Jackson, NJ Real Estate

This Old House Has 22 Ways to Go Green

2009-07-15T10:53:00.002-04:00

The person behind the Coldwell Banker Twitter feed (@coldwellbnkr) passed along this great article about 22 Little Ways To Go Green from the folks at This Old House.

It is a really good read packed with tons of tips. Some of them are a bit obvious (like replacing your shower head to a water-saving one or unplugging your power tool) and some are unique but smart (like putting food coloring in the tank of your toilet to see if it is seeping and you are wasting water!) and some are just good solid tips to avoid waste that you may not have thought about (like mixing all of your drips and drabs of white paint--come on you know you've got them, we all do--into one can and using that to paint your workshop or garage.)

Definitely worth checking out and saving to save a few bucks in waste!

Coldwell Banker's Interactive Billboard in Times Square

2009-07-09T15:04:00.002-04:00

In yet another innovative use of mobile technology, Coldwell Banker has launched an interactive billboard in New York's Times Square.

By texting "homes" and the zip code where you are searching to 30241 the billboard will display available homes in that area on the giant billboard.

Here is a demo:

It is a great way to remind people about Coldwell Banker's mobile web optimized home search that I blogged about here.

Pay No Attention to that Man Behind the Curtain!

2009-06-29T12:01:00.004-04:00

I read a headline on Inman News today titled: "It's time for MLS consolidation" and I smiled. I couldn't agree with that sentiment more. And in thinking about writing this blog it made me think of the Wizard of Oz quote that I used in the title...the MLS system is a lot of smoke and mirrors hiding some real inefficiencies and head-in-the-sand mentalities

The real truth that most Multiple Listing Service groups (and even most REALTORS) don't want buyers and seller to know is that the clients have greater access to listing information than REALTORS do in some situations.

How could that happen, you ask? Because of bureaucracy, fiefdoms, an inability to see the big picture or at the very least an unwillingness to acknowledge the cold hard fact that time and technology has passed these REALTOR boards and their antiquated systems by.

It used to be that REALTORS held the holy grail of property search. They had, in their offices, a binder with all of the available properties in one easy to find place. So if you were a buyer--or a seller that wanted to have their house seen--you had to go to those offices and seek their counsel.

Then along came the internet...now virtually every house listed for sale (whether it is listed with a real estate agent or for sale by owner) is listed somewhere on the internet. So buyers don't need to come to our offices and prostrate themselves and beg for our assistance; they simply have to do a search on google or go to one or two reliable property search sites like REALTOR.com or Active Rain

The point I want to make, though, is that even though that fact has been shown to the REALTOR associations that run the various MLS systems time and again it hasn't changed the fact that they still believe that they own their listings and don't need any help from anyone and don't need to partner with other MLS's to share information.

That is particularly true here in NJ where just about each county has its own Association and its own MLS. New Jersey is densely populated, but it isn't that large geographically. So it isn't unreasonable to think that an agent in Atlantic City would take a listing here in Jackson. But what happens when that agent does that is, in most cases, they go back to Atlantic City and put that listing in their MLS not the MLS we use here in Jackson. When that happens buyers see the listing on REALTOR.com in their search for Jackson. If they are my clients they call me and ask me for more information...guess what? I don't have any more information than they do, because that agent wasn't thinking and s/he didn't put that information into my local MLS...so all I know about the property is what is on REALTOR.com. Doesn't give my clients much faith that I am a the professional that can assist them does it?

If the MLS's were consolidated (or at a minimum shared their listing information freely among the other associations), no matter where that information was inputted I would be able to see it and assist my clients better. But unfortunately that isn't what happens because the MLS's are afraid to understand the realities and move forward! But PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!! I AM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL WIZARD OF OZ!

Tips For Installing Shower Doors Yourself

2009-06-27T09:23:00.003-04:00

Before you list, it is always a good idea to finish off those home improvement projects you've been thinking of doing or, more likely, putting off for some time. As I've written about here before there are a fair number of improvement projects that will definitely add enough value to make it worthwhile tackling before you consider selling. Kitchen & Bathroom projects are definitely on that list. In that vain, here is another good Do-It-Yourself article from Inman News:

Shower doors offer choices galore
Installation can be a DIY job if you have the patience
By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

Tired of your ragged old shower curtain? Sick of hassling with that old shower door with the worn track and the missing rollers? If it's time to start thinking about a new door for your shower, you'll find a wide and beautiful assortment of options awaiting you.

Whether you have a tub/shower combination or a dedicated stall shower, there are essentially three different types of doors available:

Horizontal sliding doors: By far the most popular of the door styles is the horizontal slider, which can be used with either tub/shower combinations or with wide stall showers. A horizontal overhead track is supported by two vertical frame pieces at either side of the opening. A pair of doors then hangs from the overhead track on nylon rollers. Both of the doors are operable, with one door sliding horizontally past the other door.
Swinging doors: Swinging doors are designed specifically for use with stall showers of virtually any width. The door is mounted onto a vertical frame using a continuous hinge and swings out away from the shower (shower doors never swing into the shower stall because of the difficulty in opening it to get to a person who has fallen or otherwise become trapped inside the stall). Swinging doors can be hinged to swing in either direction, and for showers over about 3 feet in width, there is typically one or more fixed panels next to the swinging door so that the door doesn't have to be as wide and heavy. Swinging doors are also used in combination with glass panels and a metal framework to make up a corner shower unit.

Accordion doors: Designed for both tub/shower combinations and stall showers, vinyl accordion doors hang on a track and fold up against one wall in small sections. This particular door style is no longer particularly popular, given the difficulty in cleaning all of its multiple panels and parts.

KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR

When shopping for a new door, you have more options than you probably realize, primarily in color and style. Your first priority is to look for a door with a good solid frame and heavy-duty rollers, hinges and other hardware. The glass is required by law to be tempered, and doors with acrylic panels are no longer allowed in most areas. Be sure and look at a full-size, operable example of the door you're interested in before you buy it.

The basics aside, the choice comes down to one of appearance. For the frame color, you'll have a choice of chrome -- typically the least expensive -- gold-tone, white, almond and a variety of other colors. For the glass, the least expensive option is opaque or frosted, but you'll also have a choice of clear, smoked, bronze-tinted, or clear or frosted glass panels with any of a variety of etched pictures. If you opt for clear glass, there are little shower squeegees you can use to quickly remove water from the glass after your shower, which helps greatly in preventing a buildup of water spots.

Some glass shops also offer doors with custom etching. You can bring them a picture, message, logo, or other artwork, and they can have the art etched into one or more of the doors or panels. This will obviously add to both the cost and the ordering time.

THE INSTALLATION OPTIONS

You've got two options here -- do it yourself or hire it out -- and the choice is directly influenced by your level of patience. Installation of a sliding or swinging shower door set requires the assembly of the frame and its installation in the shower, followed by the hanging and adjustment of the door(s), sealing of the frame, and installation of the weatherstripping.

Most shower doors are available in kits for the do-it-yourselfer, and contain all of the necessary hardware and instructions, usually with the exception of caulking or sealant for sealing the frame in the opening. Typical tools you'll need include a screw gun, hack saw, level, caulking gun, and a couple of different sizes of drill bits -- including masonry bits if you're installing the frame against ceramic tile.

Shower doors are sold through most glass shops, as well as home centers and larger hardware stores. Given the number of options, you'll probably only find the most common sizes and colors in stock; others will typically require a special order and, depending on the style and color, will take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks for delivery.

Interesting news from Coldwell Banker

2009-06-24T10:45:00.001-04:00

Coldwell Banker's YouTube channel is getting a good initial response...

COLDWELL BANKER ‘ON LOCATION’ YOUTUBE CHANNEL
DRAWS A CROWD

Immersive YouTube Channel Now Most Viewed in Real Estate Industry;
Attracts more than 200,000 Visitors in First Month and Features 1,700 Localized Videos

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (June 23, 2009) – In just one month since its launch, Coldwell Banker “On Location,” an innovative branded YouTube™ channel focused on real estate search and insights, has reached the milestone of more than 200,000 visitors to the site. Designed to offer consumers a new way to search for and interact with real estate information, listings and local insights via video, the channel currently features more than 1,700 videos (1,300 of which are new since the site launched), that highlight behind-the-scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, smart tips and timely news on real estate topics, and video listings of homes for sale.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC launched On Location in May 2009 becoming the first brand to fully tap into the power of video. Since its launch, On Location has been among the top ten most-viewed brand channels on YouTube and is the leading real estate brand page on the site.

“The response we have seen since the launch of On Location has been tremendous and it is a confirmation that video truly is the way of the future for real estate,” said Michael Fischer, senior vice president, marketing, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The Coldwell Banker sales force has already uploaded more than 1300 original videos with many, many more on the way. We are proud to lead the industry with an online resource that provides consumers with information to help them through the home buying and selling process.”

Two areas of strategic focus set Coldwell Banker On Location apart from other real estate Web sites. First, it showcases the power of video to bring real estate more vividly to life – offering behind-the-scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, smart tips and timely news on real estate topics, and video listings of homes for sale. Second, content posted to On Location has a strong emphasis on local information and insights, so consumers can dig deeper into the areas of the country that interest them most.

Fischer noted that the channel is continuing to grow with content being added every day. “As more and more videos are uploaded, On Location will become an even greater asset to consumers. It has the potential to be the Web’s richest array of real estate video content, and the results we have seen thus far prove that we are well on our way," he said.

To create On Location, Coldwell Banker Real Estate closely collaborated with both YouTube, a Google subsidiary, and Google to develop a customized framework and user experience. In addition, On Location is the first branded YouTube channel to use dynamic IP lookup to search for videos, which automatically serves up local results when visitors first hit the site.

Development of the On Location site was a collaborative effort by Coldwell Banker interactive agency partners, FD Kinesis and Bootstrap Software, Inc.

To see a video about Coldwell Banker On Location please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1AKZDhUrLY

YouTube is a subsidiary of Google Inc.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,500 residential real estate offices and more than 101,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

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Coldwell Banker's New Ad Campaign

2009-03-30T11:06:00.003-04:00

I like the new Coldwell Banker ad campaign. Of course I am biased, but I am very happy that CB is such an innovative company when it comes to technology. Being a tech-geek myself, I like the fact that they have iPhone optimized sites and are actively Twittering and using other social media.

Now that they have firmly planted themselves in the social media space, it is only right that they let people know they are there by way of their traditional advertising.

Here's the ad:

Did You Know? Credit Scores Fact vs. Fiction:  Installation 2

2009-03-30T10:41:00.002-04:00

Round Two of information provided to me by my contact at Coldwell Banker Mortgage to assist buyers in separating the FACT from the FICTION in credit scores and lending...

Fiction: The credit score on my consumer credit report should be the same as the one the mortgage company returns. 

Fact: When mortgage companies order a credit report the credit bureau will include a “mortgage adjustment” that is factored into your score. These adjustments are not controlled by the mortgage lender, but by the credit bureaus themselves. This adjustment takes a your past mortgage history into account and will reflect accordingly in the credit scores returned to the lender. For example, a customer with an extensive clean history of mortgage payments will have a different adjustment than a customer who has never had a mortgage in the past.

Fiction: There is nothing I can do to fix errors on my credit report. 

Fact: If you have errors on your credit report you have the ability to file a dispute with the credit bureau to correct the erroneous information. You can go to www.annualcreditreport.com and obtain a free copy of your credit report. You will need to submit documentation supporting your claim that the information reported is erroneous, and the credit bureau has 30 days to confirm the information and update the repositories.

Fiction: My score will drop if I apply for new credit. 

Fact: If it does, it probably won't drop much. If you apply for several credit cards within a short period of time, multiple requests for your credit report information (called “inquiries”) will appear on your report. Looking for new credit can equate with higher risk, but most credit scores are not affected by multiple inquiries from auto or mortgage lenders within a short period of time. Typically, these are treated as a single inquiry and will have little impact on the credit score as stated above.

Fiction: A poor score will haunt me forever.

Fact: Just the opposite is true. A score is a “snapshot” of your risk at a particular point in time. It changes as new information is added to your bank and credit bureau files. Scores change gradually as you change the way you handle credit. For example, past credit problems impact your score less as time passes. Lenders request a current score when you submit a credit application, so they have the most recent information available. Therefore by taking the time to improve your score, will put you in better position to get approved for a loan.

Tips for Buying Foreclosures

2009-03-27T12:18:00.002-04:00

This is a handy introduction into the landscape of buying foreclosure properties for investors.

Here is a little snippet from the article that sets up who this is aimed at:

“This is a market where somebody who does their homework can save significant money on a home purchase and create a nice investment opportunity on a longer-term basis,” said Rick Sharga of RealtyTrac.com.

This comes from CNBC's 2009 Spring Real Estate Guide. It is a pretty good collection of pieces on how-to's and do's and don'ts. Suprisingly, even the guide to selling on your own is pretty even handed (which you aren't going to hear very often from a REALTOR :-) ) giving you reasons why you may want to do it yourself, but also reasons why you may need advice of an expert.

There are a few other notable items in the Guide worth checking out, too, such as:

Did you know? Mortgage Facts & Fiction

2009-03-16T11:16:00.002-04:00

This information was provided to me by my contact at Coldwell Banker Mortgage Company. I found it interesting because I had heard the same fallacy, so I figured I would pass this along in order to edify more people:

Fiction: "Inquiries from multiple mortgage lenders while shopping for a loan will lower my credit score."

Fact: Looking for a mortgage or an auto loan may cause multiple lenders to request your credit report, even though you’re only looking for one loan. To compensate for this, the score ignores all mortgage and auto inquiries made in the 30 days prior to scoring. If you find a loan within 30 days, the inquiries won't affect your score while you're rate shopping. In addition, the score looks on your credit report for auto or mortgage inquiries older than 30 days. If it finds some, it counts all those inquiries that fall in a typical shopping period as just one inquiry when determining your score.

Fiction: Paying old collection accounts will improve my credit score.  

Fact: In most cases, paying an old collection account will not increase your credit score. It is more likely to decrease a customer’s credit score because a collection is viewed the same, whether it is paid or unpaid. The difference is the last activity date. The older the date, the less impact it has on the current credit score. If the old collection is paid, the last activity date is updated and now the account is viewed as recent and will have a negative impact on the overall credit rating. More weight is given to the recent accounts on the report.

Fiction: Credit scores can change only once per month or every 30 days.  

Fact: Just the opposite is true. Each creditor reports information to each credit bureau at different times of the month. This will cause the information and potentially the credit scores to change on a daily basis. For example, American Express may report to Experian on the 1st of the month, Equifax on the 15th and Transunion on the 25th. Thorough review of the credit report is needed to determine what caused the score to change from report to report. (It usually is not the inquiries)

Truth about home fixture warranties

2009-03-02T12:08:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest report from Inmann News that has some helpful information:

Some are vague about what's covered, what's not
By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

Warranties are something we see on a myriad of home improvement products, from roofing and siding to faucets and electrical outlets. They're intended to give the consumer some specific legal recourse should the product fail to perform properly, as well as some general psychological peace of mind.

But how valuable are warranties? Do they cover what you think they do, and can you rely on them to really protect your financial investment in the event of a problem? The truth is: probably not as much as you'd hoped.

READ, READ, READ

The first thing you need to do with any warranty is to request and read a copy of it before you make your purchase. Some warranties are very simple and straightforward, and others are lengthy, convoluted and fraught with legalese. Nevertheless, you need to read it to the best of your ability.

One of the first things you will notice about virtually any warranty is that it is tied to very specific steps that must be followed by the person installing the product, whether it's you or someone you hire. Failure to follow the steps exactly will typically result in the warranty being void, and this is a common pitfall that many homeowners -- indeed, many contractors -- fail to take seriously enough.

A careful examination of the warranties offered by many building material manufacturers will turn up language that states, in one form or another, that the warranty applies only to structures on which the product has been installed, finished and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specific instructions, and that deviation from those installation, finishing and maintenance instructions will render the warranty null and void.

Some of the things you need to be very aware of that can void a warranty include:

Inadequate protection during storage, which includes how the product is protected from ground moisture, dirt and dust, weather, impact, and other specifics.
Improper spacing. This would apply to products such as siding or shingles, where you have left gaps that are consistently too large or too small.
Improper fastening, which includes the gauge, length and style of the fasteners you use, the depth of their penetration into the wood, the spacing between the fasteners, and even the amount of air pressure used with air-driven fasteners.
Finishing. In the case of siding and some other materials, it must be finished (painted, stained or otherwise protected from the elements) within a certain time frame, using approved materials and approved application methods.
Maintenance. Many products also tell you what steps you need to take to maintain them properly, and failure to follow those steps can also void the warranty.

WHAT DO WARRANTIES COVER?

What a specific warranty covers varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and can even vary within the product lines offered by the same manufacturer. Some of the more important things to be aware of are:

What is the term of the warranty? Some warranties last only 30 or 60 days, while others are for the expected life of the product, which might be 50 years or more.
Is there depreciation? Longer-term warranties, such as those on roofing, are typically depreciated based on the product's expected life span. For example, if you have a composition shingle with a 30-year warranty and it fails after 15 years on the roof, it's common that the replacement value will be depreciated by 50 percent.
Does it cover labor? Many warranties will cover the cost of the product itself, but not the cost of the labor to remove and dispose of the failed material and install the replacement. Some will cover removal but not replacement, or vice versa.
What steps are required? If that new faucet fails as soon as you install it, can you take it back to the store for an immediate replacement, or does the manufacturer insist that it be sent back to their facility for possible repair?
With any warranty, do your homework. Obtain and read a copy, and if you have questions about it you need to discuss it with your dealer or your contractor. If they are vague or unsure about answering your questions, ask for the phone number of the manufacturer, and call them directly.

FAQ Site for the new Fedeal Stimulus First-time Home Buyer Credit

2009-02-23T12:46:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to a site launched by the National Association of Home Builders to try to answer most of the frequently asked questions about elegibility requirements and all of the ins and outs of the tax credit created for first-time home buyers in the new Federal Stimulus package.

Here is a quick summary of the main points of the credit from their site:

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Finally someone speaks out against the stimulus`

2009-02-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

CNBC reporter Rick Santelli, from the floor of the CBOE yesterday spoke out against the stimulus. It was very, very refreshing to see someone finally defend the free-maket economy and blast the latest trend toward collectivism. He also had some straight-talk about the mortgage bailout and about personal responsibility.

One interesting point that I have read and he states here is artificially lowering the mortgage rate to 4.5% isn't going to keep many people from defaulting on their loans. According to Santelli in this piece if you lowered the rate to 0%, 40% of the at-risk loans would STILL default because people simply took out loans far greater than they could ever afford. That is, unfortunately, the stark reality.

Here is a link to the video its must-see TV!

The Power of Photography

2009-02-09T12:17:00.002-05:00

I was reading a blog today by a professional photography studio that sells their services to the real estate industry. As part of their sales process they have commissioned a study about the positive effects of professional photography in selling homes.

In reading this I found that it was good information for sellers and good reenforcement of what we already know...that homes listed on-line with pictures are always better received by buyers than those without...and those with more pictures better received than those with just one or two.

Our company has a policy of posting at least six pictures of every listing. It makes the experience of viewing the home on-line so much more enticing when you feel like you are seeing the entire house...not just the front lawn.

Now, this site has quantified that people give a higher perceived value to homes that have "professional" photography. But I think that with the right person behind the camera, you don't necessarily have to pay for a photographer. A "professional" REALTOR should be properly equipped to take good, high quality photos of your home.

Of course, that isn't always the case. In looking through the photos on REALTOR.com you can always find the shots that are out of focus, or of the cluttered bed room or the obligatory bathroom picture with the reflection of the agent on the mirror!

But, again the real take away here is that some is always better than none. According to the survey (here's a link to the findings) a $410,000 home is perceived to be worth $435,000 with any pictures in the listing. That means even the bathroom pictures! Now, if you want to pay up for the professional photos there is a benefit. Similar homes listed with professional photos have a perceived value of $460,000. It's your choice.

There really is no option; don't let your home be listed on-line without posting numerous pictures.

What have been your experiences with real estate photography? Have any funny pictures you want to share? Have you ever used a professional photographer for your listing photos?

Save the Dream

2009-02-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

Coldwell Banker is working on an initiative among all of their agents and brokers to reach out to families who are at risk of foreclosing on their homes and offer support or resources to assist them and help to "save the dream" of home ownership.

If anyone knows of a family in those circumstances please let them know about the following two resources:

1. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a resource web site with a Guide To Avoiding Foreclosure with important information.

2. Hope Now is an alliance formed by the U.S. Treasury Department, HUD and mortgage counselors and credit counselors to assist people in need and at risk of foreclosure. Their web site also has a lot of resources and links to assistance that is available.

Who do you know that can use this information? Please pass these links along and if you need more assistance contact me. I will be happy to help "save the dream."

Real Estate Professionals Are Great Resources When Job Hunting

2009-02-02T12:42:00.003-05:00

I read this blog post this morning on ActiveRain.com (you can read my blog there as well) and I thought it was a GREAT point about the networks and reach that Real Estate Professionals have that go largely untapped.

Read Nicole's blog post and keep this in mind next time you run into someone who may be searching for a job...contact a real estate professional in the area you are searching!

Thanks, Nicole, for the great business tip!

NBC's Top 5 Real Estate Myths

2009-01-26T11:09:00.002-05:00

I saw this link today on Twitter. @realtorjohn posted it this morning. Check it out and h/t to @realtorjohn for the info!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If your are having trouble viewing this here...check out this link to the MSNBC site

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?

2009-01-19T11:47:00.001-05:00

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?

Resale value, cleanability among key selling points

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

The floor in your kitchen has to wear a lot of hats. It has to be able to withstand the rigors of lots of foot traffic. It needs to be water-resistant and be able to stand up to repeated cleanings. It has to be able to withstand grease, spills, drips and other indignities -- and it has to look good doing it!

When you're ready to shop for a kitchen floor that can handle all those demands, you'll find that you have several choices. There's probably no single "perfect" flooring material, but by doing a little homework, you're sure to find one that will work beautifully in your kitchen.

Here are some great choices to consider, along with some of the pros and cons of each:

Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl flooring is one of the most common choices for a kitchen floor. Sheet vinyl is very resistant to spills, grease and dirt, is very water resistant, and is also very easy to clean. There are hundreds if not thousands of patterns, styles and colors to choose from, as well as different weights and thicknesses. Vinyl sheets are available in 6-foot and 12-foot-wide rolls, so it's possible to complete most kitchens with few or no seams. It's also one of the less expensive flooring options, so it's easier on your wallet and also makes it a little easier to change if you redecorate.

On the down side, vinyl flooring is prone to wear and scratching over time, especially with the lower-end materials. And from a resale value, it may lack the appeal of some of the more expensive floors.

Vinyl Tiles: Vinyl tiles have some of the virtues of sheet vinyl, such as water resistance, ease of cleaning and low cost. Because these are individual tiles, they are the easiest of all the flooring products for the do-it-yourselfer to install. Another advantage is that if damage occurs, you can easily take up and replace the individual damaged tiles, without having to incur the cost of replacing the entire floor.

There is a very definite downside with vinyl tiles, however, and that is the dozens of dirt-catching seams you end up with. Vinyl tiles also have probably the lowest overall appeal from a resale standpoint.

Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tile is one of the best overall choices for a kitchen floor. These hard, durable tiles will stand up to all sorts of abuse, from spills to heavy appliances, and the tile is completely waterproof as well. Ceramic tile is hard to beat from a decorating standpoint, as there are thousands of size, color and pattern choices available. You can also mix different types or colors of tile to form patterns, borders or even pictures. A quality ceramic tile floor, especially some of the new travertines in large squares, are currently very popular and will add to a home's resale value.

The downsides of ceramic tile seem to be a matter of personal preference. For one thing, tile is the hardest and coldest of the floors underfoot, with none of the resiliency of vinyl or wood. This can be offset to some degree through the addition of small, non-skid area rugs, and if you want to really warm up the floor, you can have radiant heat cables installed underneath the tiles during installation. The other issue that some people have with tile are the grout lines, which are a little harder to clean than the tiles themselves. Again, this problem can be minimized by using larger tiles with small grout spaces between them, and be making sure that the grout is sealed after installation.

Laminate Floors: Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in the kitchen. There are dozens of patterns and colors now available, some of which mimic the look of real wood quite well. The laminate can be chosen to blend or contrast with the wood in the cabinets, and you can mix in some darker strips to create accents and borders if desired. Laminate floors have some "spring" to them, making them one of the softer and more comfortable floors to stand on. They can also be a very good do-it-yourself project, and a well-selected and well-installed laminate floor will also add resale value.

If you have a kitchen that sees a lot of use, especially if chairs or bar stools are present, the laminate can be prone to scratching. Laminate also requires specific cleaning products for best results and longest life, and may not stand up to a lot of water over time.

Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors have long been a classic and desirable feature in living rooms and other areas of the house, but it was only through relatively recent advances in the quality of polyurethane finishes that wood has found its way into the kitchen as well. Hardwood is beautiful, durable, compliments virtually any style of kitchen, and typically adds to the resale value, although some people are still a little leery of it in the kitchen.

Hardwood flooring is not a very good do-it-yourself project, and requires proper sanding and finishing to look good and to hold up in the kitchen. It also has some of the same drawbacks as laminate, requiring special cleaners as opposed to simple damp mopping, and is prone to scratching and damage from excessive water.

Market Correction Opportunity

2009-01-12T11:44:00.002-05:00

This press release posted on the MSNBC site today says something that I have been telling clients and friends for a while now. That a market correction, especially one as large as we are seeing now, is an opportunity not a problem.

Here is the salient point from the release:

"However, a market correction is not something to fear; in the great depression and crash of 89, while the average person experienced troubled times, there were a small number of people who became millionaires during the same time. They went against the tide. While everyone was running away from the market, these people were buying properties at a significant discount."

That is one of the most true statements ever made about investing. The real opportunities arise when fear and panic are at there highest levels. People are selling at irrationally low prices and the level-headed opportunistic investors are buying up under-valued commodities (be they real estate or stocks or any investment) only to hold them and sell them when they return to favor for large profits.

Warren Buffet sums up this philosophy very succinctly: "We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful"

If you think this is a lot of spin and Pollyanna outlook I will make one last observation: Have you heard of the Kennedy or Rockefeller families? How about Howard Hughes? Of course you have...you've heard of at least one of them. They all made (or drastically increased) their fortunes during the Great Depression.

iPhone/Blackberry Users...Easy Property Search

2009-01-09T10:37:00.002-05:00

As someone in the market to purchase a home, or an investor, ever drive by a house with a sign out front and wish you could get more information about it without having to call the number on the sign?

How about this one: You are sitting is Starbucks drinking coffee waiting for a friend or a business appointment and feel like your time could be better spent if you were still in front of your computer looking for a home.

Well, Coldwell Banker (and I do work for a Coldwell Banker franchisee for full disclosure) has announced that they have optimized their real estate search function of their web site for iPhone users and Blackberry users alike!

So, now when you are killing time at the local coffee shop...or you pass that perfect home, all you have to do now is grab your iPhone or your Blackberry and start searching on a screen optimized for your device...it couldn't be easier.

Here is a link to the Coldwell Banker Site for more information

Choosing the right weatherstripping

2009-01-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

Another new Inman Article from my monthly newsletter...

Choosing the right weatherstripping

How to eliminate heat loss at exterior doors

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Air infiltration -- the movement of outside air into and out of your home -- can account for a significant amount of heat loss, and the resulting air currents can make a home feel uncomfortably drafty. When it comes to air infiltration some of the most common culprits are exterior doors, so a few weekend hours devoted to some new weatherstripping can have some pretty dramatic results.

Selecting the right weatherstripping

The type of weatherstripping to use depends somewhat on the type of door and frame you have, and also on how much time and effort you want to devote to the task.

The easiest and least expensive is foam, but, while it's better than nothing, foam doesn't form a tight, uniform seal and is also easily damaged. Foam weatherstripping comes in rolls of different widths and thicknesses, and is self-adhesive. It is applied to the inside edge of the door stop -- the wood strips mounted on the door frame that the door closes against -- and is designed to form a seal when the door closes against it. Select a foam that is the same width as the thickness of the door stop -- typically 1/2 inch -- and that is thick enough to close the gap between the door and the stop. Simply cut the foam to length with a pair of scissors, peel off the backing paper, and press it firmly against the door stop.

A better choice is a compression weatherstripping, which also fits between the door and the door stop to seal off air leaks, but has the advantage of being easier to adjust and considerably more durable. One type of compression weatherstripping is a semi-rigid, high-density foam strip that mounts into a slot in the door stop. Most new doors now come with this type of weatherstripping, and if you need to replace an existing piece on one of your doors, installation is simply a matter of cutting the replacement material to length and tucking the flange on the weatherstripping into the slot on the door stop. If your door does not currently have this type of weatherstripping, adding it would necessitate removing the door stops, cutting a slot along one edge, then reinstalling them.

Almost as effective -- and easier to install -- is vinyl bulb weatherstripping. Vinyl bulb weatherstripping has a tough, hollow strip of vinyl set in a rigid piece of aluminum, and a complete weatherstripping kit contains two long pieces for sides of the door, one short piece for the top, and all the necessary screws or nails for installation. To install, cut the short piece to fit between the door stops. Close the door, place the weatherstripping on the face of the door stop so that the vinyl bulb is slightly compressed against the face of the door, and nail it in place. Then simply repeat the process with the two side pieces.

To complete any door weatherstripping operation, don't forget the gap between the bottom of the door and the wood or metal door sill. The simplest way to close this off is to use a door sweep, which is a flat aluminum strip with a piece of vinyl weatherstripping in one edge -- simply screw the strip to the outer face of the door so that the vinyl makes contact with the sill and covers the gap.

More effective, however, is the door bottom, which is an L- or U-shaped aluminum strip with a curved vinyl insert on the bottom. The metal fits over the very bottom of the door, and is adjusted up or down so that the vinyl forms a complete seal against the sill. Installation may require removing the door and cutting a little bit off the bottom to accommodate the thickness of the metal and vinyl.

All of these types of weatherstripping are available at home centers, lumber yards, hardware stores and discount stores, and typically come with complete installation instructions and all of the necessary hardware for fast and easy installation

Flight to Quality

2008-12-29T10:51:00.002-05:00

Yet again Inman News has posted a really interesting article. It is a Q&A with a Seattle-based Agent, Kirsten Mohan, who has some great insights into where the market is going and how it will get there.

I particularly like this part of her answer to "how do you think the real estate market will be different when we recover from the current downturn?"

"... we'll see a return to quality after years of mediocrity. This will happen primarily because a more educated consumer base will demand better service from...real estate agents in particular...for many years, a part of the real estate agent's perceived value was the possession and dissemination of raw data to the consumer. That same consumer now has the opportunity to find an abundance of information online before ever contacting an agent..."

The whole interview is here...

This is a very, very astute observation. Kirsten is absolutely correct that the agent's role is no longer just as a diseminator of information. That information that was once closely guarded is now, thank to the internet, very free and available.

Most agents will take that statement as a threat, but I view it as an opportunity, and I think that Kirsten does too. It is an opportunity because it creates a marketplace where only agents that bring real value to their relationships with clients will succeed. They no longer can rely on the intrinsic value of their proprietary information.

Now, agents will present value by being the expert in negotiating for their clients, being able to help them navigate through the complex buying/selling process, and also will create value by leveraging their networks. Not only networks of other professionals that clients will need to utilize, but also networks of contacts that present the potential buyer (or seller) that their client is looking for.

That will be the value, going forward, that each person engaging a real estate agent should be looking for in thier business partners.

Interesting Thoughts on the Real Estate Market

2008-12-22T12:15:00.003-05:00

In talking to a colleague the other day he made some observations about the real estate market cycles that I thought were astute and also heartening as well.

First off, looking back historically down markets usually last 12-18 months and the worst market downturns in the past 35 years was 24 months. That is heartening in that we have been on a downturn now for 18 moths...so even if we are probably in store for a 24 month downturn we only have six months more of bad market to get through.

The second observation that he made...that of course we've all heard before, but I thought it was good to repeat was: in looking at real estate versus the stock market...the tangible nature of real estate means that no matter how bad the market gets it is never going to zero. However, in the stock market, even for the bluest of blue chip companies DO have the potential (no matter how remote) to go to zero, thus making real estate a safer bet in all markets.

Just two quick observations. Nothing earth-shattering or relatively new...but worth remembering.

Buy now, sell later? Think contingency

2008-12-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

A nice, informative piece on buying with a contingency for both buyers and sellers to consider before making a deal with a contingency...

Sellers more likely to consider such an offer in slow market

BY DIAN HYMER, MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008.

Inman News

Most homeowners who sell one home to buy another want to secure the replacement home before they sell. But many of these buy-first sellers may find it difficult, if not impossible, to do this due to recent tightening of mortgage lender requirements.

Before the credit crunch, sellers who bought a new home before selling the old one were allowed to claim rental income for the home they were selling if it didn't sell. This boosted the income needed to qualify for owning two properties. Today, most lenders no longer consider rental income for the unsold property. This makes it harder for many to qualify to buy before selling.

There are a few options available for homeowners who want to move to a home that better suits their needs but who can't afford to buy first. One is to buy contingent upon the sale of their current home. In some markets -- typically those still overloaded with unsold inventory -- this approach might work.

Most sellers who are willing to entertain an offer made contingent on another property sale want the purchase agreement to include a release clause. This allows the sellers to continue to offer their property for sale. If they receive another offer, they can accept it in backup position, subject to the collapse of the primary offer.

The sellers then notify the buyers in primary position that they must remove the contingency for the sale of their property within a certain time frame, and provide proof that they have the financial wherewithal to close the transaction. Otherwise, they must withdraw from the contract and the property goes to the backup buyers.

In markets that haven't been hit hard by the housing downturn, buyers making contingent sale offers can't compete for the best listings. This is particularly the case in the most desirable locations where there are few homes listed for sale.

In many markets, if a listing is priced right, well-located and in good condition, it sells. However, sellers aren't keen on contingent sale offers because of the risk factor. What if the buyers don't price their current home competitively? How long will it take for it to sell? Will they negotiate reasonably when an offer comes in?

Sellers need to consider which house is more salable given current market conditions. If the sellers' home is in a higher price range and it isn't moving, it might be worth the gamble to accept a contingent sale offer from buyers who will be selling a cute starter home in a great neighborhood that's in high demand.

Some sellers who won't accept a contingent sale offer if the buyers' property is not yet on the market are receptive to offers made from buyers who already have a buyer for their home and all contingencies have been removed from the contract.

Buyers who need to sell in order to complete the purchase and who are unsuccessful making contingent sale offers need to consider selling their current home first. When the house sells, the contract could include a provision for the sellers to rent back their current home for a time after closing. This provides more time to find a replacement home. The worst-case scenario is that the right home can't be found in time and the sellers have to move to an interim rental.

THE CLOSING: A big benefit of selling before buying is the sellers know exactly how much money will result from the sale. For some, this financial peace of mind offsets the anxiety of not having a replacement home lined up, or having to move twice.

Dian Hymer is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.

***

Housing Market Bail Out Takedown

2008-12-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

A new takedown of the Federal bail out of the housing market my Matthew Ferrara that is spot on!

News Flash: Federal Reserve Unveils Plan to Push Housing Market Lower!

Posted: 05 Dec 2008 11:00 AM CST
Fantasy Island - (US) - The Federal Reserve today unveiled yet another plan to distort the housing industry and stave off a rebound in the marketplace by using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to encourage banks to offer mortgages as low as 4.5% - nearly a full point lower than what ‘unencouraged’ banks have currently priced the risk of mortgage lending in the free market. Undaunted by the volume of empirical data indicating that this very policy of offering below market rates to sub-prime credit borrowers originally caused the over-extension of consumer credit and sharp inflation in housing prices in the last decade, Treasury officials said today (with a straight face) that lowering the cost of lending would halt the slide in housing by enabling consumers to borrow larger sums of money. When asked why this “preferential” policy would only extend to those “purchasing” a home and not homeowners who wished to refinance their debt, Tresurers stared blankly into the cameras. Apparently the idea of letting existing mortgage holders lower their monthly payments, thereby freeing up capital to spend on other consumer goods and savings, had not occurred to the Idiot Savants running the largest public-debt-backed Bank in the world.

One positive feature of the Federal Reserve’s “save some, damn some” lending policy is that “document their income and afford their monthly mortgage payments, steering the government away from backing loans considered risky,” according to a report from the Wall Street Journal today. Funding for such low rates is expected to be created from thin air, or in Treasury terms, the issuance of government debt that would be repaid by taxpayers in the unforeseen future. In essence, the United States government would be acting as a guaranteed buyer of the mortgage, while letting banks snap up application and processing fees for issuing the so-called mortgage. No answer was provided to the question of “which” taxpayers would, in fact, be likely to be repaying this debt, although it is widely expected to fall on the “rich” who can “afford” to pay their fair share of everyone else’s housing needs.

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, caught with his pants down, told the press that, “The most important thing we can do to mitigate foreclosures and progress through the housing correction is to reduce the cost of mortgage finance, so more families can afford to buy a home and so homeowners can refinance into more affordable mortgages.” Apparently nobody told the Treasurer that the Federal Reserve did not intend to offer the rates for refinancing; or, as is more likely, nobody really knows what they are doing and therefore any statement made by government officials is both true and false at all times.

Some skeptics expressed concern over the plan, which was widely supported by lobby groups such as the National Association of REALTORS. Critics worried over the fact that neither the NAR nor the Fed seem to have answered the question of how to reconcile the increasing unemployment figures with the need for buyers to “still qualify” to repay these loans. NAR’s spokesman responded with a muttered, “Plan good… specifics later,” when asked to comment on how unemployed buyers were supposed to absorb the excess housing supply, while foreclosures continued to rise.

In an irony only possible on Capitol Hill, one of the major architects of the current government-sponsored meltdown, Massachusetts Representative Barney “Roll the Dice a Little More” Frank, accused Treasury Secretary Paulson of not spending the taxpayer’s money fast enough. Reading from the original bailout bill passed by Congress this Fall, Frank reminded Mr Paulson that he had been authorized to spend the $700 billlion appropriations more freely, quoting “the bill which says, ‘Write it down, give them assistance,’” adding later that “We have a very large pot that was intended to be part of that effort that is going untapped.” Congressional staffers were momentarily surprised by these comments, whispering amongst themselves, wondering just where Mr Frank had stashed that pot, and whether he intended to smoke it with them afterwards.

Home prices of the future

2008-12-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

Home prices of the future
Real estate brief
BY INMAN NEWS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008.

While some economists believe home prices won't hit bottom until the second half of 2009 and possibly not until 2011 or 2012, most agree that when they do start to rise the gains will be modest compared to the run-up seen during the last 10 years, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal this week.

Wellesley College economics professor Karl Case, of S&P Case-Shiller home-price index fame, said that over the long term home prices will likely "increase on average at an inflation-adjusted rate of 2.5 percent to 3 percent a year, about the same as per capita income."

Others such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology economics professor William Wheaton see home prices increasing at a rate "roughly one percentage point higher than inflation" in the long run, while Economy.com's director of housing economics, Celia Chen, expects house prices to rise an average of approximately "4 percent a year over the next couple of decades."

While factors that determine whether real estate prices will rise over the long term -- such as incomes, household size, birth rates and immigration -- are difficult to predict, researchers expect metro areas such as Washington, D.C.; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Atlanta; Dallas; Houston; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo., and parts of Florida, Tennessee, Virginia and interior California to see the strongest prospects for growth over the long term.

William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, believes that upstate New York, western Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, the Dakotas and Iowa are likely to see "low growth and falling populations" in the future.

Fall checklist for a safer, warmer home

2008-12-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

10 tasks that improve energy efficiency, save lives

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

High energy prices are taking their toll on just about everyone this year, so it's important to do whatever you can to create and maintain an energy-efficient home. Fall is the ideal time for weatherization projects, so this year's fall checklist is centered around what you can do to create a warmer home that has less impact on your wallet.

___Check all insulation levels: Improving insulation levels can be a highly effective way of increasing your home's comfort and energy efficiency, so make it a point this fall to check the amount and condition of all visible insulation. This includes the attic, underfloor, kneewalls, skylight shafts and ductwork. A call to your local utility company will tell you what levels are considered optimum for your area, and if repairs are needed and you don't want to undertake them yourself, they can also recommend qualified insulation and weatherization contractors.

___Check and seal heating ducts: Crawling around in the attic or crawlspace isn't anyone's idea of a fun afternoon, but it's the only way to examine and repair your heating ducts. Check for gaps between ducts and fittings, and seal them with a quality metallic tape -- not regular duct tape, which doesn't last. Also, check to be sure that all of the ducts are up off the ground and adequately supported.

___Check weatherstripping: Gaps around doors and windows -- no matter how small or seemingly insignificant -- allow cold outside air to enter your home. The result is uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. Closely examine each exterior door and window to see that the weatherstripping is doing its job. There should be no visible gaps, the weatherstripping should be clean and undamaged, and windows and doors should operate smoothly and close completely. If any repairs are necessary, you can find everything you need at your local hardware store or home center, or contact a qualified weatherization contractor or handyman.

___Seal exterior penetrations: Weatherstripping is not the only culprit when it comes to air leaks. Spend a day working your way around the outside of the house with a caulking gun and a couple of tubes of high-quality, flexible caulking, and seal any gaps around window and door trim, plumbing and electrical penetrations, flashings and other openings.

___Add outlet gaskets: Shut the power, remove switch and outlet plates, and add precut foam outlet gaskets, which are available from home centers, hardware stores and other retailers. Do the interior walls as well as the exterior walls, and don't forget exterior outlets as well. It's a small thing, but small things definitely add up.

___Change furnace filters: Fall is always the perfect time to put in new furnace filters. It's another one of those simple and inexpensive tasks that can add to your home's efficiency and your family's comfort.

___Upgrade your thermostat: An older thermostat that's a couple of degrees off can result in a lot of wasted energy, and so can forgetting to set the thermostat down at night. You can take care of both of those problems with an upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are digital and typically very accurate, and they allow for easy, set-and-forget programming of temperatures for different times of the day, including energy-saving nighttime and workday setbacks.

___Clean and service fireplaces and woodstoves: Make sure that your gas, wood, and pellet-burning fireplaces and stoves are clean and operating correctly. Check door gaskets, blower operation, flues and flue caps, thermostats and all other aspects of these important appliances. If you're not sure what to look for or how to do any cleaning or repairs, check with a qualified, licensed fireplace shop or chimney sweep.

___Install a carbon monoxide detector: If you have any gas appliances in your home, there is always the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning should any of them ever malfunction. This is a very real danger, especially as we close our homes up for the winter, so make it a point this fall to install a carbon monoxide detector. These lifesavers are inexpensive, easy to install, and available from most home centers and hardware stores.

___Check smoke detectors: Same warning every fall -- check to see that your smoke detectors are operating correctly, and install fresh batteries. If you have an older home with a limited number of detectors, install additional ones outside each bedroom, and make sure that you have at least one on each floor of the house.

Online home listings don't tell whole story

2008-11-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

This is a very good overview of things to be aware of when looking at online listings and more importantly, what you should be requiring of your agent about YOUR listing online...

Online home listings don't tell whole story

What buyers should know before making offer

BY DIAN HYMER, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008.
Inman News

The Internet has changed the way we buy and sell houses. Most listings of homes for sale can be found on the Internet. Realtor.com, the world's largest real estate database of homes for sale, carries information on more than 3 million listings.

According to the 2007 National Association Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84 percent of home buyers used the Internet for information at some point during their home search. This is up from 37 percent in 1999.

Real estate Internet sites allow home buyers and sellers to peruse the inventory of homes for sale relatively effortlessly. Many sites allow visitors to set up a notification system that will alert them when new listings that fit their search criteria hit the market.

Sellers also find it useful to use the Internet to learn more about the local inventory before setting a list price for their home.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: There is inconsistency in the quality of what you see and read about listings online. The Internet is not regulated, so you may find that some agents adhere less to trust-in-advertising guidelines than they do in print ads. However, many professional real estate companies scrutinize their Internet advertising for accuracy before it's uploaded to the Internet.

A huge benefit of Internet home-sale advertising over print advertising is the ability to easily and inexpensively include photos. Many sites allow agents to put dozens of photos of a listing online. This gives visitors a lot more information about the property than can be conveyed with words.

A common complaint from home buyers is that some listings show no photos at all. Studies have shown that visitors often ignore these listings. They may assume that something is wrong with the property; otherwise there would be photos.

However, the fact that there are no photos, although disappointing, may be due to the fact that the agent hasn't bothered to provide them. There could be nothing wrong with the property. While this is clearly a disservice to the seller who is trying to attract as much attention to his home as possible, it's not necessarily a reason for discarding the listing.

Sellers should make sure, before they hire an agent to represent them in the sale of their home, that they will be provided with high-quality Internet advertising. It should be easy for buyers to find your home listing online. Ad copy and photos should accurately portray what you have to sell.

The quality of the photos online varies significantly depending on who took the photos and what kind of camera lenses they used. Photos taken with a wide-angle lens show more, but they can also make a room appear larger than it is. A standard lens doesn't give you the whole picture.

Dark photos may not mean the home is dark. It could indicate that the photos were taken by someone who lacked expertise.

While it might be tempting to buy a home based solely on what you see on the Internet, it's usually not a good idea. Keep in mind that you probably won't see the worst aspects of the home displayed photographically online. The Internet doesn't give you any information about how the place smells or if it's in a noisy location. It could smell moldy, or be located on a busy street or next to a freeway. Photos online may not give you a sense of how well maintained the neighbors' homes are or what the neighborhood in general looks like.

THE CLOSING: Always plan to visit any home you're interested in buying in person before you make an offer.

Dian Hymer is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.

***

Its a Buyer's Market...but is it a good time to sell?

2008-11-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

It has been said time and again that it is a buyer's market in real estate. That is certainly true as there are good values all over. On the other side of the equation, perhaps because of what is going on in the bigger picture of the economy and the stock market, perhaps now is a great time to be a seller?

This opinion by industry consultant, Matthew Ferarra is a very interesting take. I follow him and his commentary closely and this makes a lot of sense to me:

Here’s a question you’re unlikely to hear asked in real estate companies these days: Is the stock market drop a GOOD or BAD thing for the housing industry’s current slump? At a time when nobody seems to have the answers - not the Fed, not Congress, not the Detroit auto makers - to turn around the economy, could it be that the market itself has found a way to revive the housing industry and jump start the economy.

And all it takes is a good, old fashioned market crash?

So is the market’s crash this fall really good for selling real estate? Well, If you’re a true contrarian, and don’t just go with the knee-jerk reaction, you know the answer is ……. the Crash is good for real estate sales. Yes, that’s right: it’s GOOD!

Now, the reason:

What does it mean when the stock market loses 400 or 500 points in a day? It means somebody - a lot of somebodies, actually - is selling stock, right? That means they are turning STOCK into CASH.

Now, what are they going to do with that cash? Put it in:

a) the Bank?

b) more Stocks?

c) under their Pillow?

Answer: d) None of the Above!

It the economy is in worrisome times, and people are pulling out of Stocks, especially out of BANKING stocks (which are the big sell offs this week) they certainly aren’t just “depositing” the cash into accounts that could be at risk of disappearing with the bank itself. And they’re not buying more stock, because most stock is falling faster than inflation is devaluing the currency (yes, it’s hard to believe, considering our inflation is so high).

But savvy investors know exactly what they are doing. They are moving capital to safe havens. They are willing to take minimal growth - like fractional-interest Treasury bills - rather than continue to take a pounding in the stock markets. And they most certainly aren’t feeling “confident” in the FDIC, Treasury or Federal Reserve - so putting it in the bank is out, too.

Therefore, the ONLY sensible investment for the capital is …. drum roll, please….. real estate.

Here, I tore this off of the Wall Street Journal’s website:

...Every great fortune in history is based upon real estate. Most were started during recessions, too. In the last century, every boom has started with real estate - even the dot-com boom which relied upon rising real estate appreciations to create excess capital that could be diverted into other industries, notably technology)...

...Boomers are creating the cash to revive the housing industry from their stock sales - to be used as “downpayment” assistance to their children. As vacation homes. As rental property to substitute for their 401ks which won’t be enough to retire on in the future.

So don’t get down as the market keeps falling. It’s actually a sign that the CASH people need to buy homes is being GENERATED through commodity/equity sales of stock. If the BANKS won’t LEND it, then the capital has to come from somewhere. The markets always keep moving; the proof is the 5 million transactions we will STILL have this year. That’s the historical norm for three decades; and it means the market is fine...

To summarize:

1. Falling stock markets mean CASH is flowing OUT of Wall Street and onto Main Street.

2. Poor options in stocks, banking, corporate bonds and currencies mean the cash has to seek other returns.

3. Smart investors know real estate is ALWAYS going to give a long-term return (sorry, flippers).

4. Now it’s the REALTORS’ job to find the people who are cashing out (Boomers) and start talking to them about the SAFE HAVEN of real estate investing today.

Oh, and look! No need for government money!

Funny how the market works!

How Bad Is The Market?

2008-11-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

I know that I have said on more than one occasion that the real estate market isn't as bad as people think as long as they have the proper perspective. The more have to I keep saying it, the more I begin to question even my own conviction...until now.

I have a client who just got a contract on a house that was on the market for a mere twelve days. How'd they do it, you ask? Simple. They had the right out-look on the market, they were prepared to deal with a lengthy listing, but they priced their property smack dab in the heart of the comparable market. Even though they KNEW that the property was worth more in the heyday of the real estate bubble, they also KNEW that those days were long over. They asked for advice about where the proper price was for their neighborhood and the listened to that advice and even though their home was in better shape than some of those higher priced comps, they put themselves right in the middle knowing that they would show better than their higher priced competition.

This isn't a success story for me...this is a success story about a seller who had all of their bases covered and has now been rewarded with a quick sale. They invested in property and made smart upgrades and additions that would make add value when it was time to sell. They staged the home beautifully so that it would show better than their competition. They knew the realities of the market and had cash on hand to cover their costs for a lengthy time on the market. And most importantly, they priced their property according to the CURRENT marketplace and not some dream of what once was.

This should be used as an example of how to deal with a tough market in all of the actions that they took and also as an example that even in a difficult environment, you have still have successes.

How Does A Wall Street Bail-Out Affect Main Street?

2008-11-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

This information was provided to me by a Wells Fargo Mortgage Consultant. It is a fairly good overview of the benefits of the Wall Street Bail-Out:

How Does A Wall Street Bail-Out Bill Affect Main Street?

Large and small companies across the globe rely on access to money markets to finance their daily operations, including inventories, and payrolls. Lenders routinely make loans to these companies, and to each other, to make it all happen. When lenders have confidence in these markets, and investors have confidence in this system, we have a functioning marketplace that, for the most part, is sustained by competition. When confidence in this system is shattered, however, like it has been recently, credit becomes expensive and scarce to all parties, and small and large companies alike can choke to death waiting for the short-term capital it needs to fund its long-term success. This directly affects you and your family. It means a slower economy. It means more lay-offs and less new job creation, which often means lower home values. It also fuels volatility in the financial markets that, as we've seen, can wreak havoc on your savings, retirement, and other investment accounts.

It is estimated that some $70 trillion in total global investment capital is available, which would be great news if our financial system were functioning with confidence--and that's what the Rescue Bill is basically about. Like it or not, the US Government has been given unprecedented power to invest $700 billion in our financial systems in two ways. First, as much as $250 billion to purchase stock in US banks, providing the banks with badly needed money. Second, through the purchase of certain assets to help stimulate more liquidity in the credit market. Another initiative will provide government guarantees for the short-term loans banks make to each other to run their daily operations. More importantly, these actions are in concert with similar practices by other governments and central banks.

None of these actions will solve our problems completely or save us from recession, but here's the good news. It is a positive step in the direction of stabilizing the markets.

Two-day, $2,000 room makeover not reality

2008-11-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

Behind the scenes of home-improvement TV shows

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Q: When I watch those TV reality shows about room makeovers, I wonder if there is anything "real" about them. Can you really do a complete makeover in two days with $2,000? --Gayle K.

A: Yes and no -- and therein lies the problem of the contradictions and false expectations of some of these phenomenally popular reality home-improvement shows.

On the positive side, these shows can provide viewers with a tremendous wealth of information and ideas for redoing rooms that they might not have the experience or imagination to come up with on their own. If you're looking to give a complete new look to a bedroom through the addition of some interesting new paint colors, new window coverings, some moldings, the revamping of some existing furniture and maybe building a simple bookshelf, that is indeed possible to do in two days with $2,000 -- but not by the average homeowner.

The kind of accelerated pace depicted on these shows requires that absolutely everything has been thoroughly planned in advance and meticulously organized, and that all of the materials have been prepurchased and are waiting on-site. Remember also that the $2,000 budget is for materials only -- often purchased at heavy discounts -- and that the very expensive fees, salaries and services of the on-site decorators, the highly skilled carpenters, the supervisors and coordinators, the delivery services, the cranes, the rental equipment, the professional shoppers, and all the rest of the vast network of other peripheral people and companies are not coming out of that money.

Reality home-improvement shows are great, but viewers really need to realize that this is not reality. For example, the average homeowner certainly will not have a building inspector standing by to blitz through (or waive) inspections on a moment's notice, and they won't have access to all of the hundreds of off-camera personnel and all of the freebies that these shows have to rely on.

One of the problems today is that we have become a society of instant gratification, and these shows play into that. They raise false expectations of what is possible for contractors and especially do-it-yourselfers to accomplish, and while I think the average homeowner understands that they won't be able to have a crew of 75 people re-roof their house in an hour or get the local fire department to fill their swimming pool, they probably don't always understand that many of the other instantaneous makeovers they see materialize on the screen are virtually impossible in real life as well.

I would strongly advise homeowners to enjoy these shows for their entertainment value, and for the lessons they provide on how colors interact, or how a simple bookcase or the rearrangement of some furniture can make a huge difference in a room's flow. But don't take these shows as a glimpse of reality, and don't expect that you or your contractor can perform the same feats of magic without a very extensive -- and very expensive -- infrastructure to back you up.

Q: I would like to have insulation blown into my exterior walls. What can you tell me about compaction and settling, and about the lack of a vapor barrier? --Gilbert M.

A: Most of the information and studies I have seen on this subject has shown a good success rate for retrofitted wall insulation, providing the installation is done properly. The most common material used for this process is cellulose, since it is dense enough to completely fill the cavities without sagging, but it does not tend to get hung up on nails and other obstructions inside the wall the way that blown fiber materials such as fiberglass and mineral wool might do.

As to the vapor barrier, in the average home the application of a semi-gloss paint or a specialized vapor-barrier paint or primer to the inside of the exterior walls is typically enough protection. Talk with an experienced paint store for recommendations on paints with low vapor permeability -- in other words, ones that form a film that will not allow moisture to pass through it easily.

All that being said, there are definitely some potential problems associated with blowing insulation into sealed wall cavities, including possible moisture problems and even damage to electrical wiring. Whenever possible, wall insulation should be done while the wall cavities are open. If that's impossible, be sure to talk with a licensed and bonded insulation contractor with specific experience in retrofitting wall insulation, check on their references and warranties, and contact the manufacturer of whatever insulation product they are using to get additional technical information, precautions and other information specifically related to retrofitting in walls.

Is now a good time to condsider investment property?

2008-11-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

Forbes has a pretty decent round table discussion here about this topic.

The long and short of it are that prices are low and if you have the investment capital AND a good, long-term outlook there are values out there and profits to be made. Sounds like sound advice to me. Here is just one excerpt that sums up the advice of the professionals quoted:

Spencer Rascoff, Zillow.com: I do think this is a great time to be buying residential real estate, with two caveats. First, you need financing, which is much more difficult than in the past. Second, you need to be smart about it. The good old days when anyone could make millions flipping homes in their spare time are over.

Things To Consider Before You Buy A "Fixer"

2008-11-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

There is a home for just about anyone. You can purchase a resale home in an established neighborhood, buy raw land and have a custom home built, or select new construction in a brand-new development.

There are also "fixers." And while some buyers wouldn't dream of tackling a major remodeling job, others love the fact that with imagination and plenty of elbow grease, they can convert a tired home with "good bones" into the home of their dreams.

All houses are different, but here are some guidelines to help you find a fixer with good potential:

* Look for a house that is structurally sound and requires only cosmetic changes.
* Have the home inspected to help you pinpoint mechanical, structural, or system upgrades that may be necessary.
* Ask yourself if the neighborhood can support the improvements you want or need to make. In other words, will you be able eventually to recover the value of your investment in time and fix-up costs?
* Consider whether the existing home is worth a fix-up. In areas where building lots are scarce, the value may be in the land. Then your best course may be tearing down the old structure and rebuilding.
* Think about who will do the work. Can you do much of it or will you hire it all done? How much time do you have?
* Determine how you will finance both the home and the cost of repairs.

These are the first considerations that you need to make. Also you need to be sure that you talk to experts in all of these areas to be sure that you are going about things the right way.

Top ways to boost curb appeal

2008-10-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

Here's another good article from Inman News...

Top ways to boost curb appeal

Whether selling or staying, first impression makes world of difference

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News
You've no doubt heard the term "curb appeal," which is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want things to look a little nicer when you or someone else pulls up out in front, the best place to start is by giving the front of your home a critical examination.

Driveway: A driveway, by necessity, tends to be a fairly dominant feature, and it is often one of the first things that a person sees when they arrive at your home. If you have a concrete driveway that is oil-stained, check with your local home center for cleaners that can spruce it up. While you're there, get a crack repair compound and take care of smaller cracks before they become larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.

For concrete or asphalt that is badly damaged, it's time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before, or consider an updated look by using paving stones instead -- they hold up well in all types of weather, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.

Walkways: When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway. There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one, so check out your home center or some landscaping magazines for ideas.

Landscaping: Speaking of landscaping, do you actually have any? Is it well maintained? Few things look worse out front than an overgrown or neglected yard, and you can often remedy things with a little hard work and some minimal expense. Cut back or remove trees and bushes that have gotten out of control. Feed the lawn to get it to green up again, or consider removing all or part of it and replacing it with low-maintenance materials.

If you have planter beds, be sure they're weeded and have fresh bark in them. Plan your landscaping to create a visual appeal by not having all the same type of plant. Intersperse some plants that provide spots of color at different times of the year, and mix plants for different heights as well.

Shade Trees: Consider adding a couple of new shade trees in front. Trees are good for the environment in general; they help a home look more established and appealing; and they can help lower your summer cooling costs as well. Trees look best planted in odd numbers -- a grouping of three or five, for example -- and the folks at your local nursery can help you with proper spacing.

Exterior Paint: There is probably nothing that will help or hurt the outside of your home as much as how your paint job looks. A fresh coat of paint in up-to-date colors works wonders, while old, peeling paint in a color scheme that went out of style when Eisenhower was president can really ruin a first impression.

If the paint is in generally good condition and just has a few bad spots, spend a couple of hours with a paint scraper and a can of exterior primer to get things ready for touch up, then have your local paint store match you up a gallon of paint and touch up the primed areas so they blend in. You might also want to consider repainting the eaves or window trim in a fresh new color to liven things up a little.

A New Entrance: Your front door is one spot that every visitor has to pass though, and it can make a lasting impression. A fresh coat of paint or stain can sometimes do the trick, but if your door is badly beat up you should consider replacing it. Check with a local company that specializes in doors (not a home center) and see about having a new door matched to your existing frame. The door company will cut the door, mortise the hinges, and drill for the locks using your old door as a pattern, so you can slip the new door right into place without expensive frame alterations or extensive carpentry.

Whether you're getting a new door or working with your old one, make sure that there are no squeaks or groans when it opens, and that it fits well in the frame without binding. Check the operation of the door handle and deadbolt; check the condition of the weatherstripping; and don't forget the operation of any screen and storm doors.

Cleaning: Last but far from least, clean things up a little. Pick up any trash that's accumulated, including dead leaves, cigarette butts and other small debris. Wash the siding to remove dirt, dust and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Hose off the walkways periodically, and make sure that all exterior lighting is operational. Finally, clean off the front porch -- including porch furniture and knick-knacks -- so that that area is

Composite Decking Not Infallible

2008-10-24T14:12:00.000-04:00

Here is an article that I read that I thought was worth passing along...

Composite decking not infallible

Despite benefits over natural wood, warping and rotting still possible

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

Check over the results of virtually any home improvement survey, and you will see that adding a deck consistently ranks at or near the top of the list in terms of both desirability and payback on investment. If a deck is high on your wish list, one of the primary decisions you are no doubt struggling with is what type of decking material to use -- natural wood, or one of the new plastic composite materials that have been getting so much attention lately.

The relative advantages and disadvantages of natural wood are pretty well known. On the plus side, there is the pure, natural beauty of wood, something the composites have been striving with mixed results to emulate. In the eyes of many homeowners and builders alike, nothing can ever replace the subtle grain variations and smooth glow of a piece of redwood or cedar, or one of the hardwoods such as teak or Ipe.

Then there are the obvious drawbacks to wood, which include splintering, cracking, insect and water damage, and the need for regular maintenance every one to two years. It's a tough balancing act between looks and upkeep.

So, enter the composite decks, one of the faster-growing segments of the building material industry. They have been heavily marketed, with the consistent underlying theme being that composites offer much of the beauty of wood without the hassles. True or not?

Actually, most of the main selling points of composite decking seem to be true, if occasionally a little overoptimistic. Composite decking is typically a very stable material, without the cracking and splintering associated with natural wood. You're not going to pick up a splinter walking across one of these decks, and they are also a pretty undesirable meal for an insect.

Low-dimensional shrinkage -- the tendency for a 6-inch-wide board to stay 6 six inches wide after exposure to the elements -- is also an advantage to composite decking. However, to say unequivocally that these materials will not warp would be a bit of an overstatement. There is still that possibility, and it's imperative that the manufacturer's rated spans not be exceeded, and that there is sufficient support and an adequate number of fasteners used.

While the exact composition of composite decking materials varies, they are in large part made from recycled materials, another definite advantage. Some of the decking materials can also be recycled themselves should the time come to remove the deck, but that's something you should clarify when you're shopping and comparing brands.

While virtually all of the composite decking materials contain some form and percentage of plastic or vinyl, many also contain a certain amount of wood fiber. Even though the wood fiber is blended with the liquid plastic during the manufacturing process, it is not completely impervious to rotting. The percentage of wood fiber in the makeup of the material is another consideration when shopping, and it's generally considered best to look for a product with less than 50 percent wood fiber in it.

While composite decking may not have succeeded completely in its quest to duplicate the beauty of natural wood, it's still a very attractive material in its own right. Composite decking now comes in a wide variety of colors and texture patterns, and the ability for a deck designer to select a color that blends with the deck's environment, or even to combine colors for dramatic effect, is one of the material's chief advantages. Curves are also typically easier to achieve with composite materials than with natural wood, although tight curves and intricate designs can still present some challenges to the deck builder.

That brings us to maintenance, one of the primary selling features of composite decking. Compared to natural wood, composites really do win this battle hands down, with none of the regular applications of stains and sealers associated with wood. They are not completely maintenance-free, however, and it's important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for regular cleaning in order to maintain the best appearance. Certain substances can stain composites, such as grease from the barbecue, so it's also important that spills be cleaned up quickly and thoroughly.

Finally, there is the question of durability over time. Composites have simply not been around long enough to be able to say with complete certainty that they will or won't perform well after 10 or 15 years in the backyard. And don't be suckered in by an attractive warranty. As with virtually all building materials, the typical warranty has so much legalese in the fine print and so many exclusions for everything from improper storage at the dealer's yard to installation methods that don't strictly adhere to the manufacturer's sometimes unreasonable standards as to be pretty much useless.

If you're thinking about a composite, your best bet is to simply shop around, ask questions and do your homework. Then ask the dealer or decking contractor for the names of several people who've had similar materials in place for three years or longer, and go check a couple of them out to see for yourself how they're holding up, and what the owner's experiences with them have been.

Do & Don't List for First-Time Homebuyers

2008-10-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

A “DO AND DON’T” LIST FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

For most people, buying a home is the most significant investment of their lives. And in spite of the doubt and confusion clouding both the financial markets and news headlines, 2008 presents many genuine real estate opportunities – especially for first-time buyers. On average, housing inventory is up and historical data demonstrates that purchasing a home has proven a sound long-term financial investment. However, first-time homebuyers are often understandably anxious when it comes time to making what could be the largest purchase in their life. Here is a simple “do and don’t” list to make the process easier for everyone dreaming of homeownership.

DO:

DO utilize free online tools to arm you with as much knowledge as possible. For example, the Home Price Comparison Index available at http://www.coldwellbanker.com offers buyers a way to compare average housing costs in over 400 U.S. markets.

DO take time to access and closely review your credit score. A sound financial track record and solid credit score can help lock in a loan and lower interest rates. Checking your records with a fine-tooth comb in advance will also ensure that you catch any errors ahead of time, as well as help you better understand how lenders may perceive you.

DO explore mortgage pre-approval. Getting this early green light will help others involved with your purchase that you are serious about home ownership – and well-qualified.

DO line up your “all-star” team of professionals before game day. A team of experienced professionals will be key to making the home buying process simple and seamless. Start by interviewing and selecting a sales associate who you “connect” with. That sales associate should also be able to help you indentify suitable lawyers, mortgage lenders, home inspectors and others who play a role in the process. 

DO anticipate your future needs and buy for lifestyle. Try to anticipate how long you’ll live in your next home and plan for major lifestyle changes when possible. What may make a perfect starter home for a couple might not work as well when children come into the picture. Remember, people move for lifestyle reasons and your first home will likely not be your last.

DO hone in on your housing priorities. Your ideal home may have a porch, a pool and five full baths. But before you start looking, make sure to separate your “must-haves” from your “nice to haves,” so you know where you can compromise to meet your budget.

DON’T:

DON’T fall in love with the first house or neighborhood you see. That grand colonial with the picturesque view may win your heart at first glance, but don’t fall in love too fast. You need to keep an open mind to make sure you find the right fit for all your needs. At the end of your search, it may turn out that the riverfront ranch that’s closer for your commute is a better bet all-around.

DON’T buy beyond what you can afford. It’s easy to fall into that all-you-can-eat attitude when it comes to your first home purchase. You “want it all” when it comes to size, amenities, location, etc. But remember that your eyes may have a larger appetite than your wallet. Make sure that the down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses and taxes are truly within your income and savings range before you sign on the dotted line.

DON’T treat your home the way you treat your stock portfolio. It’s unrealistic and unwise to expect your housing investment to appreciate as quickly as you’d hope for your technology stocks. Buying for lifestyle, as opposed to trying to turn a quick profit, will help ensure that you are viewing home purchasing and ownership in the right context.

DON’T try to time the market. By the time most consumers sense a major real estate or financial market shift, the tables have typically already turned. Instead of waiting for a slim and unreliable window of time – and potentially missing out on the perfect home – buyers should focus on their own lifestyles and buy when the time is truly right for them.

DON’T jump into an exotic or confusing mortgage. When it comes to downpayments and mortgages, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to read carefully through every aspect of the proposed agreements to fully understand your end of the bargain. For instance, what seems like an attractive rate now may balloon exponentially a few years down the road. So arm yourself with information and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Going Green In Your Home

2008-10-20T12:18:00.000-04:00

Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents – going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly features like rain water recycling, and home builders incorporating energy saving features into new homes, it’s no wonder real estate professionals say more and more home buyers are asking about “green homes.” In the end, small changes to a home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the competition.

It makes sense on a number of levels to incorporate green principles into a home and many consumers are surprised at just how easy it is to do so. Not only is it great for the environment but homeowners are looking at going green as an opportunity to have their home stand out from the crowd.

The following are eight tips from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, that outline how to make homes sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, and appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers:

1. A Ray of Light: South-facing windows provide more natural daylight making a home more bright and cheery. But, more importantly, natural daylight can help keep the indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to set the thermostat a bit lower. Alternatively, drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.

2. Green Gardening: Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious homeowners. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep a home cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. And native vegetation will thrive in its preferred environment without requiring excess water.

3. Switch to Green Power: The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However, installing solar panels or wind generators property can be cost-prohibitive for some. Fortunately, many utility companies in the United States offer options to purchase a form of renewable energy that is cost efficient for the homeowner.

4. Dial it Back: Lowering the settings on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. Installing low-flow sink faucets and shower heads also lessens water consumption.

5. Reuse Rain: Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to conserve. For example, a water collection system under drains can catch the water and then reuse it for watering landscapes. 

6. Less Lawn does More: Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native bushes, flowers, etc. Depending upon a number of factors (including the climate of the region), homeowners can simply cut back on the amount of space that they have to mow to promote energy conservation in lawn care.

7. Turn Old into New: Refurbish the home's existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones (cabinets, tiles, flooring). If brand new appliances are required, homeowners should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their old appliances to be recycled or reused.

8. Insulation is Key: Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bill.

More signs things aren't as bad as being reported...

2008-10-13T10:38:00.000-04:00

Matt Ferarra made a comment in his blog over the weekend that got me thinking. He pointed out that if the economy is so bad and everyone is so broke, why is he the tenth person in line at Starbucks for a $4 coffee?

He is right. In looking around this weekend, I noticed a lot of the same things. I went to Pete & Eldas (great Shore Area pizzeria and bar) for pizza on Saturday. We waited for 45 minutes for a table. I also went to a fundraiser picnic on Saturday in town sponsored by one of the local Knights of Columbus councils. It was packed...and not just with Knights and thier families. If people were truly going broke, I don't think they would be giving their money to charities in droves.

I truly think that things aren't as bad as they are being reported. Obviously, the markets are in turmoil. And there is no question that home value have fallen. But if you look at your investments as long-term and aren't worried about short-term fluctuations and if you are doing the same with your home--that you have no need to sell now and can still afford your mortgage then the turmoil in the markets are of no concern to you...and I am optimistic that the majority of people fall into that category.

Trulia Launches Housing Crisis Site

2008-10-10T12:58:00.000-04:00

Looks like Trulia.com, the Real Estate search and marketing site, has launched a dedicated micro-site specifically to deal with the housing crisis.

This is a very interesting micro-level service that shows that they are changing the way that they are thinking about the market as it changes and are adjusting their services accordingly. A great use of technology.

Here is the link to the new site if you want to poke around and see what they are talking about in their blog or the Q&A.

Hat tip (H/T) to the Inman News blog

Credit Freeze? Not So Fast!

2008-10-08T11:52:00.000-04:00

A lot of media out there is reporting that there is a mortgage or credit "freeze". (See this story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer) As is usually the case, the media hysteria is based in truth, but isn't entirely true. I met today with a mortgage representative. His message was quite clear...you can STILL get a mortgage.

Of course, mortgage companies are being MUCH more selective about risk and to whom they will lend money but that is a good thing! We wouldn't be in this situation now if we had these standards in lending all along.

If you are credit worthy (over 700 credit score) and can verify your assets and income you shouldn't have any trouble getting a loan.

Fannie and Freddie are getting more and more restrictive but even people who no longer qualify for those programs may still qualify for FHA loans.

If you want to buy, don't give up hope. All is not lost.

BTW--the National Association of REALTORS reported today that the pending sales of home rose 7.4% in August.

Things to think about before buying a "fixer"

2008-10-06T11:46:00.001-04:00

There is a home for just about anyone. You can purchase a resale home in an established neighborhood, buy raw land and have a custom-built home or select new construction in a brand-new development.

There are also "fixers." And while some buyers wouldn't dream of tackling a major remodeling job, others love the fact that with imagination and plenty of elbow grease they can convert a tired home with "good bones" into the home of their dreams.

All houses are different, but here are some guidelines to help you find a fixer with good potential:

Look for a house that is structurally sound and requires only cosmetic changes
Have the home inspected to help you pinpoint mechanical, structural, or system upgrades that may be necessary.
Ask yourself if the neighborhood can support the improvements you want or need to make. In other words, will you be able eventually to recover the value of your investment in time and fix-up costs?
Consider whether the existing home is worth a fix-up. In areas where building lots are scarce, the value may be in the land. Then youor best course may be tearing down the old structure and rebuilding.
Think about who will do the work. Can you do much of it or will you hire to have it done? How much time do you have?
Determine how you will finance both the home and the cost of repairs.

The Closing Process

2008-03-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

Although a real estate agent usually handles the pricing, marketing and negotiating, there are several additional steps to closing the sale once the the purchase and sale agreements have been signed.

Step 1--Removing contingencies: The most common contingencies are financing and the sale of thee buyer's current home. These conditions must be removed or waived before the sale can be cloosed.

Step 2--Appraising the property: The buyer's lender requires a formal appraisal to confim the value of the home, to be used as collateral to secure the loan.

Step 3--Preparing closing documents: Most often real estate attorneys prepare documents that confirm the transaction, pro-rate funds and so on.

Step 4--Signing closing documents: Even after both parties have signed closing documents and deposited funds, the sale may take a few more days to close.

Step 5--Recording the deed and disbursing funds

Step 6--Receiving proceeds and welcoming the moving van

Step 7--Turning over the keys to the buyer.

Kitchen is no place to skimp on lighting

2008-03-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

Brightening tips to make cooking, cleaning even more fun

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

When it comes to lighting, few places in the home are more important than the kitchen. From general lighting to specific task lighting, a well-designed lighting plan makes the use and enjoyment of any kitchen a much brighter undertaking.

GENERAL LIGHTING
General lighting is what comes on as you first enter the room. It should brighten up the room well enough that you can see to enter and move around the room, and to perform basic tasks, such as getting something out of the refrigerator.

In many kitchens, general lighting is accomplished with one or two incandescent or fluorescent light fixtures, or by a group of recessed can lights. The general lighting fixtures should be controlled by a switch that is easily accessible as soon as you approach or first enter the room. If there are two entrances to the room, the same group of fixtures can be controlled from both locations using a 3-way switch.

TASK LIGHTING
Task lighting, on the other hand, comes from fixtures that are strategically placed to provide good lighting for performing specific operations, such as cooking or cleaning up. Since the general lighting sources are located high up on the ceiling and behind you wherever you are in the room, your body typically blocks or shadows some of that light, which is why specific lighting fixtures dedicated to specific areas are so important. Task lighting may be in the form of recessed cans, fluorescent fixtures, halogen lights, or any combination. To conserve energy and prevent overlighting or overheating the room, activation of the task lighting is generally broken up between several switches.

To lay out your task lighting, first envision how the kitchen will be used. One or more fixtures should be located over the sink, to provide direct overhead lighting for cleanup and food preparation. Recessed lights work well here, as they can be directed very specifically to light the sink. The over-sink fixture should be on its own switch.

Cooking tasks require their own light source as well. If you have a range hood that is located above your cooktop or range, the light that is located within the hood may be sufficient, or you can add a recessed fixture to the ceiling that is located to provide as much direct light down onto the cooking surface as possible. The fixture in the hood will have its own switch, and any other specific cooking area light should be separately switched as well.

Islands can present another task lighting challenge. Here again, recessed fixtures can be used to good advantage to light up the island, or you can consider one or more hanging pendant lights over the area. Some lighting designs will have the island lights come on as part of the general lighting, but most will target these lights with separate switches as well.

One kitchen lighting area that is extremely important but often overlooked are the counters. Between the combination of your body as you stand at the counter and the bulk of the wall cabinets, much of the counter area is severely shadowed, and yet this is where much of the work in the kitchen is done.

To overcome this, specific under-cabinet lighting is used. Perhaps the most common source are shallow fluorescent fixtures that are mounted to the underside of the upper cabinets. These under-cabinet lights come in a number of different lengths to make it easy to match the fixtures to the cabinet layout, and you should use an adequate number of them to provide even, shadow-free lighting on all the counters.

Small halogen fixtures, typically called puck lights for their resemblance to small hockey pucks, are also sometimes used in these areas. Puck lights are brighter, but may put out too much glare or too much heat in some areas, so take that into consideration as well.

Here again, you want to divide up the under-cabinet fixtures onto one or more specific switches. What usually works best is to envision how the counters will be used, and then group the fixture switching so that the desired counter or group of counters are lit at the same time. For example, if you regularly use one section of counter for food preparation, all the under-cabinet lighting over that section of counter should be on the same switch.

All of these fixtures should be available from local lighting stores, electrical supply retailers, and home centers. Remember to use only UL-listed fixtures and parts, and always consult with a qualified electrician for assistance on any wiring project you're not comfortable with.

Finally, Some Positive News In The Market

2008-02-14T15:53:00.001-05:00

This article made the front page of the Asbury Park Press today. While it is positive news, they do their best to spin it negatively, but I find the fact that we have stopped losing ground in home prices to be a positive sign. Especially when nationally prices fell another 5% in the same time period versus our half-percent gain.

Here is the full story:

Home prices in Ocean and Monmouth counties rise a notch
By David P. Willis • BUSINESS WRITER • February 14, 2008

Home prices in the area that includes Monmouth and Ocean counties inched up in the fourth quarter, rising by 0.5 percent from the same period the year before, the National Association of Realtors said today.

The median sale price for an existing single-family home in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Somerset counties was $370,300, up $1,800, from $368,500 in the same quarter in 2006, the association said. The median means that half the homes in the area sold for more and half sold for less.

But the slight increase is not an indication the housing market is turning around, said economist James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University."

The market was virtually flat," said Hughes said. "It suggests that the market is far from rebounding and it may signal that there is weakness ahead."

Other areas of New Jersey saw steeper increases by percentage.

For instance, the median price in an area that includes Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Union counties rose 5.3 percent, and the price in the region that includes Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties rose 3.6 percent. Atlantic County's median price rose 10.7 percent. Nationally, prices fell 5.8 percent, according to the real estate association.

If you are a home buyer or seller interested in being interviewed on this topic for an Asbury Park Press story, please contact David P. Willis at (732) 643-4039 or dwillis@app.com.

Does My Attic Have Adequate Ventilation?

2008-01-29T11:18:00.000-05:00

Calculate how much you need with simple math
By Paul Bianchina

Remember how hot your attic was when you went up there to check the antenna wire last summer? Remember that ice dam on the roof? Proper attic ventilation can help with both those problems, but how do you know how much you need -- and just as importantly, how much do you already have?

Determining what you need is simple -- all you need is the size of your house and a calculator. Attic ventilation should equal approximately 1 square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic, so figure out roughly how many square feet the footprint of your attic is, and then divide by 300. To ensure effective air movement throughout the attic, the total vent area should be split approximately evenly between high and low vents, so now divide that number by two to get a rough idea of how much low ventilation and how much high ventilation your home needs.
Finally, since vents are measured and sold based on square inches, you'll want to convert from square feet. To do that, take the total amount of ventilation you need in square feet and multiply by 144 to convert it to square inches.

DETERMINING WHAT'S EXISTING

In order to determine how much ventilation you currently have, you need to measure the sizes of the existing vents, and then make a few adjustments in order to figure out exactly how much air is able to actually get through them.

Let's say you have a 12-inch-by-18-inch gable-end vent. That equals an area of 216 square inches (12 x 18), and that's how much ventilation area you would have if you left the hole wide open. However, to prevent animals, insects and rain from getting into your attic, you would need to install a gable-end vent, which has a screen and louvers on it. You have now reduced the amount of area that the air can pass though by the amount of area taken up by the screen, the louvers and the framework of the vent. The remaining open area that the air can actually pass through is called the net free area (NFA), and that is how vents are rated.

If you are purchasing new vents, the NFA should be printed right on the vent itself. If it isn't, or if you are trying to figure out how much vent area you currently have with your existing vents, here are some common vents and their approximate net-free area:

7-inch round roof vent: 30 square inches
8-inch round roof vent: 40 square inches
9-inch round roof vent: 50 square inches
12-inch x 18-inch gable vent: 96 square inches
3.5-inch x 22.5-inch soffit vent: 40 square inches
5.5-inch x 22.5-inch soffit vent: 72 square inches
Continuous ridge vent: 11 to 16 square inches per linear foot

For other types of vents, you can calculate the NFA using the following formula: Gross vent area / area factor = NFA. The area factor is how much of an adjustment you need to make for the screen and other obstructions, based on the following approximations:

1/4-inch screen: area factor = 1.0
1/4-inch screen with louvers: area factor = 2.0
1/8-inch screen: area factor = 1.25
1/8-inch screen with louvers: area factor = 2.25
Louvers, no screen: area factor = 2.0

So, using that formula, let's say you have a big 12-inch-by-24-inch gable-end vent with 1/8-inch screen and louvers. The gross size of the vent is 288 square inches (12 x 24), and the area factor for 1/8-inch screen with louvers is 2.25. Divide 288 by 2.25, and you can determine that your vent has approximately 128 square inches of net free area.

ADD MORE VENTS AS NEEDED

If, after all this math, you determine that your attic does not have enough ventilation, you need to give some serious thought to adding more.

Separate what you need into high and low, and decide how many of each type of vent you need. Remember that the half and half ratio of high to low is only an approximation -- if you have almost enough low vents and are short on high vents, you can add a little more high-vent area than you need to make up the difference.Hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards all carry a wide variety of vents for different applications. You can install them yourself, or contact a licensed roofing contractor to have it done for you.

Packing Tips

2008-01-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

Whether you hire professional movers to pack up your household items or do it yourself, here are some suggestions to make your move go more smoothly:
* Buy high-quality supplies, including moving boxes in a variety of sizes.
* Use packing paper and bubble wrap to protect items from breaking inside boxes.
* Close boxes securely with packing tape and clearly label the contents of each box with bold markers, labels, or stickers.
* Do not pack items that are flammable, corrosive, or explosive, such as gasoline, fireworks, aerosol cans, paints, pesticides, or liquid bleach.
* Hand-carry valuable items such as important documents, jewelry, collections, and family photographs to keep them secure during the move.
* Pack items in a logical order. Top national movers suggest you start with out-of-season items, followed by items you use infrequently. Don't pack the things you need on a daily basis until the last minute.

Jackson Council Decides to Join State Gypsy Moth Program

2008-01-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

This article from the Asbury Park Press tells of the 3.5 hour deliberation at last night's Township Council meeting.

The Council decided to join the State's Gypsy moth spraying program for $1 million.

Important Township Meetings This Week

2008-01-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

The Township Council will be having a public hearing on the Gypsy Moth debate at its normal meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd. The Caucus Meeting (which is open to the public) begins at 6:30 pm at Town Hall and their Executive Session (closed to the public) will follow immediately then the Business Meeting will immediately follow that.

On Wednesday, January 23rd the Council will hold a Special Open Meeting to hear presentations about the three possible EMS plans (MONOC, Quality Medical Transport & Jackson Police EMS --Click on the links to see a preview of their presentations. None for Quality posted yet) at the Jackson Liberty High School. The meeting starts at 7pm and the Council may vote to act on one of the proposals at this meeting.

Both of these meetings are of high importance to the township and both could have significant impact on property taxes. Homeowners should make every effort to attend these meetings.

My absense

2008-01-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

I apologize for my extended absense from this blog.

I have been re-energized to get this blog going and have a re-newed committment to it.

Hopefully, as you stumble across this blog you will find in compelling and add it to your list of places you visit frequently for information about Jackson, NJ.

If you have any questions about the area or the housing market, always feel free to contact me @ mattgen@optonline.net

How to Hire A Chimney Sweep

2008-01-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

I received the following information from my friend, Kyle Saker. Kyle runs Complete Inspection Service and is a great resource that I can not recommend any higher.

Anyway, I thought that this is very timely, helpful information that any homeowner with a fireplace should definitely pay attention to:

How to Hire a Chimney Sweep:

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends people take a few steps when considering a chimney sweep for an annual inspection and cleaning.

1. How long has the company been in business?

2. Do they offer references?

3. Do they have unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau?

4. Do they carry liability insurance to protect your property from accidents?

5. Do the ensure that the sweep is CSIA certified?

There are over 1900 CSIA certified chimney sweeps in North America. To locate on in your area go to http://www.csia.org/ or call (800) 536.0118

Monthly Home Sales Reach 7-Month High

2007-03-02T12:12:00.000-05:00

Daily Real Estate News February 27, 2007

Monthly Home Sales Reach 7-Month High

Sales of existing homes rose in January, reaching the highest level in seven months, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.Total existing-home sales — including single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops — increased 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.46 million units in January from an upwardly revised pace of 6.27 million in December. Sales were 4.3 percent below the 6.75 million-unit level in January 2006.

David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist, says observers shouldn’t overreact to the sales gain or to other short-term effects. “Although we’re expecting existing-home sales to gradually rise this year, and buyers are responding to the price correction, some unusually warm weather helped boost sales in January,” he says. “On the flip side, the winter storms that disrupted so much of the country in February could negatively impact the housing market.

“Although the data is seasonally adjusted, these weather events are unusually large — many transaction closings were postponed in February, and home shopping was essentially shut down for about a week in many areas,” he says. “We shouldn’t be surprised to see a near-term sales dip, but that will be followed by a continuing recovery in home sales.”

Inventories Drop-Total housing inventory levels rose 2.9 percent at the end of January to 3.55 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 6.6-month supply at the current sales pace — unchanged from the revised December level. Supplies peaked at 7.4 months in October 2006.“Inventories are looking better, but price softness should continue until spring when the market is expected to become more balanced,” Lereah says.

What Happened Regionally
Here’s a breakdown of home sales by region:

West Coast: Existing-home sales in the West rose 5.6 percent to an annual pace of 1.32 million in January but were 9.6 percent lower than a year ago. The median price in the West was $321,300, down 4.6 percent from January 2006.

Midwest: Existing-home sales increased 4.8 percent in January to a level of 1.53 million, and were 0.6 percent lower than January 2006. The median price in the Midwest was $162,600, which is 3.5 percent below a year ago.

South: Existing-home sales in the South rose 2 percent to an annual sales rate of 2.54 million in January, but were 7.3 percent below a year ago. The median price in the South was $174,600, which is 1.7 percent below January 2006.

Northeast: Existing-home sales in the Northeast were at a level of 1.07 million in January, unchanged from December, and were 5.9 percent higher than January 2006. The median existing-home price in the Northeast was $260,700, down 1.2 percent from a year earlier.

National Single-family and Condo Home Sales
Single-family home sales rose 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.69 million in January from an upwardly revised 5.50 million in December. But that still accounts for 4.2 percent below the 5.94 million-unit level in January 2006. The median existing single-family home price was $209,200 in January, down 3.5 percent from a year earlier.Existing condominium and cooperative housing sales slipped 0.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 767,000 units in January from a downwardly revised pace of 768,000 in December. Last month’s sales activity was 5.7 percent below the 813,000-unit pace in January 2006. The median existing condo price was $222,200 in January, up 0.5 percent from a year ago.

NAR President: Market is Stabilizing
The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $210,600 in January, down 3.1 percent from January 2006 when the median was $217,400. The median is a typical market price where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

NAR President Pat Vredevoogd Combs, from Grand Rapids, Mich., says a broader view shows the housing market stabilizing. “The market is trending up from its low last fall, and that is important in restoring confidence to buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” Combs says. “Since buyers can find more favorable terms, and they are looking for a place to call home for some years to come, getting into the market now makes sense. It’s a choice many didn’t have during the boom period of bidding wars in much of the country.”

— REALTOR® Magazine Online

Housing Prices Off 4.2% At Shore

2007-02-16T10:10:00.000-05:00

This article in today's Asbury Park Press (Housing prices off 4.2% at Shore) sounds like more bad news by the headline, however if you read it closely it is packed with indications of a lot of good news in the near future.

This paragraph really sums up my feelings based on my experience with a seller and a buyer in the last two weeks:

"The positive may well be people are finally reducing the prices in order to sell their homes, and ultimately that's going to set the stage for renewed expansion in housing."

Also, the feelings of Albert Veltri, President of Veltri Real Estate, is right on the money too:

"Overall, things I see are getting much better...Sellers have begun to adjust their prices to current market conditions", he said. "I think they are starting to . . . get real on pricing."

6 Ways First-Time Buyers Can Prepare

2007-02-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

A cooling housing market gives buyers, especially first-time buyers, more opportunities to snatch up a good deal. But just because there are good deals, doesn't always mean buyers are ready to make the leap.

These six tips will help prospective buyers find out if they are ready for homeownership.

1. Take a first-time home buyer class. It will make repairing a credit score and shopping for a loan less stressful.

2. Be conservative. Borrowing too much can mean stretching and even sacrificing — to the point that it's hard to even keep a six-pack of beer in the fridge.

3. Organize documents. First-time buyers should keep a pay stub, W-2, and bank and retirement account statements on hand to expedite the loan application process.

4. Get pre-approved. Before starting the homebuying process, consumers should get pre-approved by at least one lender. Being pre-approved won't lock buyers in to a loan but it may save them the heartache of falling in love with a home they really can't afford.

5. Play house. Every month, prospective buyers should bank the amount that they'd have to pay if they owned a home. It's good practice so they'll be ready for the real thing.

6. Consider all the costs. It's not just a mortgage payment they have to worry about. Repairs, assessments, and other costs of homeownership can add up quickly.

Source: Star-Tribune, Kara McGuire (02/02/07)

Is the housing market turning? This sounds like some good news...

2007-02-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

This article appeared today in the REALTOR online magazine:

Daily Real Estate News February 7, 2007

Steady Climb Seen for Existing-Home Sales

Consumers are beginning to respond to more favorable housing market conditions, with existing home sales expected to steadily increase into 2008, according to the latest forecast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

“After reaching what appears to be the bottom in the fourth quarter of 2006, we expect existing-home sales to gradually rise all this year and well into 2008,” says David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist.

Existing-home sales, which reached the third-highest total on record of 6.48 million in 2006, are forecast at 6.44 million in 2007 and 6.64 million in 2008.

New construction, on the other hand, will take longer to recover. Following a fourth-best 1.06 million in 2006, new-home sales projected to decline to 961,000 this year and then rise to 971,000 in 2008. “We look for that sector to turn around later in the year,” Lereah adds. Among the other key highlights of NAR’s new forecast:

Housing starts are likely to total 1.52 million in 2007, down from 1.80 million units in 2006, and then increase to 1.56 million next year. “When new home demand begins to catch up with supply, builders will slowly increase construction — probably in the second half of this year,” Lereah says.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise to 6.7 percent by the second half of the year. Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed rate at 6.14 percent in December, but it has been trending up since. “Mortgage interest rates remain favorable, and a gradual rise means potential buyers have some time to weigh purchase decisions,” Lereah says. “When existing-home supplies become more balanced between buyers and sellers this spring, we’ll see some modest price gains.”
The national median existing-home price should grow 1.9 percent to $226,200 in 2007, after rising only 1.1 percent in 2006. The median new-home price is expected to increase 1.8 percent to $249,800 in 2007, following a similar gain last year. Stronger gains are forecast for 2008, with existing-home prices rising 3.2 percent and new-home prices increasing 3.4 percent.
The unemployment rate is seen to average 4.7 percent in 2007, compared with 4.6 percent last year. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is projected at 2.0 percent this year, down from 3.2 percent in 2006, while growth in the U.S. gross domestic product is likely to be 2.8 percent in 2007, down from 3.4 percent last year. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income will probably rise 3.7 percent in 2007, up from a gain of 2.7 percent in 2006.

— REALTOR® Magazine Online

10 Quick Fixes To Sell A Home Faster

2007-01-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

Here are 10 quick fixes that make a house more likely to be snagged up by buyers, according to home stager Lori Matzke, founder and president of Centerstagehome.com in Minneapolis:

1. Paint the trim, columns, front door, and the light fixture.
2. Replace the storm door with a full-view one.
3. Clean all the window screens.
4. Add new mulch and a potted plant by the front door.
5. Remove mirrors from over the fireplace so buyers focus on the fireplace.
6. Move furniture 1 1/2 to 2 feet away from the walls to create the illusion of more space.
7. Get rid of any movable storage pieces in the kitchen and take all the clutter off the refrigerator.
8. Clean and regrout the bathroom floor tile.
9. Replace dated bathroom vanities with trendy (and economical) pedestal sinks.
10. Put colorful bedding and matching window treatments in all the bedrooms.

Source: Star-Tribune, Aimee Blanchette (01/27/07)

Think Jackson Real Estate Is Expensive?

2007-01-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

Check out this renovated 77 sq ft. storage closet in central London that is now selling for $335,000!! Any you thought our market was overvalued...

Here is the story from MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16757133/

Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home

2007-01-04T18:52:00.000-05:00

This article on MSNBC.com is a very good primer on the pros and cons of using home remodeling projects to increase the value of your home.

As they state in the article, not all jobs will return 100% of your investment in resale value, however, there are some affordable projects that you can do that will give you a very fair return on your invesment and make your home much more attractive to buyers.

How to make your home worth more - BusinessWeek Online - MSNBC.com

Sales of New Homes Pick Up After a Big Drop - New York Times

2006-12-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

A good article in today's NYT about a slight upturn in the market....

Sales of New Homes Pick Up After a Big Drop - New York Times

Real Estate and the Single Woman

2006-12-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is a pretty interesting read from Yahoo Finance about the trend of single women buying real estate at higher levels than ever before: Real Estate and the Single Woman: Money & Happiness - Yahoo! Finance

...However, This Is A Victory For Eminent Domain Opponents

2006-12-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

The Institute For Justice has been allowed into a case in Long Branch to defend the homeowners who are trying to fight off the city who is trying to take their property so that it can be redeveloped into luxury condos...This is the more routine form of government "taking" that has the government looking to seize peoples property so that they can generate higher taxes.

All of these cases will have SERIOUS implications on all of our ability to privately own property in the future and all property owners should be against this legalized government taking.

Details here: APP.COM - Eminent domain foes win a ruling Asbury Park Press Online

A Defeat for Property Owners In the Eminent Domain Battle

2006-12-08T09:52:00.000-05:00

This story details how Mount Laurel has won the approval to seize land that a builder owns and has approvals for to sub-divide and develop the property...and thus increase the taxes...to preserve the land as open space.

This flies in the face of the usual rationale for government "taking" of property...which is to take the property and re-develop it with higher taxes in mind; this was the rationale in the highly publicized Supreme Court ruling in New London, Ct.

Check out the Asbury Park Press article for more information: APP.COM Asbury Park Press Online

Selling your home in slump? Don’t panic - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

2006-12-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

This is a link to a great article about the housing market. I agree with much that is in the article.

I am confident that this is just a market correction brining prices back to the historic norms of price growth rates.

My experience, locally, is that houses that are priced right are still selling. Buyers know a good value when they see it and will come off the sidelines for it so as not to miss the opportunity.

The best advice in this article is DO NOT list at a "lets just see if we can get it" price...by the time you realize that your not going to get it the market may have moved below the price point that you really were willing to take. Be realistic...and price your property correctly and it will sell.

Selling your home in slump? Don’t panic - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

Home sales rise a bit, but prices fall - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

2006-11-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Home sales rise a bit, but prices fall - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

Jackson Women Of Today Collecting Items for Troops In Iraq

2006-11-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

The Jackson Women Of Today are collecting items to send to a Navy Sailor from Jackson who is currently deployed with the Army in Iraq.

Please click here for the Asbury Park Press story detailing the program.

PNC Arts Center Holiday Light Show to Open Soon

2006-11-17T14:37:00.000-05:00

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Holiday Light Spectacular at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, is set to return for its ninth season.

This year's light park will feature all new displays created by Brandano Displays. Brandano's lighted displays have been featured throughout the country, including locations such as New York City's Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo.

The drive-through light park includes more than 2 million lights and more than 100 displays of holiday spirit, viewed from the comfort of a car.

The Holiday Light Spectacular is open from Nov. 22-26 and then every day from Dec. 1-31. Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 5-10:30 p.m. The cost of admission is $15 per carload. The admission fee is paid upon entry to the park. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local area charities.

For additional information visit the Web site www.livenation.com.

New 20 Home Development Off Toms River Road

2006-11-17T14:30:00.000-05:00

A new proposed development has submitted its initial application to the Jackson Township Planning Board and has had its initial hearing.

The development will be a new cul-de-sac off of Toms River Road in the Cassville section of the township in the area of the Cassville firehouse.

This development has also proposed dedicating the lot that fronts Toms River Road to the Township for use in the construction of Cassville's new firehouse.

More information is here in the Tri-Town News

Dover Township No Longer

2006-11-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

Starting tomorrow, there will no longer be a Dover Township in Ocean County. Going forward there will only Be Toms River Township. Just so you can start correcting yourself now. You'll never realize how much you referred to Dover Township until you try to stop saying it!

APP.COM - It's RIP on Tuesday for Dover Township Asbury Park Press Online

Jackson food pantry seeks support during holidays

2006-11-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

Jackson food pantry seeks support during holidays

During the holiday months, please support this community organization who does a lot of good for the less fortunate people of our town...

Best Buy Comes To Route 9 In Howell

2006-11-13T09:42:00.000-05:00

More commercial development for Howell. Too bad this didn't come to Jackson. We could have used a commercial rateable like this to offset some of our tax increase...

Best Buy wins Howell OK for Route 9 store

A Third Party Starting Up in Jackson

2006-10-31T11:26:00.000-05:00

In today's Asbury Park Press it was announced that a group of disenfranchised voters plan to start the "Jackson Tea Party" as a protest to the politics as usual in Jackson Township.

This seems like a good idea. A group of people from both parties that have been left behind or left out because they are not a part of the old-boy network that runs the show in Jackson.

Both political parties in town play the same game. It is who you know and not what you know that gets you positions. And because their group is so closed to outsiders no new ideas ever get heard or see the light of day.

The Mayor, Mr. Seda, claims that the impetus to this party is a group of "disgruntled Republicans who feel they didn't get what they wanted." While they may be "disgruntled Republicans" shouldn't they be OK with this Republican government? Not if Mr. Seda is committed to only seeking advice and counsel from a small group of insiders and not allowing the public to have any input into their government.

You can read the Asbury Park Press article here.

According to the Jackson Tea Party's web site, they are committed to lower taxes and increased commercial development. These do not seem to be bad aims. Also, they claim that elected officials should support this agenda as the best way to bring Jackson forward and that commercial development will help to reduce the tax burden of the residential taxpayer and that "if [politicians] do not [support this agenda], they must be held accountable at the polls."

The party is also concerned with the Jackson Township Board of Education and the significant burden that their budget has added to the taxpayers of the township.

The party plans to run candidates in the 2007 Board of Education races and the 2008 Township Council races.

Here is a link to the Jackson Tea Party

Jackson Library is Five Years Old

2006-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

This announcement was made in the Tri-Town News:
Library will celebrate anniversary
JACKSON - The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Nov. 4 with ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m.
The Jackson Library is a branch of the Ocean County Library.
"The Jackson branch has been serving the community in this beautiful new building for five years," said librarian Meagan Toohey.
Activities on Nov. 4 have been planned for people of all ages, Toohey said. There will be a piano concert with Andrew Vincent and the songs of yesteryear performed by the Good Old Days. A new children's mural will be dedicated and youngsters will be able to meet Sparks, the Ocean County Library mascot.
The Jackson Friends of the Library, members of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, representatives from Jackson Premium Outlets, Cloonfad Press Authors and other local authors, including John Morano, will be on hand at the event.
Clown and balloon artist Macaroni Anne Cheese will create balloon animals and there will be activities provided by the Garden State Discovery Museum.
Teenagers will be able to pose for portraits by caricature artist Gregory Johnson.
"The library is grateful to its sponsors for donating their time and services," Toohey said.
The library thanked Andrew Vincent, Bella Terra, Cloonfad Press, Gianni's Bakery and Café, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Friends of the Library, Jackson Premier Outlets, ShopRite, Solo Bella Brick Oven Bistro, Tastefully Simple and Walls of Wonder.
"All are welcome to attend this fun-filled day-long activity," said Toohey. "The program is free and open to the public."

Hov-Bilt Community Continues to Move Forward

2006-10-31T11:10:00.000-05:00

More testimony was made before the Planning Board on Hov-Bilt's large senior development being planned for the Cassville section of Jackson. Here is the information from this week's Tri-Town News

MSNBC Reporting Existing Home Sales Declined

2006-10-25T13:13:00.000-04:00

Of note is in this report is the quote from the NAR rep who states that he thinks that this price correction is probably mostly behind us. I tend to agree with that assessment. I believe that we have seen the market regress back to the median and we should see better times ahead. Here is the full article:

Existing-home sales keep falling
Year-over-year median sales price drops by the largest amount on record

WASHINGTON - Sales of existing homes fell for a sixth straight month in September and the median sales price dropped on an annual basis by the largest amount on record, further documenting a lukewarm housing market.

The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of previously owned homes fell by 1.9 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted sales pace of 6.18 million units, the slowest sales rate since January 2004.

The median price of a single-family home fell to $219,800 last month, a drop of 2.5 percent from the price in September 2005. That was the biggest year-over-year price decline in records going back nearly four decades.

Housing, which had set sales records for both new and existing homes for five consecutive years, has been rapidly loosing altitude this year, as consumers were battered by rising mortgage rates, soaring energy prices and a slowing economy.
However, economists with the Realtors said they believed the housing decline could be hitting bottom.

“The worst is behind us as far as a market correction — this is likely the trough for sales,” said David Lereah, the Realtors’ chief economist. “When consumers recognize that home sales are stabilizing, we’ll see the buyers who’ve been on the sidelines get back into the market.”
However, analysts said that the weakness in housing could last for several more months with a real upturn in sales not occurring until next spring.

Sales were down in all sections of the country except the South, which posted a small 0.4 percent decline. Sales fell the most in the Northeast, a drop of 3.7 percent, followed by the West, where sales were down 3.1 percent, and the Midwest, where sales fell by 2.8 percent.
The inventory of unsold homes, after climbing to all-time highs, fell for a second straight month, decreasing 2.4 percent, to 3.75 million unsold homes at the end of September, which represents a 7.3 months supply at the September sales pace.

Sales of single-family homes dropped by 1.6 percent to an annual rate of 5.42 million units while sales of condominiums fell by 3.2 percent to an annual rate of 763,000 units.
The 2.5 percent drop in the price of single-family homes pushed them down to $219,800 while condominium prices fell by 3.2 percent to a median price which was also $219,800.

New State Parks Guide available

2006-10-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

The New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission partnered with the state Department of Environmental Protection to announce the creation of the Passport to Adventure - a free guide to New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites.

"The Passport is a fun way to get kids interested in the outdoors and our environment," said state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson . "We hope this program inspires children and adults alike to get out and enjoy our beautiful state parks and historic sites."

Featuring 36 parks, forests and historic sites across the state, the 80-page, passport-style guide is filled with beautiful images, fast facts and unique activities and events. As visitors travel to the featured sites they can pick up a Passport and also collect a full-color sticker to place in their guide.

"Outdoor recreation is an integral part of our $36 billion tourism industry," said Commerce Secretary Virginia Bauer. "Whether it is state parks, forests or historic sites, the new Passport to Adven-ture promotes visitation to these wonderful areas while encouraging education and discovery."

"The guide provides kids of all ages with an opportunity to discover everything from climbing the 291 steps of the High Point Monument at High Point State Park to marching through Prince-ton Battlefield, the site of one of the fiercest battles of the Revolutionary War, to viewing panoramic vistas from atop the Barnegat Lighthouse," Byrne said.

In addition to the keepsake Passport and collectible stickers, participants who visit 10 or more sites receive a free prize package, as well as a certificate commemorating their accomplishment.
While the Passport program is targeted for the elementary through middle school audience, it is also an opportunity for adults to take a break from their regular routines.

The program was made possible in part through funding from the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, Office of Travel and Tourism.
The Passport to Adventure is available at New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites.
For a copy by mail, call (800) 843-6420. Text telephone users can call NJ Relay Service at (800) 852-7899. For more information visit www.njparksandforests.org.

Jackson Township Enacts Ordinance to Protect Children

2006-10-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

The Township Council created an ordinance recently requiring all township employees and any person who uses township property and who work with children to undergo criminal background checks and sex offender checks.

This step is a good protection for the children of the township who attend Rec or play organized township sports. Parents can now have peace of mind that the people working with their children have passed these background checks. More information is in the Tri-Town News.

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

2006-10-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Fire Corps have teamed up to provide a different set of fire safety tips each day this week. Please share these tips with your family and friends. Together we can all make a difference.

Smoke alarms are an important part of fire safety, but they are only effective when working properly. Every home should be equipped with smoke alarms that are installed correctly and tested regularly. Make sure that your smoke alarms are properly installed, connected, and working.

Smoke Alarm Tips:
The right way to install smoke alarms:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, making sure that there is an alarm outside every separate sleeping area.

New homes are required to have a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and all smoke alarms must be interconnected.

Hard-wired smoke alarms operate on your household electrical current. They can be interconnected so that every alarm sounds regardless of the fire's location. This is an advantage in early warning, because it gives occupants extra time to escape if they are in one part of the home and a fire breaks out in another part.

Alarms that are hard-wired should have battery backups in case of a power outage, and should be installed by a qualified electrician.

If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

If you or someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing an alarm that combines flashing lights, vibration, and/or sound.

Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm near the ceiling's highest point.

Don't install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.

A life-saving test: check your smoke alarms regularly

Test your smoke alarms once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year, or as soon as the alarm "chirps" warning that the battery is low. Hint: schedule battery replacements for the same day you change your clocks from daylight savings time to standard time in the fall.

Never "borrow" a battery from a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms can't warn you of fire if their batteries are missing or have been disconnected.

Don't disable smoke alarms even temporarily. If your smoke alarm is sounding "nuisance alarms," try relocating it farther from kitchens or bathrooms, where cooking fumes and steam can cause the alarm to sound.

Regularly vacuuming or dusting your smoke alarms, following the manufacturer's instructions, can keep them working properly.

Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace yours once every 10 years. If you can't remember how old the alarm is, then it's probably time for a new one.

Consider installing smoke alarms with "long-life" (10-year) batteries.

Plan regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Hold a drill at night to make sure that sleeping family members awaken at the sound of the alarm. Some studies have shown that some children may not awaken to the sound of the smoke alarm. Know what your child will do before a fire occurs.

If you are building a new home or remodeling your existing home, consider installing an automatic home fire sprinkler system. Sprinklers and smoke alarms together cut your risk of dying in a home fire 82 percent relative to having neither – a savings of thousands of lives a year.

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

2006-10-12T15:55:00.000-04:00

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Fire Corps have teamed up to provide fire safety tips each day this week, helping to keep your families, friends and communities safer. Please share these tips with your family & friends. Together we can all make a difference.

The NFPA reports that candle fires account for an estimated 5% of all home fires. In 2002, candles were the cause of 18,000 reported home fires, resulting in 130 civilian deaths, 1350 civilian injuries, and an estimated $333 million in direct property loss. Candle safety was the theme of last year’s Fire Prevention Week. Learn more about Fire Prevention week at http://www.firepreventionweek.org/.

Candle Safety Tips:

Place candles in sturdy, nonflammable holders (metal, glass, ceramic) that are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Always attend burning candles. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Do not carry a lit candle during a power outage; use a flashlight instead.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch and extinguish when the flame gets too high. Once the candle cools down, re-trim the wick to ¼ inch. This keeps the candle burning slower and with less smoke.
Do not use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.
Consider using flameless candles. This alternative to traditional candles allows you to enjoy the glow of a real candle without the hazards of smoke, melting wax, or fire. Battery-powered flameless candles can be practically indistinguishable from real candles to the casual observer, with options including real wax, flickering glow, and a variety of pleasing scents.

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

2006-10-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

Pine Barrens Jamboree

2006-10-11T12:04:00.000-04:00

Looking for something to do this coming weekend? How about the Pine Barrens Jamboree in Waretown? Here is some more information from the Asbury Park Press

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

2006-10-10T10:43:00.000-04:00

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat.” Here is a fire safety tip to remember when you are in the kitchen.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit http://www.firepreventionweek.org/.

Cooking Safety Tips:

Keep any item that can burn at least three feet away from the stove top. This includes but is not limited to dishtowels, oven mitts and pot holders, paper or plastic bags, and curtains.

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

2006-10-09T20:49:00.000-04:00

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat.” Here is a fire safety tip to remember when you are in the kitchen.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

Cooking Safety Tip: Always monitor what you are cooking. If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen for any reason. If you are simmering, boiling, or baking food, remember to check it regularly. Never leave your home when the stove or oven is on.

New Commercial Development on Monmouth Road

2006-10-07T09:39:00.001-04:00

The township planning board unanimously approved a new shopping center to be built on Monmouth Road (Rte 537) near the intersection of West Commodore Blvd (Rte 571.)

This is good to hear. The more commercial ratables the better in Jackson; that will hopefully help out with property taxes. Here is some additional information from the Tri-Town News

Fall Forestry Fest Today

2006-10-07T09:39:00.000-04:00

The annual Fall Forestry Fest is today at the Forest Resources Educational Center on Don Connor Blvd. Here is some more information

Jackson Township Budget Passed...Finally

2006-10-04T12:21:00.000-04:00

The Tri-Town News details the new budget passed by the new Council. They really have a lot to learn about the way to run the town AND cut the fat at the same time. They are bragging about cutting the position of full-time aide to the Mayor, but forget to remind you that the Mayor himself is now a full-time employee...a new expenditure!

Unfortunately, this administration, thus far, is laughable.

An Interesting article about what local schools are to increase security

2006-10-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

This isn't specifically about the Jackson Township Schools, but I found it informative, and I know from my experience with Jackson Township OEM and the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company, that our schools have taken a number of these steps in our schools.

Here's one more idea for the weekend...

2006-09-29T09:56:00.000-04:00

Chowderfest in Beach Haven on LBI will be all weekend with at least 60 vendors selling their wares on Saturday and a number of local restaurants competing to be the king of the clam with the chowder competition on Sunday. With your paid admission you get to sample every restaurant's submissions. If you like chowda you should check it out! More details here.

Looking for something to do?

2006-09-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

If you are new to the area and are looking for something to do this weekend, here are are few options:

The Toms River business Improvement District is holding and Italian Food Festival on Saturday, September 30th. There will be food , entertainment and fun and a children's play area. More details are on the business Improvement District's web site

Do your kids love fire trucks? The Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting a party on Saturday to celebrate the housing of their new truck. The festivities will kick off at Noon with a parade of all the attending fire trucks from Bay Avenue to the firehouse on Stafford Avenue. Come down and enjoy the parade and stay for the party! Jackson's Cassville Volunteer Fire Company will be sending a contingent of trucks and volunteers to participate in the parade, so cheer on your home town firefighters if you are attending!! Here is some additional information from the Asbury Park Press

Also, in Allentown they are hosting a day of history and celebration of their past on Sunday, October 1st in on Walnford Road. The Asbury Park Press has all the details

A Day In The Life Of Jackson

2006-09-25T12:18:00.000-04:00

A Day In the Life of Jackson is a profile piece that the Asbury Park Press did last year about the township.

It is a little dated now, however, there is some very interesting information there for people looking to move here such as: population trends, job information, school information and local government contacts.

Additionally, there are some great profile pieces and historical stories that give you a great flavor of the township.

Hovbilt's Jackson Valley Comes Before the Planning Board

2006-09-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

Hovbilt's proposed age-restricted, 965-unit communtity tentatively called Jackson Valley began its Planning Board hearings last week.

As reported in the Tri-Town News, the project is being developed on 650 acres of property off Perrineville Road, West Veterans Highway and Prospertown Road. The site will also have access into Collier's Mills Wildlife Preserve, a NJ State protected wildlife property with more than 12,000 acres of protected land that is overseen by the NJ Division of Fish And Wildlife

The Hovbilt project has plans for four sections to be built to include single family homes, quad and duplex homes and condominums.

Cassville Landmark Completes Renovations

2006-09-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

The Tri-Town News has a nice report on the completion of renovations at St. Mary's--the landmark Russian Orthodox Church in the Cassville section of town. St. Mary's is located on Cassville Road (Route 571).

Jackson, NJ Real Estate

This Old House Has 22 Ways to Go Green

Coldwell Banker's Interactive Billboard in Times Square

Pay No Attention to that Man Behind the Curtain!

Tips For Installing Shower Doors Yourself

Interesting news from Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker's New Ad Campaign

Did You Know? Credit Scores Fact vs. Fiction: Installation 2

Tips for Buying Foreclosures

Did you know? Mortgage Facts & Fiction

Truth about home fixture warranties

FAQ Site for the new Fedeal Stimulus First-time Home Buyer Credit

Finally someone speaks out against the stimulus`

The Power of Photography

Save the Dream

Real Estate Professionals Are Great Resources When Job Hunting

NBC's Top 5 Real Estate Myths

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?

Resale value, cleanability among key selling points

Market Correction Opportunity

iPhone/Blackberry Users...Easy Property Search

Choosing the right weatherstripping

Flight to Quality

Interesting Thoughts on the Real Estate Market

Buy now, sell later? Think contingency

Housing Market Bail Out Takedown

Home prices of the future

Fall checklist for a safer, warmer home

Online home listings don't tell whole story

Its a Buyer's Market...but is it a good time to sell?

How Bad Is The Market?

How Does A Wall Street Bail-Out Affect Main Street?

Two-day, $2,000 room makeover not reality

Is now a good time to condsider investment property?

Things To Consider Before You Buy A "Fixer"

Top ways to boost curb appeal

Composite Decking Not Infallible

Do & Don't List for First-Time Homebuyers

Going Green In Your Home

More signs things aren't as bad as being reported...

Trulia Launches Housing Crisis Site

Credit Freeze? Not So Fast!

Things to think about before buying a "fixer"

The Closing Process

Kitchen is no place to skimp on lighting

Finally, Some Positive News In The Market

Does My Attic Have Adequate Ventilation?

Packing Tips

Jackson Council Decides to Join State Gypsy Moth Program

Important Township Meetings This Week

My absense

How to Hire A Chimney Sweep

Monthly Home Sales Reach 7-Month High

Housing Prices Off 4.2% At Shore

6 Ways First-Time Buyers Can Prepare

Is the housing market turning? This sounds like some good news...

10 Quick Fixes To Sell A Home Faster

Think Jackson Real Estate Is Expensive?

Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Sales of New Homes Pick Up After a Big Drop - New York Times

Real Estate and the Single Woman

...However, This Is A Victory For Eminent Domain Opponents

A Defeat for Property Owners In the Eminent Domain Battle

Selling your home in slump? Don’t panic - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

Home sales rise a bit, but prices fall - Real Estate - MSNBC.com

Jackson Women Of Today Collecting Items for Troops In Iraq

PNC Arts Center Holiday Light Show to Open Soon

New 20 Home Development Off Toms River Road

Dover Township No Longer

Jackson food pantry seeks support during holidays

Best Buy Comes To Route 9 In Howell

A Third Party Starting Up in Jackson

Jackson Library is Five Years Old

Hov-Bilt Community Continues to Move Forward

MSNBC Reporting Existing Home Sales Declined

New State Parks Guide available

Jackson Township Enacts Ordinance to Protect Children

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day

Did You Know? Credit Scores Fact vs. Fiction:  Installation 2