Nov. 20, 2009 - Family Fun Nov 21-22

Events near Somerset, New Jersey

What's Cooking? A Display of Kitchen Tools & Accessories  Thru- 01/15/2010

16 Maple St., East Brunswick, NJ 08816

www.eastbrunswickmuseum.org

732.257.508

Writing Workshop: Inventing Characters - 11/21/2009

Franklin Township public Library

485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

http://www.franklintwp.org  - 723.873.8700   (Registration Required)

Lizzie Borden  Lectures/Workshops  11/21/2009

209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset, NJ 08873

www.themeadowsfoundation.org -   732.690.6621

Jim Gaffigan Live  11/21/2009

15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08879

www.statetheatrenj.org/jim_gaffigan  - 732.246.7469

Teen: Gaming at the Library - Sunday, Nov 22 2009 1:30p

Snacks will be provided! For grades 7-12.

Franklin Township public Library

485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

http://www.franklintwp.org  - 723.873.8700   

Nov. 17, 2009 - Four in ten homeowners reduce prices

Homeowners slashed listing prices in October

More than four out of every 10 homes listed for sale (43.5%), across 27 major U.S. housing markets reduced their listing prices in October 2009, according to a report of homes listed on Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in the markets surveyed by ZipRealty. This is down slightly from September.

According to the survey, MLS-listed properties with reduced prices have had their prices cut an average of twice, but sellers are not knocking quite as much off as they did earlier this year. Home owners slashed listing prices by an average of $24,718 in October, just slightly less than the average reduction of $24,960 in September. Markets where sellers have cut the most in absolute dollars are: San Diego ($54,000 median price reduction), Orange County, Calif. ($51, 000 median price reduction), San Francisco ($50,500 median price reduction) and Los Angeles ($43,000 median price reduction).

The median list price across all 27 markets decreased slightly to $281,416, down 2.02% compared to September.

Source-Rismedia

Nov. 13, 2009 - This Week's Open Houses

Franklin Township - Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, 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 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. The following are featured homes this weekend in Franklin Township and surrounding areas from Century 21 Moretti Realty http://tinyurl.com/c64npd 

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS  **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**   The links will expire 60 days from 11/13//2009.

Nov. 13, 2009 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook - October 2009 Sales

What’s happening in the marketplace

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there is one home actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development, at the time of posting. However, as was the case last month, it is in attorney review. The property is a 2-story townhouse with 2 bedrooms-2.5 baths and one single level ranch with 2 bedrooms-2 baths. View this active listing.

There are no new listings since my last report to you on October 4, 2009. There have been two Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sales since the last report; 284 Hazlitt Way ($265,000) and 360 Cotswold Place ($315,000). 

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, November 13, 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.**  The links will expire 60 days from 11/13/2009.

Nov. 13, 2009 - Franklin Township Market Report

October 2009 Franklin Township Monthly Market Report

click to view

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of September, 2009 ended with 56 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $152,000 and $1,300,000.  The month ended with 342 active listings on the market ranging in price from $120,000 to $999,500. The month ended with 108 residential properties under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, November 13, 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.**  The links will expire 60 days from 11/13/2009.

Nov. 11, 2009 - Honoring our soldiers

THANK YOU!

Nov. 6, 2009 - This Week's Open Houses Nov 7 - Nov 8

Franklin Township - Saturday and Sunday, November 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 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. The following are featured homes this weekend in Franklin Township and surrounding areas from Century 21 Moretti Realty http://tinyurl.com/c64npd 

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS  **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**   The links will expire 60 days from 11/7//2009.

Nov. 5, 2009 - US Senate passes tax credit extention

Credit would extend into next year

In a US Senate vote of 98-0, legislation tied with extending unemployment benefits passed today that would also extend first-time buyer tax credits into the new year. The House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the legislation, today. This legislation would extend the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit to contracts signed by April 30 and closed by June 30. The controversial credit, which many say has boosted home sales in recent months, was set to expire after Nov. 30. The Senate's bill also creates a $6,500 credit for those who buy a home after living in their current house at least five years. That measure would also apply to contracts signed by April 30 and closed by June 30. The current credit defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a residence within the past three years.  The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.  Click here to read more.

This is the stimulus needed in the local housing sector that will not only encouage first time buyers but add incentive for current homeowners to move-up to larger homes. Congress should be applauded for today's actions. 

Nov. 3, 2009 - Possible Good Tax Credit News

Home owners tax credit could be expanded

Yesterday, Businessweek reported that the Senate is expected this week to pass an extension of the credit that was originally going to expire Nov. 30. Buyers who sign a purchase agreement by April can now claim the credit.

The extension will apply to higher income buyers. Previously the credit was available to individual filers making $75,000 a year or less. For couples the limit was $150,000. The new income limit will be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.   There’s also something in for move-up buyers.  For the complete story go to: http://tinyurl.com/yjdv78l 

Source: Businessweek     

Nov. 3, 2009 - How to unblock a toilet

A simple DIY project

Earlier today, my household experienced a clogged toilet with all the drama of not knowing if it would overflow.  Thankfully, it did not.  Sooner or later these events happen to us all. It's not a big deal as long as you are prepared to deal with them and have the right tools, on hand.

Here is a quick tutorial for how to unblock a toilet.  If you notice several drains in your home are somewhat sluggish, you problem source may be the main waste line from your home. It is particularly suspect if there are nearby trees, who's roots might have invaded the sewer line.  This problem calls for professional help ( a licensed plumber) and might also require a regular maintenance schedule.

If your home has a septic tank here are two books that can help you to properly maintain your system They can be found at Amazon.com and possibly our Franklin Township Public Library:

1) The Septic Systems Owner's Manual - http://snipurl.com/septicmanual

2) Wells & Septic Systems - http://snipurl.com/wells~septic