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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Investors can buy in cash to get best deal and then Cash-Out with new Delayed Financing Rule

Delayed Financing Rule : Pay Cash For A Home, Cash-Out Refi Next Day




Delayed Financing Rule for mortgagesIf you paid cash for a home within the last 6 months and want to take "cash out", you can. It's because of a new mortgage allowance named the Delayed Financing Rule.

The standard 6-month seasoning requirement on home purchases has been eliminated.
About The Delayed Financing Rule

The Delayed Financing Rule was introduced as part of Fannie Mae's Selling Guide update SEL-2011-05. Considering its impact on real estate investors, there was surprisingly little fanfare around its release.

Because of the Delayed Financing Rule, real estate investors can now pay cash for a home, then extract that cash immediately post-closing via a mortgage.

Click here to get a mortgage rate quote.

Prior to the Delayed Financing Rule, there was a mandatory 6-month waiting period.

The Delayed Financing Rule qualifying standards are:

The new mortgage may not exceed the documented property purchase price
The original purchase must have been arms-length
The original HUD-1 must document that the sale occurred
The original HUD-1 must confirm that no financing was used
A title search must show that no liens exist on the property
Funds used for original purchase must be documented

Delayed Financing Rule mortgages are subject to a 70% loan-to-value limit except for investors with more than 4 properties financed.

For investors with more than 4 properties financed, the Delayed Financing Rule LTV limit is 65%, and other 5-10 Property Program restrictions apply, too.
You Paid Cash, Now Mortgage That Cash Back

The Delayed Financing Rule was meant to for investors paying cash, but everyday homeowners can use the program, too. Mortgage rates are the same as for any cash-out refinance and there are no specific "points" or other fees added to the loan.

Closings are scheduled like "normal" refinances and the underwriting process is the same.

Not every bank will offer mortgages using the Delayed Financing Rule, though. Especially for investors using the 5-10 Properties program. Waterstone Mortgage does offer it, however.

You can click here to get a rate quote.
Author
Dan Green
About the Author

Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan atdan.green@waterstonemortgage.comor call 513-443-2020.

Any investors in NJ that want to take advantage of this new rule change please feel free to contact me:

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059

Hello Kitty Party in Maplewood


Parteaz is hosting a party for anyone who loves Hello Kitty this coming Friday from 4-6PM

Dress as you wish--in costume, wearing pink,etc.--and enjoy the activities for children. You can make your own CAKE POP, brew the purrfect cup of tea, Sew your own "Kitty" purse or simply have some face painting done. For kids 3-7 years of age.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com

Monday, November 28, 2011

Garrison Keillor Blows into Maplewood with his "A Christmas Blizzard"

Lake Wobegon Comes to Maplewood, Yes, you heard right!




In a town blanketed with authors and publishing industry execs (including the Associate Publisher of the Viking Children's Books Division of the Penguin Young Readers Group that i just helped to place in her first home in Maplewood:MS)
and all that is literati, heralded author,
Garrison Keillor will be in town tonight to tout his new book at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28 at Words Bookstore.

Patch article by Mary Mann
Email the author
November 27, 2011



A new short comic novel by Garrison Keillor, A Christmas Blizzard


Garrison Keillor, creator and host of the nationally syndicated A Prairie Home Companion, and Maplewood would seem to be a perfect fit.

First of all, you can't swing a book prospectus without smacking a published author and Keillor acolyte in this town. Yes, the town is lousy with the literate, postively bursting with the bookish, and one person I know even goes running in a P.O.E.M. — Professional Organization of English Majors — t-shirt (see here for an explanation).

Secondly, Maplewood seems strangely akin to Keillor's fictional town of Lake Wobegon, where "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."

Anyhoo, it behooves all the local literati to gather 'round Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Words Bookstore to hear Keillor hawk his new short comic novel A Christmas Blizzard — about a Hawaii-bound holiday traveler who ends up stranded in his hometown during a blizzard.

For more about this event: Click on Maplewood Patch

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Turkey Trifecta: ideas for your turkey leftovers!

What to do with Leftovers?

A turkey sandwich is just one basic idea. Adding Stuffing and Cranberry sauce, like they serve it as the "hobgoblin" at Gaslight takes it to a new level.

I highly recommend cutting up the turkey in small cubes and adding to a saucepan that is being used to saute onions and garlic, then add some taco seasoning in order to make a great big batch of turkey taco meat!

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com

Here are some other ideas from around the state.

By Patch Staff
Email the author
November 25, 2011




So the feast is over and everyone has had a good night's sleep fueled by an excess of food and drink.

So what to do with the leftovers? We asked our own staffers and their friends and neighbors and of course, being Patch, scoured the Web, to find out what Jersey does the day after the feast.

Of course, there's a turkey sandwich. But why not make it a bit more Jersey-specific, with a turkey Sloppy Joe? First, a bit of history: cooking enthusiast Ben Salmon explains the history of how the sandwich was invented in South Orange and rates three local purveyors.

But now on to the recipe, complete with homemade Russian dressing.

Ben has lots of other good ideas for leftovers, including what sounds to us like a Thanksgiving Dagwood.

Want a more traditional sandwich? Try "Thanksgiving on a Bun," from Mahwah's Mason Jar restaurant.

And one more twist on a sandwich, from Fabian Quiros, Executive Chef at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton.

Not a lot of turkey left over? Then try Fabian's recipe for Southwestern Turkey Soup:

Make a deliciously hearty and easy soup with turkey and corn leftovers mixed with tomatoes, beans, and warm southwestern spices.

For more ideas: Click Here Maplewood Patch

Saturday, November 19, 2011

NO LEAF LEFT BEHIND-MAPLEWOOD TOWN LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE

2011 LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE




Week of 11/14/11 Section: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12

Week of 11/21/11 Section: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Week of 11/28/11 Section: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Week of 12/05/11 Section: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Week of 12/12/11 Section: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12


BEGINNING THE WEEK OF OCT. 10TH LEAF PILES WILL BE COLLECTED IN ALL SECTIONS UNTIL REGULAR SECTION PICK UPS BEGIN ON OCTOBER 24th

PLEASE NOTE THAT WEATHER AND EQUIPMENT FAILURES MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE SCHEDULE. DELAYS SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 1 OR 2 DAYS. IF THE TOWNSHIP GETS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE THEY MAY COME THROUGH YOUR SECTION EARLY, BUT WILL ALSO BE BACK DURING YOUR SCHEDULED WEEK.

NO LEAVES SHALL BE PUT IN THE STREET MORE THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED WEEK. NO LEAVES SHALL BE PUT IN THE STREET AFTER THE SUNDAY BEFORE YOUR LAST SCHEDULED PICK UP WEEK. THE TOWNSHIP HAS PICKED UP THE LEAVES ON YOUR STREET DURING YOUR LAST SCHEDULED PICK UP WEEK

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
181 Maplewood Ave
Maplewood, NJ 07040
917.797.5059
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com
www.maplewoodnjopenhouses.com

Friday, November 18, 2011

Song and Dance All Around Town-Pre Thanksgiving Weekend

Song and Dance All Around Town

Singers and Dancers Perform Various Shows Locally This Weekend


Credit South Orange Performing Arts Center

The opportunities to indulge your love of music and dance abound locally this weekend. From the music of the Beatles, to love song and ballads, to chorales and symphonies, your favorite genre is sure to be represented. Dance enthusiasts will enjoy the Dance Theatre of Harlem or the Broadway production numbers of White Christmas. Read on for the details of these events and others and feel free to add your own suggestions for weekend entertainment in the Comments section.

Jay Dougherty Ballads & Love Songs

Spend an evening enjoying the songs of Sinatra, Martin and Gershwin when local favorite Jay Dougherty performs at Highland Place. The steaks and chops are prepared over a wood fire, so plan to stay for dinner, too! Free admission; Friday at 8 p.m.; Maplewood

White Christmas

Based on the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a delightful musical about two singer/dancers performing a show in snowy Vermont, while falling in love with two singing sisters under the mistletoe. Holiday magic, song, dance and comedy all wrapped up in one merry show. $25-$80; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.; Millburn

Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble

Sixteen young dancers trained at the Dance Theatre of Harlem will delight the audience with a show for all ages at SOPAC. Young dancers and those interested in learning more about dance will find this interactive performance fascinating. $30-$40; Sunday at 3 p.m.; South Orange

Drew the Dramatic Fool

In the tradition of Vaudeville, royal jesters, clowns, silent films and animated cartoons, Drew the Dramatic Fool offers laughs for imperfect humans, taking the audience through a range of emotions from joy to fear to despair and back to joy again. $15; Sunday at 11 a.m.; South Orange

Beatlemania Now

The Maplewood First Aid Squad presents “Beatlemania Now” as a fundraiser to help the Squad with operating expenses such as medical supplies and emergency vehicle maintenance. The show tells the story of the Beatles from 1964 to 1969, with authentic costuming and 30 classic hit songs, with all the spirit of the original Fab Four. $16; Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Maplewood

South Orange Symphony Concert

Stay after the show for a reception with Maestro Helmacy and Orchestra. Free; Saturday at 8 p.m.; South Orange

Yoga, Breakfast and Bling

Yoga is by donation only; Saturday at 8 a.m.; Millburn

The Friends of Maplewood Library’s Fall Book Sale

Free admission; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Maplewood

Summit Chorale Concert

Free; Saturday at 8 p.m.; Maplewood

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
917.797.5059


For More details: Maplewood Patch

Monday, November 14, 2011

This is not Carole King's Tapastry, but it is a new Tapas Restaurant hosting a Guitar Night this Friday!

Come join for a night of music and Spanish food this Friday in Montclair. The second annual Guitars In The Round will feature Ian Smit, Doug Gill, Harvey Valdes and Rich Maloof doing all sorts of inadvisable things to guitars of various shapes and sizes.




Tapastry is a new tapas place in Montclair with a performance space upstairs. FYI, it's BYOB, FWIW. It's $8 at the door (if you don't eat anything, they also ask a $10 corking fee).




Tapastry Restaurant (upstairs)
12 Church Street, Monclair
973 233 0216
http://tapastryrestaurant.blogspot.com/

sent to me by my friend Rich Maloof

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com

Can you believe it now Costs 21% less to Own a Home?

Homeowners Paying 21% Less To Own Their Homes




Mortgage rates have plunged this year, driving down the long-term costs of homeownership. Regardless of loan type -- either FHA, USDA, conforming or jumbo --mortgage payments are downright cheap as compared to just six months ago.

REALTORS® will tell you it's a great time to buy a home. That may be true.

It's an even better time to refinance one.

Exceptionally low mortgage rates make for exceptionally low mortgage payments and, no matter for how long you've owned your home or made payments on it, you have a chance to dramatically slash your payments, leaving money for other things such as retirement, home improvement, and college tuition.

Here's why : When you make your mortgage payment each month, a portion of your payment is interest. The lower your interest rate, the less interest you pay each month. This math applies to all amortizing loans -- 30-year schedule, 15-year schedule or otherwise.

Over the life of a loan, the interest cost savings can be substantial.

As a real-life example of two 30-year fixed rate mortgages for $300,000 -- one from April 2011 and one from today :

April 2011 : The $300,000 mortgage requires $275,000 in interest paid over time
November 2011 : The $300,000 mortgage requires $217,000 in interest paid over time


In other words, at today's rates, with a $300,000 mortgage, you can chop $57,000 off your long-term mortgage interest costs as compared to a mortgage from just 6 months ago.

That's a 21% savings and the math applies to all loan sizes.

Click here to get a mortgage quote.
The Reverse Of "Starting Over" With Your Mortgage

There's a common refrain among homeowners facing refinance scenarios. It goes like this: "These low rates are excellent," they say, "but I'm already 6 years into my loan and I don't want to start over. I don't want a new 30-year fixed rate loan."

Maybe you've even thought something similar; something akin to refinancing to a 15-year fixed or some other shorter-length loan.

The good news is that you don't have to.

There's a simpler way to refinance without "starting over". It requires just a small amount of advance planning, but yields a lifetime of real-cash savings. Here's what to do:

Make note of your current principal + interest payment
Refinance to a new, lower mortgage rate and payment; reset your loan for a new 30 year
Make your former principal + interest payment to your new lender each month
Continue making payments until the loan is paid off

In other words, refinance your mortgage but continue to make your "old" payment to your new lender. This will add extra principal to your payment each month, thereby accelerating your home loan payoff.

So long as you don't add egregious costs to your loan balance at the time of closing -- in every example imaginable -- you will own your home faster than if you never refinanced at all.

Click here for a rate quote. I can show you how the numbers work for your home loan.
Get A Mortgage Rate Quote

Because of today's low mortgage rates, the cost of paying off a mortgage has never been lower. You can save on interest costs and put that money to other use.

So, if you own a home -- no matter when you last financed it -- see what you can save with a refinance. You have nothing to lose by asking, and everything to gain. Especially now that you know how to refinance without taking on 30 more years of borrowing.

About the Author

Dan Green (NMLS #227607) is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage. Email Dan atdan.green@waterstonemortgage.comor call 513-443-2020.

And, if you are searching for a home, please keep in mind that with today's interest rates, every $1,000 in taxes equates to approximately $9,000 in house price. So, if you are using a Top Agent, you should keep in mind that you might be able to afford even MORE house for the buck, if you confirm that a home has less than the usual amount of taxes relative to its asking price!

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Top 10 Tips to Entertaining for the Holidays

As we turn the year's bend and Thanksgiving approaches, followed by Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year's to name some, it's only fitting to start making preparations for your entertaining needs. The key is not to procrastinate, while getting your list together--not the "who's been naughty and who's been nice" one--to make things that much easier and also to create an opportunity for you--THE HOST--to also enjoy the experiences you put together for friends and family.

So, let's start:

1. Candles, Candles and More Candles. Tea Lights are cheap and can fit into a variety of "containers" to add atmosphere that is consistent with your decorative style. Simple Glass Votive Holders work anywhere but are especially relevant to a more modern decorative style; whereas, rustic metal votive holders work with more ornate or antique oriented home designs.



I must stress that you use caution as to where you place these candles as we don't want to end up with a fire hazard. So, if you are keeping guests, residents and animals away from a center staircase, then the picture above provide an incredible mood. If you are planning for a "full-house" then I recommend placing votives in punch bowls like featured above, to still provide atmosphere but in a safer context.

2. Mood Music. Ever since the iPod and its newer, faster, sleeker brothers, becoming your own DJ has become that much more fun and easy. It's your party, so why not pick music you and your guests will enjoy to enhance their experience, as sound is one of the top 5 sensory experiences an individual can have. I actually suggest that, depending on the crowd, you can move through a variety of genres--lifting the pace from introductory mood music to Chic Hotel (these hotels make CD's and iTunes Albums) with a little more vibe; of course, if you are planning your own rave, house dance music-a-thon, or 80's rock retrospective, be my 'guest.'

3. Prep isn't just for Preppies. Have you ever had everything cooked to perfection, decorated to the 9's and all your guests are raving about how wonderful a time they are having only to wake up the next morning and realize it felt like you weren't at your own party? Prepping in advance can make such a huge difference and free you up to actually enjoy your party.



i. MAKE A LIST. yes, organize your thoughts on paper and organize in chronological order so that the flowers are ordered, food purchased, etc.
ii. set the table(s) in advance
iii. if using candles, have them set up in advance. This will also get your home's residents more aware of where the candles will be in advance for safety's sake.
iv. even better, try to chose foods that can be made in advance and simply reheated or put on warming trays. This will allow you to be less stressed leading up to the first knock on the door or doorbell ring.
v. consider buffet set up and style to minimize serving needs. This reduces set up efforts and also helps to cut down on wasting food in many cases so that your guests take what they will eat.

4. Flowers or other forms to decorative enhancement. Let's face it, flowers usually rule the day for adding color and fragrance to freshen up your home. And, if your home has any lingering pet odors, flowers can help to minimize and mask them. A note of caution, if you follow the rule of K-I-S-S--Keep It Simple Stupid--you will be rewarded for simplicity and save money at the same time. I also recommend you chose vases that you already own or, if buying with your arrangements, choosing ones you plan to reuse in some way, shape or form so as not to waste $ and add to landfills.


5. Home GPS. GPS stands for navigation and your home may not be set up for easy navigation for a party. So, depending on your style of party--formal sit down to buffet to cocktail/dance party--you would be best served rearranging your furnishings to provide the appearance and traffic flow you would like to see rather than leaving it to chance. Is it a big enough difference and worth the effort, in a word YES. I still remember my first experience going through a museum, in my case the JFK memorial museum outside of Boston, taking its nautical spiral tour and spilling out to the beach to see JFK's beloved wooden boat. Controlled flow produces intended outcomes, conversely, you could end up with a chaotic evening with "fender benders" and spilled drinks.

6. Chairmen of the Board. You buy your home, you move your furniture in and you get to sit back in comfort (hopefully) and enjoy your home as intended. Well, your home is generally a box that houses 2-6 inhabitants from kids to pets, etc. When you are hosting a party, this number usually doubles if not triples. So, do you have enough seating? Do you have room to add enough seating to accommodate your guests? Lastly, if your are adding any chairs, will they be comfortable enough for your guests to enjoy themselves or will your playlist have to be managed so everyone is playing musical chairs to win your beloved club chair? Simple solution: borrow, bring in outdoor cushions or buy some inexpensive cushions to fit whatever extra chairs you will be using (if you have the budget, there is nothing like using a nice comfy chair cover to convert the orange wood and metal chair into a not-so-shabby chic!



7. And while we talk about dressing up your extra chairs, what about your table? Let's face it, nothing says HOLIDAY like having the right festive tablecloth or runner for your dining room table.

8. To be Flat or Not to be Flat, that is the question. So many people have flat screen TV's in this day in age and let's face it, put on a sports game will act like a magnet drawing those tv zombified guests to your flat screen like bugs to the bulb. So, here's the trick: either set up your TV to act as a screening room for your most recent family vacation/party/event or find some soothing images to display, even consider buying a "fireplace" dvd to set the mood!



9. Doing the Dishes. Let's say you are having 12 guest and that there will be appetizers, main courses and desserts being served at the very least. That translates into at least 36 dishes and 12 glasses (24 if you are serving drinks of any kind in addition to water). Unless your home has 2 dishwashers or you have hired help for the evening, the pile up at the end of the night will look like one of those horrific snow/ice storm pileups on a national highway. The best advice i can give is to take a moment at "half-time" and load up your dishwasher and run it. First of all, there is a good chance one or two considerate guests will help you rinse and load or later unload and re-load later. This will at least cut down the work by 50% and won't leave you with as much as a bad taste in your mouth when the last of your guests have left.


10. My Last Tip is for you! Let's just imagine you have done all the prep and set the stage for a great time. But, its 5 minutes till your "start" time and all of the sudden your anxiety kicks in: what did i forget? will my friends show? is someone allergic to Puss N Boots or Dudley the Dog? While you can't control any of these you at least owe it to yourself(ves) to have a toast to one another or a wonderfully warm sip of wine to relax you and get you back into party enjoyment/fun mode! So CHEERS!



I hope you found this helpful! Enjoy your Holidays! Bottoms Up!

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059

www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
www.njluxhomes.com
www.maplewoodnjopenhouses.com
www.southorangenjopenhouses.com

Jersey Concert For Jersey Music Lovers

A Jersey Concert For Jersey Music Lovers




Buy your tickets today for the Rock & Soul Concert Festival 2011


On Saturday, November 19, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Rock & Soul Concert Festival 2011 will hold its first annual concert at the Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University.

In short, this is a Jersey concert for Jersey music lovers.

The Rock & Soul Concert Festival is a combination of two concerts in one night. The first show, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will consist of three rock acts: Little Devil (of Warren), The Jersey Royale (of Ramsey), and Black Water (of Jersey City). The second show, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., will bring together four R&B and soul talents from New Jersey to New York that will include: Jesse Idol (of Newark), J Mello (of New York), and Shanelle Gabriel (of New York). Lastly, and most gratefully, there is Stephanie White & the Philth Harmonic, the inspiration for this combination of rock and soul.


The show will be held at the Memorial Auditorium is located on the Montclair State University campus at 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair. For more information on this event please call (201) 506-4536. Please visit the website, rockandsoulconcert.moonfruit.com. To purchase tickets ($15 for the Rock show, $15 for the Soul show and $22.50 for both) you can go directly to rockandsoulconcert.eventbrite.com.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
www.montclairnjopenhouses.com

For more info on this concert, Go To Montclair Patch

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

BofA actions might inspire us to OCCUPY MAPLEWOOD, Let Alone Wall Street!

This entry is courtesy of my friend Tom P., a Maplewood Resident and also a fellow KW agent.



We hope you find this useful!

"My mortgage was bought from my mortgage company about two years ago by Bank Of America. I pay into escrow to cover taxes and insurance. When I noticed that out monthly payment went up a lot, I called. The rep at Bank Of America explained that my taxes and insurance had gone up so the escrow payment would be higher. When I asked for the breakdown there was about $110.00 unaccounted for. I pointed this out, and was told by the rep that the unaccounted for money was going into a "reserve requirement fund". I asked about the fund and was told that the fund was in place in case my taxes and insurance went up. I then pointed out that that the taxes and insurance had indeed gone up, and the increased payment to my escrow covered the difference. The rep then asked if I wanted the "reserve requirement fund" removed. I told her yes, and mentioned that I was never given notice of this fund. Her response was "I apologize for that." DOUBLE CHECK YOUR MORTGAGE, FOLKS. If Bank Of America holds 1 million mortgages and tacks on a $100 "reserve requirement fund" fee to all of them, that's 1.2 billion dollars. Suspected fraud or complaints about banks can be filed online here: http://www.helpwithmybank.gov/
--Tom P."

Monday, November 7, 2011

New Eateries in Montclair

Cuban & Cars: New Eateries in Montclair

Two new eateries on the way!


Although QBA is in the process of closing, Montclair will soon have a new spot from which to procure Cuban fare. A sign posted in the window at the former site of California Chicken on Valley Road at Van Vleck (two doors down from Enzo’s) states “Coming Soon Cuban America Food Home Style Cooking.”

In the space right next door to the newbie-Cuban, another poster is displayed signaling the arrival of “CARS Late Night Delivery.” According to the sign, CARS will “satisfy all your late night munchies."

For more about this please go to montclair.patch

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com

Friday, November 4, 2011

The Halloween Scare is over, it the Housing Market Scare over too?


We can't accurately predict where housing prices will trend at the moment as it has had the appearance of a Texas Two-Step lately and the same goes for Mortgage Rates. In the past, low interest rates would drive up prices as buyers could afford more "home" for the same monthly budget. But, our past year's worth of historically low interest rates haven't really had the buoying effect that most economists would have suggested.

So, the only thing an economist has left in their "bag-o-tricks" (one to be confused with Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags) is to look at the returns that have been generated since 2000. We all know that home prices skyrocketed from 2000-2005 and that they have plummeted since.

But, are you aware that if you bought/invested in a home in 2000, your return on investment would trump the Dow's 6.7% ROI by over 6X? Yes, Home prices are still showing a 43% ROI if you bought 11 years ago and after the major slide.

The problem with all of us is that we have a hard time about having "lost" the additional run up in home prices and equity up until 2006, which would have provided you with a 71% ROI.

The bottom line is that you can keep you cash under the mattress, but it won't earn a thing (it also won't lose unless a cleaning person or burglar finds it); you can keep your cash in the DOW with its 6.7% ROI (as oppposed the losses if you put your money in NASDQ or S+P; or, you can buy a home and live in it, thereby taking advantage of a the tax credits available to you and watch your investment ROI grow over time!

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
181 Maplewood Ave
Maplewood, NJ 07040
917.797.5059
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com
www.maplewoodnjopenhouses.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Leaves turn & fall, then the Clocks need to be turned Fall back

The Leaves turn & fall, then the Clocks need to be turned Fall back

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.

In the European Union, Summer Time begins and ends at 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time). It begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. In the EU, all time zones change at the same moment.

Spring forward, Fall back

During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.







Year DST Begins @2AM DST Ends @2AM
2010 March 14 November 7
2011 March 13 November 6
2012 March 11 November 4
2013 March 10 November 3
2014 March 9 November 2

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
marksladehomes@aol.com
www.maplewoodandsouthorangehomes.com
www.maplewoodnjopenhouses.com

Pre-Schools in the Maplewood and South Orange Area

This question comes up all the time and I have blogged about the many facilities available to families with young children.


Playhouse Preschool is in West Orange, and many of the families come from Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, and Glen Ridge. Playhouse is a favorite for many area residents and is located at 88 Franklin Ave in West Orange.

Here is a testimonial you might want to read about Playhouse Nursery School:

"We love Playhouse Nursery School (973-736-9451) in West Orange. It's near Montclair, Glen Ridge, and Maplewood/South Orange so families come from all of these towns, and many of us moved out from Brooklyn. Give them a call - I don't think there would be any problem with signing your kids up for preschool before you've moved. Playhouse has a pre-k transitional kindergarten for kids who don't make the Oct 1 cut off or September kids who are going in the following year. My son did this class a few years ago and the teachers are amazing - the whole school is focused on play, art, outdoor time, respect for differences, and, especially, helping kids learn how to work out conflicts on their own and gain social confidence. I found that these last two parts of the school were really valuable for my kids and helped a lot with the transition to, in our case, the West Orange public schools, where my son who did that class is now in the first grade. I feel like the social skills he learned from Playhouse have helped him a lot in a more traditional public school. I think the Open House for Playhouse is January 12 at 10 but you can call any time to come take a look. My twins are in the transitional kindergarten now and did Playhouse from the 2s class. There are lots of animals in the classes - bunnies, lizards - it's a really cool place. Oh, and they have an all day option for working parents. It's a coop preschool but there are also non-coop classes - you sign up for the one that best fits your family's needs.
One other thing - the whole preschool thing is a lot more relaxed out here in terms of signing up and getting spots. I think many of you will be shocked how easy it is to find and sign up kids for preschool out here in comparison with Brooklyn."

Playhouse is a preschool which values childhood as an exciting and important time when young children need to explore and experiment freely toward self-discovery.

It is a place where the most important knowledge is self-knowledge, which later informs academic learning.

Following the guiding principles of developmentally appropriate practice for young children, the Playhouse strives to provide each child with the tools needed to form a confident and positive self-concept as a learner.

Respect, communication, acceptance, support, and tolerance are important at Playhouse.

A cooperative school, Playhouse encourages and values the contributions of parents and families which produce a mosaic of patterns of participation.

The Playhouse staff is experienced in fostering an environment of guidance, support, love and understanding for students and families.

Playhouse is a reflection of the ideas, values, and people in the community it serves. With its sliding scale fee structure, Playhouse encourages an economically diverse student body.

Playhouse was founded in 1951 by a group of parents and Jeanne Ginsberg, a locally recognized leader in early childhood education. Jeanne led the school for over 50 years and she remains an active presence at Playhouse.

HERE IS A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF CHILD CARE CENTERS:

South Orange/Maplewood Preschools
YMCA-South Mountain (i used this for my son for after school care)

• South Orange

o South Orange Country Day School
o www.socds.com
o
o Preschool of Beth El
o http://www.bethelnj.org/education/preschool.shtml
o
o Mickey Fried Nursey School of Oheb Shalom
o http://www.ohebshalom.org/home/page.jsp?pg=2&pgName=mfns
o
o TSTI-Temple Sharei Tefilo Israel
http://www.tsti.org/page8/page133/page133.html
o
o Weekday Nursery School – 973-762-7879

• Maplewood
o Prospect Cooperative Nursery School corner of Tuscan http://www.prospectpreschool.org/
o
o Adassa Early Childhood Education Center (via Patch) http://maplewood.patch.com/listings/adassa-early-childhood-education-center
o
o Kinder Gan Preschool (via Patch)
o http://maplewood.patch.com/listings/kinder-gan-preschool
o
o Morrow Memorial Preschool
o http://www.morrowmem.org/home
o
o South Mountain YMCA Childcare (where jake goes now) http://www.smountainymca.org/child-care/infant-and-waddler-care.html
o
o Kelly’s Kids Daycare Center
o http://kellyskidsdc.com/
o
o St. Joseph’s Preschool and Elementary School
o http://www.stjosephmaplewood.org/

Millburn
Hedwig Gruenewald Early Childhood Center, Millburn
Hedwig Gruenwald Early Childhood Center, Millburn close to Maplewood

-Open Door Nursery School, Open Door Millburn close to Maplewood

Other Area Towns
-Christ church nursery school website

-west orange JCC
JCC

In terms of extended care:
Day care preschools might have better hours...
-the Y in Maplewood
-cornerstone preschool in Summit


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.



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween Parade & Costume Contest Maplewood, NJ 2011

One of my TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE






Copy and Paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohsRT7Spfqo

Mark Slade
Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty
181 Maplewood Avenue
C: 917.797.5059
e: marksladehomes@aol.com