Helping Your Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agent Get You into a New Home

Confident buyers

Buying a home is often considered one of the most stressful things you will do in your life.  Unless you're a seasoned real estate investor, you will most likely experience home buyer stress.

You can help your Southern New Hampshire real estate agent find you a home and successfully close the deal if you are as prepared and knowledgeable as possible. Here are a few tips to help you be ready and make your transition as painless and stress free as possible.

Have all of your financial records in order. This includes:

·    Income records: You usually need two recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, it will get trickier.  Want to be even more prepared?  Get pre-approved for your mortgage.

·    A clean credit report: Make use of those free credit reports and check for errors, outstanding debts, and a high debt-to-income ratio.  If you find any errors, it's worth your time to get them fixed prior to applying for a loan or searching for a home.

·    Know what you want: As unusual as that seems, not knowing specifically what you need and want in a new home can prolong the search and have you and your agent running in circles trying to find the right home. Price is only one of the considerations. Know how many bathrooms and bedrooms you need. If there are specific amenities you desire, let them be known.  Don't wait until you've traveled all over the countryside looking at homes to tell your Southern NH real estate agent you absolutely must have a sunken tub.

Read up on everything you can find that will help you understand the options available to you and what you need to get financing and you will be your own best asset in finding the perfect home. Making your Southern New Hampshire real estate agent work smarter, not harder, is the way to a beneficial arrangement for you both.

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

3 Things You Shouldn’t Say No To With a Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire

The point of having your Southern New Hampshire home up for sale is to… well, sell it, isn’t it? I mean, it makes logical sense, right? Yet, too often, home sellers seem to think that selling is as easy as “hire agent, put sign in front, sold.”

This attitude, especially in a slow real estate market, has left many a seller empty-handed. They say “no” when they should have said “yes.” They have all these reasons why they won’t “A, B or C,” rather than just doing “A, B or C” for their home for sale in Southern New Hampshire.

What am I talking about? Well, here are just a few of those “don’t say no” things:

Buyer Incentives
Listen – a slow market or not, you do have competition. What does this mean? You may have the best house on the block, but if your neighbor’s house has higher perceived value, yours will be left sitting there.

By offering buyer incentives such as a home warranty plan, pre-paid homeowner association fees or credit toward the closing costs, you’re giving the buyer more perceived value. Let’s face it; buyers want the best bang for their buck.

Home Showings
When an agent calls and asks if they can show your home, say YES!  It doesn’t matter if they want to show it in five minutes or five hours, your answer should be yes.  If your home doesn’t get seen, it won’t get sold.  That person you said “no” to might have been your ideal buyer.

Virtual Tours
Buyers like to be able to view a potential home online first. The best way for them to do this is with a virtual real estate tour, looking at the home with a 360-degree view. Because this is such a quickly growing trend (some buyers ignore listings without them), you can’t afford to pass it up.

If you have a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire and it’s been on the market for a while, you may have said “no” to too many things. Take some time to look at what you can do to market your home better. These pointers may very well make all the difference!

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

3 Tips for Buying an Eco-friendly Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire

Buyers are becoming more concerned about their personal environment, from eco-friendly carpeting to energy efficient appliances. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly home for sale in Southern NH, but aren’t sure how to find it, here are a few tips on what to look for:

   1. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Although the number is growing, only a few builders are employing eco-friendly practices during construction. However, those that do can qualify for the EPA Indoor airPlus designation. These homes are designed for better IAQ, which means a healthier home for you. Rest assured, if a builder meets this designation they’ll tell you about it. However, just in case – ask!

   2. Energy Efficient – If it qualifies for the EPA Indoor airPlus designation, the Southern New Hampshire new construction will also be energy efficient. However, if you’re not looking at a newly built home, look for those homes that are Energy Star efficient. According to the Energy Star website, “These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.”

   3. Eco-friendly – Energy Star and EPA qualifications aside, you can also find homes in which the seller has made eco-friendly changes that will help you even though they may not meet the guidelines for qualifications. For instance, solar paneling, wind turbines and geothermal heating aren’t covered by the EPA or Energy Star qualifications by themselves, but they’re eco-friendly and can lower your utilities.

An eco-friendly home for sale in Southern New Hampshire may be hard to find, but the numbers are growing. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly home, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Big Kitchens Becoming Bigger Selling Points for Southern NH Homes

If your Southern NH home for sale has a big kitchen and you haven’t already marketed this feature, it may benefit you to do so, thanks to a recently noted trend.

With the wobbly economy, the national unemployment rate is still sitting above 9%.  (New Hampshire's unemployment rate was only 5.7% in August.) Many young adults just out of college are having trouble finding jobs. In fact, the age group hardest hit seems to be between 16 and 24. As well, there are a number of people without homes due to foreclosure. How are Americans weathering the economic fallout? Many are doing so by consolidating multiple generations into one home.

2 Things That May Change How You Market Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale
A Pew Research Center study on living conditions and an Associated Press - iVillage poll on dinner habits may change how you market your home.

The Pew study, based on information gained from the Census, shows that over 16% of U.S. households had multiple generations living together by 2008. Although the results of 2009 and 2010 aren’t in yet, you can assume with reasonable surety that this trend continues to rise.

The iVillage telephone survey shows that over 60% of families – no matter how big or small – still eat together. Granted, dinner may be full of texting, phone calls and TV, but it’s also full of home cooked meals most of the time.

What does this mean for you and your home?
A larger family in one household, eating home cooked meals together, equals the need for a bigger kitchen. According to several surveys through the years, dinnertime is one tradition that’s held on – despite both parents working. Also, keep in mind that the cost of eating out may have many more people eating at home.

Lastly, buying bulk food, which also needs bigger kitchens, is fast becoming another trend. According to the Bulk is Green Council, bulk buying is one of the biggest money-saving trends for this year.

The next potential buyer may just be looking for a big kitchen. If you have one, it may be the number one benefit of your home. Don’t sell it short. Make sure the large kitchen and/or dining area is highlighted in the marketing material for your Southern New Hampshire home for sale. With the above-mentioned trends, big kitchens are – well, big!

If you’re looking for a home with enough room to make and sit down to a home-cooked meal, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Home Inspection: What it Covers

The home buying process isn’t complete without a home inspection. Your real estate agent will mention it. The lender will ask about it. Even your closer will make sure the Southern New Hampshire home you’re purchasing had an inspection.

Home inspections are important. No matter how much you trust the seller, there are some things you need to know about your Southern NH home before you purchase it.  While you’re not required to attend the inspection, it’s an excellent idea to do so.

So you’ll know what to expect, here are the basics that a typical home inspection covers:

    * Appliances. You will know if the appliances are in working order.

    * Electrical. The inspector makes sure the main panel, circuit breakers, lights, and outlets are working.

    * Exterior. An inspector looks for defects on the outside of the home, like problems with the wall covering, landscaping, trim, and exterior electrical outlets.

    * Garage. You don’t have to worry about what the garage is hiding. You will know if the slab, walls, vents, and entries have any problems that need to be addressed.
 
    * Home structure. The inspector checks the foundation, ceilings, floors, roof, and wall construction for any defects and will alert you to any issues requiring the advice of a structural engineer.

    * Plumbing inspection. Although inspectors do not check sewer systems, they can tell you if you need to do any work to toilets, showers, sinks, and faucets.

    * Roof and attic. The roof inspection is not a guarantee of its condition, but you will know what type of roof you have and what condition the roof covering, flashing, vents, and gutters are in.

    * Systems. They will also check the effectiveness of your air conditioner, duct work, fireplace, and heating system.

A quality home inspector will look at every nook and cranny to gauge structure stability, present and potential dangers. But remember, a home inspection is not a guarantee or a warranty - it may not find everything.

No house is perfect, so you should expect your inspector to find some issues with the Southern New Hampshire home.  If significant problems are discovered, you can ask the seller to repair them, reduce the sale price or you can even back out of the deal without consequences, as long as your contract includes this contingency.

Let me help you find the right home for you. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information about home buying.

Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale? 6 Tips for Selling Now

If your Southern New Hampshire home for sale isn’t selling, you’re probably wondering if you’re missing something. Well, here’s a list of things you might not know that could make all the difference:

1.    If the location of your Southern NH home for sale isn’t great, the price and terms are the only thing that will sell it. Make them outstanding!

2.    Attractive, competitive terms may help you get a higher price. For instance, if you’re allowing the option of owner financing, and also allow a smaller down payment (say, 3-5% of the sale price), you may be able to sell your house for a higher overall amount.

3.    Because of the current high competition, your home has to be in the best condition at a competitive price. Check out the competition, accept that yours might need work, and get to it.

4.    You can’t set a limit for home improvement. If your home needs something done to beat the competition and you can do it, do it! You aren’t just spending money; you’re investing in the sale of your home. Although you may not get all your money back, you just might get a quick sale at full value.

5.    Staging – you’ve heard of it; tons of agents are talking about it. If you want to get your house sold, either invest in staging services or do your homework and stage the home yourself. It’s all about presentation.

6.    Remember that you are no longer the host/hostess of the house. You are a business person, and your business is getting that house sold. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of a solid business deal.

Putting your Southern New Hampshire home up for sale is a daunting prospect. If it’s been up for a while, it can be an exercise in frustration. However, keep the above points in mind, listen to the experts and put what you learn to work for you.

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

How Does a Second Mortgage Work on a Southern NH Home?

You may not know it, but you can take out a second mortgage on your Southern New Hampshire home if you have equity in the property.  A lender may offer you a home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).  Which one is right for you?  Here are a couple of tips to help you decide:

    * A home equity loan is commonly referred to as a second mortgage.  Expect the process to be similar to getting your primary mortgage.  Your home will have to be inspected, and you’ll need to arrange for another appraisal.  Home equity loans frequently have a higher interest rate than primary mortgages because the lender is at a greater risk of you defaulting on the loan.

    * The HEL can be a fixed-rate mortgage, which means that your interest rate and payments are fixed for the duration of the loan.  This makes it easier to plan for the payments, so you’ll be able to borrow responsibly and not get in over your head.

    * A home equity line of credit is more like a credit card secured by your Southern NH home.  It allows you to withdraw money, up to a set limit, whenever you need it. There is generally a minimum payment due each month.  Unlike a loan, you'll increase your available credit each time you make a payment.

    * A line of credit usually has a variable interest rate, like a credit card.  It may have a low introductory interest rate for a short time, and then increase for the rest of the loan term.  You can access the funds with a bankcard or checks drawn off the HELOC.

If you are borrowing for a single project like remodeling the kitchen of your Southern New Hampshire home, you might think about a home equity loan.  However, if you’re looking to finance a re-occurring expense like college tuition, an open line of credit might work best for you. 

Have questions about mortgages or real estate?  I’m happy to help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Homes for Sale in Southern NH: Should You Buy a Model Home?

Of the homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire, at least of few of them are model homes. Not “model” as in the perfect house for anyone, but “model” as in the builder’s showcase. They’re beautiful, generally include higher-end options and often contain excellent examples of cabinetry and architecture.

If you come across one of the model homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire, should you consider buying it or pass it up all together? Well, like everything else, there are pros and cons:

Pro: More for your money
Eventually, the builder has to sell the model home, and at that point, he or she is a motivated seller. The chances are more likely that you’ll end up paying less than the listing price. As well, since it is a model home, it will have bells and whistles you might not get from the same type of house down the street.

Pro: Bells and whistles
What are bells and whistles? Well, it depends on the area and the builder, but model homes have many add-ons to show the capabilities of the builder, architect and other companies involved in building the homes. Those bells and whistles can include anything from expensive landscaping and a finished basement to window seats.

As well, most builders are willing to sell the furnishings, giving the buyer of the model first dibs. Quite simply, you could very well end up with the best house, the newest appliances and the nicest furniture.

Con: You may have to wait months
If you buy a showcase home before the builder has sold all the other homes in the development, the builder may not be willing to close. Most want to wait until the showcase house has done its job. Especially in the current economy, this could take quite awhile. If you go this route, make sure your contract gives a specific closing date – and always read the fine print.

Con: It’s old and new
While a model home has never been lived in, it could very well have sat on the lot for three years while the development was being sold. While the appliances may never have been used, the warranties are wearing out; the walls and floors show wear and tear as well. For this reason, you want to make sure the builder includes a little maintenance in the contract. New carpeting and fresh paint are bargaining points for you as the homebuyer, among others.

Should you buy one of the showcase homes for sale in Southern NH? Well, it’s really up to you, but always do your homework first. How long the house has been there, what the contract includes and other questions should be answered – before you sign on the dotted line.

If you’re looking for a dream home with all the bells and whistles, I can help.  I can even help you get the best price and terms on a model home, if you call me before you start visiting them.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

10 Must Have Tools for Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Repairs

You can do many simple repairs around your home to save money. Whether you are making repairs around your Southern New Hampshire real estate to prepare it for sale or repairing items after buying a home, having the right tools for the job makes everything much easier.

Here are my top 10 must have tools to complete most Southern NH real estate repairs:

1.    Cordless drill. A cordless drill gives you a quick way to put screws in walls, put together furniture or to remove screws effortlessly.

2.    Hammer. You should have a medium weight hammer on hand for tapping pieces into place, installing nails or even removing wall sections or nails you no longer need.

3.    Level. If you want to hang anything evenly, you need a level. Use a level to measure holes for hanging cabinets, towel bars and pictures.

4.    Pencils. You will use pencils to mark studs or drill holes or to make notes while you’re working.

5.    Pliers. Pliers are essential for removing staples and nails. You can also use them to remove screws. Keep an assortment of different sized pliers on hand.

6.    Putty knife. If you are covering nail holes or wall cracks, you need a putty knife to spread the spackling. You can also use a putty knife to remove wall paper, adhesives or spilled paint or caulk.

7.    Screwdrivers. At the very least, you need a regular screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver with a medium tip. You should also have a set of small screwdrivers on hand.

8.    Tape measure. A good tape measure will come in handy any time you need to measure.

9.    Utility knife. This knife is basically a razor blade with a handle. You can use it to remove wallpaper, scrape paint or remove tape after painting.

10.   Vice grip. Vice grips help you hold items, and they are especially useful if you are removing screws, untwisting something with sticky adhesive or just need to hold something while you work.

Let me help you prepare your Southern New Hampshire real estate for a fast sale. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

5 Tips to Keep Your Southern NH Home for Sale Ready to Show

You’ve repaired, de-cluttered, deep cleaned and polished your Southern New Hampshire home for sale until it shines.  But how do you keep it that way when you and your family have to live in it every day?

Here are 5 tips to keep your Southern NH home for sale ready to show (without driving yourself crazy):

1.    Decree some rooms off limits.  There are a few obvious rooms that can easily be declared off limits such as the formal dining room and living room.  But there are others you may not have considered.  If you have 3 bathrooms, proclaim 1 or 2 of those bathrooms off limits.  Have a guest room but no guest?  Shut the door and forget it.

2.   Hire a maid service.  You may not be able to afford a cleaning crew on a regular basis, but to reduce your stress while your Southern NH home is for sale, consider hiring a housecleaner to come in once or twice a month.

3.    Leave your shoes at the door.  Sure, it’s inconvenient, but it really does keep your floors clean much longer which means less vacuuming, sweeping and mopping.

4.    Clean as you go. Anytime you get something out, put it away when you’re done with it.  Persuade every member of your household to do the same.

5.    Use potpourri.  You may have read some tips I’ve given about baking cookies to make your home smell great for showings.  That’s an excellent idea for people who have lots of time or just love to bake.  But for the rest of us, put out a bowl of cinnamon scented potpourri and avoid cooking smelly foods such as liver, fish or anything fried until your home is sold.  If you can’t do without your fish, go out to eat.

Need to sell your home?  Let me help you get it sold so you can relax.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

4 Tips for Buying a Southern NH Home for Sale (Doing It Right the First Time)

If you’re looking for a Southern New Hampshire home for sale and you’ve never bought a home before, you might think, “This won’t take much time.” Typically, just the opposite is true.   Buying a home frequently takes quite a bit of time.

Of course, the whole home buying process will go much faster (and smoother) if you do things the right way. If you’re a first time buyer looking for a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, take some lessons from the pros. The following tips will help make the buying process fly:

1.  Weigh the Benefits - Before you actually go house hunting, weigh the pros and cons of buying a home. Can you really afford it? Is it a good idea, or are you caving under pressure from family, friends, your doctor and the next-door neighbor?

Make sure that you’ve actually considered the alternatives and decided home ownership is the best move for you. In my experience, homebuyers who are sure they’re ready to buy not only enjoy the process more, but also are more likely to enjoy the home they buy.

2.  Define What You’re Looking For - Before you walk out the door to look at homes, figure out your goals. How do you do this? Begin on the internet.  Between virtual home tours, online listings, photographs and aerial shots, you’ll be able to build a much stronger idea of the type of home and neighborhood in which you want to live.

Once you go through this process, you’ll have clearly defined goals you can then pass on to the buyer’s agent you hire. You are now halfway to home ownership!

3. Lay Off the Sugar - Before going to look at houses, lay off the sugars. Research shows sugar can inhibit your short-term memory. You want to be able to remember the homes you’ve seen.

Having said that, your agent probably won’t show you 15 or 20 homes in a day. At the most, you might see 8 or 9. You see, a good agent pays attention to the goals you told him or her on the first day. The only homes you need to see are those that fit your goals.

4. See Your Favorites Before Buying – Okay, you’ve looked at 14 homes, and you’re torn between houses 2, 5 and 6. Since you’re only buying one house, you want to make sure you get the home you want. Therefore, before signing or making any kind of commitment, look over the ones you like the most again. You’ll see things you may have missed before, which will help narrow the choice down to one.

Buying a Southern New Hampshire home for sale is one of the biggest steps you’ll ever take. It’s a big investment, and the process can be time consuming. However, following the above steps can make owning the home of your dreams less of a hassle and more of a dream come true!

If you’re looking for a professional buyer’s agent who can help you find the home of your dreams, give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marketing Your Southern NH Home Online

You have a for sale sign in front of your Southern New Hampshire home. Even though the real estate market is slow, you still see other houses being bought. What’s the matter with yours? Why is your home still sitting on the market? Is it you? Is it your home? Is it your agent? It may just be your online marketing (or lack of it).

Do Upload Photos
The internet is one of most popular places for homebuyers to do their

initial shopping.  If your Southern New Hampshire home isn’t online, it needs to be there. If it is online, it needs pictures. If it has pictures, pay attention to the following issues:

·    Dark or grainy pictures
·    Images with closed windows, drapes and/or blinds
·    Photos of rooms with clutter
·    Only one photo, and it’s of the front of the house
·    Images that haven’t been adjusted to look their best online

Finally, ask yourself, if a picture says a thousand words, what are the photos of my home saying? If your pictures don’t look friendly and inviting, and if they don’t make your home look its very best, you might as well take your home off the market.

Do Add Data
Don’t forget to add important information. Think about it. How many other homes are being sold online? What makes yours better/different? In other words, why should a buyer take the time to look at your house in person?

Buyers aren’t mind readers. They can’t look at a picture and see that your home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  You have to tell them that.  If your house also has a large backyard, walking paths nearby or green home features, by all means, brag about it.

Don’t Restrict Showings
People need to see your home in person before they’ll decide to buy it. Unfortunately, many sellers make the mistake of having restricted showing hours, needing appointments for a showing and not being available when they have a prospective buyer.  Instead…

·    Do use a lockbox, so you don’t have to be there for an agent to show the house.
·    Don’t set restricted hours.  This makes showing the home at the buyer’s convenience difficult, and you definitely want it to be convenient for your potential buyer.

There are several areas where marketing can go bad and become a missed opportunity for selling your Southern New Hampshire home. However, if you make it convenient, show your home at its best and don’t overprice, you’re well on your way to changing “for sale” to “sold.”

If you want an agent who will market your home to its best advantage, give me a call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Economy Bringing Families Closer Together in Southern NH Homes

Although the slowed economy has been a catalyst for many unfortunate changes, some of the trickle-down effects have had a positive impact on Southern New Hampshire homes and homeowners. One of the most notable effects is that families are drawing closer together.

Over the past thirty to forty years, the “steps” to take for growing up were always one: grow up and two: move out. Few parents ever considered that their now adult children might be moving back in to their quiet, empty Southern New Hampshire homes. However, with the economic problems hitting millions of Americans, the number of multi-generational households is growing.

During the Great Recession and more specifically in 1940, approximately 25% of households were multi-generational. Homes often held children, grandchildren, and sometimes even great grandchildren – four familial generations. However, as the U.S. economy began to prosper and the baby boomer generation grew into adults, more homes became single family households. By 1980, only 12.1% of homes held more than one generation.

Now, the percentages are once again beginning to climb. Loss of jobs, foreclosed homes and lack of security has contributed to approximately 49 million Americans, or 16.1%, living in multi-generational homes. While this is far from ideal for those in a hurry to leave the nest, the benefits are many.

When asked what it was like moving back in with her parents, one single mother said, “It was hard at first, redefining the boundaries, but having my parents around has been a blessing in disguise. My kids have a stabilizing influence and extra attention, while I get occasional breaks that I normally wouldn’t get. We eat dinner together too, which helps build the family atmosphere for my kids. It’s not all smiles and roses, there’s a lot of compromise, but it works.”

For those who have been thinking about letting your family move in to your Southern New Hampshire home, try to consider more than just the negatives. Look at the positives as well.  And what could be more positive than closer family ties?

Whether you need to upgrade to a bigger family home or downgrade to a smaller one, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Downsizing Your Demands for a Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire

Are you tired of looking for a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire? Have you seen homes that had everything you wanted, but cost too much? Are you dissatisfied with the selection in the price range you want?

A while back, I had a buyer tell me he didn’t want to spend more than $150,000 on a home for sale in Nashua. He gave me a long list of features he felt the house must have - a pool, a big kitchen for his wife, four bedrooms, etc. With it being his market (a buyer’s market), he said, I should have no problems finding a home with those qualifications and that price. He refused to budge on any of it. That buyer is no longer my client.

You May Have to Compromise
The buyer had read tons of material about it being a buyer’s market. Prices, while not particularly great for the sellers, are great for the buyers. “Thar’s gold in them thar hills.” In other words, there are deals to be had.

It’s all true, but there are limitations to what your money can buy, even now. If you’re getting frustrated due to a lack of fully automated homes with pools and fallout shelters for $35,000, it’s time to ask yourself, “Do I really need a pool?”

Okay, so that’s an exaggeration, but there is a legitimate question in all this. Can you compromise? If you want a pool, can you buy a home with a big backyard where a pool can be built later? Do you have to have a pool right now?

Consider that a home is a long-term acquisition. Think about what you want versus what you need. For example, maybe you want a big kitchen. What you’ve found are smaller kitchens with big dining rooms. Can the two rooms be opened up to create a dining/cooking area? Again, can you compromise?

Before you go house hunting again, examine your expectations. Are they realistic? If not, create a list of needs, and then create a list of wants. Think about where you can compromise on the two lists. Of course, you should be able to get some of your “wants,” but you may not be able to get all of them.

When you look at a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire that you can afford, also look at the possibilities. Can the affordable home be remodeled over time into the dream home you want? 

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

Myths about Selling Your Southern NH Real Estate in a Slow Market

Trying to sell your Southern NH real estate in a slow market can be frustrating. You may find that it takes longer to sell and you can’t get as much money as you could during a booming market. However, you can’t believe all the hype about a sluggish real estate market. Do your research and separate the facts from the fiction. 

Here are 3 myths and the facts behind the fiction:

1.    You won’t get a decent price. Your Southern New Hampshire real estate will sell for whatever a buyer is willing to pay. A comparative market analysis shows you what other buyers spent on property like yours. Of course, if you bought your home when values were up, you may not get the return on your investment you’d hoped for. However, most sellers get a fair price and even make a profit in a slow market.

2.   Your Southern New Hampshire real estate will stay on the market too long. While it’s true that real estate tends to take longer to sell during a slow market, it’s not impossible to sell. People still buy in slower markets. If your home is priced right, prepared for sale and marketed professionally, it will sell.

3.    Buyers only want foreclosures and short sales. The truth is that buyers want good deals, and this can be in the form of money or time. The price of a foreclosure or short sale may certainly be attractive, but they can take a considerable amount of time to close while the banks negotiate their terms and require significant repairs after closing. Paying slightly more up front for a traditional sale is sometimes well worth the time and they can save and hassles they can avoid.

Using my proven marketing plan, I can help you sell your home whether it's a slow market or a booming market. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Should You Buy Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Through an Auction?

With the many auctions here and throughout the U.S., you may be wondering if it’s worth buying Southern New Hampshire real estate this way. Auctions let you bid at a public sale.  Some property is being sold by the owner, but most properties are foreclosures being sold by banks.

Like any endeavor, there are pros and cons to buying Southern NH real estate at an auction. For instance, a pro for auctions might be the price; you can often get great discounts on nice homes through an auction. However, you may get caught up in the fervor of the bidding process and pay more for a home than you ever intended.

The Condition of the Home may be Questionable 
When you work with a real estate agent to buy a home in the traditional manner, you go through the home inspection process.  This ensures the home is in sound structural condition.

In an auction, you have to go with the timeframe of the bidding process and most likely will not have time to get a home inspection performed.  In fact, homes sold at auction are sold “as is.”  That means no improvements will be made to the home, even if you had it inspected and found something wrong.  Additionally, there’s no warranty and no legal recourse to get your money back if you find problems later.

Tax liens can be Costly
In foreclosure auctions, a property may have a tax lien. If you win the auction, you may then become responsible for the payment of the tax lien. It could be a small or large amount of money, but no matter the size, you may not be able to afford it on top of the cost of the house.

Large Payments in Short Timeframes
Lastly, consider that full payment may be required at the close of the sale; if not full payment, earnest money will at least be required. Because closing usually happens within a month of the auction, it’s always best to be pre-approved for your loan before you start bidding.

If you’re looking at Southern New Hampshire real estate auctions for your dream home, do your homework first. You could end up with a fantastic deal, but, without enough information, you could also end up with a dead end.

If you’re looking for a great deal on a wonderful home, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Homes: Strategies for Selling in Slow Markets

While the changed nature of the real estate market makes it much more difficult to sell Southern New Hampshire homes, the fact remains that home are still being bought and sold.  Buyers are out there; you just have to attract them to your home.

Here are a few tips for getting Southern New Hampshire homes sold in a slow real estate market:

Prepare for the Sale
Your home needs to stand out from the rest. Give it a lot of sparkle and shine:

    * Make minor repairs:  Patch holes, fix faucets and replace cracked tiles.
    * Clean inside and out:  No cobwebs, dirty carpets, worn rugs or smelly odors.
    * Check your curb appeal:  Mow the lawn, plant flowers, trim bushes, etc.
    * Remove clutter and de-personalize:  If it isn’t essential, pack it up or get rid of it.
    * Straighten your cabinets and closets:  Buyers will open them; make sure they’re nice and neat.

Stage Your Home
Hire a professional home stager or read informational home staging articles on doing it yourself. Here are a few quick tips:

    * Carefully choose your window coverings.
    * Tie new bathroom towels with ribbons for a “finished” bathroom look.
    * Use color psychology.
    * Bring in plants.

Use Good Marketing Techniques
A strong marketing campaign is a must.  A few techniques you want to be sure you and/or your agent include in your marketing campaign are:

    * Take photographs with good lighting that show off the positive aspects of your home.
    * Create a virtual tour that showcases both the inside and outside of your home.
    * Display the photos and virtual tour on as many real estate websites as possible.

Selling Southern New Hampshire homes isn’t a quick or easy endeavor. Especially now, aggressive marketers are the winners. Taking the time to clean and stage your home as well as create a wide-reaching marketing campaign can get that for sale sign taken down for good.

If you’d like to sell your home, let me create a strong, wide-reaching marketing campaign to get your home sold.   Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Buying Southern New Hampshire Fixer-Upper Real Estate – Pros and Cons

Are you buying Southern New Hampshire real estate chiefly as an investment or as your primary residence? Does it need a little updating or a big overhaul? When you consider that buying Southern NH real estate is a major purchase, no matter what the reason, it’s always a good idea to look at the potential pros and cons of doing a rehab.

Pros of Buying a Fixer Upper
Location – The fixer upper you’re considering could be in a great neighborhood. It might even be on the best street. And because it needs work, you could get a home in a location you might otherwise not be able to afford.

Cost – It’s almost always cheaper to buy something broken than to buy something that works. Well, the same can be true for any kind of real estate investment. Buying a fixer upper may be a good alternative, if you want to own a home but can’t afford a high mortgage payment.

Style – It’s your home. When you remodel, redecorate or renovate, you get to choose what you want it to look like. Maybe it has a big picture window just dying for a window seat. Maybe you like soft mauve walls instead of the institutional green currently there. That’s okay, because you can fix it up to fit your personal style.

Cons of Buying a Fixer Upper
Cost – You may be able to save money on the selling price of a fixer upper, true. However, the savings could be totally lost once you start looking at the cost of renovations. Before you sign on the dotted line, do what any homebuyer should do and get a home inspection. Figure out how much you’ll be spending all together instead of basing your costs exclusively on the selling price.

Location – Often, fixer uppers are in less than pleasant neighborhoods or on streets with other homes in equal disrepair. Especially if you’re flipping houses, the chances of getting your investment back are low. When buying a fixer upper – for any reason – make sure you weigh it’s location against the cost.

Style – Quite simply, your personal style might take more energy and knowledge than you have available. For instance, if you don’t know anything about drywall, plasterwork or woodwork, that window seat you want so badly may not be possible. As well, if you only have an hour or so a day to work on the home, it could be in a state of disrepair for a long time before it’s finished.

If you’re thinking about buying Southern NH fixer-upper real estate, always look at the pros and cons of the specific house. You could make a great investment or end up with a money pit.

If you’re looking for a fixer upper that needs some tender loving care, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Staging Southern NH Homes for Sale: Not Just Pretty Furniture

Many real estate agents say, “Stage your Southern New Hampshire homes for sale!” If you have no idea what that means, you might Google it, read a few articles and get the idea that you throw a little rented furniture into your home and call it done. If you read a little bit more, you might add a mirror or potted plant here and there. However, if you really dig into it, you’ll find that properly staging Southern New Hampshire homes for sale takes a whole lot more than that.

Test Your Knowledge
Did you know…

    * Smaller furniture in small areas makes the space appear bigger.
    * Carefully arranged plants bring warmth to a living area.
    * Rugs and artwork add depth and dimension to a room.
    * Sunlight shining through a window makes a room feel warm and inviting.
    * A staged bedroom is as important as the bathroom and kitchen.
    * The colors you choose can make the difference between a sale and a flop.

If you didn’t know any of the above, it’s time to learn how to stage or hire a professional stager. Why?  Because home staging has been proven time and again to be one of the best steps to take to sell a home quickly and for more money.

Find Home Staging Resources
There are tons of online resources available to help you stage your home if you’d rather do it yourself. Here are just a few, in no particular order:

   1. Field Guide to Preparing and Staging a House
   2. Home-Staging Cheat Sheet
   3. Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market

Hire a Professional Stager
Does this mean you can’t do it yourself? Not at all. You just need to ask yourself two questions: 

   1. Can you afford to wait to sell your house while you’re learning how to stage your home?
   2. Even after researching and studying, will you be able to do a quality staging job?

If you can’t afford to wait or you’ll never be great at staging, hire a professional.

What’s the moral of the story? If you have one of the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale and you’ve been considering home staging, stop considering. Do it! 

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