A Complete First-Time Homebuyer Guide from Local Realtor Davis McVay
Buying your first home in New Hampshire is an exciting milestone — and with no state income tax and no sales tax, it’s easy to see why so many buyers from Massachusetts and beyond are looking north.
But while the Granite State has plenty of advantages, buying here still comes with its own set of steps, documents, and decisions.
That’s why Davis McVay, a trusted Realtor serving Southern NH and Northern MA, created this detailed, easy-to-understand roadmap for first-time homebuyers in towns like Windham, Londonderry, Derry, and Hampstead.
🏁 Step 1: Understand Your Budget and Get Pre-Approved
The first step toward homeownership is understanding what you can afford.
A mortgage pre-approval helps you determine your price range and signals to sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer.
What You’ll Need:
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Pay stubs and proof of employment
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Tax returns and bank statements
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Credit report and debt information
Once approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter showing how much you can borrow.
This is your ticket to begin house hunting in earnest.
Davis’s Tip:
“In New Hampshire’s competitive towns like Windham and Londonderry, sellers expect pre-approval. It’s your golden ticket to get your offer accepted.”
🧭 Step 2: Find the Right Realtor
A great agent doesn’t just open doors — they guide you through every decision, explain each document, and advocate for your best interests.
Davis McVay is known for going above and beyond for first-time buyers.
Lauren from Windham said, “He took the extra time to explain the whole process and made sure we felt fully prepared for our purchase.”
Working with a local expert means you’ll understand neighborhood trends, property values, and even town-specific considerations like school districts and commuting options.
🔍 Step 3: Start the Home Search
Now the fun begins — finding the right home for your lifestyle and budget.
Popular Southern NH towns for first-time buyers include:
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Windham: Sought-after schools, commuter-friendly, upscale neighborhoods
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Londonderry: Growing community with strong resale potential
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Derry: Great mix of affordability and accessibility
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Hampstead: Peaceful, small-town feel with lakes and trails
Davis sets up personalized MLS searches so you get instant alerts on new listings — often before they hit the big public sites. He’ll also help you interpret the true market value behind the list price.
Davis’s Tip:
“Online platforms can’t see condition or motivation. I help you read between the lines — spotting opportunities and avoiding pitfalls.”
💡 Step 4: Make an Offer
Once you’ve found your dream home, your agent will guide you in crafting a strong, smart offer.
This includes:
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Offer price
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Deposit amount (earnest money)
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Contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal)
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Preferred closing date
In competitive markets like Windham or Hampstead, Davis helps buyers balance strategy with protection — ensuring your offer is both appealing and safe.
Davis’s Tip:
“I always review every offer line by line — price, terms, contingencies — so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.”
🏗️ Step 5: Schedule a Home Inspection
After your offer is accepted, you’ll schedule a licensed New Hampshire home inspection.
Inspectors will evaluate:
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Structure and foundation
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Roof, plumbing, and electrical
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Heating and cooling systems
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Safety issues and repair needs
Davis helps you understand the results, negotiate repairs or credits, and decide what’s reasonable — without losing your dream home.
💰 Step 6: Finalize Financing and Appraisal
Your lender will now order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.
This ensures the home is worth what you’re paying — and protects you from overpaying.
If the appraisal comes in low, Davis works with both parties to renegotiate or adjust the terms, protecting your investment and keeping the deal on track.
📝 Step 7: Sign the Purchase & Sales Agreement (P&S)
In New Hampshire, once both sides agree on terms, the transaction moves to a Purchase & Sales Agreement — a formal, detailed contract that finalizes the deal.
Davis coordinates with your lender and closing attorney to ensure all terms, timelines, and contingencies are met without surprises.
Davis’s Tip:
“The P&S is where the real deal comes together. My role is to make sure you understand every clause before signing — so you feel confident moving forward.”
🏡 Step 8: Final Walkthrough and Closing
Before closing, you’ll walk through the home one last time to confirm its condition matches what was agreed upon.
Then comes the best part — closing day!
You’ll sign your final documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home in New Hampshire.
📦 Step 9: Move In and Celebrate!
Welcome home! 🎉
With Davis, your experience doesn’t end at the closing table.
He stays connected — offering local recommendations for movers, contractors, and home improvement services, plus ongoing advice about maintaining and growing your investment.
Sam from Lowell (who also bought in Southern NH) said, “Davis made the home-buying process so much easier and less intimidating. He was always responsive and knowledgeable.”
That’s the kind of experience first-time buyers deserve.
🧠 Bonus: Key Things to Know About Buying in New Hampshire
| Topic | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| No State Income or Sales Tax | You’ll save more compared to buying in Massachusetts |
| Property Taxes | Vary by town — Davis helps you factor this into your budget |
| Private Wells & Septic Systems | Common in NH; inspections are essential |
| Radon & Water Tests | Typical in NH transactions, often part of inspection |
| Attorney Role | NH closings are usually handled by title companies, cheaper and faster than attorneys — Davis coordinates all communication |
💬 Final Thoughts from Davis
“Buying your first home should be exciting, not confusing. I take pride in walking clients through every detail, explaining what each step means, and ensuring they feel empowered — not overwhelmed.”
📞 Ready to Buy Your First Home in New Hampshire?
If you’re ready to start your homeownership journey in Southern NH — from Windham to Derry, Londonderry to Hampstead — contact Davis McVay today.
He’ll guide you through every step with professionalism, patience, and a plan — turning your first home purchase into a stress-free success story.