Kelly Arsenault, Specializing in "People with Pets", NH Real Estate

10/01/2026

Open house October 3
11:00 to 1:00
6 Phoenix Dr., Kingston NH
Amazing garage with lift, RV or boat storage. Finished space in basement for ADU. Radiant heat, open concept.

09/29/2026

🐾 CO-BUYING — DAY 13: CAN TWO INCOMES HELP YOU QUALIFY?

Possibly—and this is one of the reasons co-buying can be worth exploring for people who would have difficulty purchasing on their own.

When two borrowers apply together, a lender may be able to consider qualifying income from both borrowers.

But here’s the part I want people to understand:

You don’t simply add two paychecks together and call it buying power.

The lender also evaluates the borrowers’ debts, credit profiles, employment and income documentation, available funds and the requirements of the particular loan program.

So imagine one person says:

“I have good income, but I can't comfortably afford a home on my own.”

And a friend, sibling or other potential co-buyer says the same thing.

Instead of assuming homeownership is out of reach, it may be worthwhile to sit down with a qualified lender and ask:

“What would our financial picture look like if we applied together?”

The answer may be yes. It may be no. Or it may uncover some things to work on first.

The goal isn't to stretch into a house you can't comfortably afford. It's to find out what your actual options are.

Mortgage qualification and loan terms vary by borrower and loan program. A qualified lender should evaluate your individual circumstances.

Kelly Arsenault, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

09/27/2026

You don’t always need a full renovation to make your kitchen more appealing to buyers. 🏡 A few thoughtful, budget-friendly updates can help the space feel brighter, cleaner, and more inviting, making it easier for buyers to picture themselves cooking, gathering, and living there.

09/25/2026

🏡 CO-BUYING — DAY 12: WHAT IF THIS ISN’T YOUR FOREVER HOME?

Sometimes the goal doesn’t have to be finding your forever home right away.

For the right two people, co-buying could be approached as a 5-year plan: purchase responsibly, share the costs of ownership, pay down the mortgage, continue saving, and then reevaluate together when life changes.

During that time, equity may increase through principal paydown and possible appreciation — but appreciation is never guaranteed. Home values can change, and selling costs also affect the final outcome.

The important part is having a plan from the beginning:

What are we hoping to accomplish?
How long do we expect to own together?
How will we handle expenses and repairs?
What happens if one person wants to leave sooner?
At what point will we sit down and reevaluate?

A five-year plan doesn’t mean you must sell in exactly five years.

It simply gives both people a shared timeline and a reason to check in along the way.

Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. Sometimes it can simply be your first step.

Educational information only. Home values, equity growth and financial outcomes are not guaranteed. Buyers should consult appropriate lending, legal and tax professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Kelly Arsenault, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

09/24/2026

🏡 Is a 7% mortgage rate really “high”?

It may feel high—especially after the unusually low rates of recent years—but historically, 7% is not an extraordinary mortgage rate.

The real challenge is that today’s buyers are combining that rate with home prices that have risen significantly. That makes affordability a very real concern.

But waiting for rates to fall doesn’t necessarily mean the home will cost less.

While you wait:

• Home prices may continue to rise
• Competition may increase when rates come down
• The right home may come and go
• You’re postponing the opportunity to begin building equity

The better question isn’t simply, “What is today’s rate?”

It’s: Can I comfortably afford the right home at today’s price and payment?

If the answer is yes, buying now may make more sense than trying to predict the market. A mortgage rate may potentially be refinanced later if circumstances and qualifications allow—but you can’t refinance the price you paid for the home.

Let’s look at the actual numbers before fear—or a headline—makes the decision for you.

Kelly Arsenault, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
Specializing in People with Pets®

09/24/2026

🏡 CO-BUYING — DAY 11: 50/50 ISN’T THE ONLY CONVERSATION

If two people buy a home together, it’s easy to assume everything automatically becomes “half yours, half mine.”

But before closing, co-buyers should understand how they will actually hold title to the property—and whether that matches what they intend.

Here in New Hampshire, state law says that when real estate is conveyed to two or more people, it is generally treated as a tenancy in common unless the deed clearly creates a joint tenancy or another recognized form of ownership.

Why does that matter?

Because two people might contribute differently toward the down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses or future improvements. And just as importantly, the way title is held can affect what happens to an owner's interest later.

So before signing the deed, good questions include:

Are we contributing the same amount?
How do we intend to own the property?
What happens to each person's interest if one of us dies?
Does our written co-ownership agreement match the way we're taking title?

This is an area where your REALTOR® can help you identify the questions—but a New Hampshire real-estate attorney should explain the legal consequences and help you choose the ownership structure appropriate for your situation.

The goal isn't to make co-buying complicated.

It's to make sure everyone understands what they're agreeing to before the keys change hands. 🔑

Educational information only; not legal or tax advice. Ownership and estate-planning consequences depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified New Hampshire attorney and tax professional as appropriate.

Kelly Arsenault, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

09/23/2026

🏡 CO-BUYING — DAY 10: DON’T SPEND EVERY DOLLAR GETTING THE KEYS

When two people buy together, it can be tempting to focus on just two numbers:

The down payment and closing costs.

But what happens the week after closing when the water heater quits, the dog discovers a loose section of fence, or the refrigerator decides it's done? 🐾

That’s why co-buyers should talk about a repair and emergency fund before they buy.

One practical approach is to decide together:

How much do we want left in savings after closing?
How much will each of us contribute every month?
What expenses can the fund be used for?
At what dollar amount do we need to discuss a repair before spending?

And here's an important distinction: your personal “house emergency fund” is not necessarily the same thing as mortgage “reserves.” In mortgage underwriting, reserves are financial assets remaining after closing that could be used to cover housing payments. Requirements vary by loan and underwriting circumstances. For example, current Fannie Mae guidance says a one-unit principal-residence transaction generally has no minimum reserve requirement, although its automated underwriting system may require reserves based on the overall loan profile.

So even when a lender doesn't require a particular reserve amount, the two of you can still decide that having money set aside makes sense for your household.

Co-buying isn't simply figuring out whether two people can afford to purchase a home.

It's figuring out how two people will comfortably own it together.

Educational information only. Mortgage requirements vary by loan program, lender and individual circumstances. Speak with your lender about funds needed for closing and any applicable reserve requirements.

Kelly Arsenault, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

09/23/2026

I have a very big why and I can’t do it alone…..
Realtor since 2010
Rescue founder since 2012
KellysellsNH.com

Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

09/22/2026