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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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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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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Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Sometimes, It’s Just a Smart Move
By Vanessa Saunders | Associate Broker, Keeler Family Realtors
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? Tough.
Closing costs – Those 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. In fact, you are free to spend it on anything you want!
HOPER: A Real Solution for Homebuyers
Th2 ...
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
We’re sandwiched between Massachusetts and Maine, both experiencing massive real estate upheavals. The result? Pressure from both sides.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Home Prices Keep ClimbingThe median home price in New Hampshire has hit $540,000, a 63.3% increase since 2020.(Zillow)
Inventory Is DwindlingThe state has a housing shortage of 23,500 units—and will need 90,000 more by 2040 to keep up with demand.(HousingWire)
Affordability Crisis51% of renters in NH spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.(Roche Realty)
Sellers Have the Upper Hand… But for How Long?
With record-high prices, this is a fantastic time to sell—but there’s a catch. Where do you go next?
Multi-million-dollar homeowners aren’t worried—they can buy without blinking.
Second homes sit empty for months, while residents desperately seek places to live.
Sellers are hesitant, fearing they won’t find a new home after selling.
And; ...
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