Top Renovations That Increase Your Home's Value

When it comes to selling your home or simply increasing its value for future potential, renovations are one of the most effective ways to boost your property’s market worth. However, not all home improvements are created equal. Some upgrades offer a strong return on investment (ROI), while others might not have much impact. To help you make the best decisions for your home, here’s a look at the top renovations that increase your home's value.

1. Kitchen Remodel: The Heart of the Home

ROI: 60-80%

The kitchen is often the focal point of a home, and it’s the first place many potential buyers look when evaluating a property. A well-designed, modern kitchen can significantly increase your home’s appeal and value.

Key Upgrades:

• New countertops: Granite, quartz, or marble countertops can give the kitchen a luxury feel.
• Cabinet refacing or replacing: Updated cabinets, whether you refinish, paint, or replace them entirely, can modernize the space.
• Energy-efficient appliances: Stainless steel appliances and energy-saving devices are a big draw for buyers.
• Improved lighting: Under-cabinet lighting and updated fixtures create a brighter and more welcoming kitchen space.

2. Bathroom Remodel: Modernize and Maximize

ROI: 60-70%

Bathrooms are another critical area where buyers focus their attention. An outdated or cramped bathroom can turn potential buyers away, while a sleek, modern design can increase your home’s value.

Key Upgrades:

• New vanity and countertops: Double vanities, quartz countertops, and modern faucets add sophistication.
• Walk-in shower or tub upgrade: Frameless glass showers and freestanding bathtubs give a luxury spa-like feel.
• Updated flooring: Replace old tiles with durable, water-resistant flooring like ceramic or porcelain tiles.
• New fixtures: Modern light fixtures, faucets, and towel bars can give the bathroom a fresh, polished look.

3. Curb Appeal Improvements: First Impressions Matter

ROI: 75-100%

The exterior of your home sets the tone for what’s inside. Enhancing curb appeal can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your home’s value, as it boosts your home’s aesthetics and overall appeal to buyers.

Key Upgrades:

• Landscaping: Trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, new plants, and well-maintained lawns are instant curb-boosters.
• Exterior paint or siding: Repainting your home or replacing old siding with durable materials like fiber cement or vinyl can refresh its appearance.
• New front door: A quality front door, especially a steel or fiberglass one, adds to security and curb appeal.
• Updated lighting: Exterior lighting, like pathway lights or porch fixtures, creates a warm and inviting entryway.

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Savings That Sell

ROI: 50-85%

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for buyers, and making your home more environmentally friendly can boost its value. While some energy-saving upgrades require an upfront investment, the savings on utility bills and appeal to eco-conscious buyers can provide a solid return.

Key Upgrades:

• Windows and doors: Energy-efficient windows and doors help reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Insulation: Adding insulation to attics or walls improves energy efficiency and comfort.
• Smart thermostats: Devices like Nest or Ecobee allow homeowners to control their home’s temperature remotely, saving energy and money.
• Solar panels: While costly upfront, solar panels are becoming increasingly popular and can increase your home's marketability.

5. Finished Basement: Expand Usable Space

ROI: 70-75%

Converting an unfinished basement into a usable living space adds square footage to your home, making it more appealing to buyers. Whether it’s a family room, home office, or even a guest suite, the additional space can significantly boost your home’s value.

Key Upgrades:

• Flooring: Choose water-resistant flooring such as vinyl planks or tiles for durability.
• Lighting: Recessed lighting can brighten up typically darker basement spaces.
• Extra bathroom: Adding a bathroom to a basement remodel can further increase value.
• Proper insulation and waterproofing: Ensure the basement is well-insulated and protected from moisture before beginning the renovation.

6. Deck or Patio Addition: Outdoor Living Space

ROI: 65-80%

Outdoor living spaces are highly desirable, especially as people continue to spend more time at home. Adding a deck or patio can increase your home’s usable square footage and make it more attractive to buyers who want a space for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.

Key Upgrades:

• Wood or composite decking: Choose durable materials like cedar, redwood, or composite decking for long-lasting appeal.
• Built-in seating or pergolas: These additions can make the space more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Outdoor kitchen or fire pit: High-end outdoor living areas with cooking and entertaining spaces can offer excellent returns.

7. Open Floor Plan: Modernize Your Layout

ROI: Varies (Up to 75%)

An open floor plan can make a home feel larger, more modern, and inviting. If your home has small, compartmentalized rooms, consider removing non-structural walls to create an open, airy layout. This renovation can appeal to buyers who value spaces for entertaining and family gatherings.

Key Considerations:

• Consult a structural engineer: Ensure the walls you want to remove are non-load-bearing.
• Blend the spaces: Use similar flooring and complementary colors to create a cohesive look between kitchen, dining, and living areas.
• Natural light: Incorporate larger windows or sliding doors to enhance natural light and create a more open feel.

8. Attic Conversion: Maximize Unused Space

ROI: 60-75%

Similar to a basement renovation, converting an unused attic into a living space can increase your home’s value by adding functional square footage. Attic conversions can be used for bedrooms, home offices, or even small apartments.

Key Upgrades:

• Insulation and ventilation: Proper insulation and ventilation are crucial to make the space livable and energy-efficient.
• Skylights: Add skylights to brighten the attic with natural light.
• Access: Ensure safe and convenient access with proper staircases rather than fold-down ladders.

Conclusion: Invest Smartly to Maximize Value

When planning home renovations, it’s important to consider not only your personal enjoyment but also the potential return on investment. The right renovations, like upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space, can significantly increase your home’s value, making it more appealing to potential buyers. By focusing on improvements that offer strong returns, you can maximize your investment while creating a more functional, modern, and attractive living space.

If you would like a walk through and feedback on how renovations improve your home’s value, contact Lisa at 603-440-8486, owner/principal broker of Sky Realty of New Hampshire.

Your Pipes Are Gross, but That’s OK

Plumbers do the dirtiest of work, but somehow the profession has garnered a reputation for rip-offs. But where would you be without them? Where would your bathroom be?

And let’s be honest. We don’t schedule plumbing appointments months in advance. Plumbers are the ones we frantically call at 2 a.m., with water pooling up around our ankles and stolen hotel monogrammed towels strewed across the floor. We call plumbers mid meltdown, and somehow they have to explain the inner workings of our pumps and valves in plain English and jump to action before more damage is done.

Just because it’s a dirty job doesn’t mean its practitioners don’t deserve our respect—or our understanding. Here are nine things plumbers wish you, their clients, knew to clear the air—or the drains, so to speak.

Your drains are dirty. Really dirty. But that doesn’t mean you are.

People have no concept of what they’re flushing down the toilet. You probably assumed that it’s pretty gross down there, but if you’ve never watched someone snake your toilet or shower, it may surprise you just how gross it is. But that’s normal. The amount of muck pulled out of your drains isn’t a reflection of your cleanliness—or of your plumber’s skill. The least helpful thing you can do is remark on how appalling the bathroom looks mid renovation. They know, and it will get better. There’s nothing sexy about sewer lines, but when they don’t work, you sure notice it.

They’ll clean up after themselves—but not after you.

Even though the process might be messy, good plumbers will leave your home exactly as they found it. They want it to look just like it did when they got there. But that doesn’t mean they’ll clean up your messes. If they walk into a bathroom and there’s already sewage all over the bathroom, they will get the clog undone, but they don’t carry a full line of janitorial supplies on the truck. Most plumbers try to go above and beyond, but sometimes it’s gonna take a coat of paint and new flooring, not just cleaning to fix the space.

 Don’t feel bad for calling late at night.

Plumbing is a 24-hour-a-day job, so no reputable plumber will be miffed by a midnight emergency. Call and they’ll answer. They don’t get mad. Sometimes they get the better jobs that way because you  couldn’t get anybody else.

Don’t overestimate your DIY abilities.

Unless you’re seriously handy, leave plumbing to professionals. Know your limits. Some people  don’t need a plumber. Some get the wrong tool, taking a small problem and making it a big problem because you shouldn’t have pried. That turns what could have been a quick fix and an easy job into a strenuous ordeal that could involve pulling up floorboards or tearing into your walls. Yes, sometimes you can save money. But wouldn’t you rather spend a small amount of money now than a huge amount later? Plumbers may have to deal with waste, but that doesn’t mean they like wastefulness. If your mechanical abilities are low, leave it alone.

 Stick around or leave during the job—it doesn’t matter to them.

Don’t feel bad about hanging around while your plumber is working. Unless you are really grumpy, they don’t mind you watching. In fact, many plumbers prefer it if you stay—that way you can answer questions about the home in case an emergency arises.

 Maintain your appliances.

Your home does not take care of itself, even if it’s new. Most water heaters require yearly maintenance, like flushing them out and checking the anode rod for corrosion. You should regularly check your water shut-off valve for corrosion, too. Some retail stores will perform that for you, but if yours doesn’t, don’t ignore your duties. Instructions are in the owner’s manual, but a lot of people don’t maintain the plumbing in their home. That can cut down its lifespan and cause issues down the line.

Don’t wait for a crisis.

Hear a faucet dripping or a toilet running? Got a small leak in the basement? Call your plumber now, before it becomes a major emergency and your basement floods—or something equally tragic happens. If proper maintenance occurs or full attention is paid, the problem won’t rise to that level. Be aware. Fixing a small problem is far easier on your wallet—and won’t require a major renovation.

Know your home.

Quick: Where’s your shut-off valve? If you don’t know, go find out now—you’ll save your plumber precious time if something goes wrong (and save your house from further water damage). That way, if there’s a leak, or you notice water spraying or not turning off, you have the ability to turn it off at the source.

Plumbing can be expensive.

But just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s a rip-off. People don’t realize how expensive plumbing can be. It requires time, expertise, training, and materials to bring things up to code. While you should always get several estimates, don’t dismiss one just because it’s expensive. When you hire cheap plumbers, chances are good you’ll get what you pay for—and they won’t provide the same guaranteed service as pricier plumbers.

Not that price alone determines quality. Check reviews online and even the Better Business Bureau to make sure the plumber you’re hiring has the integrity and the ability to handle a situation if it escalates. In particular, make sure the plumber is licensed and insured. If uninsured plumbers were injured on your property they may be able to sue you for damages—and if they destroy your pipes while working on them, they could just skip town, leaving you to pay for yet another plumber to do the repairs.

I can connect you with a good plumber or give you advice on how to update your home to sell, contact me.  Lisa 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Principal Broker of Sky Realty

Why You Need Homeowners Insurance: 

Protecting Your Biggest Investment

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make in their lifetime. After all the excitement of finding the perfect place, negotiating the price, and closing the deal, protecting that investment becomes a top priority. That’s where homeowners insurance comes into play. While it may seem like an additional cost, homeowners insurance is an essential safeguard that offers both financial protection and peace of mind. Here's why you should consider it an important part of homeownership.

1. Protection Against Property Damage

• Natural Disasters: Whether it’s a storm, wildfire, hurricane, or hail damage, natural disasters can cause significant damage to your home. Repairing or rebuilding your house after a disaster can be extremely costly. Homeowners insurance can cover the expenses to repair or rebuild your home after an unexpected event, sparing you from potentially crippling financial costs.
• Accidental Damage: Fires, burst pipes, or other unexpected events can cause major damage to your home. Homeowners insurance covers these accidental damages, ensuring that your home can be restored without devastating out-of-pocket costs.
• Wind and Storm Damage: Severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes can leave your home in ruins. Homeowners insurance typically covers the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged parts of your property, ensuring you can recover quickly.

2. Protection for Personal Belongings

• Theft and Vandalism: If your home is broken into and your belongings are stolen or vandalized, homeowners insurance helps you replace these items. Whether it's electronics, furniture, or other valuables, personal property coverage in your policy ensures that you’re compensated for what you’ve lost.
• Damage to Personal Items: If your possessions are damaged in a fire, flood, or other covered event, homeowners insurance will reimburse you for the cost of replacing those items. This includes everything from clothing and appliances to electronics and furniture.
• High-Value Items: If you own expensive items like jewelry, art, or collectibles, many policies offer additional coverage options to protect these valuables. This extra protection can help you recover the full value of high-priced items in case of theft or damage.

3. Liability Coverage

• Accidents on Your Property: If someone is injured on your property (e.g., a slip and fall on your sidewalk or in your yard), homeowners insurance can cover their medical bills. Without this coverage, you might be held personally liable for those expenses, which can be significant.
• Lawsuits: Liability coverage also protects you if the injured party decides to sue. Legal fees and court judgments can be financially draining, but homeowners insurance provides a safety net by covering legal costs, settlements, or judgments up to your policy limits.
• Dog Bites or Other Injuries: If your pet injures someone on your property or elsewhere, homeowners insurance may cover the medical expenses or legal fees that result from the incident.

4. Coverage for Additional Living Expenses

• Temporary Housing Costs: If your home is damaged and becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like a fire or storm), homeowners insurance will often cover additional living expenses (ALE). This includes hotel stays, meals, and other temporary living costs until your home is repaired and you can move back in.
• Peace of Mind During Repairs: Knowing that you won’t have to bear the financial burden of staying somewhere else while your home is being fixed gives you peace of mind. You can focus on getting your home restored without worrying about additional out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Mortgage Lender Requirements

• Required by Lenders: If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have homeowners insurance. This is because the home serves as collateral for the loan, and the lender wants to ensure that their investment is protected in case of damage or loss.
• Protecting Your Equity: Even if you don’t have a mortgage, maintaining homeowners insurance protects the equity you’ve built in your home. In the event of a disaster, your policy ensures that you won’t lose everything and can rebuild.

6. Protection Against Unforeseen Events

• Coverage for Unexpected Disasters: While you can prepare for some risks, others are completely out of your control. Homeowners insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected. From fires to falling trees, you never know when disaster might strike, and having coverage ensures you're ready for whatever comes your way.
• Earthquake and Flood Insurance: In some areas, specific types of coverage, like earthquake or flood insurance, may be added to your homeowners policy. These natural disasters can cause massive damage, and having the right insurance can help protect you financially.

7. Affordable Peace of Mind

• Financial Protection: The cost of homeowners insurance is relatively small compared to the potential costs of repairs, replacement, or legal fees. For a reasonable monthly or annual premium, you get comprehensive protection that could save you tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, in the long run.
• Protecting Your Biggest Investment: Your home is likely your largest asset. Homeowners insurance ensures that you protect this asset from risks like damage, loss, and liability. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected is invaluable.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in Your Future

Homeowners insurance is more than just a financial obligation—it’s a smart investment in your peace of mind and financial stability. By protecting your property, your belongings, and yourself from liability, it offers comprehensive coverage that helps safeguard your most valuable asset. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a break-in, or an unfortunate accident, homeowners insurance ensures you’re financially prepared for whatever comes your way.

Don't wait until disaster strikes—invest in homeowners insurance today to protect your home and secure your future.  I can connect you with a good insurance professional if you need, contact me.  Lisa 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Principal Broker of Sky Realty

How to prevent vacation-home buyer’s remorse

You feel ready You have been saving for years, working for years, and it time to reward yourself with a vacation home. You love the lifestyle of the snow birds or the ski bunnies. You want to begin looking for that second home that will allow you to escape and revitalize for a season and return back to your primary home.  Whether you desire a get-away in a ski town or a beach town, there are several things to consider.  MSN reports that boomers often feel buyer’s remorse with a second home purchase, so let’s consider how to avoid that.

Tour the home in person. With everything so accessible online, more buyers are willing to put in an offer sight unseen.   Photos and virtual tours are a great way to preview a property.  Viewing a property in person will give you the full experience of the location and home. Accessibility, views, smells, neighborhood nuisances, the feel of the home are all things that don’t show online, and could disappoint you greatly if you don’t visit the property prior to making an offer.

Give the area a test drive. If you want to buy a second home for your own enjoyment, why not take a home in the area on a test run first? With short-term rentals, it’s easy to preview what it might be like to have a second home somewhere without a commitment to buy right away.  At the very least, stay at an AirBNB or hotel for a few days.  Get local, visit shops, walk the sidewalks, talk to the people who live in neighborhoods you are considering.

Do the math.  A second can be costly, so make sure you run the numbers.  You should consider the cost of financing the purchase, property taxes, HOA fees & review of the budget, insurance, maintenance and utilities. For vacation homes, weigh the pros, cons and costs of buying versus renting. If it’s an investment property, look at comparable leases in the area, calculate the cap rate and do your research to see what the rental demand is like in that market. You’ll also need to consider the cost of property management. 

Timing is Everything.  It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a competitive market.  If you are a Baby Boomer or Gen X, you have some competition to buy in desirable areas.   For buyers looking at a second home for vacationing, it can be especially emotional when you start thinking about, gathering with loved ones and visitors from afar.  For investors, a hot market might feel like the competition will hinder your chance to get that hot investment. In either case, it’s important to exercise patience, wait for the right time, and never buy a second home feeling pressured to jump at anything or because you’re afraid of missing out.

What are you Really Looking for?   Before you buy a second home, make sure you know what you want to get out of it. Is the goal to take a break from everyday routines with work and to be in a more vacation like setting?   Or are you interested in generating an income?   Maybe you want to focus on building stronger bonds with family and friends, or just unwinding.   However you decide to use your second home, you should know what you want to get out of it to make sure you feel fulfilled and satisfied with your purchase. 

Execute your Plan.  Once you have defined the purpose of your second home and how often you will stay there, do be mindful that it is still a year-round commitment.  If it is an investment property, consider long or short term leasing.   Consider who will manage the property, so it can generate a nice income for you.  If it is a place that is just for you, be mindful or year round maintenance and who you could outsource that to, if it is a distance from your primary abode.  Have patience and prepare, so that you can feel secure and satisfied with your purchase and enjoy your second home and all that it can do for you!

Work with a Pro If you are considering a second home purchase, I work in the State of New Hampshire and can assist you in purchasing a lake, mountain or beach home.  If you are looking a distance, I have connections nationwide with top agents who are area specialists, many holding the coveted CRS® Certification (Top 2% in the country).  Call me to discuss at 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Broker of Sky Realty

Search for a New Hampshire Vacation Home Here, or contact Lisa today for a detailed list of exactly what you are looking for.

5 Painting Mistakes to Avoid

DIY interior painting can be a money-saver if you know what you’re doing. While saving a few dollars is definitely worth trying out painting yourself, it is important to avoid mistakes often made in the process. Here is how to avoid them!

Mistake #1: Quality Paint and Applicators

The quality of the paint is important.  Brands such as Benjamin Moore & Behr apply beautifully and last a long time.  There are different sheens to paint, for different purposes.  There are also paints that are specific to your purpose, such as ceiling, trim, cabinet and wall. If you are willing to pay for premium paint, you should be willing to invest in a good applicator. Invest in good brushes or rollers up front to avoid hair on the wall or lumps of roller lint under the paint.

Mistake #2: Not Preparing Correctly

You always want to do repair work first so that your walls are smooth, clean, dry and free of loose debris before you begin painting. A repair will be much less obvious if it is done before a new coat of paint!

Mistake #3: Overextending Your Brush Dips

One of the most frequently made mistakes by DIYers is that they often continue applying a dip of paint until the brush or roller is dry. When you overextend each dip, the paint can dry in the brush bristles, and the fabric on rollers can mat down. You want to maintain a smooth line of paint. Once you can see the paint starting to break up, it’s time to re-dip.

The steadiness of your hand can impact your painting. When cutting in near edges or other times when you need to be precise.  Go slow and breathe out.

Mistake #5: Allowing Paint To Dry Out

Touch-ups are not ideal if your paint has dried out. To extend the life of water-based paint, place a piece of clear plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paint, then reseal the container. For oil-based paint, add about a half-inch of water on the surface before resealing.

If you are considering home renovations to improve the value of your home or to sell your home, call me to discuss.  I am here as your trusted advisor and can provide you with references to contractors, or advice on how to get the best return for your money when making home improvements to get top dollar for your home in New Hampshire.  Call me at 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Broker of Sky Realty of New Hampshire

Renting or Selling Your House: What's the Best Move?

Deciding whether to rent or sell your house can be a tough decision, as it depends on various factors such as your financial goals, market conditions, and personal circumstances. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the best move for your situation:

1. Financial Goals: Consider your short-term and long-term financial objectives. If you need immediate cash or want to invest in a different property, selling may be the better option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a consistent passive income stream, renting could be more beneficial.
2. Market Conditions: Research the current New Hampshire real estate market in your area. If it's a seller's market with high demand and low inventory, you may be able to sell your house quickly and at a favorable price. However, if it's a buyer's market with slow sales, renting might be a viable alternative until the market improves.
3. Cash Flow Analysis: Evaluate the potential rental income compared to your mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. If the rental income covers these expenses and provides a positive cash flow, renting could be a smart choice. If not, selling might be more financially advantageous.
4. Property Management: Consider whether you're willing to take on the responsibilities of being a landlord. Renting out a property requires active management, including finding tenants, handling maintenance requests, and dealing with potential vacancies. If you're not interested in the time and effort required, selling may be a better option.
5. Tax Implications: Consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications of renting or selling your property. Selling may lead to capital gains taxes, while renting allows for potential tax deductions such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.
6. Future Plans: Think about your future plans and how they align with your property. If you plan to move back into the house in the future, renting could provide flexibility. However, if you're certain that you won't return or have long-term plans elsewhere, selling might be the more appropriate choice.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or sell your house in New Hampshire depends on your unique circumstances and goals. It's advisable to consult with a real estate professional who can provide market insights and help you make an informed decision. If you are considering selling or renting, call Lisa for concierge service at 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Broker/Owner of Sky Realty in New Hampshire.

What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary residential units that are either attached to or located on the same property as a primary single-family home. They are also known as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages. ADUs can be converted garages, basements, separate units within the existing home, or standalone structures.  They are a great choice for multi-generational homes and living.

ADUs offer several benefits for homeowners:

1. Rental income: ADUs provide an opportunity for homeowners to generate rental income by renting out the unit to tenants. This can help offset mortgage payments or provide additional cash flow.
2. Multigenerational living: ADUs allow homeowners to accommodate aging parents, adult children, or extended family members while still maintaining privacy and independence for both parties.
3. Increased property value: Adding an ADU to your property can increase its market value and appeal to potential buyers. ADUs are in high demand, especially in areas with housing shortages or high rental costs.
4. Flexibility: ADUs can serve various purposes, including a home office, guest suite, or space for hobbies and recreation. They offer flexibility in how homeowners utilize their property.
5. Affordable housing: ADUs can help address the housing affordability crisis by providing smaller, more affordable housing options within established neighborhoods.
6. Sustainability: ADUs promote sustainable development by making efficient use of existing infrastructure and reducing the need for new construction. They can also be designed with energy-efficient features.

Before considering building an ADU, it's important to check local zoning and building regulations, as well as consult with professionals such as architects, contractors, and real estate agents to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of adding an ADU to your property.  If you are interested in upgrading to a home with an ADU or adding one to your home call me to discuss.  Lisa at 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Broker of Sky Realty in New Hampshire

Things you Should not Sweat when Finding a Home

If you’re on the home-buying journey for the first time, you may have the image of the perfect home in mind. Every wall a color you love, the best flooring, and the perfect backyard. While there’s a chance you may find your dream house, it is more likely that you’ll find that house with a few exceptions. So where should you draw the line? Are there things you should ignore if the price and location are right? The answer is yes! There are some things you can ignore while home shopping if it means checking the rest of your boxes. Here are some of the things you can overlook if you are considering making an offer on a home that has the perfect location or layout.

WEIRD CARPET/WALLPAPER

While it may be tempting to wait for a home with new carpet or freshly painted white walls, overlooking old carpet or vibrant wallpaper can help you get your otherwise dream-home. Replacing the carpet or painting the walls doesn’t have to be an expense for you, and it is something you can negotiate with the seller to get the best deal on your home. 

OUTDATED FLOORING 

Looking at an old worn out wall to wall carpet may not what you envisioned when buying a home.  But it allows you to put in flooring to your choosing, rather than pay for new flooring that leans toward someone else’s tastes. This is so much easier to do after the home is empty and you have put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. If you are purchasing a mid century home, you just may find hardwood under that carpet.  

OLDER KITCHEN, BATHS

This often happens in homes of yesteryear that were built to last and have been well cared for by someone that raised their family there.  Or this may be a circumstance such as neglect, as in a foreclosure.  You may be walking into a bit of a time capsule but there is an upside.  As opposed to buying a home that is all updated, a home in need of kitchen, bath updates, will come be more affordable which may allow you to renovate to your tastes.

ROOMS BEING ‘MISUSED’

You may walk into a house and see workout equipment next to a fridge, or a bed in a living room. Don’t let a room being used for something seemingly odd keep you from loving a house. It may be hard to picture your furniture somewhere, but use your imagination and give the room, and house, a chance. An exercise room today can easily be your kitchen next week! 

SELLER PRESENCE

Some sellers choose to not remove personalized items before putting their house up for sale. It can be overwhelming to enter a home covered with photos of someone else’s family. While that may be the case, it is important to keep in mind that all of that personalization will be gone if you buy the home. Ignore what you can change, and just consider whether you can make the home your own.

Are you interested in buying your next home and want a trusted advisor and concierge service?  Contact Lisa at 603-440-8486, Lisa Waller-Gage, Owner/Broker of Sky Realty New Hampshire

5 Must-Do's Before Buying a House

If you’re ready to begin the journey of homeownership, it is important to cross a few items off of your to-do list before hunting for the perfect house. Buying a home is a process, and you want to be as prepared as possible. Here are a few steps to take that will get you ready to buy a home.

1. Get your money straight.

A year to six months before you begin the buying process, find a lender and have them pull your credit. This will give you insight into what you expect and what you may need to mend before you can make the purchase that you want to. Your lender will be able to let you know what you qualify for based on your income at the time so that you can look for homes within your price range when the time comes.

2. Decide where you are willing to stay a while.

A home is a commitment. You can always resell, but with the transaction fees that come along with buying a home, you may end up losing equity if you try to sell your home quickly after buying it. If you don’t think the home is somewhere you can see yourself for several years, keep looking.

3. Don’t hesitate to take your time.

There is a lot more to the purchasing process than just buying a home. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of a home that you are considering buying. How is the neighborhood? Will the long commute be overwhelming in 6 months? Make sure you’ve considered the aspects of what makes up your day-to-day life and how your new home will help or hurt that process.

4. Know the difference between your first home and a fantasy home.

Being realistic is a key part of making the home buying process easier on you. Your agent will work hard to make your deal the best it can be, but when it comes down to it, you will usually get what you pay for. Major discounts typically mean you will have work to do, and that doesn’t necessarily mean a steal for you. Be realistic during your search and keep in mind that the perfect home might not be out there, but that doesn’t mean that your dream home isn’t.

5. Find an agent for you.

Finding an agent that works for you take a major weight off of your shoulders in the home buying process. Ask your friends and family, and look into local agents that come highly recommended. When you find a trusted agent, they will be able to show you houses that you can’t find from a simple internet search and be able to negotiate for you along the way. It is their specialty - don’t waste the time or energy trying to do the job of a realtor on top of everything else you have on your plate!  If you are interested in purchasing your next home and desire concierge service, contact Lisa to discuss your options at 603-440-8486 Lisa Waller-Gage, owner/broker of Sky Realty New Hampshire

Long Distance Home Hunting

Regular house-hunting isn't always easy, but adding distance into the mix can present challenges you don't have when looking a few neighborhoods over for a new home. While it may not be a walk in the park to buy a home from far away, it is possible. If you find a great agent and follow these steps, you can take away some of the stress that comes with moving long-distance.

1. Start Your Research

Knowing what is in your neighborhood is something we tend to take for granted. You know where the best sushi place is and exactly what grocery store is closest to your home for those last minute runs. When moving to a new neighborhood, especially in a new state, it is key to decide what is important to you when it comes to proximity. Does your new house need to be near a park for your kids? Do you need to be 5 minutes from the closest Starbucks? You'll also want to look into crime rates and school ratings if you have children. Researching your potential neighborhoods will help you feel better about choosing a new home that may be far away.

2. Use Technology To Your Advantage

Google Maps may not be constantly updated, but checking out an aerial view can give you an idea of what your neighborhood looks like if you don't have the opportunity to travel right away. Getting the lay of the land is just another way to feel comfortable about your new neighborhood.

3. Have a Travel Budget

Even if you have a great agent showing you as many homes as possible, you need to plan for the possibility of making more than one trip to your future home state if you want to see it in person. While you may have adjusted your budget already to purchase a home, consider factoring in travel costs so you aren't stressed about eating out or gas money during your trips - that way you can focus on finding your dream home.

4. Decide Your Non-Negotiables

Choosing a home from out of town already comes with challenges. If you're heading in to check out houses and have a weekend filled to the brink with potential home tours, it will make your life easier if all of those homes meet your requirements. Instead of seeing all homes that 'might' fit, have your agent remove any houses that have a non-negotiable feature - whether that is no backyard or not enough bathrooms. It will make the most of your time and remove some of the stress of seeing homes that aren't for you.

Are you considering a long distance home purchase?  Contact Lisa to discuss your options at 603-440-8486 or lisa@skyrealtynh.com, owner/broker of Sky Realty