Housing in So. NH? (Manchester: for sale, real estate, condos)

[JoanD'Arc]

Hi everyone! I've been traveling about on the forums and looking at the real estate sites for so. NH. I'm not finding what I need so maybe someone here can steer me in the right direction?

My criteria are:
single family home
within 1 hour +/- of Manchester
at least 1800 square feet, not needing extensive repairs or upgrades
under $150,000
garage

no manufactured houses, condos, condex or high-density housing

Am I crazy to think such a place exists??

Thanks for any ideas/opinions. I can take it unless you're rude!

[Valerie C]

Hey Joan, you're not crazy... it is actually possible to find deals like that out there. They're few and far between and you'll probably have to visit lots of places that won't be up to your standards. And if you're looking for all the newest (granite, etc) you probably won't find for that price unless there is a REALLY motivated seller. However, just an FYI--I have a closing scheduled for later this week, 3 bedroom, 1600 s/f, 2 car garage, no apparent repairs needed. The price is confidential until after closing, but it's in your range... Make sure your agent is well aware of what you're looking for and is searching diligently. And it's your job to get all your ducks in a row if they're not already. Get your finances in order, especially your pre-approval with as few conditions as possible, and be ready to act quickly. The best deals aren't listed, they're negotiated...

[JoanD'Arc]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Hey Joan, you're not crazy... it is actually possible to find deals like that out there. They're few and far between and you'll probably have to visit lots of places that won't be up to your standards. And if you're looking for all the newest (granite, etc) you probably won't find for that price unless there is a REALLY motivated seller. However, just an FYI--I have a closing scheduled for later this week, 3 bedroom, 1600 s/f, 2 car garage, no apparent repairs needed. The price is confidential until after closing, but it's in your range... Make sure your agent is well aware of what you're looking for and is searching diligently. And it's your job to get all your ducks in a row if they're not already. Get your finances in order, especially your pre-approval with as few conditions as possible, and be ready to act quickly. The best deals aren't listed, they're negotiated...

Hi, Val! Thanks for the great response! Maybe looking on the internet is not the best way to find what I want, but I thought it would give me an idea of what's available. Maybe I don't need the headache!!

[Valerie C]

The truth is that the Internet has become the most efficient way to search for homes. The days of the big MLS book in the real estate offices is gone, and now consumers are able to find *almost* as much information as us real estate agents, which I consider a good thing.

The best place for you to search for particular houses is of course, Northern New England Real Estate Network - Official Website of the Northern New England MLS, but there are a bunch of FSBO websites as well, that would allow you (or your agent) to contact the seller(s) directly. Of course for the very best information on the towns that you're looking for, here at city data where you can get info, opinions and so much more LOL

[JoanD'Arc]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

The best place for you to search for particular houses is of course, Northern New England Real Estate Network - Official Website of the Northern New England MLS, but there are a bunch of FSBO websites as well, that would allow you (or your agent) to contact the seller(s) directly. Of course for the very best information on the towns that you're looking for, here at city data where you can get info, opinions and so much more LOL

Thanks, yes, I have looked at that website plenty of times, including today! I had been under the impression that FSBO properties were pretty much on their own for sales, but you're telling me that if I find some to look at, an agent won't have a problem helping me with viewing and a possible purchase?? (That would be great!)

And yes, the best and most current (and sometimes pithy and right-on) information is always right here at C-D!!

[Valerie C]

Joan, I find it's actually best if your agent contacts the FSBO to ask if they may show the property to their client. This way, the matter of any agency fee can be discussed and possibly agreed on. Some FSBO's will refuse to pay an agency, others are glad to have the opportunity to sell their house to a qualified buyer.

The answer to your question really depends on whether you have a Buyer Agency Agreement or not. In a non-agency situation, if a FSBO refuses to pay an agency fee, and the Buyer wants to buy that house, an Agent may have shown themselves right out of earning a commission. The Buyer may have an ethical but not a legal responsibility to pay a fee to the Agent. And I don't know of any Agents who go out showing property as a hobby, but there may be some out there...

Originally Posted by JoanD'Arc

Thanks, yes, I have looked at that website plenty of times, including today! I had been under the impression that FSBO properties were pretty much on their own for sales, but you're telling me that if I find some to look at, an agent won't have a problem helping me with viewing and a possible purchase?? (That would be great!)

And yes, the best and most current (and sometimes pithy and right-on) information is always right here at C-D!!

[JoanD'Arc]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Joan, I find it's actually best if your agent contacts the FSBO to ask if they may show the property to their client. This way, the matter of any agency fee can be discussed and possibly agreed on. Some FSBO's will refuse to pay an agency, others are glad to have the opportunity to sell their house to a qualified buyer.

The answer to your question really depends on whether you have a Buyer Agency Agreement or not. In a non-agency situation, if a FSBO refuses to pay an agency fee, and the Buyer wants to buy that house, an Agent may have shown themselves right out of earning a commission. The Buyer may have an ethical but not a legal responsibility to pay a fee to the Agent. And I don't know of any Agents who go out showing property as a hobby, but there may be some out there...

Hhhhmmmmm... All good things to keep in mind. Thanks again for your help, and I will be in touch.