What Is the Average Down Payment in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Is the Average Down Payment in New Hampshire?

Many homebuyers in New Hampshire are surprised to learn that they do not need 20% down.

In fact, most buyers across Central NH — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Ashland, Bristol, and Rumney — put down far less.

Here’s what buyers actually put down and what loan programs make low down payments possible.

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1. USDA Loans — 0% Down

Many NH towns qualify for USDA, especially rural areas.

0% down payment

Income limits apply

Property must be in an eligible area

Very popular in Grafton County

Rumney, Dorchester, Wentworth, and many towns outside Plymouth qualify.

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2. VA Loans — 0% Down (For Veterans)

If you’re a veteran, NH is very VA-friendly.

0% down

No mortgage insurance

Flexible credit requirements

Veterans often buy with zero down and strong terms.

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3. FHA Loans — 3.5% Down

The most common loan for NH first-time buyers.

Requirements:

580+ credit score = 3.5% down

500–579 = 10% down

Great for older homes, cabins, and rural properties.

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4. Conventional Loans — 3%–5% Down

A strong option if you have good credit.

3% down (First-time buyers)

5% down (Most borrowers)

Better long-term pricing with higher credit scores

Conventional loans are popular for competitive areas near Plymouth and Bristol.

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5. The REAL Average Down Payment in NH

Across most transactions:

👉 The average NH buyer puts down 3%–5%.

Many buyers buy with:

0% USDA

0% VA

3.5% FHA

The old “20% down” rule rarely applies.

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6. Should You Put More Down?

You may benefit from a larger down payment if:

Your credit score is low

You want a lower monthly payment

You want to avoid PMI

You’re buying a second home

But for most first-time NH buyers, 3%–5% is perfect.

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Q&A

Q: What is the average down payment in NH?

A: Most NH buyers put down 3%–5%, not 20%.

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Keywords

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

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Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com