About South Orange's Maplewood

As a Real Estate Agent, I live a fast paced life, always on the go...in and out of the car, the office and of course houses. I cannot stress enough how important it is to eat right, get rest and exercise and since I am not a gym kind of guy, I find this method the best way for me to stay healthy and also safe...No matter what I have going on; every Wednesday and Saturday I always make time to enjoy one of my life's passions...Martial Arts

Martial Arts is not just about fighting or beating people up, Trust me I don't want to be the karate kid, but its more of a consciousness and an understanding that you can only get when you actually get involved in it.

Being a residence of the Maplewood/South Orange connection I will FEATURE a different location, business or service in my towns so that if your interested in the area there is always a place to refer to; TODAY'S FEATURE PLACE IS IN MAPLEWOOD, NJ

To stay in shape in shape I go to a Great Martial Arts School and want to make sure that everyone knows about it if you live close to or find yourself interested in getting or staying in shape! The number # 1 School in the Maplewood/South Orange area is Blue Life Karate, located at 1809 Springfield Ave in Maplewood, this school has something for every member of the family.

From Men's Adult classes , The kids Karate program all the way to the exciting Women's kick boxing and Zumba fitness workouts, Blue Life can has something to keep the whole family in shape!

For more info contact Blue Life at 973-762-KICK or (5425)

MENTION MY NAME AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT

Malik Crichlow
REALTOR® , CDPE, SFR

GBH NJ/ Sell State Property Solutions

Direct: 973.849.6907
Fax: 973.843.0277

Malikcrichlow@gmail.com

If you are selling Real Estate in this market I am sure you have a short sale listing with an eager buyer ready to buy it or a your working with a qualified buyer that has an offer on one of these listings and their waiting in the balance for "the decision". If you fall into one of these categories then you understand the title of my post "The Devil is a Liar and so is the BPO Agent!" I say that because BPO agents have been known to be "deal killers" and many agents are understandably nervous when its time for the BPO to be done.

I know the devil wears prada but he is also a liar...and sometimes so is the BPO Agent...

Case in point: I have a short sale Listing that I have been working on a few months and when we finally received an offer you know we were overly excited. After attorney review we understandably had to wait for a while before we got through to the bank and the buyer held on for 12 whole weeks while we fought with the lender for an approval. Low and behold we get word from the lender that they are ordering a BPO and that they will use this report as a major part of there decision making regarding the potential sale. So we agree (like we had a choice) and the BPO was scheduled for a week later.

I met with the agent who got lost and got to the property 30 minutes late...this tells me that he is not from the area and this was going to be longgggggg day.

So he conducts his report and I hand him some comps (knowing he had no clue about the area) I wait approx. 2 weeks and hear from the bank...guess what I hear? we got denied. Why you ask? offer is too low, property value is much higher than list price. I go into a long song and a dance backed by fact (sold listings) but of course, it falls on deaf ears.

The message and moral of the story is this; if you want to be a BPO agent, that's great!! just don't accept every assignment you get or choose to work in areas that you know and can accurately assess so that you achieve the best results for all involved. Understand that when a BPO is done incorrectly you hurt home owners (sellers) home buyers and agents. Just so you all know, I am not bashing BPO agents, I happen to be one but I feel its very important to work areas you know and understand and be truthful with not only the client but yourself, its really not worth the money if someones whole life might be riding on your opinion.

Follow up to the story...I had to wait 90 more days for another BPO to be ordered, which was done correctly. Luckily the buyer held on and we closed yesterday...

I received a call yesterday from a buyer who I sold a home to about 4 months ago and during our conversation he recalled a conversation we had back when he was house hunting that went something similar to this: "So Malik, do you think now is the right time to buy? I replied with; "the right time to buy is when you are ready, willing and able. The last few years and the market that is and will be 2010; although depressed and borderline destructive has created some great opportunities for those looking to purchase". He agreed; but still was not too sure; so I said to him trust me "10 years from now you will have wished you bought in 2010" and here's why:

• Interest rates are at historic lows (I actually seen a bank that offered 4.25% the other day) for a 30 year fixed.
• If you have a good amount of cash or access to; you can build a portfolio of investment properties now that home values on multi units in our area have dropped in record numbers.
• Home prices are down and you have your pick of the litter when ready to buy.
• Unfortunately for many home owners this recession has caused many to lose their homes through foreclosure; typically these homes are sold at discount and a savvy buyer can pick up a steal at a great price.
• With the emergence of short sales; buying can actually help a struggling home owner move on with their lives because if you buy their home they are able (in some cases) to become free of a heavy weight that's been holding them down for months.
• The Government is giving an 8,000 tax credit to first time home owners (this has expired)
• You get to work with me and we all know how great of an Agent I am (im kidding...not)

He laughed and a few weeks later he purchased a nice home for his wife and 2 kids in South Orange, NJ. He told me that he loves his new home and even started an investment company with a few friends so now he's looking for some great deals. I told him I'd be happy to help.

We must all keep in mind that in the past couple of years we have seen many tragedies occur, many home owners losing their homes and others struggling to keep theirs. With unemployment at 9.5% and home sales down 27% since June/July, buyers have to understand that if they are ready, willing and able....now is one of the best times to get out there and find you a home!