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What Is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and Why Do NH Homebuyers Need One?
🏡 What Is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and Why Do NH Homebuyers Need One? Whether you’re buying a newly built home in Plymouth, a renovated property in Campton, or a converted cabin in Rumney, you may run into something called a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that a property is safe, meets building codes, and is legally allowed to be lived in. Here’s what NH buyers should know. ⭐ What Is a Certificate of Occupancy? A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a docume
Jim Johnson
Nov 222 min read
What Is a Seller’s Property Disclosure and Why Is It Important in NH?
🏡 What Is a Seller’s Property Disclosure and Why Is It Important in NH? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, you’ll receive a Seller’s Property Disclosure. This document outlines what the seller knows about the home’s condition — helping buyers understand potential issues before closing. Here’s what NH buyers need to know. ⭐ What Is a Seller’s Property Disclosure? A seller’s disclosure is a form where the homeowne
Jim Johnson
Nov 222 min read
What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval and Why Is It Critical for NH Buyers?
COPY THIS INTO THE MAIN BLOG BODY EDITOR (PASTE EVERYTHING BELOW): 🏡 What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval and Why Is It Critical for NH Buyers? In fast-moving markets like Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and Ashland, getting pre-approved before you start house hunting is one of the most important steps in the buying process. A mortgage pre-approval shows sellers you’re financially ready — and it gives you a clear budget before you make an offer. Here’s what NH buyers need to
Jim Johnson
Nov 222 min read
What Is a Rate Lock and Why Is It Important for NH Homebuyers?
🏡 What Is a Rate Lock and Why Is It Important for NH Homebuyers? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, timing your mortgage rate lock can make a big difference in your monthly payment. A rate lock protects you from rising interest rates during the loan process, ensuring your mortgage rate stays the same through closing — even if the market changes. Here’s exactly how rate locks work in New Hampshire. ⭐ What Is a Mo
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is an Escrow Account in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is an Escrow Account in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, lenders may require you to set up an escrow account. An escrow account helps manage and streamline your property tax and insurance payments — ensuring they’re always paid on time and preventing financial surprises for homeowners. Here’s exactly how escrow works in New Hampshire. ⭐ What Is an Escrow Account? An escrow acc
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is Homeowners Insurance and Why Do NH Buyers Need It Before Closing?
🏡 What Is Homeowners Insurance and Why Do NH Buyers Need It Before Closing? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, you’ll need to secure homeowners insurance before closing. Lenders require it to protect the home — their collateral — and buyers rely on it to protect their investment from damage or loss. Without an active insurance binder, most NH lenders will not allow the closing to take place. Here’s exactly
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Purchase and Sales Agreement in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Purchase and Sales Agreement in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, one of the most important documents you’ll sign is the Purchase and Sales Agreement, often called the P&S. This contract finalizes the terms of the deal and outlines what both the buyer and seller are responsible for — legally binding both parties once signed. Here’s exactly what a P&S includes and why it ma
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Closing Disclosure and When Do NH Buyers Receive It?
🏡 What Is a Closing Disclosure and When Do NH Buyers Receive It? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, one of the final and most important documents you’ll receive is the Closing Disclosure, often called the CD. This document outlines your final loan terms, closing costs, and total cash required to close — and federal law requires that you receive it before your closing day. Here’s everything NH buyers need to know
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Financing Contingency in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Financing Contingency in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere throughout Central NH, the financing contingency is one of the most important protections available to buyers. This contingency ensures that if your mortgage falls through for a valid reason, you can withdraw from the purchase without losing your earnest money. Here’s how it works and why it matters. ⭐ What Is a Financing Contingency
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Seller Concession in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Seller Concession in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you might come across the term seller concession during negotiations. Seller concessions allow a seller to contribute money toward a buyer’s closing costs — making it easier and more affordable for buyers to purchase a home, especially when upfront cash is tight. Here’s exactly how they work in New Hampshire. ⭐ What Is a S
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Home Appraisal Contingency in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Home Appraisal Contingency in New Hampshire? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, it’s extremely common for buyers using financing to include a home appraisal contingency in their offer. This clause protects buyers from overpaying if the home doesn’t appraise for the agreed-upon price — a situation that comes up frequently in competitive or low-inventory New Hampshire markets. Here’s how appraisal continge
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Home Energy Audit and Why Do NH Buyers Care?
🏡 What Is a Home Energy Audit and Why Do NH Buyers Care? In Central New Hampshire — where winters are long and heating costs can be high — buyers often look closely at a home’s energy efficiency. One of the best ways to evaluate this is through a home energy audit. Whether you’re buying or selling in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or the surrounding areas, understanding how an energy audit works can help you make smarter decisions. ⭐ What Is a Home Energy Audi
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Title Search in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Title Search in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, or anywhere in Central NH, one of the most important parts of the closing process is the title search. A title search protects buyers (and lenders) from legal issues tied to the property — and skipping it can lead to major, expensive complications later. Here’s everything you need to know. ⭐ What Is a Title Search? A title search is a detailed review of public re
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Septic Inspection and Why Is It Important in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Septic Inspection and Why Is It Important in New Hampshire? In many parts of Central New Hampshire — including Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, and most rural towns — homes rely on private septic systems instead of public sewer. A septic inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process, and skipping it can lead to major, expensive surprises later. Here’s everything buyers and sellers should know. ⭐ What Is a Septic Inspection? A se
Jim Johnson
Nov 202 min read
What Is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection and Should NH Sellers Get One?
🏡 What Is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection and Should NH Sellers Get One? If you’re selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, you may hear agents talk about a pre-listing inspection. This is when a seller chooses to inspect their home before putting it on the market. While not required in New Hampshire, pre-listing inspections can be a powerful advantage for certain properties and can reduce surprises during the transaction.
Jim Johnson
Nov 192 min read
What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Wentworth, or anywhere in Central NH — and the home was built before 1978 — federal law requires something called a Lead Paint Disclosure. Here’s what it is and why it’s important. ⭐ What Is Lead-Based Paint? Before 1978, many homes used paint containing lead. Lead exposure can cause: ✔ Neurological issues ✔ Developmental delays in children ✔ Behavi
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is an Encroachment in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is an Encroachment in New Hampshire Real Estate? When buying a home or land in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Wentworth, or anywhere in Central NH, you may hear the term encroachment during the inspection or title process. Encroachments can cause disputes if not handled properly — here’s what you need to know. ⭐ What Is an Encroachment? An encroachment happens when a structure or improvement on one property intrudes onto another person’s land. Examples include:
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Well Water Test and Do NH Homebuyers Need One?
🏡 What Is a Well Water Test and Do NH Homebuyers Need One? In many towns across Central New Hampshire — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Woodstock, and Wentworth — homes rely on private wells instead of public water. Because of that, a well water test is one of the most important inspections buyers can perform. Here’s what it includes and why it matters. ⭐ What Is a Well Water Test? A well water test evaluates: ✔ Water quality ✔ Water safety ✔ Possible contamin
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is an Appraisal Gap and How Do NH Buyers Handle It?
🏡 What Is an Appraisal Gap and How Do NH Buyers Handle It? In competitive markets like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, and the rest of Central NH, buyers often run into something called an appraisal gap — a mismatch between what a home appraises for and what a buyer offered. Here’s how it works and how buyers successfully navigate it. ⭐ What Is an Appraisal Gap? An appraisal gap happens when: The home appraises for LESS than the price you offered. Example: Offer price:
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown and How Does It Work in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown and How Does It Work in New Hampshire? With mortgage rates higher than previous years, many buyers in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and across Central NH are using rate buydowns to lower their monthly payments. Here’s exactly what a rate buydown is and how it works. ⭐ What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown? A rate buydown is when the buyer (or sometimes the seller) pays an upfront fee to temporarily or permanently lower the mortgage
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
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