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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December 2025 Merrimack Valley Real Estate
Sopris Realty LLC | By: Kat Jalbert
Boutique Real Estate in the Heart of the Merrimack Valley
What's Really Happening This Month
Winter may slow down showing activity in New England, but the quality of buyers actually increases. There are fewer buyers "just looking" and more "ready to write an offer."
A few highlights for December:
Interest rates continue shifting daily. Buyers who stayed on the sidelines this fall are re-entering the market.
Inventory remains tight across Southern, NH & North Central MA, keeping well-priced homes competitive.
Sellers who list now benefit from motivated buyers, less competition, and faster closings heading into the new year.
Why Winter Sellers Win👊
Most people assume spring is the best time to sell, but December often creates the perfect conditions for a strong sale. Here's Why:
Low Inventory: Your not competing against 15 other listings.
Motivated Buyers: Year-end job changes, personal deadline, relocations, and life transitions drive serious offers.
Cozy Factor: Homes show beautifully with warm lighting, tasteful decor, and holiday charm.
Faster Timelines: Lenders, inspectors, and attorneys
often have more availability.
Pro Tip: If your home needs light updating (paint, flooring, kitchen refresh), to help your home stand out, we can help you prepare everything based on current market trends for maximum appeal.
Realtor Tip of the Month
If your home has been sitting, It's time to adjust your strategy.
A few high-impact updates can drastically change a buyers perspective on the home. Here are a few suggestions under $5,000:
▶️ Fresh interior paint (whites & soft creams)
▶️ Updated light fixtures
▶️ Modern hardware on cabinets
▶️ Deep clean & professional staging
▶️ Declutter & simplify shelving
These updates can create a 3-5x ROI and can increase showing activity.
🙋 Have questions about which updates matter most? I can walk your property and create a customized plan for you.
🚨 Hot off the Press! 🚨
New Fannie Mae Update: Lower Credit Score Requirements
As of November 16th, Fannie Mae removed the 620 minimum credit score requirement. This Means:
More buyers can qualify for conventional loans
Pre-approvals may broaden
Credit scores still impacts interest rate
(higher scores = better pricing)Stronger opportunity for first-time and lower-
down-payment borrowers.
If you've been hesitant to start the pre-approval process, now is a great time!
We can connect you with a trusted local lender.
✨ Community Spotlight
Local Holiday Events in the Merrimack Valley
🎄Milford Holiday Stroll | December 6th, 9am - 2pm
🎄Nashua Winter Holiday Craft Fair | December 6th, 11am - 4pm
🎄 Londonderry Christmas on the Common | December 7th, 3pm - 6pm
🎄Hollis Town Tree Lighting | December 13th, 10am-7pm
🎄Litchfield's Holly Jolly Journey | Now through January 11th, 4:30 pm daily
Active Listings 🏠
For Sale | 195 Corning Rd, Manchester, NH | $4245,000
Solid 3 bed, 2 Bath home with potential, perfect for a buyer wanting to personalize their own space for instant equity. New price reflects adjustments based on current market.
For Rent | 107 Russell St. #2, Manchester, NH | $1,850/Mo
Second floor 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in Manchester, NH. Charming New England character, hardwood floors throughout, includes an enclosed porch and small deck.
Pets allowed, No off-street parking.
💚Life Lately with Kat
This season has been full of gratitude, balancing motherhood, clients, and preparing for another baby on the way🤭. It has reminded me why I’m so committed to simplifying the real estate process for families here in New Hampshire & Massachusetts. In the past few months I've been working on our brokerages social media presence, developing new business models to help our sellers, and continuing to help place homeless Veterans into safe homes. We are working through a small home project, expanding a safe place for our boys to play. I am so excited to get into 2026 and continue building this beautiful life with you all!
🤝 How I Can Help You This Month
Whether you're buying, selling, downsizing, or planning a land + build project, I offer:
Complementary home value assessments
Buyer strategy sessions
Land + ADU consultations through Kinstruct Tiny Homes
Listing consolations & prep to get high visibility for your home in the first week
Reach out any time, even if you're in the "just thinking about it" stages.
[email protected] | (603) 833-5191
Thank your for being a part of the Sopris Community.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and momentum as we head into the new year. 🍾
-Kat Jalbert
Sopris Realty LLC
Your Neighbor. Your Guide. Your Real Estate & ADU Specialist.
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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