Feb. 26, 2009 - This weekend's Open Houses

Franklin Township - Sunday, March 1, 2009

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

There is no need to feel overwhelmed. Click here for Buyer Advice.  And most importantly, as a buyer read why you might not want to venture out on your own... http://tinyurl.com/acv5zx           

At the time of posting the following properties are scheduled for an Open House, this coming Sunday.  Click here to view pictures of this week's Open Houses.

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS  **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**

Feb. 24, 2009 - What are home color trends now?

Update your home's interior colors

Regardless whether you plan to place your home on the market for sale or if it is just time to freshen your space, one of the most cost effective ways to spruce up your home is with paint.  According to Dutch Boy paints, the average consumer spends 2-3 months to plan a home painting project.  Driving the trends in color this year are the economy, nature and fashion. 

Economy - With the down economy on the minds of many, it is not surprising interior home colors would trend towards the more conservative or neutral. These include light blues, lavenders, grays and beiges. Dutch Boy paints suggest adding a splash of bright color as accents.

Nature - The influence of nature encompasses the environmental movement which looks to bring the outdoors into the home’s atmosphere or ambience. Colors here include shades of green, blue, yellow, brown and white.  Valspar at Lowes offers examples of these palates.

Fashion influences suggest more saturated and intense colors often found within one’s own wardrobe.  Fashion tones can introduce a sense of fun and culture. These colors might include shades of red, linen, navy and orange.  Pantone provides an online video addressing current fashion trends. 

For more information about how to choose the perfect color and frequently asked questions for staring your project visit www.dutchboy.com

To find additional decorating ideas and advice on interior home colors, read Color Forecast 2009: All Things Bright and Beautiful  

You will also find that Lowes offers additional information on how to choose paint and other decorating tips. 

Contact me for a Lowes discount coupon* or get a coupon directly from Lowes.

*Restrictions apply

Feb. 19, 2009 - Family Fun Feb 21-22

Events near Somerset 08873

Maple Sugaring - 01/26/2009 - 02/22/2009

Category: Environmental/Gardens

190 Lord Stirling Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

www.somersetcountyparks.org

(908) 766-2489

22nd Annual New Jersey Boat Show - 02/19/2009 - 02/22/2009

Category: Boating/Boat Shows

97 Sunfield Ave.

Edison, NJ 08837

http://www.macevents.com/show.cfm/eventID/105

(732) 417-1400

Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra - 02/21/2009 - 02/21/2009

Category: Theatre

15 Livingston Ave.

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

http://tinyurl.com/bppn6z

(732) 246-7469

Winter Waterfowl and Raptors - 02/21/2009 - 02/21/2009

Category: Environmental/Gardens

80 Route 206 South

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

www.dukefarms.org

(908) 722-3700

America Sings - 02/21/2009 - 02/21/2009

Category: Concerts/Music Events

1165 Hamilton St.

Somerset, NJ 08873

http://tinyurl.com/b587b2

(732) 690-6621

Rutgers Historical Tour - 02/21/2009 - 02/21/2009

Category: Historic Events

71 Hamilton St

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

http://tinyurl.com/acv7e2

(732) 445-5745

Multicultural Dollmaking - 02/21/2009 - 02/21/2009

Category: Multicultural Events

1050 River Road

Piscataway, NJ 08854

http://tinyurl.com/ad5h4r

(732) 745-4489

Feb. 18, 2009 - The foreclosure super fix

Obama's $75 million plan to save the day

NYT- Seeking to stabilize the floundering housing market, President Obama is offering a plan to help as many as 9 million families refinance their mortgages or avoid foreclosure, according to a summary released by the White House Wednesday morning.

I must admit that I have reservations about the plan President Obama is reported to have in the effort to stem the tide of rising home foreclosures.  While I fully understand and agree that "something" must be done to normalize the struggleing housing market, in order for the overall economy to rebound, I think the proposed plan falls short.

Where the plan falls short is there is no mention of homeowners who are playing by the rules and are making regular payments regrdless of the interest rate, current home value and/or falling incomes.  Many families struggle, but stay above water and Obama's plan seems to make them invisible. Help is afforded to only those who follow the rules and are on the "verge" of defaulting under Obama's proposal

The President will release his plan, later today. In the meantime, here's what the media is reporting what we should expect. Where do you fit on the housing pyramid and what do you think of the plan?

Feb. 13, 2009 - Will the stimulus stimulate new buyers?

Will it motivate buyers currently on the fence?

Here's what Congress is proposing for home buyers, now - Temporary credit for home buyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.  The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers).

This is NOT the final language of the bill, but a summary of what congress has agreed upon; subject to a final vote and the signature of President Obama. 

Prior to the current agreement the Senate proposed a tax credit up to $15,000. So my question is would an $8,000 tax credit be enough incentive for you to purchase your first home or move up to a larger/more expensive home? 

For a complete summary of the proposed stimulus package, click here

If you have questions concerning how the stimulus might affect your ability to obtain a mortgage loan, contact your personal mortgage advisor or Matthew Zimmerman from Century 21 Mortgage.  Contact Matthew at: 732.267.8527 or email him at: matthew.zimmerman@mortgagefamily.com  Tell him Mike Adams sent you.

Feb. 10, 2009 - Don't Borrow Trouble®

A Reliable Source of Information

Freddie Mac offers great advice and information to home buyers and refinancing homeowners on how to avoid the pitfalls of predatory lenders.  Freddie Mac's "Don't Borrow Trouble®" campaign exposes eleven common borrowing mistakes. Below are the top five tips.  To learn more, click here

• Say NO to "easy money." If a solicitation is really interesting, get it in writing!
• Shop around. Borrowers should talk to several lenders to find the best loan for which they qualify.
• Understand the loan terms. Borrowers should compare loan terms from different lenders.
• Find out about prepayment penalties. Borrowers should know if the loan offered to them has a prepayment penalty. 
• Make sure documents are correct. Borrowers should never falsify information or sign documents that they know to be false.

Years ago, the State of New Jersey enacted an anti-predatory law,  known as the New Jersey Homeowners Security Act  to protect consumers.    For more of what New Jersey consumers should know about predatory lending go to the Department of Banking and Finance.

Feb. 6, 2009 - Carriage Homes at Qualbrook - January '09 Sales Report

What’s happening in the marketplace, now – February 6, 2009

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are six(6) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township development, at the time of posting.  Two are 1-story Ranch style townhomes with 2 bedrooms-2 baths.  One is a 2-story townhouse with 2 bedrooms-2.5 baths. Three are a 2-story townhouse with 3 bedrooms-2.5 baths.  View these active listings.

There is one new listings since the last report to you on January 8th. All actively listed prices range between $249,000 and $309,800. 

There have been no Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sales since the last report. One 1-story Ranch home is currently under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, February 6, 2009

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. 

Feb. 6, 2009 - Franklin Township Monthly Market Report -1/09

January 2009 Residential Sales

click to view

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of January, 2009 ended with 24 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $153,000 and $653,000.

The month ended with 408 active listings on the market.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, February 6, 2009

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.**

Feb. 4, 2009 - US Senate doubles the pleasure

Home buyer tax credit passes

Earlier this evening, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would double the current $7,500 tax credit to a maximum of $15,000 or 10% of the value for the purchase of a new or existing home.  Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break for the purchase of new homes only.

The proposal may be changed or even deleted as the stimulus measure makes its way through Congress over the next 10 days or so.

To read more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/atwnnf

Feb. 4, 2009 - Our own winter wonderland

Sights around the township

Yesterday's snowfall was the eleventh of the season and just enough to make getting about a little tricky.  What the snowfall also showed me again was how beautiful Franklin Township is.  It's one more reason, I love living here.  Mid-day, I grabbed my digital camera to capture a few winter scenes around our town.  Enjoy.