Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding this distinction is important as you begin your home search:

Pre-Qualification:

• Informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow
• Based on self-reported financial information
• No verification of income, assets, or credit
• Can typically be done in minutes online or over the phone
• Gives you a general idea of your price range
• Carries less weight with sellers

Pre-Approval:

• Formal conditional commitment from a lender
• Requires full mortgage application
• Lender verifies income, assets, employment, and credit
• Full credit check is performed
• Reviewed by underwriter
• Shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer
• Significantly strengthens your offer
• Usually valid for 60-90 days

Our Recommendation: Get pre-approved before seriously house hunting. In competitive markets, sellers often require pre-approval letters with offers and may prioritize pre-approved buyers. It also helps you understand exactly what you can afford, saving time by focusing on homes within your budget.

We work with several excellent local lenders and are happy to provide recommendations based on your situation.

Closing costs vary but here are typical ranges:

Buyer Closing Costs (2-5% of purchase price):

• Loan origination fees (0.5-1%)
• Appraisal fee ($400-$600)
• Home inspection ($400-$600)
• Title search and insurance ($1,000-$2,000)
• Attorney fees ($800-$1,500)
• Recording fees ($100-$200)
• Property survey (if required) ($400-$800)
• Homeowners insurance (first year premium)
• Property taxes (prorated)
• HOA fees (if applicable, prorated)
• Mortgage insurance (if less than 20% down)

Seller Closing Costs (6-10% of sale price):

• Real estate commission (typically 5-6%)
• Attorney fees ($800-$1,500)
• Transfer tax (varies by municipality)
• Property tax prorations
• Outstanding mortgage payoff
• HOA fees (if applicable, prorated)
• Home warranty (if offered)
• Repairs/credits negotiated during inspection

Important Notes:

• Some costs are negotiable between buyer and seller
• First-time homebuyer programs may reduce costs
• VA and FHA loans have different fee structures
• Exact costs depend on loan type, property, and location

We’ll provide you with estimated closing costs specific to your situation and connect you with an attorney who can give you precise figures.

Short Answer: Yes, we strongly recommend it.

Why You Need an Attorney:

In New Hampshire, while not legally required for all transactions, working with a qualified real estate attorney provides important protections:

For Buyers:

• Reviews purchase and sale agreement
• Conducts title search to ensure clear ownership
• Reviews title insurance policies
• Identifies potential legal issues with the property
• Explains complex legal terms and obligations
• Handles closing document preparation and review
• Ensures proper document recording
• Protects your legal interests throughout the transaction

For Sellers:

• Reviews contracts and addenda
• Resolves title issues that may arise
• Prepares and reviews closing documents
• Handles payoff of existing mortgages
• Ensures compliance with disclosure requirements
• Manages legal aspects of the closing

Cost vs. Value: Attorney fees typically range from $800-$1,500—a small investment considering the legal and financial magnitude of a real estate transaction. The protection and peace of mind they provide is invaluable.

Our Network: We work with several excellent local real estate attorneys and can provide recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances. They’ll explain their services and fees during an initial consultation.

We employ a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing strategy designed to give your property maximum exposure to qualified buyers:

Professional Visual Marketing:

• High-definition photography showcasing your home’s best features
• Professional drone videography and aerial photography
• Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs
• Custom property videos for social media

Digital Marketing:

• MLS listing with syndication to major sites (Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com)
• Targeted Facebook and Instagram advertising
• Email campaigns to our extensive database of active buyers
• Featured placement on our website and eXp Realty profiles
• Search engine optimization for maximum online visibility

Traditional Marketing:

• Professional property brochures and flyers
• Open houses with strategic scheduling
• “Coming Soon” campaigns to build anticipation
• Networking with our extensive agent network
• Direct outreach to buyers’ agents in the area

Personal Network: With 70 years of combined experience, we’ve built strong relationships with other real estate professionals, past clients, and community members who often know someone looking for a home just like yours.

Our proven approach ensures your property reaches serious, qualified buyers through every available channel.

Our commission structure is competitive with industry standards and is designed to reflect the comprehensive marketing and professional services we provide. Commission rates are typically negotiated based on several factors including:

• Your property’s price point and condition
• Current market conditions
• Marketing strategy and timeline
• Any unique circumstances or challenges

We believe in transparent pricing and will clearly outline all costs during your initial consultation—before you commit to listing with us. Our goal is always to maximize your net proceeds while providing exceptional service that more than justifies our value.

We’re happy to discuss our fee structure in detail when we meet. What we can tell you is that our clients consistently tell us that our marketing, negotiation skills, and attention to detail deliver returns that far exceed our commission.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss pricing for your specific situation.

Market conditions in Central New Hampshire vary throughout the year and depend on several factors:

Market Variables:

• Time of year (spring/summer typically sees more activity)
• Price point and property type
• Location and school district
• Property condition and presentation
• Pricing strategy

Current Market Trends: The Central NH real estate market experiences seasonal fluctuations, with the strongest activity typically from March through October. Well-priced, well-presented homes in desirable locations often receive offers within the first few weeks.

Our Approach: With our comprehensive marketing strategy and pricing expertise, we position your home to sell as quickly as possible while maximizing your return. We’ll provide you with:

• Comparative market analysis specific to your property
• Realistic timeline expectations based on current market data
• Strategic pricing recommendations
• Pre-listing preparation guidance

During your consultation, we’ll review recent sales in your area and give you a realistic expectation for your property’s timeline.

Proper preparation can significantly impact both how quickly your home sells and the final sale price. Here’s what we recommend:

Essential Preparations:

Declutter and Depersonalize:

• Remove excess furniture to make rooms appear larger
• Clear countertops, shelves, and surfaces
• Pack away personal photos and memorabilia
• Organize closets to show storage space

Deep Clean:

• Professional cleaning of carpets and floors
• Thorough cleaning of all surfaces, including baseboards and windows
• Detail-clean kitchens and bathrooms
• Fresh, neutral-scented environment

Minor Repairs:

• Fix any obvious issues (leaky faucets, stuck doors, broken fixtures)
• Patch and paint walls where needed
• Replace any burned-out light bulbs
• Repair or replace damaged screens

Curb Appeal:

• Maintain lawn and landscaping
• Power wash exterior and walkways
• Paint or touch up front door
• Ensure house numbers are visible
• Add welcoming touches (potted plants, new doormat)

Staging Considerations:

• Arrange furniture to highlight room flow and space
• Use neutral colors and decor
• Maximize natural light
• Create inviting spaces that help buyers envision themselves living there

We provide all our sellers with a detailed preparation checklist and can recommend trusted local contractors for any work needed. We’ll also conduct a pre-listing walkthrough to identify any specific improvements that would maximize your property’s appeal.

Pricing your home correctly from the start is one of the most critical factors in a successful sale. Our pricing strategy is based on data, experience, and market knowledge:

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): We analyze:

• Recently sold homes similar to yours (last 3-6 months)
• Currently active listings (your competition)
• Properties that didn’t sell (to understand pricing mistakes)
• Pending sales to identify current market trends

Property-Specific Factors:

• Size, layout, and condition
• Location and neighborhood
• Updates, improvements, and special features
• Lot size and outdoor spaces
• School district and local amenities

Market Conditions:

• Current inventory levels (buyer’s vs. seller’s market)
• Days on market for comparable properties
• Seasonal trends
• Interest rates and economic factors
• Local and regional market dynamics

Strategic Considerations:

• Your timeline and circumstances
• Room for negotiation
• Psychological pricing points
• Competition positioning

Our Recommendation: We’ll present you with comprehensive market data and provide our professional recommendation. The final decision is always yours, but we’ll explain the likely consequences of various pricing strategies.

Our goal: Price your home competitively to attract serious buyers quickly while maximizing your return.