Selling your home? Getting your house ready is a big part of your success. Let’s start with condition. You’ve probably heard that it’s a seller’s market because Bergen County homes are in high demand. While this is true it also misses the point. The only thing that matters is how much you get for your… Read more »
You’ve decided to move. You’ve waited for spring. It’s April 1st, spring is here so you put your home on the market for sale. And nothing happens. What’s wrong? Is this an April Fool’s nightmare? Not really but it is a marketing mistake. Timing is important. Putting your home on the market at the wrong… Read more »
Let’s be honest – not all real estate agents do their job correctly and not all homeowners give their agent correct information. Owners can forget and agents can be sloppy. If you are selling or buying a home, undisclosed problems can be devastating. Often found after Attorney Review and home inspections, such omissions can cancel a transaction leaving… Read more »
New Jersey requires all residential properties being sold to have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be battery operated for resale properties but new construction needs them permanently wired into the electrical system. Both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be within 10 feet of all bedrooms. Smoke… Read more »
A major source of stress for people who are selling their home is the home inspection. No matter how well you’ve maintained your house, there can be unpleasant surprises. Pre-empting a buyer by having your home inspected before it’s for sale is smart. Buying a home is often the biggest purchase buyers make in their… Read more »
Buying a home should always include a home inspection. Even if the home is new construction, it’s best to have the guidance of a professional home inspector. In New Jersey, home inspectors are licensed by the State but there’s also another resource for you – the American Society of Home Inspectors known as ASHI. ASHI… Read more »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy mortgages which means that they guarantee them. Without the backing of Fannie and Freddie, mortgage lenders have to find other investors to sell their mortgage loans to and those investors charge more so interest rates are higher. Fannie and Freddie backed mortgages are called conforming; the others are called… Read more »
“How’s real estate and what should I do?” I am receiving so many calls and messages like this that I thought I should post some answers. It seems that real estate is on everyone’s mind lately. Here’s something to consider: A primary motivating factor for most people is simply because it was the right time…. Read more »
What Can We Expect in 2009? I can answer this with one word – improvement. I had projected 10% depreciation but that was before the stunning sub prime mess was revealed. While we have “Monday Morning Quarterbacks,” the truth is virtually no one knew of this growing menace. The Tenafly market for homes in 2008… Read more »
