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.

Eatontown, NJ Brookwood Townhouses For Sale

Eatontown, NJ Brookwood Townhomes for Sale! Just Listed this Eatontown, NJ Brookwood Townhouse for sale in the Brookwood community! This lovely well maintained townhouse for sale features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with a loft area ideal for the office.

Eat in kitchen, with oak cabinets & ceramic tile, fabulous open floor plan ideal for entertaining. Ideally located facing Gazebo & Tennis court. Enjoy quiet time or BBQ on your rear deck. 1 car garage.

Brookwood is ideally located, close to shopping & Parkway & Rt 18...don't miss out! Being offered completely furnished at $239,500.

Call Leanne @ 917 596-2772 or Anna @ 732 371-3233 today to preview!

Visit our website to view all of our listings at http://www.leannelucarelli.com/

Spring Cleaning!

If you are getting ready to make a move or just de cluttering from the winter doldrums, we have a great service which may be helpful for you to get rid of your "junk"

Heavenly Haul Out is a charitable company which rids youof your junk while helping a worthy charity. The cart away household items and furniture not suitable for donation. The service is very convenient for those who are looking for a "one stop" solution. It is also helpful for families handling the affairs of far away loved ones. Their service is priced significantly lower than the commercial carting services out there.

Net procees from Heavenly Haul Out dircetly benefit a non-profit charity of A LOVE INC MINISTRY. For pricing or additional questions on services offered call 732 222 1923 Monday through Saturday 9:00-4:30pm.

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

Manalapan Yorktowne Mother Daughter Homes for Sale

Manalapan Mother Daughter House for Sale! We are pleased to announce our new listing located at 21 Sheffield Drive, Manalapan, NJ. This Manalapan Mother Daughter home is one you can't miss !! Absolutely turn key, immaculate & meticulous workmanship. This true Mother /Daughter has 4/5 bedroom, 2 full bath home has been completely remodeled. Situated in the desirable Yorktowne development.

Gorgeous eat in kitchen features granite counters & Roman stone tile flooring. All brand new, never been used appliances, and washer & dryer too.

Home can also be used as a Mother Daughter with a rear private entrance, 2nd kitchen, bedroom, living room & private bath.

Gleaming hardwood floors on 2nd level, family room extension off kitchen. Wonderful open floor plan, great for entertaining & home holds a very sunny & bright position, over 3/4 acre. Great Manalapan neighborhood! Asking $479,000.