Nonprofit is gathering insight about homeownership sentiment

New Hampshire Housing is gathering data to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and sentiments of current and potential homebuyers.

The Homebuying Sentiment Survey, which launched Oct. 3, targets renters and those who currently do not own a home. The goal is to gather insights that will help shape effective programs and policies to support homeownership in New Hampshire, the nonprofit said in a press release.

New Hampshire Housing is partnering with NH Business Review, New Hampshire Magazine and Stay Work Play to promote the survey and ensure it reaches a broad audience of potential homebuyers. The survey seeks to assess the attitudes and challenges faced by both homebuyers and renters.

By gathering data on their experiences with the homebuying process, affordability perceptions and primary barriers, New Hampshire Housing aims to refine its homeownership programs to better meet the needs of residents and provide critical data to lenders and lawmakers on how best to serve their needs, the release said.

“We are at a critical juncture where housing affordability and availability have become top concerns for New Hampshire residents,” said Matthew Gallant, senior manager of business development of New Hampshire Housing, in a statement.

“This survey will provide valuable insights into the real challenges facing our first-time homebuyers and help us develop meaningful solutions to support them in achieving their dream of homeownership,” he said.

The survey has three objectives:

• Assess homeownership sentiment: Understand the attitudes of renters and potential homebuyers regarding the affordability and feasibility of purchasing a home.
• Identify barriers: Pinpoint key obstacles faced by homebuyers, including financial challenges, market availability, and downpayment concerns.
• Demographic insights: Collect demographic data to build a clearer picture of the diverse needs of homebuyers across New Hampshire

Participants who complete the survey will receive a $5 gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and input.

For more information or to participate visit NHHomeownership.org.

Firefighters extinguished a house fire in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday night.

Manchester fire said they were called to a report of a building fire on Straw Road just before 8 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, they found a single-family home with extremely heavy fire coming from the entire left side of the building.

The fire had self-vented and was coming out the side and rear of the house about 35 feet above the roof, according to fire officials.

The house had an extremely steep and narrow driveway, which made it difficult for firefighters to access the building. One engine made it up the driveway and firefighters began attacking the blaze, first from the exterior and then by pushing into the building.

The roof was ultimately opened for ventilation, and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. All companies cleared the scene around 11 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials estimated the total damages at about $275,000.