A blog for The Bedroom Communities of New York City: Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn/Short Hills and Montclair, etc. for Area Residents, for future residents and for home buyers and sellers in New Jersey. Provides information on housing trends, tips for sellers and buyers, mortgage information events and happenings around town and the regional area. Local contributions are welcomed!
Monday, April 30, 2012
A new development is catching home buyers off guard as the spring sales season gets under way: Bidding wars are back. So just like an Auction, we are seeing more than one set of buyers and as many as 7-9 sets of buyers bidding on some homes.
From California to Florida, many buyers are increasingly competing for the same house. Unlike the bidding wars that typified the go-go years and largely reflected surging sales, today's are a result of supply shortages.
[BIDWARS] Peter Earl McCollough for The Wall Street Journal
Debbie and Bill Wetherell received multiple offers for their home.
Read More
Is it time to buy your first home?
"It's a little surprising because we thought bidding wars were done with," said Andy Aley, who is looking to buy his first home in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood. The 31-year-old attorney was outbid this year when he offered up to $23,000 above the $357,000 listing price and agreed to waive inspections and other closing conditions.
Competitive bidding in the current environment isn't producing huge price increases or leaving sellers with hefty profits, as occurred during the housing boom. Still, the bidding wars caused by tight inventory provide the latest evidence that housing demand is starting to pick up after a six-year-long slump.
An index that measures the number of contracts signed to purchase previously owned homes rose in March to its highest level in nearly two years, up 12.8% from a year ago and 4.1% from February, the National Association of Realtors reported on Thursday.
"We very much believe we've hit bottom," said Ivy Zelman, chief executive of a research firm, who was among the first to warn of a downturn seven years ago. Earlier this week, she raised her home-price forecast for the year, calling for a 1% annual gain, up from a 1% decline.
View Interactive
The Wall Street Journal's quarterly survey found that the inventory of homes listed for sale declined sharply in all 28 markets tracked. Real-estate agents consider a market balanced when there is a six-month supply of homes for sale. At the height of the housing crisis, in 2008, there was an 11.1-months' supply. In March, there was a 6.3-months' supply.
Inventory levels in many markets were at the lowest level in years. At the current pace of sales, it would take just 1.5 months to sell all the homes listed in Sacramento, Calif., and 2.4 months to sell all the homes listed in Phoenix. San Francisco and Washington, D.C., each have 3.4 months of supply, while Miami has 4.1 months of supply.
Other markets have plenty of homes. Chicago, for example, has 9.4 months of supply, while New York's Long Island has 16.1 months of supply. Even in those markets, the number of houses for sale is edging down.
Increased competition is frustrating buyers and their agents. "We're writing a record number of offers, but we're not seeing a record number of closings and that's because it's so competitive," said Glenn Kelman, chief executive of real-estate brokerage Redfin Corp. in Seattle with offices in 14 states.
Nearly 83% of offers that Redfin agents have made on behalf of clients in the San Francisco Bay area this year and 71% in Southern California have had competing bids. Redfin represented a buyer that made the winning bid on a Gaithersburg, Md., home earlier this month after agreeing to adopt the dog of the seller, who was relocating and looking to find a new home for "Buddy," a white toy poodle.
Inventories are declining for a number of reasons. Some sellers, unwilling to accept prices that are still down from their peak by one-third, are taking their homes off the market in anticipation of higher prices down the road. Meanwhile, investors have been outmaneuvering consumers for the best properties, often making cash offers that are quickly accepted by sellers.
In addition, some economists say that inventory levels are being held artificially low because Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the nation's biggest banks have been slow to list for sale hundreds of thousands of foreclosed homes they currently own. The lenders slowed down foreclosure sales and repossessions after record-keeping abuses surfaced 18 months ago.
Banks and other mortgage investors owned nearly 450,000 foreclosed properties at the end of March, and another two million mortgages were in some stage of foreclosure.
Inventories could rise, putting more pressure on prices, if the banks and other lenders step up their efforts to sell their properties. Real-estate agents say they aren't concerned. "There's an enormous appetite for foreclosures. Release the inventory. It will sell," said Richard Smith, chief executive of Realogy Corp., which owns the Coldwell Banker and Century 21 real-estate brands.
[BIDWARS]
The declining inventory of older homes is spurring sales of new homes. New home sales are up 16% so far this year, compared with a year ago, while inventories of new homes fell in March to their lowest level since record keeping began in 1963.
Meritage Homes Corp., a builder based in Scottsdale, Ariz., reported Thursday a 36% increase in orders for the quarter ending in March versus the previous-year period.
Even though bidding wars are pushing prices higher, many homes are still selling for prices far lower than a few years ago. Increased demand is "entirely affordability driven, which tells me there will be strong resistance to price increases" by buyers, says Jeffrey Otteau, president of Otteau Valuation Group, an East Brunswick, N.J., appraisal firm.
Rents are rising at a time when mortgage rates have fallen to very low levels. The result is that the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home is lower than any time since the 1990s. Freddie Mac reported on Thursday that mortgage rates fell to 3.88% for the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage, near its lowest recorded level.
Rates are "so low that we can afford a house that was out of our price range before," said Aarthi Srinivasan, who is looking with her husband for a home around Palo Alto, Calif., one of the country's hottest real-estate markets.
Ms. Srinivasan says she fears that prices are being bid up too quickly. She says she had her "aha moment" earlier this year while touring a 50-year-old house that needed extensive remodeling. The home, listed at $1.1 million, received nearly 10 offers and eventually went under contract for more than $1.3 million to a buyer who hadn't even viewed the property.
"There are only so many buyers who are going to be in such a hurry, so we're hoping it'll top off soon," she says. On Monday, they offered to pay more than the $1.2 million list price for a four-bedroom, bank-owned foreclosure. They haven't found out if they made the top bid.
On the other side of those transactions are sellers like Debbie and Bill Wetherell, who had 17 offers in four days for their four-bedroom home in Danville, Calif. "I was floored. It was so fast, it was surreal," says Ms. Wetherell. The home sold on Wednesday for $796,000, more than $50,000 above the asking price.
Still, the sale is for nearly $180,000 less than what they paid for the house in 2005. Ms. Wetherell's husband has commuted to Reno, Nev., for five years and they have decided to relocate.
Housing markets face other headwinds. More than 11 million homeowners owe more than their home is worth. It is a big reason that the "trade-up" market has been stalled. These homeowners can't sell their current homes, let alone come up with the down payment for their next home.
Mortgage-lending standards remain tough. Real-estate agents say an unusually high share of deals are falling apart because homes won't appraise at the price that buyers have agreed to pay sellers.
Still, borrowers with stable jobs are looking to make deals. Kelly Pajela-Fu and her husband offered to pay the asking price of $600,000 for a four-bedroom home in Marblehead, Mass., within a day of the property hitting the market.
"We just knew this house would go quickly," says Ms. Pajela-Fu, a 31-year-old doctor who had lost out on an earlier offer. Their strategy to avoid a bidding war paid off: The sellers accepted their offer before having an open house.
Write to Nick Timiraos at nick.timiraos@wsj.com
A version of this article appeared April 27, 2012, on page A1 in some U.S. editions of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: Stunned Home Buyers Find The Bidding Wars Are Back.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Your Open Houses This Weekend
Every week I pull data from the MLS and post the Open Houses for Maplewood, Montclair, Millburn, Short Hills, South Orange, Livingston and Basking Ridge. I also report the Open Houses in 16 towns and cities in Essex County for Patch.com. This Sunday is a bit more special in that it's been designated as National Open House Day.
As you can imagine, this is producing far more Open Houses than we have seen up to this point in 2012. County wide, Open Houses have doubled to as many as 250 for this weekend.
More specifically, Maplewood will have 36 Opens, ranging in price from $99K for a townhome to $1.2 Million, of which 10 of them being new to market. www.maplewoodnjopenhouses.com
South Orange will have 25 Open Houses, ranging in price from $245K to $1.2K, of which 7 are new to market: www.southorangenjopenhouses.com
Millburn and Short Hills will have 28 Opens, ranging in price from $220K for a condo to $2.9 Million for a 17 room home with 6 beds and 5.1 baths, of which 10 of them being new to market. www.millburnnjopenhouses.com
Montclair will have 29 Opens, ranging in price from $169K for a condo to $1.4 Million, of which 5 of them being new to market. www.montclairnjopenhouses.com
Livingston will have 22 Opens, ranging in price from $349K for a townhome to $1.2 Million, of which 9 of them being new to market. www.livingstonnjopenhouses.com
and
Basking Ridge Bernardsville Township will have 34 Open Houses, ranging in price from $189K for a town home to $1,9 Million for a 14 room, 5 bed, 5.1 bath home, of which 9 are Brand New to Market. www.baskingridgeopenhouses.com
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.79.5059
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Livingston/Short Hills/Millburn/Montclair and Basking Ridge area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Livingston/Short Hills/Millburn/Montclair and Basking Ridge/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a new guidance requiring servicers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans to speed responses to short sale requests.
The guidelines would require servicers to acknowledge receipt of short sale purchase offers within three business days; respond to short sale requests within 30 days (with a possible 30-day extension); and make a final decision within 60 days of receiving purchase offers.
Implementation of the new guidelines should begin after June 15, 2012.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Home Search
Mark Slade is Keller William's Mid-Town Direct's Short Sale Agent. Mark got into real estate after being inspired by enduring his own personal Short Sale in 2007-2009. Mark is empathetic to those home owner's behind on their mortgage payments and seemingly paralyzed as to what to do and can provide you with a private and confidential consult to help determine your best course of action--Loan Modification, Short Sale, Deed-in-Lieu,etc. At the same time, Mark is a Realty Trac assigned agent and happy to help any prospective buyer's of short sales. Mark has had success closing Short Sale Transactions in 35 days, although the average time for most Short Sales is about 3-4 months from start to finish.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Are you Truly Ready to Make Your Offer to Buy a Home in New Jersey?
Making an offer:
Everyone assumes that all there is to an offer is the price.
This is not always the case. The components of an offer include the following:
1. Price
2. Amount of money being put down
3. Type of loan
4. How quickly you plan to close
5. How soon you plan to conduct your home inspection
6. Whether you plan to put a $ cap on possible home inspection issue repairs or waive home inspection negotiations
7. Whether you plan to waive your right to test for Lead Paint (yes, I know an offer that lost out to another party because the other party waived their right to inspect for Lead Paint).
8. And, let us not forget the opportunity for you, as the buyer, to have bonded with the seller as a result of personal meetings or at least through a written introduction provided by your Buyer Agent.
Here is some advice for Buyer's that are planning to make an offer on a home:
Obtain Crucial Data Before Making a Home Offer
It's always helpful to find out why the seller is selling; however, you might not be able to obtain that information and a good listing agent will often refuse to tell you. Why? So you can leverage knowledge to your advantage in making an offer.
What else can you do? Well, we always here that it’s either a Seller’s Market (advantage to the seller’s) or it’s a Buyer’s market (advantage to the buyers). For the past few years it has truly been a buyer’s market. But, as of 2012, in Northern New Jersey, it’s as if the market suddenly to the Seller’s. Multiple bids are occurring with a great deal of frequency.
As I always tell my buyer’s, let’s make decisions on what we can find out and what we do know.
Step One: What Type of Market are we dealing with?
Is the market Hot? Cold? Or neutral? If you're making an offer in a Buyer’s Market, you may have less competition from other buyers for the home. As a result, Sellers may be more likely to be receptive to any offer because there are fewer buyers and will consider themselves lucky to have an offer to work with.
However, if you're buying in a Seller’s Market, sellers might not consider any offer that is less than list price. In fact, sellers could very well receive multiple offers, which means your offer will have to be constructed to be as attractive as possible to win acceptance.
• Find Out How Much the Seller Paid, May be useful
If the Seller has a top notch agent, the price the seller originally paid for the home will have little bearing on your negotiations; however, if the seller purchased a few years ago and the current market value is less, seller's position on price may not be realistic (unless they are being transferred and their company will be covering the loss).
If you are able to figure out the condition of the home when the seller bought it, then you can help yourself be utilizing knowledge. Homes with little to no improvements over the past 5 years actually experience a decline in value when market conditions are static. How can you find out what’s been done? Well, the Seller’s Disclosure is a useful tool as it can advise you of how old key appliances and operating systems are? It can tell you when upgrades and renovations occurred? Making adjustments for increases due to appreciation and renovations, called improvements, will help you better understand where your offer should be to reflect fair market value. If you are working with an agent that isn’t able to help you understand this, then you are going to be disadvantaged. Similarly, if your agent is giving you advice and you aren’t heading it fully, then you may be disadvantaging yourselves.
• What Does the Seller Owe on their Mortgage?
If the seller has an extremely high mortgage balance, then you can imagine the seller may not be as willing to work with a lower offer.
Conversely, if the mortgage balance is very low, the seller may have room to negotiation, in your opinion, but may not be motivated to immediately sell, and can afford to wait out the market to get list price.
All of the above will be negated if the Seller is working with a good agent that can advise their seller of the closest fair market value for their home.
• Analyze Comparable Sales
What are the Sales you and your agent should be reviewing when we refer to Comparable Sales? Well, appraisers will focus on sales that occurred in the last three months. However, when a market is changing, a good agent will provide you as much information as to change in DOM—Days On Market—how long certain types of home are taking to get Under Contract, etc. The properties you should use should be of similar size and room make up, age and location to the home you want to buy. If your agent is only showing you front pics, then they should get an F as a grade. Interior pics help to show what the Kitchen Looks like (your most expensive part of your home) and often bathrooms are shown when they are renovated.
• Analyze List Price-to-Sales-Price-Ratios
Ask your agent for a trend report covering the last six months. Look up the prices of the homes as they were listed and compare them to the prices that have sold. Ask how much is the gap? Are homes selling over list price or under? If under list price, by which percentage?
Please keep in mind, if a market has shifted like it is seemingly doing right now, then you will need to differentiate from sales that were consummated more recently rather than sales that may have had longer lead times to closing.
• Ask your Agent about the Home's History and DOM
Often, agents will re-list properties that have been on the market for a while so as to attempt to “re-set” the DOM clock. The DOM are important, because if homes have been on the market longer than 60+ days, especially without a price reduction, the sellers might be more apt to now work with a lower offer.
Do your HOMEwork, though and try to find out if the home was either an expired or withdrawn listing, when you work up your offer. But, once again, in a market undergoing a Shift, the rules may be thrown out!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Location: White Street Parking Lot on White St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Because my friend and neighbor heads up a Red Bank Organization, I am privy to some great leads.
One of the great benefits of living in Northern NJ is that as close to work as we are, we are also pretty close to enjoying ourselves at the Jersey Shore. One of my favorite stops along the way is Red Bank where you can find some great antiquing, shopping and eating. Even more so, when you get to take advantage of any of their festivals. So, one and all, enjoy a day of fun, music and food and Head to Red Bank on May 6th for the International Flavour Festival when 25 of Red Bank's favorite restaurants serving international culinary delights including French, Italian, Asian, American, Mexican and more take over the White Street parking lot.
Great Music on Two Stages! Heineken and other international favorites, wine and vendors. Come out and join us for this family-friendly event! For more information, please visit http://www.onlyoneredbank.com/
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
NJ Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Millburn Street Fair and Open Houses
Tomorrow there will be 23 Open Houses in Millburn-Short Hills NJ. They start at $525K and go to $2.8 Million. I showed a wonderful 3 bedroom/2.5 bath on Meadowbrook this afternoon and this home will be Open from 2-4pm on Sunday.
And, either before or after you are done, don't forget to enjoy yourself/yourselves at the Millburn Street Fair!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Millburn/Short Hills Homes
Selling a Millburn-Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Millburn/Short Hills New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Millburn-Short Hills//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Millburn and Short Hills area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Columbia High School Students Achieve Perfect Scores on Their SAT's This Year.
Columbia High Students Earn Perfect SAT Scores
Coming off this week's Board of Education elections, it's refreshing to see such wonderful achievement in our schools:
Forget the proverbial perfect 10. Two Columbia High School students took the SAT's and scored 2400 points each on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) administered on March 10. Sophia Eller and Jacob McNamara earned perfect scores on all three sections, Reading, Math, and Writing.
Two additional students earned perfect scores on one section each. Andrew Dodd earned 800 points on the Reading section of the test, and Nigel Finley earned 800 points on the Math section.
By Marcia Worth
Congratulations!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Search for Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Coming off this week's Board of Education elections, it's refreshing to see such wonderful achievement in our schools:
Forget the proverbial perfect 10. Two Columbia High School students took the SAT's and scored 2400 points each on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) administered on March 10. Sophia Eller and Jacob McNamara earned perfect scores on all three sections, Reading, Math, and Writing.
Two additional students earned perfect scores on one section each. Andrew Dodd earned 800 points on the Reading section of the test, and Nigel Finley earned 800 points on the Math section.
By Marcia Worth
Congratulations!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Search for Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Maplewood Plant Sale May 10th-12th
May 10th, 11th and 12th is the Maplewood Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale.
Good for everything from annuals to perennials, vegetables and bushes
Held at the Maplewood Community Pool Parking lot, RAIN OR SHINE!
Mark Slade
Good for everything from annuals to perennials, vegetables and bushes
Held at the Maplewood Community Pool Parking lot, RAIN OR SHINE!
Mark Slade
Maplewood Green Day April 28th
Come out and see Green Activists at their Best!
Demonstrations, Fun, Food, Etc.
11:30 am: Cloth diapering demonstration by Green Bean Babies
1:00 pm: Silvia De La Rosa is demonstrating how to make bath salts in her booth.
1:00 pm: Cloth diapering demonstration by Green Bean Babies
1:30 pm: Rahway River Salad Bowl Toss with Dan Lipow. Come on an edible plant walk together with a salad toss and tasting. Meet at the Rahway River booth.
2:00 pm: Demonstration on how to repair old windows (which is greener than replacing them) at the Historical Preservation Commission booth
2:00 pm: Backyard Composting with Virginia Lamb at the Community Garden Booth.
The Community Garden Booth will have rotating crafts and events all day including:
• 11:00 am-seeding sunflowers/ making pots
• 11:30 am -seeding sunflowers/ making pots
• Noon-book reading and selling- Linda Suarez-The Wicked-Watermelon
• 12:30 pm-Linda Suarez- The Wicked Watermelon
• 1:00 pm-birdhouses from recyclable materials
• 2:00 pm-suet containers from recyclable materials
• 2:20 pm-robot beetles from recyclable materials
• 3:30 pm-honey bee home
All Day:
Rain Gardens/Rain Barrels Maplewood Parks and Gardens Committee
Hilltop Honey will have a honeybee presentation every hour on the hour.
Free Bike Tune-Ups with High Gear Cyclery
Local Foods Cooking with Chef Randy Rabney, Conscious Plate
Maplewood Library is hosting a reuse book craft
EXERCISE DEMONSTRATIONS
11:00 am Maplewood Boot Camp
12:30 pm Zumba with Mimi Stella
2:00 pm Family yoga with Shakti Yoga Studio
USED GOODS COLLECTION
Shoes for Souls will collect shoes at Morrow Booth
BOOKBGONE will collect books and also will provide a 'free bookstore' for the participants. BookBgone accepts any kind of book, no matter the subject matter or age EXCEPT those that have been wet (at all! even a little!) or are moldy.
ECO-ENTERTAINMENT
3:00 pm: The Habits that Save Habitats with Dave Street interactive show to help children learn the value of environmental awareness and preservation
1:00 & 2:30 pm: Live Animals of the Rain Forest with Rizzo’s Wildlife
CHILDREN'S EVENTS
11:30 am & 12:30 pm: Bash the Trash performance/build that combines science, music, and environmental awareness and jam with musical instruments built from trash
All Day:
Liberty Science Center Worm Composting, Trash Timeline and Wonders of the Watershed
Home Depot Building kits
Recycling Tapestry with SOAR Arts Children, including the very young, use salvaged materials to make wall hangings.
All the Little Things with Envision Blue/Green- Interactive conservation education for children with a craft
Express Yourself Studios helps children create art from “trash”.
GREEN VENDORS
Over 100 green vendors, environmental organizations and health and fitness representatives
LOCAL FOOD
Organic and local food providers and farmers including:
Genesis Farms Organic, local farm with CSA
Purple Dragon Organic Co-Op
Greater Newark Conservancy - Children’s Farm Stand and Childhood Obesity Awareness.
Local Foods Cooking with Chef Randy Rabney, Conscious Plate
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Search for Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Earth Day Working To Mobilize the Earth
With less than a week to go till Earth Day, its time to be more aware!
Earth Day Network is working harder than ever in preparation to Mobilize the Earth™ on April 22nd. Check out the weekly international highlights to see what progress is being made globally.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Earth Day Network is working harder than ever in preparation to Mobilize the Earth™ on April 22nd. Check out the weekly international highlights to see what progress is being made globally.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
The Update on Short Sales and HARP 2.0, Are you Behind on your Mortgage Payments?
About The HARP 2.0 Refinance Program
HARP stands for Home Affordable Refinance Program. It is a government-led mortgage program for underwater homeowners. It was first launched in 2009 as part of an economic stimulus program.
With HARP, homeowners with "lost equity" can refinance to current mortgage rates, lowering their monthly payments -- often by a lot. The typical HARP homeowner, after all, has a mortgage rate north of 6 percent. Today's mortgage rates are much lower than that.
When HARP was first implemented, it was intended to reach 7 million U.S. households, especially those in hard-hit states such as California, Arizona and Florida. Restrictive guidelines, however, kept the government from reaching its goal.
Fewer than 1 million HARP refinances were processed between 2009-2011. It's one of the reason why the government re-wrote its HARP program. The government wants HARP to reach more households, more quickly.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
Under HARP 2.0, underwriting guidelines have been relaxed :
• You can refinance with HARP with any participating lender -- not just your current bank
• You can refinance a home with private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• You can remove a co-borrower from the mortgage if they no longer share your home
But perhaps the biggest change in HARP's re-release is that the program provides for unlimited loan-to-value. No matter how far underwater you are, so long as you refinance into a fixed rate mortgage, you can use HARP.
Your home could have lost half of its value from the peak, and HARP wouldn't care. The problem, though, as too many people are finding out, is that banks care.
Few banks are honoring the unlimited LTV feature of HARP 2.0.
Lenders Limiting HARP 2.0 Approvals
Have you been turned down for a HARP loan because of high loan-to-value? You're not alone. Nearly all of the nation's biggest banks have placed at least one LTV-limiting overlay on their respective HARP guidelines.
Some big banks will allow up to 105% only. Some big banks will allow up to 125% only. Some big banks will allow up to 125% but only if you're a current mortgage customer. The banks make these rules for two reasons. First, to slow new loan applications -- banks can only handle so much loan volume before their systems crack. And, second, loans over 125% are known to have a high default rate.
Few banks want that risk -- even when the loans are guaranteed by the U.S. government.
41 percent of HARP applicants have LTVs over 125 percent based on data from more than 15,000 queries handled through this website. So, when big banks cap HARP 2.0 approvals at 125% loan-to-value, it dramatically limits the HARP program's effectiveness and reach. Because of this, HARP 2.0 will help far fewer families than expected -- just the same as with HARP 1.0.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
Re-Apply for HARP 2.0 Mortgage
The good news for underwater homeowners is that there are banks offering unlimited LTV with HARP. The hard part, though, is that they're not banks you'll find every 10 blocks and in every shopping mall nationwide.
HARP remains a specialty product and there are plenty of lenders writing good loans with it. If you've been turned down for loan-to-value problems or for any other reason, don't give up hope. Find a new channel to find a lender. Get started with a rate quote.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
About the Author
Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan atdan.green@waterstonemortgage.com or click to get a free, no-obligation rate quote.
You can also find Dan on Twitter and Google+.
If you have a home and are also behind on your mortgage payments, please feel free to call me, Mark Slade—917.797.5059—for a free and confidential consultation in order for you to understand your options.
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
HARP stands for Home Affordable Refinance Program. It is a government-led mortgage program for underwater homeowners. It was first launched in 2009 as part of an economic stimulus program.
With HARP, homeowners with "lost equity" can refinance to current mortgage rates, lowering their monthly payments -- often by a lot. The typical HARP homeowner, after all, has a mortgage rate north of 6 percent. Today's mortgage rates are much lower than that.
When HARP was first implemented, it was intended to reach 7 million U.S. households, especially those in hard-hit states such as California, Arizona and Florida. Restrictive guidelines, however, kept the government from reaching its goal.
Fewer than 1 million HARP refinances were processed between 2009-2011. It's one of the reason why the government re-wrote its HARP program. The government wants HARP to reach more households, more quickly.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
Under HARP 2.0, underwriting guidelines have been relaxed :
• You can refinance with HARP with any participating lender -- not just your current bank
• You can refinance a home with private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• You can remove a co-borrower from the mortgage if they no longer share your home
But perhaps the biggest change in HARP's re-release is that the program provides for unlimited loan-to-value. No matter how far underwater you are, so long as you refinance into a fixed rate mortgage, you can use HARP.
Your home could have lost half of its value from the peak, and HARP wouldn't care. The problem, though, as too many people are finding out, is that banks care.
Few banks are honoring the unlimited LTV feature of HARP 2.0.
Lenders Limiting HARP 2.0 Approvals
Have you been turned down for a HARP loan because of high loan-to-value? You're not alone. Nearly all of the nation's biggest banks have placed at least one LTV-limiting overlay on their respective HARP guidelines.
Some big banks will allow up to 105% only. Some big banks will allow up to 125% only. Some big banks will allow up to 125% but only if you're a current mortgage customer. The banks make these rules for two reasons. First, to slow new loan applications -- banks can only handle so much loan volume before their systems crack. And, second, loans over 125% are known to have a high default rate.
Few banks want that risk -- even when the loans are guaranteed by the U.S. government.
41 percent of HARP applicants have LTVs over 125 percent based on data from more than 15,000 queries handled through this website. So, when big banks cap HARP 2.0 approvals at 125% loan-to-value, it dramatically limits the HARP program's effectiveness and reach. Because of this, HARP 2.0 will help far fewer families than expected -- just the same as with HARP 1.0.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
Re-Apply for HARP 2.0 Mortgage
The good news for underwater homeowners is that there are banks offering unlimited LTV with HARP. The hard part, though, is that they're not banks you'll find every 10 blocks and in every shopping mall nationwide.
HARP remains a specialty product and there are plenty of lenders writing good loans with it. If you've been turned down for loan-to-value problems or for any other reason, don't give up hope. Find a new channel to find a lender. Get started with a rate quote.
Click here to get a HARP mortgage rate.
About the Author
Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan atdan.green@waterstonemortgage.com or click to get a free, no-obligation rate quote.
You can also find Dan on Twitter and Google+.
If you have a home and are also behind on your mortgage payments, please feel free to call me, Mark Slade—917.797.5059—for a free and confidential consultation in order for you to understand your options.
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Get em while their HOT
Found and customized these adorable tissue boxes.
Selling them for $12.50 with $2.50 per purchase going to the Achieve Foundation that benefits our local schools with scholarships for the schools and teachers.
Call me at 917.797.5059 if you want to buy one!
Mark Slade
Great Happenings Around Our Two Towns This Weekend
A Play: Miss Witherspoon by Christopher Durang
$15-$25; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Maplewood
A Musical: Seussical Jr. at Livingston Library
Free; Saturday at 10:30 a.m.; Livingston Public Library
Skits: Multiple Personality Disorder to perform at the Baird Center
$15; Saturday at 8 p.m.; South Orange
Musical: Henry and Mudge at the Paper Mill Playhouse
$12-$20; Saturday at 10 a.m.; Millburn
FREE Clinic with Lacrosse superstar Max Seibald At JCC Metrowest
Free; Sunday at 2 p.m.; West Orange
Celebrate the Wolves Birthday at Turtle Back Zoo
Children & Seniors $6; Adults $8; Children under 2 are free; Saturday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; West Orange
Jazz in the Loft: John Dukich
Cash bar with no drink minimum. $15; Sunday at 5 p.m.; South Orange
The Intersection of Art and Wine: Art Exhibit and Tasting
Calling all wine lovers! The GAS Gallery And Studio is hosting an art exhibit Free; Saturday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Maplewood
Rent Party - Live Music
Rent Party continues to fight hunger in our community with live music. This Friday at the South Orange Elks Lodge $5 minimum donation, but more is always welcome; Friday at 8 p.m.; South Orange
For full details: Patch
Mark Slade
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Seven for Seven: Helping Buyer's in the Bedroom Communities of NYC
I'm happy to say that with the recent pick up in the market that transactions abound for those agents, like myself, that are full-time and hard-working. I can say all I want, but let's face it, at the end of the day, we are only as good as our statistics can verify. So, for the 7 transactions I have negotiated in the past 2 months, I have saved my clients just about 7% off of Final List Price for the homes in question.
And, with my ABR--Accredited Buyer's Representation designation on its way, things will hopefully get even better for my buyer clients needing a buyer's agent in the Bedroom Communities of New York City.
Here is my scorecard:
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
And, with my ABR--Accredited Buyer's Representation designation on its way, things will hopefully get even better for my buyer clients needing a buyer's agent in the Bedroom Communities of New York City.
Here is my scorecard:
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County—Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City that offer commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.
As your Maplewood/South Orange//Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
New Jersey Veteran Affairs Benefits
New Jersey Veteran Affairs Benefits, by June Olsen
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As a followup to a piece I wrote a few month's ago, please enjoy this wonderful and informative article by June Olsen.
The state of New Jersey offers robust benefits to citizens who have served in the military, particularly where education is concerned. New Jersey’s colleges and universities actively recruit prior service members for all degree programs, and offer a host of job training benefits and programs exclusively for veterans. Benefits are not limited to education, however. New Jersey veterans enjoy a range of benefits including tax breaks, underwritten health care costs, and home loan programs.
College benefits for veterans are primarily administered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which is a national program of tuition assistance for service members who spent at least 90 days in active duty in the months and years after September 11, 2001. The GI Bill pays for full college tuition and most living expenses at any public university, and most if not all tuition and costs at private schools. Although some veterans will prefer to enroll in accredited online degree programs, New Jersey has established a number of programs designed to encourage New Jersey veterans to use their benefits at in-state schools. All New Jersey campuses also have veterans programs that help prior service students maximize their benefits and make the best choices where payouts are concerned.
Schools also strive to help veterans stay in school. Sometimes this is as simple as career and education counseling, but it can also be financial. For example, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, has an emergency scholarship fund for veteran students whose funding from the national Veteran’s Affairs office is tied up or delayed. Since mid-2011, when drawbacks in Iraq and Afghanistan began taking effect, more students than ever before have been claiming GI Bill benefits. Increased demand has lead to bureaucratic backlogs that can significantly delay payments to students and schools, CNN reported in April 2012. “Demand for the program has been so robust that it nearly crippled the Veterans Administration's computer processing system, delaying benefits for vets who are trying to further their educations,” the report said. At Rutgers, however, students can rest easy. The Veterans’ Services program at that school maintains a $30,000 “emergency” scholarship fund to help students whose funding is delayed during their studies.
New Jersey has also implemented a number of state-specific programs to take advantage of GI Bill money. The “VETeach Pilot Program,” new in April 2012, is but one example. Under this program, veterans attend a 36-month teacher preparation program, the completion of which provides two things: a bachelor’s degree in education; and a guaranteed job teaching in a New Jersey public school.
“New Jersey’s veterans are among the most disciplined and highly trained members of the state’s workforce,” Assistant Governor Kim Guadagno told The Trentonian shortly after the VETeach bill was passed into law. “Our school districts will benefit in a very meaningful way by having these dedicated men and women apply their experience in the service of educating of New Jersey’s children. Not only will these veterans serve our state in the classroom, their personal sacrifice on behalf of our nation serves as a great example to students about the meaning of service, community and dedication.”
June recently graduated with a degree in educational psychology.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Proud to help our Vets with their Real Estate Needs
website
>
As a followup to a piece I wrote a few month's ago, please enjoy this wonderful and informative article by June Olsen.
The state of New Jersey offers robust benefits to citizens who have served in the military, particularly where education is concerned. New Jersey’s colleges and universities actively recruit prior service members for all degree programs, and offer a host of job training benefits and programs exclusively for veterans. Benefits are not limited to education, however. New Jersey veterans enjoy a range of benefits including tax breaks, underwritten health care costs, and home loan programs.
College benefits for veterans are primarily administered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which is a national program of tuition assistance for service members who spent at least 90 days in active duty in the months and years after September 11, 2001. The GI Bill pays for full college tuition and most living expenses at any public university, and most if not all tuition and costs at private schools. Although some veterans will prefer to enroll in accredited online degree programs, New Jersey has established a number of programs designed to encourage New Jersey veterans to use their benefits at in-state schools. All New Jersey campuses also have veterans programs that help prior service students maximize their benefits and make the best choices where payouts are concerned.
Schools also strive to help veterans stay in school. Sometimes this is as simple as career and education counseling, but it can also be financial. For example, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, has an emergency scholarship fund for veteran students whose funding from the national Veteran’s Affairs office is tied up or delayed. Since mid-2011, when drawbacks in Iraq and Afghanistan began taking effect, more students than ever before have been claiming GI Bill benefits. Increased demand has lead to bureaucratic backlogs that can significantly delay payments to students and schools, CNN reported in April 2012. “Demand for the program has been so robust that it nearly crippled the Veterans Administration's computer processing system, delaying benefits for vets who are trying to further their educations,” the report said. At Rutgers, however, students can rest easy. The Veterans’ Services program at that school maintains a $30,000 “emergency” scholarship fund to help students whose funding is delayed during their studies.
New Jersey has also implemented a number of state-specific programs to take advantage of GI Bill money. The “VETeach Pilot Program,” new in April 2012, is but one example. Under this program, veterans attend a 36-month teacher preparation program, the completion of which provides two things: a bachelor’s degree in education; and a guaranteed job teaching in a New Jersey public school.
“New Jersey’s veterans are among the most disciplined and highly trained members of the state’s workforce,” Assistant Governor Kim Guadagno told The Trentonian shortly after the VETeach bill was passed into law. “Our school districts will benefit in a very meaningful way by having these dedicated men and women apply their experience in the service of educating of New Jersey’s children. Not only will these veterans serve our state in the classroom, their personal sacrifice on behalf of our nation serves as a great example to students about the meaning of service, community and dedication.”
June recently graduated with a degree in educational psychology.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Proud to help our Vets with their Real Estate Needs
website
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Maplewood Updated Housing Market Statistics
Last several year's of Average Listing Price vs. Sold Price
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Website
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Bike/Walk Tour De Montclair 10th Anniversary!
The 10th annual Tour de Montclair is coming up on May 20 and registration is now open!
Over the years, this event has ballooned from a small community bike ride drawing only 200 people into an all-out festival attracting more than 1,000 participants.
Cyclists of all abilities are invited to ride one of the tour’s three routes: a one-mile car-free loop within Brookdale Park, a medium on-road route (8 miles), and a more challenging "long route" around Montclair (12 miles). Walkers can enjoy the car-free park and continue on a 4-mile route via the Lenape Trail (a blazed trail that links many attractions and neighborhoods) and the Upper Montclair shopping district.
This year promises to be another memorable community celebration that will raise funds for Bike&Walk Montclair’s advocacy efforts, supporting safety and enjoyment of bicycling and walking.
“Bike & Walk Montclair understands the community’s desire for safe streets for biking and walking, and spearheads many initiatives in our neighborhood to make that a reality,” says BWM president Laura Torchio. “Additional support is needed so we can fund a variety of new projects, including a summer bike camp for kids, rider education, and a pilot Open Street event.”
For more information: Patch.montclair.com
For more information about BikeWalkMontclair
Mark Slade
keller williams
917.797.5059
My Website
Thursday, April 5, 2012
If you could buy a house in a box, would you?
Hi,
Do you love IKEA? You can now buy a whole house from them for $86,500.
The 745 sq. ft., 1BR/1BA is stocked with all things IKEA from the kitchen appliances, to cabinets and counters. The bathroom has IKEA sinks and storage, and the bedroom closets are all built around the retailer's closet system. Check it out here: Ikea
Don't worry, you won't need a plastic baggie of wood dowels and pressed metal wrenches to put the house together. It is delivered in a couple of pieces and assembled on the spot.
What do you think? Would you buy a house from IKEA?
Have a great day. Let me know if you need anything.
Best,
Mark
Mark Slade - Keller Williams
Changing Lives One Home at a Time :/: The Finest Compliment I could ever receive is an introduction to a someone from my friends and clients :/: Looking to double my business in 2012 like I did in 2011
FHA Loans, How they Work and How to Possibly Avoid Higher Costs If You Act by April 9th
How To Work The System : Avoid Paying The FHA’s New Mortgage Insurance Premium Schedule
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums rising April 9 2012The FHA is raising its mortgage insurance premiums Monday, April 9, 2012. All new applicants for an FHA mortgage are subject to the new costs. Existing FHA-backed homeowners, however, are exempt.
Still shopping for a loan and want to make yourself exempt, too? There's a trick for that. Read on.
A Lesson In FHA Mortgages : How They Work
The loans are colloquially called "FHA mortgages" but the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) doesn't really "make" mortgages. Rather, it insures them for lenders that do. A better name for FHA mortgages would be "FHA-insured mortgages" because it more accurately reflects the relationship between the FHA and the banks that underwrite such loans.
The FHA is an insurer of mortgages.
It follows, then, that the FHA charges for its insurance -- just like an auto-insurer or life insurer would. And also like an auto insurer or life insurer, the more risk the applicant represents to the insurer, the higher the premiums of the policy.
Unfortunately, the FHA is realizing that its premiums have been too low for the past few years. As a group, the FHA's losses have exceeded the reserves it's set aside to cover them. So, beginning April 9, 2012, for the fourth time in 3 years, the FHA will raise its mortgage insurance premiums.
Click here get FHA mortgage rates.
Summarizing April 9, 2012 FHA MIP Changes
FHA mortgage insurance is paid in two parts and each part is rising in cost.
The first part is called "Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium". It's sometimes abbreviated as UFMIP and is typically added to your loan balance at the time of closing. In this way, upfront MIP is paid using home equity as opposed to with cash.
Beginning April 9, 2012, FHA upfront mortgage insurance premiums will rise to 1.75% of your loan size.
Currently, FHA upfront MIP is equal to 1 percent of your loan size such that, for a Virginia homeowner borrowing $300,000 on an FHA-backed loan, the upfront mortgage insurance cost will rise to $5,250 from $3,000 -- a 75% increase.
The changes to the FHA's second type of mortgage insurance -- annual mortgage insurance -- are less extreme. Annual mortgage insurance premiums are rising by 0.10% across the board for all FHA loan products and loan types. This amounts to $8.33 per month per $100,000 borrowed.
15-year FHA fixed rate mortgages with loan-to-values of 78% or less remain exempt from annual mortgage insurance.
Click here for an FHA mortgage rate quote.
Pro Tip : Exempt Yourself Permanently From Higher FHA MIP
The important part of the new FHA mortgage insurance rates is that they only apply to new loans registered on, or after, April 9, 2012. Loans registered prior to April 9, 2012 -- including loans already in-process and/or funded -- are 100% exempt from the changes.
The key word is "register".
To register an FHA loan simply means to have an FHA Case Number assigned to it. You don't have to lock a mortgage rate and you don't even have to choose a particular lender to work with. You just need an FHA Case Number and to get that, you just need a name, social security number, property address and a few other small details.
In other words, you can lock in to the old FHA mortgage insurance premium schedule without actually locking in to an FHA mortgage rate itself. All you need is an FHA Case Number. To get that, talk to your loan officer.
Click here get FHA mortgage rates.
Get Your FHA Case Number Today
If you're shopping for a home today and have settled on a property with reasonable certainty; or, are in the throes of shopping and comparing lenders; or, are even just thinking about refinancing your FHA mortgage, get your FHA Case Number assigned today. It's simple, it's safe and it protects you from paying more to the FHA in the future.
Get just started with a rate quote. You must get your FHA Case Number before Monday to lock yourself in.
Dan Green
About the Author
Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan at dan.green@waterstonemortgage.com to get a free, no-obligation rate quote.
You can also find Dan on Twitter and Google+.
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums rising April 9 2012The FHA is raising its mortgage insurance premiums Monday, April 9, 2012. All new applicants for an FHA mortgage are subject to the new costs. Existing FHA-backed homeowners, however, are exempt.
Still shopping for a loan and want to make yourself exempt, too? There's a trick for that. Read on.
A Lesson In FHA Mortgages : How They Work
The loans are colloquially called "FHA mortgages" but the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) doesn't really "make" mortgages. Rather, it insures them for lenders that do. A better name for FHA mortgages would be "FHA-insured mortgages" because it more accurately reflects the relationship between the FHA and the banks that underwrite such loans.
The FHA is an insurer of mortgages.
It follows, then, that the FHA charges for its insurance -- just like an auto-insurer or life insurer would. And also like an auto insurer or life insurer, the more risk the applicant represents to the insurer, the higher the premiums of the policy.
Unfortunately, the FHA is realizing that its premiums have been too low for the past few years. As a group, the FHA's losses have exceeded the reserves it's set aside to cover them. So, beginning April 9, 2012, for the fourth time in 3 years, the FHA will raise its mortgage insurance premiums.
Click here get FHA mortgage rates.
Summarizing April 9, 2012 FHA MIP Changes
FHA mortgage insurance is paid in two parts and each part is rising in cost.
The first part is called "Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium". It's sometimes abbreviated as UFMIP and is typically added to your loan balance at the time of closing. In this way, upfront MIP is paid using home equity as opposed to with cash.
Beginning April 9, 2012, FHA upfront mortgage insurance premiums will rise to 1.75% of your loan size.
Currently, FHA upfront MIP is equal to 1 percent of your loan size such that, for a Virginia homeowner borrowing $300,000 on an FHA-backed loan, the upfront mortgage insurance cost will rise to $5,250 from $3,000 -- a 75% increase.
The changes to the FHA's second type of mortgage insurance -- annual mortgage insurance -- are less extreme. Annual mortgage insurance premiums are rising by 0.10% across the board for all FHA loan products and loan types. This amounts to $8.33 per month per $100,000 borrowed.
15-year FHA fixed rate mortgages with loan-to-values of 78% or less remain exempt from annual mortgage insurance.
Click here for an FHA mortgage rate quote.
Pro Tip : Exempt Yourself Permanently From Higher FHA MIP
The important part of the new FHA mortgage insurance rates is that they only apply to new loans registered on, or after, April 9, 2012. Loans registered prior to April 9, 2012 -- including loans already in-process and/or funded -- are 100% exempt from the changes.
The key word is "register".
To register an FHA loan simply means to have an FHA Case Number assigned to it. You don't have to lock a mortgage rate and you don't even have to choose a particular lender to work with. You just need an FHA Case Number and to get that, you just need a name, social security number, property address and a few other small details.
In other words, you can lock in to the old FHA mortgage insurance premium schedule without actually locking in to an FHA mortgage rate itself. All you need is an FHA Case Number. To get that, talk to your loan officer.
Click here get FHA mortgage rates.
Get Your FHA Case Number Today
If you're shopping for a home today and have settled on a property with reasonable certainty; or, are in the throes of shopping and comparing lenders; or, are even just thinking about refinancing your FHA mortgage, get your FHA Case Number assigned today. It's simple, it's safe and it protects you from paying more to the FHA in the future.
Get just started with a rate quote. You must get your FHA Case Number before Monday to lock yourself in.
Dan Green
About the Author
Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan at dan.green@waterstonemortgage.com to get a free, no-obligation rate quote.
You can also find Dan on Twitter and Google+.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Spring Forward also means Spring Leaf and Branch Pick Up Time!
SERVICE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD
Each area is scheduled for five pick up days. Locate your area on the map. The dates of pick up in each area are as noted on the map. Kindly keep this map handy during the program for reference as to your pick up dates.
Materials to be picked up are limited to branches, leaves, and garden rakings when packaged as follows:
(a) Branches must not be more than four feet in length and tied in bundles that can be
handled by one man.
(b) Leaves and garden rakings must be placed in returnable containers that can be
handled by one man.
Materials to be picked up must be placed at the curb not later than 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled date and not earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before.
Unpackaged material placed at the curb will not be picked up and will constitute a violation of the law as established by Ordinance.
2012 “SPRING RAKE OUT” SCHEDULE
SECTIONS 1 & 2 SECTIONS 3 & 4;
3/26/12 3/26/12
4/02/12 4/03/12
4/11/12 4/12/12 4/19/12 4/20/12
4/27/12 4/30/12
SECTIONS 5 & 6 SECTIONS 7 & 8
3/27/12 3/28/12
4/04/12 4/05/12
4/13/12 4/16/12
4/23/12 4/24/12
5/01/12 5/02/12
SECTIONS 9 & 10 SECTIONS 11 & 12
3/29/12 3/30/12
4/09/12 4/10/12
4/17/12 4/18/12
4/25/12 4/26/12
5/03/12 5/04/12
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes
Each area is scheduled for five pick up days. Locate your area on the map. The dates of pick up in each area are as noted on the map. Kindly keep this map handy during the program for reference as to your pick up dates.
Materials to be picked up are limited to branches, leaves, and garden rakings when packaged as follows:
(a) Branches must not be more than four feet in length and tied in bundles that can be
handled by one man.
(b) Leaves and garden rakings must be placed in returnable containers that can be
handled by one man.
Materials to be picked up must be placed at the curb not later than 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled date and not earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before.
Unpackaged material placed at the curb will not be picked up and will constitute a violation of the law as established by Ordinance.
2012 “SPRING RAKE OUT” SCHEDULE
SECTIONS 1 & 2 SECTIONS 3 & 4;
3/26/12 3/26/12
4/02/12 4/03/12
4/11/12 4/12/12 4/19/12 4/20/12
4/27/12 4/30/12
SECTIONS 5 & 6 SECTIONS 7 & 8
3/27/12 3/28/12
4/04/12 4/05/12
4/13/12 4/16/12
4/23/12 4/24/12
5/01/12 5/02/12
SECTIONS 9 & 10 SECTIONS 11 & 12
3/29/12 3/30/12
4/09/12 4/10/12
4/17/12 4/18/12
4/25/12 4/26/12
5/03/12 5/04/12
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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