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What Is a Driveway Easement in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Driveway Easement in New Hampshire Real Estate? Driveway easements are incredibly common in Central New Hampshire — especially in Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Campton, and rural towns where properties sit deeper off the road. If you’re buying or selling a home, you need to understand what an easement is and how it affects access, maintenance, and legal rights. Here’s the full breakdown. ⭐ What Is a Driveway Easement? A driveway easement gives someone the legal rig
Jim Johnson
2 days ago2 min read
What Is a Chimney Inspection (Level 1, 2, 3) in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Chimney Inspection (Level 1, 2, 3) in New Hampshire Real Estate? In New Hampshire — especially in towns like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, Dorchester, and other Central NH communities — fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves are extremely common. Because of this, chimney safety is a major part of the home-buying process. A chimney inspection evaluates the condition of the flue, liner, masonry, and venting system to ensure it’s safe to operate.
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Frost Heave and How Does It Affect Homes in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Frost Heave and How Does It Affect Homes in New Hampshire? New Hampshire’s harsh winters — especially in towns like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — create a unique problem many homeowners encounter: frost heaves. A frost heave happens when moisture in the soil freezes, expands, and pushes upward. This seasonal ground movement can impact foundations, driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and even private roads. Here’s what NH buyers a
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Shared Well Agreement in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Shared Well Agreement in New Hampshire Real Estate? Shared wells are common throughout New Hampshire — especially in rural towns like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — where multiple homes rely on the same private well for water. A Shared Well Agreement is a legally binding document that outlines how the well is used, maintained, and paid for by all properties connected to it. Here’s what buyers and sellers must know before purchasing
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Road Frontage Requirement in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Road Frontage Requirement in New Hampshire Real Estate? In New Hampshire — especially in rural towns like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — road frontage requirements play a major role in whether a parcel of land can be built on, subdivided, or legally accessed. Road frontage refers to the amount of a property that directly borders a public or approved private road. Every town in NH sets its own minimum frontage requirement for buildi
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Property Access Notification (PAN) in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Property Access Notification (PAN) in New Hampshire Real Estate? In New Hampshire real estate transactions — especially in areas like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — agents often use a Property Access Notification (PAN) form. A PAN outlines the rules and expectations for entering a property, helping protect sellers, buyers, and agents during showings, inspections, appraisals, and contractor visits. Here’s what buyers and sellers nee
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Low-Appraisal Addendum in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Low-Appraisal Addendum in New Hampshire Real Estate? In competitive New Hampshire markets — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and other Central NH areas — homes sometimes do not appraise for the agreed-upon purchase price. A Low-Appraisal Addendum is a written agreement that outlines what happens if the home under-appraises. It protects both buyers and sellers by giving them clear expectations before the appraisal even happens. Here’s how it
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Property Boundary Line Adjustment in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Property Boundary Line Adjustment in New Hampshire? In many New Hampshire towns — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — property lines sometimes need to be legally adjusted. A boundary line adjustment is an official process where two neighboring property owners agree to modify the location of the dividing property line. These adjustments are commonly used to fix irregular boundaries, resolve access issues, or correct historical
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Dual Agency Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Dual Agency Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate? Dual agency comes up more often than many New Hampshire buyers and sellers realize — especially in tight markets like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and surrounding Central NH towns. A Dual Agency Disclosure is a required written notice that explains what happens when one real estate agent (or their brokerage) represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Because the agent can
Jim Johnson
2 days ago3 min read
What Is a Direct Vent Heating System in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Is a Direct Vent Heating System in New Hampshire Homes? Direct vent heating systems are extremely popular in New Hampshire, especially in homes that rely on propane or natural gas for heating. These systems vent exhaust gases directly outside through a sealed pipe, making them safer, more efficient, and better for indoor air quality. Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners need to know. ⭐ What Is a Direct Vent Heating System? A direct vent system uses a sealed combustion
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is a Frost-Free Hydrant and Why Do New Hampshire Properties Use Them?
🏡 What Is a Frost-Free Hydrant and Why Do New Hampshire Properties Use Them? Many rural and semi-rural homes in New Hampshire have frost-free hydrants, especially properties with barns, livestock areas, outdoor water needs, or detached garages. These specialized hydrants provide running water year-round—even in freezing NH winters—without the risk of pipes bursting. Here’s what buyers and homeowners need to know. ⭐ What Is a Frost-Free Hydrant? A frost-free hydrant is an out
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is Good Water Pressure in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Is Good Water Pressure in New Hampshire Homes? Water pressure is a major factor for homebuyers in New Hampshire, especially because so many properties rely on private wells instead of municipal water. Pressure that’s too low can make daily tasks frustrating, while pressure that’s too high can damage plumbing and appliances. Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners need to know. ⭐ What Is Considered “Good” Water Pressure? Most NH homes should have water pressure between: ✔
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is a Property Easement in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Property Easement in New Hampshire Real Estate? A property easement is a legal right that allows someone else to use a portion of your land for a specific purpose. Easements are extremely common in New Hampshire, especially on rural parcels, shared driveways, waterfront properties, and land with private wells or utility lines. Here’s what buyers and sellers should understand before closing. ⭐ What Is an Easement? An easement is a legal interest that gives another
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is Ice Damming and Why Does It Happen in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Is Ice Damming and Why Does It Happen in New Hampshire Homes? Ice damming is one of the most common winter problems for New Hampshire homeowners. It occurs when melting snow refreezes along the edge of a roof, creating a ridge of ice that traps water behind it. This trapped water can then seep under shingles and leak into the home, causing significant damage. Here’s what NH buyers and owners need to know. ⭐ What Is Ice Damming? An ice dam forms when: Heat escapes from
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is Ledge in New Hampshire Real Estate and Why Does It Matter?
🏡 What Is Ledge in New Hampshire Real Estate and Why Does It Matter? New Hampshire is known as the Granite State for a reason — many properties sit on or near ledge, which is solid bedrock just below the ground surface. Ledge can significantly impact construction costs, septic installation, landscaping, excavation, and even the future value of a property. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to know. ⭐ What Is Ledge? “Ledge” refers to shallow, exposed, or near-surface bedr
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is a Fieldstone Foundation and Is It Good or Bad in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Is a Fieldstone Foundation and Is It Good or Bad in New Hampshire Homes? Many older homes in New Hampshire—especially those built before the 1940s—sit on fieldstone foundations. These foundations were constructed using hand-placed stones without modern concrete footings, and they are still found throughout rural and historic NH towns. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers should know when dealing with a fieldstone foundation. ⭐ What Is a Fieldstone Foundation? A fieldston
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is Freeze-Thaw Damage and Why Is It Common in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Is Freeze-Thaw Damage and Why Is It Common in New Hampshire Homes? New Hampshire’s climate brings repeated cycles of freezing and thawing throughout fall, winter, and spring. These temperature swings can cause significant wear and tear on homes—especially foundations, driveways, masonry steps, and exterior surfaces. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to understand about freeze-thaw damage. ⭐ What Is Freeze-Thaw Damage? Freeze-thaw damage happens when: Water enters
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is a Cul-de-Sac Premium in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Cul-de-Sac Premium in New Hampshire Real Estate? In many New Hampshire towns, homes located on cul-de-sacs or dead-end streets often sell for higher prices compared to similar properties on through-streets. This added value is known as a cul-de-sac premium. Here’s why these locations are so desirable in NH real estate. ⭐ What Is a Cul-de-Sac Premium? A cul-de-sac premium is the additional value buyers place on homes located on: ✔ Cul-de-sacs ✔ Dead-end streets ✔
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is an Underground Storage Tank and Why Does It Matter in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is an Underground Storage Tank and Why Does It Matter in New Hampshire Real Estate? Underground storage tanks (USTs) are more common in New Hampshire than many buyers realize. Older homes, rural properties, and lake-area cottages often have abandoned or buried tanks that once held heating oil, diesel, or gasoline. Because hidden tanks can impact safety, inspections, and financing, NH buyers and sellers should understand the risks and requirements. ⭐ What Is an Undergr
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
What Is the Difference Between Seasonal and Year-Round Homes in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is the Difference Between Seasonal and Year-Round Homes in New Hampshire? New Hampshire has many cabins, cottages, and lake-area homes that were originally built as seasonal properties. Because of zoning rules, insulation requirements, and utility setups, not all homes in NH can legally be occupied year-round. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Seasonal Home? A seasonal home is a property the town has designated for limited, non-year-round occupa
Jim Johnson
3 days ago2 min read
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