Sep. 28, 2007 - Five Tips for Inspecting Your Landscape

Creating curb appeal

Whether you're over-seeding the lawn, mulching the garden or planting shrubs and trees, landscaping is a great tool to increase the perceived value of your home. What homeowners and potential buyers may not consider, however, is how landscaping may affect a home. From water intrusion to deck safety, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds homeowners and buyers about the importance of exterior inspections.

"The landscape always changes," said Frank Lesh, 2007 ASHI president. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 36% of recent home buyers made improvements to their landscaping shortly after moving in, another 20% plan to upgrade their landscaping within two years of buying a home.

"Every time you add a tree, shift soil or build an addition, you're changing the way water flows through your yard or adding a new hiding place for rodents or insects," added Lesh. That's why ASHI recommends paying careful attention to the landscape and regularly evaluating how changes - big or small - -may affect your home.

Inspecting Your Landscape

Whether you're selling, buying or interested in general maintenance, ASHI suggests taking a close look at the home's exterior. Below are five tips for inspecting your landscape:

1. Identify the placement of tree limbs -Identify overgrown tree limbs hanging over the chimney or flue. Blockages could affect the draft and create higher carbon monoxide levels within a home.

2. Look for problems underground - Sometimes roots will become visible, lifting or cracking a sidewalk or driveway, which could create a trip hazard. Home buyers and owners should also look for depressions in a yard, which could indicate a leaking sewer line, as a result of root interference, that may need to be checked.

3. Survey the grading - Drive around the block and take a good look at the property. Identify whether it's at the bottom of a hillside, at the top of one, or on flat land. Also look at the relationship to the surrounding yards and determine whether the neighbor's yard is higher. It's important that water is channeled away from a house rather than toward it to prevent basement leaks and damage to the exterior.

4. Determine foliage proximity - Watch for foliage that is close to the exterior of a house. It can provide shelter for insects and rodents and give them an excellent vantage point to enter a home. Also, take note of shrubs that are too close to the building as the wind may cause them to rub up against the house and wear down the siding.

5. Inspect your deck- While a deck isn't a living part of the landscape, it's still an important element to inspect. All residential decks should have a standard 36-inch railing and the balusters (vertical supports used between posts of a railing) should be no more than 4- inches apart (measured from the inside of the rails) to keep children and small pets from squeezing through or getting stuck - Also look for split or decaying wood and loose or corroded fasteners (nails, screws or anchors) that may compromise the deck's stability.

"It's best that homeowners evaluate their property every two years," added Lesh. "We also recommend that potential home buyers hire an inspector who evaluates the home's exterior as well as its interior - an ASHI requirement - before making a purchase."

For more information, visit www.ASHI.org.

Source: RisMedia

Sep. 27, 2007 - Discount brokerage feels the heat

Market claims NJ broker

Foxtons -- the London-based discount real estate brokerage that in a little more than seven years grew to 500 employees serving New Jersey, New York and Connecticut -- issued a press release late Wednesday saying it was laying off 350 of its 380 remaining employees and may file for bankruptcy protection.

A finalist for the 2007 Inman News Innovator Award, Foxtons blamed the decision on a "sharp decline" in the real estate market.

"Foxtons is well run, very efficient, has a great team and has pioneered a new model in the real estate business - a model which has proven itself and, we believe, will have lasting influence on our sector," John D. Blomquist, Foxtons' senior vice president and general counsel, said in a statement.

Blomquist said Foxtons has "been battling against a real estate market that recently has turned into a sharp decline, and the company no longer has the liquidity to operate as a going concern."

Foxtons said intends to "preserve the value" of its 4,400 current listings, while minimizing customer disruption and dedicating anticipated revenues to pay creditors.

Source: Inman News

Sep. 27, 2007 - Save your home from foreclosure

Follow solid advise

I was researching something totally off the topic of real estate when I ran across a terrific article in the Chicago Tribune: Save your home from foreclosure. Reporter, Gail Marks Jarvis, provides sound advise for those home owners who are finding monthly mortgage payments tough to make such as, "Go to a bank or credit union that lends directly to individuals. Be suspect if a broker merely pulls your credit report."

If you are in this situation, do not wait until it is too late to prevent foreclosure on your home. Don't ignore the problem. It won't go away on its own and you don't have time to waste. Take the recommended steps that just might save your home. Here in New Jersey the foreclosure process can be swift. If uncontested, the process usually takes between 90-120 days.

Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams! If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor.

For more information on NJ foreclosure laws, seek professional legal advise or contact the New Jersey State Attorney General's Office, Justice Complex, CN 080, Trenton, NJ 08625; Ph: (609) 984-9574; Fax: (609) 292-8268.

Sep. 27, 2007 - Franklin Township walks for a cure

Join the Sisters Network of Central NJ on Oct 6th

October is national breast awareness month.

If you've been about the town, it's likely that you've seen the pink signs. Saturday, October 6, 8:00 a.m.the Sisters Network of Central NJ will launch the 3rd annual Robyn Michelle Collins 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The starting location is the Franklin Township Municipal Area, Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Click the above link to learn more about this local organizatiion.

It's not too late to register for the 2007 walk. The registration fee includes a T-shirt. The SNCNJ is located at: 604 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873. You may phone them at: 732-246-8300 or send e-mail to: sistercentral@aol.com.

Sep. 26, 2007 - What...no beignets?

N' Orleans party at senior center

I'm sorry to report that this event has been cancelled until further notice

Well...I suppose beignets are served only for breakfast. But they taste oh, so good!

Franklin Township seniors can enjoy a "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" party, at the Quailbrook Senior Center at 11 a.m. October 4, 2007. The Blawenburg Dixieland Band will perform. Admission is free.

Lunch will be catered by Merri-Makers Caterers of Edison, including gumbo soup with jambalaya, "dirty" rice, Cajun green beans, salad, French bread and pineapple-apple bread pudding.

If you wish to make a lunch reservation, please contact the senior center by 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 1. A suggested donation of $1.50 is recommended.

For more information, contact Manager Ellen Baxter, Quail Brook Senior Center, at (732) 563-4213.

Sep. 21, 2007 - A Taste Of Franklin

A week of the people

Franklin Township's "Week of the People" kicks off Sunday, September 23rd and runs until September 30th  in celebration of our town's diversity.

This year's events include a Variety Showcase of entertainment; A Taste of Franklin;  Interfaith Services; A Leadership Breakfast; A Film Festival and more.

For a comple schedule of events, click here.   To view video from last year's "A Taste of Franklin" click here.

Sep. 21, 2007 - Yom Kippur

To Friends & Nieghbors,

Sending you warm wishes on Yom Kippur.

Sep. 19, 2007 - Stop the New Jersey Home Sales Tax

How you can help

At long last, I received my property tax relief check in th mail today. So, if you qualified for the rebate and haven't yet received it, it probably will be there soon.  As projected, it amounted to 20% of my real estate taxes paid last year. If only the politicians would figure out a way how not to collect the refunded money in the first place; that would really make my day.

Now, the bad news.  There is state legislation being considered to allow local governments to impose a Local Home Sales Tax on the sale of real property.   As I've posted here in the past, the tax would be in the amount of $0.50 per $500 of a home's sales price and this local tax would be in addition to the current Home Sales Tax that is paid to the state.  

The proposed 13% tax increase would raise the tax on a $356,700 (median price for an existing NJ home) from $2,799 to $3,156. This legislation is submitted as Bills A-3190/S-2643, A-3341, A-3387 and S-2080.

Let your state legislators know that you are opposed to a tax that will erode homeowner equity.   You can sign the petition to stop the tax at: http://www.njhometax.com/

Whether you are a homeowner today or hoping to be one in the future, please let your legislators know that allowing local municipalities to charge a home sales tax on top of the state tax is a bad idea.  Send a message directly to them at: http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/njhomesalestaxp 

You should know that the New Jersey Association of REALTORS (NJAR) is working on homeowners' behalf to defeat New Jersey's Local Home Sales Tax!

Sep. 17, 2007 - August Residential Sales

The month of July ended with 65 Franklin Township single family residences sold ranging between 9 and 208 days on the market. 

Houses that were under contract for the month amounted to 94.  The month ended with 489 active listings which remained on the market.

The monthly chart that I regularly post still contains an error.  Therefore, this month it will not be published. I apologize for any inconvience this might cause.

If you have a question about a specific property, or stats for surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sep. 13, 2007 - Franklin Township Video Tour

Sights of Somerset New Jersey

Sep. 13, 2007 - Wishes on Ramadan

Happy Ramadan

To my friends and neighbors of the Islamic Faith...

May the Holy month of Ramadan bring you good health, happiness, prosperity and peace

Sep. 13, 2007 - Happy Rosh Hashanah

Happy New Year

To my friends and neighbors of the Jewish Faith...

I wish you a year of good healh, happiness, prosperity and peace

Sep. 12, 2007 - Residential Sales Report Delayed

Error found in MLS stats

While pepariing to post the August Residential Sales Report for Franklin Township here, I discovered an error which misrepresented "sold" prices.  The error was reported and, hopefully, the correction will be made within a day or two.  I will post the new stats as soon as they become available.

Sep. 10, 2007 - Never Forget Our Heroes

Honoring our heroes

On the sixth anniversary of the September 11^th  attacks, and attention is paid to those who lost their lives in New York City and Washington, I invite you to join me in also remembering the brave airline crews of United 93, United 175, American 11 and American 77.  These incredible men and women were our country's first line of defense on that historic day.  My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

May you never be forgotten.  May you rest in eternal peace.

Sep. 6, 2007 - This weekend's open houses

Local area open houses, Sep 8 - 9

To view a list of open houses this weekend, click the above icon.

Be certain to check Our Town Realty Open Houses

But, why wait until the weekend?  Be ahead of the crowd by scheduling a private showing today.

Contact me via e-mail or call (908) 583-0409

Learn about Buyer Agency and why home buyers should not venture into open homes alone.

Sep. 5, 2007 - News you can use

September Highlights

1. Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15—a date that coincides with the anniversaries of independence in several Latin American countries.

During this annual celebration, take a look at some facts and figures about America’s Hispanic population. Did you know that more than 30 million American residents speak Spanish at home? For official government information, Spanish speakers can visit GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. government’s web portal in Spanish.

2. National Library Card Sign-Up Month

Do you have a library card? If not, sign up for one this month. To find your nearest library, visit USA.gov’s Libraries page and enter your ZIP code in the “Library Search” box.

Getting a library card is simple and allows you to borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and more. You can also benefit from the expertise of your local librarian whenever you have questions about doing research or using library resources.

 3. National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. If you’ve been putting emergency planning on hold, let the procrastination come to an end! Visit Ready.gov for help getting prepared. You’ll find:

• A checklist of supplies for a basic emergency kit
• Guidance on developing a plan for emergency situations
• Information about different kinds of disasters and emergencies
• Separate preparedness sections for kids and businesses

With the hurricane season continuing through September and beyond, you might also check out USA.gov’s Hurricanes page. You’ll find help with emergency planning for hurricanes; a link to the National Hurricane Center; storm tracking updates from NASA; and more.

4. Recalls and Consumer Protection

Keeping track of recalls on toys, cars, and other products can be a challenge, but there are several government resources available to help you. Visit Recalls.gov to find the latest recalls and to search for past recalls. You’ll find information from the following sources:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission – Consumer Products
• Food and Drug Administration – Food, Medicine, Cosmetics
• Department of Agriculture – Meat and Poultry
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Vehicles and Car Seats
• Environmental Protection Agency – Pesticides
• U.S. Coast Guard – Boats

Get free e-mail updates on Consumer Guides and Protection to stay informed on consumer issues. You’ll find the 2007 Consumer Action Handbook; information about identity theft; a list of common home hazards; and much more.

Kids.gov, the official kids’ portal for the U.S. government, has a new look and offers expanded resources. With links to more than 1,200 government web pages, Kids.gov makes it easy for children to learn, explore, and have fun.

During the month of September, you can order four free publications on retirement and health benefits. Just fill out this simple form on USA.gov to receive the publications by mail.

Check out USA.gov’s new public service announcement, "Ask the Government." This 60-second clip will appear on local TV stations across the country to help inform Americans about the benefits of USA.gov.

6. Tire Drop Off September 19-21

The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management is partnering with the Manville Department of PublicWorks, located at 10 Gladys Ave., to collect old scrap tires, with or without rims; free of charge to county residents tires between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, and 21.  On Saturday, Sept. 22, residents can drop off tires between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. There is a limit of eight tires per household.

Tires also may be dropped off at the county Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater, as part of the First Saturday of the Month drop-off program. If you miss the tire drop-off dates in September, the next First Saturday drop-off will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 6. 

For more information, contact county Melissa Harvey at (908) 231-7109 or solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us.

Sep. 1, 2007 - Bush's plan for the mortgage crisis

The plan may fall short of fixing the problem

President Bush suggested modernizing the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), but it may fall short of fixing the mortgage problem.

Bush's plan features several FHA revamps to help homeowners facing mortgage resets and possible foreclosures on their homes.  It would reduce down payment requirements, allow the FHA to insure bigger loans (current limit is $417,000) and give the agency more pricing flexibility; helping borrowers who are at least 90 days behind in payments to refinance at more favorable rates, as well as charge "risk-based" premiums of up to 2.2% of the loan.

A key aspect of the plan would provide a temporary relief from the provision in the current tax code that treats canceled mortgage debt on primary residences, also known as a Short Sale, as taxable income.

Critics claim Bush's plan offers no way to prevent such a crisis from recurring.  Further, crackdowns on predatory lending and suitability requirements, could take us back to the days of "redlining" that was prevalent in the 60s and 70s.  It was deregulation that ultimately resolved that problem and opened home ownership to a greater populous.

In the end, there simply are borrowers who cannot afford to live in their home.  They are the ones who only qualified by taking 100% interest only loans with no money down expecting escalating home values to offset their risk.  These home buyers have awaken to the reality that that is not happening, at least not here in Franklin Township. Another reality is there are very few mortgage plans out there that would help these homeowners remain in their homes.

Read the President's speech  

Read the Whitehouse fact sheet