What to Avoid When Looking for a Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agent

Picking up the phone book and letting it fall open to the real estate agency page is not the best way to find a great Southern New Hampshire real estate agent. Here are several other pitfalls to avoid when looking for a real estate agent:

• Impulse: Just because you walk into a busy, bright, and productive looking office doesn't mean all the agents who work there are also busy, bright and productive. Take the time to get to know the agents you’re considering working with. Interview them, like you would any other professional you hire, to determine their abilities and knowledge of the community in which you live.

• Easy Agreement: If you finally find an agent who instantly agrees with everything you have to say about the selling price of your home without question, beware. This is especially true if you've been to others who disagreed with your price. Consider why this one agent is so agreeable. As in any industry, there are people out there who will tell you anything you want to hear to get your business.

• Trusting Your Judgment: While you may very well be a great judge of character, make sure you get at least three references from all the Southern New Hampshire real estate agents you’re considering. Then, take the most crucial step and contact those references.

• Lowest Commission: Don't go with a real estate agent just because they have the lowest commission on the block. Remember the old adage "you get what you pay for."

These are just a few of the considerations when choosing a Southern New Hampshire real estate agent, but they will get you started on firm footing.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable Southern New Hampshire real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me. To schedule an interview, call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Understanding the Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Market for FSBOs

On first thought, selling your home by yourself seems to make perfect sense. It doesn't look all that hard, right? So you decide to sell your home the FSBO way (For Sale By Owner). You figure that you can put up a sign. Let people come to look at your house. Review all the offers you are sure to get and pick the best one and you're done. That's all there is to understanding the Southern New Hampshire real estate market—right?

Well, not quite. One of the most difficult things for a person trying to sell their own home to do is understand the Southern NH real estate market in order to price their home correctly. All of the above steps will stall without setting a price that will make you happy and get a buyer to sign on the dotted line.

The Price is Right

In some ways selling your home as a FSBO will seem a little like the television game show "The Price Is Right." Some buyers will walk around your home and have no idea what local values are, but they will still do their best to talk down your price.

Others that come to view your FSBO will have a very firm grasp on local real estate values and how your home stacks up against the competition.

In either case, you must know what comparable homes in your area are selling for so that you can argue your own case and know when you are being under bid.

Overpricing is Costly

The temptation to want more than true market value for your home is common but counterproductive to selling your home. It’ll sit on the market so long that people will begin to wonder what’s wrong with your home. Then, when you drop your price, you’ll appear desperate. Potential buyers will devalue your house in their own minds, which decreases the chance of you getting a fair market price for your home.

If you have questions about the current Southern New Hampshire real estate market, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Rates versus Home Prices, plus - Vote for your Favorite Home!

Since we're rapidly approaching Christmas and most of you are probably too busy to read much in the way of real estate news, I'll keep this brief.  

If you noticed the recent increase in mortgage rates, you may be wondering how it will affect home prices.  Despite the obvious correlation that in order for monthly payments to remain the same, prices would need to be lower when there are higher interest rates, higher rates may not translate into lower home prices, since New Hampshire properties are already more affordable than they have been in a very long time.  Check out this article on the mortgage rate increase from the Smart Money section of the Wall Street Journal published on December 17th that includes a chart on interest rates versus year over year % change in home prices (with and without adjusting for inflation).

And now, for something a bit lighter: Take a look at pictures of 8 luxury homes in Asia and pick your favorite!

Okay, now get back to wrapping presents and have a wonderful Holiday!

Projects that Don’t Add Value to Your Southern NH Home for Sale

There is no simple way to discover which home-improvement projects will yield the highest return when you’re ready to sell your home. There are many variables that come into play such as the state of the real estate market when you put your Southern New Hampshire home up for sale, how old your home is, and the style of your home.  However, some improvements will definitely not be a wise use of your money immediately prior to selling your home.

Here are several costly projects to pass up if you want to get the biggest bang for your bucks:

Extravagant Landscaping

Buyers expect a well-maintained yard; they don't expect the home's value to increase because of it. Beautiful landscaping may encourage potential buyers to take a closer look at your Southern NH home for sale, but it most likely will not add to the selling price. If a buyer is unable or unwilling to put in the effort to maintain an elaborate garden, it becomes a negative feature rather than a positive one.

Swimming Pool

A swimming pool seems like fun to have, but can actually be more of a hassle than a pleasure.  Many potential buyers consider swimming pools expensive and time consuming to maintain. Buyers may say no to an otherwise perfect house if it has a pool. Or, they may include in the contract a stipulation that the seller has to take down an above-ground pool or fill in an inground pool, at their own expense, before closing.

High-End Upgrades

Buyers don’t want to see the absolute cheapest renovations in a Southern NH home for sale, but they also don’t want to pay more for the highest-priced upgrades that they don’t need. Marble countertops in a kitchen and a built-in sauna in a bathroom are nice, but unless you have a high-end home in a high-end neighborhood, don’t expect to get your money back from these upgrades.

Don’t spend thousands of dollars on a home-improvement project that will not increase your home's value when it comes time to sell. Do spend money on projects that will make your home a wonderful place to live in now and that may increase the selling price when you’re ready to sell.

Are you ready to sell your home? I can help. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

10 Tips for Safely Decking the Halls of Southern NH Homes

At this time of year, we typically don’t think a lot about safety. We’re all too busy running around shopping and decorating our Southern New Hampshire homes.

Have a fun, merry and safe holiday this year by implementing these 10 safety tips:

1. Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree, whether it’s an artificial or live tree.

2. Purchase artificial trees with a Fire Resistant label. This label doesn’t mean the tree can’t catch fire; it means the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

3. Check for freshness when purchasing a live tree. Needles that are hard to pull away from branches and that do not break when bent indicate a fresh tree. Sticky resin on the tree’s trunk is another sign that a tree is still fresh. Old trees can be fire hazards in Southern New Hampshire homes.

4. Chop a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Water your tree regularly.

5. Avoid sharp or easily breakable decorations and small, removable items that children can swallow. Eliminate decorations that look like food or candy. Children may try to eat them.

6. Limit the number of standard-size light sets plugged into one extension cord to three.

7. Turn off all Christmas tree lights before you go to bed or leave your home. The lights could short out and start a fire.

8. Don’t burn wrapping papers in your Southern New Hampshire home’s fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

9. Remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from around the fireplace before lighting a fire.

10. Check labels on lights you’re planning to use outside to be sure they’re certified for outdoor use.

I hope you and your family have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas!

Are You Pre-Qualified, Pre-Approved or Approved for a Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Mortgage?

One of the more frustrating aspects of buying Southern NH real estate is qualifying for a mortgage that will allow you to buy the home of your dreams. Lenders use terms to describe your loan status that may be confusing.

For example, what is the difference between being pre-qualified, pre-approved or approved for a mortgage on your Southern New Hampshire real estate?

·    Pre-Qualified – This just means that the lender may approve you for a loan if everything checks out. Pre-qualification is based solely on information you give the lender about your income and debts. This is no guarantee that you will get a loan. People do sometimes omit important details about their finances (whether accidentally or intentionally), so the lender won’t even be able to give you a possible loan amount at this point.

·    Pre-Approved – Once your lender pulls your credit report, they can give you an idea of what kind of loan you may get. When you’re pre-approved, you still have no guarantee that you will get a loan, but you have a better idea of your price range. Sellers like working with people who are pre-approved because it shows that their credit has been verified, and they are more likely to qualify for a loan.

·    Approved – When you are approved for a loan, your financial records have been verified, and the lender can say for sure how much they are willing to lend you for a particular home. You can be approved for a mortgage only after the lender has approved both you and the home. Once you have approval, you can move forward with the purchase.  This is why a financing contingency is included in the standard Purchase and Sales agreement used in New Hampshire for writing contracts to buy and sell property.

For more information about the mortgage approval process for purchasing Southern New Hampshire real estate, call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

4 Things to Know Before Putting Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale

The real estate industry is full of numbers and metrics that can influence your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire. Here are just a few you need to know before putting your house on the market:

1.    Pricing – Is your home for sale in Southern NH worth more than you bought it for? Even now, it’s a possibility. Check the average sales prices for the homes in your area, neighborhood and street. You might be pleasantly surprised. Contact your local agent for the information.

2.    DOM – Days on Market is the time period a home sits on the market before going under contract. Currently, the average days on market in almost any area are rather high, but the actual metric tends to change depending on the price of your home. If you’re faced with a timeline and have a set goal for the sale, the average days on market for your area is a number you need to know. Again, you can ask your local real estate agent.

3.    List Pricing – The average list price tells you how much your competition is asking for. If you’re trying to sell your house way above the average list price, it probably won’t leave the market.

4.    Competition – How much competition do you really have? How many “For Sale” signs are up? The higher the inventory, the lower your chances of selling the home quickly.

Of all the numbers to know, these are at the top.  The best way to sell your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire is to do the research – and then hire a proven real estate agent (or, even easier, have your agent do the research for you)!

If you want to sell your home and need current information, I can help. Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

8 Low-Cost Decorating Tips to Make a Small Room in Your Southern NH Home Seem Bigger

Do you have a small room in your Southern New Hampshire home that you’d like to make larger, but you don’t have the money in your budget to tear down a wall or add on to the room?  By using a bit of creativity, you can make that tiny room look larger without breaking the bank.

 Here are 8 low-cost decorating tips to make any room in your Southern NH home look bigger:

   1. Leave open space.  Place taller pieces of furniture along a wall rather than out in the open space.  To prevent blocking the view into a room, use shorter pieces of furniture like an ottoman or a low table.   The more open space you can see, the larger the room will look.

   2. Brighten the room.  A well-lit room looks larger, whether it’s brightened with natural or artificial light.  Remove heavy, dark draperies to let the natural light into the room.  Install track lighting or recessed spot lighting, which is perfect for a small space.

   3. Lighten up the floor and ceiling.  Open up the room by using a white or very light color on the ceiling.  Use light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet to make the room appear bigger.

   4. Reduce the amount of furniture.   This goes back to leaving open space.  Keep only those pieces of furniture that you really love or really need in the room.  Get rid of everything else.

   5. Switch to glass.  Using a glass-topped dining table, end table or coffee table gives the appearance of an open space, even though there isn’t.

   6. De-clutter.  Too much stuff makes even a large room seem small.  Organize anything you must keep.

   7. Choose light colors.  Light, cool colors like pale blue and light green can make the smallest space feel open and airy.

   8. Use a monochromatic scheme. Take those light colors one step further by using colors all in the same family. When you look around a room that has the same color scheme for the furniture, flooring and walls, you believe there’s more space than there really is.  Contrasting colors break up a space. Furniture is less interrupting and blends with the space if its color matches the wall.

Want a Southern New Hampshire home with large rooms?  I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Interview Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents

Choosing a professional real estate agent can be a very imposing task. This person is responsible for finding your new home or selling your home, guiding you through the home inspection process and negotiating a good price and terms. These are important tasks that should be taken seriously. That’s why finding a skilled real estate agent is key to a successful real estate transaction.

If you can't get a strong recommendation for an agent from a trusted friend, here are several tips for interviewing Southern New Hampshire real estate agents:

• Interview at least three agents. Even if you love the first or second agent you interview, promise yourself you’ll interview all three. You learn more from each interview, and you never know when that third agent is going to be the perfect match for you.

• Ask all three agents the same questions so you can compare their answers and ability to communicate. Write out your questions so you don’t forget any, and take notes during the interviews. You think you’ll remember what they say, but the specifics will begin to blur as you interview the second and third agent.

• Ask the Southern NH real estate agents how long they've been in business and how many homes they’ve helped people buy and sell during the last year. An agent with experience is a very valuable asset, but with the current fluctuations in real estate, an agent with recent experience is even more valuable. Also ask how long they've been helping people buy and sell homes in the area in which you want to live. You want a real estate agent who is an expert on that neighborhood.

• Get at least three references of past clients from each of the Southern New Hampshire real estate agents. Then follow up with those references. Ask a variety of questions such as:

o What was it like to work with the agent?
o Would you work with him or her again?
o What was your least favorite thing about working with the agent?
o What was the best thing about working with the agent?

If you’re looking for a professional real estate agent, I’d be honored to be interviewed for the job. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to schedule an interview.

Holiday Gifts for New Southern New Hampshire Home Owners

To find the perfect holiday gifts for new Southern New Hampshire home owners, consider gifts that will keep on giving efficiency, convenience and luxury for years to come. To help with your shopping, here’s my list of seven great holiday gifts for new Southern NH home owners:

1. Gift card to a local home store. This is the easiest gift to give, and often the most popular with home owners. It can help finance their bathroom remodel or purchase of a large item like a riding lawn mower or snowblower.

2. Fireproof safe or lockbox. A small fireproof safe is the perfect place to store important items such as mortgage papers, home owner’s insurance information and receipts for
home repairs.

3. Luxurious bath towels. You can never have too many big, thick bath towels. Consider getting them monogrammed if you want to do something a little extra special.

4. Green cleaning products. You can buy green cleaning products at just about any store. Or, you can make non-toxic cleaning products, put them in nice spray bottles and include the recipes so the home owners can make more when the bottles are empty.

5. Subscription to a home-related magazine. There are magazines about decorating, cooking, entertaining, and home repairs. Consider Family Handyman Magazine for those who want to learn the basics of home repair, Real Simple Magazine for those who love to organize, or Do It Yourself Magazine for, guess who, the do-it yourselfers.

6. Luxury showerhead. Give the gift of daily luxury with one of the spa-style showerheads. You can find showerheads that provide a wide variety of sensations from an energizing massage to a relaxing rain shower.

7. Your time. Create your own coupon offering a set number of hours of your time helping with home projects such as painting, mowing the lawn or, if you’re not handy, babysitting while the home owners work on a project.

If you’re a Southern New Hampshire home owner, you might want to give yourself one of these great gifts. If you don’t own a home, consider giving yourself the gift of home ownership. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com, and I’ll send you a list of homes for sale that meet your needs.

Myths about Buying Southern New Hampshire Real Estate for Sale by Owner

There are a few misconceptions about buying for sale by owner (FSBO) Southern New Hampshire real estate.

Myth 1: Sellers aren’t Serious

Some buyers think that the seller isn’t serious about selling the house, that they’re just testing the market. While this is true in some cases, most sellers are serious and will accept an offer that is close to the asking price.

Myth 2: There’s Something Wrong with the Home

Sometimes Southern New Hampshire real estate for sale by owner sits on the market for a while. Generally, it isn’t because there’s something terribly wrong with the house. It may be because the owner isn’t open to negotiations on the sale price. More often, it’s because the owner doesn’t have the experience marketing and showing homes to potential buyers that a real estate agent does. A typical owner isn’t likely to have the time to properly market the house. If there aren’t enough buyers looking at the house, it’s going to be harder to
get a good purchase offer.

Myth 3: Real Estate Agents can't Help

Some buyers believe that real estate agents can't help them negotiate the purchase of a FSBO. That's not true. If you find a FSBO you're interested in taking a closer look at, whether you find it because you drive by it or see it in an advertisement, let your Southern New Hampshire real estate agent know.  Real estate agents can represent your best interests when purchasing FSBOs, just like they do when purchasing homes
listed with a real estate agency.

If you're interested in buying a home, whether or not it's a FSBO, I'd like to help you. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Five Renovation Projects that Increase Your Southern New Hampshire Home’s Value

Whether you’re planning on selling soon or just want a comfortable home to live in now, here are five projects that increase your Southern New Hampshire home’s comfort and value:

   1. Uncover hardwood floors.  Is there a hardwood floor hiding under your Southern New Hampshire home’s carpet?  If you're not sure, pull up the carpet in an unnoticeable corner and investigate. If you find wood floors, you’ll probably need to refinish them, but that’s a lot less expensive than installing new hardwood flooring.

  2. Add ceiling fans.  Everyone likes to save money, and adding ceiling fans can reduce your electric bill considerably.  Central air conditioning costs about 70 times more to run than a ceiling fan.  In the summer, fans can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees cooler, allowing you to reduce the use of your A/C and still feel just as cool.   Use your ceiling fan in the winter too.  Just reverse the direction the blades rotate so the air flows up toward the ceiling, and keep the fan on low.  This circulates the warm air around the room without creating a chilly draft.

   3. Install a new bathroom floor.  Installation is typically the most expensive part of this home improvement, so if you can do it yourself, you’ll save quite a bit of money.  Choosing a neutral-colored tile adds the most value.

   4. Update bathroom and kitchen fixtures.  Replacing outdated or unattractive fixtures is a low-cost, high-impact renovation project.  In bathrooms, put in new spa-style showerheads and towel bars.  In both rooms, put in new light fixtures, sink faucets, switch plates, outlet covers, cabinet knobs and drawer handles.  Choose items in colors and finishes that appeal to a wide audience.

   5. Power wash your Southern New Hampshire home’s exterior.  Make your home look almost as good as new by power washing away the grime.  Clean the siding, driveway, walkways and patio.

Want more home-improvement ideas like these?  Subscribe to my blog.  It’s free and easy.

How to Go Green in Your Southern New Hampshire Home this Holiday Season

Start a new holiday tradition:  Give the environment a holiday gift this year by going green.  Here are six green traditions you can begin at your Southern New Hampshire home:

1.    Use LED lighting.  Save energy and protect the environment by using LED lights.  LED lighting is 90 to 95% more efficient than non-LED lights. 

2.    Decorate organically.  Use seasonal fruits as decoration, which you can eat afterwards, or are at least biodegradable. Pomegranates and oranges are good choices. Use organic holiday decorations such as grapevine wreaths, eucalyptus, fresh pine and pine cones.

3.    Give environmental gifts.  Help others go green by giving environmentally focused gifts.   People who brown bag lunch would enjoy a reusable lunch bag, homeowners could use energy-saving compact fluorescent lights or a compost bin, commuters might like a reusable travel coffee mug, and both women and men might appreciate a reusable razor.  For a truly green gift, consider donating to a charitable organization in that person's name. (Make sure it's one you know they would like supporting!)

4.    Wrap with cloth.  Fabric makes a beautiful presentation when used to wrap a gift.  The average bolt of cotton fabric is 42” to 45” wide, and many seasonal fabrics are very reasonably priced.  These decorative wraps can be used year after year.

5.    Recycle electronics.  Donate or recycle your old electronic components and dispose of batteries responsibly. 

6.    Buy a living tree.  Buy a living tree that will grow in your area and can be kept in a pot outdoors until your ground thaws.  Then plant the tree in your yard.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving! 

If implementing all six green traditions in your Southern New Hampshire home feels overwhelming, start with just one this year and add a new one each year.

I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday!

Closing Costs Defined: Lender Fees for Buying Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

The closing table can be a confusing place. You have what seems like mountains of paperwork pushed in front of you. You sign countless pages, often not completely understanding what is written. People often leave the closing on their Southern New Hampshire real estate wondering if anyone took advantage of them.

When you understand the meanings of the words that are included in the closing paperwork, you’ll feel more secure about what you’re signing.  To help you gain that knowledge, here are definitions for some of the most common lender fees included as part of closing costs when buying Southern New Hampshire real estate.

    * Appraisal Fee: This covers the cost of the appraiser who assesses the property’s value.

    * Credit Report: Lenders check your credit history before approving you for a mortgage. This covers the cost of your credit report. 

    * Discount Points: This fee lowers the interest rate on your loan. Each discount point costs 1% of your loan amount and reduces your interest rate for the life of your loan (usually by fractions of percentages).

    * Flood Certification:  This is the cost of the automated service that tells the lender whether or not the property is located in a flood plain.  If it is, it may require flood insurance.

    * Lender’s Inspection Fee: This fee usually applies to new construction. It covers the cost of inspections performed by the lender, but does not include pest inspections.

    * Mortgage Broker Fee: This fee covers any fees or commissions paid to the mortgage broker.

    * Mortgage Insurance Application Fee: Mortgage insurance protects the lender and pays a portion of your mortgage in case you die or default on your loan. This fee pays for mortgage insurance processing.

    * Processing Fee: The lender charges these fees to process and approve a mortgage.

    * Tax service fee: This fee covers the cost of the lender setting up your tax escrow and monitoring the payment of your property taxes.

Let me help you take the confusion out of closing costs. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@daveheeter.com for more information about lender fees for your Southern New Hampshire real estate.

Southern New Hampshire Real Estate: 4 Myths About Vacant Land

The Path Less Traveled

Purchasing land to build a home on is very different from buying a home within a Southern New Hampshire real estate development. In fact, vacant land can be downright scary to someone who’s never dealt with it. However, if you have strong ideas about what you want in a home and haven't seen anything to your liking in pre-existing construction, don’t let fear keep you from buying land.

Do your research and separate the truths from the myths.  To get you started, here are 4 common land myths debunked:

   1. It takes too long to build on. The truth is that you can build on your vacant land as soon as you’re ready. What can take time is getting the right building permits and fitting into your builder’s schedule. However, none of this has anything to do with the land itself. You can run into these delays if you build in a planned community.

   2. It has no value. You’re most likely not going to be able to flip a piece of vacant land like you could a home that you rehab. Yet, like any other type of Southern New Hampshire real estate, land generally goes up in value over time. If you add improvements to land, like septic and water systems or even a home, its value will go up even more.

   3. I have to pay cash for it. Although it may not be as easy for just anyone to get a bank loan for vacant land, it is possible. Even if you can’t get a bank loan for land, many land owners are more willing to offer owner financing or a lease to own arrangement so you can purchase it.

   4. It’s just too risky. Of course there’s a risk involved in buying vacant land, but it’s no different than any other real estate investment. There’s always a chance the Southern New Hampshire real estate market will shift and make it more difficult to sell. However, as long as you do your homework and buy land in a desirable area, it’s still a rather safe investment.

If you’re interested in buying land or learning more about it, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Myths About Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agents

Ask anyone about their experiences with Southern New Hampshire real estate agents, and you will no doubt hear a variety of responses. This is why there are so many myths about agents circulating. A good real estate agent is worth every penny you spend for their expertise. Let’s examine some popular myths about Southern New Hampshire real estate agents.

   1. They make too much money. The truth is that the median salary for real estate agents in 2009 was approximately $54,000. Agents have to pay business expenses such as broker’s fees, professional organization memberships and MLS listing fees.  One of their biggest expenses is marketing homes for sale for buyers and sellers like you. These expenses quickly add up and take away a large percentage of their commission.

   2. They won’t get you a good deal because they make a commission on the sale price. Yes, real estate commissions are based on a percentage of the sale price. However, the commission on a $185,000 home is $5550, while the commission on a $200,000 home is $6000. That’s a difference of $450, which is hardly worth creating a negative impression by getting you a bad deal.

   3. They say anything to make a sale. Professional Southern New Hampshire real estate agents work for you, and they want you to have a positive experience with them. After all, most of their business comes from referrals. They want you to be happy so you will tell your friends and family about their excellent service.

   4. They don’t do anything you can’t do on your own. The truth is that buying and selling real estate can be a complicated and time consuming process. Sure, on the buying side you can manage your own search and negotiations & inspections & financing while hiring a lawyer to help with the paperwork and on the selling side you can pay a one time fee to get your home listed in the mls with no further agent involvement and then read up on how to price, stage, and market your home as well as negotiate terms & conditions of a sale. However, professional Southern New Hampshire real estate agents are trained to do all these things and have experience at it. As a result, they’ll save you money, time and make your life less complicated throughout process.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional real estate agent.

Let me help you save time and money when buying or selling your home. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Selling Your Southern NH Home: 4 Purchasing Points to Ponder

When you receive an offer for your Southern New Hampshire home for sale, you need to look in the actual print for a few things before you sign on the dotted line. Your real estate agent and/or lawyer will be able to point out glaring deficiencies, inconsistencies or other things not in your best interest. However, the more you know about the purchase contract yourself, the better chances you have of getting a good deal on your Southern New Hampshire home for sale.  (Note: in New Hampshire, the offer form becomes the purchase contract once all parties have signed and initialed all pages and any changes.)

Here are four points to ponder in your purchase and sales agreement:

Closing Date
Sometimes a buyer may want to wait a month or two before taking over the title. You want to check the closing date against your own schedule and make sure it’s acceptable. Don’t be inflexible.  In this highly competitive real estate market, be willing to negotiate on the closing date – unless, of course, you don’t have a choice.

Remaining Property
Contracts range in terms of what fixtures and personal property will remain with the home. In a few cases, the contract entitles the buyer to everything on the property. In other cases, the contract entitles them to nothing more than attached (ceiling) light fixtures and electrical socket covers. Carefully read over what the buyer expects to remain with the home and make sure you agree.

Contingencies
The factors a buyer may want in place before the contract is finalized may be more than you’re willing to deal with. For example, the buyer may want an inspection before signing, or they may want to sell their own home. They may want the contract reviewed by their lawyer and they will likely still be waiting for their mortgage to be approved.

The problem with contingencies is they can drag on much longer than you expect them to. To be safe – even if you’re okay with the contingencies – set a time limit for them to be accomplished. This way, your sale won’t drag on forever without ever closing.

Expiration Date
Finally, pay attention to the expiration date of the offer. You may have eight hours or eight days to accept, reject or counter the contract. Pay attention to how long you have to consider the offer for your Southern New Hampshire home for sale.

If you’re trying to sell your home and need a knowledgeable agent on your side, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

7 Ways to Save Money and the Environment in your Southern New Hampshire Home this Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for ways to save money this Thanksgiving, I have a few tips for you.  As an added benefit, you’ll also be helping the environment when you implement these ideas.

1. Bring in the outside:  A lot of people in your Southern NH home, plus the heat from the oven, can make even a November day uncomfortably hot.  Instead of turning on the A/C, open some windows to cool your home down.
 
2. Buy only a few organic foods:  Organic food is usually more expensive than conventionally grown food.  Instead of buying a lot of organic groceries, purchase only key organic items that are most likely to be wearing pesticides.  Check out the Dirty Dozen list to discover the produce you should consider purchasing from the organic section for your holiday meal.
 
3. Compost:  Add your Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable trimmings to your Southern New Hampshire home’s compost bin, or start one if you don’t already have one. Next year’s garden will thank you.
 
4. Eat locally grown food:  Depending on where you live, there may not be much locally grown produce available in November, but there are other foods you can purchase locally.  Apples and apple butter top my list of things to buy locally this fall.  Purchase turkeys and chickens grown by local farmers.  Buy delicious homemade pies and bread at your local farmer’s market.
 
5. Plan a potluck:  Instead of doing all the work yourself, make this turkey day a potluck.  It’s easier and cheaper for you, and allows family and friends to feel more a part of the event.  This is a wonderful new tradition you can start, which others may well continue for years (and generations) to come.
 
6. Save leftovers in glass jars:  Instead of putting leftovers in plastic bags or Styrofoam containers, use glass jars.  Save glass jam jars or spaghetti sauce jars and reuse them to package leftovers.
 
7. Wash and reuse:  Use cloth napkins and tablecloths that can be washed and used again.  If you don’t already have some, consider making your own cloth napkins out of material you already have in your Southern New Hampshire home.  Not only are they eco-friendly and inexpensive, they’re also elegant and attractive.

Don’t stress about doing everything perfectly.  Putting just a few of these ideas into practice saves money and the environment. 

I wish you and your loved ones a very warm and happy Thanksgiving!

Southern New Hampshire Homes Become More Affordable

Don’t you just love it when the evening news finally shares some good news?  I do too!  So, I want to do my part and share some good news with you today:  Southern New Hampshire homes and homes nationwide are becoming more affordable.   In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, housing affordability is close to reaching an all-time high. 

Big Benefit to Buyers

Exactly how does this benefit the buyers of Southern New Hampshire homes?  A typical buyer can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without increasing their monthly payment.

Reasons for Improvement

There are several reasons housing affordability is improving:

1. Lower mortgage rates.  The primary reason Southern New Hampshire homes are now more affordable is that we have the lowest mortgage rates in history.
 
2. Declining house prices.  As with all things real estate, local markets dictate housing prices, but, overall, prices of homes have dropped across the nation.  Some markets encountered only minimal price declines while others experienced major declines.
 
3. Higher wages.  You probably don’t feel like there’s been an increase in wages, but there has been a small one.  In 2009, the average wage rate rose 3 percent and is up an additional 1.2 percent so far this year.

The Bottom Line

If you’d like to buy a home, have good credit and a steady job, the real estate market has never looked more favorable.

Ready to buy a home?  Let me help you find the home of your dreams and get it at a great price.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Is a Southern New Hampshire Condo Right for You?

Cannongate in Nashua

A home doesn’t have to be a house. It can also be a condominium. Condos can be townhouses, apartments, or even separate structures as long as you only own the space between the walls. For some people, single family homes may be too large or cost too much money. They can still enjoy the benefits of home ownership through a condo. How do you know if a Southern New Hampshire condo is right for you?

Pros of Owning a Southern NH Condo
   

Woodbury in Merrimack

* Maintenance. With a condominium, you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. You don’t have to mow the yard or paint the exterior. If you have a busy lifestyle or don’t have the ability or desire to maintain the outside of your property, a condo may be a good choice for you.
    * Location. Many condos are built in popular areas surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Homes in these areas may be out of your price range, but you can still live there in a condo and have the same neighborhood amenities.

Cons of Owning a Southern NH Condo
  

Bluestone in Nashua

* Condo Fees. Most condominiums have monthly fees that go toward the maintenance of the property. These fees are in addition to your mortgage payment and can raise your monthly payment considerably.
    * Condo Associations. Condominium owners serve on boards that decide how condo fees are spent. They may even decide to use fees for something you will never use.

Need more help deciding if a condo is right for you?  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.  I’m happy to help!

6 Tips for Selling Your Southern New Hampshire Home During the Holidays

Selling your Southern New Hampshire home is a stressful experience for most people. It’s certainly not easier during the holidays, but selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to be the end of the world.

Here are 6 tips to help you sell your Southern NH home during the holidays:

   1. Decorate. Holiday decorations are beautiful and make your home look inviting, especially traditional decorations displayed tastefully throughout your home. Just keep the decorations simple and uncluttered.

   2. Bake. Go ahead and bake your own pies this year. You’ll have your pies ready and fill your house with the welcoming scents of spices to entice buyers.

   3. Create warmth. Keep the thermostat set at a comfortable heating level. Buyers won't stay in a house if it's cold.

   4. Brighten it up. Winter days are often dark and gray. Bring in all available natural light by keeping curtains open during daytime showings. Turn on lamps and other lighting in your home or use automatic timers.

   5. Share some holiday spirit. Buyers may want to see your home at inconvenient times, but keep in mind that everyone is busy at this time of year. Buying a home during the holidays is no easier than selling a home during the holidays, so be gracious.

   6. Continue your usual life. Don’t neglect your family or obligations during this time. This will only add to your stress.  Just keep the holidays as stress free as possible this year, so you don’t add to your overall stress level.

Selling your Southern New Hampshire home during the holidays can be done. Follow these tips to use the holidays to your advantage.

Ready to sell your home?  I’m ready to help!  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com. 

Re-laminate Your Southern New Hampshire Home’s Countertops

If you want to freshen up your Southern New Hampshire home’s kitchen, redoing the countertops might be a good choice.  It’s quick and easy to install new laminate, and you’ll have almost limitless styles to choose from.  Here’s how to install new laminate on your kitchen countertop:

Measure Countertop
Measure the existing countertop in your Southern New Hampshire home’s kitchen and total the results.  Add a few inches to the side and bottom measurements to give you a little wiggle room.  You’ll need to buy contact cement, a putty knife and a utility knife at the home improvement store at the same time as the laminate.

Prepare the Area
First, you’ll have to remove the old laminate.  Leftover laminate and adhesives can make it hard for the new laminate to properly attach to the countertop.  Use a three to four inch putty knife to scrape off the old laminate.

After you’ve removed it all, sand the surface underneath to make sure that any left over adhesive has been completely removed.  Work carefully from one end of the counter to the other and double check your work.  Then wipe the area down with a clean cloth and dry it.

Cut the Laminate and Apply the Cement
Next, you’ll measure and cut the new laminate to the correct size with the utility knife.  Apply the contact cement to the edge of the countertop and press the laminate into place.  Then spread the cement on top of the counter, and press down evenly on the laminate to properly adhere it to the surface.

Go over the entire counter again with equal pressure to seal the contact cement.  Trim the excess laminate with the utility knife.  Then clean the work area with a damp cloth.

You’ll be able to use the countertop shortly after the contact cement dries.  Re-doing the laminate can breathe new life into your Southern New Hampshire home’s kitchen without emptying your wallet.

Top 10 Reasons People Sell Their Southern New Hampshire Homes

Selling a home is never an easy decision.  If you’ve ever wondered how most people make this decision, you’ll enjoy this top 10 list.  Here are the top 10 reasons people sell their Southern New Hampshire homes.

1. Death or divorce. Death and divorce can cause major changes to a family’s financial situation. Homeowners are often unable to cover the maintenance and cost of the home on a single income and are forced to sell their home.
2. School district. People move to certain neighborhoods to be in the school district. They also leave neighborhoods because the schools have changed or to be in a district that better meets their child’s needs.
3. Job. A very common reason for selling a home is a job change. The family may need to move to a new area because of a new job. A job loss may mean the owners can no longer afford their home.
4. Marriage. When a couple with separate homes marries, they often choose to live in one home and sell the other or sell both and buy a joint home.  Marriage can also mean a change in finances.
5. Too much debt. Sometimes medical bills or consumer debt can become so overwhelming that homeowners have no recourse but to sell their Southern New Hampshire homes. Homeowners may sell their homes to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.
6. Need more space. Growing families need more space. A couple may discover that their cozy bungalow does not meet the needs of their small children. They may sell their home so they can upgrade.
7. Need less space. As children move out, some owners may find they need less space. They may no longer want to be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a large home.
8. Neighborhood. Neighborhoods change as people move in and out. What seemed like the perfect area of Southern New Hampshire when the owners bought their home may no longer fit their lifestyle.
9. Climate. People living in the north may decide they want a break from the snow. Residents of the south sometimes want to be in a cooler climate.
10. Home defects. Homeowners may find themselves faced with major repairs that they don’t have the time or money to fix. Selling their home and moving is sometimes a better option.

Trying to decide if you’re ready to sell?  I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Buying a Southern New Hampshire home? Don’t Miss This on Your Home Inspection

If you’re buying a Southern New Hampshire home, you probably know you need to have the property inspected to make sure the home is in good condition before buying it.  But do you know the types of inspections you want done?

One of the inspections you want to include is a test for radon gas.  (Be sure to also include a radon contingency in your offer to purchase.)  Radon sounds fairly harmless, doesn’t it? However, you might not want to pass this option up, especially if your potential new Southern NH home has living space in the basement.

What is Radon?
Colorless, tasteless and odorless, radon is easy to miss. It’s a natural gas that’s found all over the U.S. When we all breathe it in the air, it’s highly diluted. The problem isn’t when radon is outside; the problem is when it builds up in enclosed spaces. In high enough concentration, radon can cause health issues. Over 21,000 deaths per year from lung cancer are Radon related according to EPA estimates.  (The incidence of death is higher among smokers, but still....)

Because no home can be completely sealed against gas from the ground, radon can be present in any type of home and may even build up more in newer, more airtight homes. It can even be found in the water supply. In fact, the EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes have elevated radon levels.

Getting the home tested…
While certain parts of the country are at higher risk than others, living in a low risk area doesn’t make your particular home safe.  When you set up your property inspections, I strongly urge you to request a radon inspection.

If there is radon in the home…
Radon is measured by the quantity in a specified amount of air. According to the EPA, if the radon level is more than 4.0 pCi/l, there’s a problem that needs to be rectified with a radon mitigation system.  Simply put, the gas needs to be vented to the outside.

Fortunately, the fix won’t take a lot of time or money, but it does need to be done by a trained radon mitigation system professional. For example, if the basement is not finished, you should be able to have a system installed for less than $1,000 (as long as the radon is only in the air, not water, and depending on the size of the home).  Regardless of how high the radon levels were to begin with, this eliminates the problem.

If you’re trying to find a great Southern New Hampshire home to buy, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Buying a Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale versus Renting

Should you buy a Southern NH home for sale? Maybe yes, maybe no. People don’t live in cookie cutter situations; everyone has a unique set of circumstances. For that matter, you may not even need a house. Maybe an apartment is a better fit for your lifestyle.

Here are four factors to consider before deciding whether to buy or rent:

   1. Maintenance:  One factor you might use to decide whether or not you want to buy a Southern New Hampshire home for sale is maintenance. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the roof when it leaks and the plumbing when it’s clogged. As a renter, you have a landlord who takes care of all that.

   2. Frequency of relocation:  Another factor to consider is how long you plan to be in the area. For example, if you plan to move in less than five years and don’t fancy renting out the home after you move, buying probably isn't the best option for you.

   3. Tax deductions:  The interest you pay on your mortgage is usually tax-deductible. As well, when you close on a home you have the option to pay “points” to reduce your interest over the life of your loan. The amount you pay to cover the points is also usually tax deductible for the year in which you buy the home.  Now think about renting… none of your rent is tax deductible. You don’t get money back for living in a home; you get money back for buying a home. With that money, you could further pay down your loan, make repairs or any number of things you need to do.

   4. Home decor:  When you own, you can decorate any way you want.  You can paint, hang pictures or even knock down walls.  When you rent, you must live by the rules and regulations established by the landlord, which are usually very restrictive.

So, should you rent or buy? I could tell you buying is the best thing to do, but I could be wrong because I don’t know your particular situation. However, if you can afford a Southern New Hampshire home for sale and want to buy one, don’t pass up the best mortgage rates the real estate industry has ever seen!

Still uncertain as to whether renting or buying is best for you?  Give me a call at 603-821-1134, and I’ll personally help you figure it out.

Have you decided owning a home is right for you? Let me help you find and buy a great home at a great price. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale: 29 Inside Tasks

Those who have never had a Southern New Hampshire home for sale before may think selling is as simple as hiring an agent and putting a sign in the yard. It’s not, however, as you’ll soon discover.

The Inside of Your Home
The exterior of Southern NH homes for sale is the first up-close impression buyers get.  So, when buyers make it inside, they’re one step closer to actually buying.  However, if the interior is a mess, it could blow the whole deal.

Here’s a checklist to make your home’s interior buyer ready:

   1. Make sure the front door doesn’t stick
   2. Test windows to ensure they open and close easily
   3. Wash windows inside and out
   4. Move pets and pet supplies to a temporary home (if possible)
   5. Fix leaky faucets
   6. Update your cabinet hardware and door knobs
   7. De-clutter closets and cabinets (yes, people open them!)
   8. Replace or repair cabinet doors
   9. Clean grout
  10. Wash the walls if not repainting
  11. Repair cracks or holes in the wall
  12. Paint walls a neutral color
  13. Remove personal items, such as knick-knacks and personal mementos
  14. Clean the fireplace
  15. Have the chimney professionally cleaned
  16. Remove clutter from countertops, tables and shelves
  17. Steam or dry clean the carpets
  18. Scrub all appliances
  19. Clean cobwebs and dead bugs from light fixtures and ceiling fans
  20. Make sure every light has a working bulb
  21. Degrease the stove and oven
  22. De-clutter and clean the attic, basement and garage
  23. Make sure crawl spaces have crawl space waterproofing
  24. Remove excess furniture
  25. Rearrange remaining furniture in good proportion (Or hire a home stager)
  26. Clean the drapes
  27. Replace broken panels for electrical switches and outlets
  28. Wipe down baseboards
  29. Clean and wax linoleum floors

While each of the Southern New Hampshire homes for sale is unique, with different selling points and selling problems, this list is a good start for any home.

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

Barriers to Buying Southern NH Real Estate

Buying a new home takes a lot of preparation. Without knowing what you are walking in to, you are bound to run into road blocks. A good Southern New Hampshire real estate agent can help you understand the intricacies involved in purchasing your new home. Some of the most common problems that buyers run into are avoidable.

Buying the Best is Nice… but

If you’re looking at the most expensive house in the neighborhood, in the city or in the state, you’re asking for problems.  The risks involved for your lender make it more difficult to get a mortgage: It's harder for appraisers to justify the sales price for the most expensive home; if it's already been over-improved, there's no room to increase the value aside from just a general increase in market value over time; and therefore, if anything changes in your lifestyle within the first 5 to 7 years of ownership, it's likely to be hard to sell or refinance to avoid foreclosure.

If you must have the most expensive home, pay the most you can as a down payment.  That will lower the risk and make it more likely your loan will be approved.  If you can't afford a big down payment, you’re probably looking at a formidable roadblock to a loan.

Being Unprepared

Walking into a mortgage lender unprepared is like shooting yourself in the foot - it's going to take you a lot longer to get where you want to go! So have your financial information in hand. If there are any problems with your credit, be prepared to explain them. Have a good budget including the estimated new mortgage to show you can handle the loan.  Don't make the kind of mistakes that got other buyers in trouble when the real estate 'bubble' deflated.  Think like a Boy Scout and be prepared.


Not Taking All Costs into Consideration

A big mistake many prospective home buyers make is not realizing there are many costs associated with buying Southern NH real estate besides just a new mortgage. There are closing costs, legal costs, insurance costs, property taxes and deed and recording fees.   All of these have an impact on your wallet and most need to be paid at closing, but there will also be some expenses during the purchasing process as well as move-in costs after closing.

Want to know more about how to prepare to purchase Southern New Hampshire real estate?  I’d be happy to walk you through the entire process.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Selling Your Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire: 17 Outside Tasks

When you have a home for sale in Southern New Hampshire or elsewhere in the nation, you have to know the competition is fierce. Many home sellers think they have all their ducks in a row when a potential buyer comes to view the house, only to have a minor, forgotten issue blow the deal.

The Outside of Your Home
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see up close. Online, you may have images of the front yard, back yard, kitchen and other rooms, but pictures can’t do justice to your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire. 

To prepare your home for that first up-close viewing, here are 17 outside tasks:

   1. Power wash your siding and windows
   2. Fix broken siding
   3. Give the exterior a fresh coat of paint if it needs it
   4. Paint the door and trim
   5. Mow the lawn
   6. Trim bushes
   7. Remove oil spots from the driveway (for those of you w/ concrete)
   8. Pick up all tools, toys or trash in the yard
   9. Remove lawn ornaments
  10. Clear weeds from the walkway and driveway
  11. Plant seasonal flowers
  12. Rake leaves
  13. Clean roof and gutters
  14. Sweep the porch, walkway and driveway
  15. Clean fences
  16. Take photos of a garden if it comes up each spring, as well as the yard when it’s fresh and green
  17. Add tasteful landscape lighting if possible

Of course, not knowing what your specific home looks like, I can’t give a complete list, but these 17 items should get you off to a good start. Don’t forget that a few fall decorations can be the added touch that gets your home for sale in Southern NH sold to a new owner!

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

Make Small Changes to Get Big Energy Savings at Your Southern New Hampshire Home

A survey conducted by “Money” magazine and Lowe’s found that out of 21 common projects, energy updates gave DIYers the most satisfaction, given the time and money.  Get some satisfaction this week by implementing one or two of these easy energy savers at your Southern New Hampshire home:

   1. Add dimmers: If every home in the U.S replaced two standard light switches with a dimmer, we could save $1.5 billion in electricity.

   2. Recycle rechargeable batteries, plastic bags and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs):  It’s as easy as taking them to your local Lowe’s Recycling Center.  Simply drop the items in the bins near the store’s entrance.

   3. Stop energy leaks:  Seal all holes and cracks in your Southern NH home.  Add weather stripping or caulk to leaky doors and windows.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates these changes can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

   4. Wrap up your water heater:  Cover your water heater with an insulating jacket.

   5. Install a programmable thermostat:  By lowering the temperature in your Southern New Hampshire home slightly while you’re at work or on vacation, the thermostat saves you up to $180 a year.

   6. Repair Leaky Toilets:  According to the EPA, a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water a day. Depending how much you’re charged for water, a leaky toilet could add as much as $400 a year to your water bill. Check for leaks by putting food coloring in the tank. If you have a leak, color will appear in the bowl within 15 minutes. Flush as soon as you're done with this test to avoid staining the bowl.

   7. Use a power strip:  Save electricity and more than $500 over five years by plugging devices with standby power, such as TVs and stereos, into a power strip. When not in use, you can turn them all off at once by turning off the power strip.

Saving energy not only helps the environment, it also lowers your expenses considerably.

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

Southern New Hampshire Home Buyer News – Foreclosures Halted Nationwide?

Legality of Foreclosures Questioned

As a potential buyer of a Southern NH home, you may be looking at foreclosures as a way to get a good home at a great price. The Saga of the Housing Bubble continues, however, and it might just have you, the homebuyer, looking at regular housing with a more favorable eye.

In October, numerous mortgage services voluntarily suspended foreclosures nationwide, including Bank of America (which has already lifted the suspension in 23 states), J.P. Morgan Chase, Litton Loan Servicing and GMAC Mortgage/Ally Financial. The suspensions include pending foreclosures as well as foreclosure sales, as the mortgage lenders/servicers investigate flaws in their foreclosure processes. In short, there is concern that some amount of the foreclosure documents were improperly reviewed and improperly handled, which could potentially cause title issues for current owners.  For those of you wanting to buy a foreclosed Southern NH home through one of these companies, it may be a long wait.

A task force including representatives (mostly attorneys general) from all 50 states is investigating the mortgage foreclosure practices of several major lenders and has been working to arrange meetings with the lenders.  Thanks to nationwide, coordinated efforts of State Attorneys General, at least 17 of the states are probing all lenders’ foreclosure processes independently for accuracy with respect to state laws.

Depending on who you ask, this drama could take a very long time to unfold or it could be resolved quickly.  In general, the lenders don’t expect to find many problems because most foreclosures are believed legitimate. However, because each state has it's own foreclosure laws, national lenders must follow many variations of the foreclosure process, which naturally makes it easier for them to make mistakes.  Even if it only lasts for a few weeks, some buyers are left sitting with an offer on the table and no closing.

With the foreclosure processes being reviewed and many of the sales halted, buying a foreclosed Southern New Hampshire home may not be as ideal as you think – at least for a little while. Don’t give up hope on owning your own home, however. Instead, take a few minutes to look over the other homes for sale. Your dream home and great deal may not be a foreclosure after all!

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

Choosing Plants for a Fast Sale of Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Buyers look at more than just kitchen appliances and room sizes when deciding what home to purchase. Curb appeal, or the view of your Southern New Hampshire home from the street, is extremely important.

If you want your home to sell quickly, you need to put in some extra effort to make your home’s exterior look especially attractive. You can easily do this by improving your landscaping. Here are some tips for choosing plants for your Southern NH home that will help you to sell faster.

●    Stay close to home. Plants that are native to your area are always a safe choice for landscaping. They are adapted to your region, so you know they can survive there. They are also easier to take care of and better for the environment because they don’t require as much watering. This can be an important consideration if you are selling a vacant home.

●    Older is better. You can buy plants at varying stages of growth. Newer, smaller plants cost less and are easier to transplant; mature plants tend to have more foliage. Think about how they will look immediately after planting. You want to sell your home quickly, so you don’t want to wait around for your plants to grow.

●    Choose carefully. No matter what types of plants you choose, make sure you find plants with lots of color. You want your landscaping to look as attractive as possible. Choose plants that bloom often, form hedges, and are not high maintenance. The last thing you need right now is a plant that requires a lot of your attention.

Let me help you sell your home quickly.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.