May. 29, 2008 - Local students advance to world finals

Three Sampson G. Smith teams compete 

For the fourth consecutive year, teams of students from Franklin Township’s Sampson G. Smith School will participate in the Odyssey of the Mind competiton World Finals, which will be held Saturday to Tuesday at the University of Maryland.  Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative, problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

The school had both a fifth-grade and sixth-grade team take first place in the balsa structure problem.  A sixth-grade team had the challenge of building a drivable vehicle using a non-lead battery, spending no more than $145. They used plywood, the handlebar from a broken scooter and wheels from a Tonka car. and ran it with 6-volt Alkaline batteries.

The sixth graders also built a structure that weighed in at under 18 grams, was less than 8 inches high and held 625 pounds. The team is currently holding more weight than any other team in the United States and has received the Ranatra Fusca award for using all recyclable material in their structure.

A schedule of events is available and you may watch the World Finals broadcast online. Learn more about this competition.

Congratulations to the kids of our Sampson G. Smith School.

Source: myCentralJersey.com

May. 27, 2008 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook

What’s happening in the marketplace, now

The Carriage Homes townhome development offers larger rooms, fireplace, single car garage and patio.  According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are five (5) homes for sale in this Franklin Township delevopment.  Two are 2 bedroom-2 bath one floor ranches.  The others are two story, 3 bedroom-2.5 bath townhomes.  Listing prices range between $265,900 and $314,800.

Within the past 90-days there has been only one sale of a 3 bedroom- 2.5 bath home.  A second 3-bedroom-2.5 bath home went under contract and a third, single floor ranch, is also currently under contract. 

What is important to note is that all of these homes stand out from the average. Each one presents a perceived value compared to similar homes.  Buyers for these three properties were found in 45 days or less!  (See: Home buyers are looking)

This Hazlitt Way house sold for $335,000. 

Upgrades included hardwood floors throughout, custom kitchen cabinets, new appliances, updated HVAC, granite counters, updated master bath and a brick patio.

This Hazlitt Way one floor ranch  is under contract.

It is painted in soft tones and offers a large wooden deck/patio.

This Shilling Drive house is under contract.

It features new windows, fresh paint throughout in neutral colors, upgraded carpets, recessed lighting and backs to woods.

May. 24, 2008 - Memorial Day 2008

We salute you

To the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces

Thank You

Credit for this moving video goes to The Evergreen Freedom Foundation

May. 20, 2008 - Don't forget to vote...again

NJ Primary on June 3rd

Didn't we just vote in New Jersey primaries last February?  Yes we did.  However, that was only for presidential candidates.  The primary for all other elected offices is June 3rd. New Jersey moved its presidential primary to Feb. 5 this year to try to give the state more say in choosing presidential candidates.  I guess that decision didn't make much of a difference.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg is being challenged by U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews and Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello for the Democratic party's U.S. Senate nomination.  The Republicans candidates seeking the nomination are former U.S. Rep. Dick Zimmer, former gubernatorial candidate Murray Sabrin and state Sen. Joe Pennacchio.

It is too late to register for the June 3rd primary but not for November's general elections.  If already registered, you may choose to vote by absentee ballot.  You may apply in person or by an authorized messenger, if you're sick or confined, at the Somerville county clerk's office up to 3 p.m. Monday, June 2nd.  The absentee ballot must be received by the county Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd.

For more information, visit http://www.njelections.org/index.html or call 609-292-3760.

May. 16, 2008 - Fare play from Fannie Mae

Down payments are equalized across the country

Fannie Mae today announced a new, national policy on down payment requirements for conventional, conforming mortgages the company will purchase or guarantee.  A conventional mortgage is one which the interest rate does not change during the entire term of the loan.  A conforming loan is one which meets the standards of the lender.  

Starting June 1, 2008, Fannie Mae will accept up to 97 percent loan-to-value ratios for conventional and conforming mortgages processed through its Desktop Underwriter^® automated underwriting system, and 95 percent loan-to-value ratios for loans underwritten outside of Desktop Underwriter, in all geographic locations in the United States.

The new national down payment policy will supersede the policy the company adopted in December 2007 that required higher down payments in markets where home prices are declining. 

The stimulus package passed and signed by the President in February raises the conforming loan limit to $729,750 through 2008 from $417,000.  Read more about this.

May. 5, 2008 - Another reason why I love this Blog

1000 Watts on Chip

I've posted about 1000Watt Blog in the past.  In particular I commented on their "I'm not a lead" video that made me an instant fan.

Last week's schedule for me was jam-packed, so I needed to put a few things to the side. Blogging and reading favorite blogs took the hit.  This morning while playing catch-up, I read Marc Davison's posting. "There's something about Chip".  Again, like the video mentioned, this Blog blew me away. 

Chip's story and message is so inspirational.  He shares a simple philosophy that is often overlooked in today's business world.   It is a lesson my father taught to me when I was a boy; "Your word is your bond"; pure and simple.  Chip's message is essentially the same; be on time, deliver what you promise and offer the customer value.

Thanks to Chip and Marc for helping to keep my path on track.  

May. 5, 2008 - April 2008 Residential Sales

Franklin Township Residential Sales

The month ended with 48 Franklin Township single family residences sold between April 1 - 30, 2008. These properties sold during this period at an average of 96% of listing price.** 

The month ended with 592 active listings on the market, including 141 new listings.

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.**