One Simple Change To Your Bradley Beach Home Could Pay For Itself

November 12, 2009

Installing a new insulated garage door is a simple home improvement project that has many benefits. This simple change adds desirable curb appeal and increases the value of your Bradley Beach home. The best part is, it also saves energy and tax credits are given to homeowners who install approved garage doors. 

garage doorThere is a list of manufactures of approved insulated garage doors that make homeowners eligible for a federal tax credit, which is more valuable than a tax deduction. Homeowners who purchase and install one of the garage doors on their Bradley Beach home in 2009 or 2010 could receive up to a $1,500 federal tax credit. However, this is not a new idea. The legislation to award homeowners for installing specific garage doors was originally passed in 2008. Then, the maximum amount possible for homeowners to receive from the tax credit was $500 or 10 percent of the product’s cost. The new federal stimulus plan put in to action in February 2009 made installing a new garage door even more worth while. The new legislation promises triple the amount the original legislation offered. The maximum federal tax credit is now 30 percent of the product’s cost, or up to a maximum of $1,500. 

Another way installing an insulated garage door can help pay for itself is through energy savings. More than often people find that rooms next to or above the garage are the coldest rooms of the house in the winter and the hottest in the summer. This is because old garage doors that are not insulated allow brisk winter and scorching summer air to flow in to the house. The inefficient garage doors can also allow heated and air conditioned air to escape, like money flying out a window. Installing a new qualified, insulated garage door will help reduce energy bills year round and make your [city] home more comfortable. 

The new and improved garage doors are more attractive to the eye, which increases the curb appeal and value of your Bradley Beach home. Garage doors take up a considerable amount of space on the front of a home. The front of the home is the first thing homeowners, guests, and people passing by get to see when approaching the house. A typical white or almond colored garage door can make a house look plain and boring. It also makes the home blend in with every other house on the street. New garage doors found on the approved list offer a variety of the latest styles, including a carriage house or country look, sleek and contemporary, steel doors with real wood grain panels. No matter what the style of your home, there is sure to be a garage door that compliments and completes the picture.


Selling Your Bardley Beach Home with Successful Internet Campaign

October 30, 2009

In today’s real estate market Bradley Beach home owners trying to sell on their own get discouraged when it comes to getting their Bradley Beach homes sold. What they may not realize is that in the modern market selling a home takes a lot more than just sticking a “for sale” sign in the front yard. Traditional real estate marketing tactics have evolved into a variety of more complex and effective strategies. The internet has become the most popular and successful aid in setting up successful home-selling campaigns. 

mouse connectionAccording to the National Association of Realtors, almost 90% of home buyers do their house hunting online. The fact that the internet is taking over many traditional methods, makes it imperative for Bradley Beach home owners to move their campaigns to the web. Consumers are becoming more independent in the home buying process, relying on the internet for real estate market information and shopping for their perfect home. The quantity of home buyers who ended up purchasing a home they found using the Internet has significantly increased from only 8% in 2001 to a soaring 32% in 2008. However, buyers only account for half of the real estate equation that results in using the internet. 

Sellers are relying on the internet to create effective online selling campaigns that catch the mouse click of potential buyers. Whether selling by owner or using a real estate agent, anyone trying to attract the attention of a buyer for their Bradley Beach home  should take full advantage of online marketing strategies. Listing agents advertise client’s homes on their company websites, the Multiple Listing Service and Realtor.com, and by other professional tools. Home owners choosing the for sale by owner route or just simply looking for more ways to expose their home on the market, now have access to many of the same professional tools real estate agents use and more. For example ForSaleByOwner.com now allows their clients to list their homes on the Multiple Listing Service and Realtor.com too. In addition, homes are also popularly advertised on websites such as, Craigslist, Google Base, Yahoo Real Estate, and Facebook.

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Don’t Let Credit Score Myths Get In The Way When Buying A Bradley Beach Home

October 9, 2009

The most important piece of a person’s financial life is their credit score. Whether buying a new Bradley Beach home, applying for a job, refinancing your Bradley Beach home, paying off debt, or getting utility service, your credit score will drive the outcome. One would think that Americans are all aware of what the scores are measuring and what credit scorefactors play a part. But, most Americans do not know enough about the three digit rating or what is involved. Do not let these credit score myths get in your way when preparing for the purchase of your next Bradley Beach home.

Myth: Checking a credit report can either damage or lower your score. A credit report can be conducted by you or someone like an employer as many times as desired with out having any impact on your credit score. Reviewing your credit report will never change your credit score. Just make sure that reports are retrieved through the bureaus or a legitimate score seller.

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Five Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Bradley Beach Home

September 19, 2009

Selling your Bradley Beach home should be a smooth profitable transaction. But it could end up being an unsuccessful, draining experience, especially if the appropriate precautions and preparations are not observed. A majority of the time, the chance for success lies within the hands of the hired real estate expert. In order to guarantee optimal results, the sellers must be willing to cooperate and consider the professional advice of their real estate agent. Agonizing over a listing price, making the property presentable, rushing for last minute showings, answering inconvenient calls, and frazzling thoughts of not being able to sell are all stressful components of selling your [city] home. If you and your Bradley Beach home are not properly prepared there is a great risk of losing thousands of dollars in an unsuccessful transaction. Included in the following section are five of the most common, costly mistakes homeowners can easily avoid when selling their Bradley Beach home. 

soldsign-100Do not believe all real estate professionals are the same, choose wisely

The process of selling your home involves many tedious details and critical decisions. Real estate professionals are experts in handling these situations and offering knowledgeable guidance to sellers. It is crucial to research several professionals in order to find a suitable match with experience selling homes similar to yours. Real estate agents use different methods to sell their listings. Innovative professionals who promote listings with newer techniques to attract buyers are always more successful than professionals relying on traditional strategies. 24-7 advertising, excessive exposure and lead generation are important services agents offer to aid in selling your home. Hiring and utilizing the right real estate professional can significantly maximize the chances for a smooth, profitable transaction. 

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Bradley Beach Real Estate Appraisal Myths And Facts

September 11, 2009

A real estate Appraisal is not the same thing as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A real estate Appraisal determines the market value of the property, which is an estimate of the sale price of the house. An Appraisal is mandatory when you are borrowing money from a lender to purchase a home. An Appraisal is done by a specially trained and experienced individual known as an appraiser. 

appraisalOn the other hand, a Comparative Market Analysis is used to determine a reasonable asking price based on the selling and listing prices of comparable real estate. This is conducted by the real estate agent listing the property. The sole purpose of a CMA is to help the real estate agent advise the sellers when trying to come up with an appropriate asking price. This is different from an appraisal because a Comparative Market Analysis helps determine the actual asking price, where as the appraisal reveals the property’s actual value. Appraisers usually use similar research on comparable properties as a factor in determining the property value. 

Here are some myths and facts to help you lean more about the Appraisal of your Bradley Beach real estate

1. Myth: Some people may think that making sure the buyer does not overpay is the main goal of an appraisal. 

Fact: People buying and selling real estate can gather resourceful information from an appraisal. However, the appraiser’s intended purpose is to provide protection for lenders. An Appraisal is required before the lender approves a buyer’s loan. 

2. Myth: Appraisers determine the property value by multiplying the price per square foot by the square footage of the property. 

Fact: Appraisers determine the value of the Bradley Beach real estate by other characteristics too. Things they take in to consideration include the location, proximity to desirable destinations, school districts, quality and condition of the property, selling prices of comparable real estate, and other relevant qualities. 

3. Myth: Anyone involved in real estate could conduct Appraisals. 

Fact: States regulate the requirements for Appraisals to obtain a license. Obtaining a license usually includes taking courses, passing an exam, and possible hours of experience. 

4. Myth: There is never an obligation to educate buyers on problems with the home found by the appraiser. 

Fact: The appraiser is required to notify buyers of problems when the buyer is applying for a mortgaged insured by the Federal Housing Administration. For other types of mortgages, the appraiser is not required to disclose potential defects. 

5. Myth: If an Appraisal is done there is no need to obtain a home inspection on your Bradley Beach real estate. 

Fact: As mentioned earlier the purpose of the Appraisal is to protect the lender. This does more for the people selling the Bradley Beach real estate. Where as, home inspections are meant to educate buyers on the state of the home and its major elements. 

Get a no obligation Comparative Market Analysis on your Bradley Beach real estate.


Solutions For Small Living Spaces In Your Bradley Beach Home

August 21, 2009

Finding ways to deal with small spaces in your new Bradley Beach home can be tricky. Everyone likes the place they call home to be somewhere they can kick back and relax. However, it is hard to relax in areas that are cluttered and uncomfortable. Strategic interior design can make a big difference when dealing with small living spaces. Colors, lighting, organization, and décor can make spaces appear smaller or larger. Here are some solutions to make your Bradley Beach home look and feel cozier.

people in houseOrganization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive knick-knacks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything. 

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Jersey Shore Real Estate Sales Statistics – June 2009

July 24, 2009

Existing-home sales rose for the third consecutive month with inventory easing and home prices declining less sharply in June, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is hopeful about the gain. “The increase in existing-home sales occurred in all major regions of the country,” he said. “We expect a gradual uptrend in sales to continue due to tax credit incentives and historically high affordability conditions. Despite the rise in closed transactions, many Realtors® are reporting lost sales as a result of new appraisal standards that went into effect May 1 of this year.”

Take a look at June 2009 Jersey Shore real estate sales statistics compared to June 2008 for Bradley Beach, Avon-By-The-Sea, and Belmar:

Bradley Beach Real Estate

Homes Sold May 2008: 3
Average Sales Price: $590,000
Average Days On Market: 35

Homes Sold May 2009: 2
Average Sales Price: $282,500
Average Days On market: 72

Avon-By-The-Sea Real Estate

Homes Sold June 2008: 0
Average Sales Price: 0
Average Days Oo Market: 0

Homes Sold May 2009: 0
Average Sales Price: 0
Average Days On Market: 0

Belmar Real Estate

Homes Sold May 2008: 3
Average Sales Price: $610,000
Average Days ON Market: 104

Homes Sold May 2009: 9
Average Sales Price: $826,777 
Average Days On Market: 92

Although no single family homes sold in Avon-By-the Sea in June and Bradley Beach sales declined, sales tripled in Belmar while market times decreased.

Wouldn’t you like to summer in your own Jersey Shore home? It’s not too late to take advantage of moderate prices. If you are thinking year-round rather than vacation home, you can use your $8,000 tax credit towards closing costs. Visit Patrick ParkerHomes.com to learn how.


Has Bradley Beach Real Estate Reached Bottom?

June 5, 2009

Many Bradley Beach home buyers want to wait until the market reaches bottom to buy, insuring they are getting the best possible price. But how do you know when the market has reached bottom?

Usually it is by looking back and saying “Oh, I wish I had Bought back then!” We may be reaching the bottom of the current real estate market and beginning to see the return of appreciation. Do Not Miss your opportunity.

Here is an “Interesting” excerpt from CNBC. I suggest you take it as a “For What It’s Worth”. There are certainly some good and some “Over the Top” comments in this clip:  http://www.CNBC.com/id/29757411

Personally, I don’t subscribe to “Over the Top” commentary. I just think it makes sense to realize we are likely at or very near the bottom of the housing market and it IS a great time to buy a home! Rates are extremely low, Sellers are ready to sell and there is a large inventory of homes in all price ranges. The “Magic Three”… Think about it… Take advantage of it… Give us a call!

Learn more about Bradley Beach real estate by visiting PatrickParkerHomes.com.

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Invest Where You Nest

May 15, 2009

house-nestMany consumers today are understandably worried about their nest egg. For many of them, however, their “nest” is the best investment they can make. 

U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Bradley Beach home owners move less frequently than renters. This stability is important in creating strong foundations for both families and communities. 

A recent NAR research study shows that Bradley Beach home owners are more likely to vote, volunteer time for civic events or participate in local crime prevention programs because they’re invested in what happens in their neighborhoods. 

If you are considering buying a Bradley Beach  home to build your nest, visit PatrickParkerHomes.com or give me a call. I’m glad to guide you through the process. 

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Why Buy Bradley Beach NJ Home In 2009?

March 19, 2009

One man’s loss is another man’s gain and right now buyer’s have everything to gain. It was only a few short years ago that sellers controlled the market and were calling the shots. In order to buy a home, buyers were paying over the asking price, foregoing home inspections and paying all their own closing costs. Bradley Beach NJ home buyers were jumping through any and all hoops.  

gift-houseNow the market has shifted. The strong sellers’ market is a thing of the past and it is the sellers who are jumping through hoops. Buyers are calling the shots with offers that include home inspections; requests that closing costs, homeowner association fees and inspection fees be paid by the seller; decorating allowances; home improvement; and prices far below the asking price. 

So why are buyers hesitating? Fear of a tanking economy, falling home prices and job instability are concerns for many potential home buyers. But if you are financially stable and plan to stay in a home for at least five years, there are 5 top reasons to buy a Bradley Beach NJ home in 2009: 

1. Homes are affordable.

According to the National Association of Realtors‘ housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in December than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income. A recent report from Moody’s Economy.com predicted that house prices will stabilize by the end of this year. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight’s Web site has a house price calculator that can help. Visit the calculator. 

2. There are lots of homes to choose from.

The slow down in the housing market has caused homes to stay on the market longer, creating a huge inventory. There was a 9.6-month supply of unsold existing homes in January given that month’s sales pace, according to NAR.  

A large inventory gives buyers more selection, driving down prices. As buyers start to jump back into the market, the inventory will shrink and cause prices to start going back up. The time to get the best deal is before most buyers buy. 

3. Builders are offering perks.

New home builders are offering price reductions, free upgrades and other perks such as free appliances, homeowners’ fees being paid, lower interest rates decorating allowances. Once their inventory shrinks, these perks will go away. 

4. Interest rates are at historical lows.

Lenders are not lending as freely, but if you have good credit and the needed down payment, mortgage interest rates are historically low and hovering around 5 percent.
 

5. There is an $8000 tax credit
If you are a first-time Bradley Beach NJ home buyer, you will qualify for an $8000 federal tax credit if you buy before December 1, 2009. Unlike the previous tax credit offered in 2008, this does not have to be repaid. Extra money comes in handy when buying a home. 

 

Trying to decide if buying a Bradley Beach NJ home in 2009 is right for you. Give me a call. I’m glad to review your situation with you.

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