Thursday, April 17, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
...and why agents won’t take you seriously until you do.
So, you’re browsing homes on your lunch break—just “getting a feel for the market,” right? Totally harmless. But let’s say you spot the one. Suddenly, this whole “someday” plan feels a lot more like “how fast can we schedule a showing?”
Well, pump the brakes, my friend. Because unless you’ve already got a pre-approval letter in your inbox, you’re not quite ready for the big leagues yet.
Here’s why pre-approval isn’t just a smart move—it’s your golden ticket in today’s market.
1. Listing Agents (Rightfully) Won’t Take You Seriously Without It
Let’s start with the hard truth: If you submit an offer without a pre-approval, most listing agents will laugh—politely, of course—as they slide your offer to the bottom of the pile.
And why wouldn’t they? Would you let someone test-drive your car who may? ...
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real estate, new hampshire, local market expertise, buying a home, new hampshire broker, real estate expert, home buying process, home buying journey, buyer agent, pre approvals, pre approval
Thursday, April 3, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Smart Moves Blog Series
Don't Make Me Explain This Twice!
What the Heck Is LTV and Why Should You Care?
You know what's about as thrilling as watching paint dry on a rainy Tuesday? Mortgage math. But here’s the kicker: understanding a little thing called Loan-to-Value (LTV) can save you a boatload of cash, stress, and buyer’s remorse.
So buckle up, buttercup. We're diving into the most misunderstood acronym in home financing—and no, your escrow deposit is not your down payment (but nice try).
What Is LTV, Really?
LTV stands for Loan-to-Value Ratio, and it’s how lenders figure out how risky you are. It’s calculated like this:
LTV = (Loan Amount ÷ Purchase Price) × 100
Lower LTV = Less risk for the lender = Better terms for you. Higher LTV = You might pay PMI, higher rates, or get side-eyed in underwriting.
Common LTV Scenarios
Here’s a handy breakdown you can save, screenshot, or tattoo on your arm (I don’t judge):
s ...
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real estate, new hampshire, local market expertise, buying a home, real estate guidance, buyer agent, va loans, ltv = loan to value
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
This week, the New Hampshire Senate passed a package of bills aimed at breaking down zoning barriers that limit housing supply. And whether you're in Laconia or anywhere in the Lakes Region, this will likely affect how your town grows.
If you live in Laconia or the Lakes Region, this isn’t just politics—it’s your backyard.
In a bold move, the New Hampshire Senate just passed several bills that override local zoning laws to spur more housing. That’s right: the state is stepping in and telling towns, “Time to make room.”
What just passed the Senate?
A trio of zoning reforms, now heading to the House:
SB 84 – Caps minimum lot sizes for single-family homes:
Max 2 acres if there’s no municipal water/sewer
Max half an acre if those services existTowns must change their zoning ordinances by July 2026 to comply.
SB 282 – Allows 4–6 story residential buildings to hav ...
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real estate, new hampshire, new hampshire homes, local market expertise, lakes region, new hampshire broker, real estate guidance, home buying journey, lakes region homes for sale, local area specialists in nh, new hampshire real estate, housing shortage in new hampshire, new hampshire housing policy, zoning
Thursday, March 20, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
We’ve all been trained to be skeptical. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." But every once in a while, something comes along that is as good as it sounds—no catch, no gimmicks, just a solid opportunity. And right now, that opportunity is the HOPER Program.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you already know the biggest roadblocks:
Upfront Costs: Saving for a down payment while juggling life’s other expenses can be tough.
Closing Costs: These add up fast and can feel like a financial sucker punch.
Realtor Fees: The confusion around who pays what can make things even trickier.
But what if I told you that a program exists that can cover up to $13,000 of these costs? Yes, including your buyer’s agent fees. You are free to spend it on anything you want!
HOPER: A Real Solution for Homebuyers
This isn't some too-good-to-be-true scheme. It’s an actual, available program that helps qualified buyers with:
Clos. ...
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real estate, new hampshire, new hampshire homes, local market expertise, buying a home, lakes region, real estate market, new hampshire broker, real estate expert, home buying process, hoper program, housing shortage in new hampshire, laconia housing
Thursday, March 20, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
As a real estate professional in New Hampshire, I recently attended a webinar on flood management and mitigation strategies. While informative, it felt somewhat generic and lacked the depth I believe our community deserves. In this blog, I aim to provide a more engaging and comprehensive overview of how we can enhance flood resilience in our region, focusing on practical solutions and resources available to us.
Understanding Flood Risks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, like many parts of the country, faces significant flood risks. Flooding can occur at any time, impacting not just homes but also critical infrastructure like emergency access routes to facilities such as county nursing homes. It's crucial for us to understand these risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them.
FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS)
One of the most effective tools for managing flood risks is FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). This voluntary program incentivizes communities to adopt floodplain man. ...
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real estate, new hampshire, new hampshire homes, local market expertise, buying a home, lakes region, real estate market, new hampshire broker, real estate expert, home buying process, real estate guidance, home buying journey, finding a home, buyer agent, new hampshire flood map info
