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🏡 Oil vs. Propane Heat: Which Is Better for New Hampshire Homes? New Hampshire homeowners rely heavily on oil and propane heating, especially in rural areas where natural gas isn’t available. Both fuels can heat a home effectively, but each has different costs, efficiency levels, and maintenance requirements. Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners should consider when comparing oil vs. propane. ⭐ Heating Oil: How It Works in NH Oil heating uses a furnace or boiler to produce h

🏡 What Is a Mini-Split System and Is It Worth Installing in New Hampshire? Mini-split heating and cooling systems—often called ductless heat pumps—have become increasingly popular in New Hampshire. They offer efficient heating, cooling, and dehumidifying without the need for ductwork, making them ideal for older homes, additions, and rural properties. Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners should know. ⭐ What Is a Mini-Split System? A mini-split is a ductless heat pump that pr

🏡 What Are Outbuildings and How Do They Affect Property Value in New Hampshire? Many New Hampshire properties—especially in rural and semi-rural areas—include outbuildings such as barns, sheds, workshops, garages, or storage structures. These buildings can add significant value, but they can also raise questions about zoning, permits, and future use. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers should know. ⭐ What Counts as an Outbuilding? Outbuildings include any detached structure on

🏡 What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring and How Does It Affect Homes in New Hampshire? Many older homes in New Hampshire — especially those built before the 1950s — still contain knob-and-tube wiring, an outdated electrical system that can impact insurance, inspections, and resale value. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to know about this older wiring method. ⭐ What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Knob-and-tube (often called K&T) is an early electrical system used from the late 1800s

🏡 What Is a Class VI Road in New Hampshire Real Estate? In rural areas of New Hampshire, you’ll find many homes and land parcels located on Class VI roads. These are roads that the town no longer maintains, which can significantly impact access, financing, construction, and long-term property use. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to know before purchasing property on a Class VI road. ⭐ What Is a Class VI Road? A Class VI road is a public road that: ✔ Is not maintained

🏡 What Is a Dry Basement Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate? Basements are extremely common in New Hampshire homes—and so are moisture issues. Because of NH’s climate, soil conditions, and older housing stock, buyers and sellers often discuss whether a basement is “dry.” In real estate, a dry basement disclosure refers to the seller’s statement about past or present water intrusion or moisture problems. Here’s what NH homeowners and buyers should know. ⭐ What Does “Dry

🏡 What Is a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Certificate in New Hampshire Real Estate? Before selling a home in New Hampshire, owners must ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors meet current state safety requirements. While NH does not require a formal “certificate” like some states, sellers are legally responsible for having compliant alarms installed prior to closing. Here’s what buyers and sellers should know. ⭐ What Are NH’s Requirements for Smoke Detecto

🏡 What Is a Conditional Approval in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in New Hampshire, most lenders issue a “conditional approval” before the loan is fully cleared. This means your mortgage is approved as long as you meet certain final requirements. Understanding this step helps NH buyers avoid delays and stay on track for closing. ⭐ What Is a Conditional Approval? A conditional approval is a preliminary mortgage approval that states the loan will be finalized o

🏡 What Are Private Well Water Testing Requirements in New Hampshire? Many New Hampshire homes rely on private wells instead of municipal water. Because private wells are not regulated by the state, buyers must take extra steps to ensure the water is clean, safe, and suitable for daily use. Here’s what NH homebuyers should know about well water testing before closing. ⭐ Are Well Water Tests Required in NH? New Hampshire does not legally require well water testing for a sale,

🏡 What Are Historic District Restrictions in New Hampshire Real Estate? Some New Hampshire towns have designated historic districts that protect the look and character of older neighborhoods. If a home is located within one of these areas, the owner may need approval before making exterior changes. Here’s what NH buyers and homeowners should understand before purchasing a property with historic restrictions. ⭐ What Is a Historic District? A historic district is a legally pro

🏡 What Is a Title Cloud and How Does It Affect Real Estate in New Hampshire? During a real estate transaction in New Hampshire, the title company performs a thorough search to confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer the property. If anything unusual or unresolved appears in the property’s history, it may be labeled a “cloud on title.” Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to understand about these issues. ⭐ What Is a Title Cloud? A title cloud is any claim,

🏡 What Is a Property Boundary Encroachment in New Hampshire Real Estate? Property boundaries are extremely important in New Hampshire, especially in rural areas where lines aren’t always marked clearly. A boundary encroachment happens when a structure—such as a shed, fence, garage, driveway, or even landscaping—extends over the property line onto a neighbor’s land. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Property Encroachment? Encroachment occurs when one

🏡 What Is a Prepayment Penalty in New Hampshire Real Estate? When purchasing a home in New Hampshire, you may come across the term prepayment penalty in your mortgage documents. While most standard loans no longer use them, certain loan types still charge a penalty if you pay off your mortgage earlier than expected. Here’s what NH buyers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Prepayment Penalty? A prepayment penalty is a fee that some lenders charge if you: ✔ Pay off your loan early ✔ Re

🏡 What Is a Rate Lock and Why Is It Important for NH Homebuyers? When you’re buying a home in New Hampshire, mortgage interest rates can move daily — sometimes even multiple times per day. A rate lock protects you from those changes, ensuring your interest rate stays the same from the time you lock it until closing. Here’s everything NH buyers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Rate Lock? A rate lock is an agreement between you and your lender that guarantees a specific mortgage inte

🏡 What Is Hazard Insurance in NH Real Estate and Why Do Lenders Require It? When buying a home in New Hampshire, one of the first things lenders require is hazard insurance — a critical protection that covers the structure of your home against damage from unexpected events. Hazard insurance is typically included as part of a standard homeowners insurance policy, but lenders need proof before they will fund your mortgage. Here’s what NH buyers need to know. ⭐ What Is Hazard I

🏡 What Is a Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA) in NH Real Estate? In New Hampshire, many homes — especially in rural areas like Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Wentworth, and Plymouth — are located on private roads instead of town-maintained roads. When a road is private, the town does not plow, repair, or maintain it. Because of this, lenders often require a Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA) before approving financing. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Roa

🏡 What Is a Loan Estimate (LE) in NH Real Estate and How Should Buyers Read It? When you apply for a mortgage in New Hampshire, your lender must provide a Loan Estimate (LE) within three business days. This standardized, three-page document breaks down the loan terms, projected closing costs, and estimated monthly payment — allowing buyers to compare lenders side-by-side. Here’s how Loan Estimates work and why they matter in NH real estate. ⭐ What Is a Loan Estimate (LE)? A

🏡 What Is a Final Walk-Through in NH Real Estate and What Should Buyers Look For? Right before closing on a home in New Hampshire, buyers complete a final walk-through. This is not another home inspection — it’s the buyer’s chance to confirm that the property’s condition hasn’t changed and that the seller has met all contractual obligations. Here’s what NH buyers should know. ⭐ What Is a Final Walk-Through? A final walk-through is the buyer’s last opportunity to examine the

🏡 What Is Title Insurance in NH Real Estate and Why Is It Important? When purchasing a home in New Hampshire, buyers receive two major forms of protection: a clear title and a title insurance policy. While the title search uncovers known issues, title insurance protects you against problems that may arise after closing — even if they weren’t discovered in public records. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers should know. ⭐ What Is Title Insurance? Title insurance is a one-time i

🏡 What Is a Financing Delay in NH Real Estate and How Does It Affect Closing? In New Hampshire real estate, most homebuyers rely on a mortgage to complete their purchase. If the lender needs more time to finish underwriting or clear remaining conditions, the transaction may experience a financing delay — one of the most common causes of postponed closings. Here’s what NH buyers and sellers need to understand. ⭐ What Is a Financing Delay? A financing delay occurs when the buy