Here is some advice after just going through a home inspection that was all jammed up with "flushable" wipes!

In recent years, flushable wipes have become a popular alternative to traditional toilet paper. They promise a more thorough clean and a convenient flush, but when it comes to your septic system, these wipes are still a major problem. Despite being labeled as “flushable,” these products can cause significant damage to your plumbing and septic system.

The Problem with “Flushable” Wipes

The term “flushable” can be misleading. While these wipes may go down the toilet with ease, they don’t break down the way toilet paper does. Instead, they maintain their structure, leading to clogs and buildup in your septic system.

Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, flushable wipes are designed to be stronger and more durable. This durability is what makes them problematic for septic systems. When these wipes enter the septic tank, they don’t break apart as expected. Instead, they accumulate and can cause blockages that disrupt the entire system.

How Flushable Wipes Affect Your Septic System

Your septic system is designed to handle wastewater, toilet paper, and human waste. Anything beyond this, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, or even excessive amounts of paper, can cause problems. When flushable wipes enter the septic tank, they can:

1. Clog Pipes: As these wipes move through your plumbing, they can get stuck, causing slow drains and blockages.

2. Fill the Tank: Since they don’t break down, these wipes take up space in your septic tank, reducing its efficiency and requiring more frequent pumping.

3. Cause Costly Repairs: Blockages and backups caused by flushable wipes can lead to expensive repairs or even the need for a complete septic system replacement.

Best Practices for a Healthy Septic System

To protect your septic system, it’s best to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Here are some tips to keep your system running smoothly:

1. Dispose of Wipes in the Trash: Even if the packaging says “flushable,” place used wipes in the trash. This simple step can prevent clogs and system failures.

2. Educate Household Members and Guests: Make sure everyone in your household knows not to flush wipes, even if they’re labeled as safe for flushing.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Regular septic system inspections and pumping can help identify issues before they become major problems.

4. Use Septic-Safe Products: Stick to toilet paper that is labeled as septic-safe. These products break down more easily and won’t contribute to blockages.

Conclusion: Protect Your Septic System

Flushable wipes might seem convenient, but they pose a serious risk to your septic system. To avoid clogs, backups, and costly repairs, it’s best to keep them out of your toilet and dispose of them in the trash. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure the longevity and health of your septic system, keeping your home running smoothly.

Here is a summary of an article that was published in the Conway Daily Sun recently.  You can read the full article here

The recently adopted rental inspection ordinance in Conway has hit a legal snag that prevents its enforcement until an amendment can be made at the next town meeting. This comes as the town faces a lawsuit from the Mt. Washington Valley Association for Responsible Vacation Rentals.

Background and Current Situation: At the Sept. 3 Selectmen’s meeting, Deputy Town Manager Paul DegliAngeli announced that the town would not take action against landlords out of compliance with the new rental inspection plan until the ordinance is updated and the lawsuit is resolved. The main issue lies in the ordinance’s wording, which does not correctly cite the relevant state laws.

The ordinance, which was approved by voters, needs to be amended to include references to specific state statutes, such as RSA Chapter 31, which pertains to the town’s ability to enact bylaws. The current version lacks this necessary verbiage, which has led to confusion and legal challenges. DegliAngeli stated that while the ordinance is not believed to be illegal, the town wants to clarify its language before moving forward.

Legal Actions and Reactions: This revelation surprised David Cavanaugh, president of the rental association, who noted that the town's intention to pause enforcement for ordinance adjustments was unexpected. The association, alongside White Mountain Properties, LLC, filed a lawsuit in August arguing that the rental inspection program was implemented without proper legal authority from the state. They are also challenging the town on the grounds of warrantless inspections and seeking to prevent the enforcement of the program.

Next Steps: To address the issue, the town plans to draft a letter explaining the situation to rental property owners. This letter will be presented at the next Selectmen’s meeting on October 1. Meanwhile, the town has received a two-week extension to respond to the lawsuit, with their new deadline being September 30. The first court hearing is scheduled for October 15 in Belknap Superior Court.

Looking Forward: The town aims to amend the rental ordinance at the 2025 town meeting to include the correct citations and set a fine schedule. Until then, enforcement of the rental inspection program remains on hold. This situation underscores the importance of precise legal language in local ordinances and the potential complexities that can arise when implementing new regulations.

For landlords and renters in Conway, this means a continued period of uncertainty. Stay tuned for updates as the town works to resolve these legal challenges and clarify the future of the rental inspection program.

As of September 1, 2024, significant changes have been made to New Hampshire's waterfront septic system regulations. Governor Chris Sununu signed into law House Bill 1113, which shifts the responsibility for septic inspections from sellers to buyers during the transfer of waterfront properties. This blog post will walk you through the key aspects of the new law and what it means for both buyers and sellers of waterfront homes.

Key Changes Under House Bill 1113

Previously, sellers of waterfront properties were required to perform a septic site assessment before selling. However, the new law eliminates that requirement. Now, buyers are responsible for ensuring that a septic inspection is performed prior to the transfer of property. This change applies to any property with a septic system located within 250 feet of a water body such as lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.

What Does This Mean for Sellers?

Sellers no longer need to conduct a septic assessment. Instead, they must allow the buyer to perform the septic inspection. This makes the selling process simpler but still requires coordination with the buyer, particularly if the septic system is in need of repair.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Buyers are now responsible for arranging a septic inspection as part of their due diligence. This inspection must be performed by a licensed septic evaluator. The buyer can accept a recent septic inspection from the seller as long as it was conducted within 180 days of the transfer date.

If the inspection reveals that the septic system is failing, the system must be repaired or replaced within 180 days after the property transfer. Both parties can negotiate who will bear the costs for this.

Do All Buyers Need to Perform a Septic Inspection?

No. The new law only mandates inspections if any portion of the septic system is within 250 feet of the reference line, which includes high-water marks of lakes or ponds over 10 acres, coastal waters, or fourth-order or higher rivers.

Special Considerations for Older Septic Systems

If the property’s septic system was never approved by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) or was approved before September 1989, a licensed septic system designer must evaluate the system to determine its condition.

Why Was This Law Passed?

This legislative change was driven by concerns over environmental protection, particularly regarding water quality. Cyanobacteria outbreaks, which are harmful to aquatic ecosystems, are often worsened by phosphorus runoff from malfunctioning septic systems. The new law aims to ensure that septic systems near New Hampshire’s water bodies are functioning properly and not contributing to this problem.

For More Information

For any questions or more details on the new septic inspection requirements, contact the NH Department of Environment Subsurface Systems Bureau at 603-271-3501.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home because of rising interest rates, the Rate Rebound Program could be just the solution you’ve been waiting for. This unique program provides buyers with the peace of mind that, if interest rates drop in the future, they can refinance and get the lower rate—without paying a bundle in lender fees. But the key point here is that waiting for rates to drop before buying could actually cost you more in the long run. Here’s why:

The Impact of Falling Interest Rates

When interest rates fall, it often leads to an increase in buyer demand. More people want to take advantage of the lower rates, meaning more competition for available homes. This surge in demand can drive up home prices. So, while you might be hoping to save on a lower rate by waiting, you could end up paying a higher price for the same home.

Lock in Today’s Prices with Future Rate Protection

With the Rate Rebound Program, you can purchase a home now and lock in today’s prices while knowing you have the opportunity to refinance at a lower rate later. Here’s how it works:

• Rate Rebound allows you to refinance your loan if rates drop after your purchase, without the burden of typical lender fees like processing fees, administrative fees, appraisal fees, or credit report fees.
• You can refinance any time from six months to five years after closing, as long as the new rate provides a tangible benefit, such as a 0.5% rate reduction.
• Plus, CMG Home Loans will cover up to $1,000 of third-party fees, making the refinance process even more affordable.

Why It’s Smart to Act Now

By buying now, you’re securing your home at today’s price. If interest rates decrease, you’ll have the flexibility to refinance without all the extra fees, putting you in a great financial position. And if rates don’t drop, you’ll still have the security of knowing you bought a home at a lower price before increased buyer demand pushes prices higher.

In summary, waiting for lower interest rates could mean paying more for your dream home. The Rate Rebound Program gives you the best of both worlds: locking in a home at today's prices with the chance to refinance and save later if rates fall.

If you’d like more information or are ready to explore your options, reach out to us at North Conway Realty or Kaylie at CMG Mortgage (603-323-0992) or kdean@cmgfi.com

Bartlett Real Estate – A 2024 Market Update Deep Dive

Whether you're looking for a single-family home or a condo, staying up-to-date on market trends is essential. Here's an in-depth look at the current state of the market, based on data from January 1, 2024, through September 4, 2024.

Bartlett Single-Family Homes

The single-family home market in Bartlett remains steady, with 25 homes currently on the market:

• Median Price: $650,000
• Median Days on Market: 49
• Price Range: The least expensive home is listed at $215,000, while the most expensive is at $3,000,000.

In addition to the active listings, 10 homes are currently under contract:

• Median Price of Pending Sales: $984,500
• Median Days on Market: 52
• Noteworthy Listings: Three of these pending properties are new construction, priced at $1,200,000.

Sales Data So Far in 2024

So far this year, 37 single-family homes have sold in Bartlett:

• Median Sale Price: $525,000
• Median Days on Market: 15
• Sales Price Range: The least expensive sale was for $269,000, while the most expensive sold for $2,350,000.

With 37 sales in the first eight months of 2024, Bartlett averages about 4.6 sales per month. Currently, there are 25 active listings, giving the market around 5.4 months of supply. This points to a balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers have a strong upper hand.

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Bartlett Condos

The condo market in Bartlett offers a variety of options as well. Currently, 19 condos are listed (excluding timeshares):

• Median Price: $375,000
• Median Days on Market: 31
• Price Range: The least expensive condo is listed at $220,000, while the most expensive is at $700,000.

Additionally, 12 condos are under contract, and here’s a breakdown of those pending sales:

• Median Price of Pending Sales: $427,450
• Median Days on Market: 72
• Pending Sales Price Range: From $300,000 to $650,000

2024 Condo Sales Performance

In the first eight months of 2024, there have been 41 condo sales:

• Median Sale Price: $410,000
• Median Days on Market: 17, indicating strong buyer interest.
• Sales Price Range: The least expensive condo sold for $205,000, while the highest-priced condo sold for $915,000.

With 41 sales in the first 8 months, the condo market averages 5.1 sales per month. Given that there are 19 active listings, Bartlett's condo market has approximately 3.7 months of supply, making it more seller-friendly than the single-family market. This lower inventory tends to favor sellers, giving them the advantage of quicker sales and possibly stronger pricing power.

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What This Means for You

The 2024 Bartlett real estate market presents a mix of balanced opportunities for single-family homes and a more competitive edge for condo sellers. For buyers, the single-family home market offers more breathing room with a balanced supply, while condo buyers may need to act more swiftly in a seller-favorable environment.

If you’re considering listing your property, the data shows a healthy, active market with homes and condos moving at a reasonable pace. On the flip side, if you’re looking to buy, staying informed and ready to move quickly—especially in the condo market—will be essential.

As always, if you have any questions or need help navigating the Bartlett real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to assist!