New Jersey Real Estate, NJ Sales

New Jersey News

2007-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Please see our News Feed online where you can read about the goings on and happenings with New Jersey real estate. We are working on an RSS set-up for news syndication, and we'll let you know when it is complete.

New Jersey News

Getting Much Deserved Attention

2007-02-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

It was exciting to see one of New Jersey's finest real estate firms get some attention in the market, especially on Yahoo! See where BrianDavid, Realtors® was touted on Yahoo for its professional service in north and south Jersey.

New Jersey Real Estate on Yahoo!

Real Estate Future Shock: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Change

2007-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Inman Real Estate Conference, 1-15-2007
Welcome Address: Bradley J. Inman, Founder & Publisher, Inman News

· By connecting people, we are achieving something we all have in common. Recommends reading Richard Ford’s books, The Sportswriter, The Lay of the Land and Independence Day.

· “Finding a home is a good thing”

§ Home ownership gives us freedom.

· Faster we can connect these people; the faster there will be innovations.

· Brad gives an example of his truck which gets him where he wants to go versus his new Mercedes with 49 different buttons and three levels of air conditioned seats. Uses the analogy to compare traditional marketing with web-based marketing.

· Highlights the consumer will be more engaged and participating in our industry than ever before.

· There will be service ratings of sales associates.

· Consumer wants control. They don’t trust the experts.

· “The wisdom of crowds”.

§ Is this a treat or an opportunity?

· Open source software. Gives us an example of a gold mining company that opened its data to the world and discovered 40 additional sites.

· MLS and the 30-year mortgage made possible the market we enjoyed in the past 10 years.

· We will soon see on the web, comments from people who have seen the house.

· This will help us manage the seller.

Take-aways

1). Global competition for capital will increase

2). Inventory will remain the same [foreclosures will increase]

3). Will start emerging as a bull market.

· Worst case – 15% drop in sales volume.

· Gives an example of a firm that previously spent $100,000 in print advertising and $5,000 online. They are now spending 80% online and 20% in print.

· Put your content everywhere.

Change is Good

Real Estate is going through a metamorphosis. Markets are rapidly changing and technology is sparking new ways of servicing consumers. Learn from three leading experts who are pushing change forward.

Industry Trends & Market News

2007-01-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

News from the Inman Real Estate Conference in New York City:

Brokerage and Realtor Marketing:

Agents can differentiate themselves by the quality of information they provide about their community.
There are community specific sites where agents should also have their information.
There are different ways to find leads. Correspond and have a dialogue. Consumer is not in this room. They don’t understand how we get paid.

Customer Expectations:

Internal lead generation management.
Responds in 30 seconds to 1 minute.
23% of people who respond expect instantaneous contact.
44% expect follow-up in 30 minutes,
100% expect follow-up same day.

See what Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty is doing online in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Inman Conference In New York

2007-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Inman Real Estate Conference was held in New York last week and some very exciting information was presented that highlights the changes in the market when it comes to buying and selling homes.

Should I Consider a Fixer-Upper

2007-01-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

There are two main reasons buyers look for fixer-uppers (rundown houses that usually sell for less because of their poor condition). The first is as an investment. The idea is that you'll go in, do the fix-up work, and sell for a profit. There's money to be made here.

The second is that a fixer-upper will sell for less in any given neighborhood. Hence, you might be able to get into the New Jersey neighborhood you want by buying a fixer-upper while otherwise you'd be excluded because of price.

Both reasons are valid. The most common problems with fixer-uppers is that the buyer, particularly the inexperienced buyer, underestimates the costs of repairs.

Back to Buying: Picture Living There

2006-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

When you view a home for sale, especially a smaller condominium in Hoboken or any other real estate in Hudson County, make sure you mentally move in your household.

Rate the New Jersey home you are considering for purchase from 1 to 10 based on the following checklist. Call in the experts as you need to.

How would your furniture fit in the various living areas?
How much renovation or repair is required?
What would it cost to make any necessary changes?
How will your children or future offspring fit into the picture?
What is the present condition of the home?

Decorating: paint, carpet, flooring, tile?
Mechanical: heating, air conditioning, electrical?
Structural: foundation, walls, plaster, floors, roof?
Kitchen: cupboards, counters, appliances (which are included)?
Bathrooms: shower, fixtures, water pressure?

Saving Money on Your Move pt. V

2006-12-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

Claim your moving expenses. You may be able to deduct your moving expenses so be sure to keep receipts and check with your tax advisor.

Saving Money on Your Move pt. IV

2006-12-23T05:16:00.000-08:00

Have a garage sale. Now is a great time to get rid of clothes you haven't worn in awhile and anything else that you don't use. Not only will there be less for you to move, but you can make some extra money at the same time.

Saving Money on Your Move pt. III

2006-12-20T03:28:00.000-08:00

Save on packing materials. Instead of buying bubble wrap or packing peanuts, start saving your newspapers to use as wrapping when you move.

As you plan your move, consider any one of these fine New Jersey communities:

North Bergen Real Estate | Union City Real Estate | Middletown NJ Homes | Red Bank NJ Homes

Saving Money on Your Move pt. II

2006-12-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

Do the packing yourself! You can sometimes get boxes from your supermarket or other local businesses, or see if your moving company sells used boxes at a discounted price.

On top of saving money, you'll be surprised at how much you'll enjoy going through all of your things tucked away in the kitchen and the garage, and recalling the last time you used this or that.

It all makes for a great opportunity to do away with any clutter or other items that you simply don't use anymore. If you are moving to a smaller home, it doesn't hurt to consolidate. At the same time, if your purchasing a larger New Jersey home, perhaps in Hoboken or Weehawken, then you might want to get rid of some old stuff and make room for the new.

Saving Money on Your Move pt. I

2006-12-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Moving can straining your muscles and your budget, but think twice before deciding to handle the entire move on your own. Licensed movers are required to carry insurance which can lessen any risk involved in your move. That peace of mind may well be worth the cost.

See our Hoboken Homes Guide and New Jersey Real Estate Relocation Center for more information.

Where Will I Live

2006-12-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

You are probably wondering where you will live if you sell first, buy last. This can be an unsettling thought. Perhaps you can arrange to delay the closing or possession date on the home you are selling until the fall or winter, which will give you time to shop during the best buying months.

Maybe you have friends or relatives who will put you up for a while or know someone who needs a house sitter. Maybe there is an apartment you can rent on a short-term basis. This might seem like a lot of bother an extra expense, however the money you save selling your New Jersey home first then buying your next place should more than repay you for it.

Sell Existing Home First

2006-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

If you already own a home, you should consider selling it before contracting to buy your next New Jersey real estate property. There are two reasons for taking this approach.

First, if you enter into a contract to buy your next home before selling your existing home, you will be under pressure to sell your existing home in a hurry. This means you probably will not get as much for it as you would if you could be patient about selling it.

Second, most people cannot afford two homes in New Jersey or elsewhere. So if you try to buy your next home first, you will have to make your offer of purchase contingent on selling your existing home. This is a very weak offer, and you will probably not be able to get the seller to negotiate the price, terms and so on to your liking. In fact, the seller may not even consider such an offer.

Even if such an offer is considered, the seller will insist on having the right to sell to someone else that might come along later, unless you then agree to remove the contingency regarding selling your existing home. This arrangement is called a "break clause", perhaps because of the number of nervous breakdowns it has caused.

Avoid Friends & Relatives

2006-11-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

If you decide to hire your own representative, whether a buyer-paid agent, buyers broker or lawyer, try to avoid a relative or close friend. Buying a home in New Jersey or elsewhere is such and emotional process that the last thing you will want is your uncle or neighbor telling you what to do or even worse, being afraid to be honest or straightforward.

On the other hand, how do you fire relatives or friends if they can't live up to your expectations for helping you find the right home or New Jersey real estate listing? What if you don't like their negotiating skills? If you tell them that you want to live in Weehawken, but they keep recommending Summit, then where do you go from there?

If it's a professional Realtor, then they want to work for you, not profess to know what's best for you. Sure it can work out great with a NJ licensed relative or friend, but always consider the down-side. Many families and friendships have been fractured because of this.

When to Buy

2006-11-02T04:22:00.001-08:00

Generally, you should buy in the fall or winter, which is typically when the residential market is usually the slowest and when you can mostly obtain a better price. Of course, the may differ in various part of the Hudson County real estate market, but it can serve as a good rule of thumb.

Sellers have traditionally put their homes on the market when the weather is pretty, the flowers are up, and it is warm outside. This is when a home looks and feels its best. You, on the other hand, want to see it when it is at its worst, which is when it is cold, wet and dreary outside. That is when you have the best chance to find septic tank problems, water leaks, poor insulation, air infiltration and more...

Quiet Seclusion

2006-09-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing says luxury more than an elegant estate set among 3 or more acres of private, landscaped land that can be enjoyed from your very own deck and/or patio.

All along the Jersey Shore, there are numerous Hudson County, NJ properties that fit that description.

One of my favorites has to be the one we looked at today. The master bedroom opened to a full walk-out deck where you could hear the birds chirping and the see the squirrels jumping from tree to tree.

The property itself had been masterfully planned with a nice mix of ornate shrubbery, plantings and an astounding flower garden.

The grounds were enhanced by a small pond and stone walk-way that led from the pool and patio to an overlook where you could see the frogs frolic about the water.

My, I thought how nice a venue this would make for my daughter's wedding and subsequent reception.

Home Buying Market Update

2006-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the marketplace, while supply has surpassed demand and home are on the market longer, the average pricing on available homes continues to increase. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that pricing on new homes has increased 8 percent over the last year.

While building materials have continued to rise in the last few months, and the cost of financing a home continues to rise, the good news is that interest rates have continued to drop over the last six weeks. The 30-year fixed mortage is almost 40 points lower than the peak of 6.8 percent earlier this summer.

As the market has changed and with a growing inventory of unsold properties and real estate listings in New Jersey, buyers have become more selective and are looking for homes that have a better chance of increasing in value over the next few years.

Basking in Luxury

2006-09-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

What strike me the most on my latest trip to New Jersey, was the array of various architecture styles of upscale luxury real estate listings across the state... in Middletown, Holmdel, Montgomery Township, Montclair and more.

There were elegant, river-front French Country Manor homes with panoramic water views. As soon as you see one you like, then there's another. Oh, this beautiful colonial Holmdel property was simply spectacular. Beyond the architecture, the extraordinary gardens and landscaping made it hard to walk, much less look away.

After a nice drive, my eye was immediately drawn to a hilltop New Jersey home for sale. Goodness it had its very own lagoon pool set among a stone walk-way and romantic over bridge. All-in-all, the combination of privacy, elegance and modern luxury were very alluring.

Wow! I wasn't sure where to begin and now I don't know where to end... boy it's late, certainly something that'll make for a good night's sleep.

Sellers Require Personal Attention

2006-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

When you consider how much time you put into making your house a very special home, then no doubt you realize that you deserve just as much personal attention when you decide to sell your property.

You have a lot of personal investment in and attachment to your home, whether you've been there 5, 10, twenty or thirty plus years.

Having high expectations in the type of offers you will garner for your home begins by having high expectations in the quality of your listing agent. Make sure that they give you and your home very detailed attention in all aspects of the presentation and sales material.

Do they listen and understand your wishes, wants and desires? Have they captured the essence and uniqueness of your property, including architecture, history, style, amenities and assets?

Expect only the best and your best interests will be served!!!

What Matters Most

2006-09-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Luxury real estate has taken the biggest hit in the market across all residential housing. Yet, people are continuing to inquire about the million dollar properties, however clients are becoming more and more selective as to how quickly they are willing to make an offer.

The key to selling these properties is showcasing the house as a home and its unique amenities side-by-side with the attractions of the surrounding area, be it recreation, leisure, entertainment, schools or the neighborhood. Ask yourself why you bought this home in the first place.

Consider re-doing the landscaping, the interior decorating, highlight renovations or property upgrades. Has the home been tested for Radon, Mold or Termites?

How about the roof, siding or paint; is anything in need of repair or if it has been upgraded, is this something you can highlight when you meet with the potential home buyer?

The property might have sold you years ago, but the market has changed, maybe its time you help sell the property.

Your experienced New Jersey Real Estate Agent/Realtor should be quite versed in helping you address these issues.

Monmouth County, New Jersey

2006-09-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been to Monmouth County, then you know what we mean when we say this this entire area offers a bit of luxury mixed with style and liesure. The thriving communities and breathtaking views are the perfect backdrop for any family looking to settle down and raise their kids while enjoying life's simple pleasures.

From elegant waterfront homes to extravagant condominium properties, real estate in Monmouth County has never been better.

This striking area along the New Jersey shore offers home owners all types of recreational liesures, great schools, excellent local government services, convenient shopping and a great business economy.

Monmouth County has been called the place to go "for real estate with charm, romance and elegance."

State of the New Jersey Market

2006-09-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

The recent down-turn in the market has caused everyone to take a closer look at how they approach and do business in this environment, especially those serving the real estate market in New Jersey, Hudson County, Weekawken and Monmouth County.

Business owns are re-considering their very model, turning more to the Internet, dumping print advertising and re-examing the very role of the real estate agent and/or Realtor.

As home prices dip and sellers question the standard commission rate, can agencies continue to invest unlimited funds during a down market.