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Housing

There's more information about finding housing here on the FSP website.

Buying a house

Here are some sites to check out different places in the state.

Building and Renovating

There are several Free Staters that do building and renovations here in New Hampshire. Inquire about doing business in the Porcupine community.

Renting

Renting for a while in New Hampshire is a good idea even if you are already prepared to purchase a home. This will give you time to check out New Hampshire and find just the right fit for your new life here.

When you check out a place to rent, bring a camera and take plenty of pictures. These pictures will help you remember each place if you are looking at several different places. The pictures will be very helpful when planning your move.

Remember to ask what your utilities may cost if they aren't included in the rent.

When you move in to your new place take pictures and document any minor problems with the apartment. Most places have a form to fill out. Don't skip going over the apartment right after you move in. If you don't document any minor damages when you move in you could be charged for them when you move out even though you weren't responsible for them.

Utilities

If you don't wish to use or give out your Social Security Number (SSN) there are things you can do. When setting up your utilities you can often have a credit card on file so you don't have to fill out a credit application. They will just charge your card every month or for each delivery. Some companies will let you prepay for fuels to avoid the credit check. Also, some companies will want a deposit if you don't give them The Number.

Don't forget to cancel all of your utilities before you move. I would hate to see someone you don't know enjoying cable, internet and long distance phone calls on your dime. When you schedule the cut-off date get the name of who you spoke with, what time you called and a confirmation number. This will help if there are any problems later. If you have DSL you may need to have it disconnected several days before you can have the phone line disconnected.

When you choose a company as a service provider please keep a few things in mind.

  • Write down who you spoke with
  • Note when any equipment will be delivered/hooked up
  • What the rate/charge will be
  • Get a copy of the service contract
  • Find out the total charges for set up, taxes, and if the rate is an introductory rate and how long it is good for.
  • Get a confirmation number

I found that getting some New Hampshire phone books was useful for gathering information.

Verizon 800-888-8448
The Talking Phone Book 877-703-0402
TDS 888-837-1347
Your local directory 603-298-0566

Collecting them while visiting New Hampshire is probably the best way to get phonebooks.

Heating

Always try to get an idea of the fuel costs for any building before purchase. Request copies of the fuel bills from the owners and if they don't have such records, request that thay call their fuel supplier and get a statement.

Most homes are heated with oil or propane or use wood. Natural gas isn't very common, but it is available in some areas (major cities like Concord and Manchester, and some smaller towns/cities along the pipeline.) Some few houses use electric heating here, but it is an expensive proposition due to electricity costs, and should generally be avoided unless you plan to replace it with a fuel-based heating source after purchase.

Any fuel-burning appliance should be serviced yearly (with the exception of very few space-heaters that get serviced every two years) by a reputable service company. New Hampshire does not license oil or wood-heating service companies. Gas-heating licenses have recently been created, but reports from those who have taken the training course seem to indicate that it is more of an exercise in memorization than of testing skill. Once you move, ask your neighbors who they rely on and if they are happy with the service they have received - it gives you a convenient excuse to introduce yourself, and while you are there you can ask for any recommendations for electricians, plumbers, auto repair shops, and other skilled tradespersons.

If you will be having major work done, make sure to ask for proof of insurance. Follow-up by calling the insurance company to verify, since a few unscrupulous individuals will obtain insurance coverage, then cancel the day after they receive the certificate. Five hundred thousand dollars is bare-minimum liability insurance, and most reputable companies will have one million. Some companies (particularly those that deal with commercial accounts) may have two million or even more.

Another thing to keep in mind when dealing with skilled trades is that they are often willing to accept barter in exchange for work. I know a plumber who replaced a water heater in a restaurant in exchange for fee meals there. Others may be interested in trading work-for-work, if you have a skill that they need (eg, computer repair, or landscaping). It doesn't hurt to ask, although the larger companies are less likely to be interested, and the smaller shops are rarely not interested in some level of barter (of course, you might not have anything they want).


‹ Gunsup"More tips on working with a Realtor" by Mike Lorrey ›
Submitted by alecmuller on May 24, 2008 - 4:36pm.