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What Is a Mortgage Underwriting Process in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is the Mortgage Underwriting Process in New Hampshire? Once you go under contract on a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, your mortgage file moves into a critical stage called underwriting. Underwriting is where the lender decides whether to fully approve your loan — and it’s one of the most important parts of buying a home. Here’s exactly how it works. ⭐ What Is Underwriting? Underwriting is the lender’s detailed review o
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Do They Work in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Do They Work in New Hampshire? If you’re buying a home or condo in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you may come across properties that are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). Here’s what an HOA is — and how it affects your purchase. ⭐ What Is an HOA? A Homeowners Association is an organization that manages shared areas, rules, and community services for certain neighborhoods, condo
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) When Buying a Home in NH?
🏡 What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) When Buying a Home in NH? If you’re planning to buy a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, your lender will talk a lot about your Debt-to-Income Ratio, also known as DTI. Understanding DTI can make the difference between getting approved — or denied — for a mortgage. Here’s exactly what it means. ⭐ What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)? Your DTI compares your monthly debt payments to your gross m
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is the Difference Between a Conventional Loan and an FHA Loan in NH?
🏡 Conventional Loan vs. FHA Loan in New Hampshire — What’s the Difference? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you’ll need to decide what loan type is best for you. The two most common options are Conventional loans and FHA loans. Here’s a simple, clear comparison to help you choose. ⭐ What Is a Conventional Loan? A Conventional loan is not backed by the government. These loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is an Offer Deadline in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is an Offer Deadline in New Hampshire Real Estate? If you’re buying or selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you may see a listing with an “offer deadline.” But what does that mean — and how does it affect buyers and sellers? Here’s everything you should know. ⭐ What Is an Offer Deadline? An offer deadline is a specific date and time set by the seller when all offers must be submitted. Example: “All offers due Monda
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Final Walk-Through in New Hampshire Real Estate?
🏡 What Is a Final Walk-Through in New Hampshire Real Estate? Before closing on a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, buyers get one last opportunity to check the property — this is called the final walk-through. It’s a crucial step that protects buyers from unexpected issues before they officially take ownership. ⭐ What Is a Final Walk-Through? A final walk-through is a buyer’s last chance to: ✔ Make sure the home is in the same c
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in New Hampshire? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH with less than 20% down, you’ll likely have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance, commonly known as PMI. Here’s exactly what it is and how it works. ⭐ What Is PMI? PMI is an insurance policy that protects the lender, not the buyer, if the buyer stops making payments. It allows buyers to purchase a home with a smaller dow
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Home Warranty and Should You Get One in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Home Warranty and Should You Get One in New Hampshire? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you may hear agents or sellers mention a home warranty. But what is it — and is it worth it? Here’s everything you need to know. ⭐ What Is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances in a home due to normal wear and tear. It is not the
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Loan Estimate in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Loan Estimate in New Hampshire? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, one of the first documents your lender will give you is a Loan Estimate. This three-page form outlines your loan terms, projected payments, and estimated closing costs — and it’s one of the most important tools for comparing lenders. Here’s exactly what it means and how to use it. ⭐ What Is a Loan Estimate? A Loan Estimate (LE) is a
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Home Appraisal in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Home Appraisal in New Hampshire? If you’re buying or selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, the home appraisal is one of the most important steps in the closing process — especially for financed buyers. Here’s exactly what an appraisal is and how it works. ⭐ What Is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an independent professional evaluation of a property’s fair market value. Lenders require it to ensure they ar
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Seller’s Disclosure in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Seller’s Disclosure in New Hampshire? If you’re buying or selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you’ll come across something called a Seller’s Property Disclosure. But what exactly is it — and how does it protect both buyers and sellers? Here’s everything you need to know. ⭐ What Is a Seller’s Disclosure? A seller’s disclosure is a document where the seller reports any known issues with the property. This inclu
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
How Much Should I Offer on a House in New Hampshire?
🏡 How Much Should I Offer on a House in New Hampshire? Making an offer on a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH can feel overwhelming — especially when homes move quickly or receive multiple offers. So how do you know the right amount to offer? Here’s a clear guide to help you make a strong, confident decision. ⭐ Start With the Comparable Sales (“Comps”) Your offer should be based on what similar homes have recently sold for in the
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is an Inspection Contingency When Buying a Home in NH?
🏡 What Is an Inspection Contingency When Buying a Home in NH? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, Holderness, or any part of Central NH, the inspection contingency is one of the most important protections you can have in your purchase agreement. Here’s exactly what it means and why you need it. ⭐ What Is an Inspection Contingency? An inspection contingency gives the buyer the right to: ✔ Hire professional inspectors ✔ Review the home’s conditi
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is the Difference Between a Buyer’s Agent and a Listing Agent in NH?
🏡 Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent in New Hampshire — What’s the Difference? If you’re buying or selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you’ll interact with two main types of real estate professionals: ✔ Buyer’s Agent ✔ Listing Agent They sound similar — but their roles are very different. Here’s exactly what each one does and how they protect you in a New Hampshire real estate transaction. ⭐ What Is a Buyer’s Agent? A buyer
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is Radon and Do You Need a Radon Test When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is Radon and Do You Need a Radon Test When Buying a Home in New Hampshire? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Dorchester, Wentworth, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you will likely hear about radon testing during the inspection process. Radon is extremely common in New Hampshire due to the state’s granite bedrock — and every buyer should understand what it is and whether testing is necessary. Here’s everything you need to know. ⭐ What
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Heating Systems Are Common in New Hampshire Homes?
🏡 What Heating Systems Are Common in New Hampshire Homes? If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere in Central New Hampshire, understanding the home’s heating system is extremely important. New Hampshire’s long winters, cold temperatures, and rural housing stock mean that heating plays a major role in comfort, safety, and budgeting. Here are the most common heating systems you’ll find in NH homes — and what buyers should
Jim Johnson
Nov 182 min read
What Is a Well Inspection and Do You Need One When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?
🏡 What Is a Well Inspection and Do You Need One When Buying a Home in New Hampshire? Many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Dorchester, Ashland, Holderness, and throughout Central NH rely on private wells instead of public water. That makes a well inspection and water test one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. Here’s everything buyers need to know about wells in New Hampshire. ⭐ What Is a Well Inspection? A well inspection evaluates the cond
Jim Johnson
Nov 183 min read
Do You Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House in New Hampshire?
🏡 Do You Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House in New Hampshire? If you’re planning to buy a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere across Central New Hampshire, you’re probably wondering: “Do I really need a home inspection?” The short answer is: 👉 Yes — a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the entire buying process. Here’s why inspections matter so much in the Central NH housing market. ⭐ Why Home Inspections
Jim Johnson
Nov 183 min read
Should You Offer Over Asking Price in New Hampshire?
🏡 Should You Offer Over Asking Price in New Hampshire? When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH, one of the most common questions buyers ask is: “Do I need to offer over asking price to win the house?” The answer depends on the property, demand, and current market conditions. Here’s how to know when offering over asking makes sense — and when it doesn’t. ⭐ When You Should Consider Offering Over Asking Price
Jim Johnson
Nov 184 min read
Do Homes Sell During Winter in New Hampshire?
🏡 Do Homes Sell During Winter in New Hampshire? If you’re buying or selling a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you may wonder: “Do homes actually sell during the winter in New Hampshire?” The answer is YES — winter is one of the most underrated and active seasons for home sales in NH. Here’s why winter can be a strong time to enter the real estate market. ⭐ Why Homes Still Sell in NH Winters Unlike some states, New
Jim Johnson
Nov 184 min read
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