July 26 Update - The new owners of this vacation property in Sussex County NJ have finished renovations. They invited me for a peek at their ski condo near Mountian Creek. Furniture is about to be delivered so the getaway property will be ready for them. At the time of the sale, this room had no sheet rock - floor or ceiling; a sump pump is now hidden in a tiny closet.
The former owners had used this as a mountainous Sussex County getaway property from New York City. Not only did they love the after shots I forwarded, they shared that the proceeds helped make their son's bar mitzvah extra festive!
End of Update
Today I was at a real estate closing in which I represented both the home sellers and the b
uyers. One of the Great Gorge Village vacation homes in Vernon, NJ; it is a 2 bedroom condo that needed a lot of renovation. Photo of the lower-level family room proves I'm not exagerating about the work! Yet today, there are 2 delighted families. Why? Thank you for asking...
We'll call the buyers Bonnie and Clyde BradyBunch. (The sellers can be Romeo and Juliette Jones.) The Bradys were referred to me; they wanted a small vacation getaway near Mountain Creek ski slope for weekend use. At first they were intrigued by my condo-hotel listings in the Appalachian at Mountain Creek and Minerals Hotel and Spa. But with 5 children under the age of 13 and 2 small dogs, the hotels didn't suit their needs.
I showed Bonnie & Clyde several homes listed for sale. They wanted a lower-level unit for child safety reasons. Put in a reasonable offer on one and those sellers did not even counter, despite many months with no previous offers...
The BradyBunch headed to Florida while I went to bat for them. I contacted owners of lower-level condos adjacent to the Mountain Creek ski slope that the Bradys preferred. Two were more than pleased to be "solicited" and sent me keys to take a peek. The Jones family lives in New York City (about 55 miles outside Sussex County NJ) and had not been able to enjoy their condo for the last couple years due to water damage.
Despite condition of Romeo and Juliette's townhouse, I KNEW the BradyBunch would love it. (Clyde just happens to be involved with home improvement!) Sent photos to Florida and set a time to show the Bradys the end-unit townhouse. All 7 gave it a thumbs up! Lots of trees to climb, a creek to splash in, a fabulous Minerals Resorts with pools and a "cliff" to jump off - plus skiing when the weather changes.
Breaking all the rules, I phoned the Joneses with the Brady's offer, negotiated a deal and then did the paperwork. (Naughty girl!) Closed in less than 30 days. As neither the sellers nor the buyers lived in Sussex County, my sellers readily agreed to a slightly higher commission. In return I:
Four of the five children were in school today, but here are some happy members of the BradyBunch.
Where is my photo of the happy sellers? Not only do I not have a picture of Romeo and Juliette Jones - I have NEVER MET THEM. That is correct; we got their Sussex County vacation property sold long distance.
And what was the price tag for all this? $125,000 - sold As-Is. Yep, an amount that was win-win for both parties but didn't include some mega-commission.
Track all the posts in Irene Kennedy's series on vacation homes in Sussex County NJ.
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from http://www.realtorirene.com/ represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or http://www.homesirene.com/.
Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.
As the number of Sussex County lake communities is at least 30, I will not even attempt to profile the relative benefits of each when considering a vacation home in Sussex County NJ. Residents of each one will be delighted to tell visitors why their lake community is better than the other 29. Community events, passing the home from one generation to the next, stopping for a neighborly chat when riding a bike or walking the dog are just some of the reasons the residents think their lake community rocks more than the others. And me? I wouldn't argue with a single one of them!
The only one of the Sussex County lake communities that I've never seen is Rock Lodge Nudist Club in the Stockholm zip code section of Hardyston. There currently are no homes listed for sale in this community, but I would be glad to introduce prospective buyers of vacation homes in Sussex to any area that might be of interest. We will just remain fully clothed at all stops, so I don't blow a sale. ;-)
With such a vast number of choices, how would a non-local potential buyer even begin to focus on a couple of our lovely lake communities in Sussex County NJ? This is where I come in as a full-time, full-service Realtor® who handles all facets of residential real estate.
First, I listen very carefully to what you're seeking and your motives for buying a Sussex County vacation home. We'll respect your budget; not everyone is able or willing to pay the premium required for lakefront property - especially if it isn't a year-round residence. Say you mention boating, we'll chat about whether you mean kayak or motor boat. (Many Sussex County lake communities completely ban gas engines.) Even for a kayaker, portage might be important. As I learn more about what your dream is, we start narrowing the list.
Second, we'll discuss your maintenance goals - very important to your enjoyment of a vacation property! When I tell you we have quaint log cabins in Sussex County lake communities, I mean the real McCoy. These rustic homes might be just want you want; for others they are too old and demanding to be of interest. Most areas offer a choice of newer and older homes. In another post in this series, I'll be covering maintenance-light and maintenance-free options, such as townhouses and hotel condos.
Third is size. Expecting lots of city-slicker friends and family to freeload come visit? A 2-bedroom, 1-bath might not work, although it does give you the perfect excuse to regretfully decline company. Within most Sussex County lake communities, we have a nice variety of sizes and styles.
Fourth, we'll examine your non-lake goals for a vacation home in a Sussex NJ lake community. Will you or friends want to come ski at Mountain Creek? Then we'll focus on the areas closest to the slopes. I'd share rental information with you in case you don't plan to use the home for a season or more.
Fifth - Location, location, location. We have lake communities in Sussex County NJ that are more remote than others. From where will you be coming? How long a drive is acceptable to you? Do you have a 4-wheel drive that can tackle an icy mountain, just in case your arriving before the snow plows next sweep?
Sussex County NJ Lake Communities (partial) |
Town - Section |
| Barry Lakes | Vernon |
| Cliffwood Lake | Vernon |
| Cranberry Lake | Byram |
| Crandon Lakes | Hampton & Stillwater |
| Culver Lake | Frankford |
| Heritage Lakes | Hamburg |
| Hidden Valley Lake | Andover |
| Highland Lakes | Vernon |
| Kemah Lake | Frankford & Hampton |
| Kittatiny Lake | Sandyston |
| Lake Anne | Hampton |
| Lake Glenwood | Vernon |
| Lake Hopatcong | Hopatcong |
| Lake Lackawanna | Byram |
| Lake Lenape | Andover |
| Lake Mohawk | Byram & Sparta |
| Lake Neepaulin | Wantage |
| Lake Owassa | Frankford |
| Lake Panorama | Vernon |
| Lake Stockholm | Hardyston - Stockholm |
| Lake Tamarack | Hardyston - Stockholm |
| Lake Wallkill | Vernon |
| Lake Wanda | Vernon |
| Paulinskill Lake | Hampton |
| Pleasant Valley Lake | Vernon |
| Scenic Lakes | Hardyston & Vernon |
| Summit Lake | Hardyston - Stockholm |
| Swartswood Lakes | Hampton |
| Vernon Valley Lake | Vernon |
Irene Kennedy's 2009 series on Vacation Homes in Sussex County NJ:
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from www.RealtorIrene.com/ represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or www.HomesIrene.com.
Update August 30 - The 3 bedroom ranch foreclosure in Highland Lakes NJ was listed today for $167000. This would be a wonderful Sussex County vacation property or full-time home. My crystal ball predicts that this move-in ready, updated REO home for sale in the Highland Lakes section of Vernon will find the right buyer quickly!
**************************************
Within Vernon, NJ, Highland Lakes vacation homes are extremely popular. This section of single family residences is enjoyed by year-round residents and by those wanting a mountain getaway in Sussex County, NJ. Like many of our local Sussex lake communities, Highland Lakes has older log cabins and small ranches that have been converted for year-round use right on up to Colonials under constructions. Just 50 miles from the heart of New York City, Highland Lakes is a modestly-priced, lovely community!
According to the Highland Lakes County Club and Community Association, those looking for a resort-type Highland Lakes vacation home will enjoy:
"five lakes, a Clubhouse, and recreational facilities including ballfields, beaches, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. Sailing and boating are enjoyed by many, along with swimming, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. There are sailing leagues, swim teams, tennis leagues and a variety of recreational and social activities held at the Clubhouse. The Club supplies docks and boat racks for members located throughout the community."
Additionally, Highland Lakes getaway properties are wonderful 4-season spots. Around Sussex County in the fall, you can pick apples, take a hayride, play golf, hike High Point State Parkor just gaze at fabulous foliage. You would be just minutes from the waterpark or skiing at Mountain Creek, as well as the area's many challenging golf courses.
Want a great deal? Perhaps a foreclosed Highland Lakes vacation home is right for you. Both short sales and bank-owned foreclosures may be the "steal" you seek. I'm getting an REO ready for the real estate market; I suspect this 3 bedroom Highland Lakes ranch with unimpeded lake views will fly off the market because it is in good shape! Not yet on the market, the list price hasn't been determined. It could be the one to make your dreams of a getaway vacation home in Highland Lakes, Sussex County, NJ, a reality!
Irene Kennedy's 2009 series on Vacation Homes in Sussex County, NJ:
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This post from RealtorIrene Blogs from Sussex County NJ represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or www.HomesIrene.com. Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office.
Within 50 miles of Manhattan, weekend getaway or vacation homes for sale in Sussex County, NJ, are very appealing to folks looking for a "country home" with little upkeep required. Prices have fallen drastically, so more people from New York City are purchasing vacation homes in the rural Sussex area. Folks from other distant areas are also jumping on the bandwagon!
Vacation properties in Sussex County being purchased by distant owners is nothing new. In 1961 my great-uncle Joe and aunt Dot purchased a summertime log cabin in Lake Tamarack, Stockholm, NJ. Brooklyn apartment dwellers, Dot and her 2 boys spent the entire summer enjoying the mountain air, lakes, hiking, etc. Joe came weekends and for his week's vacation. Dot's brother from Staten Island owned a lakefront cottage down the road; most of the neighbors were also city-dwellers seeking a great place to spend the summer.
The history of other vacation communities within Sussex, NJ is similar. Over time, most of the summer homes in Lake Mohawk, Scenic Lakes, Highland Lakes, etc., were converted for year-round residency or replaced by more modern homes.
The get-away appeal of Sussex County, NJ, is nothing new! Nor is it limited to summers - year round relaxation, strenuous sports and nature offer a 4-season change of pace. No matter what one's age, Sussex County NJ resort homes make a great place to have some fun.
In this little series of posts, we'll take a peek at why New Yorkers and even folks who own a beach house at Long Beach Island still want a ski condo near Mountain Creek, a small home adjoining Ballyowen Golf Course or one of the many other weekend getaway homes we have for sale in Sussex County!
Irene Kennedy's 2009 series on Getaway Properties in Sussex County, NJ:
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from www.RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or visit www.HomesIrene.com.
Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.
In June 2009, GSMLS market data for Wantage shows that only 4 homes sold during the month, but as many more are Under Contract, we can expect a much different picture when the July market data is available. Better news for Wantage home sellers is that the Median Sale price rose from just $164,500 in May to $255,000 in June!
As for buyers considering purchasing a home in Wantage, we still have plenty of choices with 162 MLS listings in Wantage alone. Add Branchville and other adjacent towns - home buyers have lots of option here in Sussex County!
All this Wantage NJ real estate data on homes for sale has been updated based on June 2009 information. Sometimes earlier months changed. Say a deal on a home for sale that was Under Contract in May fell apart; the UC number dropped and the Active number went up accordingly.
Whether you're considering selling your home or purchasing a home in one of Sussex County's fine communities, this is a better time than many folks think. Statistics are a useful overview, but to really understand the outlook for your personal real estate goals - let's sit down and chat!
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from www.RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or www.HomesIrene.com.
Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.
Covering SUSSEX COUNTY NJ real estate, I help home sellers & home buyers with a WIN-WIN deal. Among areas I cover are: Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Hamburg, Hardyston, Sparta & Vernon.
You will soon have confidence that someone is taking your real estate investment and requirements very seriously! Based in Sussex County, I'm a full-time real estate agent licensed in New Jersey.
Even though I'm very serious about handling buying a home or selling a home in a professional and respectful fashion, I do enjoy this business and try to make it pleasant for all parties. You gain peace of mind knowing that you have a dedicated, full-time Realtor working for you and with you.
Whether you are considering becoming a full-time resident, a snowbird or a vacation home owner, Sussex County NJ real estate has much to offer. Anyone not familiar with the area might enjoy my series on vacation properties in Sussex County. In various posts, I discuss lake communities & golf course homes (Crystal Springs resort), ski condo options, etc. Future posts will cover Lake Mohawk in Sparta and also our hotel-condos - Appalachian, Grand Cascades, Minerals.
Because I strive to treat each client as if she or he is the only one that matters, I've had success in a wide range of real estate areas. I help buyers "steal" their dream home and have my sellers "pinching themselves to make sure they're not dreaming" - sometimes on the same transaction. I've successfully worked with builders to sell new-home communities.
Many of my recent deals have been NJ distressed properties: short sales and REOs (bank-owned foreclosures); I welcome these and have great results in closing on them. I also know how to determine which distressed properties would be a nightmare for potential buyers.
If I could crawl through the phone line, I'd kiss you!
Owner of a ski-area condo when I reached out to see if she had any interest in selling her unit.
I'm working with buyers who have very specific requirements, not met by current listings. So, I identified condos that do meet my buyers' needs and reached out to the owners. Another owner wants to sell too but he didn't mention kissing me. Guess that would happen when I get him an offer!
Update April 29
That seller I quoted is now even happier, as my buyers submitted an offer on the condo. I negotiated a win-win contract. Closing is scheduled for May 22. Neither side lives locally, so I'll be providing some above-and-beyond services - I am always willing to go that extra mile. My buyers are delighted; my sellers are delighted. And I'm doubly delighted, as I'm sure you can guess.
Happy Ending
For the finale, I have a very special post: Million Dollar Real Estate Service in Sussex County - at a Fraction of that Price.
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