When closing day is right around the corner, it's natural to wonder what to expect. While each closing is a little different than the last, some things are universal to each one. Our real estate agents will help guide you through the process and ensure you're prepared when the "big day" arrives.
After months of pouring through listings for Berlin homes for sale, you finally found the right home. What next? While you may assume it's as simple as handing over a check and taking the keys, a few more steps are involved in closing before you can take possession of your new home (or conclude the sale of your home.)
Once a date and location are agreed upon, sellers and buyers have work to do beforehand. In most cases, the location will be the attorney's office, agent's office, or escrow agent's office. Before closing, sellers must complete any agreed-upon repairs and construction works. Or, in lieu of this, provide confirmation via a contract that the work to be done is scheduled at an agreed-upon date and standard (i.e., scope, materials, contractor selection, etc.)
Sellers will also need to make the home available for a home inspection, and just 24 hours before closing, make the home available for the buyer and their agent to conduct a final walk-through.
Buyers and sellers should bring government-issued photo IDs with them. Passports and driver's licenses are sufficient. Both buyers and sellers have to sign a bevy of documents and forms. Crucially, the buyer will make an earnest money deposit into the escrow account and confirm they have the homeowners insurance and other documents required for the underwriting.
When everything goes to plan, the seller will transfer the deed to the buyer, and the buyer will transfer funds from their financial institution to the seller. Both parties will confirm that the title is free and clear of liens or encumbrances. And your agent, the escrow agent, attorney, and lender will answer any questions either party may have about the sale.
Once the money is transferred, the home is officially sold, the buyers can move in, and sellers can move on. From start to finish, the closing process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the sale and any conditions attached to it.
Before closing, sellers should remove their possessions from the property and clean the home so it's tidy when the new owners arrive. It doesn't have to be spotless, but it is a nice gesture.
Sellers will also want to put in a change of address form with the post office and notify creditors, banks, and family/friends of the new address. Sellers should also set aside all the warranties and manuals for appliances, fixtures, HVAC systems, etc. Most homeowners do this by leaving these in a clearly marked bag in the kitchen.
Sellers should also "shut down" the home. This means turning off water valves, adjusting thermostats so the house isn't too hot/cold, and ensuring that all doors, windows, etc., are tight and locked.
We know you have many questions about the closing process, and we're happy to help guide you through the steps and stages. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about the many ways our real estate team can help you find the home of your dreams.
New Hampshire's Grafton County is filled with dozens of cities and towns with gorgeous views, delicious restaurants, outdoor activities, and more. Some of its best locations for both residents and visitors are the charming small towns that often harken back to a simpler time.
To give you an idea of what to expect, our real estate agents have put together a list of our five favorite small towns in the area:
Looking for your dream New Hampshire home? Contact us, and our real estate agents will get started for you today!
FRANCONIA, NH — During travels throughout North America and around the world, Vespar Duffy and her husband have always taken the time to explore the local architecture and real estate market.
"With my interest in style and design, including architectural and interior design for homes, real estate has always been a significant interest of mine," says Duffy, who recently joined Badger Peabody & Smith Realty as a sales agent in their Franconia office. "Location plays a big part in real estate, but I've always felt that a home's design is also essential to a compelling property and a satisfied client, so I'm very excited to share my knowledge with our buyers and sellers."
Born in Littleton, Duffy grew up in Jefferson and Gorham, has lived in the Mount Washington Valley and was the owner/operator of a hair salon/spa in North Conway for many years. Now residing in Franconia with her husband, Duffy says she looks forward to helping clients find their dream home.
Duffy notes that her experience as a cosmetologist and business owner has instilled in her "an ideal of being driven, listening to my clients' wants and needs and doing whatever I can to make them happy."
Outside the office, Duffy enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and playing golf.
"We are happy to welcome Vespar to our Badger Peabody & Smith team," says Andy Smith, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty President and CEO. "Her extensive customer service experience, understanding of architecture and design, and in-depth knowledge of the greater Franconia-Littleton region are invaluable. Adding her to our team enhances our ability to provide outstanding quality services for all our clients."
Vespar can be reached at (603) 823-5700 or VesparD@BadgerPeabodySmith.com
Visit Vespar's Agent Page
Jane has been involved in customer service since she was 12, working at her family retail store in Northern Maine. She is focused on helping people and is great with four legged friends too! Always willing to lend a hand, whether its helping a colleague or helping to deliver Meals on Wheels with the Littleton office, Jane is always there ready to help!
Discover more about Jane in this week's "Meet Our Agent":
Jane, how did you land in real estate? And how long have you been an agent?
I have had a desire to be involved in Real Estate since my early twenties, but was always apprehensive to give up the financial security that a "regular" job provided. A couple of years ago I decided that it was time for me to take a risk in life and to find a career that I could enjoy. One year into my new career I am the happiest I have ever been in my chosen path in Real Estate. I love meeting new people and helping them fulfill their Real Estate desires.
What did you do before you became a Real Estate agent?
I have been involved in various forms of Customer Service since I was 12.
Name a role model who has inspired you in your career.
To be honest, it isn't one person but the Badger Peabody & Smith Realty team. Everyone is always willing to lend a hand, answer questions and give advice. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work along side of.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Among the things I love to do outside of work are traveling, paddle boarding, hiking, skiing and spending time with my family, friends and of course my dog.
Where do you like to go for vacation?
I enjoy spending vacation time exploring the National Parks. At this point in my exploration I will say my favorite place is the South West.
What is your favorite local charity?
Having adopted my last 3 dogs, local shelters and rescues are high on my list of local charities including Survivor's Paws Animal Rescue.
*To learn more about Survivor's Paws Animal Rescue... Click Here
Contact Jane Swett for your real estate needs at:
JaneS@BadgerPeabodySmith.com • Cell. (603) 986-1200 • Littleton Office (603)444-1294
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Interviewed By:
Megan Landry
Executive Assistant
Our real estate agents know how important it is to you to sell your home quickly and with minimal fuss. Sellers, like buyers, tend to get the best deals when they move fast—and there are still plenty of people out there looking for the right Plymouth homes for sale.
Although it's important to present your property in the best light possible, there are also rules you need to follow. Your real estate agent is a crucial ally, ensuring your home's listing is accurate. A serious oversight can result in penalties or even legal liability down the line.
Details that absolutely must be communicated to a seller are called disclosures.
Disclosures vary from one place to another. For example, there are some parts of the United States where required disclosures include whether or not a crime has ever been committed in the home or whether it has ever been believed to be haunted. Luckily, this is out of the ordinary.
Disclosure laws are usually easy to understand. Not all states define disclosure rules, known as "Caveat Emptor" states. Here, it's primarily the buyer's responsibility to sleuth out anything that might be wrong with the home. This means the buyer must be especially diligent.
Even though New Hampshire features limited disclosures, sellers still have some obligations.
As a seller in New Hampshire, you must disclose the following:
Have other questions about New Hampshire disclosures? Contact us to find out more or get started.
Is there anything better than an ice cream cone on a warm summer evening? After enjoying outdoor summer activities in the White Mountains, our real estate agents love wrapping up the day with a sweet treat from one of our favorite local ice cream parlors. Whether you enjoy soft serve, milkshakes, or sundaes, our local ice cream shops have it all. So grab your friends, family, and pets and head on over to one of these awesome local ice cream shops:
With plenty of outdoor fun and plenty of ice cream destinations, living in the White Mountains sure has its benefits. Contact us to explore local listings.
Badger Peabody and Smith Realty announces the addition of Shamar Whyte, REALTOR® to its North Conway, New Hampshire office.
Whyte attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges in upstate, New York, then went on to earn a master's degree from Dartmouth College.
Whyte had previously worked for 15 years as an educator and coach at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, and for the Appalachian Mountain Club, as a logistics specialist. His love of the White Mountains and all it has to offer was instrumental in his decision to begin a carrier in Real Estate.
When discussing his decision to become a REALTOR, Whyte said, "I have always enjoyed helping people as well as exploring the small communities of New Hampshire. As a Real Estate Agent, I get to combine both passions. I get to help people make one of the biggest decisions in their lives, and I get to do it in the state I have grown to love and call home."
In his spare time, Whyte mentioned that he enjoys spending time in the mountains with his family, listening to music from his native Jamaica, and is an avid investor in stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Whyte states, "I enjoy sharing my passion for investing with clients looking to invest here in the Mount Washington Valley."
In making the announcement, Vice President of Sales and Managing Broker of the North Conway office, Brendan Battenfelder said, "We're delighted to have Shamar Whyte join our team. Shamar brings such a strong work ethic to the profession. His desire to learn and his eagerness to help others is inspiring to those around him."
Shamar can be reached at (603)986-5030 or ShamarW@BadgerPeabodySmith.com
Visit Shamar's Agent Page
Badger Peabody and Smith Realty has welcomed Victoria Kidder to its North Conway, New Hampshire office. In making the announcement, VP of Sales, Brendan Battenfelder said, "It's been years since I have met a new real estate agent with such a desire to succeed. Her drive to learn every day and her desire to offer her clients the highest level of service is inspiring."
Kidder was born and raised right here in the Mount Washington Valley. She feels a strong connection to the community and to real estate. From a young age, she has always enjoyed touring properties. She looks forward to helping buyers find their own slice of heaven amongst the mountains.
When asked why she decided to join Badger Peabody and Smith Realty, Kidder replied, "As a new mom and a new agent, Badger Peabody and Smith provides a level of support other firms cannot match. I get to be my own boss, grow my new business, and still spend time with my family because the entire company supports me." When further asked what she liked most about real estate, Kidder said, "Meeting new people and building relationships is what I like. My mentor and fellow REALTOR®, Linda Walker said it best; 'It's about people more than its about properties."
Victoria can be reached at (603) 662-4405 or VictoriaK@BadgerPeabodySmith.com
Visit Victoria's Agent Page