Patience and Pricing

To settle the greatly heated debate of the current recession, here it is: now is the perfect time to buy a new home. And, if sellers’ homes are priced right to sell, they will.
Although it takes time, the market is still active and making a recovery. It’s important to keep in mind that the real estate market, like the economy, is cyclical. There will be peaks in the market along with valleys.
However, mortgage rates are at their lowest in recent years. Although selling won’t happen overnight, with efficient, focused real estate professionals, the number of days your home remains on the market can decrease.
The marketplace is more stable now than it was a year ago.
Some crucial things to remember when selling or buying:

Buyers--
· More options in housing inventory
· Fewer competitive offers on same properties
· Don’t have to pay asking price
· Various mortgage options
· “Wait and see” approaches are not always best

Sellers--
· Be realistic with your asking price
· Overpriced homes will not sell
· In high demand areas, there will always be buyers
· Properties will not sell as quickly as they did in previous years

Keep in mind that people will always need a place to live!

Robert DeFalco Realty Presents Holiday Toy and Clothing Drive in Colts Neck

This year, honoring the “DeFalco Cares” Pledge, our Colts Neck office will be sponsoring a NEW toy and clothing drive for 180 Turning Lives Around Organization in Hazlet, New Jersey. This organization has been a blessing for victims of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
When violence forces women and children to leave their homes, 180′s Safe House is a safe haven. It shelters up to 7 families at a time for a period of 30 to 60 days in a confidential location. Residents are provided with counseling, advocacy and assistance in finding housing. Art therapy and counseling are available for children.
In addition, to fearing for their safety, many women stay in abusive relationships because they fear homelessness and financial instability. 180′s Families in Transition Program provides women and their children with a safe home for up to 24 months. Support services include career counseling, financial management, life skills training and assistance in obtaining housing.
This year especially, 180 Turning Lives Around is looking forward to our donations for TEENAGERS in particular.
We will be available to collect your donated items until December 10, 2010 between the hours of 10am – 4pm at our Colts Neck office located at 315 Highway 34, Colts Neck 07722 (across from Delicious Orchards). If you would like to bring items to the Staten Island office, we will be happy to arrange for transport to New Jersey.
Please help us in any way you can to bring a smile to the children’s faces this holiday season. THANK YOU!!

Article courtesy of V. Vargas, Colts Neck Office

Sell First vs. Buy First!

Coordinating the sale of your home with a new home purchase can be tricky and stressful. Whether you buy first and sell later or vice versa, you will find that there are obstacles to overcome. Let's look at the first option...SELL FIRST, BUY LATER. Many homeowners often fear that if they sell their home before they are in contract to purchase a new home that they will find themselves stranded with no place to go, or that they will be forced to settle for a home that is not exactly what they had hoped for. On the flip side, if you try to BUY FIRST, SELL LATER, often times, you may find the home that has exactly what you want, but those sellers will not be willing to tie up their home to someone with a home sale contingency. That usually leaves the client in a very frustrated and now in a vulnerable position to potentially sell their home for less than they may have gotten if they sold first, bought later. When your home is already in contract and you now put an offer on the property you wish to purchase, you have more negotiating strength. You are now considered a serious and qualified buyer as opposed to someone that is not able to follow through with the purchase. As Real Estate Professionals, we completely understand the apprehensions of sellers when it comes to making these types of decisions. Leanne & Anna have experience in making your transition as smooth as possible, and can be trusted to make recommendations for your situation that will help you yield the best possible results during negotiations.

While there is no "right" answer when it comes to Sell First vs. Buy First, there are several pros and cons to either situation. Your unique situation needs to be analyzed by a real estate professional and at that point they can offer you the best possible advice. However, generally, you will find yourself in the best position if you sell first and then buy. Often times the buyer of your home will understand that you need time to find something and will be reasonable in their expectations of closing time frame. remember it is ultimately you, the seller, who signs the contract and agrees to the anticipated closing date, so you are usually in the driver's seat when it comes to that.

If you are considering making a move, we can assist you in coordinating that transition and making the process as smooth as possible. Contact Anna or Leanne today to discuss your options.

article courtesy v. vargas Robert DeFalco Realty, New Jersey