NH & MA Real Estate Insights: Advice for Home Sellers

How to Compare Home Offers: What to Look at Beyond the Price

⚡ Key Takeaways The highest offer isn't always the best offer — evaluate all five dimensions: net price, financing type, contingencies, closing timeline, and earnest money deposit. On a $700,000 home, a cash offer may come in $15,000–$25,000 below a financed offer, but eliminates financing and appraisal risk entirely. Fewer contingencies mean lower risk for you as a seller — a home sale...

How to Sell a House in Massachusetts and New Hampshire: Complete Timeline

⚡ Key Takeaways The home-selling process in Southern NH and Northern MA has 4 distinct phases: pre-listing prep (4–8 weeks), active on market (1–6 weeks), offer to P&S (1–2 weeks), and under contract to closing (30–45 days). Massachusetts requires smoke detector and CO detector certificates before a sale can close — schedule your inspection early as it can cause delays. In a normal spring...

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your Home: What You Actually Owe

By Rob LaBrecque | Licensed REALTOR® in NH & MA | Updated March 2026. Key Takeaways Most Southern NH and Northern MA primary residence sellers owe zero federal capital gains tax thanks to the IRS Section 121 exclusion. The exclusion covers up to $250,000 in gains (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) — provided you've lived there 2 of the last 5 years. Your taxable gain = adjusted sale...

Should I Sell My House Now or Wait? How to Make the Decision in 2026

⚡ Key Takeaways Selling timing depends more on your personal situation than market conditions Spring (April–June) is Southern NH's strongest seller season, but only for well-prepared homes Carrying costs in NH average $4,000–$5,000/month — six months of waiting costs $24K–$30K in lost proceeds If you're buying in the same market, a softer market helps you as a buyer and may offset the seller...

What Will I Actually Walk Away With? A Seller’s Guide to Net Proceeds

⚡ Key Takeaways Your sale price is not your payday — NH and MA sellers typically pay 6–9% in total selling costs, meaning $36,000–$54,000 off the top on a $600,000 home before mortgage payoff. The formula is: Net = Sale Price – Mortgage Payoff – Commissions – Closing Costs – Concessions. Every dollar in concessions comes directly off your net. Massachusetts requires an attorney at closing...

How Much Is My House Worth? A Seller’s Guide to Getting the Right Number

By Rob LaBrecque | Licensed REALTOR® in NH & MA | Updated March 2026⚡ Key TakeawaysOnline estimates like Zillow’s Zestimate can miss actual market value by 5–15% — they’re a starting point, not a pricing tool.Tax assessed value, appraised value, and market value are three different numbers — sellers need to understand market value, which is what a motivated buyer will actually pay right...

Are We Near a Peak or a Market Correction?

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, many people are asking where the real estate market is headed. A look at recent data points to a softening market compared to this time last year. While prices remain elevated, active inventory has climbed. So, is this the start of a market correction or just a temporary pause? More Listings, Higher Inventory One of the biggest changes this quarter is the...

Should You Sell Your Home Off-Market to an Investor? Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to selling your home, a traditional sale isn’t your only option. Selling your home off-market to an investor can provide a quick, hassle-free experience, especially when you need a fast closing or more flexibility. Whether you want to avoid the stress of showings or need to close on your schedule, here’s how an off-market sale to an investor might be the perfect fit. Why Consider an...

Maximizing Curb Appeal Without Breaking the Bank

Boosting curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive but can make a big impact. Simple upgrades like painting the front door, updating lighting, and adding a new doormat or house numbers create an inviting entrance. Maintaining landscaping and power washing the exterior freshen up your home’s look. Small, budget-friendly improvements help attract buyers and make your home stand out. If you’d like personalized curb appeal tips, I’d be happy to help!

Understanding the Costs Involved in Selling a Home

When selling your home, knowing the costs involved helps you plan ahead and maximize your net proceeds. Common expenses include closing costs (1-3% of the sale price), repairs, staging, photography, and moving costs. While some upgrades can boost your home’s appeal, calculating your net proceeds ensures you know what you’ll walk away with. If you’d like a personalized estimate, I’d be happy to help!

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