Whether you plan to rent or buy, it is imperative to visit New Hampshire first. Most people will benefit from making at least two trips, one for looking at regions/towns and meeting locals, and the second for actually viewing properties. The landscape of an area will look different depending on the season, so exploring during different times of the year is helpful.
FSP ambassadors throughout the state are available to connect visitors with locals and answer questions about specific areas. To meet a large number of Free Staters from all areas, consider planning to visit during Liberty Forum or the Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Selecting a Town
Most people choose a town based on their job location and lifestyle. The desire to be close to a city is often a factor, as are tax rates and zoning regulations, town amenities & services, proximity to airports/major transportation routes, and schools or homeschooling resources. We recommend renting for 6 to 12 months to get to know an area before choosing to settle down in a specific town or neighborhood.
Buying a Home in New Hampshire
The first step in the home buying process is to obtain a financing pre-approval. It is imperative to speak with a lender before starting the process and get pre-approved for financing before looking at properties in earnest. We recommend working with a New Hampshire lender (click here to read why), and Porcupine Real Estate can put you in touch with one of our preferred lenders who can review the many loan options available, including FHA, VA, Rural Housing, and conventional financing.
Once you’ve been pre-approved, the next step is to connect with a buyer’s agent to set up automatic listing alerts so you can become more familiar with the local values and neighborhoods. We suggest always using a professional, full-time real estate broker, preferably one that is libertarian and who understands your needs. At Porcupine Real Estate, we are movers ourselves, pro-liberty activists, professionals, and we support the community in myriad ways.
Your agent will schedule showings on properties of interest once you are pre-approved and you’ve narrowed the list of potential listings. There is no cost to use a buyer’s agent—commissions are paid by the seller and it’s important to be represented by an experienced buyer’s agent. Your professional agent will guide you through all steps of the buying process including insurance, title/escrow, inspections, financing, appraisal and closing. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to close after your offer has been accepted by the seller.
Renting in New Hampshire
There are a number of Free Stater-friendly landlords throughout the state! Check listings on Ledgeview Commercial Partners and the FSP Housing Search group. Many people find rentals by driving around areas they like, as a significant number of owners don’t advertise vacant units online.
Most landlords will want a one year lease and require credit check and background check. In New Hampshire, the maximum allowable security deposit is one month’s rent. Not all rental units allow pets or smoking, so you’ll want to check with the property manager or landlord about their policies. One important feature to look for in a rental is off-street parking, especially if you are in the city where winter parking bans are in effect. You’ll want to verify whether heat is included in your rent, as it can be an expensive utility during the winter.
This helpful resource is provided by Porcupine Real Estate, your number one source for finding homes in New Hampshire.