What Does “As-Is” Mean When Buying a House in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Does “As-Is” Mean When Buying a House in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire real estate, when a seller lists a home “as-is,” it means they are selling the property in its current condition and will not make repairs before closing.

This is common in areas across Central NH — including Plymouth, Campton, Bristol, Rumney, Ashland, and Thornton — especially with:

Older homes

Estate sales

Cabins

Fixer-uppers

Investment properties

Homes needing updates

But “as-is” does not mean you’re stuck or unprotected.

Here’s what NH buyers should know.

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What “As-Is” Actually Means in NH

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1. The Seller Won’t Make Repairs

They are saying upfront:

No repairs

No credits (usually)

No updates

No replacements

The home comes exactly as it sits.

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2. You STILL Get a Home Inspection

“As-is” does not mean you skip inspections.

You can still inspect:

Roof

Foundation

Well water

Septic system

Electrical

Heating system

Basement moisture

Structural issues

And if something major appears, you can still walk away.

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3. You Can Still Cancel Under Contingencies

In New Hampshire, as long as you keep your inspection contingency, you can cancel and get your earnest money back.

Even with “as-is,” you’re protected by:

Inspection contingency

Appraisal contingency

Financing contingency

Title contingency

“As-is” does NOT remove these rights.

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4. Appraisal Still Matters

Even if the seller won’t fix anything, the lender may still require repairs.

Examples:

Missing handrails

Unsafe electrical

Chipping paint (FHA)

Well contamination

Broken heating system

Structural issues

If the home can’t meet lender requirements, the seller may STILL need to fix items — even in an “as-is” sale.

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Why Homes Are Sold As-Is in NH

Common reasons:

Seller doesn’t want to negotiate

Property condition is unknown

Estate sale

Vacant property

Investor-owned

Deferred maintenance

Older systems

Septic concerns

This does NOT always mean the home is bad — it just means the seller wants a simple transaction.

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Q&A

Q: What does “as-is” mean in NH real estate?

A: The seller won’t make repairs, but buyers still get full inspections and can cancel using contingencies.

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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

nh septic pumping schedule, new hampshire septic maintenance, plymouth nh septic systems, campton nh home buying, rumney nh septic care, thornton nh septic tank tips, central nh real estate guide

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