Helpful Resources

Here are some links to resources that will help answer your questions about everything from lead paint, to well water, to septic systems. This is just a sample of the resources you will need as you navigate the home buying and selling process. It can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to know everything. As your Agent, I’ll guide you through each step. Contact me to get started today.

LEAD LAW

A disclosure is required when you buy or sell a home built before 1978. This is not riveting reading material, but it is important. Find all the facts here:

• Massachusetts Lead Paint Law

• New Hampshire Lead Paint Law

MASSACHUSETTS AND NH DEED SEARCH

Need to find your deed or check to see if you filed a Homestead? Search your County Registry below:

• Southern Essex Registry of Deeds

• Middlesex South Registry of Deeds

• Middlesex North Registry of Deeds

• New Hampshire County Registers of Deeds

MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE HOMESTEAD PROTECTION ACT

New Hampshire law automatically grants homeowners a $120,000 protection on their primary residence - no filing required. Massachusetts homeowners have an automatic $125,000 protection on their primary residence, but may file for additional protection (up to $500,000 for married couples).

• What is it?

• How do I file for protection?

HOME INSPECTION

• Massachusetts Home Inspection Consumer Fact Sheet

REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENT

There are lots of reasons you may feel that your property taxes are too high. To formally request a reduction in the taxes assessed on your property, you’ll need to file a tax abatement form and include supporting documentation explaining why you feel your property valuation is too high.

• Application for Abatement

BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY WITH A SEPTIC SYSTEM

In Massachusetts, a Title V inspection must be done prior to the sale of a home with a septic system. The inspection determines if the system is functioning properly and in compliance with public health standards. It is not a guarantee that the system will function adequately in the future.

New Hampshire does not have a Title V requirement. This means that as a buyer, it is your responsibility to have the system inspected as part of your due diligence during the home inspection period.

• Massachusetts Title V

• Sample Title V Report

• Septic System Do’s and Dont’s

• Buying or Selling A Property with A Septic System

SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE INSPECTION

As a seller in Massachusetts, you will be required to equip your home with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that comply with state and federal laws. Prior to closing, the fire department will come out to test and inspect the equipment to confirm that they are in compliance.

• Preparing for a Smoke and CO Inspection

There is no inspection requirement prior to sale in New Hampshire. It is the buyer’s responsibility to make sure the home has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors after purchase.

ENERGY AUDITS AND REBATES

Looking to increase energy efficiency and lower your utility bills? The MassSave and NHSaves programs offer free energy assessments and rebates on insulation, Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, appliances and more.

• MassSave

• NH Saves

DONATION RESOURCES

Got stuff? If you need to declutter and pair down before you list your home, or you just binge watched Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, here are some local organizations that will accept your donations. You'll help some great charities, keep your stuff out of a landfill, and your donations are tax deductible. Many of these organizations offer free pick up, but make sure you call ahead as they get very busy in the spring and summer months.

• Beverly Bootstraps

• Savers

• Goodwill

• Salvation Army

• Vietnam Veterans of America

• Leeward Charitable Foundation

• Essex County Habitat for Humanity

• Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity

• Open Door

Didn’t find the answers you were looking for? Let me know how I can help!