Real Estate Buyer and Seller Frequently Asked Questions

Buyers' Questions

Sellers' Questions

Buyers' Questions

How do I begin buying real estate?

Write down a list of what is important to you, including location, community, recreation, number of rooms. Then contact us.

How do I know how much I can afford?

We recommend that you get pre-qualified from a mortgage specialist at a bank or mortgage company.

How do I find out about schools in the area I am considering?

Most real estate sales people have knowledge of the school systems or they can direct you to the specific school district for a given town.

Do homes come with warranties?

New homes in New Hampshire come with a 1-year warranty from the builder. Warranties or insurance against defects of system failures can be purchased for used homes.

Will the town reassess the property after the sale, based on the latest sales price?

No. the State of New Hampshire does not allow this practice.

How do I know there will not be any liens left on the property after I purchase it?

• Your Sales Agreement (contract" should state "free of all liens and encumbrances except usual public utilities serving the property.".
• Your title search should identify any existing liens that need to be removed.

Is title insurance required?

Not in all instances, but we highly recommend it.

Is a building inspection required?

Building inspections are not mandatory, but we highly recommend that you hire an expert in this field.

What is radon?

Radon is an oderless, taste.ess, invisible, naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found throughout the United States. For more information, contact teh State of New Hampshire at 1-800-852-3345 extension 4674 or contact us for a free brochure.

Where can I acquire information on lead paint?

Lead paint can be harmful. We suggest you contact the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424LEAD for more information or contact us for a free brochure.

Is a survey required when you purchase property?

In most instances, it is not.

Is a personal attorney required to purchase real estate?

New Hampshire does not require a buyer or seller to engage a personal attorney when selling or buying real estate. We recommend that you seek legal advice if you have questions in this field.

Can I hire a real estate agent to represent me?

Yes. There are buyer brokers and agents available in the State of New Hampshire.

Sellers' Questions

How do I begin selling my property?

You should contact a real estate agency and ask for an experienced agent to assist you in the selling process.

Will I benefit from making improvements before I list my property for sale?

An experienced real estate agent can guide you through the doÕs and donÕts of improvements.

How do I know at what price to list my property?

Part of the listing process in our office is a written, detailed Comparative Market Analysis that tells us what price range the property value is in.

Do I need to be able to show my property any time it's requested?

No. You can control the time of showings and inform the agency of any special days not to schedule appointments.

How long does it take to sell a property?

The time for a sale to occur will change with the economy and general market conditions. An experienced agent can advise you of present market conditions.

After my property sells, how long do I have before I must move?

Moving or giving possession of the property to a new owner is an agreed-upon term of the Sales Contract. Generally, possession will take place the same day as the transfer but that is a negotiable term of the Sales Contract.

Can I hire a real estate agent to represent me?

Yes, and you should select an experienced agent familiar with your local market area.