Aug. 23, 2008 - What is the life expectancy of your home’s components?

Take the quiz

Knowing the life expectancy of your home’s components can help you to maintain and increase its value over time.  Timely replacement of kitchen appliances, cabinets and counters not only increases efficiencies but can add intrinsic value.  Do you know how long that gas range is supposed to last? 

1. Which type of warm-air furnace has the longest life expectancy? 

Electric __       Gas  __      Oil __

2. Laminate flooring has a life expectancy of:

15-25 years  __           20-40 years  __     Lifetime  __ 

3. Heat/Smoke Detectors have a life expectancy of:

            Less than 10 years  __           More than 10 years  __  

4. Central Air Conditioning has a life expectancy of:

            15-20 years   __          20-40 years  __      10-15 years __

5. Aluminum clad windows have a life expectancy of:

            15-20 years  __           20-40 years __       10-15 years __

For the answers to these questions and a complete study for the Life Expectancy of Home Components, produced by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America Home Equity, click HERE

Aug. 21, 2008 - Study shows first time buyers’ wants are in conflict

Buyers search for low price and move-in condition

Reported by MarketWatch today, first time home buyers still consider affordability as the top priority.  However, 81% also regard the move in condition to be highly important.  In short, they want it all.

It is believed this group’s expectations stem from growing up in the lifestyle of their parents; with only 7% considering the option of purchasing a fixer-upper.  The expectations may be too high for buying power of a first time buyer.

In not considering a home needing a little tender lovin' care (TLC), buyers could miss the chance to move into an area otherwise that would be out of reach.  Buyers could gain greater room for price negotiation.  And they might be able to finance the cost of the home and renovation costs over the life of the mortgage loan.

Other findings show that compared with ten years ago, first time buyers are looking for larger homes, proximity to the job is paramount, they see a home purchase as an investment and first time buyers look at five to ten homes before buying,

For the complete article, go to:  MarketWatch.com

Aug. 16, 2008 - Getting beyond the cover

10 things you probably didn’t know about me

1. I’ve stood on the Great Wall of China and in the alleys of a Moroccan Casbah.
2. True to my astrological sign, I’ve always been a “homebody” and consider my home to be a sanctuary from the world.
3. My Franklin Township home is located approximately 60 miles from my childhood hometown, where my family has had the same neighbors for more than 50 years.
4. I still keep in touch with childhood friends.  In fact, we get together in our hometown every year. The next reunion is only weeks away.
5. Some people don’t get past my hard shell to find a soft heart.
6. Two passions of mine are music (from classical to R&B)  and art. Favorite artist are: Salvadore Dali, Jacob Lawrence and Picasso.
7. I hope to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates within the next 6 months.
8. It’s the creative marketing of real estate, new technologies and problem solving that really excites me about this business.
9. I’ve owned at least one pet for most of my life.  My last two pets, cats named Kidd and Pharaoh lived for 16 and 22 years, respectively.
10. One of my great pleasures in life is helping others in need which is what lead me to a carreer in real estate.  

Aug. 11, 2008 - Note to Sellers: A higher commision works

An old reality in a buyers' market stands true

Building upon Zillow's report on home sellers in denial about current home values, I am finding some Franklin Township sellers are equally unrealistic of what it takes to aggressively market their home in today's tough environment.

On a recent listing presentation, I provided the customary Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) and my personalized and complete Marketing plan to sell a 3 bedroom ranch home.  The homeowners seemed to be motivated, as they were unsuccessful in their attempt to sell on their own, without representation.

Among the things that I explained is the best way to have their home stand out from the crowd is to first price it right from the start.  The CMA provided the suggested price range based upon recent sales and direct competition was identified.  Next, I explained that incentives will differentiate the property for potential buyers and their agents.

When it came to discussing the commission, which is negotiable here in New Jersey, there was resistance by the sellers to paying 6%, with the homeowner stating, "why are all you real estate agents back to asking 6%?"  I calmly responded, "I thought you told me that wanted to sell your home."  That was a couple of weeks ago, and the house is still not active in the local MLS, at this time.

A posting on The Real Estate Bloggers asks the question; Is the 6% Commission the Winning Formula...?  Their conclusion, as well as mine, is a resounding yes.  A full commission, "to get the word out as effectively and powerfully (to buyer agents) makes a great deal of sense." In fact, truly motivated sellers might consider paying 6.5-7% to generate increased showings and possibly a quicker sale.

Here is the math behind my reasoning.  You are selling a $250,000 dollar home. The commission at 6 percent is $15,000. If you added a 1% bonus to the buyer’s agent the commission would be $17,500, a difference of $2,500.  It would also put you at the top of the chart on buyers commission paid in the local area and improve the odds that your house would be shown a great deal more than others in your price range.

If the house sells a month quicker you would be very close to breaking even at a 6.35% mortgage and with typical utility and tax costs added in.

Aug. 9, 2008 - Homeowners in denial

Zillow finds homeowners' confidence is unrealistic

This should come as no surprise to most other New Jersey real estate professionals.  Getting sellers to price homes correctly from the start is a huge hurdle to overcome.

Earlier this week, Zillow Blog  stated that 72% of homeowners believed their home value increased or remained the same the second quarter of 2008, according to a recent Zillow survey.

The report goes on to say, "Zillow.com, an online real estate community based in Seattle, said the reality is that 77% of U.S. homes had declined in value over the previous year. "Our survey reveals a wide gap between the perception homeowners have about their own home's value and the realities of a market in which three-quarters of homes declined in value in the past year," said Stan Humphries, vice president of data and analytics at Zillow.com. "We attribute this gap to a combination of inattention and a fair bit of denial that causes people to believe their home is insulated from the woes of the market that affect others, but not them." The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive. "

The reality of current market value can be obtained by a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) available from real estate agent or through a professional appraisal of your home. Here in Franklin Township, depending on your location and home specifics, a CMA might encompass a period greater than 3-month for recent comparative sales.

Zillow can be found online at http://www.zillow.com.

Aug. 7, 2008 - Living the DREAM

A visit to Caberete's DREAM Project 

Last month I posted that my family had undertaken a fund raiser for the DREAM Project, an organization that provides a quality education for disavantaged youth, in the Dominican Republic.  This was in conjunction with our family reunion located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. A visit to the DREAM Project was also planned.

Along with nine other family and friends, I saw firsthand, the work being accomplished with our donations to this worthy cause.  Thanks to the generosity of my family and friends, together we trippled our fund raising goal.  While at the school, we learned that not only do these kids get a quality education, they also receive breakfast and lunch. The day we visited was next to the last day of summer camp where learning is disguised as fun. You will notice the kids learning math while playing UNO.

Below is a short video created from photos of our visit to the DREAM Project, located in nearby Caberete.  

Click to view

For more information on how you can help go to: http://www.dominicandream.org/ or contact them at: P.O. Box 4136, Ithaca, NY 14852, Tel: (607) 257-1981.  Their 5-year report can be downloaded at: http://www.dominicandream.org/documents/fiveyearreport.pdf

Aug. 7, 2008 - July 2008 Residential Sales

Franklin Township Residential Sales

Aug. 6, 2008 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook- August, 2008 Report

What’s happening in the marketplace, now - August 6

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are four (4) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township delevopment, at the time of posting.  Of the four, one ranch is in attorney review, meaning an offer has been accepted.

There are no new listings since the last report to you on July 8th. Listing prices remain between $264,900 and $318,000.  One 2-story, 3Bdrm/2.5Bth townhome shows a $7,300 price reduction from the old list price.

The following homes sold since my last report to you:

400 Glastonbury Ln - SP $240,000    LP $249,900     Ranch

345 Glastonbury Ln - SP $240,000    LP $265,900     Ranch

392 Glastonbury Ln - SP $305,000    LP $313,800     Ranch

296 Shilling Dr        - SP $323,000     LP $322,500     2-Story 3Bdrm/2.5Bth

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, August 6th.

If you have specific questions about a Carriage Home proprerty or any local property, email me at: mjadams@century21.com or call (908) 583-0409.

Aug. 2, 2008 - A Week of the people 2008

The week long festivities are underway

This is what helped to make our town Money/CNN's  #5 of the 100 Best Places to Live.  The theme for this year's Week of the People celebration is "Franklin's Cultures in Harmony" that runs from Sunday, August 3rd through Saturday, August 9th.  This year's events includes more youth events including a basketball tournament and a music festival. Here is the schedule of events:

Aug 3 - The Bridge in the Gap (B.I.G.) Basketball Tournament, Time: 11:00am – 7:00pm,  FREE ADMISSION!! BRING LAWN CHAIRS   Venue: Naaman Williams Park, Matilda Ave., Somerset, NJ

Aug 4 - Taste of the Week (formerly A Taste of Franklin) will be held at the Senior Community Center. This is the only fee based event.  Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12.  Up to 20 local restuarants are expected to participate.  Time: 6 - 9 pm, Venue: 505 Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ

Aug 5 - National Night Out and Getting to Know Franklin. Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm FREE ADMISSION!! Venue: Municipal Complex & Public Safety Building, 495 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ

Aug 6 - An original play, "Yesterday I Died" performed by Khristi Adams (no relation) may be seen at the Franklin Middle School auditorium.  FREE ADMISSION!!  Time: 6:30PM Venue: Franklin Middle School Auditorium, 415 Francis St., Somerset, NJ

Aug 7 - No events scheduled

Aug 8 - A diversity leadership breakfast will be held at the Community/Senior Center.  FREE FOR BUSINESSES  Time: 8:30 – 10:30am Venue: Franklin Towship Community/Senior Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ

Aug 9 - New Dawn Music Fesival at Naaman Williams Park.  FREE ADMISSION!!  Time: 2:00 – 8:00pm Venue: Naaman Williams Park, Matilda Ave., Somerset, NJ BRING LAWN CHAIRS

For more information: Tel: 732-846-8888 Ex. 201, Email: idorsey@somersetcap.org

Jul. 26, 2008 - Craigs List Scams

Beware of Real Estate Scams

CraigsList is a popular online classified service that includes real estate for sale and/or rent. The majority of postings appaer to be legit.  In fact, I've posted pending Open House dates there myself.

New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced last Thursday that an undercover investigation found a New York City company acting as an apartment broker used bait-and-switch schemes on Craigslist to bilk 4,000 New Yorkers out of nearly $1 million dollars.

The basic scam was the demand for paid up-front frees for credit report checks, etc.  Then it was alledgd that the website was not updated and recycled properties were emailed to clients.  If it happened there, it could happen anywhere.

Read the entire story on Amy Le's Blog on Homespace.com

Jul. 23, 2008 - What gives?...This ain't Kansas

Somerset was under a tornado warning today 

I had just walked into the house, after noticing heavy overcast clouds had buit-up.  The TV was on and all of a sudden there was an alert to switch to community cable channel 8.  There, I heard that Somerset and Middlesex Counties were under a tornado warning, due to heavy area thunderstorms.  I knew the many lightening strikes were close to my home because times between flashes of light and thunder were extremely close. Next, a computerized voice came over the TV and provided details of what times the storm would pass specific areas.  There were also instructions for what to do during a tornado warning. (see below)

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

If you are in:	Then:
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)	Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home	Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
The outside with no shelter	Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

The warning seemed to have passed without damage or much wind. There wasn't even a heavy downpour of rain, so far. But, this experience got me thinking...what is the difference between a watch and a warning?  Should you open houe windows during a tornado?  The American Red Cross published an article on tornado preparedness. The University of Milwaukee has issued more information and debuncked a few myths.   And no,spend the time getting to a sfe place in your home, rather than attempting to open windows. 

As a kid, I don't ever recall haviing to worry about tornado alerts while growing up in suburban New York.  My, how times have changed!  Almost one year ago, one touched down in Brooklyn.  It doesn't matter if you are in Kansas or not.  Take care of your self, out there.

You can track local weather here

Jul. 20, 2008 - 2007 Homestead Rebates

Filing Dealine is only weeks away

The State of New Jersey Homestead Rebates have been mailed to homeowners.  If you haven’t received your application, you should shortly. The state suggests calling the Homestead Rebate Hotline if you haven’t received this application by July 23.  Call the Homestead Rebate Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 or e-mail for assistance. When sending an e-mail, make sure you provide the name(s) of the owner(s) and the location of the property which was your principal residence on October 1, 2007.

Applications are not being sent to homeowners who were identified by the Division of Taxation as having New Jersey gross income for 2007 that exceeded the income limit of $150,000, as they are not eligible for 2007.

For those under 65 and not disabled, you will receive either 20% of the first $10,000 of property taxes paid (if your income is below $100,000), 10% of your total property taxes paid (if your income is between $100,000 and $150,000), or nothing.

• Tenant: If you were a tenant on October 1, 2007, file a Form TR-1040, tenant homestead rebate application, contained in the 2007 resident income tax return booklet. More information for tenants.

• Homeowner: If you were a homeowner on October 1, 2007, a 2007 homestead rebate application will be mailed to you. Homeowners do not file Form TR-1040, doing so will delay the payment of your homestead rebate. More information for homeowners.

If you were neither a homeowner nor a tenant on October 1, 2007, you are not eligible for a 2007 homestead rebate, even if you owned a home or rented a qualified dwelling for part of the year.

Go to: 2007 Homestead Rebate Program for more information.

Jul. 16, 2008 - Franklin Township "Best Place to Live"

CNN/Money ranks town #5 in the country

Franklin Township's location, availablity of nearby high tech jobs, open spaces, affordable home prices, historical significance and local schools accounts for the #5 spot of 100 Best Places to Live 2008.

It's high ranking comes to no surprise to me.  You can read why I love living right here in Franklin Township in my reply to "Charmqueen's" question posted on Trulia Voices. Read more about Franklin Township here

Yeaaaaa Franklin!

Jul. 14, 2008 - IndyMac, Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae

What does all of this mean?

Despite last week's failure of the IndymacBank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) Chairman Sheila Bair said on Monday, "the overwhelming majority" of U.S. banks are "safe and sound." What this means to the general public is that savings only up to $100.000 is insured against bank failure per account.  It would be prudent to place any excess into an account with another bank or finanicial institution. There have been hints in the media that more banks might fail over the next three years, due to credit losses and tight capital markets.

Regarding Freddy and Fannie...Fannie Mae is short for Federal National Mortgage Association and Freddie Mac is short for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Both are shareholder-owned companies mandated by the US Congress to provide funding to the U.S. housing market.  If they were to collapse, mortgages would be harder to get and much more expensive.  US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the government's primary focus is in supporting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in their current form. 

Peter Kedzior , a Chicago REALTOR and fellow Blogger on ActiveRain, helps to put this all into perspective in his posting, Fannie and Freddy Scare.

Jul. 8, 2008 - Carriage Homes at Quailbrook

What’s happening in the marketplace, now - July 8

The Carriage Homes townhome development offers larger rooms, fireplace, single car garage and patio. 

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are five (5) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township delevopment, at the time of posting.  

There is one (1) new listings; a two story, 3 bedroom-2.5 bath townhome ($304,800).  Listing prices range between $264,900 and $318,000. 

One (1) Carriage Home 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch, 334 Hazlitt, sold for $268,00 since the last report.  Two (2) ranch style homes and two (2) 2-story townhomes remain under contract. 

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, July 8.

If you have specific questions about a Carriage Home proprerty or any local property, email me at: mjadams@century21.com or call (908) 583-0409.

3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath new on the market. Backs to woods on Cul-De-Sac 

334 Hazlitt, a one floor ranch - Sold $268,000

This Glastonbury Ln one floor ranch  is under contract.

This Glastonbury Ln one floor ranch is under contract.

This Glastonbury Ln two story town home is under contract.

Jul. 5, 2008 - June 2008 Residential Sales

Franklin Township Residential Sales

The month ended with 64 Franklin Township single family residences sold between June 1 - 30, 2008. Sale prices ranged between $135,000 and 730,000.

The month ended with 604 active listings on the market, including 118 new listings.

If you have a question about a specific property in town, or stats for surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**

Jul. 4, 2008 - Town Hall Meeting

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

Jul. 2, 2008 - Giving back to the greater community

Together we can make a difference

One of the reasons that I entered the business of real estate is that I truly enjoy helping others. I’ve spent more than 31 years in another service industry that has taken me to 5 of the seven continents and more than 25 countries. Some of what I’ve experienced has helped me to appreciate more of what, we here in the United States, often take for granted. My travels have exposed me to the needs of others.

I am currently raising funds and awareness for two charities serving the Island of Hispañola, occupied by The Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The first organization is the DREAM Project, providing education to impoverished children residing in remote villages surrounding Puerto Plata and Caberete, Domincan Rebublic.  If you wish to help, my family is in the final two week sprint of the campaign. Make checks payable to the DREAM Project and send to MJ Adams, P.O. Box 5243, Somerset, NJ 08875-5243 before July 16, 2008.  No donation is too small or too big.  The DREAM Project is a US tax deductible charity.  A five year report is available online.  Watch their Video: We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting for

The second charity is Give them A Hand Foundation along with partners World Care, International Renewal Energy Organization (IREO)  Haitian organization, Gift of Water together with Honorary Chairman, Haiti’s Consul General, Felix Augustin are holding an event to raise funds for the purchase of personal water purification systems for 1,200 households in Juampas, Haiti. The long term goal is to reach up to 10,000 households throughout the Plateau Central in Haiti.

Did you know Did you know...?

• Contaminated water is the leading cause of death among Haiti’s infants and young

children.

• 80% of the deaths in Haiti are caused by waterborne diseases.

A fundraising event is planned for JULY 17, 2008 AT CLUB AZZA, 137 EAST 55^TH STREET from 6:30 – 10:30 PM.  Admission to this event will be $60 which will include refreshments and entertainment by DJ and by Recording Artist, “ MelSoulTree”.

For more information contact:

Gordon Tapper - GTAH

973.333.9291

e-mail: Info@gtah.org

www.gtah.org

•Peggy Clark - World Care

www.worldcare.org

•Robson Mello - IREO

1.516.790.0310

www.ireoigo.org

Jul. 1, 2008 - More uses for vinegar around the house

Cleaning on the cheap

The last time posted about the use of vinegar was in the garden. I recently came across more unexpected (at least to me) household uses for this low cost solution. Using white vinegar….

1. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water creates a great all purpose cleaner.  It cuts grease and it is less harsh than bleach on fabrics and removes ordors. 
2. Two tablespoons of salt mixed with a half cup of vinegar makes a good metal polish. The same mixture will work to remove hard water stains and calcium deposits.  Just soak a paper towel and let the solution sit for about 5-minutes, then wipe clean. 
3. Unclog your steam iron with a 50/50 solution poured into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then, unplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water. 
4. Set your microwave for 3-5 minutes on high with a 50/50 mix in a micro-safe bowl.  Afterwards, wait 3 more minutes and wipe down the interior with a clean set sponge. 
5. Remove that yellow greasy stain from your plastic ware by pouring a cup of vinegar in the bowl, then fill with water.  Let the bowl sit overnight. 
6. To remove decals brush with a couple of coats, full strenght and let the solution soak in. Wash off 

 Want more ideas for the use of vinegar?  Go to: 131 uses for vinegar

Jun. 27, 2008 - Fireworks Tonight

Independendance Day Celebration

4th of July Celebration

Tonight
Friday, June 27
6:00 p.m.

Municipal Complex
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Free Kids Zone with inflatable rides

Annual Clothesline Art Show  

Food vendors

Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Bring Lawn Chairs
For information, call 732-873-1991

Rain date: July 11