If you are selling your home, the buyer will most likely get a mortgage to finance the purchase. If the house is financed, the buyer will also need it to appraise. Your REALTOR should help you to get the highest value when they meet with the appraiser. Here are some tips for getting a higher appraisal value:

Make cosmetic improvements:

The first impression is the most important, so make sure your home looks its best. Cosmetic improvements are easy and affordable ways to boost the value of your home. Simple things like repainting the walls, upgrading light fixtures, and decluttering can help your home look its best. 

You don't have to spend a lot of money on major renovations to make a big difference. When making cosmetic improvements, focus on the areas that are most visible and have the biggest impact on your home's overall appearance.

Keep your home clean and tidy:

A clean and tidy home not only shows that you take care of your property, but it also makes a good impression on the appraiser. Make sure your home is spotless and presentable, especially on the day of the appraisal.

Cleanliness is often associated with maintenance and upkeep, which can help raise the value of your home. Make sure you deep clean your home before the appraisal and keep it tidy throughout the process.

Keep records of any upgrades or renovations:

If you've made any significant upgrades or renovations to your home, make sure you have all the documentation to prove it. This will help the appraiser take these upgrades into account when assessing the value of your home. This could include receipts, invoices, and before-and-after photos.

Your REALTOR should bring a list of Featured Upgrades with the value to the appraisal. Make a list of the repair value to the kitchen, bath, flooring, roof, furnace or other areas that you may have repaired or replaced within the last 10 years. It will help to support a higher value for your home in the long run.

Highlight the positive aspects of your home: 

Make sure the appraiser knows about any unique features or upgrades in your home. Take the time to point out any positive aspects of your home to your REALTOR. They can point out the features to the appraiser that might not have been noticed on their own. This includes recently renovated rooms, a new roof, a high-end security system, irrigation or maybe even a view. Unique features can increase the value of your home, so make sure the appraiser has a list of all of them.

Research comparable properties: 

Researching comparable properties in your area can give you an idea of what your home is worth. This will give you a better idea of what your home is worth and help you make a case for a higher appraisal value. Look for homes that are similar in size, age, and style that have recently sold in your area. This information can help you make a case for a higher appraisal value.

Be present during the appraisal: 

Having your REALTOR present during the appraisal gives you an opportunity to provide the appraiser with all the information about your home that may not be apparent at first glance. This could include all of your recent upgrades and improvements that increase the value of your home. Additionally, being present during the appraisal gives a REALTOR insight if there are repairs or concerns that could cause a delay.

Remember that the appraisal value is not the same as the market value.  It is based on a variety of factors, including the condition of your home, the local real estate market, and recent sales in your area. While the appraiser's assessment is based these variety of factors, the market value is ultimately determined by the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. While you can't control everything, these tips can help you maximize your home's value and get a higher appraisal value.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Hudson NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our blog at  www.Harmony-RE.com  for more tips and tricks to buying or selling a Hudson NH house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

Maintaining your home is an important task that helps keep your property in good condition. It can save you money in the long run. Here are some tips on maintaining your home to keep it in good condition.

Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

Performing regular maintenance is essential for keeping your home in good condition. This includes seasonal tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking and sealing windows and doors, and inspecting your heating and cooling systems. It's also important to change air filters regularly and clean out any debris from outdoor HVAC units.

In the fall, it's important to prepare your home for the cold weather. Insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and checking the condition of your heating system is important to keep your house in good condition. In the spring, it's important to perform tasks such as checking and repairing any damage to your roof, inspecting your air conditioning system, and cleaning out your gutters and downspouts.

Home Safety and Security

Maintaining a safe and secure home is a top priority for any homeowner. This includes installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in every room, checking the batteries regularly, and testing the alarms monthly.

It's also important to install a security system to protect your home from potential break-ins. This can include installing motion sensors, security cameras, and door and window alarms. It's also important to keep your doors and windows locked at all times, and to install sturdy locks and deadbolts.

Energy-Saving Measures

Taking steps to save energy not only helps the environment, but can also save you money on your utility bills. This includes simple measures such as turning off lights and electronics not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging appliances not in use.

Other energy-saving measures include installing a programmable thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home. Sealing drafts around windows and doors, and insulating your attic and walls will also improve energy efficiency.

Keep the Exterior in Good Condition

Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks in the foundation or siding. Make repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It's also important to keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained, which can improve your home's curb appeal and prevent overgrowth that could cause damage to your home.

Maintain Your Appliances

Regular maintenance of your appliances, such as your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher, can help prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which may include tasks such as cleaning the filters, replacing belts or hoses, and checking for leaks.

Clean Regularly

Keeping your home clean not only improves its appearance, it prevents damage and improves indoor air quality. Regularly dust and vacuum your home, and clean spills or stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in. It's also important to regularly clean your air ducts, which can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality.

Monitor Your Home's Moisture Levels

High levels of moisture in your home can lead to mold growth. This can be damaging to both your home and your health. Regularly check for signs of moisture, such as water stains or mold growth, and take steps to address the issue. Checking your attic and basement regularly is important. This may include repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier.

Plan for Future Maintenance

Keep a record of maintenance tasks, and plan for future maintenance tasks accordingly. For example, if you know that your roof will need to be replaced in a few years, you'll need a plan. Start saving for the expense now so that you're prepared when the time comes to complete it.

Maintaining a home is an important task that requires regular attention to keep your property in good condition. By performing seasonal maintenance tasks, prioritizing home safety and security, and implementing energy-saving measures, you can help keep your home in great shape and enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment.

By following these tips for maintaining your home, you can help keep your home in great condition. Maintenance can also prevent costly repairs down the road. Regular maintenance is key to a healthy and happy home!

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Southern NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com  for tips on buying a Southern NH house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

So which option is the best first time investment? The decision to purchase a house, condo, or multi-family property as your first home depends on your lifestyle, financial situation, and personal preferences. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to consider them carefully before making a decision.

House

Pros:

• More space for family, pets or hobbies
• You own the land and can make changes to the property as you please
• Higher potential for resale value and appreciation over time
• Can be a better long-term investment

Cons:

• More expensive than condos or multi-family homes
• Higher maintenance and repair costs
• Takes more time and effort to maintain both the house and the yard

Condo

Pros:

• Less maintenance, as the condo association takes care of exterior and common area upkeep
• Amenities such as pools, gyms and clubhouses may be available for residents
• Cheaper than buying a house in some areas
• Potentially higher rental income if you decide to rent it out

Cons:

• You have less control over the property
• Limited living space
• You may have to pay monthly fees for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas
• Potential for special assessments or unexpected costs related to building repairs

Multi-Family

Pros:

• Potential for rental income from other units to offset your mortgage payments
• Investment opportunity, as the property value may increase over time
• Living in one unit and renting out the others can reduce your housing costs

Cons:

• Requires more responsibility as a landlord, including maintenance and repairs
• Limited privacy
• Difficulties in finding tenants can lead to periods of vacancies
• Property management issues can arise if tenants do not pay their rent or cause damage to the property.

In conclusion, deciding between a house, condo, or multi-family home as your first home will depend on your individual needs. Finding the best first time investment should be based on your financial goals. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans before making a decision.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Southern NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com  for tips on buying a Southern NH house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

Buying a home is an exciting and important decision that requires careful preparation and planning. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or have experience in the real estate market, there are several key steps you can take to ensure a successful home buying experience. Here are three home buying tips to help you prepare, navigate the process, and choose the right property for your needs:

Preparing to Buy a Home

Before you start searching for properties, it's important to get your finances in order. This includes checking your credit score, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, and determining your budget for the purchase. It's also important to research the different types of mortgages available and choose one that's right for you.

Another key step in preparing to buy a home is to work with a reputable real estate agent who has expertise in the local market. An experienced agent can help you navigate the home buying process, provide valuable insights and advice, and help you find the best available properties that meet your specific needs and budget.

Navigating the Home Buying Process

Once you're ready to start your search, it's important to have a clear understanding of the home buying process. This includes researching properties, attending open houses and showings, making offers, and completing the necessary paperwork and inspections.

One of the most important steps in the home buying process is to have a home inspection. A professional inspection can help identify any issues or problems with the property, such as structural damage, plumbing or electrical issues, or other potential hazards.

When making an offer on a property, it's important to consider not only the price but also any contingencies, such as inspection or financing contingencies, that may be included in the offer. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help ensure that your offer is competitive and includes any necessary contingencies.

Choosing the Right Property

When choosing a property, it's important to consider a range of factors, such as location, size, and condition of the property. It's also important to consider any additional features or amenities that may be important to you, such as a backyard or a garage.

Another key consideration when choosing a property is the potential for future appreciation. This includes factors such as the location of the property, the local real estate market, and any upcoming development or infrastructure projects in the area.

Ultimately, the key to a successful home buying experience is to be patient, do your research, and work with experienced professionals who can help guide you through the process. By following these three home buying tips, you can find the right property that meets your needs and budget and enjoy a successful and fulfilling home ownership experience.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Southern NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com  for tips on buying a Southern NH house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

When it comes to selling your Hudson home, cleaning up and fixing any broken or worn items will help you attain a higher value for your house. Take a look at these 10 things you can do to make your house more appealing before you sell your house.

1. Power Wash
   The first impression is very important. Power wash the exterior of your house, garage, decks and walkways to make it look clean. The cleaner your house appears the more well maintained buyers will think it is. You can hire a company for a few hundred dollars or with a couple hours you can do it yourself. 

2. Paint
   Painting your house can take ten years off the look and help sell your house. A new fresh coat of paint can do wonders to spruce up the cleanliness of a room or especially the outside of your home. Make sure all the trim and doors look clean and maintained to tell buyers your home has been loved.

3. Landscaping
   Take care of your lawn. Make sure to use the lawn mower and water your lawn before you sell your house so that the exterior of your home looks its best. Some weed whacking will also go a long way. Make sure to make the edges look pretty to match the rest of your lawn. You can hire a professional or take a few hours of your time. It will be worth the effort when you get the best price possible for your home.

4. Gutters
   Clean the leaves and gunk out of the gutters. It is good for inspections and for possible water retention issues that can occur to your foundation when the gutters have already been maintained. If there is build up from a gutter causing a backup into your basement it could be mistaken as something more expensive. It also gives a clean look to the finish off the exterior, which can help sell your house.

5. Steam Clean
   A clean carpet is vital for showings. People will wonder if it’s possible to get stains out and consider replacement instead of cleaning when they see stains. For a few hundred dollars you can have a company come and do it for you or you can rent a steam cleaner and invest a few hours to make your home look it’s best. If you have pets it’s especially important to try to rid your home of any additional odors or stains that might cause a buyer to rethink purchasing your house.

6. Add Storage
   If you add storage to a room with a closet, as long as you’re on public sewer, it has the potential to be another bedroom. Buyers will look at it as extra storage or the potential for the additional room for a child, a spare bedroom, workout room or even a in-home office.

7. Check the Roof & Attic
   Take a look at your attic and your roof before you sell your house. Sometimes you’ll find a small leak that can be repaired prior to listing instead of having to replace a whole roof if a buyer becomes concerned. Checking the attic is also a great thing to do because many times if you haven’t been up there in a long time there could be rodents or even mold growing up there to could potentially kill a deal or become more costly by not addressing it prior to the listing.

8. Wash & Fix Windows
   Cracked and broken windows can easily be fixed by a glass repair company without having to replace every window in your home. However, if a buyer sees lots of damage to your windows it will get them thinking that all the windows need to be replaced when a smaller fix may be adequate. Washing the windows will do wonders for brightening up the space and look of the home as well.

9. Declutter
   When you remove all the excess clutter it makes your home feel more inviting and spacious. Remove any excess things that you’re not using for the season and put them in Rubbermaid bins to put in the basement or garage. Put away all the extra photos and trinkets that make your home feel cluttered. While it may be nice to have mementos all of the house for your enjoyment it is distracting for buyers.

10. Replace Your Filters
    Filters don’t cost too much and showing that you care for your HVAC systems goes a long way for a buyer. Seeing that you maintain all your system is an important step. It also keeps your systems running and working properly.

All of these projects could be done by yourself or easily enough done by a professional, as well. If you need a list of qualified professionals give us a call, we’d be honored to help.

If you are want to sell your house or re considering buying a Hudson NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com  for tips on buying a South Hudson house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

Are you looking for a multi family house to live in or rent? If so, this is definitely the Dunbarton Duplex for sale that you have been looking for! It's located on a private 5.35 acre private wooded lot.

This Dunbarton Duplex for sale features 2 townhouse style units with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, a walk-up attic, an a eat-in kitchen, first floor half bath with stackable laundry, and a large living room with a sldier and a wood/gas stove hookup.

With 2,320 square feet of interior living space for your family, this beautiful Goffstown home is an entertainers dream. It sits on 3.1 acres of landscaped, private wooded land with a volleyball court, and an in-ground pool with a jacuzzi. It will definitely be fun for your whole family.

The eat-in kitchen has a refrigerator, microwave and a cooktop stove and plenty of cabinets for storage. Plus the metal roof is only 9 years old.

The second unit has the same layout as the first unit.

This multi family is move-in ready with neutral colors throughout.

Conveniently located

This Dunbarton NH home for sale is conveniently located. Conveniently located with 10-15 minutes from Manchester or Concord and 10 minutes to the highway for commuters. This Dunbarton NH house for sale is setback from the road in a country setting on 5.35 acres for maximum privacy.

The home is located about 10 minutes from I-293 in Manchester NH for commuters. If you need more shopping options Manchester and Concord are close by for your shopping enjoyment.

It is also just a 8 minute drive to the Dunbarton Elementary School and Bow Memorial School. Bow High School is only a 10 minute drive away.

Morse Road is located within a 10 minute drive Manchester and 15 minutes to Concord but it is tucked away for a country style atmosphere and enjoyment. There are several hiking trails in Dunbarton to enjoy such as Mill Pond Trail, Kimball Pond Loop, Gum Tree Loop, Rangeway Road, East Side Trail, Loop Trail, Hopkington-Everett Reservoir, Pond View Loop, and Hobblebush Trail.

36 Morse Rd, Dunbarton NH 03046 Map

Enjoy a restful night in this Dunbarton Duplex’s Bedrooms

Both the units have two bedrooms and a full bathroom on the second floor. The large master bedroom faces the front yard while the second bedroom faces the wooded backyard.

The second unit has the same layout as the first unit.

Relax and enjoy a restful night in your peaceful master bedroom sanctuary. There is more than enough space to accommodate a full King sized bed set and more.

An unfinished attic for storage

This Duplex also has an unfinished attic on both sides for extra storage space.

If you need more space you could even convert this space into more living space. It could be used as a Mantown, a home office, a home Gym, a craft room, a playroom, a den, really any room of your choosing could be considered. There are many potentials uses for the space depending on your needs.

Fun outdoor living space!

There are back stairs leading into the backyard. It is the perfect spot to watch kids, pets or some wildlife running around. To the right of the house there is even a firepit for summer nights. Relax and unwind in your outdoor oasis.

The whole house 36 Morse Rd, Dunbarton NH consists of eight rooms, 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. It is located on a wooded, private 5.35 acres with a shed, a firepit and a large front and backyard. There is a driveway with parking for 10+ cars. The taxes for 2020 are $6,405. The current 2020 tax rate for Dunbarton, NH is $22.28 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.

Enjoy all the amenities of this Dunbarton NH Duplex for only $334,900. Call (603) 883-8840 today to schedule a showing.

Below are some interior and exterior photos of the home. Call or email to take a look at this gorgeous Goffstown house for sale.

Dunbarton, New Hampshire

Are you new to the Dunbarton, New Hampshire area? Are you considering this a place you might want to call home? Do you want to learn more about Dunbarton, New Hampshire? If you’re interested in learning more about Dunbarton, NH as a town give me a call or send me an email. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Dunbarton, NH give us a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information or to take a look at this lovely multi family today! Visit our website at http://www.Harmony-RE.com for more information.

This beautiful Derry house for sale is in move-in condition just waiting for your finishing touches! This house is set back on a private .72 acre lot in a desirable neighborhood near Pinkerton. It features 4/5 bedrooms, 1 bath, a laundry room, hardwood & tile flooring, plus an open concept living room to kitchen/dining to family room. This Derry Split house is completely renovated and ready for your occupancy.

This home is finished from top to bottom and has 2,946 square feet of interior living space. It sits on large .72 acre lot and has a large paved driveway. The open concept layout is perfect for entertainment, family gatherings or just hanging out.

The home was updated in 2017 with a new kitchen, bathroom, lighting fixtures, doors and rugs. The kitchen has granite counter tops with a modern tile backsplash, a peninsula, stainless appliances and a dining area with a built-in hutch. The bathroom has a large vanity with plenty of storage and a tiled shower surround. A brand new hot water tank was installed in 2019.  

There are neutral colors throughout to go with any décor. The finished basement has a huge recreational room and more bedrooms. There is also a 1 car garage with a good sized workshop. Outside there is even more space for storage under the deck and family room.

Conveniently Located

This Derry house for sale is ideally located close to downtown. It is located right off of the Londonderry Turnpike. Tucked away in a lovely neighborhood, this Derry NH house for sale is close to all the amenities, restaurants and stores Derry has to offer.

The home at 3 Doris St is located just 5 minutes from Exit 4 on Route 93 in Londonderry NH for commuters. Close to restaurants, supermarkets, shopping and about 10 minutes to Londonderry Commons and Home Depot. This home is conveniently located.

The library and local schools are also located within a 3 mile radius. Pinkerton is a desired high school and has a B+ Rating with Niche.

Doris St is located within a 30 minute drive to Nashua or 25 minutes to Manchester. It has a downtown area and surrounding areas that are more remote. Gallien’s Town Beach is located about 5 minutes away for town residents to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and more. There are also several parks located a couple minutes away as well as a dog park, tennis courts, playgrounds and more for town residents. 

3 Doris St, Derry NH 03038 Map

An Open Concept Derry house

Step into the living room from the front porch at his Derry house for sale. The living room is open to the kitchen/dining are which leads into the family room. There is lots of cabinetry in the newly renovated kitchen. The living room is light and bright with hardwood flooring and a picture window. The family room is carpeted with a gas stove and leads out to the private deck and yard.

Relax in this Derry house’s bedrooms

There are 4/5 Bedrooms in this Derry NH Split house for sale. 3 of the bedrooms are located on the first floor and have hardwood floors. There are also 2 additional bedrooms in the lower level which are carpeted.

Enjoy the outdoors

Relax on the back deck. There is ample space for a patio set and a barbecue. It’s a perfect to enjoy summer, spring or fall. Setup your barbecue grill and enjoy the space with family or friends.

The whole house 3 Doris St Derry NH consists of eleven rooms, 4/5 bedrooms and 1 bath. It is located on .72 acres with a large backyard and a paved driveway for 6 car parking. The taxes for 2020 are $8761. The current 2020 tax rate for Derry, NH is $26.12 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.

Enjoy this Derry NH Ranch for 399,900. Call (603) 883-8840 today to schedule a showing.

Below are some interior and exterior photos of the home. Call or email to take a look at this gorgeous Derry house for sale.

Derry, New Hampshire

Are you new to the Derry, New Hampshire area? Are you considering this a place you might want to call home? Do you want to learn more about Derry, New Hampshire? Are you looking for a Derry house for sale?  If you’re interested in learning more about Derry, NH as a town give me a call or send me an email. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Derry, NH give us a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information or to take a look at this beautiful home today! Visit our website at http://www.Harmony-RE.com for more information.

So you’re thinking of selling your Hudson home. Have you thought about what updates would make your home more marketable or researched tips to sell your home? An easy and inexpensive way to ensure your home sells is through staging. Perhaps you’re wondering what that entails? Staging your house is all about the aesthetics. Think of staging as a great way to put your homes best foot forward to show people what made you first want to buy. Just by following a few of these tips can help your Hudson house for sale spend up to 83% less time on the market than non-staged homes according to The International Association of Home Staging Professionals.

1. Take a peek at the competition. Search your areas listings. Is there a Hudson house for sale that stands out? Some that turned you away? Take notes on what drew you in and what made you say next. With poor staging, even a great home can seem small dark and uninviting. Doing this can give you ideas of what your home and listing needs to stand out.

2. Deep clean your home!  Such a simple step, but a crucial one. No one wants to picture themselves in a dirty home. Start by decluttering; either by throwing items away you don’t need or storing items with friends, family or in a storage unit. Now we know keeping a home spotless for months can become daunting, especially if you have kids. Make sure your agent gives plenty of time before showings to tidy up and another option is to hire a weekly housekeeper to help with the upkeep. A small price for big results!

3. Paint and touch ups are another great way to update your home to sell.  Now that your home is clean, you may look around and start to notice a scuffed wall or chipping corners. Maybe you’ve loved having a dark colored living room, but your buyers are looking for something light and natural. A simple paint update could be what’s standing between you and your house selling. We suggest light and airy earth-toned colors like grey or beige. It helps enlarge your spaces and keeps things looking fresh.

4. Interior design plays a big role as well.  The idea of staging is to make your home look unlived in. We encourage owners to take down all personal effects and rearrange your furniture to best fit your space not your lifestyle. For example, instead of your furniture facing the TV have the couches face each other in the living room. While we are keeping the décor to a minimum, interior designer’s recommend odd numbers like having three throw pillows on your couch. Have a small space? Add a mirror and double it. These tips will make your rooms feel bigger and draw in the buyers. The key here is to get the most out of your spaces and to give them purpose.

5. Don’t forget lighting! We are setting the stage after all and what’s a stage without lighting? Replace the burnt out bulbs, open the blinds, and get as much light in your home as you can. The key to people falling in love with your house is being able to see it!

6. Having a pet and selling a home can be tricky; a good practice is to keep their items stored out of the way and to make sure they aren’t there when the house is being shown if possible. You don’t want your loveable friend distracting from your beautiful home. If the key to staging is to make it look like no one lives there, the dog bowl, litter box, and all the toys your family pet enjoys need to be put out of sight.

7. Make your home smell inviting.  So you’ve done the heavy lifting part of staging and are running out the door before a showing, give the house a once over make sure everything’s in its place and give the house a spray down with some air freshener. You want your home to feel clean and smell can play a huge roll here.

8. Now that the inside of your house is staged to perfection don’t neglect the exterior. Whether that is mowing your lawn, weeding, planting some annuals for a pop of color, or pressure washing the siding, it's all part of staging your house to sell. This is the first look at your home a buyer will have and curb appeal is everything!

Good luck incorporating these tips for staging your house to sell. Selling your Hudson NH house for sale is not always easy, but with our help we can make it less stressful. Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com for more tips to prepare your Hudson NH house for sale.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Hudson NH house for sale, give our Agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

Purchasing a house requires an investment from you as a buyer. You will need at least a 3-5% down payment unless you are a Veteran going VA or are buying in a rural location with USRD. However that’s not all you’ll need. There are also hidden costs to home ownership.

Unless the seller helps with closing costs that will be additional, as well the appraisal and home inspection. Once you have purchased the house you’ll also want to make sure that you’ve set aside some additional funds for home maintenance. While these may all be costs you were aware of, what are the hidden costs of owning a house? Below are 3 hidden costs of home ownership.

Mortgage Interest

Mortgage interest is the interest you pay to the bank in order to get the loan for your house purchase. It is calculated as a percentage of the total loan amount for the mortgage that was given to you through the lender. At the beginning of the loan a larger portion, almost 50% of your payment goes directly toward the interest.

You can never get rid of mortgage interest from your loan but it’s possible to reduce the length of time paying it. To get rid of your mortgage at a faster rate, make one extra payment a year. Then you can chop off years from your loan. Home ownership is a goal that can be achieved.

HOA Dues

If you own a home in an HOA you will have an additional monthly or yearly fee. HOA fees are disclosed when you purchase your house or condo but the fees can increase over time. Make sure to look at the budgets and reserves of the Association before you decide to purchase a house or condo.

Special assessments can also be added on to your fees if there isn’t enough money to cover needed repairs. This is usually an additional fee that is charged to the owner over a period of time, from only a few months to several years.  If an Association doesn’t have enough in reserves for maintenance such as roof, septic or siding it could be costly to you as the owner. HOA fees typically cost home owners $250 to $450 every month.

Security Features

After you purchase a new house it’s best to make sure that no one else has access to it. The doors should be rekeyed or new locks should be installed. If you have a security system, garage door openers or keyless entry it’s in your best interest to reprogram all of the entry points as soon as you purchase the home. There’s just no way to know how many people have had or still have a key to your house. So it’s in your best interest to get it done for your own safety.

There are easy how to videos that can even show you how to do it yourself. I've included some how to videos below for use on how to reprogram your garage door opener or rekey your doors.

The extra hidden costs of home ownership can be a hassle but it’s definitely worth it. Home ownership is the American dream after all! Just make sure to plan in advance for a few bumps in the road, even if you don’t plan on it.

It’s easy to get preoccupied with making the house look perfect for showings but safety is a bigger concern. With strangers walking around your house during showings, precautions for your Hudson house for sale will make sellers feel safe. Below are 5 tips to protect your house during a showing.

The buyers are supervised by a real estate agent but there is still a lot of foot traffic through your home. A security system is helpful as a tool for owners but it is a felony to record anyone without their permission. Most buyers have good intentions and showings are usually problem free but it’s best to prepare just in case.

Hide your valuables

Sellers should hide their valuables when selling their Hudson house for sale. Removing jewelry, electronics like phones, tablets or laptops and other valuable items is always a good idea when you have strangers coming to your home. You can put them in a safe or hide them so that they are not in plain sight. Even medications and identifying paperwork should be kept locked away as prescription drug theft or identity theft can also become a problem. Weapons such as guns and large kitchen knives should also be locked up or removed to prevent theft and further protect you.

Replace Artwork

If you have expensive artwork in your home it’s best to replace it with prints or reproductions prior to listing your home on the market. If your house will be empty it’s even more important to take them down prior to your move. When in doubt take it down and pack it away.

Remove Personal Photos

A homey feel is great as it can help buyers imagine their family in your home. However, with lots of new people in your home it is best to protect your family. Putting away personal photos protects the sellers and their family. You want the buyers to be able to look around and envision themselves and their family instead of yours.

Have buyers sign in

During open houses buyers should sign in and leave their name and phone number. Then if there is suspicion of theft, there is a record of who attended during the open house. When other agents show the house they will also leave their information. Signing in helps keep track of everyone who looks at the house.

Secure the house

Make sure the sellers have their house securely locked before showings. When possible the listing agent should use a supra to gain access to the house so that when agents enter the house there is a way to track it.

It’s important to think about safety with so many prospective buyers entering and exiting the sellers’ house. It is important to protect homeowners and their identities. It’s impossible to keep an eye on everyone at all times. Although most buyers are honest, consider the possibility that some aren’t. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.