Mar. 27, 2009 - This Week's OpenHouses - March 28-29, 2009

Franklin Township - Sunday, March 28-29, 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 Saturday and/or 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.**  

Mar. 26, 2009 - Family Fun March 27-28, 2009

Events near Somerset 08873

Dairy Day      03/28/2009 - 03/28/2009

103 College Farm Road

North Brunswick, NJ 08902

www.agriculturemuseum.org   (732) 249-2077 

Morning Rhymes for Toddlers  03/27/2009 at 10.30am & 11:30am

Public Library - 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Babies and toddlers develop oral language skills and have some fun as they take part in this active nursery rhyme program with their parents or grandparents. No registration is necessary.

Guitar Hero - Teens (grades 7-12)  03/29/2009 at 1.30pm

Public Library  - 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Teens - Bring your friends and play Guitar Hero on the big screen! Snacks will be provided. Meets in the Community Room.

Mar. 25, 2009 - Century 21 Moretti Realty comes to Franklin Township

Century 21 Moretti Realty and Century 21 Our Town Realty join forces

Earlier today the Century 21 offices of Moretti Realty and Our Town Realty joined forces for the purpose of expansion.  The new entity will be known as Century 21 Moretti Realty with office locations at 225 Maple Ave, South Plainfield and 852 Easton Ave, Somerset, New Jersey.

With combined sales of $135 million and 75 sales associates, the company will be among the top Century 21 companies in the State of New Jersey.  Century 21 Moretti will be servicing Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Union, Mercer and Monmouth counties.  Toni Moretti, co-owner, said "The cultures of both companies compliment one another while our combined strengths offer our customers more marketing resources."  

I couldn't agree more with Toni Moretti. Building upon the strengths of these two well established and respected companies will only serve to benefit our customers and clients.  I am excited by this announcement and by the new opportunities it will bring me to provide greater services to you.

Mar. 24, 2009 - It won't happen without you

Fully restore the NJ Property Tax Deduction

Mar. 20, 2009 - Nobody says it better

This tweet says it all

I came across this older "tweet" from an Ohio home inspector who was attempting to sell his home on his own without without success.  Need I say more? 

You can follow me at: http://www.twitter.com/somerset08873

Mar. 18, 2009 - Fed's actions may lower rates

Is it time to refinance?

Literally, time will tell.  Possibly as early as tomorrow mortgage rates may reflect the Federal Reserve's stunning plan to buy up to $300 billion of long-term government bonds and $750 billion in additional mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The national average rate on 30-year, fixed mortgages was 5.15% on Wednesday, according to financial publisher HSH Associates, up slightly from a day earlier. Rates could drop up to .50%.

Here are two ways refinance may benefit you:

As homeowner #1 - A long time home owner with a mortgage balance of $87,800 might save more than $26,800 in interest charges over the life of the loan by refinancing from 5.75% to 4.75% and reducing the loan from 30 years to 20 years.  In this scenario, the monthly payment would actually increase approximately $7.40 a month while paying 2 points at closing.    You would need to stay in your current home for at least 24 months in order to yield savings.  That's how long it will take for the monthly interest savings to offset the closing costs attributable to refinancing.

As homeowner #2 - Using the same basis numbers of a remaining $87,800 balance with a rate reduction of 5.75% to 4.75% and paying 2 points at closing but refinancing for 30 years the monthly savings would be approximately $102.  However, you would pay an additional $1,885 (approx.) in interest charges over the life of the mortgage.

Consult your financial or mortgage advisor to see how refinancing may benefit you.  Compare current refinancing rates with the HSH Showcase of Lenders

With Spring just days away, homeowners may begin thinking of home improvements. if you are thing of refinancing to extract home equity to improve your home's energy efficiency you might be eligible for up to a 30% tax credit.  For more information, visit EnergyStar.gov

Mar. 13, 2009 - This Week's OpenHouses - March 15, 2009

Franklin Township - Sunday, March 15, 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.**

Mar. 13, 2009 - Family Fun March 14-15, 2009

Events near Somerset 08873 

Sugarloaf Craft Festival 03/13 -15/2009

200 Atrium Dr, Somerset, NJ

The Garden State Exhibition Center.

Admission for children under 12 and parking are free.

Download discount coupons at: http://tinyurl.com/985edh or request tickets at: 800-210-9900

For more information, go to http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/somerset/spring

St. Patrick's Day Parade 03/15/2009

Mar. 13, 2009 - Corzine Budget Hurts Property Owners

Save the Homeowners tax deduction  

Governor Jon Corzine, to a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature, announced plans to eliminate the ability for all non-senior households, regardless of income, to deduct property taxes from their state tax filings. 

At a time when the global economic crisis weighs heavy on the minds of Garden State residents, this proposal is counterproductive and will hinder recovery efforts.  The loss of the deduction will make it even more difficult for families struggling to afford to stay in their homes.

This is impotant for homeowners and future homeowners, alike.  Please join with me and let our state representatives know that this ill conceived plan is unacceptable.   

To learn more about this issue now, Click here to take action.  Please share this posting with neighbors, family, friends and co-workers. 

As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry in the state, the New Jersey Association of REALTORS (NJAR) is adamantly opposed to this proposal.   

Mar. 7, 2009 - Franklin Township Monthly Market Report -2/09

February 2009 Franklin Township Monthly Market Report

click to view

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of February, 2009 ended with 20 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $80,000 and $755,000.

The month ended with 346 active listings on the market. There are 59 residential properties under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, March 7, 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.**

Mar. 7, 2009 - Carriage Homes at Qualbrook - February '09 Sales Report

What’s happening in the marketplace, now – March 7, 2009

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are five (5) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development, at the time of posting.  Two are 1-story Ranch style townhomes with 2 bedrooms-2 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 February 6th. All actively listed prices range between $249,000 and $322,500. 

There has been one Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sale since the last report; an updated Ranch, 327 Shilling, for $260,000. One 2-story 2-bedroom/2.5 bath townhousench home is currently under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, March 7, 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. 

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

Mar. 6, 2009 - Get ready for the Sugarloaf Festival

Sugaloaf Craft Festival comes back to Franklin Township

The Sugarloaf Craft Festival runs from March 13 -15, 2009 at the Garden State Exhibition Center.  Admission for children under 12 and parking are free.

About the festival: "Industry publications that rank the popularity of arts and crafts festivals regularly place Sugarloaf Craft Festivals in the Top 100 and often in the Top 10 in the entire U.S." 

The festival will feature over 300 artists in pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, home décor, furniture, home accessories, and photography.  It's a truly unique craft show, where you'll find $20 gemstone earrings next to one-of-a-kind wooden bowls selling for thousands of dollars.  Some crafters at the show have exhibited in museums, some have sold their work to celebrities, but all share a passion for original, handmade art.

Two easy ways to save!  Take advantage of discount admission coupons worth $1.00 off one adult admission.  Download the coupons at: http://tinyurl.com/985edh or request tickets at: 800-210-9900  For more information, go to http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/somerset/spring   

I'll see you there!

Mar. 5, 2009 - Family Fun March 7- 8, 2009

Events near Somerset 08873 

Financial Independence & Security for Every Stage of a Woman's Life – 3/7 at 10.30am

Public Library  485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Registration required, visit the reference desk or call 732-873-8700 X#111.

Music with Ann Wild for kids – 3/7 at 2.30pm

Public Library  485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

This program is for Franklin Township residents only.  Children must be accompanied by parent or grandparent. For more information call 732-873-8700

Theater Workshop – Teenprov – 3/8 at 2.00pm

Public Library  485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

A fast paced, one-hour workshop presented bythe George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick. To register, contact Amanda Decker, Young Adult Librarian, email: adecker@franklintwp.org   or 732-873-8700 x #101 

Rutgers Historical Tour – 3/7/2009  12:30pm

71 Hamilton St

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

http://ruinfo.rutgers.edu/visitingRU/historictours   (732) 445-5745  

Sunday Recital Series  Category: Concerts/Music Events - Until 3/31/2009

5 Paterson St.

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

www.christchurchnewbrunswick.org (732) 545-6262

The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith Category: Theatre - 3/3-29/2009

9 Livingston Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

www.GSPonline.org

 (732) 246-7717  

Home Show  Category: Expos - 3/06-08/2009

97 Sunfield Ave.

Edison, NJ 08837

http://www.showoffice.com/pages/nj/exhibit.html    (732) 417-1400

Outside In: Chinese x American x Contemporary Art  Category: Art  Until 06/07/2009

Nassau Street

Princeton, NJ 08544

http://artmuseum.princeton.edu/    (609) 258-3788  

Greater NJ Record & CD Show  Category: Arts & Culture - 3/8/2009

304 RT 22 West

Springfield, NJ 07081

www.izzymusic.com/record_shows.htm   (973) 376-9400

Mar. 5, 2009 - This weekend's Open Houses - 3/7-8

Franklin Township - Saturday & Sunday, March 7- 8, 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.**

Mar. 5, 2009 - What does Obama's housing plan mean for you?

Details released yesterday

Yesterday the Obama administration released more details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that features a maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers (only) who purchase a home on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009.  A first-time buyer is defined under the tax credit as an individual who has not owned a home in the last three years.

Additionally, qualifying details were given for homeowners seeking to modify their mortgage terms or refinance to avoid foreclosure. 

The temporary credit is only available for home purchases made from January 1, 2009 to before December 1, 2009 and is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home, up to a maximum credit of $8,000. (For example, a home purchased for $80,000 or more would qualify for the full $8,000 credit while a $70,000 home would only qualify for 10 percent or $7,000) 

Eligible properties include anything that will be used as a principal single-family residence including condos and townhouses.  Search for local homes.

Buyers may claim the credit on their federal tax return to reduce their tax liability. If the credit is more than their total tax liability that year, the buyer will get a refund check for the balance.

For married joint filers, both must meet the first-time homebuyer test to take the credit on a joint return.

There are income guidelines on the credit. Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 (or $150,000 if filing jointly) are eligible for the full tax credit. The credit is phased down for those earning more and is not available for those with an income above $95,000 (or $170,000 if filing jointly).

The new tax credit does not have to be repaid if the buyer stays in the home at least three years. But if the home is sold before that, the entire amount of the credit is recaptured on the sale.

People who purchased homes under the 2008 $7,500 tax credit program will still be required to repay that credit to the government over a 15-year period.

 For current homeowners seeking help, here’s more of what you need to know.