“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Sponsor a Community — What is Localism? | Register or Sign In
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?
HomeNew JerseyOcean CountyJackson

Jackson, NJ

Blog_tag

FAQs About the Federal Stimulus Package First-Time Homebuyer Credit

02-23-09
Matthew Genovese
Matthew Genovese: Real Estate Agent in Jackson, NJ
  • view my blog
  • Office: (732) 364-0099 x24
  • Mobile: (732) 684-4166
  • Secondary: (732) 684-4166

Here is a link to a site launched by the National Association of Home Builders to try to answer most of the frequently asked questions about elegibility requirements and all of the ins and outs of the tax credit created for first-time home buyers in the new Federal Stimulus package.

Here is a quick summary of the main points of the credit from their site:

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
  • The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.
  • The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
  • The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
  • The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
  • Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Straight-talk about the stimulus.

02-20-09
Matthew Genovese
Matthew Genovese: Real Estate Agent in Jackson, NJ
  • view my blog
  • Office: (732) 364-0099 x24
  • Mobile: (732) 684-4166
  • Secondary: (732) 684-4166

CNBC reporter Rick Santelli, from the floor of the CBOE yesterday spoke out against the stimulus. It was very, very refreshing to see someone finally defend the free-maket economy and blast the latest trend toward collectivism. He also had some straight-talk about the mortgage bailout and about personal responsibility.

One interesting point that I have read and he states here is artificially lowering the mortgage rate to 4.5% isn't going to keep many people from defaulting on their loans. According to Santelli in this piece if you lowered the rate to 0%, 40% of the at-risk loans would STILL default because people simply took out loans far greater than they could ever afford. That is, unfortunately, the stark reality.

Here is a link to the video its must-see TV!

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Great home at a fantastic price

02-15-09
Gary Williamson
Gary Williamson: Real Estate Agent in Toms River, NJ
  • view my blog
  • Office: (732) 244-2200
  • Mobile: (732) 691-1368
Gary Williamson | Crossroads Realty | 732.691.1368
1041 E Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ
Beatiful Home modeled after a Southern Plantation home. Sits on 3 acres, large driveway, 3 car garage, bonus room over garage with separate entrance.
4BR/2.5BA Single Family House
offered at $485,000
Year Built 2005
Sq Footage 4,100
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Floors 2
Parking 3 Car garage
Lot Size 131,115 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION
What a great house & property! Built in 2005 on 3 plus acres of land this 4,100 SF home will make your dreams come true. With too many features to mention here, please view the captioned photos and real estate show to see what is being offered at a fantastic price! Bonus Room over garage has separate entrance, which opens up the potential of a home or professional office use with necessary township permits & approvals.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES
Central A/C Central heat Fireplace
Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor
Family room Living room Dining room
Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven
Microwave Basement Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES
Garage parking Guest parking Storage space(s)


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Seller contact info:
Gary Williamson
Crossroads Realty
732.691.1368
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Feb 15, 2009, 11:48am PST
1 Comment
Blog_tag

The Power of Photography

02-09-09
Matthew Genovese
Matthew Genovese: Real Estate Agent in Jackson, NJ
  • view my blog
  • Office: (732) 364-0099 x24
  • Mobile: (732) 684-4166
  • Secondary: (732) 684-4166

I was reading a blog today by a professional photography studio that sells their services to the real estate industry. As part of their sales process they have commissioned a study about the positive effects of professional photography in selling homes.

In reading this I found that it was good information for sellers and good reenforcement of what we already know...that homes listed on-line with pictures are always better received by buyers than those without...and those with more pictures better received than those with just one or two.

Our company has a policy of posting at least six pictures of every listing. It makes the experience of viewing the home on-line so much more enticing when you feel like you are seeing the entire house...not just the front lawn.

Now, this site has quantified that people give a higher perceived value to homes that have "professional" photography. But I think that with the right person behind the camera, you don't necessarily have to pay for a photographer. A "professional" REALTOR should be properly equipped to take good, high quality photos of your home.

Of course, that isn't always the case. In looking through the photos on REALTOR.com you can always find the shots that are out of focus, or of the cluttered bed room or the obligatory bathroom picture with the reflection of the agent on the mirror!

But, again the real take away here is that some is always better than none. According to the survey (here's a link to the findings) a $410,000 home is perceived to be worth $435,000 with any pictures in the listing. That means even the bathroom pictures! Now, if you want to pay up for the professional photos there is a benefit. Similar homes listed with professional photos have a perceived value of $460,000. It's your choice.

There really is no option; don't let your home be listed on-line without posting numerous pictures.

What have been your experiences with real estate photography? Have any funny pictures you want to share? Have you ever used a professional photographer for your listing photos?

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Save The Dream

02-06-09
Matthew Genovese
Matthew Genovese: Real Estate Agent in Jackson, NJ
  • view my blog
  • Office: (732) 364-0099 x24
  • Mobile: (732) 684-4166
  • Secondary: (732) 684-4166

Coldwell Banker is working on an initiative among all of their agents and brokers to reach out to families who are at risk of foreclosing on their homes and offer support or resources to assist them and help to "save the dream" of home ownership.


If anyone knows of a family in those circumstances please let them know about the following two resources:

1. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a resource web site with a Guide To Avoiding Foreclosure with important information.

2. Hope Now is an alliance formed by the U.S. Treasury Department, HUD and mortgage counselors and credit counselors to assist people in need and at risk of foreclosure. Their web site also has a lot of resources and links to assistance that is available.

Who do you know that can use this information? Please pass these links along and if you need more assistance contact me. I will be happy to help "save the dream."

0 Comments