HOW TO COMBAT ABANDONED HOMES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

How to combat a neighborhood’s abandoned homes
You CAN be successful at selling property next to an unpleasant sight


We all know the picture: boarded-up windows, overgrown weeds, deteriorating paint and crumbling features. Sometimes, they’re even spooky.

Abandoned homes are everywhere, and are especially commonplace during a recession. Yet, there are ways, as a real estate professional, to mitigate the possibility of reduced property values because of those blemishes next door.

The following are some ways you can approach the situation to get the most for your listing:

Contact the Homeowners’ Association
Most associations will cover expenses to help with maintenance issues, such as tending to the lawn. Then, this cost will be cleared by the bank before the land or home is sold.

Know your local & state laws
Some state governments will fine property owners for failing to maintain land. However, New Jersey’s state law sites banks as the primary entities accountable to maintain the property during the foreclosure process. Your city’s building division should be at the top of your contact list for inquiries about securing and maintaining abandoned properties and homes. Building code violations, fire risks and also vandalism can later be inspected by town officials who are notified.

Beware of the boundaries
During the selling process, in the meantime, quick fixes like planting taller shrubs or putting up a fence are worth the investment to minimize negative effects of the abandoned property on other neighboring properties. The view of distinct property lines is more pleasing to the eye. Planting or constructing a fence are often recommendations by home staging companies. Also, it is a good idea to install blinds inside a home to minimize the view of unsightly properties.

Lend a helping hand
But first, be careful not to trespass! Investigate who is the owner of the property and then offer aid—or else your innocent intentions could go to waste. After a little TLC, your property next to that unsightly land could soon sell.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a NJ home in Monmouth, Ocean or Middlesex Counties, call Leanne @ 917 596 2772 or Anna @ 732 371 3233.

FINANCIAL REASONS TO BUY REAL ESTATE NOW

Article Courtesy of Michael Scarimbola of SI Mortgage Group

Financial Reasons to Buy Now By The KCM Crew

Here are three great financial reasons why you should not wait before taking the plunge into homeownership.

1. The 30-Year Mortgage May Disappear:

There has been much debate regarding government's role in providing support for homeownership. There are several experts who believe if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's roles are eliminated, or even limited, it may be the end to the 30-year mortgage. This concern is addressed in MSN Real Estate's, Is it curtains for the 30-year mortgage?

2. QRM Requirements Could Be Much More Stringent:

Here are proposed changes to the requirements for a 'qualified residential mortgage':
Certain mortgage types would be eliminated
You would need to put a minimum of 20% down
You would need a minimum 690 FICO score
The ratios of income to both the mortgage payment and overall debt would become much more conservative (28% and 36%)
There would be loans available to purchasers who don't qualify under the new rules. However, they will probably be more expensive to the buyer (both in rate and costs).

3. Rents are Expected to Increase:

The supply of available rentals is decreasing and the demand is increasing. That will lead to an increase in rental costs throughout the year. The Wall Street Journal recently quoted a report by Reis, Inc in which it states, "Expect vacancies to continue declining, and rents rising through the rest of 2011 at an even faster pace."Bottom LineYou may be waiting on the sidelines to see if prices will continue to depreciate before you purchase a home. The mortgage expense is a major piece in the overall financial picture of homeownership. Make sure you consider it when timing your decision.Reprinted with permission.

All Contents ©2011. Steve Harney. KCMBlog.com.

If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please call Anna @ 732 372 3233 or Leanne @ 917 596 2772. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.

Colts Neck Estate Homes for Sale!

COLTS NECK ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE

We are proud to present our newest listing located at 36 Rivers Edge Dr, in Colts Neck, NJ. This pretty as a picture COLTS NECK ESTATE HOUSES FOR SALE is in the Reservoir Section of Colts Neck.

This Stunning Luxury Manor home is located in prestigious Rivers Edge community in Colts Neck.

This exquisite graystone estate has been completely renovated with in past 2 years. Enter into your grand double story foyer with marble flooring, decorative molding and iron & oak princess stairway. 2 Story Great Room off kitchen features hard wood flooring, fireplace and gorgeous moldings.

5 bedrooms with private baths. Elegant gourmet kitchen is stunning, fit for a chef: tumbled marble walls, center island, custom Medallion cabinets, top of line appliances, granite counters, 2 dishwashers and refrigerators. Hardwood flooring and decorative custom molding through first floor.

Private library/office feature fireplace and built in desk & shelving. Grand Music Room features hardwood flooring and windows overlooking yard.

Delighful Master Suite includes 3 walk in closets, luxurious bath. Laundry Room with 2 washer & dryers and built in cabinets. Finished basement with gameroom, exerciseroom and bar. Inground gunite pool, paver patio and private yard. Requesting $2,190,000. Call Leanne @ 917 596 2772 or Anna @ 732 371 3233 to preview this Luxury Home.

Visit our website for more listings and information at www.leannelucarelli.com

RED BANK, NJ TOWNHOMES FOR SALE

RED BANK, NJ TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE

This your chance to own a newly renovated Red Bank, NJ townhome style condo in walking distance to Broad Street. This condo conversion of a duplex home offers two units with off street

parking. One 3 bedroom 3 floor unit and one 2 bedroom unit is available. Both units feature gorgeous hardwood flooring, decorative moldings, private basement with laundry hook ups. Upgraded kitchens feature granite counters, stainless appliances, maple cabinetry and tumbled marble backsplashes.

Private parking, patio, newer A/C, furnaces, hot water heater, and 9 foot ceilings complete these great units. Great location close to main street Red Bank, Riverview Hospital and trains. Don't miss out as these won't last. Asking $319,000 and $369,000. Some Builder options still available. Call Anna @ 732 371 3233 or Leanne @ 917 596 2772 for more information today!

Call Anna @732 371 3233 or Leanne @ 917 596 2772 to preview both of these homes today!

Visit us at our website for our other listings at www.leannelucarelli.com

COLTS NECK HOMES FOR SALE!

COLTS NECK HOUSES FOR SALE!

We are pleased to introduce our newest Colts Neck listing located at 18 Hidden Pine Dr. This Colts Neck, NJ house for sale is a beautiful brick front 6 bedroom colonial is tucked away on 1 of Colts Neck's hidden neighborhoods. Situated on over 1 acre of country club like property in the center of town, this home boasts an open floor plan with spacious room sizes, hardwood flooring and breathtaking views of the private yard.

Living Room and Dining Room feature decorative moldings, hardwood floors & architectural details. Eat in kitchen with breakfast nook overlooking pretty views of yard.

1st level master suite features double sided fireplace, walk in closet and private posh marble bathroom.

Sunken, spacious family room features hardwood flooring and wood burning fireplace.

Enjoy your own Koi pond, in ground pool, tiered paver patio and privacy all year round.

Visit us at our website for additional Colts Neck, NJ Homes for sale at www.leannelucarelli.com

New Listing 43 Dartmouth Dr., Hazlet

We are pleased to announce our newest listing located at 43 Dartmouth Dr. in Hazlet, NJ. This lovely 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home home has been expanded to accomodate for a spacious kitchen, laundry room and extra bath.

Updated kitchen w/ granite counters and eat in area. Bathrooms have been updated. Hardwd floors through out main house and bedroom level. Large private yard backs to green acres. Cathedral ceilings in the Living Room and bedrooms. Ideal for commuting, close to shopping and Route 35 and Rt 36. Priced aggressivley at $349,000. Call Anna @732-371-3233 or Leanne @ 917-596-2772 to preview this home or for all your real estate needs.

COLTS NECK, NJ HOMES FOR SALE!

COLTS NECK, NJ HOUSE FOR SALE! Introducing 2 Wide Horizons, Colts Neck.

We are pleased to announce our new listing, located on a cul de sac location in the center of Colts Neck! This beautiful 5 bedrm 5.5 bath Center Hall Colonial offers a spacious open floor plan, hardwood flooring on first floor, custom moldings.

2 story entrance foyer. Large Eat in kitchen with center island. Step down from kitchen into sunken familyroom/greatroom which features fireplace and tray ceiling. Ideal for familytime. Full finished walkout basement, features possible au pair quarters with full bath.Spacious Mastersuite with sitting room, private bath and walk in closets. 3 car garage. Enjoy the privacy outdoors on a oversized sandstone tile patio set on over 1.5 acres. Don't miss out, ideal location, meticulously kept. Requesting $1,199,000.

Visit us at our website for additional COLTS NECK HOMES FOR SALE at www.leannelucarelli.com

Freehold, NJ Independence Square Townhomes for Sale!

Freehold, NJ Independence Square Townhouse for Sale!

Wonderful light & bright 3 bedroom Indeptownhome for sale in Independence Square, Freehold, NJ. Includes Living Room/Dining Room combination, eat in kitchen and 3 spacious bedrooms.

Unit has private back yard area backing to a sod farm. Master bedroom features walk in closet, full bath and balcony overlooking yard. Upstairs laundry room is spacious & convenient. Rear patio for BBQ & tableset. 2 attached outdoor storage closets for bicycles, outdoor equipment, etc.

Convenient location, great schools, community club house, pool & tennis courts. Requesting $229,900.

Nothing to do but move in!

Call Leanne @917 596 2772 or Anna @ 732 371 3233 to preview this home.

Visit us at our website for additional listings at www.leannelucarelli.com

Robert Defalco Realty Presents Home Sales 2011 Outlook

In 2011, if spending and consumer confidence continues to increase, a recovery of the housing market should be on the horizon. It will be a slow process, but with a general move in the right direction for home ownership. This will ride on the coattails of the fact that our overall economy is beginning to settle into a more stable state.

Business spending will be the gauge of where the market is moving. Businesses must invest in the growth of their companies and, in turn, will quicken job gains and, thus, interest in home ownership. The highly inflated level of home prices has been shattered and market and interest rates are at their historical low points. These factors make home buying attractive. Consumer confidence only has to rise to the occasion. Another factor is that home prices are more in line with income. In the peak of 2006, when home prices were inflated, the average house cost 3.5 times an average income level. Now, that ratio is about 2.4 times income. The historical normal level was 2.5 times so now would be the a good time to purchase.

Inflation has not been an issue in the past few years, as the 2010 Consumer Price Index increased only 1.1% from 2009. It remains to be seen if inflation will return in 2011 or 2012. There are signs that prices could start heading upward, since the Federal Reserve anounced it would flood the economy with money by purchasing $600 billion worth of Treasurey bonds next year. Interest rates rise with inflation.

People in general, have learned hard lessons: spending within their means. This doesn't equate to the fact that owning a home is an unattainable goal. It just means that purchasing a home in a comfortable price range is a more realistic goal.

Aligning these factors, normal inflation, reasonable home prices and consumer confidence, the long awaited expectation for a more normal housing market can be expected.


Article Courtesy of vvargas @ Robert Defalco Realty