ask for help. At some point, you may decide that selling your home on your own isn't such a good idea. When you feel like you’re in over your head or just frustrated, call a professional.  A good rule of thumb is to try selling your home as a FSBO for 30 days, then reassess. 

If you’re ready to get some professional help selling your home, give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com. 

Cool Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Less This Summer

We’re all trying to live greener lives, but nothing zaps your energy or your will to live greener in your Southern New Hampshire home like summer heat.

The summer heat can also assault your wallet.  In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to cool your Southern New Hampshire home for less money and less impact on the environment this summer. Here’s how:

1.    Prep your home. Turn off heat-generating lights and appliances.  Don't use your oven. In the afternoon, close your windows and outside doors and keep window coverings drawn. At other times, use fans to create a cross breeze.

2.    Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Southern New Hampshire home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.

3.    Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.

4.    Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning system for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal air leaks.

5.    Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.

Implementing even one or two of these tips in your home can save you money and help the environment.

Want to buy an energy efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to learn more.

Buyer’s Market? Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents to the Rescue

“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  Though it is less so than many parts of the country, Southern New Hampshire is still a buyer’s market, where supply outweighs demand, particularly for homes priced above $300,000. So how do you go about selling your home in these conditions?

Interview Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents
Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Southern New Hampshire real estate agents and interview them. Ask:

·    About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by
·    What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable
·    How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up
While interviewing, Southern New Hampshire real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and block out time for doing them. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price
These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate.

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

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

Buying a Southern New Hampshire Home: Free Credit Reports Not All They Seem

You’ve finally decided that, yes, you can afford to buy a Southern New Hampshire home. After years of frugal saving, hard work and patient waiting, the timing is great. You don’t want to wait anymore, so you rush out and start looking for homes. It is, after all, a buyer’s market, and you’re a buyer.

Now, if you read about real estate, you’ve probably considered your credit. Is my credit strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches.

Of those who use the credit score searches, some find a Southern New Hampshire home they want to buy. They then confidently take their credit reports to the lenders and find out the lenders don’t care about the reports. Others find out that the “free” doesn’t really mean free.

Generally, these credit reporting services are helpful, but most aren’t free. You sign up to get your report and, in the fine print, you’re agreeing to enroll in services that require a monthly fee. The services you end up paying for can be somewhat helpful.  But many people sign up not knowing what they’re getting into.  If you want those types of monthly services, research the companies and don’t fall for scam sites, because they’re out there.

Why won’t leaders use the credit reports you take to them? 

They can’t use the credit scores you bring to them. In fact, they’re required to request credit scores on their own. And, the credit reports lenders get may not reflect what you receive from the reporting services you hired.

Typically, lenders use the median FICO Scores from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Those FICO Scores may not be the same from bureau to bureau. Some of the “free” credit places provide these scores, but usually from only one bureau rather than all three.

So what should you do?

Talk to the lender. Get preapproved, not prequalified. Not only will you find out how good your credit really is, but you’ll also be more attractive to sellers.  And, preapproval tells you exactly how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your new Southern New Hampshire home.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home to call your own, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Real Estate: Fight Mold Before Buyers Run

Spring is the rainy season for many parts of the nation and, for those areas where spring doesn’t bring rain, summer does. Rain brings mold, mold grows on your Southern New Hampshire real estate and buyers run. Of course, even when it isn't raining there’s always humidity, which can also cause mold and mildew in the home.

How do I know if I have mold?
Well, for example, if you get up in the morning, walk into your living room and find a swimming pool where your couch used to be, you might have mold once the water dries up. Of course, if you have swimming pool in your living room every spring, you can always use it as a selling point… “Living room boasts natural, seasonal pool!”

On the serious side, mold is often indicated by a musty, often sharp smell in the home. You also might see dark smudges and/or blotches on surfaces. While excessive humidity can cause mold, those whose homes have had some form of water damage should be the most concerned. Types of water damage can include anything from a leaking roof to a toilet overflowing.

What’s the problem with mold and mildew?
The problem with mold and mildew is that once it creeps into your Southern New Hampshire real estate, it takes a brigade to kick it out. Also, mold and mildew problems fall under many states’ disclosure laws, so you may not be able to legally keep it from the buyer.

If you find out you have mold, you have two choices:
1.    Tell the buyer and either lose them or take a hefty chunk out of your sales price.
2.    Pay a hefty price to a mold removal company. The real kicker is even if you pay to have the mold removed, you may still be required to disclose that the home had a mold problem.

What should you do about mold?
The best way to deal with this smelly invader of the home front is to destroy it as soon as you first smell the musty, earthy odor. Track it down and kill it.  Plenty of mold-killing products out there do the job nicely on small patches.

If you think you might have mold and can’t seem to track it down, check with your health department. They may have recommendations of where to go, who to talk to or other ways to find the mold that you haven’t used.

If you’re trying to sell your Southern New Hampshire real estate, you can’t let something as annoying as mold ruin the deal. Even if the property is sitting vacant, keep your eyes, ears and – most importantly – nose sharp!

If you’re trying to sell your home and need an experienced guide, I can help.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

3 Reasons to Have Your Southern New Hampshire Home Built With Sustainable Design

Some potential homeowners just don’t want a pre-lived in Southern New Hampshire home. They’d rather have their house built to their own specifications. They want a home that fits their needs exactly. If this is you, don’t worry; we understand. However, if you want to build a new home, take a good look at the future before you decide on a design.

The Future of Design
Thinking of the future might bring ideas of fantastic scientific miracles like smart houses that vacuum themselves. While building your Southern New Hampshire home, also consider using sustainable design. Here are just a few reasons why sustainable design is a great idea:

1.    Government mandates and incentives – Under the current administration, sustainable design is a big thing. In fact, many cities are passing mandates and offering incentives that encourage green building. In places such as Austin, Houston, Seattle and Portland, sustainable design is no longer a trend; it’s standard practice. Before having your home built, check into the homeowners’ incentives for green building.

2.    Cost of sustainable design – While sustainable design may be a little more costly than standard home building, don’t just assume that it is. Check with green building contractors as well as standard contractors and compare pricing. Keep in mind that the cost of the design is usually paid back with greatly reduced utility bills. Also, remember that it may be easier and cheaper to build a sustainable home rather than remodel one to be green later.

3.    Resale value – Although you may not ever want to move from your home once it’s built, you never know what will happen in the future. A sustainable design can up the resale value of the home by as much as 15%.

Between the government incentives, the cost savings and the resale value, your Southern New Hampshire home with a sustainable design may end up being the best investment you ever made!

If you’re looking for a green home or a contractor to build one, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

“Incentivizing” the Buyer for Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale

The Federal Government envisions a secure and stable marketplace for national and Southern New Hampshire homes for sale, thus their involvement. We may or may not like the politics, but the fact remains that the marketplace has stabilized somewhat, and prices are leveling in anticipation of an upward turn.

No matter the actual state of the market, the simple fact is that motivated buyers and sellers for Southern New Hampshire homes for sale do still exist. 

If you market your home correctly, the opportunity to sell is still promising. After all, interest rates are favorable, prices are realistic and the government has thrown some interesting incentives to buyers, sellers and lenders alike.

You and your real estate agent have the ability to induce buyers to act.  If your agent is experienced, he or she will work with you to develop incentives and add appeal to the transaction.

Step 1:  Provide Factual Information

Facts outweigh rumor, and having provable information helps get rid of the buyer’s reservations.  Here are some of the main facts you and your agent need to have at your fingertips in order to induce buyers to act:

·    Knowledge of all local, state and federal tax incentives available to residents of your area
·    Knowledge of all projected closing costs
·    An understanding of the buyer’s financial and domestic qualifications
·    Knowledge of the school system and all community services and costs
·    Expertise concerning the history and composition of the home
·    Knowledge of any planned growth in the area

Step 2:  Provide Incentives

The "incentivizing" (no, that’s not a real word) of your home involves several factors. Some incentives may be more creative than others.  Here are a few ideas:

·    Offer a one-year home warranty program through a third party provider. This is a popular way to relieve buyers of some of their reservations. The idea is based on getting rid of unexpected expenses and the possibility of hidden costs.
·    Offer to pay part of the Buyer's closing costs.
·    Combine the above two incentives with a flexible closing date to make your Southern New Hampshire home for sale that much more attractive.

Want help "incentivizing" your home to get it sold?  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to find out how I can help sell your home.

Are You Renting a Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale?

While many homes that haven’t sold are being rented instead, some that have been rented out are now up for sale. So what do you do if the house you’re renting becomes one of the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale?

Get a Fresh Perspective
Nobody wants to get kicked out of his or her home. However, if it comes down to it and you have 60 to 90 days left before you have to move from what is now a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, look at your options from a fresh perspective.

·    If the home has problems and you’ve been responsible for some of the upkeep, it’s no longer your problem. If you still don’t want to buy a home, you can rent somewhere else with a home that has fewer problems than the one you’re moving out of.

·    If the rent was high and you’ve been struggling to keep it paid, that’s no longer a problem. If that sounds cold, let me warm it up for you a bit. Many houses are being rented rather than sold, because the owners either don’t want to get rid of them or can’t get rid of them. And, the current economy has caused rent to drop to a more affordable level in many areas.

·    If you don’t like the neighborhood or the city and you have a job that can be done elsewhere, start looking. Can you transfer? Does your company have nationwide facilities? This is the perfect time to move to a community more suited to you.

·    It may be a buyer’s market, but it’s also a renter’s market (though not for much longer...).  In the past few years, Landlords have lowered rents, increased amenities, taken to offering the first month or two off the rent, added in utility costs and anything else they could think of to attract renters. If you have a good renting track record and good credit, now is the time to start negotiating for a great deal before the market shifts completely back in favor of the Landlords.

·    If you’ve been looking for a Southern New Hampshire home for sale to buy, it could just be the one you’re renting!  With the historically low interest rates, you may now qualify to buy the home you’ve previously been renting. 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Reports Say, “Yes, You Can Buy a Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale!”

If you’ve been looking at your finances to see if you can afford a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, or a home in any area for that matter, a new report from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo says, “Yes, you can!”

According to this report, the prices for over 72% the homes purchased in the first quarter of 2010 were affordable for families making an annual income of $63,800 (the median national income).  One of the main reasons for this is because of the national median price: just $175,000. Adding to that is the still historically low interest and mortgage rates, as well as companies once again beginning to hire new employees. These “affordability” numbers are based on 28% or less of a family’s take-home pay.

Many new homebuyers agree that housing is very affordable these days. The National Association of REALTORS® released the statistics for existing home sales on May 24.  April saw a 7% increase in sales from March, and Freddie Mac reports that 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage commitment rates rose to 5.10% in the same month.  Recent reports from mortgage lender indicate rates below 5%!

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
While this still means slow going for those with a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, this means an incredibly hot market for buyers.  With over 4 million homes available for sale, sellers are definitely competing with each other.  In many places across the country, homeowners have dropped their prices 10% to 50% in an effort to attract attention.

Can You Afford a Home?
If you’re looking at the real estate market and wondering if you can finally afford the home of your dreams, it’s time to quit wondering. Start doing your research.

Before you begin shopping for a home, shop around for a lender. Finding a good lender with reasonable rates is one of the best first steps of buying a home.

Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Pre-approval lets you know how much you really can afford and whether your credit is acceptable for a mortgage. As well, if you do find the home you’ve always wanted, being pre-approved gives you a strong standing in negotiations, because the seller knows you’re seriously looking for a home.

Finally, if you can afford a Southern New Hampshire home for sale and have been waiting for the best time, you’ve reached it. There’s never been a better, more affordable time for buyers in the last 50 years.

If you’re looking for your dream home, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

6 Reasons to List Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale

You don’t list your Southern New Hampshire home for sale on a whim; you don’t just decide you don’t like the one you have. Selling a home carries significant financial, emotional and family repercussions. Selling your home is one of those life decisions, the ones you discuss with your spouse, look over with professionals and use experts to move forward.

While you might have been able to list your Southern New Hampshire home for sale and have it sold quickly at the beginning of the decade, that’s no longer the case. Now, you have to be truly motivated in order to get your home sold.   Unmotivated sellers, those without concrete reasons, are not serious sellers. 

If you’re a motivated seller, on the other hand, you have several new marketing weapons at your disposal. These include government incentive programs, short sale practices, state-of-the-art technology and creative marketing plans to help consummate the transaction.

Are You A Motivated Seller?
So, think about it. Are you a motivated seller? There are a number of reasons people are motivated to sell. These reasons include:

1.    Lifestyle Change – The time for a quieter way of life has arrived. The nest may be too empty. You may want more freedom and less household commitment. In any case, a change of lifestyle is a very strong motivation to sell.
2.    Relationship Changes – Partners get together and partners divide. Marriage, divorce and newborns all set the stage for household change.
3.    House Too Small – As families expand, it can be more cost effective to move rather than over-improve. For example, it can cost over $10,000 for a room extension on your home.
4.    Time to Upgrade – Prior to the recession, American families moved an average of seven times per marriage. Although those numbers have dropped some, we do still seem to seek the greenest pastures.
5.    Changes in Neighborhood - Many homeowners move because of local community issues. A school system may trim budgets or the homes may not be increasing in value. A desire for neighborhood change could be your motivation.
6.    Health Issues – People with health issues who cannot continue or afford household upkeep are moving to smaller, more protected and service oriented communities. If this is you, you can definitely consider yourself a motivated seller.

If you’re motivated and have a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, you already know the market is competitive. However, professional representation, an astute marketing plan and expanded reach can help you locate the perfect buyer.

Are you a motivated seller? This professional real estate agent would be honored to help you get your home sold. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to be a Strong Buyer of Southern New Hampshire Homes

During a slow market, buyers have the biggest advantages of all. That’s why now is a great time to buy Southern New Hampshire homes. You can haggle without feeling guilty because you have the upper hand. Then, as the market bounces back, you get the extra bonus of rising prices making your home worth more than it was when you bought it.

Even in this buyers’ market, you need to be a strong buyer. Otherwise, you could crumble when faced with negotiating prices or needed repairs.

Three ways to be a strong buyer of Southern New Hampshire homes:

·    Walk into any home for sale with a good idea of the value of property in the area. This means taking a little time to do your homework.  When you know the prices of the area, you can't be run over by a forceful seller who is determined to convince you his price is firm.  This knowledge also helps you deal with sellers who are emotionally attached to their homes and can't price them according to true market value.

·     Walk into a home for sale with an experienced REALTOR®. When you have a professional REALTOR® by your side, you are not alone. You do not have to be self-conscious or even be the 'strong one.' Your agent will do all your negotiating for you. You will also benefit from their intimate knowledge of the area and what to look for in a Southern New Hampshire home.

·    Walk into any home for sale knowing your needs and price range. Going home shopping without a clear concept of what you want and can afford can lead to emotional decisions. That can be hazardous for your pocketbook too.

If you would like more tips on how to be a strong buyer of Southern New Hampshire homes, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale and Virtual Staging: New Sales Method or Old Scam?

Home staging has long been a way to sell Southern New Hampshire homes. In short, stagers come into your home, look the place over and start packing (if it’s not already empty). They bring furniture, draperies and other things to make the home look warm, beautiful and inviting to buyers.

The trick is to make the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale inviting in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the buyer’s personal tastes. It works, selling thousands of homes that might not have sold otherwise, and selling them faster than non-staged homes.

For the past year or two, however, virtual (or conceptual) staging has come into the real estate world. Somewhat like traditional home staging, the virtual stager spruces up your home for sale. The differences are where the work is done and what the live house looks like. They may not sound like much, but these two differences have people asking, “Sales method or a snake oil scam?”

Virtual Staging
Home staging came about because the real estate industry realized that most buyers have a tough time visualizing what a place will look like with their unique touch on it. With more tech savvy buyers, however, some may not even visit the home to enjoy the staged view. Many buyers find their potential home online and, once they’ve viewed the online pictures, contact the REALTOR® listing the home.

Virtual staging provides beautiful images for buyers to look at online using digital enhancement. You may have a home staging team doing the computer work, or it may just be one person with fantastic design software.

Here are the benefits to virtual staging:
·    It may pull in more potential buyers than non-virtually staged homes.
·    It can be cheaper than having a home stager come to your home.
·    If you’re worried about vandalism and theft (some sellers have had the staging furniture stolen), it may solve this problem.

But there are potential pitfalls you need to be aware of before you try virtual staging:
·    The first and most obvious is not to use virtual staging to deceptively hide imperfections in your home. The purpose of these images is to enhance, yes, but if you hide issues it’s not only unethical, but, in some states, illegal.
·    The second is to be sure to let the potential buyer know that the home is either vacant or has different furniture than what’s shown.  You must be transparent and upfront that the images are computer generated. Otherwise, they will feel confused - or even scammed - when they get to the home to see and buy it.  This may seem a deal “killer”, but it all depends on how this information is presented.

Home stagers have written in favor of real life home staging (putting down virtual staging, of course). Virtual stagers have written the opposite. So which one is better? If you have one of the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale, consider your budget, your options and what you want to accomplish. As long as you’re willing to be upfront about the images, virtual staging may be the right option for you.

Need help preparing your home for sale?  I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Europe’s Crisis a Plus for Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale?

Europe, or more correctly, Greece, is having a debt crisis that may end up being a great boon for national and Southern New Hampshire homes for sale. The euro, Europe’s currency, dropped drastically and Europeans responded by exchanging euros for the American dollar.

Help for Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale
As more money pours into the U.S. “safe haven,” interest rates drop. Although interest rates may rise again once global economies begin to recover, the real estate market will benefit during this period of European instability. In fact, the mortgage markets are already benefiting.

On May 20, Bankrate.com, known for its accurate reporting of average national mortgage rates, reported the lowest 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in almost 25 years. At the time of the report, national averages hit at 4.96% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, 4.34% for a 15-year fixed and 4.14% for a 5-year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage).

Pessimists vs. Optimists
Pessimists believe that the low mortgage rates won’t affect home sales, because of the large influx of buyers who beat April’s tax credit deadline. In short, their view is that all the eligible homebuyers have already signed closing papers.  They think that a few more buyers may trickle in before the busy season for real estate is over, but their general attitude is that the fat lady has already sung.

Optimists, as usual, have a much brighter point of view about the economy. Banks, they say, are finally letting some of the much-talked-about shadow inventory into the light. Unemployment seems to have slightly reversed, retail sales are up and manufacturing inventories are increasing – all of which indicate a stabilizing economy. Although even optimists aren’t betting on a huge real estate boon, they do point to an uphill trend.

Questions for You
Which are you, an optimist or a pessimist?  And, how can there be such a big difference in real estate market outlooks when all the experts are looking at the same information? Lastly, if you’re trying to sell your home, can you really afford to be pessimistic?

Here’s a hint: the attitude you have about your chances of selling will carry over to the results you achieve. Think positive, even when you hear about downturns.  You’ll have a better chance of getting your home sold than other Southern New Hampshire homes for sale!

If you’d like to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Is Your Southern New Hampshire Home Prepared for Disaster?

No, I'm not talking about the economic crisis, or any other type of personal disaster. I'm talking about the kind that Mother Nature doles out with predictable uncertainty. Your Southern New Hampshire home can never be prepared to the extent of knowing when disasters will happen, but you can be ready for anytime they do.

Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely

While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.  While a recent tornado watch for Southern New Hampshire is a reminder that they can happen here too, floods and power outages are the most common disasters in this area.  (Being the state with the second highest percentage of tree coverage at 84% plays a significant role in the frequency of power outages.) 

Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your Southern New Hampshire home is most likely to experience is of great benefit.  For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.

Gather Supplies

 Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every homeowner's "must have" list.

·    Extra blankets
·    Water
·    Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)
·    Candles or other forms of emergency lighting
·    Battery operated radio
·    Dust mask
·    Can opener
·    Moist towels
·    Emergency escape plans
·    Shelter listings
·    Pet food (if you have pets)
·    Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)
·    Infant supplies (if applicable)

Plan for Fast Action

Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:
·     In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.
·    If your Southern New Hampshire home is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment's notice.
·     For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter.

Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst.  By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.

 If you need more information on preparing your Southern New Hampshire home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com

Things to Consider When Buying Southern New Hampshire Homes

Many home buyers walk into prospective Southern New Hampshire homes with a "what you see is what you get" attitude. They fail to consider that the home sellers may be willing to make repairs or updates in order to get the home sold.

This isn't surprising. Most people do not buy Southern New Hampshire homes frequently so they aren’t familiar with exactly what they can and cannot ask for. A home isn’t like a car that you might purchase new every few years, or clothes that you shop for all the time and know how to investigate, compare, and price appropriately.

This lack of knowledge is possibly the best reason for seeking the help of a qualified professional REALTOR®. They handle home purchases daily and can help you with what to watch out for, what price to pay and what you can and can't haggle over.  They’ll even handle the negotiations for you.

So let's look at some repairs, updates or price reductions you may want to have your agent negotiate for you:

·    Electrical Wiring:  Especially in older Southern New Hampshire homes the wiring is likely to be old, outdated or even hazardous. Make sure you have the wiring thoroughly inspected. This is not a cheap fix.  If there are problems, they should be solved before you purchase, or you should be offered a greatly reduced price to reflect the cost to you of replacement. This is a very important item and even if you accept a price reduction do not be tempted to simply enjoy the extra cost benefits without using it to make the needed repairs. Bad wiring is a fire hazard that can destroy your purchase, not to mention be fatal if not fixed.

·    Breaker Boxes:  Older homes may still have fuse boxes. These are very outdated and some may even use types of fuses that are hard to find. While updating an old fuse box to a breaker switch box isn't extremely expensive, it should be done by a qualified electrician. This is something that should be done before you buy. It isn't worth asking for a price reduction, but it also isn't something you should have to deal with when you move into your new home.

These are just a couple of negotiable items to think about when you look at a prospective purchase.

If you would like more information on things to consider when viewing a home, I can help.  Contact me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Is a Reverse Mortgage on Your Nashua Condo a Good Idea?

Did you know that cash could be hiding in your Nashua condo?  If you are sixty-two or older, you may be able to qualify for a reverse mortgage and never have to make a mortgage payment as long as you live in the home.  Let me tell you a little more about a reverse mortgage:

What Is A Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage uses the equity in your Nashua condo to make payments to you.  You aren’t required to make any payments for as long as you live in your home.  The loan doesn’t become due until you have not lived in the home for at least twelve months.  Your home can pass to your descendants if they refinance the loan themselves.  The money can be used for any purpose you want. 

Funds are received as a lump sum, a line of credit, or a monthly payment.  You’ll have access to more money with the line of credit, but the interest rate is variable.  If you decide on a lump sum or a monthly payment, you will have a higher interest rate.  The line of credit can be a credit card or like a checking account.  You can buy groceries, gas and pay your bills out of this account.  

The reverse mortgage process is similar to the conventional mortgage process.  The property will need an inspection and appraisal.  There are origination fees and closing costs associated with this type of loan.

Who Qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage?

The first requirement is age; only those sixty-two or older are able to qualify.  There are no income or credit requirements to be approved for a reverse mortgage.  Some lenders even let you roll the down payment and closing costs into the loan so that you don’t have pay any money up front.

The loan is based on the age of the youngest borrower.  The older you are, the more money you will qualify for.  The good news is that the money will not affect your Social Security benefits or Medicare, though it can affect Medicaid and Supplementary Security Income payments.
 
There are advantages and disadvantages to a reverse mortgage, so be sure to do your homework before making this important decision.

If you have questions about reverse mortgages, or would like to discuss buying or selling a Nashua condo, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Sprucing Up Your Home for Sale? Pay Attention to the Permits for your Southern New Hampshire City

A lot of owners who have their homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire are taking advantage of the remodeling sales going on around the nation.  From tools and building supplies to the remodeling agencies themselves, they're finding they can save money.

Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners are also choosing to forgo the legal building permit process, trying to further save money.

Every building, occupied or unoccupied, has a set of building codes. Any changes that you make to your home must comply with those building codes, which means most home improvements, whether done by you or by a professional you hire, needs a permit. Depending on your locality, the home improvement that requires a permit could be as simple as installing a water heater.

Hire Someone to Get the Permit
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) says hiring a contractor can actually save you money and time, even if all they do is handle the permit process. They also warn that a contractor who expects you to handle the permits is a contractor you don’t want to use.

Get the Permit Yourself
So how do you get a home improvement permit if you’re doing your own remodeling for your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire? Submit a building plan for big projects or a description of the work for smaller projects. The plans are approved for a fee (if they comply with building codes). Building inspectors will look over the job while it’s in progress, after it’s finished or both, and make sure you used the right materials and techniques.

Cost of Not Getting a Permit
It may sound like a lot of trouble to go through, but the cost of not getting a permit can be a lot worse. For instance, if a potential buyer hires a home inspector to look over your property, the home inspector may see signs of your remodeling. They might then look for the permit record. Without one, you could lose the deal.

As well, home appraisers may look for permit records to see if a remodel changed the property value. If the work wasn’t covered by a permit, there’s a very real possibility of the escrow not going through.

If illegal home improvement is found, you might end up paying hefty fees for further inspections. You might even have to tear down sheet rock inside the house so framing, insulation and other interior work can be seen. In addition, you might have to tear out what you’ve done just so you can legalize the work and sell the home.

If you have a home for sale in Nashua or another Southern New Hampshire city and are thinking about sprucing it up to attract more buyers, a word of caution. Don’t skimp on the permits!

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Make the Transition to a New Southern New Hampshire Home Easy on Your Kids

Moving to a new Southern New Hampshire home and, in some cases, to a new location all together, can be an exciting event.  It can also be a difficult thing, especially for children. 

When a move means a new Southern New Hampshire home, new school and new friends, children realize they’re leaving their comfort zone for the unknown.  This can be frightening, especially to very young children.

Along with packing up boxes and making plans for a move, parents need to spend time thinking about how to make the transition as easy as possible for kids.  Following are some suggestions for doing just that:

·  Make a scrapbook:  Let your kids take pictures of friends and places they would like to remember.  Then put together a scrapbook you and your kids can take to your new home and look at, especially when homesickness strikes.

·  Listen to your kids:  Children often have fears that they don’t share with their parents.  Your children may be very ambivalent about moving, but afraid to say so or don’t know how to put it into words.  Take time to discuss the move with your children.  Ask them how they feel about the move and then talk out any fears they may have.  Don’t dismiss the fear of making new friends by simply saying “of course you’ll make new friends.” Explain that you’ll also be without friends and together you’ll meet new people.

·  Visit your new Southern New Hampshire home:  If possible, take your children to the home you’ll be moving into.  Let them visit their new school, walk around the neighborhood and play at the local park.  Giving them a chance to visit the place they’ll soon call home will help alleviate some of their fears and perhaps even get them excited about the move.  If physically visiting your new home isn’t possible, virtually visit it.  Help your children explore their new hometown online.

Need to move to a new home?  Whether you want to move within Southern New Hampshire or you need to relocate to another state, I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.