Keep your home safe and secure

"For happiness one needs security." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

In the United States, a burglary occurs every 8 seconds. Thieves average 8-12 minutes in your home, searching for valuable items like electronics, money and jewelry. Despite this, the vast majority of burglars are not professional thieves and can be thwarted with a few basic measures.

5 Quick and Easy Crime Deterrents

1. Neighborhood Watch- Valuable method for sharing information and spreading the word about recurring incidents. Members are also much more likely to be more aware of warning signs that can help prevent crimes. Also, a good way to meet your neighbors.
2. Security Systems- Helps alert authorities of a break-in and allow response teams to respond quickly. If you can not afford a security system, placing a security company sign in the yard is an effective and economical approach.
3. Dogs- One of the most effective ways to prevent crimes. Even smaller dogs can be great ways to scare of criminals by barking and alerting trouble (though, I do not think my Yorkie will do the trick, he would run and hide).
4. Exterior Lighting- Bright lighting near outside entrances prevents most criminals from entering your home. Motion sensors will startle any trespassers and will also alert you by grabbing your attention.
5. Panic Button- If your car has an alarm, keep your keys handy. The cars alarm is a great way to frighten off someone who is lurking on your property or attempting a break-in.

7 Tips When Away on Vacation:

1. Leave a TV or Radio on
2. Have a car parked in the driveway
3. Give a key to a relative or neighbor instead of under a mat
4. Leave lights on timers
5. Make sure stove tops and irons are off
6. Have neighbors pick up your mail
7. Hire a house sitter

Rochester NH Property Taxes

This just in, Rochester property tax rate is increased 95 cents per $1000. This mixed with a decrease in assessments, means that Rochester property taxes will remain roughly the same (though my tax bill seemed to have gone up about $80). I think we have done fairly well keeping the taxes low when you see the larger increases in property taxes that Somersworth and Dover have come out with.

My opinion, I would love to see the city not adjust the tax assessments and keep the tax rate lower. Yeah, sure, the city will probably get a lot of complaints from homeowners saying that their taxes are too high. Don't we get the complainers already anyway?

Here is why I think it would be beneficial for the city. Home buyers always seem to want to look at the city assessment and say that is what the property is worth, while we all know this is an inaccurate assumption the buyer is making. If the city keeps assessments a bit higher, people may think the property could possibly be worth more. This could have a positive impact on the cities property values. Mix that in with a much lower tax rate in comparison to surrounding towns, and you may create even more positive impact. Just a thought and only my opinions. What do you think.

Top Tips Before Winter Hits

Yes, winter is coming! For some of us this is a good thing for others its more of a time to relax and hibernate. Here are some tips to keep you ahead of old man winter that go beyond sharpening your skis and getting out your holiday decorations.

-Change your batteries in your smoke detectors

-Vacuum the coils on the back of the fridge, this will help your fridge run more efficiently.

-Service your heating system, now is the best time to make sure it is in good working order and running efficiently.

-Empty the gas from your lawn mower. This will ensure that it works better come spring time.

-Clean your gutters properly, to prevent from icing up or overflow.

-Trim back your trees

-Clean the garage out, make sure to put paints and liquids that can freeze into a warm location.

-Sharpen your hockey skates and get the old skis tuned.

Its just a couple ideas, but it should make the winter go by a little smoother. Oh...and one last thing, contrary to popular belief, houses do still sell in the winter time. So, if it is that time for you, call your local Realtor. I know just the guy. Call me anytime!

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A Short Sale as an Alternative to Foreclosure

Let's face it, it's not enjoyable going through financial hardships, especially when you are on the edge of losing your home. Try to avoid going down the foreclosure route by entertaining the idea of doing a short sale. Let's face it a short sale is far from hassle-free, however, it is a better alternative than foreclosure.

A short sale is an agreement between you and the lender to sell your home for less than you owe. Although, there is no guarentees that your lender will allow you to avoid foreclosure by going the short sale route, Uncle Sam has put forth regulations intended to encouraging lenders to do so. HAFA or the Home Affordability Foreclosure Alternatives program provides incentives for lenders and borrowers to avoid foreclosures and pursue short sales and deeds in leiu of foreclosures.



Advantages of a Short Sale:
- You can purchase a home much sooner after a short sale rather than a foreclosure. Fannie Mae guidelines help you qualify more a mortgage in as little as 2 years after a short sale rather than the 7 years of a foreclosure-
-No social stigma of "Foreclosure"
-You have more control over the sale, where as in a foreclosure the bank has control.
-Some lenders may not report to credit bureau, though some will report, "Settled"
-Credit scores tend to raise quicker after a short sale.
-Help your communities home values by not having the foreclosure stigma.

Disadvantages of a short sale:
-Your credit score will still take a hit (probably already has since you most likely missed payments before the short sale)
-In some states the lender may be able to come after you for the difference in sales price and mortgage payoff amount. Check with your lender and state laws.


If you are considering a short sale it is best to contact myself or a local qualified Realtor® in your area. It is a good idea to speak to an attorney about your options ( I am not an attorney and can not give legal advice.) If you decide to proceed with a short sale, gather all information you can to support your need to sell your house short (loss of income, divorce, debt, illness, etc). You will need to write a hardship letter (your opportunity to complain about your situation) and you will have to provide the lender with financial information.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions - Mark Zoeller (603) 817-4113
Realtor®- NH and Maine