Turning Existing Equity Into Simplified ADU Living
Sopris Realty helps clients strategically sell an existing home and coordinate the equity toward an Accessory Dwelling Unit Build, in partnership with Kinstruct Tiny Homes, creating a clear, supported path from sale to construction across New Hampshire.
Designed for Thoes Planning Ahead
This approach is well suited for individuals and property owners seeking flexible, long-term housing solutions through a coordinated real estate and construction strategy.
✔ Property owners planning to sell an existing home to fund new construction
✔ Individuals with land or property suitable for an ADU
✔ Sellers looking to strategically leverage home equity
✔ Homeowners seeking flexible living arrangements with independent spaces
✔ Clients who value a guided, well-managed process from sale through construction
A Coordinated Sale-to-Build Strategy
Because Sopris Realty and Kinstruct Tiny Homes are owned under the same leadership, we're able to thoughtfully coordinate the sale of an existing home with the planning and execution of an ADU build, while maintaining clear roles, transparency, and client advocacy throughout the process.
Sopris Realty represents you as your listing brokerage, with a focused goal: to position and sell the home in a way that maximizes usable equity for the ADU build.
At the same time, we keep the Kinstruct team informed of timelines, funding expectations, and build considerations so the transition from sale to construction remains aligned and efficient.
This structure allows for:
⭐ Fewer handoffs and communication gaps
⭐ More intentional timing between sale and build
⭐ Clear financial alignment from the start
⭐A smoother experience for clients navigating a complex transition
From Home Sale to ADU Build: Step by Step
Step 1:
ADU & Equity Planning Consultation.
We begin with a strategy conversation led by Sopris Realty to understand:
The home being sold
The property where the ADU is planned
Client goals, timing, and long-term needs
When helpful, a Kinstruct team member may join to answer build-specific questions early.
Step 2:
Listing strategy Designed Around the Build
Sopris develops a listing plan that:
Prioritizes value-driven preparation
Avoids unnecessary pre-sale spending
Aligns pricing and timing with anticipated ADU costs
The goal is not just to sell, but to sell intentionally.
Step 3:
Sale Coordination & Equity Transition
As the sale progresses:
Kinstruct is kept informed of timing milestones
Build planning aligns with expected proceeds
Clients have clarity around next steps
This reduces delays and financial uncertainty once the sale closes.
Step 4:
ADU Design, Permitting & Construction
While Sopris sells the home, Kinstruct leads the full ADU build process, including:
Design and engineering
Permitting and approvals
Start of construction
Kinstruct builds anywhere in NH, working within local zoning and state regulations.
Step 5:
Long-term Planning & Support
Sopris remains involved as a resource, particularly when long-term value and future resale considerations come into play.
For example: if you need guidance on turning your ADU into a rental property.
Thoughtful Financial Alignment
Because the sale and build are planned together, many clients benefit from a more efficient overall structure.
In some cases, there may be financial advantages to working within this coordinated model, whether through listing considerations, timing efficiencies, access to an on hand home construction team, or reduced friction between steps.
These details are always discussed transparently and tailored to the individual situation.
👉 Connect with us to learn more about how this may apply to your situation.
Answering Your Most Common Questions
Are ADUs allowed in New Hampshire?
Yes! As of July 2025, New Hampshire law (HB577) allows accessory dwelling units by right, subject to local regulations. While each town may have specific requirements, ADUs are now broadly permitted statewide.
Where does Kinstruct build?
Kinstruct builds ADUs anywhere in New Hampshire. Local zoning, lot conditions and permitting requirements are reviewed early to ensure feasibility.
Does Sopris Realty still represent is independently as our listing agent?
Yes. Sopris Realty represents you as your brokerage with a fiduciary responsibility to act in your best interests during the sale. Our role is to advocate for the strongest possible outcome while aligning the sale with your broader ADU plan.
Do we have to work with Kinstruct if we sell with Sopris?
No. Clients are never required to use any specific builder. While we often collaborate with Kinstruct, all decisions remain with you.
Who handles the ADU consultation?
If you are exploring the option of selling a home to fund the ADU build, initial consultations are typically led by Sopris Realty and then you will be booked for a Kinstruct intake consultation. Where appropriate, a Kinstruct team member may join the conversation to provide build-specific insight.
As long as the home/land where the ADU will be built qualifies, you will have a Kinstruct site visit before we list the home to be sold. This is to ensure your plans can be executed fully from home sale to ADU build.
What if the sale doesn't fully fund the ADU build?
This is addressed early. We help clients understand realistic build ranges, timing, and whether supplemental financing may be needed before moving forward. We want you to be fully confident in your decision to sell & build with us.
When should we start this process?
Ideally, before the home is listed. Early planning allows us to thoughtfully align the sale strategy, available equity, and ADU timeline, reducing surprises and creating more options.
During this planning phase, we take into account:
-The current condition of the home and its true market value
-Local market conditions and how buyers are behaving right now
-A realistic pricing strategy based on data and condition
-Whether value-driven improvements make sense, or if pricing or concessions are a better approach
-The amount of usable equity expected from the sale
-ADU design expectations relative to available financing
-Timing considerations, including where everyone will live during construction and whether options like a rent-back should be built into the sale
Starting early allows us to guide the process intentionally rather than reacting once decisions are already in motion.
Considering an ADU-Focused Sale Strategy?
If you're exploring how an existing home sale could support an ADU build, we're happy to talk through the possibilities.
Ready to Explore Your Next Move?
Let's connect and create a strategy tailored to your investments and goals.
Elite Broker Blogs
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January 2026 Merrimack Valley Real Estate
Sopris Realty LLC | By: Kat Jalbert
Boutique Real Estate in the Heart of the Merrimack Valley
🌱 January in the Merrimack Valley
January always feels a little quieter, but beneath the surface, a lot of meaningful planning is happening.
This months update is about new beginnings in our communities, in real estate, and at home.
🏘️ January Market Snapshot: What Buyers & Sellers Should Know
While activity slows slightly after the holidays, January is one of the most strategic months in real estate, especially for those who like to plan ahead. Here's what we're seeing across the Merrimack Valley:
Home prices remain steady in towns like Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Milford, and Hollis, supported by limited inventory.
Mortgage interest rates continue to fluctuate, but many buyers are finding opportunities through lender programs, rate buydowns, and creative financing strategies.
Buyer demand is picking back up after the holidays, especially among motivated, prepared buyers.
Sellers who use January to prepare (rather than rush) are often best positioned for strong spring outcomes.
👉 If you're thinking about buying or selling this year, January is the perfect time for a pressure-free conversation to map out options.
✨ New Year, New beginnings Around the Merrimack Valley
January is full of opportunities to reset, reconnect and try something new.
🎯New Fitness & Wellness Businesses in the Area:
Dynamite Pickleball in Merrimack, NH
Crunch Fitness in Nashua, NH
Flexable Assisted Stretching in Concord & Manchester, NH
📚Classes & Learning Opportunities
The Canvas Roadshow in Bedford, NH - endless crafting classes
Credit Reports 101 -Virtual with Granite State Credit Union
Nashua Public Library -Educational and family events
🔮 Looking Ahead: What 2026 Is Shaping Up to Look Like
While no one has a crystal ball, early-year trends give us helpful insight. Spring 2026 is looking like a more balanced market with a modest increase in inventory and potentially continued home price appreciation, even with easing mortgage rates. Here are some ways you can best prepare.
For Buyers
January and February are ideal months to:
Review credit and financial goals
Get pre-approved or re-approved
Learn what programs and incentives are available
Start watching neighborhoods closely before spring competition increases
Prepared buyers often gain flexibility and confidence when the right opportunity appears.
For Sellers
This is the season for smart preparation:
Light updates that make a strong first impression
Pricing strategy based on current data, not last year's headlines
Understanding timing options and being ready to list in stead of feeling rushed
A calm, well-prepared plan almost always beats a last-minute scramble.
💚 What's Happening with Kat Lately
This holiday season was a quiet and meaningful one for our family. Watching our 15-month-old light up over his new stuffed animal on Christmas morning made everything feel slower and sweeter.
As we step into the new year, we're also preparing to welcome our third and final baby, (send me your boy names!!), while getting ready for what's shaping up to be a busy spring season in NH and MA real estate. It's a season of growth in every sense and one I am incredibly grateful for.
🌿Closing Thoughts
January is about intention and the choices we make now often shape the year ahead.
As always, closing day is just the beginning, and I'm grateful to be part of so many meaningful journeys across the Merrimack Valley.
Whether you're
Planning a move
Exploring downsizing or ADU options
Buying your first home
Or simply gathering information
I believe real estate works best when it's thoughtful, informed, and centered around real life, not pressure.
If you're thinking about your next chapter, I'm always happy to talk it through. 🙂
Reach out anytime, even if you're in the "Just thinking about it" stages.
[email protected] | (603) 833-5191
-Kat Jalbert
Sopris Realty LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity. A Proud Equal Opportunity Real Estate Brokerage
Sopris Realty LLC, the Sopris Realty LLC logo, and other various trademarks, logos, designs, and slogans are the registered and unregistered trademarks of Sopris Realty LLC.
Corporate Responsibility, Privacy & Legal Notices: Sopris Realty LLC is a licensed real estate brokerage in NH & MA. No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified, and Sopris Realty LLC expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. © Sopris Realty LLC 2025.
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