Representative Rush Holt coming to Somerset

Franklin Township kicks off a series of 9 townhall meetings in central New Jersey, including two call in sessions with Congressman Rush Holt. This is an excellent opportunity to voice concerns to your local congressional representative.

Monday, July 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. – Franklin Township (Municipal Building Council Chambers, 475 De Mott Lane, Somerset)

Tuesday, July 8 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Telephone Town Hall (Dial 1-866-447-5149 and when prompted enter the pin 13864)

The complete schedule of meetings can be found on the congressman's website.  See you there!

Wishing you a Happy and Safe

July 4th Weekend

Location, location, location

Yeah...we've all heard the line before. However, what is a great location for me might not be the best location for you.  Maybe what is important to you is proximity to work, nightlife, places of worship or recreation.  A good location could be one that is surburban or urban.  Location is a very subjective thing.

What truely defines a good location is the ability to attract and appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers resulting in the highest resale price at the time of sale.  A good location, in terms of resale value, offers well maintained properties, a diverse and thriving economy, low crime rates, easy access to transportation and/or highways and close proximity to essential services and shops; to name a few.

Whether or not you have children in school, a good perceived location is one that's associated with quality schools.  Areas in and around Somerset offers choices between urban areas, such as New Brunswick with its variety of restuarants and night life or Franklin Township's varied surburban sections such as Quailbrook, Franklin Park or Wildflower Ridge. 

Zillow.com announces Mortgage Marketplace 

On April 3^rd, Zillow.com launched a new online service allowing shoppers to request mortgage quotes without submitting a name, address, phone number or social security number.  Borrowers reveal their identities only after contacting the lender of their choice.   

It has been reported that Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's CFO and vice-president for marketing said, "This is a huge step forward in terms of putting borrowers in control and giving them access to information."  It appears to be in step with what today's tech saavy home buyer wants.  However, according to Yahoo! News, there is potential harm to borrowers who seek a loan using Mortage Marketplace before getting advice from mortgage professionals regarding the best type of loan to obtain.

Zillow's role in this new service is merely connecting borrowers with lenders.  Zillow is best known for it’s “zestimates” of home values and their “make me move” features.  I commented on Zillow’s local accuracy in our Franklin Township market, in February.  In the end, this new feature seems to be just another lead generator for lenders.

Read more about Mortgage Marketplace here.

Creating a deer & rabbit resistant garden

Residing here in Franklin Township, I’ve not had more frustration than dealing with deer and rabbits attacking my tiny garden. The last 4 - 5 years my problem has seemed to have worsened. But then again, those were also housing boom years that destroyed some of the wildlife’s natural habitats. Consequently, I had cut back on my gardening.

Spring has arrived and I’m thinking of giving my garden another chance with deer and rabbit resistant plants and flowers. It seems that many deer resistant flora are also rabbit resistant. I’m finding these pests will eat just about anything if hungry enough. Deer have a tendency to nibble on items that are unpalatable if they are located in their feeding area. But, the following plants are said to offer some hope: Allium, Artemesia, Baptisia, Buddleia, Clethra, Caryopteris, Digitalis, Festuca, Lavender, Miscanthus, Monarda, Nepeta, Pennisetum, Perovskia, Rugosa roses, Salvia, Santolina and Viburnum.

The use repellents can also be affective. But, different repellents should be rotated. I found a recommendation to mix a raw egg with a gallon of water and sprinkle this on the plants every couple of days would help protect the plants from the marauding deer. Spray more often during the active growing season as plants will "grow out" of the repellent quickly.

For more information, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension has an extensive list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance and good luck with your summer garden.

PMI must raise cash

Private mortgage insurer PMI Group Inc. acknowledged it will need to raise "significant additional capital" in order to continue writing new business after posting a $1 billion net loss in the fourth quarter -- much of it through its ownership stake in troubled bond insurer FGIC Corp.  Although PMIs own mortgage insurance operations generated a $236 million net loss in the final quarter of 2007, it was the company's 42 percent stake in FGIC that put the biggest dent in the company's bottom line, accounting for $776.1 million of the net loss for the quarter. PMI's net loss for the full year was $915.3 million.

Source: Inman News

Safe Night program scheduled for Friday, April 5th 

“2008 marks the ninth year that the county has been holding a ‘Safe Night’ program, which brings youth together to openly discuss important and relevant topics such as resolving conflicts peacefully, managing emotions and preventing violence in a fun-filled, safe environment,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Rick Fontana.

Somerset County's youth program is open to students in grades seven through 12.  The evening is planned by their peers and adults in a safe environment..  This year’s “Safe Night’ program is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Franklin Middle School, located at 415 Francis St., Somerset.  This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras,” and students are invited to wear a mask and beads.   The registration deadline is March 28, and seating is limited to the first 200 registrants.There is a $5.00 admission fee which includes refreshments and door prizes. 

For tickets and more information about the “Safe Night” program, call Sarah Murchison of the Somerset County Department of Human Services at 908-704-6307 or e-mail her at: murchis@co.somerset.nj.us.  Click here for a brochure and registration form.

Accuracy of local data is problematic

It was bound to happen sooner or later.  Zillow.com has come to Somerset, NJ...warts and all. I received an email today informing me the "Zillow® Buzz" got a makeover and that I should click the links to check out what's there for Franklin Township.   Sadly, each of the direct links were dead. 

There's been long standing criticism of Zillow regrading the site's "zestimate" of home values and incomplete or inaccurate "data".  The critics still bear merit.  A glaring example is the limited number of Franklin Towship listings.

More than two years ago Nicholas Carr wrote on his blog, Rough Type, "The data's not reliable. As soon as I got onto the site, I did what I'm sure millions of other people did yesterday: I zillowed my own home. The house description, alas, was way out of date. It didn't include an addition that we put on three years ago, which meant that the room count, bath count, and square footage were all off."  I also love the comment on Valleywag.com; “The brilliant bit is that Zillow's best defense is, "Our system is inaccurate all over." 

After reading today's email, of course, the first thing I did was to zillow my house too.  In my case the information was woefully incomplete. All that is there is that my home is two stories with a one car garage and zestimates a value of $320,500.  Strangely, my northern next door neighbor's home, which shares the same floor plan, is valued at $3,000 more.  There are no exterior differences. My southern next door neighbor, who has one less bedroom, is valued at $6,500 more than my house!  And, this discrepancy doesn't credit the added improvements made to my home including granite kitchen counters, a custom back splash and hardwood and marble floors.

All is not bad at zillow.com.  The site offers some great resources for buyers and a few good "fear busters" for sellers.  Zillow still secretly thrives on overconfident users.”  All I can say is Caveat Emptor.

The Hard Truth

In yet another report about New Jersey real estate, yesterday's NJ.com blog highlighted James Bednar's blog New Jersey Real Estate Report.  This blog has been tracking accepted lowball real estate offers of at least 20% below the original listing price.  Frankly, these deals only point to unrealistic values home owners had originally placed on their houses that had no correlation to the marketplace. 

Some commentors to NJ.com's article attempt to place the blame for New Jersey's real estate slump on the backs of Realtors. Here is an example, "The realtors and builders are the ones to blame here--they are setting the pricing and none of it adds up. They have created a nightmare and is it fixable without the homeowners taking a loss?"

Let's be honest here. It is the homeowner who ultimately sets the listing price.  Some Realtors will accept a seller's perception of overpriced value simply to get the listing; knowing it will need to be reduced in order to attract a buyer.  I've lost business (aka money) to other Realtors because I have refused to play the "listing game" of telling the seller what s/he wants to hear.  I tell the seller what s/he needs to hear, which is simply the truth.  And...sometimes the truth hurts. 

Your house is not a bank. It was designed to provide shelter for you and your family. Your house may not be worth what you want to be worth and today's value has nothing to do with what you paid for it four years ago, or what you need in profits to move on to your next home.  It's worth is what a willing and able buyer agrees to pay for it.

Star-Ledger writer, Sam Ali, reiterates what was reported last week in the New York Times, "for buyers, however, the next six months could present a rare opportunity, with a combination of low home prices, low interest rates and a wide selection of homes offered by motivated sellers." Jeffrey Otteau, president of East Brunswick-based Otteau Valuation Group supports that premise stating, "We're all likely to look back five years from now and conclude that 2008 was a time when smart buyers took advantage of this unique opportunity by locking in both low prices and low interest rates."

So, buyers...Between now and this coming summer may be your best opportunity to get the home that you really want. 

Checking Just the Stats you will find that since the begining of my reports too you, Franklin Township has consistantly shown sales of homes within 96% to 98% of the listing price for single family residences.  That is not to say that prices aren't falling here too.

If you have specific questions, wish a Comparitive Market Analysis (CMA) or want more information regarding our local and surrounding areas, please, don't hesitate to contact me.  

New on the market

BayBerry Drive

$310,000

Century 21 Our Town Realty presents this spacious two bedroom, 2.5 bath Townhouse located in the Quailbrook section of Frankilin Township.

Be among the first to tour these five rooms including an Eat in Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room in basement with built in shelving, sunken living room with wood burning fireplace.  In this development you actually own the land surrounding your property so you can have a deck, fence in your backyard and have a garden!

Call or email me for an appointment to view this property.

To view more photos and for additional information, click the above address.

Get the help you need, now!

FACT:  Between January 1 and December 31, 2007 area real estate professionals recorded 713 single residential home sales in Franklin Township*.

Selling a Somerset home is not as simple as placing a sign in the yard, an ad in the paper, maybe signing up at forsalebyowner.com or fsbo.com and standing back while the buyers come running to bid.

If you’re tempted to market your home without the aid and advice of a real estate professional, by definition, you will be an unrepresented seller trying to find a buyer who will most likely be represented by a real estate professional.  Take a moment to think about these few questions:

Are you able to reach a wide range of possible buyers?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is one of the most powerful tools to expose your home to potential buyers.  Experience also shows home sales are made by matching a seller with a buyer from an extensive network of contacts. These contacts don’t come from ads but from building relationships and the MLS. Without that network of real estate agents and their pool of qualified buyers to show your house to, unrepresented sellers are reduced to hit-or-miss advertising.

Can you size up a potential buyer’s ability to finance the purchase of your home?
The mortgage “crisis” has been in the news for months, now.  Many weeks can be wasted waiting for a mortgage approval that lenders can’t give to unqualified loan applicants. Real estate professionals routinely pre-qualify house hunters and show them only property they can afford. Real estate professionals don’t like to waste time either.

Can you set a price on your home realistically and accurately?
Price your home too high; I guarantee it will languish on today's market and you will help to sell your competitor’s house. Price it too low, and you’ll lose money. Unless you have the same information that real estate agents receive daily, chances are you’ll set your price over or under current market value.

Are you experienced at negotiating and creating legal contracts?
Buyers of homes sold by the owner typically offer much less than the asking price and may expect sellers without agents to share the "savings" on the brokerage commission. Negotiations can be most effective when emotions are removed from the equation.

Are you prepared to spend possibly many days glued to your home?
If buyers can not see your home when it is convenient for them, you can not sell it.  Remaining ready to show your home on short notice could make you a permanent home sitter.  Providing an electronic lock box allows a large network of real estate agents, with potential buyers, access to your home.

Can you be sure that the people entering your home are genuinely interested in buying, not in taking advantage of your "open house" and unprotected presence?
Real estate professionals both screen house hunters and accompany them as they go through your rooms. Technology allows agents to record the activity of other real estate agents who show or previews your home.

As a certified e-Pro REALTOR, I’d like to help you sell your home even if you are determined to go it on your own. 

Working with a real estate professional does not necessarily mean listing with an agent. 

Get the e-book, “450 Ideas To Help Your Home Sell Faster” absolutely free.  Simply send me your name and e-mail address.  It will be on its way to you without further obligation.  I will also be happy to connect you with a mortgage professional who can instantly determine whether any potential buyer can actually qualify for a loan (possibly at your Open House).  Just ask!

Contact me today and write: “Send me 450 Ideas” in the Additional Comments box. 

* Source: Garden State MLS - Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Shoprite opens November 7th

In a little more than a week, Franklin Township will be home to New Jersey's newest ShopRite supermarket that is still under construction. The new store will be located at the intersection of Elizabeth Avenue and Old New Brunswick Road. The grand opening is scheduled for 8 a.m. November 7th, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At an adjacent parcel, designs are underway and will be presented to the Franklin Ttownship Planning Board for aproval.

The Quailbrook Senior Center offers flu shots

The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Somerset Hills will administer flu shots to seniors from10:30 a.m. intil 1;30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Franklin Township's Quail Brook Senior Center, 625 New Brunswick Rd. Seniors who would like to receive a flu shot are asked to pre-register by calling (732) 563-4213 by Tuesday, Oct. 30.

To receive the vaccination at no charge, eligible participants must have Medicare Part B and bring the Medicare Part B card with them. Otherwise, the cost will be $25.00 per person, payable by cash or check. If you wish to have lunch, please contact the senior center by 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to make a reservation. A suggested donation of $1.50 is recommended for lunch, which is catered by Merri-Makers Caterers of Edison.

For more information, contact Manager Ellen Baxter, Quail Brook Senior Center, at (732) 563-4213.

Join the Sisters Network of Central NJ on Oct 6th

October is national breast awareness month.

If you've been about the town, it's likely that you've seen the pink signs. Saturday, October 6, 8:00 a.m.the Sisters Network of Central NJ will launch the 3rd annual Robyn Michelle Collins 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The starting location is the Franklin Township Municipal Area, Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Click the above link to learn more about this local organizatiion.

It's not too late to register for the 2007 walk. The registration fee includes a T-shirt. The SNCNJ is located at: 604 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873. You may phone them at: 732-246-8300 or send e-mail to: sistercentral@aol.com.

A week of the people

Franklin Township's "Week of the People" kicks off Sunday, September 23rd and runs until September 30th  in celebration of our town's diversity.

This year's events include a Variety Showcase of entertainment; A Taste of Franklin;  Interfaith Services; A Leadership Breakfast; A Film Festival and more.

For a comple schedule of events, click here.   To view video from last year's "A Taste of Franklin" click here.

Summer MovieCamp and more

AMC theaters is offering great kids' movies such as "Happy Feet" and "Ice Age" for free!  Shows start each Wednesday at 10:00 am from June 27 - August 15* (*Excluding July 4th). You can purchase a kid's snack pack including one drink, one popcorn and a kid's sized snack for only $3.00 during AMC's Summer MovieCamp®. Click here to print the complete movie lineup.  For more information contact: AMC Bridgewater Commons 7 - Guest Services, (908) 725-2005

Independence Day celebration 

Come join the fun at the Franklin Township Independence Day celebration; 6 to 9 p.m. on July 3rd; that includes food vendors, Kid Zone inflatable amusements, crafts, games, and the second annual Clothesline Art Exhibition. Fireworks follow at 9:15 p.m. (rain date July 6). Location: Franklin Township Municipal Complex, 475 Demott Lane.  For more information: (732) 873-1991

Seniors can beat the summer heat 

Artwork Inspired by Franklin Township

Franklin Township's second annual Clothesline Exhibition will be held July 3 before the fireworks show, with a rain date of July 6. Interested artists must submit an entry form by June 26. There is no fee for exhibiting and no sale of work is permitted the night of the show, but a number of cash prizes will be awarded.

The Artists can enter a maximum of six matted pieces, no framed works. The exhibition directors will supply the clothespins and lines for hanging the works. The event will have the theme, "Pictures at an Exhibition -- Works Inspired by Franklin Township New Jersey." Setup starts at 5 p.m., and all work must be removed by 8 p.m.

No entry fee—just join in the fun and celebration

Church holds annual Festival June 22-24 

St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church will have its annual Lebanese Festival from June 22-24 on church grounds, 526 Easton Ave.

Traditional Lebanese foods such as falafel, choarma (gyro), hummus, shish kabob, spinach pies, tabouhli, stuffed grape leaves and more will be available at the festival. Numerous Middle Eastern desserts such as baklawa, mamool, atayif, nammoora and ghraybeh also will be offered.

Eddie Ossama and his orchestra will perform traditional and popular music from Lebanon. Games of chance, raffles and prizes also are planned.

Festival hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. June 22, from noon to 11 p.m. June 23, and from noon to 10 p.m. June 24.

For more information about the festival, call Msgr. Maroun Asmar, pastor of the church, at (732) 828-2055.

Source: Courier News

Indigo Arts opened its doors in October.  It is the first exclusively Indian arts gallery in New Jersey.  An exhibition will be presented 6 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Arsha Bodha Center, 84 Cortelyou Lane, in the Somerset section of Franklin Township.

For more information visit the website, call (908) 791-0050 or email Indigo Arts.

Franklin Township