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New Hampshire Homebuyer Guide

The Home Buying Guide to New Hampshire Real Estate

Buying a home may be the most important investment an individual or family makes in their lifetime.  It is important to understand the process of qualifying , working with a Realtor, finding properties, inspection options and obtaining ownership and possession.  If you are a first-time home buyer, you may qualify for a tax credit ($8000 in 2009) and could be eligible for special financing programs.

Mortgage Financing

Most home buyers borrow the money to purchase property by obtaining a mortgage through a lender.  The lender may be a bank, mortgage banker, credit union or a private investor.  The most common types of loans are conventional and government insured (FHA and VA).  It is advisable to obtain a "credit approval" from a lender prior to actively looking at property so that you understand the price range you can afford.  Mortgage interest rates are historically low  and reduce the monthly payments or increases affordability.  Consult with a mortgage professional to determine your specific  qualifications and options. 

Agency - The Real Estate Agent's Role in the Process

pictureAs a potential home buyer in the process of purchasing real estate, do not assume that a licensee (real estate agent) is acting on your behalf.  New Hampshire real estate law (RSA 331-A) requires that the "Brokerage Relationship Disclosure" form be presented to the consumer at the time of the first business meeting, prior to any discussion of confidential information.  This disclosure provides information regarding options available to you as a client versus a customer.  Unless you sign a contract for representation, you are a customer not a client. 

A buyer agent is a licensee who acts on behalf of a buyer or tenant in the purchase, exchange, rental, or lease of real estate. The buyer is the licensee's client and the licensee has the duty to represent the buyer's best interests in the real estate transaction.

A designated agent is a licensee who represents one party of a real estate transaction and who owes that party client level duties, whether or not the other party to the same transaction is represented by another individual licensee associated with the same brokerage firm.

A facilitator is an individual licensee who assists one or more parties during all or a portion of a real estate transaction without being an agent or advocate for the interests of any party to such transaction.

Property Search - Finding the Property

pictureThe New Hampshire home search is easy with "quick search" options to search for NH homes for sale and real estate.  Let us assist you in finding the property that meets your needs.  RE/MAX Country Properties real estate agents can assist you in your search for the perfect home.

New Hampshire Multiple Listing Service- Search the MLS for all NH property listings.   Go to NH MLS.

New Hampshire Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes - Register to receive New Hampshire foreclosure (bank-owned) listings and short sale opportunities.  Go To NH Bank Owned

Home Search Service- Home search is a web-based real estate software tool (MLSpulse) that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market.

Home Inspection - In-depth View of the Property

A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

  • Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems;
  • Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; and
  • Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes

The Closing - Obtaining Title and Possession

pictureAs a buyer your contract will stipulate that you obtain "clear title" to the property you are purchasing.  The lender will co-ordinate the hiring of a title company or closing attorney that will be responsible for protecting the lender and the buyer's interests in the property.  They will research the title, prepare the settlement statement, schedule the closing, record the documents and distribute the funds.

Occupancy is typically given after the transfer of title or the recording of the transaction in the Registry of Deeds.

Stimulus Package Modifies First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Stimulus Package - Modifications to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2008

The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" was passed by the House and Senate on February 13, 2009.  According to the NAR website, the "bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.  The credit does not require repayment.  Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules:  the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability.  If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser."

The President is expected to sign the bill this week (February 17,2009).  This bill modifies the 2008 legislation and the following chart (NAR) shows the changes with the major modifications being italicized. 

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With low interest rates, favorable FHA financing, and lower prices, the $8,000 tax credit will offer a windfall to home buyers that purchase by December 1, 2009.  The original tax credit approved in the 2008 received mixed reviews as their was a repayment requirement.  Since this has been removed, and the consumer has an extended time-frame, expectations are that many first-time homebuyers will take advantage of the market.

Call RE/MAX Country Properties/innovations real estate at 800-222-2829 for assistance for New Hampshire homes for sale, Maine real estate, Massachusetts real estate and Rhode Island real estate.

To view home buying options,obtain information about New England communities and search the MLS go to Virtual Homes real estate.

New Hampshire Real Estate - Quick Search

New Hampshire Real Estate - Homes For Sale

pictureIf you are looking to purchase property in New Hampshire this site provides "quick search" options to search for NH homes for sale and real estate.  Let us assist you in finding the property that meets your needs.   

New Hampshire Multiple Listing Service- Search the MLS for all NH property listings. Go to NH MLS.

New Hampshire Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes - Register to receive New Hampshire foreclosure (bank-owned) listings and short sale opportunities.  Go To NH Bank Owned

Home Search Service- Home search is a web-based real estate software tool (MLSpulse) that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market. Look at some of the features offered:

  • Daily/real time alerts of new listings!
    Delivered by email or thru your desktop.
  • Direct access to the Multiple Listing System
    Advanced search capabilities including searching the remarks for items of interest (pools, barn, in-law, views, etc.)
  • Property Addresses and Mapping!!

Click here to start the Home Search Service

 New Hampshire Real Estate provides access to town information including a virtual tour, demographic, school and general real estate information.  Go to NH Real Estate.

 Go to Virtual Homes real estate for information about communities throughout New England.  Visit the Massachusetts MLS system for all property listed and for a map based search click on MA MLS map search.  RE/MAX Country Properties NH real estate agents provide buyer and seller agency services.

 

Meredith New Hampshire Real Estate Guide

Meredith, New Hampshire Real Estate

pictureMeredith, New Hampshire is a major resort town on the shore of storied Lake Winnipesaukee in the scenic Lakes Region. The town boasts an exquisite combination of lake and mountain scenery, historic New England charm, a friendly atmosphere and unspoilt natural beauty. And when it comes to recreation, amenities and relaxation, the community has something for everyone. Popular attractions include the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, the 567-acre Page Pond and Forest, the Annalee Doll Museum, the Children's Museum, and the Summer Theatre in Meredith Village.

Originally inhabited by the Winnipesaukee Indians nearly 10,000 years ago, the community was known in its early years as "Palmer's Town" in honor of local proprietor and explorer Samuel Palmer. One of the first towns chartered by the Masonian Proprietors, the town attracted several early settlers from Salem, Massachusetts and was renamed "New Salem" early in the 18th century. Finally, in 1768, the community was incorporated and given its present name in honor of Sir William Meredith, a member of the British Parliament who opposed taxing the colonies. Now a premier vacation destination within easy reach of the White Mountains, the Greater Boston region and the state's scenic Atlantic Ocean coast, the town remains both the geographical and recreational center of New Hampshire.

Covering 69 square miles in central New Hampshire, scenic Lake Winnipesaukee has been a popular tourist destination for more than a century. Surrounded by rugged mountains and encompassing 288 miles of shoreline in eight different towns, Lake Winnipesaukee is the premier attraction of New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Summer brings plentiful options for swimming at Lake Winnipesaukee's nine public beaches, while other popular water sports include boating, water skiing, canoeing, and fishing. Numerous hiking trails wind through the surrounding Ossipee and Belknap mountain ranges, and New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains are just a half hour's drive north. Residents and vacationers alike enjoy excellent skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, majestic vistas at Moultonborough's Castle in the Clouds, numerous shops and restaurants in Laconia and Wolfeboro, and nearly a dozen golf courses throughout the region.

 Sign up to receive new listings including foreclosures at Meredith NH Bank Owned real estate.

 

Visit Laconia, New Hampshire Real Estate to receive school reports, search the MLS, request a CMA, obtain relocation, home buying and selling guides.  Utilize a map based search to view other communities in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Visit www.nh-virtualhomes.com for community information about other towns in New Hampshire.  Go to NH Foreclosures to obtain listings on other New Hampshire bank owned homes.

Information is provided by Virtual Homes and real estate services provide by RE/MAX Country Properties, Amherst, NH.  Go to Virtual Homes MLS for a map based search of all MLS listings of Massachusetts real estate. Visit www.ma-virtualhomes.com to obtain relocation and school information in MA towns.  Preview communities in Maine at www.me-virtualhomes.com.

Visit Massachusetts Real Estate for information about towns and cities in MA.  Go to Virtual Homes MLS search for a map based search of all Massachusetts MLS listings.  Virtual Homes real estate provides consumers with MLS search options and town information in New England states.  RE/MAX Country Properties real estate agents provide buyer agent and seller agent services.

Deerfield, NH Real Estate and Homebuying Guide

This online guide provides information about the community of Deerfield, NH including access to school reports, demographics, property taxes, and commuting data. and a virtual tour of the town.  You may read a local newspaper, take a virtual tour of the town, obtain relocation and financing information.

SealDeerfield, New Hampshire once a parish was incorporated as a town in 1766. It was named for Deerfield, Massachusetts, home of several early settlers. The town was home to John Simpson, who achieved fame by firing the first shot in the revolution, disobeying orders not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes. The Deerfield Fair, which takes place in early October at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, is the oldest Agricultural Fair in New England.

Click on Deerfield, NH MLS to view listings available through the New Hampshire MLS system.

Sign up at Deerfield New Hampshire Foreclosures to receive listings of bank owned and foreclosed properties.

pictureVisit Deerfield NH real estate to obtain the school reports, buyer and relocation guides.

Qualifying for a Mortgage -  FHA mortgage financing provides great flexibility with down payment and credit score requirements.  Take advantage of the low interest rates available in the market.

Visit Manchester New Hampshire real estate to search the NH MLS, obtain school reports, view demographic and commuting information and tour the city.

pictureHillsborough County market reports are avaialble at Hillsborough County Real Estate - 2008

Statewide market reports are available at  NH Real Estate Report -2008

Visit www.nh-virtualhomes.com for community information about towns in New Hampshire.  Go to NH Foreclosures to obtain listings on other New Hampshire bank owned homes.

Information is provided by Virtual Homes real estate and services provided by RE/MAX Country Properties, real estate agents.  Visit Massachusetts real estate to obtain relocation and school information in MA towns.  Preview communities in Maine at www.me-virtualhomes.com.

The 5 Key Elements of Internet Lead Conversion

Internet Marketing - The Process of Converting Leads

Most real estate agents agree that the buying side of the transaction has moved online and is highly competitive.  If you are not having success, review your current process and make the necessary changes based on the following key elements:

picture1.  Web Registrations - marketing is a numbers game.  The first step is to design a website that provides value to the consumer so they will register for your offer.  The second is to generate sufficient traffic so that the percentages work in your favor (10% rule).

2.  Lead Notification -  Most consumers that are serious about working with an agent and register online, will work with the first responder (provided that the agent follows up appropriately).  Therefore, you must have the option of calling a consumer within 3 minutes of registration.  Your system must include a method of notifying you (easiest is text messaging) so that you can respond quickly.

3.  Lead Qualification -  When Realtors follow up leads they typically follow the "real estate agent script", of attempting to take control of the consumer.  This approach will not work with an Internet buyer as they are in control and don't respond to the Realtor approach.  Try a customer service response and you will have greater success.

4.  Lead Management - Since 90% of web registrations are longer term and not immediately interested, you must have a database or CRM (Customer Resource Management) tool that will automate the follow up process.  The system must include auto-responders, drip email, blast email, call prompting, activity plans and flexible database tools for target marketing. 

5.  Training and Support -  The integration of technology into your business is an ongoing and evolving process.   As an agent, you must maximize the value of your time and you can't get distracted by technology issues.

All five of these elements must be in place and followed to have conversion rates that provide an acceptable return on investment.  If one of these elements is missing, then the process will not work efficiently.  

A web registration should be viewed as a business opportunity that if followed up and responded to appropriately will become a lead.  The lead can become a prospect and possibly a client which will lead to a transaction and hopefully an advocate for future business.  Develop your business plan with these elements and concepts and your conversion rate will increase dramatically.

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The Virtual Homes Internet Marketing System provides agents with a solution so that you can focus on listing and selling real estate.

Stimulus Package Amended with $15,000 Tax Credit

Senate Moves Quickly to Stimulate the Economy Through Housing

Once the Senate and Congress finalize the stimulus package, the real estate and related industries can look forward to a busy spring market. The current $7500 tax credit is a great benefit for first home buyers, but the newly approved amendment expands the benefits and to all home buyers. 

Senator Isakson, the co-sponsor of the amendment, is the former head of Northside Realty.  Isakson compared the current housing crisis to that of 1974 and his ideas quickly received Democratic report with little resistance from other members of the Senate.  Therefore, it is likely that this amendment will be included in the final version of the package.

With low interest rates, favorable FHA financing, and lower prices, the $15,000 tax credit will offer a windfall to home buyers that purchase within the next year. 

Call RE/MAX Country Properties/innovations real estate at 800-222-2829 for assistance. 

To view home buying options,obtain information about New England communities and search the MLS go to Virtual Homes real estate.

 The following is a comparison:

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Rochester New Hampshire Real Estate Guide

Rochester, New Hampshire Real Estate

pictureRochester, New Hampshire is located in southeastern New Hampshire and is known as the Lilac City. It is the largest city in the seacoast region and fourth largest city in New Hampshire. An ideal setting for new businesses and residents alike, the city is conveniently located, serving as a gateway to New Hampshire's famous Lakes Region, the White Mountains with its ski resorts and the Seacoast with its superb beaches. Whether covered with its famous lilacs in the spring, wildflowers blooming in the summer, spectacular autumn foliage or fresh-fallen snow, the Rochester area is a scenic delight.

Rochester enjoys many of the conveniences of a prospering city combined with the delights of small-town New England traditions. The arts are alive in the city with its historic Opera House, where cultural and civic activities are offered to residents and organizations in the area. The city celebrates an annual Lilac Family Fun Festival in the spring, multiple activities for families, a festival in the downtown area, a Fourth of July celebration, the 125-year-old Rochester Fair in the fall, and a Christmas parade.

pictureThe city's commitment to economic development continues to spur major growth of manufacturing and high-tech companies. The city exemplifies its commitment to its existing businesses through retention and expansion efforts. These efforts have resulted in the preservation of several long-term companies that have made their home in the city for generations. The diversity of the city's commercial and industrial base is enormously beneficial in attracting new residents to the area.

pictureResidents of the city and surrounding communities enjoy an attractive downtown area with several malls and plazas. Antiques, footwear, appliances, gift shops, pharmacies, restaurants and several service are among the major businesses at the several plazas and malls located throughout the city.

Cultural and recreational activities include access to plays at the Opera House, theater, golf course, bowling, ball fields, hiking, walking paths, rivers, ponds and lakes. Traditional values and hard-working people filled with community spirit have created lasting pride. Boasting a convenient location, a thriving local business climate, and excellent opportunities for recreation, sightseeing and leisure, Rochester is truly the place to be. 

Sign up to receive new listings including foreclosures at Rochester NH Bank Owned real estate.

Visit the surrounding communities of Somersworth New Hampshire real estate,  Dover New Hampshire real estateRye New Hampshire real estate, Durham New Hampshire real estate and New Hampshire real estate for relocation, school, community, home buying and selling information.  Go to Portsmouth NH Foreclosures to view bank owned property and Portsmouth New Hampshire real estate for more information about Portsmouth, NH.

Visit Massachusetts Real Estate for information about towns and cities in MA.  Go to Virtual Homes MLS search for a map based search of all Massachusetts MLS listings.

Virtual Homes real estate provides consumers with MLS search options and town information in New England states.  RE/MAX Country Properties real estate agents provide buyer agent and seller agent services.

 

Somersworth, NH Real Estate Tour

Somersworth New Hampshire Real Estate and Relocation Tour

pictureSomersworth, New Hampshire is located in the scenic seacoast region of the state. The town was first settled before 1700 as a parish of Dover and was called Sligo after the Irish county which was home to an early colonial governor. In 1729, the parish of Summersworth was organized separately, and in 1754 the community was incorporated under its present name by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. Situated at the 100-foot drop of the Salmon Falls River, Somersworth emerged as a prosperous mill town by the early decades of the 19th century. The community grew rapidly throughout the next several decades, with a significant influx of new residents arriving to work in the mills from Ireland and Quebec. While the region's textile economy declined after the Great Depression, the latter half of the 20th century brought a population boom throughout the southern New Hampshire region as the expansion of the highways brought thousands of young families from Boston and other major cities.

Centrally located just a short trip from New Hampshire's numerous attractions- the Atlantic Ocean coast, the snowy peaks of the White Mountains, and the scenic expanse of the Lakes Region - Somersworth offers a bounty of historic and natural scenery, excellent schools, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure.

It all adds up to a quality of life that has gained national recognition. For many years, the community has been part of a region (the Portsmouth-Rochester Metro Region), that Money Magazine has ranked among the "Most Livable Cities in the US".

Visit Somersworth New Hampshire real estate to search the MLS, and obtain relocation, school and town information.  Register to receive foreclosed property listings at Somersworth bank owned homes for sale.

 

 

 

Go to Portsmouth NH Foreclosures to view bank owned property and Portsmouth New Hampshire real estate for more information about Portsmouth.

Visit the surrounding communities of  Dover New Hampshire real estateRye New Hampshire real estate, Durham New Hampshire real estate and New Hampshire real estate for relocation, school, community, home buying and selling information.  

Visit Massachusetts Real Estate for information about towns and cities in MA.  Go to Virtual Homes MLS search for a map based search of all Massachusetts MLS listings.

Virtual Homes real estate provides consumers with MLS search options and town information in New England states.  RE/MAX Country Properties real estate agents provide buyer agent and seller agent services.

Bow New Hampshire Real Estate Tour

Bow New Hampshire Real Estate Tour

Bow, New Hampshire was chartered in 1727. Some say the town derived its name from its location at the bow in the Merrimack River, just south of the state capital in Concord. Wherever the origin of the name, many beautiful reminders of the town's colonial beginnings remain today.

pictureFor most early settlers, farming was a way of life. The many stone walls which line Bow's streets, yesterday's survey markers for 100-acre plots of land, serve as vivid hallmarks of the town's agricultural past. Industry has long been a mainstay of life in Bow, with local waterways providing the necessary horsepower to fuel several excellent mill sites. The sawmill and gristmill formed the hub of the section of town referred to as "Bow Mills", one of the first local settlements.

Bow has never lacked for people of vision throughout its history. Sergeant John Ordway, a native of Bow, was an influential member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science Church, was born and raised in Bow. Bow has also enjoyed its share of visits by presidents and presidential candidates. From Andrew Jackson's triumphal New England Tour in 1833 to the "First-in-the-Nation" primary vote-seekers of today, Bow has been the place where our nation's chief executives and New Hampshire meet. In fact, Franklin Pierce, the fourteenth president of the United States, hailed from nearby Hillsboro, NH.

Visit Bow New Hampshire Real Estate to take a virtual tour, receive school reports, search the NH MLS, and obtain relocation, home buying and selling guides.  Click on Bow NH foreclosure to receive new listings of bank owned homes.

  Go to Concord NH Real Estate for a brief tour of the community and Concord NH Foreclosures to receive a list of bank owned real estate.

Information is provided by Virtual Homes  and real estate services provide by RE/MAX Country Properties, Amherst, NH. 

Visit New Hampshire real estate for community information about other towns in New Hampshire.