Porcupine Real Estate Blog
Read our blog for fun anecdotes and helpful information about life and real estate. We’d love to add you to our email list for updates; drop us a line!
Buying and selling a home can be a challenge during non-pandemic times: will it pass inspection, can the buyer secure financing, will the home appraise at value? All of these elements can lead to stress and uncertainty. Buying and selling during a pandemic, however, is an entirely different story. COVID-19 has thrown real estate transactions for a loop. To see…
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Whether buying or selling a home, market statistics can be useful. While buying a home is not always about the numbers, a little market knowledge can go a long way. Likewise, market statistics are also helpful for home sellers to price their homes competitively in the marketplace. Here are some helpful stats every buyer (and seller) should know: 1. What kind…
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When you are buying a home the costs really add up and you may start thinking about where you can save money. One expense that buyers may be tempted to skip is the home inspection. But, take it from us, a home inspection has saved many buyers money in the long run. How? Well, a home inspection is an objective…
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With mortgage rates at all-time lows, you might be wondering if you should be considering refinancing your home. While it may seem like a great thing to do, there are a few things to consider before you decide. An obvious reason for refinancing to a lower interest rate is the monthly, and even more importantly the long-term, savings you will…
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Are you thinking of buying a home with a septic system? Septic systems are common in the suburbs and more rural areas where municipal sewers are not available. So what is a septic system? It is a self-contained, underground wastewater treatment system. It consists of a septic tank and a drainage system. The septic tank is a large, watertight container.…
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Is a condominium right for you? The market has been steadily rising for the past few years but condo living may not be for everyone. Condo buyers typically fall into three categories: -First-time buyers -Second-home or vacation homeowners -Retirees looking for a low-maintenance alternative Under the right set of circumstances, a condominium can be a great purchase. Before you run…
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Owning a house gives you a sense of fulfillment, and helps boost your self-esteem. It is a long-term investment and should not be taken lightly. The present state of your finances is possibly the single most important factor when contemplating homeownership. Before you start shopping for a house, take into consideration the following factors. Have you set aside enough money…
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While nobody likes paying property taxes, there’s no way around it for homeowners. In New Hampshire, there is a process by which you can challenge your property tax assessment, known as the “abatement” process. The tax abatement application must be submitted to your town/city by March 1st. If you think your house is disproportionately assessed at a value much higher than the assessments of…
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Foreclosure Beware Many buyers are excited by the idea of getting a deal on a foreclosure, but with foreclosures, it’s often buyer beware. Here are our top tips when considering foreclosed properties: No seller property disclosures available Bank is not willing to make repairs or offer closing cost assistance Missing or damaged appliances Improper winterization, resulting in burst pipes. HVAC…
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To lock or not to lock? If you are shopping for a home loan or refinancing a mortgage, your mortgage lender will require you to lock your rate on the amount borrowed no later than five days prior to closing. Locking a rate guarantees the interest rate for a set period of time. The decision to lock or not is a…
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