Your Trusted

Real Estate Expert Karen Rivard

First-Time Buyer Specialist | Strategic Negotiation

With 14 years on The Damon Home Team and 20 years in real estate, I specialize in helping first-time home buyers and sellers navigate the real estate process with confidence. Licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, my goal is to make your experience stress-free by providing expert guidance, market insights, and strong negotiation strategies.

My Mission: To exceed your expectations by making real estate transactions smooth, stress-free, and successful.

Your Trusted

Real Estate Expert Karen Rivard

Your Experienced Realtor® with 20 Years of Success

It is my goal to exceed your real estate expectations while treating you with respect and honesty throughout every step of the transaction—and beyond!

As a proud member of The Damon Home Team, I specialize in working with both buyers and sellers to ensure a seamless experience. Over the last 14 years, I have built a strong and reputable business based on trust, dedication, and results.

Your goals become my goals. I am here to guide you, support you, and advocate for you throughout the entire process.

What Sets Karen Apart?

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First Time Buyer Guidance

Simplifying your first home purchase with patient support and clear, confident guidance.

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Educator at Heart

Ensuring clients understand every step so they can make confident decisions

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Local Market Knowledge

Using deep local expertise to find your ideal home and ensure smart buying or selling decisions.

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Care and Compassion

Providing empathetic guidance and genuine care through the emotional aspects of real estate.

Why Work With Me?

"Karen made the home buying and selling process so easy! She truly cared about our goals and guided us every step of the way." - Alexis | Homeowner

  • Client-Centered Approach: I listen, strategize, and act with your best interests in mind.

  • Expert Market Knowledge: I research the market and position your home or offer for success.

  • Comprehensive Support: From staging to closing, I manage every detail to make the process seamless.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: I work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible.

Why Work With Me?

"Karen made the home buying and selling process so easy! She truly cared about our goals and guided us every step of the way." - Alexis | Homeowner

  • Client-Centered Approach: I listen, strategize, and act with your best interests in mind.

  • Expert Market Knowledge: I research the market and position your home or offer for success.

  • Comprehensive Support: From staging to closing, I manage every detail to make the process seamless.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: I work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible.

Client Success Stories

"Karen was incredible in helping us buy our first home. She explained everything, negotiated on our behalf, and made the process stress-free!"

"Her knowledge and experience were invaluable! Karen helped us stage and sell our home quickly for a fantastic price."

Market Insights & Resources

Stay ahead with expert tips and market updates tailored for first-time buyers and sellers.

What to Do With Your Parents’ Home After They Pass: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do With Your Parents’ Home After They Pass: Your Step-by-Step Guide

July 15, 20243 min read

No matter how young or old you are, losing a parent cuts deep.

Beyond the grief of their passing, you’re hit with the heavy task of settling their estate—and for so many, selling their parents’ home after they’re gone feels like an overwhelming mountain to climb. Sound familiar?

“Sorting out your parents’ estate after they pass is no walk in the park,” says Suzanne Damon, CEO of The Damon Home Team right here in Manchester, New Hampshire, with years of experience guiding families through selling their parents’ homes. “When you’ve got to handle the sale on top of everything else, it’s easy to miss the little things that matter.”

“Get yourself ready—emotionally first—for what’s ahead,” Suzanne advises, drawing from her deep well of know-how in Manchester’s real estate scene. She’s been there, helping clients just like you navigate this tricky terrain.


Grieve

Step 1: Face the Feelings
(and the Facts)
First things first: why does this feel so heavy? It’s not just a house—it’s their house. The kitchen where Mom burned the toast, the backyard where Dad taught you to ride a bike. Selling it can feel like saying goodbye twice. But here’s the kicker: you can’t sell until you know how it’s legally yours. Was there a will? A trust? Nothing at all? My team and I start here—digging into probate, transfer deeds, or trusts—so you don’t have to wrestle with the legal mess alone.

Step 2: Who’s Calling the Shots?
If your parents named an executor, that’s your decision-maker. If not, it’s you and your siblings—and trust me, that can get messy fast. We step in to ID the players and notify everyone—creditors included—so you’re not stuck in a tug-of-war.


Step 3: Dodge the Drama

Step 3: Dodge the Drama What happens when one sibling wants to keep the home and another wants to sell? Sit down early—divvy up tasks, split proceeds, agree on a price. We can even bring in mediators if needed.

Step 4: Bring in the Pros (That’s Us!) You need someone local who understands probate, inherited property, and the emotional side of the sale. We can even introduce you to cash buyers if a fast sale is your goal.

Step 5: Untangle the Money Mess Your parents’ home likely comes with bills. Mortgage, utilities, even a reverse mortgage? We help track down accounts, keep things running, and avoid surprises.


Step 6: Keep It Safe

Step 6: Keep It Safe
Empty homes attract trouble. We help secure it, update insurance, and protect valuables.

Step 7: Taxes—Don’t Sweat It
Selling may trigger taxes, but a stepped-up basis could reduce capital gains. We’ll explain it and connect you with tax experts.

Step 8: Sort the Stuff
Let heirs pick first, then organize an estate sale. Closure comes through this process, too.

Step 9: Prep It (Or Don’t!)
Want top dollar? We’ll advise on repairs. Prefer a quick sale? We’ll price it as-is.

Step 10: Price It Right and Sell
Sentiment says priceless, but we work from market data to set the right price and bring in serious buyers.


The Bottom Line: You’re Not Alone Every month you wait costs you. Let The Damon Home Team help shoulder the weight. We turn emotional overload into a SOLD sign, so you can keep the memories and let go of the stress.


Ready to take the first step?

Reach out today to schedule a no-pressure consultation and get clarity on your next move.
https://damonhometeam.com/

Inherited PropertySelling Parents' HomeEstate SaleProbate Real EstateNH Real Estate AgentSelling a Home After DeathEstate Planning NHProbate Process NHHandling Inherited Property
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