Love to Live in Maplewood/South Orange: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

First Time Home Buyers: How do you Hook them into wanting your home?

88 Westview, Short Hills, NJ

"A picture is worth a thousand words–and, in the case of real estate listing photos, they may be worth even more than that! Your listing photos are the first thing that potential buyers see when it comes to searching for their dream home. In fact, a recent survey found that 86% of home seekers find photos to be the most useful feature online when it comes to real estate. What’s more, 84% of buyers and sellers said they would not consider buying a photo-less listing. Stellar photos can hook a buyer and may make for a lucrative close for your clients," according to Trulia’s Tech Coach Kim Salmons.

74 Franklin, Maplewood

As a former architectural photographer who often gets to take the photos for his listings, I couldn't agree more. I'm always amazed by pictures that when blown up are blurry or are simply poorly lit.

When I can, I also try to find a unique or eye-catching decorative detail that stands out so much that a prospective buyer can't wait to find it and see it with their own eyes when they have come out to see the home in question.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Moving to Maplewood: Don’t Wait! Move Up to the Home You Always Wanted

Don’t Wait! Move Up to the Home You Always Wanted

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters: 28 Jan 2014 03:00 AM PST

Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. Prices are still below those of a few years ago and interest rates are still below 5%.

However, sellers should realize that waiting to make the move while mortgage rates are increasing probably doesn’t make sense. As rates increase, the price of the house you can buy will decrease; in fact, according to this chart, a 1% increase in rates will reduce your purchasing power by 10%.

Here is a chart detailing this point:

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Chinese New Year's Celebration at the Newark Museum

Chinese New Year's Celebration
Saturday, February 1, 2014
1-4 pm

Celebrate the "Year of the Horse" with performances of traditional Lion Dance and Chinese martial arts.

2 pm Performance: By the Wushu - Kung Fu Fitness Center of Livingston, New Jersey.

Chinese martial arts, often referred to as Wushu or Kung Fu, have a 4000-year history and consist of many fighting styles that have developed over the centuries and are an important part of Chinese culture. The exciting martial arts program will showcase hand forms from the Long Fist (Chang Quan) and Southern Fist (Nan Quan) styles of Wushu-including different weapons such as the staff, three-section staff, straight sword, broadsword, spear, and steel whip chain.

Chinese New Year: 2014 (chinese year 4712)

The Year of the Horse

Chinese New Year Dates

2013 - Feb. 10
2014 - Jan. 31
2015 - Feb. 19
2016 - Feb. 8
2017 - Jan. 28
2018 - Feb. 16

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4712 begins on Jan. 31, 2014. In fact, when I formerly managed a Clock company, we crushed it to get stuff done before the Chinese New Year Celebration as you could expect the celebrations to run as many as 2 weeks in some of the operations we worked with to manufacture our clocks.

Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.
A Charming New Year

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in horse years are cheerful, skillful with money, perceptive, witty, talented and good with their hands. Rembrandt, Harrison Ford, Aretha Franklin, Chopin, Sandra Day O'Connor, and President Theodore Roosevelt were born in the year of the horse.
Fireworks and Family Feasts

At Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.
The Lantern Festival

In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve. In the United States, however, many early Chinese immigrants arrived without their families, and found a sense of community through neighborhood associations instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events.

The lantern festival is held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.

In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon—which might stretch a hundred feet long—is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo. Traditionally the dragon is held aloft by young men who dance as they guide the colorful beast through the streets. In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance always takes place on a weekend. In addition, many Chinese-American communities have added American parade elements such as marching bands and floats.

Read more: Chinese New Year: 2014 | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html#ixzz2rhXHFC33

Also, don't miss a chance to explore masterworks in the exhibiton, Ming to Modern: Elevating the Everyday in Chinese Art: 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3 & 3:30 pm.

Moving to Millburn: Preschool Program Information Session February 12, 2014

Anyone interested in learning more about the Preschool Integrated Program will have to mark their calendars for Feb. 12, as the information session that was supposed to be held on Wednesday has now been rescheduled, according to the Millburn School District. This is a very limited program, so don't delay!

PreSchool Information 2014-2015
Click here for General Information re: Applications, and Important Dates

Preschool Integrated Program Information for 2014-2015

Millburn Township Public Schools is pleased to announce the annual opening of applications for its Integrated Preschool Program. The Millburn Integrated Preschool program has been a valuable service to the community since September 1993. The Millburn Township Public Schools’ Preschool Integrated Programs are located at the South Mountain Elementary School,
2 Southern Slope Drive, Millburn and the Deerfield Elementary School, 26 Troy Lane, Short Hills. These unique programs are comprised of children with special needs as well as typically developing preschool children from the township. A general Preschool Curriculum is followed for all students. The District charges a nominal monthly fee of $300 for the comprehensive services that are provided for all regular education students attending the Integrated Preschool Program. This fee is substantially lower than area private preschool programs and in concert with the tuition rates charged by surrounding districts.

All preschool sessions are two and one-half hour classes, Monday through Friday. The three-year-old program runs in the morning from 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The program for four-year-olds is in the afternoon from 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Regular education students must submit an application to be eligible for the Lottery. Applicants must be three-years of age on or before October 1, 2014, and fully toilet-trained as of the start of school in September. There are 24 openings each year at the three-year-old level. Applications for four year old students will be accepted solely for placement on a wait list. The four year old program is automatically populated with returning students from the previous three year old class. If an opening becomes available due to a student leaving the program, the wait list is utilized.

Applications will be available at the Millburn Education Center, 434 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., from January 9 to February 14, 2014, or on the Millburn School District’s website at www.millburn.org. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 14, 2014. If you access the application online, please fax the completed form to 973-912-8450. The lottery drawing will be held Monday, February 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Education Center’s Board Room. It is not necessary to attend the lottery drawing to be admitted. Lottery winners will be notified by mail. All three-year-old applicants not selected through the Lottery will be placed on a wait list.

If selected to participate in the program through the lottery, proof of residency in the township and an original birth certificate must be provided in order to be admitted. Students admitted to the Preschool Program must still register for kindergarten at their home school when the student is five-years-old.

To obtain more detailed information about this great program, please come to a “Preschool Information Meeting” on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 7p.m. in the Preschool Section of South Mountain School.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Monday, January 27, 2014

CHANGE IN HOME SALES BY PRICE POINT [INFOGRAPHIC]

CHANGE IN HOME SALES BY PRICE POINT [INFOGRAPHIC]

So Glad I got my LUXURY game on! Look at the substantially improved performance at the higher price ranges!

Overall, home values are increasing for homeowners. I found this Infographic on Keeping Current Matters Blog that breaks down home price increases for different price ranges. I hope you enjoy it! If you or a coworker are wanting to know the value of your home, feel free to contact me for a complementary home valuation report.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Selling your Home: The Top Seller Mistakes to Avoid

Data provided by ActiveRain.com.

Of the top mistakes, most are ultimately in the hands of the seller. Working with your real estate agent to minimize the impact of each of these mistakes will make the sale of your home a reality.
Here are the top mistakes real estate agents commonly see made by homeowners looking to sell their house.

1. Overpriced Home
Nothing shocking here. This was far and away the most common mistake sellers make that prevent them from selling their home.
If you overprice your home there is a pretty good chance no one is going to want to buy it. Real estate agents do not set the real estate market. A great real estate agent will suggest a price at which to list your home based on comparable homes that have already sold in the market. Overpricing a home to 'see if you can get someone to bite' is not a strategy employed by someone really serious about selling. Overpricing a home will lead to missed opportunities with buyers that are serious about buying in the range at which your home should be listed.
The first week during which a home is listed will generally be the time that the most eyeballs are on the home and the largest potential pool of buyers will be exposed to the listing. Setting a price that reflects the market is essential to selling! This is exacerbated in a downward trending market. Many a seller has lost thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars chasing a market down after setting a listing price that was outside what the market was willing to bear.
Jeffrey Otteau, of Otteau Valuation Group, claims that for every $10,000 bracket of being being overpriced, the seller will net an extra $3,500 LESS than they would have if the home had been priced right to start. Should you want an Advanced CMA performed on your home, Mark Slade is trained to do so.

2. Showing Availability - It's Difficult to Set a Showing
The chances your home will sell when buyers can't get in to physically inspect the property are minuscule. Sellers need to understand that listing a home for sale is going to lead to some inconveniences in your normal routine. Many serious buyers may want to physically inspect a property during times which may not be convenient for the seller. Knowing this, motivated sellers need to understand that flexibility in when you allow the home to be sold could have a direct impact on the sale of your home.
It's not uncommon for sellers to see 8, 10, even 20 homes during a showing tour with their agent. If your house isn't on that list because you only do showings on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, you will miss out on ready, willing and able buyers.
As a seller, realize that the more people that can see the home in person, the more chance you have to find the buyer that wants your home. Ironically, I have clients that have been trying to see 2 homes in South Orange and we have been denied access several times; my buyers are fast losing interest in these homes and frankly, from experience, if a seller makes it that difficult to show their home, I hate to imagine how they will be to negotiate with and dealing with any potential home inspection issues.

3. Cluttered Space - Unwilling to Depersonalize or Remove Clutter
Sellers are sometimes unwilling to either make the effort, or unwilling to compromise how they live in their home during the time the home is on the market for showings. Serious sellers realize that by depersonalizing the home and removing unwarranted clutter, it allows potential buyers to more easily visualize their own things in the house.
When you live in your home day in and day out, you become comfortable with your own 'things'. In many cases, however, your 'stuff' can make a room feel smaller than it actually is and in some more extreme cases, your 'stuff' can completely distract someone from visualizing the potential of a room. We know you are proud of your kids as the shrine in the living room displays all of their ribbons, trophies and diplomas from the last 20 years. But for a buyer, this is only a distraction.
Many agents will make recommendations about ways to remove clutter or depersonalize your home. Some will even suggest that a professional homestager be brought it to completely maximize the space and create a setting maximizes the buyers ability to visualize their own things. The key thing to remember here is these suggestions are not personal and you may have to be a little uncomfortable so that your house puts it's best foot forward.
Ralph Gorgoglione, a real estate agent with the John Aaroe Group in Los Angeles reminds us that "as a seller, the most important thing to realize is that, yes, your crapola means a lot to you. But it means nothing to anyone else." Especially a buyer trying to visualize their own stuff in your house.

4. Unpleasant Odors in the House
"Mr and Mrs. Seller, your house stinks!"
Most agents aren't going to be this blunt. But in some cases they wish they could be. They'll take a more tactical approach and say something like.....'during the time your house is on the market, it might be a good idea to smoke outside'.
But what they know is that nothing will stop a potential buyer in their tracks faster than a strong odor of any sort. In some cases this could just be the left over smell from last nights dinner. In more extreme cases, agents tell horror stories of entering homes that have a bad smell of pet urine or smoking.
The main concern for the buyer is, of course, "is the house going to smell like this once we move in?" Real Estate agents confirm that many a buyer has passed on a home after coming to their own conclusion on that answer.
Your agent isn't suggesting a fresh coat of paint and new carpet because they don't like how things look. They are making this suggestion because they realize that the smoke odor in your home is going to be a major turn off for anyone thinking about buying your home.
As someone with extensive experiential marketing expertise, I can tell you that homes with bad odors don't sell because buyers are having intense and complex negative reactions that are simply turn-offs.

5. Seller Unwilling to Make Repairs Prior to Listing
No seller wants to spend a few thousand dollars making repairs to a house you are about to sell. Agents understand that. But they also understand that few buyers want to move in to a house that needs a bunch of work done immediately upon moving in.
One of your objectives to selling your home is to make it as appealing as possible to as wide of an audience as possible. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs, and a buyer doesn't want a bunch of work upon moving in, you've shrunk the pool of potential buyers for your property.
Some sellers may want to offer the buyer a credit at closing for certain repairs or offer an Home Warranty; either of these options is more defensive and much less effective as most buyers anticipate the cost of such repairs at 2-3 times what it could cost you and furthermore, some buyers will pass outright.

6. Sellers Unwilling to Negotiate with Buyers
Setting a market price on a home is not an exact science. Many real estate agents will give the seller a range in which they predict the home will sell. As a seller, you should always want the most money the market will bear. That being said, the unwillingness to negotiate with buyers can turn away even the most serious buyers.
Price is not the only condition which is open to negotiation. Buyers and sellers can negotiate on dates, fixtures that might stay with the home, repairs and a host of other sticking points. Sellers that refuse to negotiate and are set on digging in their heels are much less likely to find a willing and able buyer.
Don't be insulted by low offers. Buyers want to get the home for the best price and on the best terms they can. Just like a sellers wants to sell for the best price on the best terms. It's rare that either party walks away from a negotiation with everything they want. Motivated sellers understand this and are willing to negotiate. A good agent will let be able to guide you in terms of whether an offer has market worthiness to it or not.

7. Bad Photos in the MLS
This one will most likely fall on your real estate agent. But knowing that bad photos in the MLS can be an impediment to the sale of your home, as a seller it's imperative that you demand great photography from your agent.
Studies show that greater than 85% of people are going online as a part of their research for buying a home. Most buyers will probably first be introduced to your home online. Poor photos could be cause for them to disregard your home before they ever set foot in it.
The photos used to market your home are generally the first impression any buyer will have of your home. When picking an agent to list your home, ask to see examples of photos from previous listings. Do their photos make you want to take a look at the home?
Never let your home go on the market without photos! If it means waiting a day or two before listing, wait. A large number of potential buyers in your market will be exposed to your home the first day it goes on the market. Having great photos the first day the home hits the market is a must.
It kills me to see bad quality photos or a lack of them in the marketing of a home. If the property is smaller, I urge area shots that typify what a buyer might be looking for in schools, parks, transportation and shopping; especially since most buyers start looking at homes with the most pics first.

8. The Home is Just Plain Messy
You were late for work this morning so you ran out of the house without picking up from last night's dinner. Not a big deal.....unless you have potential buyers that will be stopping by.
Some people may be able to look past the dishes stacked up in the sink, but enough buyers won't be able to look past the mess. Remember, buyers want to envision their things in your house. The more obstacles you put in the way, the harder time they have connecting with the home emotionally.
Take the time every day to make sure everything is cleaned up and the home is in showing condition. Dirty dishes, clothes on the floor, or anything that has an unkempt look begins to "wear" on the buyer and increases their concern for how the house is and has been maintained.

9. Sellers Who Like to Play Tour Guide During Showings
Almost every real estate agent would agree that sellers should leave the house during showings. Some sellers want to stick around and make sure buyers see all the important features of a home. The problem with that.........as a seller you don't know what's important to a buyer; worse, you may say something that negatively impacts your buyer's impression.
Sellers that hover around during a showing will make the buyer nervous. They won't feel comfortable discussing things they like or dislike about the house with their agent. In addition, most buyers like to explore a little bit. Interested buyers tend to do things like open cabinets and check in closets to get a better sense for the entire home. A hovering seller can make this very uncomfortable for some buyers.
Bottom line......leave the house when it's being shown. Your presence there will only make things worse.

10. Picking the Wrong Agent
You decided to list with your aunt or with your friend that just got in the business. You paid no attention to their experience or proficiency in how they market a home.
Its probably a good idea to interview more than one agent. Make sure to avoid the agents that simply list you home only put it on the MLS. I don't list homes, I SELL them by maximizing their exposure every possible way, through pictures, multiple sites, video, open houses, signage, blog postings, social media etc. The name of the game is supply and demand, a great agent will seek out ways to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible to increase the Demand for your property.
Don't be scared to ask a real estate agent questions about why they are a better choice than anyone else you may be considering. Just like with any profession, there are good real estate agents and there are bad real estate agents.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

- See more at: http://activerain.com/seller-mistakes#sthash.4Anz3zFC.dpuf

Celebrate: I Love Maplewood Village February 8th

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Selling your Home: The Seven Steps to Prepping your House for Sale

Seven Steps to Prepping your House for Sale

By a recent client

Is your house ready for its close-up? Putting a house on the market means that strangers are going to be scrutinizing its every nook and cranny, closet and cupboard. So what are the best steps to take to prep a house for sale? Here are seven suggestions for getting your house to look its best, with “premium upgrades” for each suggestion.

1. Basic: First impressions count, and plants are an inexpensive way to maximize your house’s curb appeal, especially in the winter time when most of your landscaping is cold and grey. So some potted plants at your entry will go a long way to taking a black and white picture and turning it into a color portrait. If weather permits, then by all means plant some colorful annuals right by your entrance or place containers on each side of your front door. A hanging basket will freshen up your porch, while a row of potted plants will add color to your steps. Don’t forget to keep the plants looking good.

Upgrade: If you can, a fresh coat of exterior paint will brighten your horizons. However, if you don't have the budget for that, you may want consider painting the trim around your front door and around any front windows. Buyers usually have to pause at the door before entering, and freshly painted trim--inside and out--will add to a good first impression.

2. Basic: Sweep and vacuum; wipe counters and clean sinks. Hide clutter in lidded boxes or better yet, throw it away, your going to moving anyway, so why pay to move something still in its original box or no longer useful! Buyers need to feel comfortable when they walk through your home, and cleanliness is essential to comfort. If you really hate to clean, consider a cleaning service as an excellent investment in getting your house sold.

Upgrade: Flowers in a vase or a bowl of fruit on the table send a message that your house is clean and fresh. Spritz your dining table with a bit of lemon scented furniture spray – it’s a subtle but guaranteed way to say, “I’m clean!”

3. Basic: It is standard procedure for your Realtor to recommend having your windows cleaned inside and out; this is done to create a brighter and cleaner impression all around.

4. Basic: Clean out your closets. Get rid of all empty hangers, clear the floor space and thin out your clothes as much as possible. Sell, give away or donate unused items. Think of this as getting a head start on your move.

Upgrade: Borrow the look of upscale clothing stores. Replace your mismatched wire hangers with one type of plastic or fabric covered hanger. These hangers are reasonably priced at most home stores or Costco, and your clothes will thank you. Arrange your clothes by type (all shirts together, all pants together, etc.) and by color.

5. Basic: Lighten up. Make sure that all overhead lights are working and that table and floor lamps have bulbs. A well-lighted house seems cheerful and clean.

Upgrade: Add at least one floor or table lamp to each living space with an overhead light. Your rooms will look both warmer and brighter with multiple sources of light. And turn on all lights before your house gets shown to buyers. Also recommended, please have a little sign or post it indicate which switches to use for visiting Realtors as they need to have a "how to" guide to look like they know your home to add to the confidence of showing it to their clients.

6. Basic: Clear out cabinets and cupboards. You want people to feel that your house offers plentiful storage, so make sure that kitchen, laundry and bathroom cabinets are organized and uncluttered.

Upgrade: Borrow a styling tip from supermarkets and drugstores, and turn bottles and boxes so that their labels face out. It’s a simple trick that most people won’t even notice, but it instantly brings order to visual chaos.

7. Basic: Depersonalize your home. Buyers need to be able to imagine living in your house, and your family photos, souvenirs and knick-knacks get in the way of this process. As much as possible, pack up and store your most personal items.

Upgrade: Create neutral “stage sets.” Look at how catalogs for stores like Pottery Barn/West Elm/Restoration Hardware style a room to suggest comfort and style. A colorful throw on the back of an armchair, a few recent magazines on the coffee table, or a pretty perfume bottle on the bathroom counter add the right amount of personality. These touches send a message to buyers that living in your house is a pleasure. Even better, employ the skills of a talented stager to bring the right "now" looks and colored accessories into your home so that today's buyers can more readily identify with the property and potentially see it as theirs!

I love having my clients and friends provide content for this local blog!

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Friday, January 17, 2014

Moving to South Orange: Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

JANUARY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 20, 2014
noon-4:30 pm
Celebrating Freedom and Community

Be inspired! Bring the whole family and join us for a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Activities for all ages include films, performances, and hands-on art and science, as well as tours of the Museum's collections.

12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm
Film screening: Dr. King's I Have a Dream Speech

2 pm Performance: Freedom Stories
TAHIRA will share the stories and songs of freedom fighters who had the courage in the face of inequality and injustice.

3:30 pm: Words of Inspiration--Lest We Forget
Guest speaker: Marcia W. Brown, Esq. Vice Chancellor for Student and Community Affairs, Rutgers, The State Universeity of New Jersey, Newark-campus.

In South Orange and Maplewood, you can participate in this event:

The South Orange and Maplewood School District PTA's will hold a Martin Luther King Day celebration for the entire family.

Rev. Sandye Wilson of St. Andrew’s Episcopal & Holy Communion Church in South Orange will be the host of the event. The Columbia High School Chamber Choir who will contribute a few musical selections, among other guest speakers and performances.

Families are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to food pantries in the Maplewood and South Orange community, to embrace the spirit of the day and Dr. King

AND FOR AN UPDATED LOOK AT FRIDAY'S MLK MARCH FROM MMS-MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL: CLICK HERE
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Designers Designed Football Helmets from Bloomingdales

With the Superbowl so close, this is a fun look at fashionista helmets:

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority. Mark Slade

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

We are fast approaching Super Bowl XLVIII aka #48; Who do you think will be playing?

We are fast approaching Super Bowl XLVIII aka #48; Who do you think will be playing?

Here is a graphic that has an interesting comparison:

Super Bowl Appearances vs. Real Estate Prices

Super Bowl and Real Estate Facts

Here are more facts that indicate a correlation between Super Bowl appearances and real estate prices:

The 10 teams that have been to the Super Bowl the MOST come from cities with an average median home price of $339,800. These cities have home prices that are an impressive 40 percent higher than the average median home price of cities with NFL teams, $243,341.
The 13 teams that have been to the Super Bowl the LEAST come from cities with an average median home price of $231,985. These cities have home prices that are 5 percent lower than the average median home price of cities with NFL teams.

See for yourself how the Super Bowl appearances of NFL teams stack up against the real estate prices in their respective cities:

TEAM NAME, CITY NAME SUPER BOWL APPEARANCES MEDIAN HOME PRICE
STEELERS, PITTSBURGH 8 $92,500
COWBOYS, DALLAS 8 $135,600
PATRIOTS, BOSTON 7 $375,700
BRONCOS, DENVER 6 $244,600
49ERS, SAN FRANCISCO 6 $751,600
PACKERS, GREEN BAY 5 $129,800
GIANTS, NEW YORK 5 $517,900
REDSKINS, WASHINGTON, D.C. 5 $443,700
RAIDERS, OAKLAND 5 $445,200
DOLPHINS, MIAMI 5 $261,400
COLTS, INDIANAPOLIS 4 $120,400
VIKINGS, MINNEAPOLIS 4 $220,900
BILLS, BUFFALO 4 $66,200
RAMS, ST. LOUIS 3 $121,300
CHIEFS, KANSAS CITY 2 $138,300
BEARS, CHICAGO 2 $261,600
BENGALS, CINCINNATI 2 $126,000
EAGLES, PHILADELPHIA 2 $150,000
RAVENS, BALTIMORE 2 $168,400
JETS, NEW YORK 1 $517,900
BUCCANEERS, TAMPA 1 $180,800
SAINTS, NEW ORLEANS 1 $192,600
CHARGERS, SAN DIEGO 1 $445,500
FALCONS, ATLANTA 1 $257,200
TITANS, NASHVILLE 1 $166,400
PANTHERS, CHARLOTTE 1 $175,600
SEAHAWKS, SEATTLE 1 $452,000
CARDINALS, PHOENIX 1 $182,300
BROWNS, CLEVELAND 0 $84,000
LIONS, DETROIT 0 $67,000
JAGUARS, JACKSONVILLE 0 $166,500
TEXANS, HOUSTON 0 $128,000
Comparison to the 2013-2014 NFL Playoffs

If there really is a correlation between real estate prices and Super Bowl appearances, there is no better proof of it than the matchups in the conference championship games coming up this weekend. Interestingly, all four of the teams playing in the semi-finals of the 2013-2014 NFL season come from cities with comparatively high real estate prices. Three of these teams, the 49ers, the Patroits, and the Broncos, can be found in the above infographic. Housing prices in their home cities range from $244,600 (Denver) to the exorbitantly high $751,600 (San Francisco). The only team not found in the above infographic, the Seahawks, also come from a city with famously high real estate prices.

Regardless of who wins in the upcoming conference championship games, two teams from cities with comparatively expensive housing are guaranteed to play in the Super Bowl!
Is There Actually a Correlation Between the Super Bowl and Real Estate?

Despite the validity of the facts listed throughout this article, we can conclude that there is no correlation between Super Bowl appearances and real estate prices. As you can see in the below graph, there is nothing to indicate that there is a linear relationship between the two.

Graph mapping Super Bowl appearances and the median house price of the cities with NFL teamsAs most knowledgeable football fans probably noticed, three of the NFL’s most successful teams – the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys – are notably absent from the above graphic. They were omitted because of their home cities’ relatively low real estate prices. The highest median home price between these three cities, $135,600 in Dallas, is still around $80,000 below the national median home price!

Football fans in Seattle and New York, cities with astronomical real estate prices, should also be quick to point out that the correlation doesn’t exist. If high real estate prices really did guarantee Super Bowl appearances, teams like the Seahawks and the Jets would have excellent chances of going to The Big Game each season!

Oh well, the Market Leader blog staff had fun thinking that we were on to something there. We hope you enjoyed reading this graphic and post as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

This infographic was originally published on the RealEstate.com blog, which is operated by the Market Leader blog staff. You can find the original post here.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Pied Pipes: How to protect from Pipes Bursting

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

While this may sound unnecessary, I can tell you that bursting pipes was all the rage last week as a result of the polar vortex of 2014. I had 2 listings with burst pipes and 2 homes another two clients are in the midst of buying also had burst pipes. So, you need to take this seriously as it's not the repair cost of the pipes that is the issue, it's the amount of damage water can do to a home in a very short period of time.

Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem:

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/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— Millburn, Short Hills, 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 (ABR), 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/Millburn/Short Hills/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® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Friday, January 10, 2014

New For 2014, The Tax Benefits And Deductions Available To U.S. Homeowners, by Dan Green

New For 2014, The Tax Benefits And Deductions Available To U.S. Homeowners

Mortgage rates and markets change constantly. Stay 100% current by taking The Mortgage Reports by email each day. Click here to get free email alerts, or subscribe to the RSS feed in your browser.

Tax benefits of homeownership : For what tax deductions are homeowners eligible?

Tax season may feel like a burden for some Americans, but homeowners have plenty of advantages when it comes to claiming deductions.

The U.S. tax code is designed to offer incentives to homeowners, and by taking advantage of these breaks, 1040-filing citizens can maximize their financial investment in homeownership.

Whether a home is financed via a mortgage, or paid-in-full with cash, there are a multitude of tax-savings opportunities associated with owning a home. Of course, every homeowner's financial situation is different, so please consult with a tax professional regarding your individual tax liability.

Get today's personalized mortgage rates.

Tax Deduction : Mortgage Interest Paid

Mortgage interest paid to a lender is tax-deductible and, for some homeowners, interest paid ca provide a large tax break -- especially in the early years of a home loan. This is because the standard mortgage amortization schedule is front-loaded with mortgage interest.

At today's mortgage rates, annual interest payments on a 30-year loan term exceed annual principal payments until loan's 10th year.

Mortgage interest tax deductions are extended to second mortgages, too.

Interest paid on refinances, home equity loans (HELOAN) and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are tax-deductible as well. However, restrictions apply on homeowners who raise their mortgage debt beyond their property's fair market value.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes a $1 million loan size cap. Loans for more than one million dollars are exempt from this tax deduction.

Get today's personalized mortgage rates.

Tax Deduction : Discount Points

Mortgage tax deductions can extend beyond your monthly payment. Discount points paid in connection with a home purchase or a refinance are often tax-deductible, too.

A discount point is a one-time, at-closing fee which gets a borrower access to mortgage rates below current "market rates".

As an example, if the current market mortgage rate is 5 percent, paying one discount point may get you access to a mortgage rate of 4.75%. The IRS treats discount points as "prepaid mortgage interest" which, in turn, can render them tax-deductible.

When discount points are paid in conjunction with a purchase, the cost may be deducted in full in the year in which they were paid, dollar-for-dollar. With respect to a refinance, discount points are not fully tax-deductible in the year in which they are paid.

With a refinance, discount points are typically amortized over the life of the loan.

The cost of one discount point on a 30-year loan can be deducted at 1/30 of its value per tax-calendar year.

Get today's personalized mortgage rates.

Other Deductions : Property Taxes, Renovations, Home Office

Real Estate Taxes

Homeowners typically pay real estate taxes to local and state entities. These property taxes can often be deducted in the year in which they are paid. If your mortgage lender currently escrows your taxes and insurance, it will send an annual statement to you which you can file with your complete federal tax returns. Your accountant can help determine the payment's tax deductibility.

Home Improvements

For tax-paying homeowners, certain types of home improvement projects are tax-deductible. Home improvements made for medical reasons, for example, can be tax-deductible. If you are making home renovations to accommodate a chronically ill or disabled person, and the renovations do not add to the overall value of the home, the project costs are typically 100% tax deductible. Repairs and improvements made for aesthetic purposes are not tax-deductible.

Home Offices

Homeowners who work from their residence can typically deduct the expenses of maintaining a qualified home office. Allowable tax deductions for a home office include renovations to the room(s), telephone lines, and the cost of heat and electric. Before claiming a home office on your returns, though, be sure to speak with an accountant to understand the benefits and liabilities. There are caveats to claiming home office tax deductions on your tax returns, and the rules can be tricky.

Homeowners : Budget For Your Tax Breaks

Tax deductions will reduce your annual costs of homeownership and, for some homeowners, mortgage interest tax deductions will shift the answer to the "Should I Rent or Should I Buy?" question.

Tax law changes frequently, though. Consider building your housing budget with the help of a tax preparer. Get a feel for how much home you can afford before and after accounting for your various homeowner tax breaks. And, as you build your budget, use legitimate mortgage rates in your calculations.

Get them here, for free, and specifically tailored to your home.

Get today's personalized mortgage rates.

About the Author

Dan Green is a mortgage market expert, providing over 10 years of direct-to-consumer advice. NMLS #1019791. You can also connect with Dan on Twitter and on Google+.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Millburn and Short Hills 2013 Real Estate Recap: Get your entire years worth of statistics so you can get an idea of How Wonderful the Market is!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Trader Joes Top 25 Item List

With a Trader Joe's just a mile down the road from my home in Maplewood, I couldn't resist sharing their Top 25 Item list since my #1 and the overall #1--Ginger Snaps--are one in the same!