203k renovation loan; What to look for when buying your New Hampshire home

By Bill Somerset on May 1st, 2012

How to use a FHA 203k loan and what requirements for items you might overlook when searching for your new home A 203k loan is simply a FHA loan with a twist. An ordinary FHA loan referred to as a 203(b) in the mortgage industry. Adding renovation or improvement costs to the loan you ... [Continue Reading]

Agency relationships in New Hampshire; There are some questions GOOGLE can’t answer!

By Bill Somerset on April 3rd, 2012

Understanding Representation It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company. Laws and relationships vary by state, but generally fall into these categories: ... [Continue Reading]

Lawn aeration ensures lush, healthy grass year-round.

By Bill Somerset on March 28th, 2012

Lawn aeration brings oxygen, water, and nutrients directly to grass roots, which helps make your lawn green and lush. It’s a critical part of spring and fall lawn care and gives roots the vital boost they need. Here’s how: Lawn aeration basics Lawn aeration pulls 2- to 8-inch soil “plugs” out of the ground, leaving ... [Continue Reading]

Improve Your Insurance Score

By Bill Somerset on July 1st, 2011

Most people expect the cost of homeowners insurance to go up after a claim is filed. But it may surprise you to know that how good you are at managing your finances can have just as big an effect on your premium as the tree that fell on your house. Insurers look to your credit ... [Continue Reading]

Professional Energy Audits: The Costs and Benefits

By Bill Somerset on June 26th, 2011

Homes are supposed to breathe. But some inhale excessively from the outdoors and exhale too much from inside. The result: Drafty rooms, high utility bills, dirty and leaky ducts, and a bigger-than-necessary carbon footprint. If you think your home could be more energy efficient but aren’t sure where its leaks live, an energy audit can ... [Continue Reading]

7 Reasons to Own Your Home

By Bill Somerset on April 16th, 2011

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home. 2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average ... [Continue Reading]

2011 Rochester NH Relay For Life

By Bill Somerset on April 7th, 2011

Avalar Advantage Real Estate is making a difference by teaming up to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. At the event, our team will camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Saving lives from cancer starts one team, one participant, and one dollar at a time. Our team is doing our part to make sure that new treatments continue to be found. Please join our team or make a donation. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone! ... [Continue Reading]

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program. What is it, and how can it help you?

By Bill Somerset on March 31st, 2011

Eligible Single Family homes located in revitalization areas are listed exclusively for sales through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program. Properties are available for purchase through the program for five days. ... [Continue Reading]

Avalar Advantage Real Estate is now a HUD registered broker!

By Bill Somerset on March 28th, 2011

HUD homes can be a very good deal. When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can’t meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then they sell it at market value as quickly as possible. ... [Continue Reading]

5 Things to do before putting your house on the market

By Bill Somerset on March 25th, 2011

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market 1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs ... [Continue Reading]