Buying a Home in New Hampshire Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $13,800 on a median New Hampshire home ($460,000).
A step-by-step guide for New Hampshire buyers who want to keep the commission.
New Hampshire Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
Yes — Attorney Required
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$13,800 at median price
New Hampshire requires attorneys to conduct real estate closings. Buyer agents are optional.
Transfer Tax
New Hampshire real estate transfer tax is $0.75 per $100, split equally between buyer and seller ($0.375 each). On a $460K home, each party pays about $1,725.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in New Hampshire
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $460,000 New Hampshire home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in New Hampshire. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and New Hampshire county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in New Hampshire.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In New Hampshire, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in New Hampshire. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. New Hampshire sellers are required to disclose material facts but the form is less comprehensive than neighboring states. A thorough inspection — including radon test — is essential. NH has some of the highest radon levels in the Northeast.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home (Attorney Required)
New Hampshire requires a licensed real estate attorney at closing. The attorney prepares or reviews the deed, handles title examination, and manages the closing process. Budget $600–$1,200 for attorney fees at closing.
Resources for New Hampshire Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.