Buying a first home is a big milestone. If you have plans to purchase property in 2026, it's wise to start your financial planning early. Boosting your credit and saving for down payments and closing costs should typically start right away.
Hopefully, you may have started at least a few months ago. But if you haven't, don't worry. You could start now and spend the year preparing to purchase nearer the end of the year if you want to get your finances more in shape.
Many people think real estate goes to sleep during New Hampshire winters. But our real estate agents at Badger Peabody & Smith Realty see something different in Coos, Grafton, and Carroll counties. January brings a distinct subset of purchasers who aren't casually browsing—they're actively committed to securing their next property despite snow-covered landscapes and frigid temperatures.
Smart buyers know that January offers opportunities to save money that disappear when spring comes. With fewer people looking to buy, they can negotiate better deals than during the busy season, when lots of people are trying to outbid each other.
I became a homeowner fairly early on in my life; I'd just turned 25, but had been living in my house and renting it for six years prior. At the time, I wasn't necessarily looking to buy a house, but the opportunity presented itself, and with a lot of work and a little luck, I was able to make it happen. Although I didn't feel like it at the time, I was just barely figuring out life at that point and figuring out who I was, too. In many ways, I still am, and probably always will be, but I like to think that I've learned a lot since then.
My journey to homeownership was fairly nontraditional, and although I wouldn't go back and change the decision I made to buy my house, I sometimes wonder if I had waited or taken a more traditional a...
Owning additional recreational properties is always an appealing idea due to the desire to have a little home away from home for personal staycations. It is also an interesting idea for long-term property appreciation.
But in the last several years, owning a second home has become an even more attractive prospect because you can earn potential rental income through guests.
Here is how you can make the most of your second home in winter.
You may want to purchase one in an area, and with the types of features that are high value, like a hot tub, multiple rooms, skylight, fireplace, etc. You may also want to choose a place that is known for its tourism and nature landsca...
When the weather outside starts to get cooler, the real estate market tends to follow along with it. You will likely see fewer new listings than you would in spring and summer. But a slower period can actually be beneficial when buying property.
Here are some reasons why you should take advantage of the winter lull to purchase your next home.