Southern NH Real Estate Info!

Our Blog has Moved to Our New Website!

2011-02-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

This will be the final posting on Blogger, as we have moved this Blog to our new website at TeamHeeter.com. Please come check it out!

Should You Move to a Retirement Community After Selling Your Southern New Hampshire Home?

2011-01-27T09:12:00.034-05:00


Parker Village, Merrimack

Your kids are grown and gone and without them your Southern New Hampshire home was simply too big and too much work. So you sold it. Now you’re asking yourself, “Should I buy a new Southern New Hampshire home in a retirement community?”

The answer depends on what's important to you. Do you crave the company of others? Would you use many of the amenities provided at the community? If yes, then you might prefer the convenience of a retirement community.

Many communities offer amenities to attract buyers, such as:

    * Golf courses
    * Swimming pools
    * On-site exercise facilities
    * Trails for hikes and biking
    * Clubs, associations, and various interest groups.

Other things you need to consider before making your decision are:

    * Do you meet the age requirements? Most senior living communities have a minimum age restriction of 55 for at least one of the residents. Sometimes the age minimum is 60 or 62. If it is 62, then all occupants must be at least that age. Check resident restrictions before purchasing.

    * Do you have enough money in your budget? Like condo ownership, there are usually Community Association fees that must be paid. These fees pay for the shared facilities and community maintenance costs. Make sure your budget covers all housing expenses including the mortgage payment, utilities and all community fees.

    * Which type of retirement community best fits your needs?
          o Active Adult Communities. These are for those who live independently and have an active lifestyle. By the way, I just listed a beautiful unit at Parker Village, a 55+ community in Merrimack. Call me to schedule a showing of this practically brand new Merrimack condo!
          o Independent Living Retirement Communities. If you can live at home, but still need some help, this type of community may be for you.
          o Continuing Care Communities. These communities have professionals that are able to care for your health needs.

If you’re looking for a new Southern New Hampshire home, whether in a retirement community or not, I can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com.

Winter Blues? 9 Easy Ways to Brighten Your Southern NH Home and Your Spirit

2011-01-26T08:40:00.002-05:00

These gray, dreary winter days can really sap your energy and dull your enjoyment of life. To survive the winter doldrums, brighten your Southern NH home using these easy tips:

   1. Open your Southern New Hampshire home’s window treatments during the day to let the light brighten and warm your room. Close them again as soon as night falls to retain heat.

   2. Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

   3. Add a mirror. Wherever a mirror reflects light in a room, it visually doubles that light. Place a mirror opposite a window to immediately brighten your space. No window? Hang a large mirror above a console table and place a pair of lamps in front of the mirror.

   4. Install higher watt bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.

   5. Eliminate dark corners by adding recessed lighting.

   6. Use full spectrum lighting in areas where you read, knit or do other up-close work.

   7. Lighten living areas with colorful throws and pillows.

   8. Lift the winter blues by adding flowers and plants to your decor. Colorful indoor blooming plants include the African violet, Cyclamen, Orchid and desert cactus. Use tropical flowers to transport yourself mentally to climates where the sun always shines.

   9. Do a little winter cleaning:
         a. Wash the inside of your windows. Fireplace and candle soot coats windows with a dingy film that blocks the sun.
         b. Polish your furniture. Shiny furniture reflects ambient light.
         c. Wash ceiling light fixtures in soapy water. Light is muted when filtered through dirty light fixtures.

Lighting can change how you (and potential buyers) feel about your Southern NH home. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to quickly improve the ambiance of your home.

If you’d like to sell your home, I can help. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com.

5 Myths about Using FHA Loans to Buy Southern New Hampshire Homes Debunked

2011-01-25T11:36:00.000-05:00

FHA loans are mortgages issued by qualified lenders, including traditional lenders like Citigroup and Wells Fargo, and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The popularity of these loans are skyrocketing and for good reasons. They feature low down payments, low closing costs and are easier to qualify for.

Despite this popularity, there are many misconceptions surrounding FHA loans. Here are just a few myths and the facts behind them.

Myth #1: FHA only loans small amounts to buyers of Southern NH homes.
Fact: To help stabilize the real estate market, the government recently raised the maximum loan amount from its original cap of $362,790 to $793,750. The FHA loan amount a buyer can borrow varies by state and county and by type of home (Single Family, Two-Family, Three-Family, Four-Family).

Myth #2: FHA loans are exclusively for lower-income borrowers.
Fact: FHA loans are available to everyone. There are no maximum income restrictions. Potential borrowers must verify income and assets to ensure they can afford the loan.

Myth #3: FHA loans are exclusively for first-time buyers of Southern NH homes.
Fact: Whether Southern New Hampshire home buyers are making their first home purchase or their twentieth, they can potentially qualify for an FHA loan.

Myth #4: FHA loans are affiliated with the low-income housing program.
Fact: FHA loans have nothing to do with the Section 8 Housing Program or any other low-income or subsidized housing programs. FHA loans are simply mortgages insured by FHA.

Myth #5: FHA loans are risky.
Fact: FHA loans are often easier to obtain, but that does not make them riskier. The FHA requires full documentation of borrowers’ income and assets to ensure they can afford the loan.

If you’re ready to look at Southern NH homes to buy, whether you’ll be using an FHA loan or a non-FHA loan, I can help you find your perfect home. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com to get started.

Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Investments: 4 Ways to Make Money

2011-01-24T16:01:00.000-05:00

Now is a great time to get into the investment real estate market. Not only does investment property give you a real tangible asset for your portfolio, you can also get Southern New Hampshire real estate investments at great prices right now.

Here are four ways to make money from Southern New Hampshire real estate investments that you might want to consider.

    * Rental properties. Not everyone enjoys owning rental property, but it is one of the most profitable ways to make money from real estate. Rental properties give you a constant residual income that lasts as long as you keep the property.

    * Flipping. While the house flipping craze of the 80s and 90s cooled down with the current mortgage and housing crunch, for serious investors who take the time to know what they are doing, it is still a viable means of making money in real estate. This is typically a shorter term method of real estate investing.

    * Rehabbing. Buying a house to live in while you fix it up and resell it is similar to flipping, except that most rehabbers take longer to renovate the home, and use it as their primary residence while doing the work. There are three reasons this is a more comfortable way to flip Southern New Hampshire real estate investments. First, you have a place to live and don't have to pay a mortgage on another property. Second, you don't have to feel as pressured to sell in a short period of time the way you do a flip. Third, you may receive all the homeowner benefits like tax breaks and no capital gain tax.

    * Subdivide. This form of investment requires a little advance preparation and investigation. When you discover a sizeable piece of land at a good price, find out if it is zoned so you can subdivide it. If it is, you can profitably sell off individual parcels to those who want to build on it.

If you would like more information on ways to invest in real estate that makes sense for you, I can help. Contact me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com.

How to Thaw Frozen Water Pipes in Your Southern New Hampshire Home

2011-01-20T08:30:00.001-05:00

Frozen pipes are a serious concern in the bitterly cold winter weather, particularly if your home is left vacant for any length of time (Take note, all you snowbirds out there who go to Florida or other warm climates for winter!). When a pipe bursts in your Southern New Hampshire home, it spills several hundred gallons of water per hour, which can equate to thousands of dollars of damage to your home.

If you wound up with frozen pipes this winter (and both copper & pvc pipes can freeze), here are some tips to thaw frozen pipes in your Southern New Hampshire home:

     1. Prevent potential flooding. To prevent flooding, you may want to shut off the main water supply. If the pipe bursts before it’s thawed, you definitely want to immediately shut off the main water supply.

     2. Check for damage. Check for holes, cracks or breaks along the pipe. If there is no damage and the pipe is simply frozen, immediately thaw the frozen pipe using tips from #4 below. If there is damage…

     3. Repair the damage. Repair methods depend on the damage:

         a. Repair a pinhole. A pinhole can be repaired by wrapping the pipe with electrical or duct tape.
         b. Repair a hairline crack. Cover a hairline crack with a pipe clamp.
         c. Repair larger cracks. You may need to replace that section of pipe, or have a plumber replace it.      But, first, you can try repairing the pipe with a patch kit.

     4. Thaw the pipe. If you've been able to repair the pipe without replacing it, or the pipe was not damaged, it’s time to thaw the pipe. Thaw it by applying heat to the frozen section. Always heat the pipe from the faucet toward the frozen area. Never use a torch. Instead use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting. You can also place a heat lamp or small electric heater near the pipe or wrap the pipe in heat tape or an electric blanket. You can even wrap the pipe in towels and pour hot water over them.

Safety Alerts!
    * When using a hairdryer, heat gun, heat lamp or electric heater, please be aware of wet floors and the potential danger of electric shock. Check the area. If you find potentially dangerous electrocution hazards or extensive damage to pipes, call a plumber for assistance.
    * Never use a flame torch because of the fire hazard it creates. Open flame torches are the most common cause of pipe thawing related home fires.

     5. Insulate pipes. Once you're sure your pipes are damage free and thawed, insulate your pipes, don't set your heat lower than 55 degrees and if you're away, have someone check up on your home daily when the outside temperatures are below freezing or fully winterize your home before you leave.

Get Southern New Hampshire home maintenance tips like this automatically emailed to you at no cost. Just subscribe to my blog now.

More Than 108 Experts Provide National and New Hampshire Real Estate Forecasts for 2011 and Beyond

2011-01-19T08:30:00.156-05:00

From national and NH real estate to the U.S. economy, the predictions for 2011 are in. Like any predictions, they vary from gloomy to cheery. Overall, the national real estate forecasts are more positive than negative for 2011 and the New Hampshire forecast looks especially positive. Below are my 6 top sources for expert predictions and a sampling of what they have to say this year:

1. MacroMarkets Home Price Expectations Survey predicts: A cumulative 8.3% home price increase over the next 3 years (i.e. a *very* gradual increase in home prices). This survey is of a panel of 103 leading housing economists and real estate experts, half of which expect the beginning of housing recovery in 2011, and half who predict the rebound won't take told until sometime in 2012 or later.

2. The National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun is projecting:

Once businesses pick up spending, job gains will quicken and home sales—fueled by strong affordability and plenty of pent-up demand—will rise.

5.2 million existing-home sales in 2011, up from 4.8 million last year.

Modest improvement in prices—a rise of about 1 percent this year on a national basis. That would be the first in what Yun says will be a series of small but steady gains in the years ahead that will eventually bring home sales back to a normal level.

All of the price excesses from the housing bubble have been squeezed out of the market and interest rates remain at historically low levels, making buying attractive now.

3. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (click on The State of the Nation's Housing 2010 pdf) says:

If the past is any guide, the strength and sustainability of the housing recovery will depend most on the bounce back in employment growth. Unfortunately, most economists predict that the unemployment rate will remain elevated as discouraged workers reenter the labor force amid slow gains in jobs.

The oldest baby boomers are just turning 64, with millions soon to follow. Despite their losses in wealth caused by the correction in home and stock prices, the baby boomers will drive demand for senior housing suited to active lifestyles as well as for assisted living facilities.

4. According to the Standard and Poor / Case-Schiller index: Home prices are expected to rise 12 percent in the next five years. And, according to a survey of economists, that upturn should begin in 2011.

5. WalletPop.com’s prediction for renters in 2011: The American Dream will include both renting and owning.

Lifelong renters will begin to buy. As jobs grow, prices hit bottom or move past their bottom in the handful of appreciating markets, and interest rates start what is likely to be a long, volatile climb up from the all-time lows of 2010, extreme affordability will push even some lifelong renters off the fence and into the market.

Lifelong owners will begin to rent. Baby Boomers who have owned homes for decades and lost them at the trough of the job and housing markets will become renters-by-choice. Retirees will rent their current homes, rather than selling them, move to warmer climes and rent instead of own their retirement homes, at least until the housing market stabilizes and the mortgage market relaxes.

6. Local demographics and consumer markets expert, Peter Francese says:

"Measuring by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank's index of economic activity, New Hampshire is recovering from this recession better than any other state...."

"One other important indicator is our unemployment rate, which was 5.4 percent in November. That was the fourth lowest rate in the nation but is probably below 5 percent by now. Our state is clearly moving toward a period of economic growth that can only be good news for our housing market."

"End of the year data from NNEREN shows that about 850 homes were sold in December 2010, a 2 percent increase over the previous December. The median selling price was $214,900, which was 4 percent higher than December 2009."

"For the year 2010, the median home selling price was $215,000, which was 1 percent higher than the 2009 median of $212,000. That’s the first annual increase in several years, and when combined with positive indicators discussed above, suggests that home prices have stabilized and are likely to continue on an upward trend this year."

Although no one can be certain what will happen in 2011 - especially for the struggling markets and price points - we can all gain a little hope from these 2011 forecasts.

If you’d like to buy or sell a home in 2011, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com for more information.

Easy Bathroom Makeover for Your Southern New Hampshire Home (Updating to Sell or for You)

2011-01-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

Before you put your Southern New Hampshire home up for sale, you want to make sure it looks as attractive and modern as possible. Buyers usually walk away from a Southern NH home for sale with outdated color schemes and fixtures. This is especially true of bathrooms. Even if you lack the budget and space to turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat, you can still give this room a quick facelift. (And even if you aren't planning on selling in the near future, these tips can help you enjoy your home more without spending lots of money.)

   1. Get creative with color. If you don’t have the time or budget to replace dated ceramic tile, try camouflaging it with towels, rugs, and other accessories for a more modern color scheme. For example, you can pair pink with brown or bright blue with light green.

   2. Replace your fixtures. Brushed aluminum and pewter bathroom fixtures are more modern than the shiny chrome fixtures from years ago. They are also easier to clean because they don’t show water marks as easily.

   3. Find new lighting. A bathroom light can do more than just illuminate the space; it can create an atmosphere. Sconces placed on either side of a mirror tend to look better than harsh overhead light. Track lighting can be arranged to provide light in dark corners of the room.

   4. Accessorize. Put your personal touch on your bathroom with shower curtains, soap dispensers, and scented candles. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the bath accessories aisle, either. A clear vase can display bath salts. Baskets can hold rolled-up towels. A beautiful serving bowl can be filled with potpourri.

Preparing your Southern New Hampshire home for sale is an important part of the process. I can help you prepare your home to sell it faster and for more money. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com to schedule a free consultation.

5 Steps to Rebuilding Your Credit After a Southern New Hampshire Foreclosure

2011-01-17T09:28:00.000-05:00

When you go through a Southern New Hampshire foreclosure, your credit score drops considerably. The good news is that you can rebuild your credit. Here are a few tips to help:

   1. Create a budget. A budget lets you see exactly how much money you have to spend each month. It also helps you track where you spend your money. Put together a budget that fits your lifestyle and then stick to it.

   2. Build an emergency fund. You never know when an emergency will happen. When you’re prepared for a financial emergency, you’re better protected from financial problems.

   3. Repair your credit. Review your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. Dispute any errors you find. Removing errors from your credit reports help improve your credit.

   4. Establish new credit. This can be tricky after a Southern New Hampshire foreclosure. New credit will give you a chance to prove you can manage debt. However, you certainly don’t want to find yourself owing more than you can possibly pay. If you can get a traditional credit card, your interest rate will be very high, so choose and use your credit cards wisely. An alternative is to apply for a secured credit card, which requires that you put money down as a deposit before credit is extended to you. Use your card regularly but lightly, and you will see your credit start to improve as you make consistent payments.

   5. Have patience. It takes time to rebuild your credit. Don’t expect your credit score to be in the good or excellent range within weeks or even months after your Southern New Hampshire foreclosure. It’s going to stay on your credit report for seven years, so there’s no need to rush.

A foreclosure is not the end of the world. Let me help you plan for and find your next home so it fits your budget. Give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@TeamHeeter.com.

Is FSBO the Way to Go When Selling Your Southern New Hampshire Real Estate?

2011-01-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

Considering selling a home 'by owner' has been a fairly consistent desire in the Southern New Hampshire real estate market over the past few decades. Everyone wants to save a buck and some think they can save a lot of money by selling their homes by themselves. But would you really save money by doing it yourself?

To start off with it should be said that there are indeed people who can sell their homes for sale by owner (FSBO) (FSBOs accounted for 9% of home sales in 2010), and some may even save a few dollars doing it. These are people who have five important skills:

   1. They have the detailed knowledge of their local real estate market to be able to appropriately price their home to get the best possible price while still attracting enough interest to get it sold.
   2. They know how to market and advertise their Southern New Hampshire real estate both online and offline without spending a fortune.
   2. They know how to pre-qualify buyers to be sure they’re actually able to afford the home.
   3. They are excellent sales people and are great at negotiating without getting emotionally involved.
   4. They know how to execute real estate contracts and all the other associated legal work necessary to sell a home.

Additionally, they need to have plenty of time to:

    * Market and advertise their home. A lot of time can be spent writing ads, creating flyers, taking photos, and loading everything to a wide variety of real estate websites.
    * Show their home to potential buyers at times that are best for the buyer.
    * Negotiate with buyers.
    * Execute the real estate contract.
    * Follow up on any contingencies the buyer may have requested.

If you do not have those five skills or the extra time needed to perform all the necessary tasks, selling your Southern New Hampshire real estate by owner probably isn’t a good idea for you.

Instead, you can hire a real estate agent to do it all for you. A professional real estate agent is more than just someone who puts their name on a sign on your front lawn.

    * They have significant training and experience in determining the appropriate list price for a home.
    * They are the person who is your first line of defense when it comes to dealing with buyers. They know how to be sure the person coming to look at your house really has the qualifications to actually make a purchase, not just some Sunday shopper.
    * They also have the marketing know-how and the advertising power of a real estate company behind them.
    * They have vast connections and relationships with professionals such as home inspectors, title offices and mortgage companies. They work with these people many times a month year in and year out.
    * They’re skilled negotiators.
    * They understand what legal work has to be done and how to keep it on track.

Obviously, a professional real estate agent saves you time, but they also save you money. Statistics show that homes sell for more money when sold by an agent, especially in today’s real estate market. In fact, in 2010, the typical FSBO home sold for $140,000 compared to $199,300 for agent-assisted home sales. That's quite a bit more of a difference than just a 5 or 6% commission!

How can that be? People who buy a FSBO know you’re saving money on commission and expect you to pass those savings on to them, and since most FSBO sellers aren't able to reach a broad enough base of buyers to have the possibility of multiple offers, they often get stuck with bargain hunters.

If you’d like more information on how a real estate agent can help save you time and money by selling your home, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Source for 2010 FSBO stats: 2010 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

6 Snow Safety Tips for Your Southern New Hampshire Home or Vacation Property

2011-01-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

With snow in 49 of the 50 states today, it seems appropriate to share some snow safety tips for those who need to venture out into the weather, either for work or an important errand. Although there hasn't been much snow in Southern New Hampshire up until now this winter, we still have many more months of winter to deal with.

1. Dress in layers. Ideally, the layer against your skin should be made of a synthetic microfiber that wicks moisture away from your body. Avoid cotton, which gets wet and stays wet. Top the wicking layer with something warm like fleece and finish with a jacket that’s windproof.

2. Wear boots with good traction. Make sure they aren't too tight, either because they're too small or because you have on bulky socks.

3. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. A sunny day in winter is often brighter and more dangerous to your eyes and skin than summer sun. That’s because of the reflection off the snow. So before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home, slip on sunglasses and generously apply sunscreen.

4. Shovel with care or hire it out. If you’re not in tip-top shape to shovel the snow from your Southern New Hampshire home’s driveway, hire a neighborhood teen to do it. You’ll give that teen some much wanted income, and save yourself from strained muscles at the least and a heart attack at the worst. If you do not have a history of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure or any other ailment that could result in injury or death, you may decide to shovel the snow yourself. Here are a few tips for safe snow shoveling:

    * Stay well hydrated. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol during or immediately before shoveling.
    * Take frequent breaks. Do not remove deep snow all at once; take off an inch or two at a time. Preferably, start when the snow is not yet heavily packed, and shovel periodically if the snow continues to fall.
    * Pick a shovel with a smaller blade. This puts less strain on your body because you lift less snow at once.
    * Use a back-friendly shoveling technique. Keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from your knees, not your back. Tighten your stomach muscles. Do not twist. Instead, move your body so your feet face the direction in which you’re shoveling. Do not throw the snow over your shoulder; throw it in front of you.
    * Check your body. Are you experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pains? Stop immediately and seek medical help.

5. Prepare your car for snowy conditions. Clean all the snow off your car before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home.   Make sure your windshield wipers and headlights are cleaned off and working. Stock your car with a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, a flashlight, snacks, water, an ice scraper and wood ashes or sand for traction in case you get stuck in the snow.

6. Go slowly. Whether walking or driving, give yourself additional time to get to your destination. The roads, driveways and sidewalks get slick, and even a generous amount of salt can leave behind spots of ice and snow.

Stay safe and warm this winter! If you’d like to buy a safe, warm Southern New Hampshire home, I can help. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

National and Southern New Hampshire News Roundup from December 2010

2011-01-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

Frequently, there are news stories that impact our Southern New Hampshire real estate market. Here are two I want to share with you this month:

Rising Interest Rates Could Get Buyers Moving

Rising interest rates may finally push Southern New Hampshire real estate buyers off the fence and into the market. (In fact, December and the early part of January have been much busier than normal for the winter months.)

In December, after President Obama agreed to extend tax cuts for two years, the financial markets indicated this event would most likely push mortgage interest rates higher.

Analysts predict that buyers will move quickly when it looks like rates are going up and are unlikely to come down. "Once people see this might actually be the bottom, they’ll go for it," says Paul Dales, U.S. economist at Capital Economics Ltd.

For an example of interest rate increases, note what happened in December, 2010.

    * On December 2, the 30-year fixed interest rate hovered around 4.46 percent.
    * One week later, on December 9, it was up to 4.61 percent.
    * Then by December 26, the 30-year fixed interest rate was up again to 4.875 percent.

National Foreclosure Rates Fall

Has the real estate market hit bottom? One sign that it has is RealtyTrac’s report that foreclosures fell sharply in November. RealtyTrac’s November, 2010, U.S. Foreclosure Market Report™ indicated a 21 percent decrease in foreclosure activity from the previous month and a 14 percent decrease from November, 2009.

According to RealtyTrac, a mortgage research firm, foreclosure activity decreased dramatically in November with fewer than 300,000 properties receiving a foreclosure notice for the first time since February, 2009.

While foreclosures typically decrease in November, and we’re sure to see a rebound in foreclosure activity, these statistics are not to be dismissed because they show the lowest level of foreclosure activity since November, 2008. Additionally, both the 21 percent month-over-month decrease and 14 percent year-over-year decrease in foreclosure activity were the highest drops recorded since RealtyTrac began publishing the U.S. Foreclosure Report in January, 2005.

Want to know more about the Southern New Hampshire real estate market? Give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to discuss our real estate market. I look forward to hearing from you.

4 Types of Mortgage Lenders for Your Southern New Hampshire Home Loan

2011-01-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

One of the least understood aspects of Southern New Hampshire home loans is the different types of lenders. Many people assume they have to get a home loan from a traditional bank. Not so. There are many different types of lenders.

Here are the main types of mortgage lenders and how they function:

   1. Mortgage Bankers: Mortgage bankers are loan originators that operate with the sole objective to sell the loan they create to another source. Even though they will sell the loan they must have the ability to finance the loan in the first place and hold it until it is sold.

   2. Mortgage Brokers: This type of lender does not originate loans for your Southern New Hampshire home, they prepare the paperwork to submit to multiple lending institutions and get offers they will present to you to choose from. Their offers may come from any of the other types of mortgage lenders.

   3. Banks and Savings & Loans: These are the most common traditional sources of mortgage loans. They use the backing of their depositors to fund mortgages. In turn, they use the money paid by borrowers to repay the depositors’ interest for allowing them to use the money as an investment.

   4. Credit Unions: Credit Unions operate in largely the same way a bank or savings and loan does by using money from a pool of depositors to finance investments in the form of mortgages and other types of loans. The difference is that most credit unions are operated out of a collective pool of closely associated people generally through a work place or professional organization.

If you’d like help determining the best type of mortgage lender for your Southern New Hampshire home purchase, give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

2011 New Year’s Resolutions for Southern New Hampshire Home Owners

2011-01-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

Most people make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves. This year, consider making a few New Year’s Resolutions to improve your Southern New Hampshire home. Here are 6 ideas to choose from:

   1. Renovate. Choose one project you really want to do, and get it done this year. Add on a deck, make minor kitchen renovations or install a new bathroom floor.

   2. Practice home safety. Practice fire safety by ensuring your smoke alarms work and holding fire drills. Prevent poisoning by keeping cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can’t reach them and using child safety locks. Avoid falls by having bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Also, keep stairs clear of clutter.

   3. Test for radon. Radon is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Even if you live in an area that typically doesn’t have radon problems, the US EPA recommends testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know your Southern New Hampshire home's radon levels.

   4. Do one thing to go green. Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), install a low-flow shower head, use green cleaning products or start recycling.

   5. Check water quality. Drinking water quality varies from location to location in New Hampshire, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives. Every community water supplier must provide an annual report to its customers. Read your report to find out what your water contains.

Private wells and homes drawing water from other sources such as lakes and rivers are not regulated. If your drinking water does not come from a public water system, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. Routine water testing is essential.

   6. Reduce your utility bills. Review your electric and gas expenses for the previous 12 months and make a plan to reduce them. There are many ways to save on energy bills: increase your insulation, weather strip windows and doors, purchase energy efficient appliances, install energy efficient windows and adjust home temperatures.

Automatically receive home owner tips like these when you subscribe to my blog. It’s free and fast. Just click to subscribe.

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

2010-12-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-12-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-22T08:47:00.012-05:00

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

2010-12-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-12-18T10:02:00.022-05:00

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

2010-12-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-14T15:36:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-11T12:17:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-10T08:37:00.015-05:00

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

2010-12-09T10:26:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-02T10:39:00.001-05:00


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

2010-12-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-19T09:46:00.038-05:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2010-11-18T09:32:00.039-05:00

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:

Lower mortgage rates. The primary reason Southern New Hampshire homes are now more affordable is that we have the lowest mortgage rates in history.
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.
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?

2010-11-17T09:12:00.026-05:00


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

2010-11-16T09:35:00.042-05:00

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

2010-11-15T09:21:00.016-05:00

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

2010-11-12T10:07:00.002-05:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2010-11-11T09:32:00.053-05:00

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

2010-11-10T09:46:00.037-05:00

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

2010-11-09T10:10:00.026-05:00

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

2010-11-08T09:43:00.061-05:00

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

2010-11-05T10:11:00.023-04:00

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

2010-11-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-11-03T12:16:00.000-04:00


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

2010-11-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

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.

Checklist for Buying Southern New Hampshire Homes

2010-10-29T11:27:00.000-04:00

Searching for the right home takes time and patience. Before you start looking at Southern New Hampshire homes on the market, you need to know exactly what you want in your new home.

Create a list of the features you want in your new home, so you make the most of your time by looking only at Southern NH homes that meet your criteria. Here is a quick guide to help you create a checklist:

1.    Must Have. These are deal breakers; features that you cannot live without. Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? Do you work from home and need an office, or maybe even an outside entrance to your home office? Perhaps you have small children or large dogs and need a fenced yard. Decide now what you must have in your new home.

2.    Like to Have. Features you would “like to have” are those you prefer but are willing to sacrifice if the home is perfect otherwise. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having your own swimming pool or cathedral ceilings or an oversized garage. Include on this list whatever you would like to have in your new home, as long as it doesn’t take away something from the “must have” list or go over your price range for Southern NH homes.

3.    Can live without. Some features just aren’t as important as others. Knowing what you don’t really care about can help you stay focused on what really matters to you. Add to this list home features that aren’t important. If no one in your home ever takes a bath, you may not care if you have a whirlpool tub. Perhaps you don’t really want to take care of an oversized yard, so lot size many not be important to you.

Once you have your checklist compiled, share it with your real estate agent. It’ll speed up your home buying process, reduce time and frustration and get you in a home you’ll adore.

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

When Southern New Hampshire Homes for Sale Don’t Fit the “In” Crowd

2010-10-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

It’s time for some tough love, here. Your home doesn’t fit in with other Southern NH homes for sale. It doesn’t play well with others. When you put it on the market, you priced it more than 8% higher than the other Southern NH homes for sale. Frankly, it’s a market bully.

Look, I understand that you want to make the most out of your investment. Maybe you’ve done some serious remodeling that you feel warrants the price hike. I’m not putting any of that down, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I let you ignore the facts.

    * There is no longer a federal tax credit to entice buyers and motivate them to act quickly.
    * Your house is competing with several foreclosures – many of which are priced as low as the lender can handle.
    * The longer your house sits on the market, waiting for a buyer, the harder it will be to actually attract a buyer.
    * There is a very little incentive for buyers to go out and buy now, especially higher priced homes.
    * Mortgage rates are low, but lender qualifications are much tighter now.

Any seller hitting the market in today’s economy has two choices: wait or cut your losses. They aren’t pretty choices, but life is seldom convenient, no matter what commercials say.

If selling your home isn’t an absolute necessity (or at least an obviously positive move given your situation), consider the fact that it might serve you better to hang in there. If you don’t have a compelling reason to put it on the chopping block, don’t.

If you must sell your house, don’t let it be a market bully. Price it according to the local market, not the price of a home across the country. In this case, you want your house to be part of the “in” crowd. Listen to your real estate agent’s advice and use the data he or she provides in the Comparative Market Analysis to set the best price. Pay attention to the feedback you get from showings and the amount of online interest in your home and adjust accordingly if necessary.

Although New Hampshire has a much lower unemployment rate than the US in general, the general economy is still down enough that you can bet that owners of competing Southern New Hampshire homes for sale are serious about selling. The competition is tough, so, when pricing, be kind to your home and price it low enough to sell.

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

4 Reasons You Should Buy Southern New Hampshire Real Estate in a Down Market

2010-10-27T09:42:00.000-04:00

The national and Southern New Hampshire real estate markets are constantly fluctuating, falling somewhere between more inventory and lower prices and less inventory and higher prices. People are often frightened when the home inventory rises, but a declining real estate market may just be the perfect time to find your next home.

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider buying Southern New Hampshire real estate in a down market.

1.    Inventory. When the market is down, more homes are for sale. This means you have more homes to choose from, which makes it easier to find a home in your dream neighborhood or closer to work or school.

2.    Negotiation. There’s a reason down markets are called “buyers’ markets.” Sellers want to sell their homes, and they are often willing to do whatever it takes. This means you have the advantage and can buy a home for a great price. You can also ask the seller for other incentives like paying all or a portion of your closing costs.

3.    Mortgage Rates. When the real estate market begins falling, interest rates get cut. This can mean considerable savings for you over the course of your mortgage. You can even buy a larger home within your price range than you can when the market is booming.

4.    Long Term Strategy. Even though doom and gloom is popular in a down market, your home will still most likely go up in value or at least retain its value in the next 5 to 10 years. Keep in mind that your home is your most personal investment. It’s a place where you will create memories and maybe even raise a family. If you can settle down in one place, you can someday finish paying the mortgage and own your own home outright! Now there's a nice feeling!

If you’re considering buying a home, let me help you find a wonderful home at a great price. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Set the Right Price for Southern NH Homes for Sale

2010-10-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

Setting the asking price for their Southern New Hampshire homes for sale is one of the most important decisions homeowners have to make in the selling process. Why is it so important?

    * You only get one chance to make a good first impression. With so many competing Southern NH homes for sale, yours has to pop out immediately as a good value or buyers will move on, unlikely to return. You get one stab at your home's debut, and it's easy to blow it.

    * Set the price too high and you could hurt your chances of selling your home. The amount of traffic a home gets in the first week on the market is about 5 times what it gets the following weeks. The traffic continues to decrease every week. You might say, “Well, I’ll just lower my price.” This can result in merely chasing the market down. It conveys to buyers (the few who are still considering your home) that your home was overpriced and may still be. Unless you drop the price to significantly below market value, you can be sure that you've missed your chance for getting an offer at your ask price, and the longer your home remains on the market, the more buyers will ask themselves "What's wrong with it?".

    * Setting the price too low is also risky. Buyers who are looking in a specific price range may not consider your home because of the low price tag. They assume it will not fulfill their needs or worry that there’s something wrong with it. If not enough buyers are aware of the deal you are offering, you won't get the benefit of competition to bring the price back up to it's highest market value and you'll likely end up selling for less than if you had priced it appropriately and competitively to start with.

How do you know what that magic number should be for your home? Here are 3 factors to take into consideration when setting your asking price:

   1. Neighborhood sales prices: Recent closed sales in your immediate neighborhood offer the most pertinent data for predicting the sale price of your home. List prices of homes still on the market should be taken into consideration also, because they show the current pricing trend and they are the properties that buyers will be seeing and comparing yours too. A professional real estate agent will do all this research for you as part of their services.

   2. Condition of your home: If your home has been better maintained, is more up to date and shows better than the other Southern NH homes for sale, it will sell faster and for more money. Updates, even those as minor as having current paint colors, impact pricing. Updated kitchens and baths are especially important to buyers.

   3. Appraisal value: As the seller, you can get an appraisal on your home before putting it on the market. You’ll have to pay for it, but it may be worth it to get access to this pricing tool.

Ready to sell your home? Let me do the research for you and help you set the best price to get your home sold. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Buying a Southern NH Home for Sale – Fixed or Adjustable-Rate Mortgages?

2010-10-21T10:42:00.003-04:00

As soon as you decide to buy a Southern New Hampshire home for sale you’ll be looking at loans. You’ll see balloon loans, fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages and a few others. Fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages are the most common, but why and what’s the difference?

The biggest differences are in cost and security. Fixed-rate mortgages can cost more, but have a measure of security. Adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, can cost less, but have less security.

As with all things, ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages have pros and cons. Here are just a few:

The Pros and Cons of ARMs
When you buy a Southern New Hampshire home for sale with an ARM, your payments will be lower than a loan with a fixed-rate mortgage. Because the payments are lower, you can afford to buy a more expensive home. As well, ARM payments are based, in part, on interest rates. When interest rates fall, your payments go down. (It's not an immediate effect: the payments are recalculated at regularly scheduled intervals predetermined by the loan paperwork - could be every 2 years or 5 years, etc.)

The cons of adjustable-rate mortgages are just as big as the pros. For example, because they are based on whatever the current interest rate is, you can end up having a higher mortgage payment if interest rates rise over the term of your loan. If rates rise sharply and the cap on how much the rate can rise per adjustment is set high, a 6% ARM can turn into an 11% ARM within four years. Another negative is that because ARMs aren’t easy to understand, borrowers can be confused, which makes it easier for shady mortgage companies to trap them in a bad deal.

The Pros and Cons of Fixed-Rate Mortgages
With fixed-rate mortgages, your payment stays the same whether interest rates rise or drop. This makes budgeting easier and is a plus when interest rates rise. However, homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages have to refinance if they want to take advantage of dropping interest rates.

Likewise, because the payment never changes, fixed-rate mortgages cost more. Mortgage lenders don’t offer rate breaks on fixed-rate mortgages. The other con, which may be a big one to some, is that fixed-rate mortgages don’t vary from lender to lender. With adjustable-rate mortgages, the lenders are flexible and can customize the loan to your needs; this isn’t true with fixed-rate mortgages.

The biggest question to ask yourself when considering an ARM or fixed-rate mortgage is, “Can I afford my home if interest rates spike?” You could start paying $875 a month, and, with a quick rate rise, end up paying $1,514 within four years.

My Advice
With interest rates as low as they are right now, I see no value in getting an adjustable rate mortgage. As long as interest rates are in the 6% and under range, I would ignore the adjustable rate option and stick with the security of the fixed rate mortgage.

When considering which type of home loan to use for buying a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, don’t be afraid to ask a lender to explain the pros and cons of each type in depth. Don’t ever consider signing the contract if you aren’t sure what you’re signing.

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

Seller’s Disclosures: What Do You Have to Tell about Your Southern NH Real Estate?

2010-10-20T10:05:00.000-04:00

There was a time when Southern New Hampshire real estate was ruled by the phrase “buyer beware.” This meant the seller did not have to share any information about defects in the home. Today, however, more than two-thirds of all states in the U.S. require some form of seller disclosure. This means that sellers are required to share certain information with potential buyers. What do you have to share when selling your Southern NH real estate?

● Lead-based paint. For all homes built before 1978, a disclosure is required. This gives the buyer 10 days to have the home inspected for lead-based paint. Some real estate brokers require this disclosure for all homes because some lead-based paint was still sold and/or kept in storage for later use after the cutoff date.

● Material facts. Material facts are items which may affect a buyer’s decision to purchase a property. What material facts are required varies from state to state, so talk to your local real estate agent about the laws for your state. Material facts can include any of the following:

○ Death in the home. Some states require sellers to disclose if anyone died in the home, though usually only in the case of violent death. Buyers may be uncomfortable buying a home in which someone has died.

     ○    External issues. You may need to disclose issues that could affect the property, like earthquakes, zoning changes, flood zones and pollution.
     ○    Foundation problems. Damaged slabs and accompanying moisture problems may need to be shared with the buyers.
     ○    Repairs. You don’t have to disclose every repair you’ve made to your home, especially since a repair means the problem has been taken care of. However, you can let buyers know when you had a new roof put on or the air conditioner replaced.

Don’t go through the process of selling your home on your own. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information about what you have to disclose when selling your home.

Foreclosures in Southern New Hampshire: A Great Investment or Bad Disaster?

2010-10-18T10:31:00.000-04:00

With all the talk of the great deals you can get on foreclosures in Southern New Hampshire, you may be tempted to step into the investment market. Or, you may get the idea that buying a foreclosure is your best bet for a great deal on a home. Well, it’s possible, but remember that the foreclosure market is full of perilous pathways and competitive investment pros who know what they’re doing.

Whether you’re considering purchasing foreclosures in Southern New Hampshire as investments or as your personal residence, here are a few tips that will help you get a great investment and avoid a bad disaster.

●    Gather a Team of Professionals: Your team of professionals should include a home inspector, a real estate agent and an appraiser. You may also want to include a professional repairman, if you’re not handy. With foreclosures, you often have to be ready to move on the home immediately, so establish relationships with these professionals ahead of time.

●    Buy a Pre-foreclosure: According to the experts, pre-foreclosure is one of the best times to buy. The seller will probably be more willing to accommodate you because they want to avoid ruining their credit. Which means you’ll have a much better chance of getting a good deal – something more than the seller owes the bank, but less than market value. The variant of this where the seller owes more than market value on the property (a short sale) can also be a better option than bank owned, though it takes considerably longer. Look for properties noted as 'preapproved' short sales.

●    Skip the Auction: While going to foreclosure auctions is another possibility, it isn’t for the beginning investor. You may find that you’ve done a whole bunch of research for nothing, because the auction was cancelled. You may end up with a trashed property because the previous owners didn’t want to move, or because the house has been empty for a long while.

●    Be Careful Buying Bank-Owned Properties: This option is seldom as great as it sounds. Not all banks price homes at fair market value. Many of them are trying to get their money back, which, with current depreciation, could be much more than the home is currently worth. Also, with the current uproar about improperly handled foreclosures, there may be more risk involved in buying from a bank than previously thought.

If you’re considering buying foreclosures in Southern New Hampshire as an investor or a homebuyer, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Southern NH Homes 101: Fall Maintenance Checklist

2010-10-14T10:01:00.000-04:00

Leaves are changing color, nights are getting cooler and pumpkins are appearing on porches of Southern New Hampshire homes. All signs that fall is here.

That means it’s time to do fall preventative maintenance on all Southern NH homes. To help you get started, here’s a quick checklist:

●    Have a professional heating contractor inspect your Southern New Hampshire home’s heating system. An annual furnace inspection ensures that your heating system is operating at peak efficiency and most importantly that it is running safely.

●    Replace your furnace filter. Furnace filters need to be replaced frequently to allow your heating system to operate properly.

●    Hire a certified chimney sweep. Have him inspect your wood burning stove or fireplace and clean the chimney.

●    Check your home for water damage. Look for water stains on the ceilings or leaks under the bathroom and kitchen sinks. This minor water damage may seem trivial, but can lead to real problems, like a weakened roof or rotten boards.

●    Prepare your pipes. Every year, approximately a quarter-million families have their homes ruined due to water pipes that freeze and burst. Prepare your pipes, both inside and outside, before the cold weather hits. Caulk around pipes where they enter your Southern NH home. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. If you have a separate valve for outside faucets, shut it off. If you don't have a separate valve to turn off outside faucets, wrap outside faucets or hose bibs.

●    Tend your garden tools and equipment. Run all lawn equipment until the gas is gone. This removes flammable liquid from your garage. Drain water from garden hoses and sprinklers. Clean shovels, hoes, trowels and spades.

●    Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries and clean the alarms if needed.

●    Examine caulking. To prevent water from seeping into the sub-floor, inspect and repair the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. To reduce heat loss, inspect and repair the caulking around doors, windows and outlets.

Want more home maintenance tips like these? Subscribe to my blog now. It’s free, fast and easy. Or, email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com, and I’ll set up your free subscription for you.

The Difference a Price Range Makes for Southern NH Homes For Sale

2010-10-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Although in a general sense, the Southern New Hampshire real estate market is not in very bad shape the way much of the US is, there are Southern NH towns and price ranges that are still struggling. Price range is a huge factor that both buyers and sellers need to be aware of.

When you're selling, sometimes the difference between being on one side of a price point versus the other is the difference between having showings on your home and wondering if your home is actually on the market. (Don't forget to track online viewings -- many buyers today are more savvy about searching for a home and will only go see their favorites in person after a vigorous online vetting process. Your online presence must be top notch.)

For buyers, you have to realize that even if most of the market is sluggish, when you are looking in the lower price ranges at the best houses, you may have competition, and you're not going to get a huge discount off the asking price on the pick of the litter, so to speak.

To illustrate my point about price ranges, let's take a look at some basic market statistics for the 4 towns of Nashua, Merrimack, Hollis and Hudson.

First, for the price range of $150,000 to $250,000

As of today, there are 173 residential homes for sale in these four towns.
62 homes are under contract.
89 homes have sold in the past 90 days and a total of 201 in the past 6 months.

This means that there is currently about 6 months worth of inventory in this price range, which actually is within the 'Balanced Market' range for supply v.s. demand. (Keep in mind, this doesn't mean prices are going up yet, it just means there isn't a strong downward pressure on prices due to lack of demand.)

Next, for the price range of $250,001 to $350,000

Nashua, Merrimack, Hollis and Hudson have 156 homes for sale in this price range.
25 homes are under contract.
64 homes have sold in past 90 days and a total of 171 in the past 6 months.

This means there is currently about 7 months worth of inventory in the higher price range (yes, it keeps getting getting worse - or better, if you're a buyer! - the higher you go in price).

Differences in market activity are most obvious at $100,000 and $50,000 price points, but even above and below a price like $275,000 can have a noticeable difference in market activity.

If you're a seller and would like to know what the supply v.s. demand situation is in your price range and location, I can provide you with a 1 page Market Overview for your home. Just give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

How to Resolve a Conflict with Your Southern New Hampshire Homeowners’ Association

2010-10-12T10:42:00.000-04:00

More than sixty million Americans live in developments overseen by Homeowners’ Associations. HOAs can sometimes strike fear in the hearts of Southern New Hampshire homeowners, especially owners who have violated the rules and regulations established by the HOAs.

Although you may not purposely violate a HOA policy, at some point you may find yourself in that situation. Here are some tips on how to resolve a conflict with your Southern NH Homeowners’ Association.

●    Start right away. Conflict rarely gets better with time. Resolution is most easily achieved early on. As soon as you’re aware there’s a problem, contact your HOA.

●    Be polite. A little politeness goes a long way. Refrain from using foul language or insulting the HOA members. State your case clearly and ask for their help. Let them know that you need their assistance as a community member.

●    Admit your mistake. If you violated a rule established by your Southern NH Homeowners’ Association, you are not going to help your case by arguing that you did nothing wrong. Be open and explain how it happened. Perhaps it was a careless oversight or a rule that you were unaware of. People are more likely to help someone who is willing to admit they’re wrong than someone who argues they’re right.

●    Stay away from the courtroom. Whenever possible, try to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. If you decide to sue your HOA, you will need indisputable evidence that the HOA did something wrong. You always stand the chance of losing your case and being charged with your legal fees and the HOA’s legal fees and costs. Paying the HOA’s fine is almost always a much cheaper solution.

If you’re ready to buy a Southern NH home, I can help you find one with an effective HOA or without an HOA, whichever you prefer. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Buying a Southern NH Home: Death, Taxes and Closing Costs Guaranteed

2010-10-11T16:46:00.000-04:00

You know you’re going to pay a mortgage for however many years once you sign the paper on a Southern New Hampshire home. You know your agent is going to get paid for the absolutely wonderful, amazing (put extra descriptive text here) job he or she did to help you find the home of your dreams. What you may not be expecting, however, are the closing costs.

The saying goes “nothing’s guaranteed except death and taxes,” but you can add “closing costs” in there. Now, I’m sure the mortgage was expected, and you don’t mind your agent earning a bit, but what the heck is this “closing cost” business? While the government forms attempt to explain them, they might as well have been written in chicken scratches; government lingo has never been exactly easy to understand.

Be Prepared to Pay
“Closing costs” is a catch all term for all the expenses that wouldn’t fit under a convenient title like “mortgage.” Be prepared, because they can range anywhere from 3% to 8% of your total loan. For example, if you have a $150,000 loan, your closing costs could be anywhere from an additional $4,500 to $12,000.

What are you paying for?
Aren’t you already paying for the Southern NH home? What’s with these closing costs? It probably feels like hidden fees, but they aren’t. Here are just a few of the fees you might end up paying, depending on the lender and the circumstances:

·    Prorations – The allocation of property taxes, interest, Home Owner Association dues, insurance premiums or rental income between buyer and seller proportionate to time of use. For example, if the property tax is paid up to a period after you close on the house, the seller might be entitled to reimbursement. Heating fuel in storage is one you may come across for homes heated by oil or bottled gas.

·    Appraisal Fee - The fee charged for a written appraisal by a qualified person setting forth an opinion of a property's fair market value.

·    Hazard or Fire Insurance – Just in case you burn the house down after you buy it, lenders might require you to have an insurance policy.

·    Purchase Points – These are known as “discount points,” or just “points” but it’s more like “pay the lender less now or pay the lender more later.” Each point costs 1% of your loan amount and reduces your interest rate for the life of your loan (usually by fractions of percentages). Since it can take a few years for the lower payment difference to offset the initial closing cost, it's probably only a good idea if you plan to live in the house for five years or longer, and with interest rates as low as they are now, it may not make any sense.

The good news is you won’t have to guess what the closing costs are for your new Southern New Hampshire home. The lender is required to give you a list of each of the potential closing costs and an estimated amount for each, so you won’t be completely surprised when it's time to bring a large check to the closing table.

If you have questions about closing costs or any other real estate related questions, I’m happy to help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Halloween Decorations for a Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale?

2010-10-07T10:27:00.001-04:00

The fall holidays are just around the corner, starting with the scariest day of the year – Halloween. You may have always enjoyed Halloween in the past, but the most frightening thought now might be, “I have a Southern NH home for sale! I can’t do Halloween right now!”

Sure, sure. Right, right.

Take a deep breath. Don’t panic. First, if the idea of Halloween or autumn decorations this year (versus before you had a Southern NH home for sale) freaks you out, you need the break anyway. Secondly, it’s the perfect opportunity to sell your house. Holiday decorations can help buyers imagine the decorations they might use for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

There is, however, a difference between decorating before you put your home on the market and decorating now. For example, don’t go overboard. You want potential buyers to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the house, not scream when the skeleton falls out of the closet.

Pumpkins

If you decide to decorate for Halloween rather than just an autumn theme, that’s okay. Pumpkins, used wisely, can draw attention to an area. However, growling faces are a thing of the past until your house is sold. Use harmless, happy pumpkin expressions to help build the overall cheerful holiday house-buying mood.

Candles

Forget about burning candles right now. The last thing you want is to have a candle fall over during negotiations and set the curtains on fire. It’s a sure bet the buyers will change their minds. Consider using flameless candles as a safer alternative. They’re even available in autumn scents such as Pumpkin Spice and Cinnamon Fusion.

Colors

You can use autumn colors to warm a room. A bowl of chrysanthemums and dried leaves will make a special touch in the bathroom, while pumpkin gourds can add warmth to a porch.

Because of the holidays coming up, autumn makes people nostalgic. For most, it brings thoughts of family and friends, pumpkins and turkey, fun and light-heartedness. A warm, inviting decorating scheme can further bring out that nostalgia, and get a SOLD sign put in front of your Southern New Hampshire home for sale.

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

Buying Southern New Hampshire Homes: Should My First Home Be New or Pre-Owned?

2010-10-06T18:53:00.000-04:00

Buying Southern New Hampshire homes can be scary, especially for first-time buyers. One of the things that makes it scary is that the home buyers have to make a lot of decisions.

Both first-time home buyers and veteran buyers have to make decisions about whether to buy new or pre-owned Southern NH homes. Which is right for you? Well, that depends on your particular situation, but knowing some of the differences between the two will help you make the best decision.

Home Warranties: New Homes vs. Pre-Owned Homes

Home warranties vary, but essentially cover mechanical breakdowns, such as furnace failures and clogged pipes, not usually covered by home insurance.

·    New Homes: For new homes, the warranty begins from the moment you close the deal. Normally, appliances have a years’ warranty, which can be extended. As well, the builder’s warranty covers things such as structural or roofing systems. However, new home warranties are precise about what they cover. For instance, if you have a bunch of kids and a couple of animals, you’ll have a hard time saying the carpet should be covered if it starts pulling up.
·    Pre-Owned Homes: With pre-owned homes, you have the option to negotiate on the warranty and what it covers. It could cover appliances, the air conditioning system, dishwasher - any major home component. However, if you end up with a shady seller who cosmetically covered up mold (for instance) and you don’t know there’s a mold problem, the warranty may not cover it. Note: this is one of the reasons I always say, “Get a home inspection before buying.”

Out of Pocket Costs: New Homes vs. Pre-Owned Homes

·    New Homes: Developers often offer home buying incentives to close the deal. In slow markets, they may add bonus cash incentives, upgrades or other things to entice you. However, if the market picks up, developers may reduce those incentives. Rather than offering you a dishwasher and other appliances for free, developers may charge you a premium for them. Another big out of pocket expense to keep in mind is landscaping. It’s an expensive proposition today for the cost-conscious home builder.
·    Pre-Owned Homes: Landscaping is a big plus to buying a previously owned home. Mature trees, hearty shrubs, rose bushes and lush well-watered lawns are some of the rewards of a pre-owned home. Additionally, very seldom do the sellers take their dishwasher and other appliances with them when they move. You also have the ability to negotiate with the sellers about furniture and other amenities. However, you don’t always know the condition of these amenities. They may end up costing you more on upkeep than if you had just bought new appliances.

Whether you’re looking at new or pre-owned Southern New Hampshire homes, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@Daveheeter.com for more information.

Your Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire – Missing the Morse Code of Sales

2010-10-05T10:23:00.000-04:00

The “Home for Sale" sign in your Southern New Hampshire yard has been up for quite awhile. Are you somehow missing Morse code signals floating through the air that might give you the magic equation? Are you afraid the house won’t sell until hell freezes over? Are you looking desperately for signs of frost?

Well, even with the ever-pervasive issues continuing to make a mess of the economy in general and the real estate industry specifically, it’s still possible to replace that Southern New Hampshire “Home for Sale” sign with a “SOLD” sign. You just have to figure out why it’s not selling, and fix it.

I know; it’s easier said than done. If you knew what the problem was, you’d already have fixed it. So here you’ll find the top three reasons a house won’t sell until pigs fly:

1. Price is the number one deal breaker.
Price and value are the two things you need to wrap your thoughts around. As well, it’s not about what you consider good price and value for a home, but what the buyer considers a good deal.

You can’t beat the competition by simply lowering the price. You have to compel the buyer with the “Goldilocks” price. This price says, “It’s not cheap, so you aren’t getting a fixer-upper. It’s not expensive, because it’s less than others are. It’s just right, because you can afford it and it’s beautiful.”

2. Home selling is a beauty contest.
Real estate agents say curb appeal and many potential clients roll their eyes. It’s as if we’ve said it so much that it’s become a myth of epic proportions. I assure you, curb appeal is very, very real.

Let a buyer pull up to a house with chipped paint and rusted hardware, and that’s one less buyer to worry about. The first impression is everything, and a poor impression never goes away.

3. People don’t want to see your stuff.
Whether your “stuff” is an old, favorite easy chair with rips and springs poking out or a closet full to bursting, it’s a turn off to buyers. They don’t want to see what the home looks like with your footprint on it; they want to see what it would look like with their footprint on it.

Cut down on your furniture, keeping the best (though not necessarily more comfortable) pieces for show. Pack up your knick-knacks, bric-a-brac and family photos. Take half your clothes out of the closets and pack them away in moving boxes. Less is more!

If you’re having problems with getting your home for sale in Southern New Hampshire off the market, don’t panic. Clear your head and see what you’ve missed!

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.

Is Buying a Southern New Hampshire Home for Sale Ever Going to Be a Good Move?

2010-10-04T11:21:00.000-04:00

If you’ve thought about buying a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, you may be wondering, “Is it ever going to be a good idea?” I understand; there’s an endless stream of media pouring out bad housing news. It’s discouraging to say the least if you’re a homebuyer or a home seller.

Yet, the problem with the news from the home buying standpoint is that it focuses on profit. The media says, “You can’t make a profit from buying a home.” They talk about prices dropping and more homes hitting the market, among other things. What they miss, however, are the real reasons most people buy a Southern New Hampshire home for sale.

It’s your home. Period.
You can do what you want with it. You don’t have to worry about whether painting a mural on the wall will get you an increase in rent. You don’t have to deal with the noisy people who just moved into the apartment above you, who obviously brought a zoo because something’s pounding on your ceiling all the time. You can paint the walls black and nobody can say “Boo” about it, because it’s your home.

Fixed-rate mortgages stay put.
Unlike rent, which can go up and up and up, fixed-rate mortgage loans stay the same. They work exactly like they sound; the rate you start at when you buy your Southern New Hampshire home for sale is the rate you end at when you finish paying off your mortgage.

You can eventually stop paying out.
Rent will always be owed. At no time in the future will your landlord say, “You’ve paid enough rent. You don’t have to pay anymore.” Mortgages, however, will eventually be paid off. Therefore, while renters pay for 15 years and then must continue to pay, homeowners who have a 15-year mortgage can pay for 15 years and then stop.

It’s your castle.

Nobody owns it but you. There’s a certain pride to owning a home that far outweighs profit. The excitement from making a profit, however small or large, is a fleeting, momentary thing. When you buy a Southern New Hampshire home for sale, you’re buying a castle – a safe haven where you can get away from the world; a place where you can relax and be comfortable.

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

Step by Step Plan to Spruce-Up the Garage in Your Southern NH Home

2010-10-01T13:02:00.000-04:00

De-cluttering your Southern New Hampshire home is an important part of preparing it for sale. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves and their belongings inside your home. However, this idea isn’t limited to the inside of your home. It also applies to your garage.

Cluttered, over-crowded garages turn buyers away. Fortunately, sprucing up your garage is easier than you think. Here are some tips to get you started.

   1. Start with a list. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t even know what’s inside your garage. Take a pencil and paper and walk through your garage, writing down everything you see. You don’t need a detailed list. For example, screws, bolts, and nails can be listed together as hardware.

   2. Reduce the list. Cleaning your garage means getting rid of anything you no longer need or want. Just like inside your Southern NH home, the general rule is that you can toss any item you haven’t used in 1 year. If you don’t use it, it’s only taking up space. Give it away, trash it, or recycle it.

   3. Group related items. It just makes sense to store items together. If all your camping supplies are stored in one place, you won’t waste time anymore looking for them. Place each item on your list in a group, like painting supplies, home repairs, winter blankets, etc.

   4. Create zones. Decide what you want to do with your garage. If you want to park a car inside, designate a parking zone and don’t let anything but your car in that zone. Choose a work area where you can place a workbench or household projects. Garage storage zones should be at different heights throughout the garage.

   5. Give it some personality. Once your garage is organized and clean, make it more attractive with some decorative touches. Paint the garage floor. Decorate it with an automotive theme. Upgrade to an automatic garage door.

With a little work, your Southern NH home will be ready to sell in no time. Let me help you prepare your home to sell. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

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

2010-09-30T19:16:00.000-04:00


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

2010-09-29T10:23:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-28T10:32:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-27T09:22:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-23T10:02:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-20T09:22:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

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)

2010-09-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-14T17:31:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

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.

Southern New Hampshire Home Warranty FAQ

2010-08-31T13:48:00.000-04:00

In today’s real estate market, it’s helpful when homeowners add incentives to sell their Southern New Hampshire homes. Incentives may include paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, reducing the sale price or offering a home warranty.

Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:

●    What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $400 and $600.
●    Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Southern NH home.
●    What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, ductwork, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
●    What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
●    How do I file a claim? If you have to file a claim, contact your home warranty company. They will call a service provider who will set up an appointment. You will have to pay a small service fee that is usually less than $100.

Want to buy a Southern New Hampshire home that comes with a warranty? I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Consider the Investment Value of Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

2010-08-28T11:00:00.042-04:00

If the Southern New Hampshire real estate you are looking to buy is going to be your primary residence, you probably know the features that are important to you. However, in today's economic environment, the resale, or investment value, of Southern NH real estate is as important as the practical value of the number of bedrooms or bathrooms and the size of the kitchen.

In the past, a home buyer rarely worried about the resale value of a property because homes were always considered good financial investments. With today’s fluctuating home prices, property values are as important for home buyers to understand as they are for real estate investors to understand.

Location and Property Values

Before the housing and mortgage crisis, even if the home that suited you was not in a prime location, it would likely increase in value over time. Now, you want to be sure you research a potential home before purchasing it to be sure:

The home is in a great neighborhood.
It’s at the lower end of the market value for that neighborhood.

If you buy a home in a neighborhood that is already considered a lower value area, it’s possible that those prices will not recover as quickly as better areas. Or worse, home values could decline more leaving you with a home worth less than what you paid for it.

Now more than ever, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who specializes in the area where you’d like to live. As a specialist in Southern New Hampshire real estate (specifically about a 45 minute range West, North, and East of Nashua), I can give you the detailed information and advice that you need to move with confidence. Contact me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Seller’s Remorse: What Happens After Your Southern New Hampshire Home Sells

2010-08-27T11:34:00.001-04:00

It happens to everyone at some point. You walk away from the closing table wondering if you made the biggest mistake of your life. Did you sell your Southern New Hampshire home for less than it was worth? Will you be able to create good memories in your new home? This is called seller’s remorse. Here are some tips to prepare for it and survive it:

Seller’s remorse is a fear, and you should deal with it just like you would any other fear. Talk about it with your friends, family, and real estate agent. They can listen to you and reassure you that you made the right decision.
Remind yourself of the facts. Facts are the opposite of fear, and they will help take your focus off your fears. If you are moving because of a job relocation, you had to sell your home. If you had to sell your home because you couldn’t afford it, whatever you got for the home is better than ruining your credit.
Find out what other Southern New Hampshire homes are selling for. Look through the classifieds. Drive around town. Ask your real estate agent. When you see what other homes have sold for, you can rest assured that you got a good price. Remember to look at the sale price instead of the asking price.
Treasure your memories. The memories go with you when you leave; they are not confined to four walls and a roof.
Look to the future. Now, it’s time to start a new chapter in your life and make fresh memories in your new home. Enjoy this new turn your life is taking. Look back fondly, but embrace your new path.

Let me guide and advise you through the selling process of your Southern New Hampshire home so you can move with confidence! Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Nashua Housing Market Statistics in a $30,000 Price Range - A Quick Overview

2010-08-25T10:00:00.069-04:00

Market Overview

The Nashua Housing Market as of 8/24/10 in the price range of $250,000-$280,000

Active Residential Listings: 8

Contingent or Pending Residential Listings: 2

Sold Residential Listings (past 90 days): 4
Sold Residential Listings (past 180 days): 11
Sold Residential Listings (past 365 days): 20
(Average Days On Market for those Sold properties was 80)

Based on the average of 1.6 sales per month for the past 365 days,
the current inventory represents about a 5 month supply of Nashua homes in this price range.
(5-7 months worth of inventory is generally considered a balanced market)

Wondering if your local market has stabilized?

I provide a free resource so you can research property values in any New Hampshire community, including Nashua, Merrimack, Hollis, Hudson, Brookline, Milford, Amherst, Bedford, Manchester, Derry, Litchfield, Londonderry and Windham!


Sample Report!

Click here

Market Snapshot Request Form

to receive a detailed report with list prices, sold prices, maps and charts on your community or neighborhood sent directly to your email!

Includes Bird's Eye view of properties!

5 Ways to Pet Proof Your Southern New Hampshire Home

2010-08-24T11:08:00.000-04:00

If you’re like most pet owners, your pets are part of your family. Do your part to help them out and pet proof your Southern NH home for their safety.

1.    Inspect your yard. As your dog or cat walks through your yard, harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides can adhere to their fur and get on their paws. Once inside your Southern NH home, your pets will lick their feet and legs clean. This licking causes them to ingest many harmful chemicals. Keep pets away from the yard if you’ve recently applied chemicals to it, and be sure to follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Better yet, switch to pet safe yard products or a natural yard that doesn’t require chemicals at all.

2.    Examine your garage. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals and is deadly if consumed in even small quantities. Just one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. Switch to a safer antifreeze. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which won’t harm animals if ingested in small amounts.

3.    Secure items. Your pet is curious. Take the time to place medicines, cleaning solutions, and chemicals out of their way. Make sure they cannot open cupboards and cabinets. You may want to install cupboard latches and cover electrical outlets, if you have a smart pet that’s good at opening things.

4.    Guard your food items. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats. While you’re busy, your pets may be rummaging through the kitchen and eating whatever they find.

5.    Beware of breakage. Broken light bulbs present a danger to pets of all sizes. Glass from a broken bulb may be stepped on, swallowed or inhaled. Ethylene glycol, the dangerous yet sweet tasting ingredient in many antifreeze products, can also be found in common household items like snow globes. The ethylene glycol may spill out if the snow globe cracks or breaks. Keep animals away from broken objects, thoroughly clean up the broken bits and safely dispose of them.

Looking for a pet-friendly Southern New Hampshire home? I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

4 Reasons to List Your FSBO with a Southern New Hampshire Real Estate Agent

2010-08-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. Here are four reasons to change your plan and list your home with a Southern NH real estate agent in order to facilitate a sale.

Speed: If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn't sold. A Southern NH real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.
Knowledge: Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Your Southern NH real estate agent can help you see the problems you didn't even know existed.
National Exposure: As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
An Earthly Advantage: Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons. First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are. Second, they don't have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do accurate home price comparisons. You 'might' know what your neighbor's house sold for 5 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now? And even more importantly, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? A professional real estate agent has access to all that information.

If you would like to know more about how a professional real estate agent can help you sell your home, I can help. Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

How Buying Southern NH Real Estate is Like Running a Marathon

2010-08-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

It's true. There are a lot of parallels between buying a piece of Southern New Hampshire real estate and running a marathon.

The Starting Line

At first, there is excitement. The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can't wait to get started. You're like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin. Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Southern New Hampshire real estate you see. That's when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.

Start Out Slowly

Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line. There's so much to do before you can get your Southern New Hampshire real estate. Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for…

You start to think about all the 'what ifs,' like what if you don't get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if….. the worry list can go on forever.

Stay Mentally Tough

Don't give in to periods of self-doubt. Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent. Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.

Hit the Wall

You feel like you simply can't go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end. Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far. Remind yourself that you'll get past this feeling. Keep day dreaming about that finish line.

Breakthrough Bliss

Suddenly things begin to happen. Home inspection reports come back. Financing is approved. You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.

The Finish Line

You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand. Congratulations! You’re a winner.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you from start to finish. Contact me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

10 Things to Do While Waiting for Your Southern NH Home to Sell

2010-08-20T10:16:00.000-04:00

Selling a home is sometimes a long process. You can sit around worrying and wondering when you’ll have a buyer, or you can get busy to help the time fly. Here are 10 things to do while waiting for your Southern New Hampshire home to sell:

Clean. I’m sure you’ve already cleaned every part of your Southern New Hampshire home to prepare it for sale. Make a game of it this time. Time yourself to see how fast you can clean one room or one drawer. Or, take out every type of cleaner you have and use it in each room.
Plant a container garden. The best part of a container garden is that you can take it with you. Plant some herbs or easy to grow vegetable plants, like tomatoes or cucumbers.
Sort through your magazines. Now you have the time to read all those magazine articles you’ve been saving. Cut out coupons and recipes. Send articles to your friends to let them know you’re thinking of them. Throw out the magazines when you’re finished.
Clear the pantry and freezer. You don’t want to take all your excess food with you when you move. Clean out the pantry, and donate supplies to your local homeless shelter or food pantry. Eat something from your freezer every day until it’s all gone.
De-clutter and eliminate. Clean out your makeup stash. Weed through the kids’ toy box. Do any small task that will lighten your moving load. Ask yourself, do I really want to pack this item, move it and then unpack it? If the answer is no, pitch it or give it away.
Finish crafts. Go ahead and finish the quilt or scrapbook you’ve been working on. This will help clean out your craft closet and will make packing your craft supplies that much easier.
Empty your medicine cabinet. Do you really need that bottle of medication from your surgery 12 years ago? Toss anything that’s out of date or that you no longer need to keep.
Save your digital photos to a disk. Choose only the photos you want to keep and save them to a CD or flash drive. You never know when your computer is going to crash.
Have a yard sale. You need to clean out your closets anyway. You might as well make some money off the items.
Throw a barbeque. Take the proceeds of your yard sale and have a barbeque for you and your neighbors. Think of this as a going away party.

Take advantage of the time you have while waiting for your Southern NH home to sell.
Need help selling your home? Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Wish You Could Refinance Your Southern NH Home But Think Your Home Isn't Worth Enough?

2010-08-19T12:42:00.000-04:00

If you’re a homeowner who is unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your Southern New Hampshire home’s value has decreased, there’s hope.

A program called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has been extended for another year. This program, intended to help borrowers whose homes have fallen in value, was due to expire as of June, 2010. Fortunately, HARP has been extended and will now stay in effect through June 30, 2011.

How does HARP help?

The program allows qualified borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates. It’s projected to help 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

If you’re a Southern New Hampshire home owner whose mortgage interest rate is significantly higher than the current market rate, you could see an immediate reduction in your payments. However, some homeowners may not see their interest payments go down if they refinance to a fixed rate and payment. Those include homeowners who:

are paying interest only
have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future
face a balloon payment

If you are one of these homeowners, you should still consider refinancing because it could save you a great deal of money by reducing the amount of interest you pay over the life of your mortgage.

Who qualifies for HARP?

You may qualify if:

You own and live in your home.
The loan on your home is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
When you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments.
The amount you owe on your mortgage does not exceed 125% of the current market value of your property.
You’re able to pay the new mortgage payments.
The refinance improves your ability to pay your mortgage long term.

If you have questions about HARP or any other questions about Southern New Hampshire homes, please give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

4 Tips to Help Your Kids Adjust to a New Southern NH Home

2010-08-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Are you moving to a new Southern New Hampshire home or thinking about it? When you have young children, it can be a dramatic - or even traumatic - event. Here are a few tips to help your children adjust to a new home:

Tip #1: Share exciting points about your new Southern NH home.
Does the house have a big back yard? Is there a park or bike path close by? Talk about the things you might be able to do together at the new place. Build up excitement, so your kids can’t wait to see where they’re going to live.

Tip #2: Let your kids be part of the packing process, if they’re old enough.
Children like to help when there’s a lot of hustle and bustle going on. You’ve probably noticed this yourself; every time you’re busy, they become your shadow. One way to let them help is to give them a moving box to fill up. Depending on their age, you’ll probably want them in the same room as you, but a little supervised packing can keep them out from underfoot and happy.

Tip #3: Let them chose the packing labels for each room.
Online or at most local office supply stores, you can find several types of packing labels. If you choose different colored packing labels, you can let your child decide which label color or type should be used for each room. While moving in, you can even supervise a “treasure hunt” for each room’s labeled boxes.

Tip #4: Involve them in unpacking their rooms or family areas.
By asking, “Where do you think this should go?” and letting your children choose, you’re also helping them make the new house their own. If you’re worried about an oddly decorated home with a picture of Daffy Duck over the mantle, give them a few choices of places you wouldn’t mind an object being for a while. I say “a while” because if you move the objects, your child will notice, which could make it harder for them to begin feeling at home.

Moving into a new Southern NH home is a big adjustment for anyone, not just children. However, children seem to have a harder time getting used to a new place. Keeping them involved in the packing, moving and unpacking can help turn your new home into their new home.

If you’re looking for a new home for your family, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to get started today.

The FSBO Mindset: Successful Ways to Sell Your Southern NH Real Estate

2010-08-11T10:43:00.023-04:00

When you first set out to sell your home, you are probably excited by all the possibilities, maybe a little scared, and often thinking about the best ways to save money. Many times saving money when selling Southern New Hampshire real estate means trying to sell it as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner). If you have the conviction, the salesmanship and the know-how, you might be able to sell your home yourself and keep the commission in your pocket. There are, however, a few key elements you should be aware of when attempting to sell your own home.

Your House—Not Your Home

The first trick of selling your own home is to immediately stop thinking about it as your home. It may seem like an insignificant change and purely a matter of semantics but as your 'home' you will have far less ability to coldly asses its value than simply as a piece of Southern New Hampshire real estate—a house.
As a 'home' it will be harder to handle rejection, off-handed comments by viewers, and a feeling of general violation as strangers traipse through your rooms at all hours of the day interrupting your home life. As a house it is simply a piece of property you have to move. Thinking about your property as just a house, a structure you need to get rid of, will help you detach emotionally enough to have realistic expectations and the ability to handle the stress of selling.

Be Realistic

Carefully assess the value of your Southern New Hampshire real estate. Check out the competition. Know what others have to offer in your same neighborhood and what their prices are.

Prepare and Market

Get rid of personal items. Put them in storage. Eliminate all the clutter of everyday living and make your home sparkle. Also remember that no one will be viewing your house if they don’t know it’s for sale. Get the word out in as many ways as possible.

If you would like help selling your home, give me a call at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

10 Low-Cost Tips to Cool Your Southern NH Home this Summer

2010-08-10T09:48:00.045-04:00

If higher electric rates and lower budgets have you searching for creative ways to cool your Southern NH home without spending more, read on:

Stop generating heat. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. Lower the thermostat on your water heater. Air dry your dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s dry cycle. Grill outdoors or use your microwave instead of your oven.
Install shades or blinds. The best way to keep your Southern New Hampshire home cool is to keep the heat out. White window shades, drapes, or blinds reflect heat away from your house. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently.
Use a programmable thermostat. Automatically adjust your air conditioner’s setting at night or when no one is home.
Improve your air conditioner’s efficiency. Add insulation around A/C ducts that are in hot spaces such as attics, crawl spaces and garages. Make sure your fireplace damper is closed.
Turn on a fan. Whether you use a box fan, a ceiling fan or an oscillating fan, this one appliance can make your room feel 6 to 7 degrees cooler. You can keep a fan on for 12 hours a day and still spend less than $10 a month on electricity for it.
Open your windows. Once the sun goes down and it gets cooler outside than inside, turn off your A/C and open your windows. Getting a breeze of fresh air after your home has been closed up all day is very refreshing.
Run your furnace fan. Check your thermostat to see if it allows you to run your furnace fan without engaging the furnace or air conditioner. By running your furnace fan, the air circulates throughout your home balancing out any cold or hot spots. This makes your entire home feel more comfortable. Additionally, allergens that entered your home when your windows were open (see tip 6) will be trapped by the furnace filter.
Move heat generating appliances. Don't place lamps or TVs near your air conditioner's thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Live in your lowest level. Because heat rises, the basement and first floor of your home are naturally cooler than the upper levels. Spend as much time as possible in the lowest levels of your home this summer. If the majority of your time is spent there, you may want to close up the A/C vents in the unused upper levels to save even more money.
Hang laundry outside to dry. Your clothes dryer is like a spinning oven. Don’t heat up your home by turning it on. Instead, go for the green fix and hang your laundry outside to dry. If your neighborhood bans outdoor clotheslines, wait until the cooler evening hours to use your dryer.

Stay cool and enjoy your summer for less!

How do you save on energy bills? I’d love to hear your ideas. Post a comment here, or email your tips to me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Buying Southern NH Real Estate and the Right of Conquest – A History

2010-08-09T09:36:00.046-04:00

Before Southern New Hampshire real estate – or real estate anywhere, for that matter – was bought and sold, it was just… owned. I.E.: “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.” If you wanted some land, you found it, fought for it and kept it. Legal rights weren’t even a thought.

A long, long time ago…
William, Duke of Normandy, felt he had a claim to the throne of England. King Harold Godwinson, crowned king in January 1066, didn’t much agree. While it took until October to arrange, William and Harold met on the battlefield at Hastings; Harold was killed, William moved on to storm London.

Upon his coronation, William became King William I of England. He then made a proclamation that went something like, “I came. I conquered. Give it.” William I claimed the complete ownership of all land in England based on right of conquest. He won the battle, so it only made good sense to claim the spoils, and possession equaled ownership.

English aristocracy and the feudal system began. Lords could bargain with the King, who then might make them tenants-in-chief through tenure, or estate. The most extensive and complete estate was called the Fee Simple Estate (also known as an estate of inheritance, fee simple absolute or fee ownership), the basis of our real estate laws now, in America.

When our British ancestors spread across the pond to American soil, they brought Fee Simple Estate with them. And, they claimed America by King William’s idea of “right of conquest.” However, they also developed the concept of an informal association of agents in the 1880s.

Inception of National Association of Realtors®
In 1908, they formed the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). At that time, the NAR had all of 19 Real Estate Boards and one state association!

While the history of real estate associations probably isn’t that exciting unless you’re trying to pass a test, modern real estate laws are based off that history.

Although things have changed in terms of law, they really haven’t changed that much in terms of conquest. Okay, so maybe now the army is real estate agents and the weapons are contracts, but you still have to fight for the land you want.

If you’re looking for Southern NH real estate to buy and you’re feeling tentative, it’s time to buck up a little. Buying and selling is still a matter of conquest, and it can still get rough. Negotiations, for instance, aren’t usually quiet discussions over Earl Grey tea. Before you go house hunting, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re armed… with a good real estate agent.

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