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Should I Buy a Home or a Condo For Retirement?

07-12-09
Eddie Perez
Eddie Perez: Real Estate Agent in Hoboken, NJ

As more and more baby boomers head toward their retirement years, buying-a-home-get-good-advicethey may discover that the home that seemed so perfect for a growing family suddenly seems far from ideal after the kids moved out. It can be a real pain to haul out the lawn mower or spend time shoveling snow from the driveway. Also, as their friends start to sell their homes, downsize and move into smaller homes or condos, boomers may find the idea even more appealing. Why face retirement with the burdens of a large home to maintain? Why not opt for a simpler lifestyle?

Realities Of Condo Ownership

Condos and homes designed for seniors and baby boomers come in a wide range of prices. It is entirely possible to sell your home, buy a less expensive condo and pocket the savings. You can find out what types of condos or homes are available in your area.

The tradeoff for a condo might be less square feet of living space, but the gain may be special amenities such as a pool, common clubhouse, gym or tennis courts. Other condos have saunas, sun decks, health clubs and even personal trainers on call.

Some condos also are situated on or near lakefront property, with access to free boat docks, fishing and water activities. All of this can add some very luxurious touches to your lifestyle, perhaps enough to make you decide a condo is indeed for you, especially if it comes with state-of-the-art appliances and upscale features. Sounds like a nice, easy lifestyle, doesn’t it?

Amenities In Condos And Homes

Amenities are often a big factor for seniors and baby boomers trying to choose between a condo and single family detached home.

Luxury condos even have 24-hour chauffeur services on call, as well as scheduled activities, lectures and shopping trips for the community. That community can be very close-knit, having parties together and truly creating a neighborhood feel. This can be a great benefit.

But there is such a thing as too much closeness, and shared walls and common outdoor areas may mean you see too much of your neighbors. If the walls are thin, you may hear fights and be forced to listen to loud television shows or other noises. Also, if you don’t plan to use many of the amenities, you’re still likely to be charged a fee for upkeep on areas you rarely use.

For more great information go to How to Get a Home Inspection.

Allow me to help you find the home of your dreams Contact Eddie Perez at (201) 344-2886, www.investhoboken.com.

Condo Decorating Tips

07-05-09
Eddie Perez
Eddie Perez: Real Estate Agent in Hoboken, NJ

Assess the layout of the condo. If any remodeling is in your budget, IMG_0492acontact an architect or contractor to have your space assessed. Even knocking out a wall can make a huge difference in the space and flow of a condo.

Limit clutter when arranging furniture. Pick a limited number of pieces for each room in your condo, and choose sizes that complement the rooms. A large sectional may not be ideal if it overwhelms your living room. Likewise, a king-size bed may not fit in a smaller bedroom. Get rid of any pieces that are unnecessary in your home.

Pick lighter, more neutral colors for walls and flooring if your condo is fairly small. A coordinating color palette that transitions from room-to-room will open up the space, rather than making it feel choppy. Lighter colors will also visually maximize your space.

Incorporate storage ideas wherever possible in your floor plan. Use stacked crates, shelving and bookcases as decorative visual elements that also serve as a place to keep your things. Storage ottomans and coffee tables are other pieces of furniture to consider.

Don’t be afraid of color. Color can be an expressive way to add depth and dimension to space, especially smaller spaces offered by some condos. Though you may want to keep the walls and floors neutral, remember that a coat of paint to a piece of furniture can makeover its entire image, and items such as furniture, rugs, artwork, pillows and other accessories can pack the punch of color you’re looking for.

For more decorating tips go to How to Make the Space in Your Condo Feel Larger or Inexpensive Ways to Increase Your Condo’s Value. Allow me to help you find the home of your dreams Contact Eddie Perez at (201) 344-2886,www.investhoboken.com.

Are You Looking to Finance a Condo?

07-05-09
Eddie Perez
Eddie Perez: Real Estate Agent in Hoboken, NJ

Homeowners get tired of the responsibilities involved. Hudson Tea1First it’s a leaky roof. Then it’s a plumbing problem of mysterious origin. The last straw is usually when the septic system backs up. Finally, you realize that moving into a condominium and sharing the responsibilities of your “home” with others could solve most of your problems.

Originally, condos were apartments that were converted into permanent living units with owners sharing.

Before buying a condo, investigate the reserve fund. Most condos have a Board to collect fees and keep records. You can request information directly from them about: a) how much cash is in the reserve fund; b) costs of scheduled repairs and maintenance; and c) any special rules or bylaws that the condo board has passed. If you find all the conditions agreeable, you may want to buy.

You’ll go through the same process to finance a mortgage for a condo as you would for a house purchase loan. Paperwork and mortgage rates will be identical, and you can get mortgage quotes from any reputable lender in person or over the Internet.

Condominiums offer an equivalent living space to that of a single-family home, but without the worry of bank account-shattering repairs. Once you find a condo that you like, find a comp and introduce yourself to your new neighbors.

For more interesting information please go to The Truth About Loan Modification.

Allow me to help you find the home of your dreams Contact Eddie Perez at (201) 344-2886, www.investhoboken.com.

Why Now is a Good Time To Buy A Home

06-19-09
Eddie Perez
Eddie Perez: Real Estate Agent in Hoboken, NJ

Ted Schirm of Met Life Home Loans offers these reasons on why now may calculatorsClipartbe a great time to move forward with a home purchase.

Experts are starting to say that we could be entering the bottom of the housing market as a whole. A good first step. I have been hearing of activity in the suburbs. Most of the movement has been in the first time home buyer segment. Nothing documented but a buzz among my co-workers.

What we have right now is a good version of a”Perfect Storm”…there are several factors in place that will help people to buy homes.

RATES ARE STILL HISTORICALLY LOW – While we have not gone back to the 4% range we are still well below 6%.
$8000 TAX INCENTIVE FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS – This has been creating quite a buzz amongst first time home buyers. There are income restrictions with this program but still a good conversation starter.
CONFORMING LOAN LIMITS ARE AT $729,000 – Mortgage money is available in Hudson County at great rates for loan amounts up to $729,000 (single family property – multi unit property loan limits are much higher.) This is only for the remainder of 2009.
MORTGAGE MONEY IS STILL AVAILABLE – MetLife is in the business to write mortgages. We have the ability to lend up to $2.5million for a transaction. Mortgages are available for borrowers who are qualified. Normal lending guidelines have not changed, what has changed is the elimination of the no document loans, stated income & asset loans and other similar programs.
FHA – For borrower who is unable to put down 20% there is this under appreciated government program. There is PMI involved but that is better than not being able to get a home. FHA Condo Spot approvals are not impossible. We have had a number of closings in the area with no problems.
JUMBO LENDING IS NOT DEAD – There are still outlets for mortgages above $729,000. As was mentioned above MetLife has the ability to write mortgages up to $2.5million. This is not only using portfolio money but we have a list of private investors who we use to find the best loan structure for each buyer.

With all of these options available to buyers now is the time for them to buy. Waiting for a bottom for the housing market may sound like a great idea but if rates go up or if some of these temporary programs are discontinued they may wind up paying more in the long run.

SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

Home selection is great.

Prices and affordability are fantastic.

Negotiations are always possible.

To take advantage of a buyers market……you HAVE TO BUY!

Perfect storm? I don’t know, but these sound pretty good to me!

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Hoboken Real Estate Market’s Newest Listings & Price Reductions

05-16-09
Eddie Perez
Eddie Perez: Real Estate Agent in Hoboken, NJ

We are in a buyers market but you have to actually “buy” in order to participate. There are lots of great deals out there and folks are getting really nice properties at really good prices. Come join the fun :)

Check out this weeks newest listings and price reductions.

28 new condo listings (33 last week) and 3 new 1-4 Family homes (2 last week) hit the Hoboken market.

44 condo price reductions (35 last week)

(3) 1-4 family homes had price reductions (3 last week)

Check them all out.

Studio condo

1 new listings offered at $435,000 (0 last week) Click Here to View Listings

1 price reduction. (1 last week) Click Here to View Listings

1 bedroom condos

8 new listings starting at $299,000 (14 last week) Click Here to View Listings

13 price reductions (9 last week) Click Here to View Listings

2 bedroom condos

17 new listings starting at $415,000 (13 last week). Click Here to View Listings

25 price reductions (17 last week) Click Here to View Listings

3 bedroom condos

2 new listings starting at $1,048,200 (6 last week) Click Here to View Listings

5 price reductions (6 last week) Click Here to View Listings

4 bedroom condo

no new listings (0 last week)

0 price reductions (0 last week)

1-family homes

2 new listings (1 last week) Listed at $1,125,000 Click Here to View Listings

1 price reduction. (0 last week) Click Here to View Listings

2-4 family homes

1 new listing. (3 last week) Offered at $899,000 Click Here to View Listings

2 price reductions. (3 last week) Click Here to View Listings

Check the Hoboken Real Estate Blog every Friday for the newest real estate listings and price reductions of the week. We’ll post the most up-to-date listings of condos and 1-4 family homes. You can then plan to see any of these over the weekend.

Search entire Hoboken and surrounding area MLS listings athttp://www.InvestHoboken.com and click on Browse Listings.

Questions?? Email us at info@InvestHoboken.com

Edward (Eddie) Perez