New Hampshire Real Estate Blog

A common question, or a common theme in today's market when I run into people I know, or for that matter, people I meet, is, "How is the market?", "How do you like the business?"

My answer, almost every time, "I love it!"  Everything about what I do, I love.  I love the fact that I control my own destiny.  I create my own schedule.  I am able to be where I want to be, when I want to be.

The next question, almost every time, "What got you into the business?"  My answer; I was in the process of purchasing my current home back in 2002.  This was my third purchase in 3 years, and every purchase was different.  My first was a owner occupied duplex, the second was a single family home in Arizona, and the last was a single family home for my move back to New Hampshire.  My last purchase was undoubtedly the toughest of all of the purchases.  I had hired an agent that I had know for a long time, told him the situation, and told him what my wife and I were looking for.  He found us our home, that we were looking for.  He gave us the best possible service that he could at the time, and for that, I referred business back to him.  I think I kept him busy in 2002!

Why do I do what I do?  Because I want to offer that same great service that my wife and I received in 2002.  I want to be treated like I was the only client of the agent at that time.  I want to answer any questions that my clients might have to the best of my ability.

What are the other reasons I do what I do?  For my family.  I want to provide the best opportunities in life for those that I love.  I want to give my kids the best education they can get, vacations, and lots of fun filled family time.  I think that working hard at what I do, and doing the best at what I do, will give my family those opportunities.

Why do you do what you do?

This year, more than 1.4 million Americans will hear the words ‘You have cancer’. I know too many people whose lives have been upended and cut short by cancer, and that is why I have joined the American Cancer Society on a mission to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by participating in the Relay For Life in my community.

At Relay For Life we celebrate loved ones who have won their battle against cancer, remember those who are no longer with us, and fight back against this disease that touches so many. I am determined to make a difference, and I hope you will join me. I will be walking on Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26 2pm - 8am at Spaulding High School

Please, support me in my efforts by using the link below to visit my personal Web page and make a donation. Every dollar raised brings us one dollar closer to cures, and to a time when the number of people whose lives are claimed by cancer is zero. Thank you so much for your support. Together, we ARE saving lives and creating a world with more birthdays!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11NE?px=19748547&pg=personal&fr_id=31281

HUD Home for sale in Rochester New Hampshire

This just might be the best priced home I have seen for sale all year!  This home just came on the market first thing this morning.  When I log into the MLS every morning around 7 am, the first thing I look for is new listings in my market area.  Well, here it is!  A HUD home for sale in Rochester New Hampshire, only $87,000!!!!!!

Amazing price for this 1890'S home with lots of updating already done. This one will not last long.This property is FHA insurable, with no repairs needed. Gov't owned home -- US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)case #341-092380. Property is sold as is - as seen. Seller nor agent makes any warranties or representation.

What is a HUD home?

A HUD home is a 1-to-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.

Why buy a HUD home?

HUD homes can be a very good deal. When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then they sell it at market value as quickly as possible.

I think someone forgot to tell this flock of geese we are expecting anywhere from 6-12 inches of snow Friday!

Normally this time of year we see the return of our feathered friends to New England.  I think this flock of geese must not have gotten the memo about Friday pending Nor' Easter!

There is a saying in New England, and if your familiar with the area, then might already know what I'm about to say.  "If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute!"

Northwood New Hampshire home for sale

Very Spacious colonial with 3 bedrooms, office or possibly a 4th bedroom, 2 1/2 baths on a level lot in a newer subdivision. Enormous family room with cathedral ceiling and Master suite with 3/4 bath and walk-in closet. Kitchen features an eat-in area with slider to back deck.

Price?????

Only $201,600

This is a HUD ownded home.  What does that mean?  Generally, it means this is a fantastic deal!  A home priced below market value to sell quickly.

Contact me today to view this home anytime.  I am a HUD registered broker and have access to this home anytime!  You can contact me by phone at 603-512-5971, or by email at bill@avalarnh.com

HUD homes for sale in Strafford County New Hampshire

What is a HUD home?

A HUD home is a 1-to-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.

Why buy a HUD home?

HUD homes can be a very good deal. When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then they sell it at market value as quickly as possible.

HUD owned homes in Strafford County

74 Bellamy Woods, Dover New Hampshire, $130,500 

5-7 Union Street, Somersworth New Hampshire, $84,000

142 Waldron Court, Farmington New Hampshire, $36,000

20 Dodge Street, Rochester New Hampshire, $112,500

194 Northeast Pond Road, Milton New Hampshire, $169,200

Contact me today to view any of these homes.  I am a HUD registered broker and have access to all of these homes anytime! 

Using a real estate broker is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be mind-boggling. A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. A real estate broker will be well-acquainted with all the important things you'll want to know about a neighborhood you may be considering...the quality of schools, the number of children in the area, the safety of the neighborhood, traffic volume, and more.

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

YOU HAVE OPTIONS

Sellers facing financial difficulty can be overwhelmed, but there are options, let me be your resource.

One of the biggest struggles for sellers facing financial difficulty is understanding their options.  I've been trained these options and strategies to homeowners so they can make the best decision for their future.

I have earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

So, I invite you to call me, or email me anytine and disucuss your situation.  Don't feel like you have no other option but to be foreclosed upon, you have several options, and I can help.

Call Bill Somerset at 603-512-5971 or email at bill@avalarnh.com

It's time for a easter egg hunt!

Join the Easter Bunny for the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt at Millennium Park on Stackpole Road. Bring a basket or bag to help gather up all the colorful and prize-filled plastic and chocolate eggs. Rain or shine. Dress accordingly.

WHO: All Somersworth children 9 and under

WHEN: Friday, April 22nd TIME: 5:30 p.m. SHARP

COST: FREE

Age Groups are located at: 2,3 and 4 year olds - softball field

5 and 6 year olds - volleyball courts

7,8 and 9 year olds - picnic area

This is always a fun, and free event for all.  I have taken my son when he was younger and he enjoyed the time with other community members.  Be sure to get there early, space will fill up quickly!