Buying a Home? Follow These Tips & Tricks

Moving into new home young happy couple celebrating toast Champagne

Spring has officially arrived and launches the beginning of our spring selling season for real estate in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Buying a home can seem like a daunting process. It could possibly be the most expensive and emotionally charged purchase of your life. I’ve put together some ideas and suggestions to help you navigate through the process with the ultimate goal of making an informed real estate decision.

  1. Work with a reputable real estate Broker: a good experienced Realtor® will help you make sound decisions and guide you through the home buying process. Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust.
  2. Determine how much of a house you can afford: a close look at your budget and spending habits. Gather your financial records, check your credit score, and meet with a lender to obtain a prequalification letter spelling out how much you’re eligible to borrow. Perform this step first. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to start looking to get qualified for financing.
Map of USA: How Real Estate Trends affect the Lakes Region
With our “Lifestyle Finder”, you can quickly research home values and recent sales activity, local businesses, schools, employment statistics, and area demographics. 

3. Check out neighborhoods and get to know the local market: in the Lakes Region, there’s a large selection of property types. There are primary residential neighborhoods, water access communities, waterfront properties, condominium developments, and second-home communities. So many towns and cities to consider. Research your most important necessities. Schools, commute time, recreation amenities, shopping, and price range are all factors to consider. Each town has its own vibe and appeal, so you have to prioritize your wants and needs.

4. Get online and explore what’s for sale: start researching product availability and price range. Use your favorite real estate website. It might be Realtor.com or Zillow.com. At rocherealty.com, we provide a wealth of information on the Lakes Region, from blogs to detailed information on new subdivisions, second-home communities, condominium communities, and more. It’s easy to set up alerts on these real estate websites, which are based on your criteria and can help automate some of the work.

5. Visit open houses: open houses can help you get a sense of the housing stock in the area. What’s available and at what price point? Another way to preview homes online is through 3D Matterport tours and video walkthroughs which Roche Realty Group does for every listing.

6. Be realistic about purchasing a home: try not to get blindsided by minor imperfections. Yes, it’s important to be particular about the home and neighborhood you want. Distinguishing between what’s fixable and not is a key part of house-hunting. With the proper vision, a good contractor, or a DIY approach, you can add a lot of future value. So, try to look past the blemishes and create value by looking for a home whose full potential has yet to be realized.

7. Pay special attention to the neighborhood: everyone knows the phrase “location, location, location.” Look around at the quality of neighboring properties. Are there any new development plans nearby? How busy is the traffic and noise levels? What are the zoning laws or association rules, regulations & restrictions? Have home values in the neighborhood been declining or rising? Is there a lot of undeveloped land around? Is the water quality of the lake in front of the house desirable? What are the nearby amenities?

Home inspection report
No home is perfect. Small repairs are not worth bringing up or negotiating if you really love the home. 

8. Offering too much: if there’s a lot of competition and you find a place you like, it’s all too easy to get sucked into a bidding war. Look at what the house will appraise for and make sure the purchase price for the house you buy is reasonable for both the house and the location. Study comparable sales and get your Realtor’s® opinion.

9. Always get a home inspection: I’ve seen too many instances in the past couple of years where buyers have waived their home inspection contingency to make their offer more favorable. You need to know what kind of shape the house is in. You don’t want to get stuck with a money pit or with the headache of performing a lot of unexpected expensive repairs or latent defects.

10. Be willing to negotiate: understand that making an offer on a home is the start of a psychological game. The competitive market in the Lakes Region for the past several years has made it difficult to negotiate, especially with multiple offers. Today’s higher interest rate environment will help calm the exuberance; however, the lack of available inventory and buyer demand has kept the candle glowing thus far. Try to be flexible in a competitive market. Being the first to make a solid offer can provide an edge.

11. Know the seller’s motivation: it’s always helpful to look at the deal through the seller’s eyes. Money is always a motivating factor. Time is also a motivating factor. I would also say the emotional tie the seller has to the property is another factor. Why is the seller selling? Are they having a hard time letting go or are they looking to have the deal go through quickly and painlessly as possible? Maybe they would like a special family to appreciate everything they have enjoyed over the years.

12. Here’s a few things to look for when buying a home:

    • Foundation problems — the most important part of the home is what it sits on.
    • Is there water in the basement or foundation?
    • Any signs of water damage or are there musty odors?
    • Look for evidence of mold in basements, attics, and around drains and water pipes.
    • Ventilation problems without adequate interior ventilation moisture can become a breeding ground for mold.
    • Does the electric panel need an upgrade?
    • Are any door frames tilted?
    • Is there soft wood around the sills, framing, members, or window sill? A moisture meter is a handy tool.
    • Leaks around the toilet are a common problem that can result in more serious issues down the road.
    • What’s under the carpet — hardwood or plywood?
    • Are the roof shingles curling, missing, or covered in moss?
    • Is the temperature the same in every room with the heating on?
    • Poor tiling in baths or kitchens could indicate a DIY job.
    • Check the windows and make sure they slide easily. Also, with wood casement windows, they tend to swell up and not close properly over time.
    • Is there rust on the HV/AC, furnace, or water heater? Also, are there signs of rust in the toilets or bathtubs could be a sign of iron in the water.
    • Ask for all the documentation on the septic system and artesian or dug well. These are costly items and attentive research, in the beginning, can save a lot of time.
    • Review the seller’s 5-page property disclosure form with your Realtor®. It’s a critical part of the home buying process and question anything you don’t understand.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of buying a new home and some houses may come with hidden surprises; however, a little vigilance before you buy can prevent you from falling into a costly quagmire. Hopefully, the above tips will ensure you’re empowered with the tools and information to find a home that’s safe, sound, and ready to move in!

This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Sales data was compiled by a NEREN search on and is subject to change. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.

Are you looking to start the home-buying process? Contact one of our experienced Realtors® below!

A bird's eye view of Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee

South Down Shores and Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee — Its History

When construction started in 1981, Laconia’s South Down Farm offered a picturesque setting for condominium …

Read More →
Memorial Day — rows of gravestones with flags in military cemetery

Memorial Day Weekend Arrives in the Lakes Region!

The long-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has arrived after a long winter, and the Lakes Region …

Read More →
Unlike the dandelions new listings aren't popping up in the Lakes Region

Will Listings Start Bloom Like Dandelions?

Will Real Estate Listings Bloom Like Dandelions? During my rides around the Lakes Region, I’ve …

Read More →
boat launch

Public Boat Launches in the Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a paradise for boating enthusiasts and we are now entering …

Read More →
Real Estate Scams

Real Estate Scams to Be Aware of

One of my Realtors® received a call today from a gentleman purporting to be the …

Read More →
Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket overlooking the ocean

From the Lakes Region to Nantucket

I spent a few days on Nantucket Island this past week for a quick getaway. …

Read More →
Lakes Region Real Estate Is Still Hot

Lakes Region Real Estate Market is Sizzling

The real estate market in the Lakes Region and the state of New Hampshire is …

Read More →
Lake Winnipesaukee Kayak

Buying a Lake House — Where to Start?

Owning a waterfront home in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a treasured experience. For many …

Read More →
Home improvements

Home Improvements Before You Sell

One question I commonly get asked is, “What type of projects or improvements should I …

Read More →
Single-Family units are down

How’s the Lakes Region Market Looking?

We’ve already passed the first quarter of 2023 for real estate sales in New Hampshire’s …

Read More →
Moving into new home young happy couple celebrating toast Champagne

Buying a Home? Follow These Tips & Tricks

Spring has officially arrived and launches the beginning of our spring selling season for real …

Read More →
Marketing

How Marketing Real Estate Has Evolved

Back in the year 2000, the world was at the beginning stages of a major …

Read More →
Mount Washington, New Hampshire

New Hampshire — 30 Reasons to Move Here!

With lakes, beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, and the ocean for people who enjoy the outdoors, …

Read More →
New Hampshire Ski Resort

Ski Resorts in New Hampshire Are Ready for Spring Skiing!

It’s been a good week, and mother nature hit our region with a blanket of …

Read More →
Market Trends

Real Estate Market Trends to Follow

I’ve been pulling up some current research on the real estate market on a national, …

Read More →
Carol Mattice

Roche Realty Group Welcomes Carol Mattice

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and …

Read More →
Kevin Shaw - Roche Realty Group

Kevin Shaw of Roche Realty Group is Top Producer for 2022

Laconia— Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, recently announced …

Read More →
Lisa Lewis

Lisa Lewis Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and …

Read More →
Wanda Keenan

Wanda Keenan Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith— Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc. with offices in Meredith and Laconia, …

Read More →
Land for sale

Buy Land in New Hampshire — They’re Not Making it Anymore

The science is in and the more trees a state has, the happier and less …

Read More →
The Price of Real Estate

Did The Price of Real Estate Increase in Your Town?

Everyone’s always interested to see how their real estate values have performed over the past …

Read More →
Laid off employee in recession

Are We Headed into a Recession?

It’s pretty big news lately; Microsoft, Amazon, and other tech companies have laid off more …

Read More →
Price Reduced

2022 vs. 2021 — Is The Lakes Region’s Frenzied Market Over?

It’s that time of year to provide all of you with an update on real …

Read More →
Roche Realty Meredith

Roche Realty Group Reports a Record of $181 Million in Sales

               Meredith- Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, …

Read More →
Hillside Inn Winter

12 Things To Get You Through The Winter Months

On December 21st, the winter solstice marked the start of when days will begin to …

Read More →
Housing Inventory Lacking - Lake Winnisquam, NH

Lake Winnisquam, NH’s 4th Largest Lake is in Strong Demand

There are literally 273 lakes, ponds and rivers to enjoy in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. …

Read More →
Interest Rates

Will We Ever See 1980s Interest Rates?

I was with a Realtor® friend of mine this past week, and we discussed what …

Read More →
Hikers overlooking the lake in New Hampshire, voted "Best State to Live in America" in 2020.

Squam Lake — a Lakes Region Treasure

This past summer, I was invited for lunch and a nice boat ride around Squam …

Read More →
Shop Local New Hampshire

Small Business Saturday in New Hampshire!

We have many things to be thankful for here in New Hampshire, plenty of natural …

Read More →
Couple downsizing to smaller home

Does Downsizing Your Home in Lakes Region Make Sense?

There are many things to consider when planning to sell your home to downsize into …

Read More →
Newfound Lake, New Hampshire

Newfound Lake is the 8th clearest lake in US

Newfound Lake is the 8th clearest lake in the United States New Hampshire has a …

Read More →
Echo Lake New Hampshire

New Hampshire Rankings are Impressive!

New Hampshire has always been fortunate to land in many of the country’s top 10 …

Read More →
Lakeside at Paugus Bay

Impressive New Construction in the Lakes Region

For new construction sales in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, 2022 has shown very impressive results. …

Read More →
Inflation and housing prices

How Inflation Impacts Lakes Region Housing Prices

I was out with a friend this week on Squam Lake, and we were talking …

Read More →
Picture of author in the Grand Canyon

Is Lake Region Real Estate Drying Up Like The Southwest?

I just returned from a trip to Nevada, Arizona, and Utah this past week. Put …

Read More →
Brook Hill at Meredith: New luxury homes in Meredith, NH

Brisk Sales at Brook Hill in Meredith

Meredith— Sales at Brook Hill, a new luxury townhouse community in Meredith, have been exceptional …

Read More →

Impressive Sales at Lakeside at Paugus Bay

Laconia— Sales at Lakeside at Paugus Bay, a new luxury waterfront condominium community on Lake …

Read More →

Four Decades of Change in Lakes Region Real Estate

We were talking in the office the other day regarding how much the real estate …

Read More →
Supply and demand graph, real estate housing

The driving forces in the demand for NH housing

It is no secret that our country has seen some incredible growth in the real …

Read More →
Holderness, NH

Holderness Bridges Big Squam and Little Squam

Holderness is a lakeside community in the foothills of the white mountains on New Hampshire’s …

Read More →
high inflation

Energy & Ukraine Crisis Compared to 1970s Inflation

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has emerged as a black swan event rattling the world during …

Read More →
Tilton, NH

Tilton — The Gateway to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

Tilton, New Hampshire, is considered the gateway to New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region because of …

Read More →
Map of USA: How Real Estate Trends affect the Lakes Region

How Real Estate Trends Affect the Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region & New Hampshire Can you believe a new analysis from Zillow …

Read More →
Laconia NH

Laconia, NH — A City on the Rise

The 17,000 resident “City on the Lakes” is nestled on the shores of three of …

Read More →
Two ice sailing enthusiasts on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Waterfront Sales Activity and Real Estate News

Here’s an update on the waterfront sales activity that we experienced over the past two …

Read More →
Tuftonboro, NH

Tuftonboro — “The Diamond in The Heart of New Hampshire”

Located just west of Wolfeboro, Tuftonboro is called “The Diamond in the Heart of New …

Read More →
Aerial view of Lake Winnisquam and Sanbornton, New Hampshire

The Rural Character of Sanbornton, New Hampshire

Sanbornton embodies all that one expects to find in an old New England town. This …

Read More →
Castle in The Clouds is one of Moultonborough's largest attractions.

Moultonborough’s 66 Miles of Shorefront Captivates

By landmass Moultonborough, NH is the largest lakefront community in the Lakes Region with 59.7 …

Read More →
Kevin Shaw - Roche Realty Group

Kevin Shaw of Roche Realty Group is Top Producer for 2021

Laconia— Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, recently …

Read More →
Wolfeboro, NH — The Oldest Summer Resort Town In America

Wolfeboro, NH — The Oldest Summer Resort Town In America

Wolfeboro: a Brief History Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains and on the …

Read More →

Leave a Comment