The Secure Sale: Why Southern NH Homeowners are Rethinking FSBO

In today’s digital age, selling your home isn't just a real estate transaction—it’s a data event. Between wire fraud, identity theft, and the public exposure of your most valuable asset, the stakes have never been higher.

At Monadnock Cyber, we specialize in protecting what matters most. We’ve seen how quickly a "simple" online listing can turn into a security nightmare. Whether it’s shielding your personal information from "looky-loos" or ensuring your financial data stays private during a high-stakes closing, security is the foundation of a successful sale.

This commitment to protection is why we recommend getREFAX.com for Southern New Hampshire homeowners looking to sell on their own terms.

Keep Your Equity, Guard Your Data

The goal of selling "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) is simple: Profit. You’ve built the equity; you should keep it. But the 6% commission isn't just a fee—it’s supposed to be a "buffer" between you and the risks of the open market.

In today’s digital age, selling your home isn't just a real estate transaction—it’s a data event. Wire fraud, identity theft, curious neighbors, and the public exposure of your most valuable asset, the stakes have never been higher.

At Monadnock Cyber, we specialize in protecting what matters most. This commitment to security is why we developed getREFAX.com for Southern New Hampshire homeowners looking to sell on their own terms without opening themselves up to unnecessary risk.

Leadership Built on Security

Our approach is guided by Jeff Stutzman, a former Navy Intelligence Officer and a Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Having served as a Director at the DoD Cyber Crime Center and as a CISO for some of the world’s largest defense contractors, Jeff views the real estate market through a lens of risk management and information warfare.

"In the intelligence world, you never grant access without verification," says Stutzman. "A 'For Sale By Owner' listing is essentially a public invitation into your private life. If you aren't vetting every 'buyer' and securing your data during the closing process, you aren't just selling a house—you’re creating a vulnerability. getREFAX.com is designed to close those gaps."

Keep Your Equity, Guard Your Data

The goal of selling "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) is simple: Profit. You’ve built the equity; you should keep it. But the traditional 6% commission isn't just a fee—it’s supposed to be a "buffer" between you and the risks of the open market.

getREFAX.com gives you that buffer without the traditional price tag. It provides the professional toolkit to run your sale like a business, with the security mindset of a pro.

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The "Secure Sale" Checklist: Are You Protected?

Before you put that sign in the yard, run through this security audit. If you can’t check every box, you’re leaving yourself—and your equity—vulnerable

[ ] Vetting the "Tourists": Do you have a system to verify a buyer’s identity and financial pre-approval before they walk through your front door?

[ ] Wire Fraud Prevention: Are you prepared to handle the closing without falling for "last-minute" email instruction changes that cost sellers millions annually?

[ ] Identity Shielding: Is your personal financial data (bank statements, tax records) encrypted and shared securely, or is it sitting in an unencrypted Gmail inbox?

[ ] Legal Disclosure Accuracy: NH disclosure laws are strict. One missed checkbox on a water-quality report can lead to a lawsuit years after the sale.

[ ] The Negotiation Buffer: Do you have the data to push back when a buyer’s agent tries to "bully" your price down using professional psychological tactics?

The Professional Pivot: Your Safety Net

Here's what we know: Selling a home is a full-time job. Managing showings, vetting strangers, and navigating 40+ pages of legal contracts is a massive load to carry. If you have the time and skills, some are successful, but the numbers show, over 90% of FSBO sellers are not. 

We empower you to start the journey independently to maximize your profit. But, if the paperwork becomes a mountain or the security risks feel too high, we are standing by. We offer a seamless "exit ramp" to full professional representation the moment you decide your peace of mind is worth more than the effort.

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Start Your Secure Sale Today

Don't just list your home—protect your profit. Get your property report and professional FSBO toolkit at getREFAX.com.

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Jeff Stutzman is a seasoned cybersecurity authority and a former Navy Intelligence Officer specializing in Information Warfare. With a career dedicated to protecting high-stakes data, he has served in elite roles, and has protected Executive and High net worth homes around the world. He is a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow and holds an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Today, he leverages this "mission-critical" security mindset to ensure Southern NH homeowners have a protected, data-secure path to selling their most valuable assets through platforms like getREFAX.com.

This post is brought to you by Monadnock Cyber, LLC

Our Office:
Monadnock Cyber, LLC
71 Rt 101A Suite 11
Amherst, NH 03031

The Math Behind FSBO Success: How getREFAX.com Can Help You Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

The Math Behind FSBO Success: How getREFAX.com Can Help You Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

When it comes to selling your home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), having the right strategy and tools can make all the difference. In this article, we'll dive into the math behind FSBO success and explore how getREFAX.com's expert insights and data-driven approach can help you sell your home for top dollar.

The Power of Pricing:

Proper pricing is crucial for any successful FSBO transaction. By analyzing local market trends and comparable sales data, getREFAX.com can help you set a competitive price that attracts potential buyers. Our proprietary algorithms take into account factors like location, property type, and amenities to provide a detailed pricing recommendation.

The Importance of Marketing:

A well-designed marketing strategy is essential for FSBO success. getREFAX.com's expert team can help you develop a customized marketing plan that targets your ideal buyer demographic. From social media campaigns to email marketing and targeted online ads, we'll work with you to create a comprehensive strategy that drives results.

The Role of Data:

When it comes to FSBO transactions, data is key. getREFAX.com's proprietary database provides real-time insights into local market trends, buyer behavior, and more. By analyzing this data, we can identify areas for improvement in your marketing strategy and provide actionable recommendations for maximizing your sales potential.

Conclusion:

Selling your home as a FSBO requires the right combination of pricing, marketing, and data-driven insights. getREFAX.com's expertise and proprietary tools can help you navigate this complex process and achieve maximum results. By leveraging our expertise and data-driven approach, you can sell your home for top dollar and achieve your real estate goals.

REFax: Match.com Meets Real Estate

REFax Weekly Real Estate Matchmaker Report New Hampshire Property Intelligence | February 2, 2026 REFax is the Real Estate Analysis division of Monadnock Cyber, LLC. No sales pressure. Just the facts, ma'am. If Knowledge is Power, REFax is your ultimate unfair competitive advantage. What is this report? The REFax Weekly Real Estate Matchmaker Report connects motivated sellers with qualified buyers across New Hampshire. We aggregate public records, MLS data, court filings, and property intelligence to surface opportunities that others miss. Why does it matter? Real estate moves on information asymmetry. The agent who knows about the probate filing, the 1031 deadline, or the long-DOM commercial property first has the advantage. This report levels the playing field. There's so much information freely available today, on almost any topic, and the democratization of real estate information was bound to happen. Why shouldn't it start here? With me? — Jeff Stutzman Residential Matchmaker Properties Seeking Buyers Portsmouth, NH | Distressed - Quick Close Preferred Looking for: Cash buyer, investor, move-in ready buyer Signal: Seller motivated. Est. $650K. Signal strength: 4/5 Hampton, NH | Estate Sale - Out-of-State Representatives Looking for: Investor, first-time buyer, renovation-tolerant Signal: Highly motivated timeline. Signal strength: 5/5 Seabrook, NH | Distressed - Value Opportunity Looking for: Value investor, cash buyer, patient closer Signal: Long-term ownership. Possible equity position. Signal strength: 4/5 Buyers Seeking Properties 1031 Buyer #HMP-4M | Recently sold $4.0M in Hampton Seeking: Replacement property, commercial or multi-family Timeline: 45-day ID deadline active | Highly motivated 1031 Buyer #WND-4.2M | Recently sold $4.2M in Windham Seeking: Income property, commercial real estate Timeline: Exchange deadline approaching | Cash ready 1031 Buyer #SLM-4.1M | Recently sold $4.1M in Salem Seeking: Like-kind exchange property, NH preferred Timeline: Active identification period | Entity buyer Probate & Estate Pipeline Estates in Process Laconia, NH | Active Probate #LAC-001 Status: Structuring conference pending Signal: Property disposition expected. Signal strength: 4/5 Hampton, NH | Active Probate #HMP-002 Status: Land-use dispute with town Signal: Likely liquidation upon resolution. Signal strength: 4/5 Kingston, NH | Managed Estate #KNG-003 Status: Original Township Properties managing Signal: Licensee-owned, potential disposition. Signal strength: 3/5 Commercial Matchmaker Properties Seeking Tenants/Buyers 4 High Street, Hampton, NH | Commercial Lease - 127 DOM Looking for: Retail tenant, professional office Signal: Extended time on market indicates motivated landlord 66 Old Rochester Road, Dover, NH | Commercial Lease - 365 DOM Looking for: Any commercial tenant, flexible terms likely Signal: 1+ year on market. Owner highly motivated. 111 Water Street, Exeter, NH | Commercial Lease - 30 DOM Looking for: Downtown retail, professional services Signal: Prime downtown location, recent listing Buyers Seeking Commercial 1031 Buyer #CNW-4.25M | Center Conway - $4.25M to deploy Seeking: Commercial property, hospitality assets Timeline: Active 1031 exchange | IRT structure 1031 Buyer #WTV-4.1M | Waterville Valley - $4.1M to deploy Seeking: Resort area commercial, multi-family Timeline: LLC buyer, 1031 exchange active 1031 Buyer #NCW-4.18M | North Conway - $4.18M to deploy Seeking: Valley commercial, mixed-use Timeline: LLC structure, exchange deadline active Top Matches This Week # Match Signal 1 1031 #CNW-4.25M ↔ 4 High St Hampton Cash + motivated landlord 2 1031 #HMP-4M ↔ Hampton Estate Local buyer + probate timeline 3 1031 #WND-4.2M ↔ 66 Old Rochester Motivated seller + 365 DOM 4 Portsmouth Distressed ↔ Cash Investors Quick close needed 5 Hampton Estate ↔ Investors Out-of-state reps = motivated 6 1031 #SLM-4.1M ↔ 111 Water St Downtown Exeter + exchange $ 7 Seabrook Distressed ↔ Value Investor Equity opportunity 8 Laconia Estate ↔ Local Buyers Structuring = imminent sale 9 1031 #WTV-4.1M ↔ Resort Properties Waterville buyer + local focus 10 Kingston Estate ↔ Investors Managed property = clean deal Data Sources: Public records, MLS syndication, municipal filings, registry of deeds, court filings, ATTOM property data. Disclaimer: REFax provides market intelligence only. We do not broker or represent parties. All signals derived from public records. Consult licensed professionals. AI Disclosure: Analysis assisted by AI. Data verified against public sources. Get the Intelligence Weekly signals delivered free. Subscribe Free REFax | Monadnock Cyber, LLC LinkedIn | Blog | Email Monadnock Cyber, LLC 71 NH Rt 101A Suite 11 Amherst, NH 03031 Unsubscribe | Update Preferences

 

Home Prices Hit Record Highs While Profit Margins Plummet: Why Property Intelligence Is No Longer Optional

The 2025 housing market delivered a harsh lesson: high prices don't guarantee good outcomes.

ATTOM's just-released Year-End 2025 U.S. Home Sales Report reveals a market where the stakes have never been higher—and where the difference between a smart purchase and a costly mistake often comes down to one thing: intelligence.

The Numbers That Should Keep You Up at Night

Let's start with what the headlines will trumpet: the national median home sale price hit $360,000 in 2025—a record high, up 2.6% from 2024 and a staggering 39% higher than 2020.

But here's what most people will miss: profit margins dropped to 49%, down from 55% just a year ago. That's three consecutive years of declining returns since the 2022 peak.

Translation? Buyers are paying more. Sellers are keeping less. And the margin for error has all but evaporated.

Florida: A Cautionary Tale in Asymmetric Information

The geographic data tells an even more troubling story. Nine of the ten metros with the largest profit margin declines were in Florida:

• North Port: Margins down 24 percentage points
• Cape Coral: Down 22 points
• Deltona: Down 22 points
• Palm Bay: Down 19 points
• Port St. Lucie: Down 16 points

Meanwhile, Tampa dropped 15 points, Jacksonville fell 13, and Miami shed 11.

Ask yourself: How many buyers in those markets knew what they were walking into? How many had comprehensive property intelligence before they signed? How many found out the hard way that the "deal" they thought they got was actually the top of a declining market?

The Institutional Advantage

Here's a detail that should concern every individual buyer: institutional investors now account for 6.6% of all home purchases—and in markets like Memphis, they're buying nearly 15% of everything sold.

These aren't mom-and-pop investors. These are sophisticated operations with data science teams, proprietary analytics, and intelligence capabilities that dwarf what the average buyer brings to the table.

They're not just buying houses. They're buying information asymmetry. And they're winning.

The All-Cash Signal

Another data point worth noting: 39.1% of homes in 2025 were purchased with all cash—the highest share since 2013. In Naples, Florida, that number hits 62%.

When nearly two-thirds of buyers in a market don't need financing, they're operating with advantages most buyers can't match. Speed. Certainty. Negotiating leverage.

But here's what they all have in common: they do their homework before they write the check.

The REFax™ Imperative

There's a reason we say "Get REFax™ Before You Buy."

You wouldn't purchase a used car without running a Carfax report. The vehicle's history—accidents, title issues, service records—directly impacts its value and your risk.

Real estate is no different. Actually, it's worse. A car might cost you $30,000. A home is likely the largest financial decision you'll ever make.

Yet most buyers go in blind. They trust listing photos. They accept seller disclosures at face value. They assume their agent has done the due diligence.

REFax™—Real Estate Facts & Analytics Exchange—exists to change that.

We apply intelligence tradecraft to property analysis. We aggregate data from multiple sources, validate it through AI-powered systems, and deliver actionable intelligence in minutes—not days.

• Property history that goes beyond what the seller wants you to know
• Risk flags that surface issues before they become your problem
• Market context that tells you whether you're buying at a peak or a trough
• Comparable analysis based on actual data, not wishful thinking

The Bottom Line

The ATTOM report makes clear: 2025 was a year of records and reckoning. Prices climbed while margins compressed. Sophisticated buyers gained ground while individual purchasers faced headwinds they often didn't see coming.

In this environment, property intelligence isn't a nice-to-have. It's the difference between buying smart and buying blind.

The question isn't whether you can afford a REFax™ report.

It's whether you can afford not to have one.

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REFax™ is a product of Monadnock Cyber, LLC—a guerrilla AI lab applying intelligence community tradecraft to real estate analytics. Learn more at GetREFax.com.

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Sources:

• ATTOM Year-End 2025 U.S. Home Sales Report (January 29, 2026)

33 Calls. 3 Days. 2 Listings. Here's What Changed.

I've been watching cold callers grind through cold calls for years. The Real Estate mantra: "It's a numbers
game. Make 100 calls, get 1 listing."

There's a better way.

The Old Way Was Broken

Cold calling from a purchased list. Knocking on doors with no intel. Sending mailers to "homeowners" without knowing if they're motivated, underwater, or have been in the same house for 40 years with no intention of moving.

That approach has a conversion rate that rounds to zero.

The Data-Driven Difference

This week, an agent I work with made 33 calls over three days. That's 11 calls per day — not 100.

The result? Two qualified listings.

One is a $599,000 property where the seller is actively planning a 1031 exchange into land. The other requested a detailed property analysis to explore their options.

Neither of these conversations was cold. Both sellers received intelligence reports on their properties before the call. They knew the agent had done his homework. The conversations started at "let's talk strategy" instead of "who is this?"

What Powers This Approach

Every property gets analyzed before the call:

• Ownership timeline and equity position — Know if they bought in 2008 or 2020
• Valuation analysis — Current market value with comparable sales data
• Motivation indicators — Tax situations, listing history, life events
• 1031 exchange viability — For investment properties, reinvestment options are already mapped

On the $599K call, there was no pitch. It was consulting. "Based on your equity position and the current land market in Hillsborough County, here are three parcels that would qualify for a like-kind exchange..."

That's a different conversation than "Are you thinking about selling?"

The Numbers That Matter

Metric	Old Approach	Data-Driven
Calls per day	50-100	11
Conversion rate	~1%	6%
Time per lead	Unknown	Tracked
Follow-up quality	Generic	Personalized

The math is simple: Better data means fewer calls with higher conversion. 11 informed calls beat 100 shots in the dark.

Why This Works

Sellers today have access to Zillow, Redfin, and every other estimate under the sun. They don't need another agent telling them their house is "worth around" some number.

They need someone who shows up with:

• Actual comparable sales, not algorithms
• Understanding of their specific situation
• Solutions to their actual problem (like where to deploy 1031 proceeds)

Property intelligence reports deliver exactly that. Before the first conversation, the seller knows the agent isn't guessing.

The Bottom Line

Real estate is still a relationship business. But relationships built on insight beat relationships built on persistence every time.

33 calls. 2 listings. No burnout.

That's the data-driven difference.

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Henry Basset writes about technology, data, and real estate at henrybasset.blogspot.com

Real Estate Is a Mess. REFAX Is the Mop. Stop flying blind into the biggest financial decision of your life. Show Me the REFAX!

Why Are We Still Buying Homes Like It’s the 1950s?

When you buy a $15,000 used Honda, you demand a CARFAX. You want to know if it was totaled in a flood or if the previous owner treated the oil changes like a suggestion rather than a rule. It’s common sense. No report, no deal.

Yet, when we buy a $500,000 house—literally the biggest financial move most of us will ever make—we walk through the kitchen once, check if the toilets flush, and sign away thirty years of our lives based on a "feeling."

The industry calls that "tradition." We call it a disaster waiting to happen.

The information gap closes today. Welcome to REFAX™ (Real Estate Facts).

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Don’t Just Ask—DEMAND the REFAX

Whether you are buying your first home or selling your fifth, it is time to stop "guessing" at value. Demand a REFAX report from your agent or broker before you ever set foot in a closing room. If they can’t (or won't) provide the "Real Estate Facts," you have to ask yourself: What exactly am I paying for?

GET THE REFAX

What’s Hiding in the Walls?

Think of REFAX as property intelligence for people who are tired of being the last to know. We don’t just give you a "Zestimate" and a prayer; we provide a professional-grade dossier that tells you what’s actually happening behind the fresh coat of "Live, Laugh, Love" paint.

• The Money Talk: AI-powered market estimates with a "Confidence Score." We’ll tell you if a house is overpriced and back it up with a multi-model analysis that doesn't lie.

• Ownership Intelligence: Who owns it? How long have they had it? Is it a stable family home or a corporate flip being offloaded?

• The "No-BS" AI Layer: We don't just dump raw data. Our AI analyzes the neighborhood, compares five hyper-relevant sales, and identifies risks. It’s like having an appraiser in your pocket who actually has your back.

• Lakefront Property? Luxury? No problem. We've built in evaluation models used by top agents, including the Corina 15 point valuation model for Lakefront Property and Investment Bank, Hedge fund and PE valuations for luxury properties and land. 

DEMAND the REFAX from your agent --or walk.

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Why REFAX Levels the Playing Field

1. End the "Information Asymmetry"

For decades, agents and sellers held all the cards. They knew the "quirks"; you knew the listing price. REFAX puts the power back in your hands. You deserve to know the history of the dirt you’re standing on.

2. The "AI Interview" Feature

Public records aren't perfect—they don't know about that $80k kitchen remodel. With our AI Interview, you can talk to the report. Tell the AI about the new roof or the quartz countertops, and the valuation adjusts in real-time. It’s the first property report that actually listens to you.

3. Professional Grade Data

Our data comes from ATTOM Data Solutions—the same heavy hitters used by banks and government agencies. This isn't a hobbyist project; it’s a professional tool built on a foundation of cold, hard facts.

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How to Get It... homeowners and seller: 

1. Enter an Address  into getREFax.com — Any residential property in the U.S.

2. See the Teaser — Get a free snapshot of the key details.

3. Get the Full Report — Dive deep into the AI analysis and history.

4. Download & Negotiate — Take that PDF to your agent and say, "Let's talk about these numbers."

Get It While It’s Free

We’re currently in beta, which means full REFAX reports are completely free. No credit card, no "hidden fees," no nonsense. We’re building the future of real estate transparency, and we want you to see how much better it is on this side of the fence.

Visit getrefax.com and pull your first report. Then, tell your agent: "I want the REFAX."

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The Fine Print: REFAX™ is Trademarked with the USPTO, and a product of Monadnock Cyber, LLC. USPTO Application Serial No. 99558774. Like CARFAX for real estate. Know what you're buying before you sign.

Here is a punchy, "irreverent-but-effective" script you can share. This is designed to put the power back in the buyer's hands while making it clear to the agent that the "old way" of doing business is over.

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The "Show Me the REFAX" Script

How to handle your agent like a pro.

If your agent sends you a listing without a history report, don't just say "thanks." Send this. Whether you’re texting, emailing, or on a call, use this script to make sure they know you aren't playing games with your life savings.

Option 1: The "Polite but Firm" Text

"Hey [Agent Name], thanks for sending over that listing on Elm Street. It looks great, but before we schedule a showing, can you send over the REFAX report? I want to see the valuation confidence score and the ownership history before we spend time on a walkthrough. Thanks!"

Option 2: The "Negotiation Power" Email

"Hi [Agent Name],

We’re interested in making an offer on [Address], but I’m not comfortable moving forward based solely on the MLS data. Please pull the REFAX report for this property. >

I need to see the AI-driven market analysis and the 5-point comparable breakdown to make sure our offer is actually supported by the data. Let me know when you've sent that over!"

Option 3: The "Call Their Bluff" (If they say they don't have it)

Agent: "Oh, I haven't heard of REFAX, but I can send you a basic CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) from my office."

You: "I appreciate that, but I’m looking for the REFAX (Real Estate Facts) specifically. It uses ATTOM data and AI analysis that I find more reliable than a standard CMA. It’s actually free right now at getrefax.com—could you pull that for me real quick so we’re on the same page?"

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Why this works:

• It sets a standard: It tells the agent you are a "Data-First" buyer.

• It saves time: You stop visiting "lemons" that are 20% overpriced.

• It creates the "CarFax Effect": When enough buyers ask for it, agents realize they have to provide it to remain competitive.

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Shareable Social Post Idea:

Headline: If your agent won't show you the REFAX, find a new agent. 🏡🚫

"We’ve been conditioned to buy houses based on 'vibes' and granite countertops. We won't buy a used car without a history report. Does that make sense to anyone?

Stop flying blind. Demand the Real Estate Facts.

1. Go to getrefax.com

2. Pull your report (It's FREE in Beta)

3. Send it to your agent and say 'Beat this.'

4. Agents have a full portal of comps, expired listings, FSBOs, and more. They get more information when they do it. Demand it from them. 

#REFAX #RealEstateFacts #HomeBuyingTips #SmartInvesto

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About the Author

Jeff Stutzman, MBA is CEO of Monadnock Cyber LLC and CTO of Beadwindow, LLC. A Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow and licensed real estate agent. He brings cross-disciplinary analytic expertise in cybersecurity, AI/ML systems, and business strategy.

Email: jstutzman@monadnockcyber.ai
Company: Monadnock Cyber