Jan. 27, 2012 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Jan 28-29, 2012

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 21 Franklin Township homes for sale and schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams Featured listings!

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

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Jan. 23, 2012 - Happy Chinese New Year

Gong Xi Fa Cai

The Chinese New Year is a Dragon year and it starts on Jan. 23. The Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival or the lunar New Year and is one of the most colorful festivals in the world.

Jan. 21, 2012 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Jan. 21-22, 2012

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 14 Franklin Township homes for sale and schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams Featured listings!

Just Sold

11 Burnham Street, Somerset, NJ - $413,000

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Jan. 13, 2012 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Jan 14-15, 2012

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 16 Franklin Township homes for sale and schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams Featuredlistings!

Just Sold

11 Burnham Street, Somerset, NJ - $413,000

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Jan. 10, 2012 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook Market Report - January 2012

What’s happening in the marketplace at Somerset's Carriage Homes 

Somerset's "Carriage Homes at Quailbrook" townhomes are located near Demott Lane featuring models ranging from the 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style homes to 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths two story homes with family room and a second floor den. Then there are 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath homes with family room. All homes have single car garages. Many have a fireplace which might be either gas or wood burning. Some units offer French doors leading into the large master bedroom and some have a greenhouse window in the kitchen. Some units also have decksor paver block patios.

December ended with 320 Shilling Drive as the only sale in this community for the year.  This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse has original kitchen and baths. It listed at $268,900 and sold for $240,000 with 32 days on the market (DOM). 

According to Garden State MLS*, there are nine actively listed homes for sale in our community. Three are 2-story 3- bedroom, 2.5 bath townhomes.  Two are 2-story 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath homes.  Four are single level Ranch style 2-bedroom, 2 bath end units. The 3-bedroom homes represent two slightly different floor plans; as does one Bennington model Ranch and another Adams Ranch model that is in attorney review.

Two of the Carriage Homes listings are short sales. After nearly 22 months, one remains in attorney review. The nine list prices range between $239,900 and $269,900. Days on Market averages 206 for these properties; with the longest at 663 (DOM) days and the shortest at 19 (DOM);1/7/2012*

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Jan. 6, 2012 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Jan 7-8,2012

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 12 Franklin Township homes schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and/or Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams' Featured listings!

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Dec. 31, 2011 - Somerset residents can recycle trees

Do you still have your live Christmas tree? The Somerset County Park Commission will be accepting natural Christmas trees for recycling through Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

Somerset County residents may bring their tree to Colonial Park, Parking Lot F, 156 Mettlers Road in East Millstone, Franklin Township or to North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater at the northern end of the parking lot near the lighted ball field. Both facilities will accept trees from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days a week.

Each family is limited to only one tree that must be free of all ornaments, wires, netting, and tinsel. Only natural trees will be accepted. Wreaths and garland will not be accepted as these items cannot be recycled. Deliveries from groups or dealers will be rejected. Following these guidelines is necessary to maintain a manageable recycling program.

Trees will be chopped into wood chips which will be used throughout the park system to mulch plantings. Some chips/mulch will be made available to the public at drop-off sites at no cost.

For information, call the Somerset County Park Commission Horticulture Department as 732 873-2459, ext. 21 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment, Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Dec. 31, 2011 - Best Advice for Sellers in 2012

Source: KCM Blog

Dec. 31, 2011 - Happy New Year

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dec. 23, 2011 - We know now; the answer is yes

Late September I posted the question, Rates Stay Low, But Will Costs Go Up?  We know now; the answer is yes. In that post it warned, “You should know that FHFA is the new regulator that is overseeing the restoration of viability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They are charged with reducing the risk on loans delivered to the GSEs in order to protect the U.S. taxpayer.” It further states, the proposed strategies are predictable with the outcome bringing higher costs to the consumer which makes buying a home more expensive. As costs go up, desire to buy goes down (as does the borrower’s ability to be approved for a mortgage). The message was: Buy sooner rather than later!

This past week’s congressional fight over the payroll tax extension includes a hike in mortgage fees for Freddie and Fannie Mae backed loans.  Fox News reported earlier this week, “In exchange for a two-month tax cut, the Senate on Saturday approved a permanent increase in fees attached to mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  The fee hike would apply to new mortgages and new refinances, and would last for the life of the loans."

So, now, what do you do? Existing loans are exempt from the new fees. The bill passed by the House earlier today does not go into effect until January 1, 2012. That means that loans submitted and in-process prior to the effective date should not be subject to higher fees and/or higher rates of mortgage insurance.

If you've been waiting for mortgage rates to fall any further, STOP!  It won't matter if mortgage rates fall because loan costs are rising.

Get ahead of the change. Get your rate locked and get yourself in-process. It's extra savings to you and your mortgage. If you need additional information, contact me via email and I will put you in touch with a trusted mortgage consultant. 

Dec. 22, 2011 - A Holiday Wish for You

This Holiday Season I Wish for You:

A Merry Christmas

Happy Kwanzaa

Joyous Holidays!

A sincere Thank You to past and present clients for your support and trust.

Dec. 19, 2011 - May the traditions of old bring you new joy

Sending a Warm Wish for a Happy Hanukkah
 

Dec. 2, 2011 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Dec. 3-4, 2011

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 20 Franklin Township homes schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams' Featured listings!

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Dec. 1, 2011 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook - Market Report - November 2011

What’s happening in the marketplace at Somerset's Carriage Homes

Somerset's "Carriage Homes at Quailbrook" townhomes are located near Demott Lane featuring models ranging from the 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style homes to 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths two story homes with family room and a second floor den. Then there are 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath homes with family room. All homes have single car garages. Many have a fireplace which might be either gas or wood burning. Some units offer French doors leading into the large master bedroom and some have a greenhouse window in the kitchen. Some units also have decksor paver block patios..

According to the Garden State MLS, currently, there are 8 homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development. Two are single floor ranch style homes with different floor plans. There is one bank owned 3 bedroom/2.5 bath townhome and one 3 bedroom/2.5 bath townhome which is a short sale which has been in attorney review for 432 days. Average Days on Market is 223. Average List Price is $260,942.

UPDATE: Effective 12/3 - Another 3 Bedroom/2Bath "Adams" (renovated) ranch entered the marketplace at $254,900.

There have been no closed Carriage Homes sales to date for 2011.  Current list prices range between $239,900 and $268,900 (which is under contract). 

I invite you to visit my website for additional market insider information that you can use. That's what is happening in the Somerset, NJ marketplace now, December 1, 2011.

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Dec. 1, 2011 - Franklin Township Housing Market Report - November 2011

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Nov. 25, 2011 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Nov. 26-27, 2011

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 3 Franklin Township homes for sale and schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out Keller Williams Featuredlistings!

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Nov. 25, 2011 - BETTER THAN BLACK FRIDAY!!!

357 Cotswold Place, Somerset, NJ 08873

$259,900  

NOW $239,900

From the Ceramic and Hardwood Floors, to the Custom Baths and Lighting...THIS IS NO ORDINARY HOME!

This warm and inviting 2-Bedroom/2-Bath Ranch townhouse is set for gracious living and entertaining!

An alternative to 55+ living to starter home and everything in between. 

Once you see it you’ll want to own it.

MLS# 2889424  2008 Renovation, Living Room w/High Tray Ceiling, New Ceramic Kit Fl, Walnut Hardwood Floors in LR,DR & Halls, Custom vanities and mirrors in baths w/granite sink, soaking tub, Master Bath w/added storage, Newer plumbing fixtures, Newer lighting including recessed lighting, Newer wall-to-wall carpets in bedrooms, ceiling fixtures and fan in bedrooms, Newer kit sink, filter system for refrigerator water and ice, added gar storage, AC, Furnace, Water heater replaced in 2009. Taxes: $4,744 Year Built 1986  Furnishings are negotiable. Complete list available. All window treatments incl.

BONUS! Seller will pay HOA fees thru Dec. 2012!

Contact me for a showing or if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell, contact: Michael Adams, Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty, Belle Mead, NJ 08502   Office: 908-359-0893, Cell/Text: 908-583-0409 

 www.findcentralnewjerseyhomes.com   mjadams629@gmail.com    

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Nov. 23, 2011 - Happy ThanksGiving - 2011

From me to you

This morning I remembered a lesson tought to me as a young child by my father about giving thanks. And, I am thankful for it to have been planted so deeply and nurtured that it remains with me today!

To my family, friends, associates, clients (past and present) thank you for your support and trust.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Nov. 19, 2011 - This Weekend's Franklin Township and Somerset County Open Houses - Nov. 19-20, 2011

According to GSMLS, at the time of posting there are 17 Franklin Township homes for sale and schduled for an Open House, Saturday and Sunday. Generally, open houses are held between 1PM and 4PM. Search this weekend's Franklin Township Open Houses.

Stop by and tour 357 Cotswold Place, Somerset, NJ 08873, (A beautiful 2-Bedroom/2-Bath Ranch Stlye Townhouse) Sunday from 1PM-4PM. No maintenance fee until 2013! This home is a must see!

Search for New Jersey Homes for Sale

Somerset County Open Houses

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent give me a call/text or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any Somerset and Central New Jersey listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign and are qualified to purchase. Contact me to schedule a tour.

Get ready for Somerset and Central New Jersey Living

Be Sure to Check out my Featured listings!

I Never Forget You Have a Choice

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Nov. 15, 2011 - Will the 30 Year Mortgage Disappear?

The federal government is reconsidering their involvement in the home mortgage process. They plan to still ‘guarantee’ certain mortgages. However, they appear to be redefining what they consider a ‘qualified purchaser’. They are discussing stricter lending guidelines in four different areas:

Today, we want to look at #1.

It appears that there is at least conversation about eliminating the 30 year fixed rate mortgage which has been a staple in this country’s housing industry for some time. Some in government want to duplicate the mortgage process of other countries. In Canada, for example, they don’t even have 30 year fix rate mortgages available. The vast majority of Canadian home loans have a 25 year payout but the interest rate is renegotiated every five years. If rates go down, you will wind up with a lower rate. If rates go up, you end up paying a higher rate. If you want a fixed rate mortgage for 25 years you pay a rate approximately two percentage points higher than the going rate at the time of your closing.

Would the same happen in this country? Housing Wire quoted Janis Bowdler, senior policy analyst at the National Council of La Raza:

“Without some form of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, replacements to support these popular loans, many first time borrowers will be shut out.

“Without that guarantee lenders would not offer 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, at least not at rates the average person could afford. Yes, some would be available but not for the average family but for those with a large amount of inherited wealth they can put to a large down payment.”

Why Is This Important?

You probably want to set your housing expense at the lowest number possible for the longest time possible. This may be the appropriate time to lock-in your long term housing expense as three things seem possible, if not likely, in the future:

• Mortgage rates will increase from current historic lows
• The 30 year fixed rate mortgage may disappear
• Rents will return to historic norms of 3% annual increases

Bottom Line

If you want to purchase a home of your own but are waiting to see where prices will go, consider what you could be giving up while you wait.

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Source: KCM Blog