The Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Market: Doom and Gloom or Happiness and Sunshine?

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A recent report released to the New Hampshire Association of Realtors by
Peter Francese, a local demographics and consumer markets expert, reveals interesting facts about New Hampshire's real estate situation.

Despite ongoing negativity in the national media, New Hampshire stands apart from the crowd with some positive trends.

*All but one of New Hampshire's counties saw an increase in the median sales price from the first 6 months of 2010 compared to the first 6 months of 2009.

*All of New Hampshire has seen an increase in the number of units sold in the same 6 month comparison period with Hillsborough county having a 10% increase and Rockingham county having a 22% increase!

*Median sales price in these two counties has only increased by 1% and 3% respectively, but hey, it did go up, and that's more than can be said for most of the country!

Francese suggests that one reason the New Hampshire real estate market is bucking the national trend is that the demographics of our state are significantly different from the rest of the U.S. as a whole.

For one thing, his research has showed that the percentage of adults currently in their peak earning years (the age range of 45-54 years old) is 19% nationally and 22% in New Hampshire. This translates into more homeowners, with an average of 74% of adults in that age range being homeowners compared with only 45% of households ages 25 to 34.  (Email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for a chart showing the distribution of the number New Hampshire residents by age in 2010. -Also available for Hillsborough and Rockingham counties.)

The shifts taking place in the demographics of New Hampshire indicate that we'll see a strong increase in demand for retirement homes as well as small starter homes.  (For a chart showing age shifts in the US and New Hampshire - Hillsborough or Rockingham counties - from 2000 to 2010, email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com)

Hillsborough county currently has 2,302 single family homes for sale and 3,002 single family homes have sold in the past 365 days in the county.  For condominiums, there are 1,797 active listings and 1,083 sold in the past 365 days in Hillsborough county.  Thus, in Hillsborough county, single family homes as a whole have a better absorption rate than condominiums.  Individual cities/towns and specific price ranges can and do vary widely from these general numbers. 

For specific details on recent property sales in your city or town in Southern New Hampshire, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com!

How to Throw a Block Party at Your Southern NH Home

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. You can easily throw a block party that everyone who lives near your Southern New Hampshire home will love. Here’s how:

1.    Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your Southern NH home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask others in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.

2.    Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.

3.    Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a beach theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations: anything blue or tan, coconuts, beach balls, and Frisbees. You also know to serve beach foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.

4.    Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean up. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.

5.    Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you plan. This is your night to shine.

6.    Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.

Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable.  Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.

Let me help you find a Southern New Hampshire home in a great neighborhood. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Top 3 Facts About Using an Agent When Selling or Buying Southern NH Homes

As you may be aware, there are two primary ways to sell and buy Southern New Hampshire homes. One, FSBO (For Sale By Owner), means just what it says – the owner sells the home. The second, of course, is selling the home through a real estate agent. What you may not be aware of is the main reasons why so many choose to hire an agent, whether selling or buying Southern NH homes.

Should you hire an agent? Of course I’m going to say yes. However, what I really want you to do is make up your own mind after reading. Only you can answer this question because only you know your situation, but you need to know the facts:

Fact #1, for buyers – Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud in the U.S., and a fraud in which the scammer is less likely to be caught. Instances abound where an unsuspecting buyer has bought a home that still belonged to someone else.  Someone who had no idea their home was up for sale in the first place. You won’t be able to get your down payment back, because the con artist will be long gone with it. Agents deal directly with the homeowner whose name is on the title.  If a licensed real estate agent represents a home, you know it’s really for sale.

Fact #2, for sellers – Real estate agents have access to many marketing venues that individuals don’t. FSBO sellers are limited to a few websites on the Internet versus the multitude of websites agents use to advertise homes for sale. With the knowledge agents gain through training and experience, the marketing available to agents, and the resources agents have at their fingertips, you have a much better chance of selling your home with an agent than on your own. If you don’t mind having your home sit on the market for awhile and are comfortable making decisions on pricing, presentation and negotiation, FSBO may be the way to sell. However, if you need your home to sell sooner rather than later or if you don't have experience in marketing and negotiation, you need an agent.

Fact #3, for buyers and sellers – Selling or buying a home isn’t as simple as “yeah, I’ll take it” and throwing money down. Selling real estate includes everything from negotiations and inspections to appraisals and legalities. If either side doesn’t complete the steps correctly, actually closing the deal may be impossible. To be blunt, real estate agents are trained to handle the pitfalls of selling or buying a home and ensure that the sale goes smoothly.

Should you hire an agent to sell or buy Southern New Hampshire homes? To me, this isn’t the real question. The real question is:   Can you afford not to?

If you’d like to work with a knowledgeable, experienced agent to buy or sell a home, I’d love to have the opportunity to interview for the job. Call me at 630-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Before Painting Your Southern New Hampshire Home For Sale

Nothing makes a Southern New Hampshire home for sale look better than a new coat of paint.  Many people are intimidated by the thought of painting the exterior of their home and hire someone else to do it.  But you can do it yourself, with these simple steps:
   
Getting Your House Ready to Paint
The first thing that you’ll need to do is inspect the house.  Look at all the walls, under the eaves and around the doorframe(s) and windows.  Check for peeling paint, mildew and rough surfaces.
You’ll need to gather a few tools before getting to the repairs and putting your Southern NH home up for sale:
·    Power-washer
·    2-3” inch putty knife
·    2-3” inch pull scraper
·    Wire brush
·    Sander   
·    Chlorine bleach

Preparing the Surface
Power-wash the walls so you'll have a clean surface.  You don’t need to use detergents; plain ol’ water works just fine in most cases.

The putty knife and the wire brush remove problems where paint has peeled, blistered or wrinkled.  Avoid gouging the surface by holding the putty knife perpendicular to the wall and using moderate force. 

The pull scraper is for areas that won’t easily come clean.  It’s used the same way as the putty knife, but it has a sharp blade attached that quickly gets through old paint.  The walls will need to be sanded smooth after you finish this step.

For small spots, a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block works just fine.  An electric sander is best for large areas; it'll save you time and energy.

Removing Mildew
Mildew is a dark patch of fungus, like a dirty spot, often found on a damp, shady spot of your house.  If you aren’t sure it's mildew, put a few drops of chlorine bleach on it.  If the spot fades away, you know you have a mildew problem.

Mildew shows through new paint, so you’ll need to get rid of it before you start painting.  A simple mix of chlorine bleach will kill it quickly.

All you have to do now is pick out a paint color and wait for the right weather to paint.  Soon you’ll be ready to put up your Southern NH home for sale. 

If you're thinking of selling your home, I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Condos vs. Houses: Which Should You Choose?

Southern New Hampshire condos or houses:  that is the question!

You may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need. If you opt to look at houses, you have plenty of choices.  Houses, both large and small, are abundant in today’s real estate market.

Even though Southern NH condos are typically smaller than most houses, there are large condos available (even condos larger than houses).  And, just like traditional houses, there are a lot of condos available in this buyer’s market.

So, how do you choose?  Your selection should be based on your current and near-future needs.

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection criteria:

·    Space: Is your family large?  Are you planning to add many more?  Do you work from home?  Consider your plans for the next 5 to 7 years, and buy the size that fits those needs.

·    Price: Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.  But, with condos you have to pay condo association fees.

·    Location: If you want a condo with a great view, close to work in Nashua or Manchester, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and neighborhoods are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice!

·    Luxury: Lavish Southern New Hampshire condos, much like ideally-located ones, are often steeply-priced.  Luxury houses are expensive, too.  The good news is that whichever style of housing you choose, you’ll find luxurious versions.

·    Availability: There are typically more houses on the market than condos, so, in general, your selection is greater with houses.  If you're looking around $250,000 and under, however, you'll have more condos than houses to choose from in certain cities such as Nashua and Merrimack.

·    Privacy: Houses typically offer more in the way of privacy.   But, the trade off is that you also have more responsibilities and maintenance when you own a house.  Want a care-free, low-maintenance lifestyle?  A condo may be your best bet.

·    Acreage: If a smaller yard (or no yard) doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best way to go.
 
Still Unsure?

I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com and together we’ll find the perfect home to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Remodeling Your Southen NH Home for Sale: Cost vs. Value

When considering a remodeling job for your Southern New Hampshire home for sale in an effort to increase value, it’s hard to decide what should be done. Well, this isn’t exactly true.  If your carpet is old, matted and outdated, for instance, you might want to start there. Grungy wooden kitchen cabinets? That’s another starting place.

However, if your Southern NH home for sale is in darn good condition (if you do say so yourself) and you’re not being noticed by buyers, you just might be asking, “What can I do to improve?”

Well, for frustrated, confused homeowners, there is good news. You don’t have to guess. Twenty-two years ago, Remodeling magazine, with cooperation from REALTOR® Magazine, began publishing an annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” This report covers 33 possible home remodeling projects over 80 cities.

The recouped cost for many of these projects has been slowly declining since 2006 or, in some cases, rapidly dropping. However, the recently released 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report for home remodeling shows some surprising increases.

If you just look at the trends from 2008-09 to 2009-10, you might think any type of addition or change would be a waste of money. When looking over the report, though, pay attention to the recouped cost. For instance, a little red arrow says a wooden deck addition is dropping in resale value, while the recouped cost is still 80.6%. Not bad in a hard buyer’s market.

If you don’t want to look at the report, I understand – it’s a lot of numbers. So, I’ve summarized some of the important bits for you:

Recouped cost of 75% or above
·    Attic bedroom – 83% (up from 2008)
·    Basement remodel – 75.4% (up)
·    Wooden deck addition – 80.6% (down)
·    Steel entry door replacement – 128.9% (up)
·    Minor kitchen remodel – 78.3% (down)
·    Vinyl siding replacement – 79.9% (down)
·    Vinyl window replacement – 76.6% (down)
·    Foam-backed vinyl siding replacement – 79.0% (down)
·    Fiber-cement siding replacement – 83.6% (down)
·    Vinyl window replacement – 76.5% (down)

Rising Trends from 2008 – 2009/10
·    Fiberglass grand entrance
·    Roofing replacement
·    Steel entry door replacement
·    Fiberglass entry door replacement
·    Basement remodel
·    Backup power generator
·    Attic bedroom

So, where will you get the best bang for your buck for home remodeling? The trends say replacements. Buyers want security (steel doors), shelter (roofing) and energy savers (windows). They want the exterior to look good for less work (siding) and maybe an extra guest or child bedroom (attic). The great thing for you is:  they’re willing to pay for it.

If you’re still wondering whether you’re remodeling the right area of your Southern New Hampshire home for sale, read the report.

If you’d like to sell your home or are looking for a new home that’s already been remodeled (or that you can remodel), I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

How to Identify Your Perfect Southern NH Real Estate Agent

When you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect Southern NH real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Southern New Hampshire real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don't. Don't fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Southern NH real estate agent isn't going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.  Find out how much experience, knowledge, and time they have to devote to you.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Southern NH real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don't be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

I’ll Sell My Own Southern New Hampshire Real Estate, Thanks

As I’m sure you know, the real estate industry is in a down market, and the last thing you feel like doing is paying a commission to a Southern NH real estate agent. Not to mention that you’re almost positive you can sell your home just fine on your own. Before sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign up however, make sure you’re ready for the work and headaches.

·    Time. Yes, you can sell your Southern New Hampshire real estate on your own without the help of an agent, but it takes a lot of preparation and time. How much is your time worth and how much time do you have? Before you step out on your own, make sure you can afford the time and energy investment.

·    Extra services for better value. You’ll lose out on a wide variety of services offered by real estate agents.  For example, many agents now provide home staging services as well as extensive advertising and marketing services both online and off.

·    Dealing with the legalities. Selling a home involves contracts, closings and a multitude of legal issues that can make or break a sale. Real estate transactions have occasionally led to outcomes that were unexpected, including lawsuits. A professional helps ensure that the contracts are legally sound and binding.

·    Knowing the market. Real estate agents have instant access to current market information. We can determine an accurate selling range in less than an hour of research. Since the real estate market constantly fluctuates, it’s important to know what area homes sell for before pricing your own. Otherwise, you risk underselling or overpricing your home.

These are just a few points. You also need exposure to buyers, experience with legal contracts and excellent negotiating skills.  Can you sell your own Southern New Hampshire real estate? Yes, but can you really afford to?

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

4 Tips for Buying Southen New Hampshire Homes for Sale

We, meaning the real estate industry, say, “It’s a buyer’s market!”  Buyers think that means that lots of deals are available out in the big wide world of Southern NH homes for sale. Although that’s true, it’s not the whole truth. The whole truth is that money pits, bad deals and half-hearted sellers still exist. Without careful consideration, you may not get the deal you expected.

If you’re in the market for one of the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale, follow these tips to help you get a great deal:

1.    Go back to school. In other words, do your homework. Yes, due to the buyer’s market, you have an advantage, but you still need to do your research.  Talk with a real estate agent who specializes in the area and look at the prices of homes sold within the past year. The main point of the research is to find out how much homes are actually selling for in the area in which you want to live, and to determine if you can afford to buy there.

2.    Line up the home team. Be prepared to jump on a deal as soon as you find it. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Gather your real estate agent, home inspector and insurance agent. By having this team of real estate professionals on hand, the transaction will be smoother and faster.

3.    Look for motivation. There are motivated sellers and not-so-motivated sellers who just “think” they “might” want to sell if “the right buyer” comes along (quotes are so handy, aren’t they?). You don’t have to guess which is which, however. Has the price been reduced? Is the home vacant? These clues lead to a motivated seller, willing to genuinely negotiate to get the home sold.

4.    Don’t buy angry. One of the worst mistakes a buyer can do is to get into a war with the home seller. Emotions grab hold and you find yourself in a fierce competition based on who’s going to WIN WIN WIN! If you find yourself in this situation, learn how to negotiate and listen to your real estate agent’s advice. If you don’t, your great deal can turn into a big mess.

There are plenty of Southern NH homes for sale out there and great deals to be had, but being cautious is the best way to get the best deal.

Are you a motivated seller or a buyer looking for a great deal? I can help. Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to get started!

How to Set a Kitchen Renovation Budget on Southern NH Homes

There are many Southern New Hampshire homes currently for sale.  An obvious question you must ask yourself in today’s market is how to make your home stand out.   

Whether you’re a real estate investor wanting to flip several Southern NH homes or a homeowner selling your current home, one of the top ways to increase your home’s value is remodeling the kitchen.  The kitchen is the central meeting place of the American family and people want it to be modern and up to date.

Do a Price Comparison among Southern NH Homes

Your renovation budget is one of the primary concerns to take into account before you begin.  The current value of your home, as compared to other homes in your neighborhood, is one way to determine how much you should spend on your kitchen renovation.

·    Higher Price Range = Lower Budget Needed.  Is your home worth about the same or more than most homes in your neighborhood?  This indicates a diminished chance of selling for much more, even after enhancements.  Stick with a moderate budget.  This may seem contrary to instinct but it’s true. 

·    Lower Price Range = Higher Budget Needed.  On the other hand, if your home is appraising lower than those in the area (or is decidedly on the lower end of the scale) investing more in excellent kitchen remodeling is a great way to increase the value of your home.

Overspending Yields Lower Rate of Return
Investing too much on one aspect of your home (especially a home that's already approaching the price ceiling for the area) is a potential money burner.  Keep a moderate budget, and if you have more money to spend, invest it in other areas of your home (exterior improvements, for example).

Perception Is Reality

Once you decide on a budget, remember that appearance is everything.  Faux marble, for instance, looks about as nice as marble.  The only reason for genuine marble or solid oak is bragging rights.  A new faucet on a moderately up-to-date sink is almost as impressive visually as a totally new sink.

“Do one thing… And do it well,” applies here.  If you must add luxury, add it to one element and cover the rest with perception strategies.

If you’d like additional advice on the home improvements that are most likely to increase the value of your home, I’d be happy to help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

5 Reasons Southern NH Home Sellers Reject Offers

Rejection is a hard thing to face in life, whether it’s from a potential client, a potential boss or a potential home seller.  As a Southern New Hampshire home buyer, your stress level might be reduced if you’re aware of some of the reasons a seller may reject your offer.   

Before I give you the list of reasons, I’d like to mention that even if you and your buyer’s agent do everything right, the seller may still reject your offer.  It frequently has nothing to do with you.

With that said, here are 5 common reasons sellers reject offers on their homes:

1.    The offer wasn’t enough for them to pay off their mortgage. For most sellers, the bottom line is paying off their mortgage. If your offer won’t cover the mortgage, they cannot accept it.

2.    They may have just been testing the waters to see what they can get for their home.

3.    Their plans may have changed. People put their homes on the market because they need to move, they want to upgrade their home, or they can no longer afford their Southern NH home. If the circumstances change, they may not need to sell their home.

4.    Their deal may have fallen through. Perhaps your seller was buying another house contingent on the sale of their property. If something went wrong with that deal, they may not be able to sell their Southern NH home to you.

5.    You may be asking too much of them. The seller may not have the time or money to make any repairs they think are insignificant. Perhaps you want to close too soon or would like to move in to the home before closing.

Don’t get depressed when a seller rejects your offer. There may be many reasons for their refusal.  Help your real estate agent develop a counter offer, or move on to a new opportunity.  There are a lot of homes on the market.  You may be pleasantly surprised when you start looking again and find a home that fits your lifestyle even better.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you find a great home and negotiate to a successful “Yes, we’ll accept your offer.” Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to get started.

Preparing Southern NH Homes for Quick Sale

For homeowners getting ready to put their Southern NH homes on the market, here are a few stunningly-easy tips to help get your home sold faster and maybe even for more money.

Keep in mind that your prospective buyers will most likely be viewing several Southern New Hampshire homes on the same day as your showing. The emotional elements you include will have a profound impact on their memory, and will make your home standout when they review what they’ve seen with their agents at day’s end.

Preparing your home for the perfect showing is essential and is composed of three basic elements that will make your home sparkle.

Atmosphere

·    Soft classical music or other background music without lyrics
·    Simmering potpourri
·    Bake an apple pie in the oven.  Or, if you have a bread machine, bake bread.
·    Well-lit rooms and inviting indirect lighting
·    Air conditioning or heating set at a comfortable temperature

Decorations

·    Garden-fresh bouquet of flowers near the entrance or on the kitchen table
·    Fresh neutral-colored paint and cleaned or new carpet
·    Remove family photos or personal items (allows buyer to imagine it is their home)

Cleanliness

·    Meticulously spotless kitchen and bath
·    Walls washed and spackled as needed
·    No clutter whatsoever (uncluttered rooms look larger)
·    No pets – kennel them if needed (buyer may be allergic)
·    Clean closets (yes, people peek in your closets)

Remember it’s the little things in life that matter, and the same is absolutely true when it comes to a buyer looking for a place to call home-sweet-home.

For more ideas on how to sell fast and make the most from the sale of your Southern NH home, call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Buying a Home with a Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agent

If you have never purchased a home before, you may not yet recognize how crucial it is to acquire the services of a professional Southern New Hampshire real estate agent. 

Buying a home will probably be the most expensive purchase you ever make.  Therefore, you undoubtedly should consider enlisting the help of a REALTOR® who has experience, extensive knowledge of the area and integrity.

Benefits of using a professional Southern NH real estate agent as your Buyer's Agent

Having your own buyer’s agent to walk you through the entire home buying process saves you a lot of time and stress, as well as money. 

You decide:

·    Size of home desired
·    Style preferred
·    Location
·    Price range

That’s easy!  With this basic information, your agent begins the hard part: searching for the perfect home for you and successfully guiding you through the purchase process.

Your agent helps with:

·    Generating a small defined list of good choices
·    Forming a realistic budget
·    Financing
·    Determining what a home is really worth
·    Making offers for you
·    Negotiating with the seller
·    Alleviating stress that’s a part of any transaction of this magnitude
·    Overseeing your home inspection
·    Renegotiating any problems found in the home inspection
·    Explaining and demystifying taxes, interest, and other particulars
·    Finalizing all the paperwork and details with the lender, seller and title company
·    Closing on the sale

All the hours your agent invests assisting you and making sure your best interests are looked after financially, legally and emotionally are well worth the real estate commission he or she receives after you finalize your purchase.  And typically, as the buyer, you don’t pay the commission.  The seller pays it!

Where to find a professional Southern NH real estate agent

I specialize in helping people just like you buy homes.  Let's get started!  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Worried About Your Home for Sale in Southern NH? Survey Reveals Possibilities

Many real estate aficionados worried that the ending of the homebuyer tax credits would mean an end to sales. However, a new real estate survey, conducted April, 2010, says homeowners with a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire and throughout the nation have more chances to sell their homes.

Survey Group
·    1,000 American consumers
·    Ages 25 – 64
·    $35,000+ household income

Survey Results
·    Over 90% of American consumers think the homebuyer tax credit program helped the real estate industry and first-time buyers.
·    65% actually looking for a home don’t consider the end of the tax credit program to be a factor in their own decisions.
·    46% expect area real estate prices to increase over the next year.
·    12% expect area real estate prices to decline over the next year.
·    79% expect to see an increase in prices over the next five years.
·    20% expect prices to rise significantly over the next five years.
·    75% of renters think renting isn’t as good a long-term choice as owning a home.

How You Can Benefit
As the survey shows, there are still plenty of interested buyers out there.  You just have to know where to find them.

Talk with your agent about which markets are hot in your area. For instance, have older individuals been buying in the area more than young families or vice versa? Maybe energy efficient homes have been selling better. Find out what your home for sale in Southern NH has going for it that matches those hot markets.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Buyers are out there and consumer confidence is rising, which means nothing but good things for the real estate market and your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire.

Want to work with an agent who can identify and target hot markets for your home?  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

5 Tips to Creating Stress-Free Southern NH Homes

 Many people have trouble relaxing, even in their Southern NH homes.  Why?  Frequently, it’s because of too much visual stimuli such as unfinished projects, knickknacks and clutter.

You may think the answer to being able to relax is to move into a “better” home.  However, what usually happens is that you move your unfinished projects and clutter with you.  Instead, if you take the time to get organized, you may find – like many owners who have backed out of a sale – that you don’t need to move, you just need to re-organize.

Take a moment from your busy, stressful life to read these tips and discover how you can improve and de-stress your personal castle:

1.    Add money to your wallet. Unwanted or unused items can be turned into cash. eBay and Craigslist are two heavily-used websites where you can sell your unwanted/unused items.  Make a little cash and clear the clutter.

2.    Be generous. If you don’t want to sell your items, don’t throw them away.  Donate them to places such as Goodwill.  Online, there’s FreeCycle, where you can share your items and give them away to those who really need them.

3.    Keep it clean. Set up a system to decide what to do with mail. Many people end up with piles of mail throughout the house. Rather than letting it pile up, decide the day you get it where that mail goes: trash, take action or file away.

4.    Include your family in the de-clutter process. After all, your spouse and kids live there, too. As well, if others have a chance to give their input, they may be more willing to keep your Southern NH home organized. Let others in your family have a part in the decision-making process and implementation.

5.    Take stray worry off your mind. You may be subconsciously worried about things in your home. Reduce the potential stress by creating a sense of safety. For instance, make sure your smoke detectors are working, that you have a radon meter (if necessary) and a carbon monoxide detector.

You may be thinking, “Home isn’t what stresses me out.”  Are you sure?  You might be pleasantly surprised how relaxed you’ll be when your home is de-cluttered. Your Southern NH home can truly become a place where you leave the stress at the door.

If you’re looking for a home to relax in after a hard day, I can help.  Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Seller Strategies 101: Common Sense Curb Appeal

Advice for home sellers is everywhere!  Turn on the TV, radio, or computer and you’re practically bombarded with ideas on how to prepare your Southern NH real estate to get it sold.

Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest solution is right under your nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked. But common sense says buyers make their first judgment of homes for sale based on the homes’ exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Southern NH Real Estate Market

Today’s real estate market is challenging for sellers, all the more reason why every little detail matters. Buyers know they are in a buyer’s market and literally won’t put up with any rubbish when window shopping for homes.

Before a potential buyer even considers stepping a foot inside your home, they want to see curb appeal—and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.”

Here’s what buyers are looking for:

·    Precision lawn care:  That means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect lawn features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially the sidewalk.
·    No junk lying around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage.  Don’t have an RV blocking your driveway or bikes and toys strewn everywhere.
·    Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris.  Plant beautiful flowers.  You can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant.
·    Refresh: Paint the house, garage, doors and shutters in neutral, updated colors.
·    Fix and Re-Finish: Wooden decks and porch railings should be in tip-top shape.

Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for best looking home in the area. Think model-home quality.

You’ve got a Friend!

To help you get the most out of your precious Southern NH real estate, I’m here for you.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Buy Southern New Hampshire Real Estate after a Previous Bankruptcy

A past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Southern New Hampshire real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage. 

Before you meet with your Southern NH real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare:

·    Have a copy of your current bank statement
·    Have written proof of your monthly income
·    Make a list of all your current monthly bills
·    Collect all your recent credit card statements
·    Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement

Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Southern NH real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework!

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage. Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating.

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment?

·    Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?
·    Do you have any money market accounts?
·    Do you have money invested in mutual funds?
·    Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due?
·    Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?
·    How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment?

Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

What Future Buyers Are Looking For In Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale

Owners of Southern NH homes for sale are wondering, “What are buyers looking for?” This is especially true if the home has been on the market for a while. Well, homeowners aren’t the only ones. Several companies, including Better Homes and Gardens and Avid Ratings, the exclusive research provider for the National Association of Home Builders, have researched this question.

So, what are buyers looking for in national and Southern NH homes for sale? In a 2010 Avid Ratings homebuyer’s study, over 22,000 homeowners who bought their homes in the past nine years reveal their preferences. In short, the study says practicality beats out extras any day.

The days of formal dining rooms, oversized backyard patios and community clubhouses are gone.
Swimming pools aren’t that big a deal, but neither are upstairs laundry rooms or home theaters. These extras have been replaced by practicalities such as:
·    Children’s playground
·    Walking paths
·    Large kitchens (with island if possible)
·    Home office or study
·    Main-floor master bedroom
·    Two-car garages
·    Oversize showers with seating

As well, although buyers are willing to have less space, they’re big on “green” features such as high-efficiency windows, insulation and appliances.

The home survey by Better Homes and Gardens reveals much the same information. More homeowners and potential buyers are thinking of downsizing into smaller, greener homes. Again, high-efficiency appliances topped the interest levels, with a lean towards Energy Star appliances.

The home office is still a priority, although it doesn’t have to be dedicated space; many would be perfectly happy with a multi-purpose space instead. The real key, however, is no wasted space, along with ample storage.

If you’re considering doing any amount of remodeling to excite potential buyers, the information contained in these surveys are priceless. If you’re one of the owners of Southern New Hampshire homes for sale thinking your house is too small, it’s great news. If you thought you might upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances, you’re on the right track. Consider what you can do to make your home more “future buyer” friendly!

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

Should You Add a Pool to Your Southern NH Home?

There are many home improvements that add value to your Southern New Hampshire home, but none add quite as much fun as a pool. Depending on where your home is located, having a pool may increase re-sale value because buyers in certain areas look for homes that already have pools installed.  

A pool can provide relaxation, recreation, and health benefits during the summer months, and in some areas of the country, all year long. Before you get started putting in that pool, there are a few things to be aware of and prepare for.

Usage

The first thing to consider before you decide on adding a pool to your Southern NH home is how often you will actually use it. Pool maintenance and installation are expensive, so if you can't use it often, adding a pool doesn’t make much sense.

Surface Area

Before beginning construction of either an above-ground or in-ground pool, you need to check your surface area—not the pool's, your land's. It should be relatively flat. If your Southern NH home is on an incline, you need to create a stable, level base, and that could add a great deal of expense to your pool construction.

Air Space

The air above the site for your pool is important too.  Most importantly, never place a pool beneath electrical wires.  The area above your pool should also be clear of hanging branches.   In fact, it’s a good idea to choose a spot with no close trees. While they make for great shade in the hot summer sun, they also make for harder clean-up and constant skimming because of falling leaves.

Fence it In

There is one final consideration before you jump in—a fence. A security fence is important to keep neighborhood children from invading your pool when you aren't around.  A fence is also a crucial safety feature for pets and people.  You don’t want anyone or anything accidentally falling into your pool.

If you would like to buy or sell a Southern NH home with a pool, I can help. Contact me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Your Southern New Hamsphire Home For Sale: Reaching Out to the Buyer

You placed your Southern New Hampshire home for sale on the market weeks ago, but it seems no one is interested. What you may not realize is that the most desirable, most treasured buyers arrive at your home every day. They may not knock; they may not schedule an appointment; they may even need Map Quest to figure out where you are, but they’re viewing your home.

Buying habits are changing rapidly. More than 70 percent of today’s buyers find the house they want to buy through online resources. Why aren’t they just getting into their cars and coming by for a visit? Because a large part of your potential buyers are looking at your Southern NH home for sale from states away…

The Invaluable Relocation Buyer
You want the relocation buyer. In fact, every seller, every agent and every community wants the relocation buyer. Why? Relocation buyers are those who have to move. They’re incredibly motivated to buy, and the chance of them buying a home in the community is high.

Your Buyer’s Profile
Your relocation buyer is probably an educated professional in his or her field. Relocation buyers usually know exactly what they’re looking for, and aren’t willing to budge much. They’ve commonly moved before and are knowledgeable home buyers.

If you’ve never sold a home, they’ll most likely understand the buying/selling process better than you do. They also know that real estate activity and values are different in every area. As well, they know how their companies’ relocation assistance programs work, which affects their moving budgets.

Reaching buyers is a competitive process. If you want highly motivated buyers like these knocking on your door, you need a well-organized marketing strategy.

Talk to your real estate agent about your online presentation. Perhaps a virtual tour would be the best strategy to attract buyers to your Southern NH home for sale. Whatever you decide to do, if your marketing strategy doesn’t include a well-put-together online presentation, you’ve already lost the relocation buyer.

Are you missing a large buying market for your home? I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Enjoy a Safe Fourth of July Barbecue at Your Southern New Hampshire Home

When most of us think of Fourth of July festivities, we think of fireworks and food, especially barbecue.  In fact, the Fourth of July is one of the most popular days of the year for barbecuing. Many invite family and friends to their Southern NH home and throw burgers, hot dogs or ribs on the grill.

Unfortunately, some barbecuers unknowingly give their family and friends an unhealthy dose of bacteria along with the food.  To keep your family and friends healthy over the holiday while still enjoying this summer activity, follow these meat safety tips at your Southern NH home:

Avoid cross contamination
When you go to the grocery store to buy meat and other foods, keep the raw meat separated from the rest of the food to lessen the chance of cross contamination. Make sure the raw meat is wrapped in plastic bags, again, separated from other meat and foods. Even packaged raw meat can leak, and you want to keep the juices from seeping onto other food.

Head Home
The summer is hot for most areas of the country. Even if you have air conditioning in your car, you want to go straight home from the grocery store. The longer food is exposed to heat, the more chance it has of gaining a nice bacterial growth. Make sure the grocery store is your only, or last, stop before heading home.

Refrigerate
When it’s hotter than 90 degrees, food needs to be refrigerated within the first hour of leaving the store. If it’s less than 90 degrees, you have two hours. Freeze any meat or poultry you won’t be using in a day or two, but make sure everything is refrigerated as quickly as possible.

Thaw Carefully
If you’re going immediately from thawing to the grill, you can use a microwave to defrost. However, for the safest methods, either slowly thaw in the refrigerator over a period of a day or two, or use cold water and sealed packages.

Transport Cold
If you aren’t barbecuing at your home and need to transport the meat, transfer the meat immediately to an insulated cooler (40 degrees or below) right before leaving home. As well, make sure you keep the cooler out of direct sun, which can reduce its efficiency at keeping food cold.

Serve Hot
Keep the food hot (140 degrees or warmer) until it’s served. You can set the meat at the side of the grill rack or on a warming tray. Use a clean serving platter rather than the same plate that held the raw meat.

By following the above tips, you’ll help your family and friends have a happy, healthy Fourth of July.

Looking for a Southern NH home of your own to celebrate next year’s Fourth of July? I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Need Extra Time to Finalize Your Southern New Hampshire Home Purchase to Qualify for Tax Credits?

Wish Granted!

On June 16, the Senate approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives, and the bill has just cleared Congress!  This means you’ll have until September 30, 2010, to close on your Southern New Hampshire home and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000.  (First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.)

Who Qualifies?

Originally, you had to sign a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close no later than June 30, 2010.  With this extension, anyone who had a signed purchase agreement by April 30 now has until September 30 to close on the sale of that home.

Why the Extension?

Mortgage lenders have been swamped with borrowers trying to get their Southern New Hampshire home purchases approved by June 30.  Many potential borrowers were having difficulty meeting that deadline.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimated that up to 180,000 buyers were likely to miss the June 30 deadline "because of delays in the process." That's particularly true of short sales, the NAR noted.

Have questions about the federal tax credits?  Or any other questions about Southern New Hampshire homes?  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.  I’ll respond promptly and personally.