If you’re a homeowner in New Hampshire like me, there’s some important news that just came down from Concord. Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed a new law (effective July 15, 2025) that bans something called “right-to-list” agreements—sometimes referred to as NTRAPS.

Now, unless you’ve run into one of these contracts before, you might be asking: What’s the big deal? Let me break it down.

What Are “Right-to-List” Agreements?

Imagine this: someone offers you a small cash payment—maybe a few hundred dollars—in exchange for the “exclusive right” to sell your house whenever you decide to move. On the surface, it might sound harmless, maybe even tempting if you could use the extra money.

But here’s the catch. These agreements can last for decades, sometimes up to 40 years. They don’t just stick to you either—they can be recorded in your property records and follow the house itself, meaning the next owner is also bound by the deal. Some even allowed companies to put a lien on your property if you tried to break free.

For many homeowners, that’s not just inconvenient—it’s unfair and, in some cases, financially damaging.

What the New Law Does

The new law shuts the door on these kinds of contracts in New Hampshire. Here’s what it means for us:

• Unenforceable Contracts: If a company tries to get you to sign one of these agreements now, it’s invalid. You can’t be legally bound by it.
• No Property Recordings: These agreements can’t be slipped into the public record against your home. If one is already recorded, the law makes it easier to have it removed.
• One-Year Rule: If a listing agreement doesn’t actually provide a service (like selling your home) within a year, it’s considered unfair and unenforceable.
• No Liens or Encumbrances: Companies can’t use these agreements to tie up your property with liens or restrictions anymore.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

This is a real victory for folks here in New Hampshire. Predatory contracts like these were popping up across the country, and too many homeowners—especially older adults—got caught in them without fully realizing what they were signing.

Now, we don’t have to worry about being tied down for decades just because of a one-time payment or tricky fine print. It also means when it comes time to sell or refinance, our options aren’t limited by some agreement sitting in the background.

For me, as a homeowner, it feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s one less thing to keep me up at night wondering if there’s a “gotcha” clause hidden in some contract.

What You Should Do Next

• Double-check your records: If you’ve ever signed an agreement with a brokerage that promised money upfront, it’s worth reviewing your documents.
• Stay cautious: If someone offers you “easy money” in exchange for future rights to your property, think twice. These deals are no longer enforceable in New Hampshire.
• Spread the word: Neighbors, friends, family—let them know this law is in place so they don’t get taken advantage of.

Final Thoughts

Owning a home is already complicated enough with rising prices, tight inventory, and all the usual maintenance headaches. The last thing any of us need is a sneaky contract limiting our choices for decades. Thankfully, New Hampshire has stepped up and put a stop to it.

As a homeowner, I see this as a big win for property rights in our state—and some peace of mind we all deserve.