Buying a Home in New Hampshire: My Honest Take as a First-Time Buyer

Buying a home in New Hampshire was one of the biggest decisions of my life — and honestly, it felt overwhelming at first. Between rural charm, changing property taxes, and the fast-paced market in places like Manchester and Portsmouth, I didn’t know where to start.

Thankfully, I found Onest Real Estate, and they didn’t just guide me through the process — they gave me real, grounded advice without the sales pitch. Here’s what I learned that every New Hampshire homebuyer should know:

1. New Hampshire Isn’t Just One Market

What surprised me? Buying in Nashua is totally different from buying in Conway or Exeter. Each region has its own rhythm, pricing, and inventory. Southern NH is super competitive because it's commuter-friendly to Boston, while the Lakes Region is more seasonal and relaxed.

Onest helped me weigh lifestyle over listing price — things like commute times, winter access, local taxes, and even cell service. That local insight made all the difference.

2. No State Income or Sales Tax — But Property Tax is Real

New Hampshire doesn’t have state income or sales tax, which sounds amazing (and is). But here’s the catch: property taxes can be high, especially in certain towns. Onest walked me through what different tax rates would actually mean for my monthly budget — not just the sticker price.

3. Inspections Are Essential — Especially in Rural Areas

A lot of homes in NH have:

• Private wells and septic systems

• Older heating systems (hello, oil tanks)

• Unfinished basements or woodstoves

My inspection uncovered issues I never would’ve noticed. Onest had trusted local contractors and inspectors ready to go — and they saved me thousands in potential repairs (and regrets).

4. You Might Need a Snow Strategy

This sounds funny, but it’s real: In parts of NH, snow isn’t just a weather report — it’s a way of life. From driveway plowing contracts to town road maintenance, Onest helped me ask the right questions about winter access, roof load, and heating costs.

5. Your Agent Matters More Than You Think

The NH market can feel super casual in some towns and ultra-competitive in others. In both cases, you need someone who’s honest, responsive, and truly knows the local scene.

What I loved about Onest Real Estate:

• They didn’t pressure me.

• They explained why a house might not be a good fit, even if I loved how it looked online.

• They always put my long-term goals first — not their commission.

The Bottom Line: New Hampshire is a Beautiful Place to Buy — If You Have the Right Guide

There are so many great things about living in New Hampshire: mountains, lakes, no income tax, and plenty of space. But buying here isn’t always straightforward. From zoning quirks to old homes and seasonal roads, I’m glad I had a team that told me the truth.

If you're thinking about buying in NH, start with a team that treats you like a person, not a deal. That’s what I found with Onest Real Estate — and I’d recommend them without hesitation.

Want to start your home search the right way?
Reach out to Onest Real Estate for a pressure-free chat about your options in New Hampshire.
🏡 Local Expertise | 🧭 Honest Advice | 🤝 People-First Service
www.onestrealestate.com