Best Lenders and Servicers to Buy Short Sales From May 24, 2012 By Daren Blomquist, RealtyTrac Vice President Text Size A A A This is article, spotlighting short sale trends in early 2012, seems to indicate that short sale volume is on the rise while short sale prices are trending lower — a good mix for prospective buyers and investors. This series is largely based on a short sale report issued by RealtyTrac for a special live broadcast hosted by the Charfen Institute on April 19. Among the nation’s largest lenders and mortgage servicers, some are better than others when it comes to buying a short sale. There are several ways to measure which lenders are best to buy short sales from: sales volume, average discount and average time to sell. We’ll look at the top performing lenders in each of these categories based on January 2012 foreclosure sales data. 1. Short Sale Volume & Trend When it comes to sheer volume of short sales, Bank of America is the clear leader, with more than 5,000 pre-foreclosure sales — typically short sales — in January alone. While BofA is clearly "selling" the most, it also appears to concur with why they don't show up on the fastest processing time trend, discussed further down in this article. JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo came in second and third, with just under 3,000 each. We also looked at which lenders and servicers registered the biggest increases in short sale volume in January compared to a year ago. That list was a bit more unpredictable, with PNC Financial Group Inc posting a 140 percent increase in completed short sales — the biggest increase among large lenders and servicers. Combined, the three government entities of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) posted a 120 percent increase in short sales, while Ally Financial (formerly GMAC) posted a increase of more than 60 percent. 2. Short Sale Prices While it’s important to know which lenders and servicers are approving short sales in the greatest volume, probably more important to most buyers and investors is the average price they can get on a short sale. The three government entities combined (Fannie, Freddie and FHA) documented the lowest average pre-foreclosure sales price in January, slightly less than $130,000). Deutsche Bank had the second lowest average price for approved short sales, $132,996, and Sun Trust Banks, Inc. (Richmond, VA), had the third lowest average short sale price, $144,024. 3. Short Sale Time to Sell When it comes to identifying the best lenders and servicers to buy short sales from, the last piece of the puzzle is how long it takes to purchase a pre-foreclosure property. In the last few years, one of the biggest critiques of short sales is that they are not short at all, often frustrating the buyers and sellers involved. On this measure, the three government entities won out again, averaging less than 200 days from the time a property entered the foreclosure process to when the pre-foreclosure sale was closed. Next closest was Ally Financial, with an average of 321 days, followed by PNC Financial Group Inc., with an average of 353 days. Conclusions: A. Short Sale Activity is on the rise. I suspect the healthier housing market conditions will spur on the release of more short sale inventory as banks try to lessen the unproductive assets on their ledgers. B. Some banks are definitely showing dramatic increases in "selling," which also means processing their short sales once being marketed. Curious to note that none of the most prolific short sale banks appeared in the quickest sold category. I think this could be expected as a "jack-be-nimble-jack-be-quick" capability and those banks with the significant inventories have so much to process that it slows them down. Still, from my own personal perspective, managing both the listing sales process for my short sale selling clients and managing the buying sale process for my short sale buying clients, I can tell you that the process can be quite cumbersome and frustrating for all involved. This is why I often suggest properties that have extended DOM-Days On Market--as an alternative to those homes requiring lender approval for my buyer clients. Excessive DOM properties allow for more aggressive buying negotiation, usually with success, so that my buyer clients are able to get the extra value they are looking for when they first come to me after inquiring about short sales and, more importantly, they can usually hold the seller accountable for any home inspection issues (usually forfeited when buying a short sale) and they can be more in control of when they would like to close on their new home or investment property. My buyer clients that choose this route are usually able to close on a property in 30 to 60 days whereas the average short sale property still takes as much as 3-4 months to sell. In comparison, one of my many buyer clients has an all cash offer on a Bank of America Short Sale. Logic would dictate that once the BPO-Broker Price Opinion-has been done, we should be able to get the bank approval as there are no mortgages to worry about and the sooner the banks allows the property to close, the better off for one and all. Well, this client's offer has now been accepted for over 3 weeks and there has been no indications of anything from Bank of America other than that they have "started" the process. 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, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering 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. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

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 Mid-Town Direct 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.

Memorial Day Parade-The Ducks Are On!

Memorial Day Parade Lineup is 8:15 AM If you are marching, meet at Columbia HS student parking lot on W. Parker Avenue (near YMCA Child Care Center & Gleason's Cleaners) You can march with your school whether you currently attend, are a parent of a child attending or a former student yourself. Just bring your enthusiasm, your pride, and don't forget the Ducky Race at the end. Parade will go up Parker to Maplewood Ave, through town, down Baker Street and end on Valley in front of Town Hall 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, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering 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. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

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 Mid-Town Direct 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.

A beautiful sunny day in Maplewood, so what do you do? Now that the Spring/Summer Season has launched, it seems like almost every weekend there is some major event and fun thing to do in town. This weekend is no different with Mayfest. Mayfest takes place on Springfield Avenue, where we have seen such incredible leaps forward in the improvements in appearance, so many great new businesses joining us and some cool new loft apartments added too. Since they say a picture is like a thousand words (It is believed that the modern use of the phrase stems from an article by Fred R. Barnard in the advertising trade journal Printers' Ink, promoting the use of images in advertisements that appeared on the sides of streetcars.[1] The December 8, 1921 issue carries an ad entitled, "One Look is Worth A Thousand Words."), here are my pics from today's event. And if you

are around, its not too late to enjoy a pulled pork sandwich, a ride for the kids, watch some dance and karate performances or take a look as some classic cars, etc. Mark Slade

Local Author Reads from his new book at Maplewood's Words Bookstore May 31st

It's not that often i get to "promote" an author's reading when i'm friends with the author. Jon Gertner is a fellow Maplewoodian, lives just around the corner from me and is an honorary Yale Block Party Guest. He will be reading his new book at Words, our town's fabulous book store on the 31st of May!

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.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, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering 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. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

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 Mid-Town Direct 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.

Mortgage rates hit Historic Lows today and Gives Rise to Buying or Refinancing! Chosing a 30 year or a 15 year loan.

Converting your mortgage from a 30 year fixed to a 15 year fixed. Many people have mortgages with 20 years remaining at let’s say a 4.625 interest rate and may not realize that they can convert into a 15 year fixed mortgage in the 3.5% range and significantly save money over the long run. Many times the payment may not increase with this reduction in term or in some cases may even decrease. This means you can accelerate your payoff and increase your equity that much faster. It is important to talk to a mortgage professional to compare apples to apples. For example, you may not be best off refinancing with 12 years remaining into a 15 year fixed for a lower payment and a lower rate because over the long run it will cost you more. In addition, lenders can offer a no cost rate which is a higher rate then the rate of a full cost rate. It is important to evaluate which plan best suits your needs. Interest rate spreads can dictate one “deal” being better than the other on any given day. I always advise my clients to consider both options. Most importantly, refinancing is a great time to evaluate what your financial profile is and what your financial goals are and do what is best for your own situation not what someone else deems is best for you. My advice, schedule a consultation with an experienced mortgage professional if your rate is over 4% to make sure you are not missing out the many programs that may benefit you. I'm happy to put you in touch with a mortgage loan professional if you have any questions about how this might work? Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059

Time to come out and enjoy a fun filled day for the entire family on Springfield Avenue. Everything from rides for the kids, to local businesses offering specials and of course, don't forget all the great food! Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Maplewood 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, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering 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. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

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 Mid-Town Direct 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.

Family Day Festival Saturday, May 19, noon–4:30 pm

An interactive family science festival and exhibit exploring renewable energy. Come celebrate the opening of the new exhibit emPOWERED: Your Renewable Energy Future. There's something for everyone.

Children and their families can explore a wide range of participatory, inquiry-based and engaging activities related to alternative sources of energy. Explore the science behind alternative energy.

Hands On Activities

+ Solar Car Race — Use the power of the sun to have fun with miniature race cars

+ Electric Generators — Discover how they work

+ Radiometers — Build a device that measures the power of the sun

+ Wind Mill — Construct a wind mill to harness the power of nature

+ Plant Power — Simulate biofuel production with balloons & bottles

+ Thermal Energy — Manipulate a Wave Dam

+ Solar Telescope — See startling details of the sun through a solar telescope (weather permitting)

Auditorium & Planetarium Shows

+ The Magic of Energy (45 minutes) — An interactive comical exploration of renewable energy (1 pm & 3 pm in the Billy Johnson Auditorium)

+ Zula Patrol (35 minutes) — 1 pm & 3 pm; Heart of the Sun (35 minutes) — 2 pm & 4 pm

Examine the earth and sun in these full dome, surround sound planetarium shows! (additional fee required)

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Home Search

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.

what is Red Day?

RED Day You may be a homeowner. A volunteer. Or someone who is eager to help. However you choose to get involved, every little bit counts. Keller Williams Realty’s RED Day is devoted to bringing communities closer together through incredible acts of service. And those acts don’t stop with us. Join in and help better your community.

WHAT IS RED DAY? RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from across the United States and Canada participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve.

RED Day initiatives run the gamut: From rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and so much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within its community.

Recognizing her leadership in guiding the culture of our company, RED Day is held in honor of Mo Anderson, Vice Chairman of the Board, Keller Williams Realty. (Read more about Mo here) This event is an entrenched part of Keller Williams Realty’s culture and displays the extraordinary effect a company can have when individuals come together to work as a team for the greater good of everyone. As Mark Ozman, associate with the Indianapolis/Carmel Market Center, wrote: “RED Day isn’t about cleaning up a park. It is a one-day expression of what happens 24/7 in the Keller Williams culture. It is seeing a need, discovering who can meet that need and then getting it done." RED DAY KELLER WILLIAMS MID-TOWN DIRECT REALTY 2012: After planting and gardening at Maplewood Middle School the past two year's Red Day's, out Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct team shifted over to even things out and focused on South Orange Middle School. It was a fun filled day, despite the Topsy Turvy weather. Our full morning of pruning, planting and cleaning up around the plant beds was followed by a picnic in South Orange adjacent to the Duck Pond of Flood Field.

my attempt to create our own American Gothic with Felix Quist and Mark Slade

Mark Slade 917.797.5059 Keller Williams 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.

An incredible Jam-Packed past few days. In between 2 home inspections for pending sales, a tank sweep for a 3rd, and 1 more accepted offer for buyer clients joining us in Maplewood, we had a Tuscan Ice Cream Social on the "blacktop" this past Thursday afternoon followed by the Tuscan Fair on Saturday. Here are some of the pics i took. ICE CREAM SOCIAL

A common occurrence sponsored by the Tuscan PTA; it's like feeding chum (bait) to the Sharks with an expected feeding frenzy! TUSCAN FAIR: every year we Tuscan Elementary Volunteers put together a fair for Tuscan students. The Fair includes some rides, lots of game and prizes, musical chairs and food. A great time is always had by one and all!

my little one Jakob, started the day getting his Green Belt in Karate and a Tuscan prize winner later in the day!

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Maplewood and South Orange 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.

photo of 306 Lenox Ave, South Orange, NJ, taken by Mark Slade Last day of the Maplewood Garden Club Plant Sale at the Maplewood Community Pool. So, here are some things to keep in mind: Spring and summer are when yards and gardens retake their rightful places at the center of attention. This month, Pillar To Post takes a look at several steps that homeowners can take to make their outdoor spaces and their home live compatibly. Keep water away from the house Be sure that the ground slopes away from the house and garage all the way around their perimeters. This ensures that any moisture from rain and sprinkler systems will be directed away from the foundation. If soil is too high against the sides of the home and garage and/or water too easily accumulates against either structure, there is a good change moisture will cause some form of rot. We just found a case of this against the side of a garage of a home that buyer clients of mine are buying in Montclair. The base of shrubs and other plantings should be kept at least 2' away from the foundation to avoid potential problems with roots and drainage. In addition, window wells should be kept free of debris and lined with gravel to help water drain out of the well and into the ground. Do not leave sprinklers on for too long. Excessive water will not do plants and lawns any good, and may cause problems if there are drainage issues in certain areas. The right plant in the right place When a tree is growing very close to a structure, there can be potentially serious problems if the tree grows too tall or too wide for the space. Damage to eaves and roofs can be caused by overgrowth, and there is even a danger of branches or an entire tree falling onto the home. Existing trees should be professionally pruned to lessen the potential for hazard. When planting new trees, homeowners should research potential "candidates" to find how large the tree will eventually grow and make decisions accordingly. Homeowners should also consider grouping plants that have similar water requirements to avoid overwatering plants that don't need as much. Not only will plants do better, but water bills will be lower over time as well. Choose plants with maintenance in mind Some plants end up requiring more maintenance than a homeowner expects. When selecting new planting material, homeowners should seek advice from qualified personnel at a local nursery who will know what plants will do well in their area, their growth habits and maintenance requirements. Lawns should not be mowed too short or too frequently. Allowing the blades of grass to shade one another helps with water retention and allows grass to grow in more fully. Many newer turf grasses require less mowing than older varieties, and should be considered for new lawn installations. Homeowners can find out more at their local agricultural or extension office. These are just some of the ways homeowners can increase the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces while ensuring that home and yard are in good shape. Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good 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.

Buying a Loaf of Bread and Buying a Home; you'd be amazing as the comparison. Bread vs. Home 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. 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.

Last 7 days of closed sales in Essex County, including Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, West Orange, Livingston and more:

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Fast and Furious Month

The Local Real Estate Market has been fast and furious this past month.

In fact, since April 8th, there have been 97 new listings and of these, 27 are either in attorney review or Under Contract/Pending Sale.

This is the best we have seen in quite some time.

What does this mean for Buyers? It means new listings are being "sold" within the first days they are listed. From personal experience, I had accepted offers on my two most recent listings, one this past week and one the week prior. It also means that Multiple Bids have also become quite common. So, Buyer Beware in the current market means buyer's need to be aware the market has shifted back to the Seller's advantage, at least at the moment.

What does this mean for Sellers? well, if you were on the fence about selling your home, i would say that with the inventory levels being lower than they have been in years, that you would have an increased probability of selling your home for a fair market price. If you would like to know what your home is worth in today's market, i am able to meet with you and provide you with an Advanced Comparable market analysis.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Montclair/Millburn 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.

For those of you interested in exploring South Orange and Maplewood, NJ this weekend (SO/MA)... you should come check out the Maplewood Art Walk taking place this Saturday n downtown Maplewood. It will really give you a sense of our wonderful community!
The Maplewood Arts Council and the The Maplewood Village Alliance are proud to present the first MAPLEWOOD ART WALK on Saturday, May 5th from noon - 5pm.
Maplewood Village will be alive with the sound of music … and fine art, and shops, and dance, and theater, and restaurants. For more information, including a map of events, a schedule of performances, and a list of participating businesses and arts organizations, please visit:
artwalk website
** In case of rain, The Art Walk will take place at the Maplewood Woman's Club, 60 Woodland Road.
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.

What do you all think about this logo for the NEW JERSEY BROOKLYN NETS, designed by Jay Z? When you in, let us know if you are still in BKLYN or now in JERSEY

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Homes

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2012) – Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011 when it was 89.9. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
The index is now at the highest level since April 2010 when it reached 111.3. While the reference to April 2010 might seem odd--the housing crisis began its slide in 2006--April of 2010 marked the end of the First Time Home Buyer's credit that was enacted by Congress to help stimulate the housing industry. There was no doubt that it did provide a stimulus for the first portion of 2010; however, this stimulus appears to have only taken what would have been 2nd half of 2010 buyers and incentivised them make their purchase earlier in the year. The back half of 2010 was, as a result, much weaker than anyone would have hoped as the pool of buyers was decidingly short on activity and inventory then resumed its rise to levels that created a Buyer's Market as we call it.
With the activity we are seeing for the past few months of 2012, the pendulum appears to have swung back to being a seller's market.
Buyers now need to be prepared for tougher negotiations and the likely possibility of mutiple-bid scenarios on those homes that offer updated kitchens and such and that are fairly priced in the current market.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Home Search

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.

Last week I read a very encouraging piece entitled: New Rules Aim to Speed up Short Sales, by Jim Buchta "(MCT)—The short sale process could get a lot quicker starting this summer under new rules that will require lenders to respond to offers within a month. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the nation’s two largest mortgage backers, will implement the guidelines on June 15. The changes require mortgage servicers to make a decision within 30 days of receiving a short sale offer. They also must consider requests for pre-approved short sales within that same timeframe. ... Read More" Sounds like good news, doesn't it? As the lead short sale agent for my office, I applaud such measures; however, while the public relations campaigns being populated in the news by the Banks themselves as well as Fannie/Freddie press releases and in the news articles, I find this to be slight of hand. Bank of America just updated their policies to stream line the process, but added additional requirements at the same time. That sounds like an offset in my mind. Many of the nation's top banks use Equator to manage and track short sale transactions to record accountability. Yet, as in the case of a recent filing i made, there is no automated Equator "task" as it is called that reflects the fact that this bank sent a letter to the seller's awaiting their reply. So, for a system that is supposed to move things along that much more quickly, i have been stuck for 10 days without any knowledge of such until i picked up the phone and worked my way up the ladder to get the answers needed. This is why i chose to write this blog today. My strategy for trying to get my buyers the best deals is as follows: When potential buyers come to me to inquire about foreclosures and short sales in the hopes of getting a better deal my job is to give them the lay of the land. My typical advice is that buying homes at auction is there best deal but its a buyer beware situation as you are buying a home based on limited knowledge and exterior pictures and/or drive-by. Actual foreclosed upon/bank sale properties are statistically your next best deal, but they are very hard to find in the Bedroom communities of NYC. Short Sale Properties offer much better promise as they provide for as much as 8X as many options, but they come with the caveat that taking actual ownership can take as little as one month--investor/fannie mae owned--to as much as 7 months and counting as new obstacles rear their ugly heads and procedures and policies are amended by each bank. I find the average short sale to take 3-4 months to close. While investors may not mind waiting, buyers get frustrated by the long lead time. In fact, I have noticed that at least 25% of the short sales that are initiated, never make it to the closing table. What to do? You want a great deal? But, you want to buy a home and close in a specified time frame? When my buyers reconsider in an attempt to put more priority on control of closing, I direct them to properties that have been on the market for far longer than the average days on market. These are often properties that were often simply overpriced or poorly staged, limiting buyer traffic and diminished opportunity to sell these homes. In fact, many times these homes have had no offers, not even "low ball" offers. So, pursuing one of these types of homes puts the buyer in an improved position of control. Have any questions? Have a Short Sale home to sell? Looking to get the best deal for a home? Please call me. Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Home Search 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.

Don't miss out on this Stunning home around the corner from the quaint South Orange Village & NYC trains. Short distance to South Mountain School, Middle & Hi school. Designer kitchen with top of line finishes & layout. This home offers beautiful restored details, gorgeous LR and Den with FP; 2 1/2 modern baths (1 a mstr) & finished 3rd level with 2 beds. Many recent upgrades include newer A/C Heaters, new thermal windows, beautiful landscaping, Spacious 1st floor open floorplan, light & bright & Cheerful. HWF just refinished for your visit. This is a rare opportunity to have an incredible home in a great location.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 South Orange 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.