FAQs

For the human resource person:

• How will Housing Solutions Plus save my company and my employees time and money?
• The idea for the creation of HSP came from concerns expressed by a network of human resource personnel regarding the rental housing needs of their relocating employees. HSP was developed to address relocation needs through a system designed to provide both immediate access via website with database support, as well as the personalized professional services of a relocation coordinator if desired. HSP provides one stop shopping for housing and relocation needs.
• How can HSP address the relocation needs of a small company as compared with a large company?
• HSP staff will meet with you to discuss relocation needs specific to your company and structure a program which will meet the needs of your new employees. Contracts are based upon needs and services, with fees negotiated accordingly.
• How will HSP support the existing recruiting efforts of my company?
• As a corporate client of HSP, your company will have secured access to our web site and database. You or your recruiter may use this access to demonstrate to prospective employees the relocation services available, should they accept employment opportunity with your company. The six towns most likely to support rental housing are highlighted in detail with information including but not limited to: demographics, education, municipal services, recreational services, and childcare. Popular condominium complexes will be featured with general information and photos. It is possible with internet access at trade shows and job fairs, to take prospective employees on a virtual tour of the Upper Valley.
• Why does HSP need to execute a written contract with my company for services?
• As a real estate business licensed by the State of New Hampshire involved in the buying, selling or leasing of real property, we are required by law to have written employment contracts.
• For the relocating employee:
• What are the differences in state tax structure between New Hampshire and Vermont?
• This is a question that many people ask but few can answer accurately. The most obvious difference is that the State of Vermont requires an income tax that some estimate runs approximately 25%-28% of your federal tax obligation, while the State of New Hampshire has no income tax nor a sales tax.
• What has the housing market been like in the Upper Valley over the past few years, and what can I expect in terms of current availability?.
• Real estate markets nationwide tend to run in 5-10 year cycles, and the Upper Valley is no different. While housing prices last peeked between 1986-1988, the bottom was not found until 1994-1995. Since that time, appreciation has been slow and steady with favorable interest rates supporting a healthy growth. Dartmouth College and the Dresdan School District increases the cost of housing by at least 25% in Hanover, New Hampshire and Norwich, Vermont. At this time, an economic boom and the need for employees have increased the need for housing. The demand for affordable housing in good condition definitely exceeds the supply. The demand for rental housing has created a landlords market relative to rental costs. You should approach the Upper Valley housing market with a plan and work that plan. HSP personnel can offer information and advise to assist you in developing your plan
• 3..Is it better to buy or rent?
• The best way to begin to answer this question is with another question. How long do you expect to be in the Upper Valley? If you are here as a medical resident for 3-5 years of education with little or no time to deal with the potential repair and maintenance issues of home ownership, than renting might make sense. Another consideration is for the handy person who enjoys taking a cosmetically challenged house and turning it into house beautiful. There are homes in the Upper Valley that qualify for rehab or updating, and your resale potential will be increased with an improved property. If the cost to rent is close to, or a little more than, the cost to buy than having the tax benefits of ownership may make good financial sense. Carefully consider all possibilities and keep options open.
• When should I start looking for housing?
• If you are interested in a rental, than you should start looking 30-60 days prior to your expected time for arrival. Standard leases provide for a 30 or 60 day notice to vacate or renew. Most Upper Valley leases schedule termination to occur in the warm weather months between May and October. If you are a buyer than you can never start too soon. A large part of finding the right house at the right price is a function of your confidence as a buyer, which can be associated with your familiarity of the marketplace and the quality of the relationship with your real estate agent. If you plan to buy in the spring, than you should be looking at houses over the winter.
• How do I search the web site for apartments, condominiums and private homes?
• The site will automatically email an access code to you once your name is entered by HR or HSP personnel. Than go to the www.housingsolutionsplus.com web site and from the home page enter 'Rentals'. Log in with your email address and assigned password. In 'Search for Rentals' you have the choice of checking a box to "check here for all properties" or you may search by choosen criteria. Simply choose, search and view the possiblilities.
• How am I notified if an apartment, condominium or private home is entered into the database after my initial search?
• Once you have entered the data base and your presence is recorded, you will be notified by email of any new rentals that are introduced to the data base.
• How can I find an apartment, condominium or private home that will accept my pet(s)?
• The database provides an opportunity for landlords to identify pet opportunities. By checking all listings, you will note in the body of each property listing a category for pets. If the owner has checked 'no' than this owner is not interested in pets. If the owner has 'non specified' than pets may be negotiated directly with the owner/property manager. Owners may also specify type of pet accepted.
• In the event of fire, flood or other damage to my rental, are my personal belongings covered under the property owner's policy?
• No. The renter is responsible for purchasing a 'renters insurance' policy to protect personal belongings. Most insurance providers offer this type of coverage.
• Do you provide additional relocation services that will support our move (moving, storage, internet providers,etc.)?
• HSP has interviewed and identified a number of local venders who provide a variety of products and services which may be of interest to relocating individuals. From the HSP home page enter 'Local Resources' and select a category. Ideally, you will have a choice of two to three businesses in any given category. Some of these businesses offer discounts to HSP customers, so be sure to mention where you learned about them.
• For the property management company or landlord:
• Is HSP a property management business?
• No. HSP does not own or manage any housing rental units, nor do we have any future interest in becoming a property management company. We are in the business of matching landlords and tenants. Our customers are local companies who have hired us to help their relocating employees find suitable housing.
• Why should I submit my rental listings to HSP?
• It is an easy way to market your rentals to gainfully employed individuals and families moving into the Upper Valley. As mentioned in the previous answer, our customers are local businesses who have paid us to help their new employee find housing. Our secured database will store potential tenants who have registered housing needs into a search mode. Once a rental is introduced into the database, the system will automatically search for a match and immediately notify that potential tenant of the new rental. Did we mention that there is no cost to you for this service?
• Will prospective tenants be able to contact me directly or must they go through HSP?
• Yes. Prospective tenants will have whatever contact information you have provided and be able to contact you directly. However, some prospective tenants may prefer that contact be established through HSP. Remember, we are here to put tenants and landlords together and will do everything possible to make that happen.
• Does HSP pre-qualify a prospective renter?
• The property owner/manager is responsible for qualifying a prospective renter. However, HSP will periodically introduce additional services. In the future for instance, HSP may be able to run a credit report and verify current employment plus one previous and one current landlord reference.
• How do I add a listing to HSP?
• • Enter website address: www.housingsolutionsplus.com
  • Select: Property Managers, scroll down in the body of the text and
  • Select: Advertise your property free of charge
  • Select: New Property Listing
  • Select: Your name from the drop down menu, note that the drop down menu is in alphabetical order.  If you do not see your name, please add it.
  • Fill in the appropriate information for your individual property listing.
    Note: "R" means a required field. Rents should be filled in like so, 1,100 stands for $1,100.00. Term of lease: for example, type in one year.
  • Select: Continue.
    Congratulations your property listing has been added. The website will respond by thanking you for your addition.
• How do I update my listing?
• If you need to update your lisitng information, (ie, rental status, rent amount, availability date, etc.) please contact HSP via email or phone and we will make the necessary changes to the web site.
• How do I add digital photographs to my listing?
• If you have digital photos of your property listing, simply email the photos to joy@hs-re.com and the photos will be reviewed and added to the site. If you do not have a digital camera, arrangements for photographs can be made by contacting HSP personnel. Photos will be added from an administrative level.