Needs and Desires

The Chiarella Team pledges to help you in your search for your desired property. Whether you are looking for land, a vacation home or a year-round residence The Chiarella Team will listen to your needs and desires and help you determine what properties would best fit your needs.

To help your Realtor determine which properties to show you, first determine what you NEED in a property. These things can include:

1) Price Range

2) Location

3) Minimum Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

4) Special Requirements

Some desired features can help narrow down your choices. Things to consider that may be of importance are:

1) Features most important to you (fireplaces, wood floors, etc.)

2) Lifestyle (waterfront, condominium, community, etc.)

3) Styles you like

4) Condition (new construction, “fixer-upper”, etc.)

Home Search
To help ensure you find the home of your dreams, The Chiarella Team provides services to our clients using the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Any new property that fits your needs and desires can be sent to your email automatically!
Another key step for a productive home search is to use online resources. Search all MLS Listings using The Chiarella Team website. We can be found easily at www.chiarellarealty.com or www.sunapeesearch.com. On our website you can see what properties are in a particular town such as Sunapee or New London. Or, choose the Local Waterfront search to look for waterfront listings that are available. Finally, use the Custom Search function to search for more specific listings.

Determining a Properties’ Value
There are many factors that determine the value of a property. Your Chiarella Realtor will look at recent sales of comparable houses, the condition of the property and local market conditions to help you determine the appropriate amount to offer.
However, a property may have more or less value to you depending on how well it meets your needs and the criteria that you establish. If the house meets some or all of your needs and desires it may be of more value to you than a house that doesn’t have all the qualifications you are searching for regardless of the relative market values.

Making an Offer
Once you have “zeroed in” on that specific property, you’ll have a number of factors to consider as part of the “offer making process”. Some factors are uncontrollable (i.e. the economy and current market conditions) and others are adjustable (i.e. marketing strategies, pricing and condition of the property). It is important to take these factors into account during the process of making an offer.

In making a formal offer, you’ll want to include the following:
1) Purchase Price – what you are going to offer for the property
2) Closing Date – what day you will take title to the property
3) Deposit – the amount you will place in escrow to secure your offer
4) Contingencies – financing and/or inspection provisions
5) Expiration Date – the date the offer expires if not accepted

Please note that this is only an overview. It is wise to get legal assistance if you feel it is appropriate.
Once an offer is made, the seller has the following options when considering the proposed contract:1) Accept the offer as presented 2) Reject the offer 3) Submit a counter-offer
Once all terms are agreed to by both parties, the contingencies countdown begins. Your Chiarella Realty Realtor will provide you with a time line with all the important dates from effective date to closing.

Home Inspections
It is common for buyers to make an offer contingent upon home inspections. These inspections are performed for, and typically paid for by the buyer. The seller must consent to the inspection, but the seller is not required to correct or provide compensation for any problems identified. If the seller agrees to the inspections as part of accepting the offer, the buyer must complete the inspections in the time frame provided in the contract. If the inspection findings are satisfactory to the buyer, the closing process can begin.

Property Inspections should be conducted by professional inspectors. Some area inspectors are: 1) Granite State Home Inspections – 800-287-2080 2) Shakes to Shingles – 800-533-8116 3) American Fortress - 603-731-9022

For a more complete list of professional home inspectors, please ask your Chiarella Realtor.
It is advisable to be present for your home inspection to ensure the inspector can describe the process
and findings personally.

The inspector should also do the following: 1) Look for any serious structural, mechanical, and/or other major defect in the property 2) Examine all systems, including heat, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing 3) Examine the general construction quality and condition of the house 4) Spend time checking the exterior of the house, including the roof, foundation and chimneys 5) Check the basement, including wiring, plumbing and heating as well as for any evidence of water 6) Check the attic for proper insulation and venting 7) Run all appliances and plumbing fixtures 8) Inspect for other items you may have requested, including pests, lead paint, water quality, etc.

Ask your Chiarella Realty Realtor for further information about contingencies and which are pertinent to the house you are purchasing.

Home Financing
Another common contingency is the financing contingency. This provision allows you to state whether you must secure a mortgage prior to purchasing the property. If you are going to mortgage the property, you have an obligation to contact a financial institution within the required time limits to start the process. Also, if for some reason you cannot obtain financing that is satisfactory to you, it is necessary for your Realtor to contact the seller’s agent in writing.
A few local lenders:
1) Lake Sunapee Bank – 800-281-5772
2) Sugar River Savings Bank – 800-863-1330
3) Claremont Savings Bank – 603-229-4540
4) Title Mortgage Solutions – 603-643-1400
For a more detailed list, please ask your Chiarella Realty Realtor.

The Closing
Closings are administered by a Closing Attorney or Settlement Agent. If the seller or buyer cannot attend the closing, there are alternative arrangements can be made, typically involving signing papers in advance and/or granting a Limited Power of Attorney to a representative. If you are financing, you will be asked to sign the mortgage and any other papers that the lender and/or other interested parties may require. At the conclusion, the closing attorney will record the new deed and mortgage. Ask your Chiarella Realty Realtor for some recommendations for a closing attorney or choose from one of the following:
1) Chiarella Law Office, P.C. – 603-763-5879
2) Feeney Law Offices – 603-863-1252
3) Law Offices of Michael J. Work – 603-863-3337

The following list is intended to give you an overview of your responsibilities as a buyer. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us or your attorney.

DEED -Once your financing is in place and contingencies are met, you will need to indicate to the closing attorney or your Realtor how you wish to hold title. Be certain to have the attorney explain the various options.

HOME OWNERS INSURANCE -At least two weeks before closing notify your insurance company of your pending purchase. You must bring an insurance binder to the closing.

CLOSING COSTS -A few days prior to closing you or your agent should contact the closing attorney regarding your closing costs. These will be itemized on the Settlement Statement and you will be required to bring a certified check to closing. (Note: In New Hampshire both the buyer and the seller are responsible for paying a deed transfer tax at closing in the amount of $1.50 / 1,000 on the sale price which is typically split between the parties).

TAXES -Unpaid taxes will be adjusted at the closing on a per diem basis and will be included on the Settlement Statement.

ELECTRIC COMPANY -Final readings will be arranged by the seller. Two weeks prior to closing contact the electric company to establish an account and insure continuous service.

GAS OR OIL COMPANY -Final readings will be arranged by the seller or the seller’s agent. You will be required to reimburse the seller for fuel in the tank at closing.

TELEPHONE/CABLE TV -About two weeks prior to closing, make arrangements to discontinue service or transfer to your new address.

HOUSE KEYS -You will receive house keys at closing.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS -Provide new address for the following:
Drivers License Bank Accounts Subscriptions Dogs License Post Office Credit Cards
Creditors Doctors Insurance Companies Place of Employment

SCHOOL RECORDS - If Applicable, arrange for student’s records to be forwarded to new schools.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH - You have the right to inspect the property being purchased prior to closing. This
is usually done the afternoon before or the morning of closing. Make arrangements through your Realtor.

BRING TO CLOSING – Make sure to bring the following items with you to the closing:
Paid insurance policy binder Certified check for closing costs
Personal checkbook for minor expenses Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

Helpful Utility Phone Numbers
Talk to your Chiarella Realty Realtor to determine which services are available in the area of the property you are buying. It is important to notify the utility companies at least one week prior to closing.

Electric:
New Hampshire Cooperative - 800-698-2007
Public Service of New Hampshire - 800-662-7764

Television Providers:
Comcast - 800-266-2278
Direct TV - 800-203-4860
Dish Network - 800-347-4638

Telephone:
Verizon - 800-870-9999
TDS Telecom - 603-526-9911

Fuel:
Irving Oil - 888-310-1924
Dead River Co. - 603-526-2666
Goodrich Oil - 603-863-3700

Tips For A Successful Move
If You Plan to hire Movers, remember that they usually need plenty of notice. Call at least six weeks in advance if you can.
Build In a Time Overlap:
1. Make sure you have some time between the closing date of your new home and the last day you can leave your present home. Remember: Moving always take longer than you plan.
1. If you want to make any changes to the house you bought, it is much easier to accomplish before you move in

Pare It Down:
1. Get rid of things you don’t need or want.
2. Have a yard sale or give it charity rather than move things you won’t use in your new home.

Take Some Notes:
1. Take notes on your new house (room measurements, window measurements, locations of
electric/cable/phone outlets, etc.).
2. You can have a plan as to where things go when you move in. Have the movers place them for you. Also if you buy new items, you can be sure they’ll fit in your new home.

Phone and Utilities:
• Some companies need at least a week to get everything connected.

Essentials:
Pack a box of essentials (a telephone, clothes, toiletries, medication, etc.) to get you through a couple of days.
Clean Items As You Pack Them:
1. Unpacking is hard enough without added effort.

Clean Before You Unpack:
1. Get a clean start by wiping our drawers and cupboards, sweeping floors and vacuuming carpets.
2. Make up the beds and put out towels.

Find More Area Information, including restaurant, shopping and other service information on our website.

Town Phone Numbers

Town of Sunapee:

Non-Emergency Fire, Police - 603-763-5555
Abbott Library Open: Mon. & Wed. - 9AM - 8PM; Thurs. & Fri. - 9AM - 6PM; Sat. - 9AM - 1PM - 603-763-5513
Post Office, Sunapee Open: Mon. – Fri, - 8AM – 1PM; 2 – 5PM; Sat. – 8AM – 12PM - 603-763-5786
Post Office, Georges Mills Open: Mon. – Fri. – 8AM – 12PM; 1 – 4:45PM; Sat. – 9 – 11:30AM - 603-763-4094
Selectmen's Office / Town Clerk / Tax Collector Open: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. – 8AM – 5PM; Wed. – 8AM – 1PM - 603-763-2212
Town Manager - 603-763-2212
Transfer Station - 603-763-4614 - Open: Mon, Thurs, Fri – 8AM – 4:15PM; Sun – 8 – 11:15AM
Water / Sewer Office Open: Mon – Fri – 8AM – 4PM - 603-763-2115
ZBA / Planning Board Open: Mon 9AM – 1PM; Tues – 12 – 4PM - 603-763-3194

Town of New London:
Non-Emergency Police - 603-526-2626
Non-Emergency Fire - 603-526-6073
Tracy Library Open: Tues & Thurs – 9AM – 8PM; Wed & Fri – 9AM – 5PM; Sat – 9AM – 1PM - 603-526-4656
Post Office, New London - 603-526-4641 - Open: Mon – Fri – 8:30AM – 5PM; Sat – 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Post Office, Elkins - 603-526-4591- Open: Mon – Fri – 7:30AM – 12PM; 1:30 – 4:45PM; Sat – 7:45AM – 11:30PM
Selectmen's Office / Town Clerk / Tax Collector Open: Mon – Fri – 8AM – 4PM - 603-526-4821
Town Administrator / Zoning Administrator - 603-526-4821
Transfer Station - 603-526-9499 - Open – Tues – Thurs – 9AM – 3:30PM; Sat – 9AM-3:30PM
Water Department - 603-526-4441
Sewer Department - 603-526-6411

Town of Newbury:
Non-Emergency Police Open: Mon – Fri – 7AM – 12PM - 603-763-4104
Non-Emergency Fire Open: Tues – 7 – 9 PM - 603-763-4403
Newbury Public Library Open: Mon – 12 – 8PM; Tues – Thurs – 12 – 5PM; Sat – 10AM - 2PM; Sun – 12 – 5PM - 603-763-5803
Post Office, Newbury Open: Mon – Fri – 7:15AM – 12:30PM; Sat – 8:30AM – 12:30PM - 603-763-2560
Highway Department - 603-938-5494
Town Clerk & Tax Collector - 603-763-5326 - Open: Mon – 1 – 7PM; Tues – Fri – 8AM – 12PM; 1 – 4PM
Town Administrator - 603-763-4940 - Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 8AM – 12PM
Transfer Station - 603-763-2298 - Open: Mon – 9AM – 1PM; Wed – 1PM – 5PM; Sat. & Sun – 9AM – 5PM

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