Dec. 31, 2008 - A message to my readers

May the New Year

Bring

Peace, Health and Prosperity

But Most of All

May You Be Blessed

Happy New Year

Dec. 29, 2008 - Tenant's rights and foreclosures

It's the law

New Jersey Public Advocate, Ronald K. Chen, issued a stern warning to real estate licensees and attorneys that residential tenants in New Jersey cannot be evicted solely because the property where they live is in foreclosure or has been foreclosed.  

It was also said that the law demands when a bank or other lender forecloses on a residential property, it takes that property with the tenants still in it. When the property is resold to a new owner, that owner takes the property with its tenants.

Chen and Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner, Steven M. Goldman, warned real estate licensees and attorneys involved in the process of evicting tenants from properties in foreclosure or foreclosed that they may be subject to disciplinary action affecting their professional licenses if they intentionally mislead tenants that they must move from their residence solely because the property is in foreclosure or is foreclosed. 

You can, however, be evicted for non-payment of rent.  If you, as a residential tenant are caught in a similar situation and are unsure where to send your payment, the Public Advocate's office suggests setting the money aside.  Pay the rent as soon as it is determined who should receive it.

If you have questions you may call the NJ Public Advocate at: 609-826-5070

View Rights of Tenants During Foreclosure Brochure

Dec. 23, 2008 - HUD program a failure

No Hope for the Hope Program

Critics have been saying that the Federal Housing Finance Agency program would not do enough to prevent "unnecessary foreclosures."  Although the Hope For Homeowners program was off to a sluggish start, Obama points out that making mortgage modifications will be necessary to stimulate this economy.  Incoming HUD secretary, Shaun Donovan, will have his hands full. According to the FHA Mortgage Guide, not one homeowner has been helped, to date. 

Fingers are being pointed between Congress and the White House.  Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Steve Preston said the centerpiece of the federal government's effort to help struggling homeowners has been a failure and he's blaming Congress. For the full story, see HUD Chief Calls Aid on Mortgages A Failure

Dec. 21, 2008 - Season's Greetings

Wishing you and yours 

The Happiest Holiday Season

&

A Safe, Healthy, Prosperous 2009

Dec. 19, 2008 - Smarter than the ave-r-age bear

Telemarketing and what you should know

Sitting at home while the snow fell this afternoon, I received an unexpected telephone call.  Red flags went up as soon as the woman on the line called me by name in a questionable voice. She identified herself and stated who she worked for. She asked had I heard of them. I hadn't.  After several leading questions, my gut told me whatever she was selling, I didn't want.

She was making what is known as a "cold call" to solicit a sale.  What was she selling, you ask?  She claimed to offer a business to business lead generating service for JUST $249 a month.  The "offer" was to provide to me prospective home buyers and sellers who were ready to work with a Realtor, here in Somerset. You know, there is something to be said for getting money the old fashion way....earning it.

To make a long story short, I didn't take the bait and told the woman, I would contact her, after researching the company, if I were still interested.  I did a quick online search at the Better Business Bureau and the Ripoff Report.   The results were not good and the general advice was to run, not walk,  away from this business.

Be like Yogi, and be smarter than the "ave-r-rage" bear.  Times are tough for many folks. There are people who will attempt to capitalize on that fact and offer what usually seems to be too go to be true.  A pretty good rule is NEVER purchase anything from anyone who made the intial contact without doing your homework. 

Here are a few useful links to help protect yourself: 

• FBI  Federal Bureau of Investigation
• FTC Federal Trade Commission
• Lectric Law Library

Dec. 14, 2008 - This Bank Can't Fail

We are Blogging out Hunger in New Jersey

We've heard all about failed financial banks such as: Washington Mutual, Ameribank, IndyMac Bank.  But....

Did you know that this past September our local food bank served 64% more clients than the same month last year?   Did you know this year more than 320 new families asked and received help from the Franklin Township Food bank?

Right now, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey needs our help.  Join Bruce Springstein to help ensure, This Bank Can’t Fail.

To learn more of how you can help in Middlesex County click Here

Contact the Franklin Township Food Bank through this link or call 732-246-0009 

There are large food barrels at the following Franklin Township locations wher non-perishable food staple donations can be left for our volunteers or staff to pick-up 

• Franklin Township Public Library
• Community Senior Center (in the Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane)
• Stop and Shop, Rutgers Plaza Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ
• Shop-Rite, Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 

Follow the link to see the participating Bloggers in today's Jersey Bites Campaign.  

Dec. 14, 2008 - Value can be found at Carriage Homes

Price, rates and house condition rules

There are several Carriage Homes at Quailbrook  townhomes actively listed in our local Multi[ple Listing Service (MLS).  Within this group, I believe some unique values present themselves to qualified buyers.  Whether you are looking for a freshly updated 2 bedroom ranch or a very competatively priced 2 story home all with fireplace and one car garage...there are several priced below $300,000.

Along with mortgage rates as low as they have been for the past four years, now might be the time, especially for first time home owners, to act.

Read why The New York Times recently  published an article titled,  "It May Be Time to Think About Buying a House"

Dec. 9, 2008 - Change Clock

Inauguration Day Countdown

Obama Countdown
created by James Miller

Dec. 8, 2008 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook-December 2008 Report

What’s happening in the marketplace, now – December 8, 2008

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are seven (7) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township development, at the time of posting.  Four are 2-story townhomes with 3 bedrooms-2.5 baths.  One is a 2-story 2 bedroom-2.5 bath, with den. Two are a 2 bedroom-2bath ranch.

Three are new listings since the last report to you on November 3rd. All listed prices range between $229,000 and $322,500. 

There were no Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sales since the last report.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, December 8, 2008

If you have specific questions about a Carriage Home proprerty or any local property, email me at: mjadams@century21.com or call (908) 583-0409. 

Dec. 8, 2008 - November Residential Sales

Franklin Township Residential Sales

The month ended with 44 Franklin Township single family residences sold between November 1 - 30, 2008.  Sale prices ranged between $205,000 and 670,000.

The month ended with 356 active listings on the market. This is a decrease from 507 active listings last month.

If you have a question about a specific property in town, or stats for surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**

Dec. 7, 2008 - Goog what?

Get Goog-411 for your phone

This is a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog-411 It’s an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road..

Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number.  I am driving along in my car and I need to call the and I don't know the number.  

The voice at the other end says, 'City & State.'   I say, 'Somerset, New Jersey'  He says, 'Business, Name or .'  I say, Quailbrook Golf Course.'  He says, 'Connecting' and the golf course staff  answers the phone.  How great is that? This is nationwide and it is totally free!   

Dec. 3, 2008 - How selling a house is like sushi

 Much is in the presention

No, I haven't "lost it".  Selling both your house and sushi requires the right presentation.  When going to a sushi restaurant, certain expectations are made.  You expect to be offered a hot towel used for washing your hands before picking up the Sushi to eat; besides an assortment of sushi you would expect the proper dish to be used, proper condiments available and of course green tea.

Well when selling your home, prospective buyers are also looking for the right presentation. Whenever the house is shown it should be clean, freshly painted and staged, particularly if it is vacant. 

Here are a few tips:

Cleaning - Dirt equals stress and the last thing most buyers want is more stress in their lives. Pressure wash the sidewalks, driveways, decks and/or patios.

Paint – The color of the paint and its condition can make a big difference in how buyers react to your home. Select light neutrals - creamy kakis, pearly grays or soft greens.

Stage your home – You can do this on your own with a little help found on line or at your local library.  At the very least, de-clutter your home and pack away all but essential furnishings.  You plan to move anyway, so why not get a head start?  Buyers looking at vacant homes often only see the floors, walls and ceilings. With nothing else to look at, they focus on flaws. This could result in a lower selling price. 

Replace Worn Carpet – No one can overlook worn or dirty carpets. Replacing carpets with inexpensive neutral colored carpet usually recoups the investment.

Dec. 2, 2008 - And now for a little good real estate news

Programs are available to help buyers

The Star-Ledger's Sam Ali reported on the various federal, state and private assistance programs that can help buyers to qualify for mortgages and get into homes. Despite all of the negative news, mortgage money is out there and it's available from strong lenders. These programs can work for buyers without stellar credit or 20% of the purchase price. Read the article on NJ.com

In addition to these programs, last Tuesday's infusion of $600 billion to support the mortgage securities market drastically lowered mortgage rates. Steve Kappre, a NJ loan officer and Blogger provides an idea of where local mortage rates are now. Of course your personal financial situation will determine what rate you might qualify for. You can get a free custom rate quote online from Century21 Mortgage* or call Matthew Zimmerman at: 732.267.8527

If your mortgage is above 6% current rates might cause you to look at refinancing your home loan.

For general information regarding mortgage rates, visit Bankrate.com

*Century21 Mortgagte is an affliate of Century21 OurTown Reaty

Dec. 1, 2008 - Cyber Monday quick stop

Links to one day online shopping

It's Cyber Monday and merchants claim to have a deal for you online.  Media reports state that some of the best deals will offer free shipping.  So, if you are paying for shipping, you probably aren't playing the game as hard as you might.

Happy shopping:

http://www.pricespider.com/

http://www.cybermonday.com/

http://cybermonday.idribble.com/shop/

http://www.bestcybermondaysales.com/