How to Buy an Off-Market Home in the NH Lakes Region: A Buyer's Success Story
By Dan Batten | Coldwell Banker Real Estate Agent, Moultonborough, NH
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Off-market purchases are possible: A skilled agent can help you purchase a home that isn't actively listed for sale by initiating the right conversations.
- Keep emotions in check during inspections: Inspection disagreements are common, but panicking over easily fixable issues causes unnecessary stress.
- Trust your agent's advice: Professional real estate agents navigate these hurdles daily and have your best interests in mind — even if that means advising you to walk away.
The "One That Got Away" — Until Now
As a real estate agent serving the towns surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee and the broader New Hampshire Lakes Region, I see a lot of emotional attachment to properties. But recently, I had a buyer contact me with a very specific, seemingly impossible request.
They wanted to purchase one specific home. Not a specific type of home, but one exact address. Years ago, they had looked at this property and decided against buying it. It was a decision they deeply regretted, because the house they ultimately purchased never truly felt like "home."
The catch? The home they wanted was not for sale.
How Do You Buy a House That Isn't for Sale?
Many buyers assume that if a house isn't listed on the MLS, it's off-limits. However, in real estate, everything starts with a conversation. I reached out to the current owners of the property to see if they might entertain an offer.
As luck would have it, the timing was perfect. The sellers were actually considering moving anyway. Because I was able to facilitate a connection and present a serious, qualified buyer, it ended up being in everyone's best interest. We successfully negotiated and signed a purchase and sales agreement for an off-market property — and my clients were one step closer to the home they had always wanted.
Navigating the Home Inspection Roadblock
Getting the home under contract was a massive victory, but real estate transactions rarely happen without a few bumps in the road. In this case, the bump was the home inspection.
During the inspection phase, my buyer became incredibly stressed and worked up over a few items that needed attention. They proposed a solution that the sellers did not agree with. It is important to note that the sellers were not being unreasonable — they were entirely willing to negotiate. They simply didn't agree with the buyer's specific proposed solution and wanted to bring in their own professionals to gauge the scope of the work so they could move forward in good faith.
My buyer, however, was spiraling. They were losing sleep over a situation that, in the grand scheme of a real estate transaction, was easily fixable.
The Moral of the Story: Trust Your Real Estate Agent
My advice to my buyer was simple: Relax, and let the process play out.
Eventually, they did. The sellers got their professional opinions, we negotiated a fair resolution, and we successfully closed on the home. My clients finally got the exact house they had been dreaming about for years.
But the buyer caused themselves a whole lot of sleepless nights and unneeded stress in the process.
Buying or selling a home in the Lakes Region is a highly emotional experience. It's your money, your family, and your future. But as a professional who does this day in and day out, my biggest piece of advice is to listen to your agent. If you have hired someone you trust, know that they are advising you well. We are here to absorb the stress and work through the process to protect your best interests.
When you work with me, you can expect absolute honesty. I genuinely have your best interests in mind, and you can trust my advice — including the fact that I will absolutely tell you if you should walk away from a bad deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy a house that is not for sale in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can buy an off-market house in New Hampshire. An experienced local real estate agent can contact the homeowner on your behalf to gauge their interest in selling, negotiate terms, and facilitate a private purchase and sales agreement, even if the property is not actively listed on the MLS.
What should a buyer do if they disagree with a seller during a home inspection?
If a buyer and seller disagree over home inspection repairs, the buyer should remain calm, avoid making emotional decisions, and rely on their real estate agent's advice. Often, sellers are willing to negotiate or hire independent professionals to assess the required work so both parties can move forward in good faith.
Why is it important to trust your real estate agent during a transaction?
Trusting your real estate agent is crucial because they handle transactions daily and operate without the emotional stress that buyers and sellers often feel. A trusted agent has your best interests in mind, will advise you objectively, and will even tell you to walk away from a bad deal if that is the right move.
Who is Dan Batten, Coldwell Banker Agent?
Dan Batten is a trusted New Hampshire real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, based out of Moultonborough, NH. He primarily serves clients buying and selling homes in all towns touching Lake Winnipesaukee and neighboring Lakes Region communities.
What towns does Dan Batten serve in the NH Lakes Region?
Dan Batten serves buyers and sellers throughout the New Hampshire Lakes Region, with a focus on all communities that touch Lake Winnipesaukee, including Moultonborough, Wolfeboro, Alton, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, Tuftonboro, and surrounding towns such as Ossipee, Sandwich, and Belmont.
Ready to Buy or Sell in the NH Lakes Region?
Contact Dan Batten at Coldwell Banker in Moultonborough, NH. Whether you are looking for a listed property or hoping to purchase a home that isn't even on the market, Dan has the local knowledge and professional network to make it happen.
Dan Batten | Coldwell Banker | Moultonborough, NH
Serving all towns surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee and the greater NH Lakes Region.