Diane's Blog

Mullica Hill Clothing Drive

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:22:46 -0500

Are your closets a mess? Do you have things that you don't want or need anymore?

Don't throw your unwanted things away....

Let our Girl Scouts get it in the hands of the needy!!!!!

We are collecting:

Wearable & Usable Clothing
Shoes, Belts
Purses, Hats
Book Bags, Backpacks
Stuffed Animals
Any household items made of material; Linens, Curtains, Blankets, Towels, Etc.

Convenient Drop off at Trinity United Methodist Church
(284 Cedar Rd, Mullica Hill, Lower Level by the glass doors) On Sunday April 26, 2 - 4 pm

Junior Girl Scout Troop #63525 will be collecting your gently used items to be donated to the needy. This task is being done in order to earn their "Bronze Award" ~ the highest award available to Junior Girl Scouts, and your contributions will help them to achieve this. Please consider being a part of this rewarding experience!

Or: e-mail MollyMolczan@comcast.net
Diane@DianeTesta.com
or HollyTree67@comcast.net
to arrange alternate delivery time or location

Knock, Knock...

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:11:04 -0500

Knock, knock.... Who's there?.... Irish.... Irish Who?..... Irish you a Happy St. Patty's Day!

What is left out on the lawn all summer and is Irish?
Paddy O'Furniture

What do you call a fake stone in Ireland?
A sham rock

Why should you never iron a four leaf clover? You should never press your luck.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

New Listing at 18 Hancock Lane, Berlin, NJ 08009

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:18:35 -0500

Just Listed for sale in Pine Hill, NJ:

18 Hancock Lane, Madison Woods, (Pine Hill Boro) Berlin, NJ 08009

You get so much for so little in this home that you won't believe your eyes. Enjoy the beauty and luxury of your new home with so many upgrades and updates to keep you comfortable. Your fully equipped kitchen with gorgeous Corian countertops and newer appliances is great for easy clean up! A huge breakfast room adjoined with the kitchen is the perfect place to watch all the beauty of nature out your glass doors that lead to your private back yard. Entertain your guests in your formal dining room with grand cuisine that you prepared in your huge kitchen. Watch the game in your finished basement with gorgeous wood bar right there! Relax in your living room with your family or unwind after a long day on your front porch. Want privacy~ kick back and take it easy in your tranquil (fenced) back yard. Get away from it all in your extravagant master suite under vaulted ceilings and a gorgeous ceiling fan. Newer plush carpeting, hardwood floors and ceramic tile are all added bonuses to your generous home. Help your morning routine go smoothly with the 2 1/2 baths. All this and a home office too. Don't sit back and wait... this home has soo much to offer that you'll lose out if you do.

Amazingly priced for only $219,900

Living Room       20' x 14'
Dining Room      12' x 11'
Kitchen              12' x 13'
Breakfast Room  11' x 9'
Family Room      16' x 19'

Master Bedroom 16' x 13'
Bedroom 2        12' x 10'
Bedroom 3        10' x 10'
Home Office      14' x 6'

No one WANTS what no one else wants!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:59:08 -0600

A home buyer was recently looking at a house that they were very interested in. When they went through the homeowners were gracious and although they were home, helped the interested party feel comfortable.

Then the mistake... the sellers, in their frustration with the market conditions in their area, blurt out that they have not had any showings, none, zilch, in the over 6 months that they had their house on the market.

Now, not only is this incredibly a bad idea, but also makes a great point. Seller's should stay away during showings. They should let the agents do the talking. Do you think this buyer will jump at making an offer, or if they do decide this is where they want to buy, do you think they will offer anywhere near the asking price of the home? No way! This seller needs to be quiet! If you can't keep quiet and out of the way of the buyer, then leave!

Telling a potential buyer all your woes and frustrations will not make them act. As a matter of fact, they will start to wonder why no one else is looking at the house! Is something wrong with it? Is it priced to high? In a bad area?.... What?

No one wants - what no one else wants! Get that? Maybe I sould say it a different way, people want what they cannot have. So if you are looking to sell anything, it needs to be in high demand! I am not telling you to lie, just don't look so desperate that you are begging. People need to get emotionally attached to buy a home, if you put a little doubt in their head, then you are, in effect, telling them not to buy!

Writing a better description to sell your home

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:16:30 -0600

Selling your home during this current recession is sometimes more frustrating then many would like to admit. When your home is marketed for sale, the thing that most people will see first (and first impressions are of utmost importance... they either keep their attention or move on very quickly), are the photos and the home description. The photos should be professionally taken and show off as much of your property as possible, both inside and out.

The main topic I am going to discuss here is the house description. There are certain things that people are looking for in a house, not to get into too much psychology, but there are key things that should be stressed, within the body of the description or in the beginning.

People buy security, not warranties; they buy luxury, not tubs; they like privacy or seclusion, but want the convenience to where ever they need to get to regularly; they like to cozy up to a fireplace not the fact that there is one. They want to be a family even if they are in separate rooms, or know what their kids are doing in the family room while they are cooking dinner, not just have an open floor plan. Many people don't know real estate lingo like "Open Concept Floor Plan." Make sure that you describe the benefits that your buyer will enjoy with each of the features of your home.

If you are selling a luxury home... they want their visitors to envy them- maybe not openly, but they want to impress them. It is a fact that people want warmth, comfort, relaxation, enjoyment, privacy, etc., etc., etc. in their home. If you work these words into your description they will help a person feel the home.

Don't just list features. That is cold and doesn't stimulate any emotions. Actually describe the things that you felt when you bought your home. You made plans about how your experiences would be (regardless of how they turned out) while you walked through it the first time. This is the "picture you want to paint" with your words.

I would also highly recommend a full color brochure with the description and exterior photo on the front and features and room measurements listed on the back with interior photos. One sheet is best, and a brochure box outside will allow people to get the information they want while sparking interest. I would list the features that you have on the back, because they are important to know, (they just don't spark any emotions). Do not put the price on the brochure. This gives them reason to call.

Here are some examples that might help you as well:

As-Is but beautiful! Custom doors lead you into your ceramic tiled foyer. go through glass French doors into your raised formal living room to entertain your guests surrounded by incredible lighting and hardwood flooring. The lighted raised ceiling, recessed lighting and window lighting all set the right mood for any gathering. Step down into your dramatic formal dining room with the step constructed from glass back lighted blocks.Your Sunken Family room is the perfect place to kick back and relax in front of your dramatic fireplace. Your fully equipped kitchen with Corian countertops and tile backsplash is great for easy clean up! Keep your custom landscaping looking beautiful all year with your sprinkler system. Enjoy privacy in your fenced yard and store away all your tools in your newer custom shed. Short sale subject to bank approval

Luxury,Seclusion,Convenience,Privacy...have it all!Be the envy of your friends!Enjoy living on the most scenic lot in Surrey Lake.Watch deer roam acres of preserved land behind your home.Walk-out your sun-filled basement into your oversized fenced yard.Stroll out your gate along a path to the lake for some peace&quiet,you can even take your fishing pole. Enjoy your morning coffee at the kitchen island as the sun warms your home w/Southern Exposure shining in the palladium windows or step out to your deck & enjoy your own park-like setting.

Live in luxury w/soaring vaulted & 9 ceilings. Move in & Relax, EVERYTHING has just been completed-from the new carpets to the prof. painted walls. Invite your guests into your 2 story foyer & entertain in your Living & Dining rooms w/custom moldings & Natural Maple Hardwood Floors.Cozy up in this family room by a marble gas fireplace with a 22' ceiling loaded with warm lighting & a convenient add'l staircase. Relax in your Jacuzzi in the huge master ste. Feel secure as your children play in this enormous walk-out bsmt.

Enjoy privacy & seclusion w/out isolation in your beautiful custom built estate home sitting back 350' on 6.6 acres at the end of the culdesac, in prestigious Horseshoe Run Estates. Move in & relax-EVERYTHING is like new- professionally decorated w/neutral colors & luxurious trim & crown molding throughout. These hardwood floors lead you through most of the 1st floor & up the T shaped staircase, adorned w/ stunning runners. Get away from it all in your opulent master suite-soaking in your whirlpool tub, or relaxing in your sitting area. Cozy up by the fireplace in your spacious 2 story family room where custom draperies wrap these floor to ceiling windows. You'll realize you just may need to do some shopping to fill these gigantic closets. Enjoy your morning coffee at your island in your enormous fully equipped kitchen or step out onto your deck that wraps the entire back of your home while you watch the wild deer & turkey roam. Your children will have lots of room to play & tons of fun in the tree house. Don't miss the view from the sun room & office. This community allows gentleman's farms

Spectacular landscaping surrounds this home nestled on almost 10 acres. You can bring your farm, & potentially build on the extra land, w/ proper approvals. Enjoy your morning coffee on your back deck, overlooking all the best nature has to offer. Relax in this giant great room in front of a fire in this Rumfort fireplace. Cozy-up in your sunroom w/ true southern exposure in front of this wall of windows. Prepare grand cuisine w/ ease in this spacious kitchen w/ all the extras. Store everything away in the numerous cabinets & huge closets. Get away from it all in your master bath soaking tub. Your loft is the perfect place to kick back & look out at the stars. All the best was put into this home & no expense was spared. This 20'x24'-2 sty garage has a finished 2nd flr. More upgrades than you could ever imagine. A list of the extras can be faxed, Surveys are on file.

Sincerely,
Diane Testa
Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors
Cell # 856-229-5533

Did they yank the rug out from under us?

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:10:36 -0600

The plan for the stimulus bill has changed and the government has decided to remove the proposed $15,000 tax credit for home buyers. I agree that this was an idea that sparked some interest in buying a home for some, but would this have been the thing that would have knocked people off the fence and encouraged them to buy now? I don't really understand how the government could tease us in this way, and ignor an area where there is such a need for help.

Is this change in the plan going to destroy the "Hope" that everyone had in this troubled economy? Are we going to find our way out of this recession with the other parts of this plan? Or are we in for a long road ahead before we see our economy turn around? Is it so important to encourage people to buy homes by offering a tax credit? Or are we at the bottom of the market, about to see appreciation once again?

Throwing money at the problem did not work back in the 1930's during the Roosevelt administration. It took 10 years and WWII for our economy to improve then, so how is this different? There are tons of people out there with tons of ideas (and fears) about what is going to happen... what are your thoughts?

It is a fact that people are still buying houses, they are getting the most fantastic deals, and it is a great time to own real estate. Historically, Real Estate has been the leading wealth generator. So, why all this doom and gloom out there? I think to change things.... the biggest thing many need to change is their attitude and their outlook. I believe we get what we look for, so if we look for failure, we will get it. I am looking for the recovery and I focus on all the positive things in my life. There are plenty of people out there that want to and need to find a house to live in... right now, and the agent that they want to work with is not one that is ready to throw in the towel... that's for sure!

So, did they yank the rug out from under our feet? I don't believe that they did. I believe our success in this industry is based on our attitude. If we believe that we will do well, we will, and we will do whatever it takes to do so. So keep your attitude positive, and keep your client's interests at heart and you will be sucessful!

New Tax Credit proposed in Washington... but they decided we didn't need it~

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:59:44 -0600

The information on the tax credit for new homebuyers that is currently being considered as part of the stimulus plan is great news for anyone interested in investing in a house.

This is subject to change until this officially goes into law, but as of right now, any homebuyer will receive a $15,000 tax credit when they file their 2009 taxes early next year. They will receive that extra money, and as of right now, the government is not requiring you to pay any of it back. The current $7,500 tax credit that this new one is replacing was required to be paid back, however this one will not!

To break down the numbers for you, someone can buy a $230,000 home and put down 3.5% through FHA, which totals $8,050. We can estimate that the closing costs and escrow items will be approximately $5,000. A person can buy a home this year for $230,000 and spend a total of $13,050. They will be credited by the government $15,000 that does not need to be paid back (as of right now). So they can buy a house, have it cost them nothing, and get an extra $2,000 back on top of having their entire expenses paid for.

So take advantage of this law if it is enacted and you will benefit all the way around.

Update 2/12/09 OK-- So never mind... the government decided that we don't need this part of the stimulous package and wiped it out. I have to say, that because Real Estate has been hit so hard with the state of the economy, I seriously have my doubts that they know what is best for our economy. Real Estate sales fuel our economy in many more ways then the obvious. Let's hope things improve soon............

Gloucester County Home Sale Statistics for 2008 compared to 2007

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:34:43 -0600

Below are the figures per the Gloucester County Multiple Listings Service for the total number of homes sold, the average sales price and the average days on the market for those homes that sold. If you are considering selling or have attempted, unsucessfully, to sell your Gloucester County, New Jersey home, this information (as well as much more that I can easily provide you) should be carefully considered PRIOR to setting a sales price.

Date # of Homes Average Average

Sold Sales Price DOM*

2008

December 179 $236,909 104

November 158 $239,955 91

October 175 $233,785 113

September 218 $236,866 85

August 233 $241,816 84

July 233 $242,155 98

June 252 $234,918 76

May 223 $238,246 85

April 251 $236,887 98

March 215 $228,009 91

February 154 $239,518 111

January 151 $222,597 87

2007

December 149 $233,074 79

November 254 $241,852 74

October 240 $246,871 81

September 240 $238,002 69

August 355 $260,029 71

July 297 $248,821 75

June 382 $252,893 70

May 287 $251,475 79

April 273 $249,715 72

March 270 $239,257 84

February 243 $236,908 76

January 213 $240,243 81

*DOM = Days on the Market

(Information above includes sales that were concluded through the Multiple Listing Service in Gloucester County. It does not necessarily include new construction or private sales. Information is not guaranteed and is subject to errors and ommissions.)

Do you pay PMI? Don't forget to take the tax deduction on your return

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:13:52 -0600

If you bought a house and your first mortgage was for more then 80% of the value of your home (you put less then 20% down), you pay a monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI). If your mortgage was put into place on or after January 1, 2007, then that PMI expense is now deductible!!

On Line 13 on Schedule A of your federal tax return (the same form that you use to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes) you can simply enter the amount you paid for PMI. Your lender should include the amount of your PMI premium in Box 4 of your Form 1098.

This deduction is scheduled to disappear after 2010, so don't forget to take advantage of this deduction while it lasts!

Tax advantages you can get when you buy a home

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:21:59 -0600

Tax deductions are considered write-offs. These are the government's way of rewarding taxpayers for investing in Real Estate. There are plenty of write-offs allowed by the IRS, many of which people often forget. I must advise you to consult a tax professional about the details, limitations, and restrictions on these deductions, but there are plenty that you can take advantage of.

Points and Loan Origination fees:
According to the IRS, origination fees charged as points must be paid for the use of money, (for example, to obtain a lower interest rate) in order to be tax deductible. Origination fees that constitute a "service fee" are not tax deductible. The question must be asked, "Does the fee apply to the use of money, or is it a service charge?" If the charge is deductible, you must have paid these, not amortized them (included them in your loan) over the life of the loan. If they are included in your loan, you may deduct them over the life of the loan (as you pay them).

Pre-payment penalties:
Unforeseen circumstances often cause borrowers to pull out of their mortgages sooner than expected. Fortunately, pre-payment penalties are tax deductible, so make sure you mention any pre-payment penalties that you paid to your tax preparer.

Pro-rated real estate taxes:
Even if the seller, mortgage company or the title company sent the tax collector the check, chances are the buyer paid a pro-rated portion of the taxes for the year at closing. Make sure you look on your closing sheet (HUD-1) for the amount that you paid in Real Estate Taxes.

Pro-rated mortgage interest:
Depending on what date in the month the home sale closes, buyers pay some amount of pro-rated mortgage interest for that month. Mortgage interest is paid in arrears when you pay your mortgage, so your monthly payment will include last months interest. When you close in the beginning of the month, you will pay a larger portion of interest then if you close at the end of the month. At the closing you will be required to pay the interest for all the days till the end of the month that you are closing in. This interest is a deduction on your tax return.

Home construction loan interest:
As long as the time period for construction doesn't last more than two years before the new homeis your "principal residence," they you can write off the interest for that construction loan.

Make sure you track your expenses and consider them for deduction if allowable. Please contact your tax advisor if you need more help.

First-time Homebuyers... get moving!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:12:55 -0600

First time homebuyers are still entitled to a tax credit for purchasing a home through July 1, 2009. For some more information you can click here.

A brief explaination of the benefits you can expect from this credit is that if you are a first time home buyer (defined by the IRS), you have an income of less than $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing joint), and you bought a new home between April 9th, 2008 and July 1, 2009 you are eligible for the Federal Housing Tax Credit for First time Home buyers.

The $7,500 credit is called a refundable credit. This means it will first be applied towards any money that you owe the IRS. Whatever is left over will be given to you.

The credit must be paid back, however, over the next 15 years (that's $500 a year).

If you sell the house during that time, the remainder of the $7500 must be paid back from the gain on the sell of the home. If you sell the home for a loss, the debt is canceled!

This credit, even with the obligation to pay it back, along with the prices that are currently being asked for homes, makes this an excellent time to buy a home.

For advise and help finding your New Jersey home, contact Diane Testa. Take advantage of her years of experience helping first time homebuyers get into a home.

What is PMI, and do I have to pay it?

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:44:52 -0600

PMI or "Private Mortgage Insurance" is insurance that lenders require from homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their home's value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI. This insurance is paid monthly as part of the homeowners monthly mortgage payment. This insurance allows home buyers to purchase a home with as little down as 3 or 5 percent of the purchase price, while protecting the mortgage holder in case of default.

One thing that many homeowners do not realize is that once the value of the home or the balance of the mortgage reach a point that the homeowners equity exceeds 20 percent, the PMI can be removed or canceled. If you find yourself in this position, call your mortgage holder. Find out their procedures to remove the PMI, and reduce your monthly payment. Sometimes the mortgage company will require an appraisal as proof, but the fee for the appraisal has the potential to save you a lot of unnecessary payments of PMI.

Thanks for those who voted..... time is running out, if you want to cast your vote!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:22:45 -0600

How exciting, my 13 year old son has been nominated for the "Racer of the Year" award for his racing skills at Atco Raceway. Can you please take a minute and vote for him? You can simply click here and cast your vote, and only one per IP address will be accepted. The question is number 17 and vote for Vincent Testa!! #23 is required too, you need to check off if you are a "Fan" or a "Racer" or something like that... any box is fine. Thanks soooooo much for your support and your vote!!! Maybe he'll go pro someday, and you can say you helped him get there.

Sincerely,

Diane Testa

Is the Camden and Gloucester County Real Estate Market ready for YOU to buy or sell?

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:40:30 -0600

This is for those of you who have decided to wait until the market gets better before you put your house up for sale as well as for the buyers that are on the fence about whether they should buy now or wait. Well, here is your chance... the end of December marked a historically unmatched number of homes that expired from the market. That is the largest number of expired homes that has ever existed in the history of the MLS happened on December 31, 2008!!

Anyone who has ever taken a marketing course knows the basic rules of supply and demand. The supply has dropped dramitically in Camden and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey, leaving buyers that really want to buy homes with a more limited selection to choose from then they have had in awhile.

So, what does this mean to you? It means that if your home is listed for sale, the buyers will more likely consider your home. There are less options out there and therefore, more attention will be focused on the homes that are available for sale. Also, it means that if your home is not listed for sale, you may miss the opportunity to find your buyer. People are buying homes, and now is a great time to have it listed for sale. Don't wait until the spring when there will be at least 20% more homes listed, and at least 20% more competition.

Does this mean that the market will switch back to a Seller's market in New Jersey? I wouldn't be that optimistic, but I am anticipating that the market is going to improve as we head into spring, and that homeowners will be finding that the values of their homes have stabilized and may even begin to appreciate. Buyers are excited by the rates that are being offered, by the change in our government and by the fact that the houses for sale are more affordable then they have been for years. All this will help us to see the improvement that our economy needs.

So if you have awaited the bottom of the market, wait no longer, you will surely find the prices very inviting right now. And if you think buyers are not buying homes, so why list your's for sale, you are wrong! I will post the statistics for Camden and Gloucester Counties so you can see that homes are selling, and the seller's are actually happy with their sales price.

We need your vote... it only takes a second!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:34:19 -0600

Sincerely,

Diane Testa

Buyers, find your own agent... one who will represent YOU!!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:22:36 -0600

Did you know that a listing agent represents the seller and works to get them the most money for their home? The listing agent needs to fullfill thier obligations of fiduciary duty to their sellers. This means that they represent the seller. You should have your own real estate agent to represent your best interests and to help you obtain the right information. This will better help you to make the best-informed decision that you can when purchasing a home.

Some of the many advantages of having a real estate agent to work on your behalf include:

Getting recent sold prices of properties near the home you are buying to assure you are paying a fair price.
Learning from the experience of a seasoned professional that has represented many buyers.
Having a representative devoted to your interests who will negotiate repairs, price, etc.
Using an agent who will interpret and provide you with the best information about home inspections.
Saving you thousands of dollars using their skills and experience to negotiate on YOUR behalf.
Preventing the many mistakes when purchasing your home that you may not know can happen.
Providing an enjoyable home-purchasing experience.
Guiding you towards help obtaining the proper documentation for closing
Advising you with mortage and title company questions and issues.

It is best to have a written contract with your agent called a buyers agreement in order to guarantee the best representation for you. You must have your requirements clearly spelled out and in writing to assure the best service.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:03:46 -0600

On Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving and I hope your holiday is filled with the joy an love of family and friendship!

There is no better time for me to express how grateful I am for the continued support and dedication from my clients and for them referring me to all their family and friends. It is unbelievably important to me to express this to my friends and clients and I hope that you know how treasured your friendship is!

So, thank you to all my dear friends and may you be blessed with all the best during this holiday season.

2nd Annual "Trick or Trot" in Mullica Hill

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:48:26 -0500

Harrison Township Recreation Commission and Victory Physical Therapy

are hosting the 2nd Annual "Trick or Trot"

Saturday October 25 th - Ella Harris Park

$15 per participant ($20 the day of the race)

Registration 7:45 - 8:30 am

Start time 8:30 Rain or Shine

5 K Fun Run or 1 Mile Walk

Awards for 1st place Male and Female, Best Costume Child and Adult, Tee's guaranteed for Pre-registrants

Last years Walk / Run was a huge success thanks to all of you... they were able to purchase 2 pieces of handicapp accessible playground equipment for Ella Harris Park- a molded swing to be hung in place of one of the current sling swings and a roundabout merry go round with two molded seats attached with seatbelts - The goal for both of these pieces of equipment was to allow for all of the kids in the township to be able to play together at the park. For this reason the molded swing was added to the current swing area and the roundabout has both two molded seats and two open areas so both disabled and their non-disabled peers could ride together... after much delay due to back orders and overseas shipments - the equipment has arrived and just awaiting it's installation!!!!

With this year's proceeds we hope to be able to pave a wheelchair accessible path around the play area.

For Registration Contact:

Harrison Twp. Recreation Commission

114 Bridgeton Pike

Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

856-223-8777

Checks payable to: Harrison Township Recreation

$15 per participant prior to day of race; $20 day of

"Tax Credit to Aid First-Time Homebuyers"

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:27:00 -0500

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently published Bulletin IR-2008-106 entitled "Tax Credit to Aid First-Time Homebuyers" on September 16, 2008. This bulletin outlines the eligibility for the new tax credit which was included in the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

First-time home buyers are noteligible if their home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds such as the NJHMFA First Time Home Buyer program. Anyone who is using the NJHMFA First Time Home Buyer Program should be aware of this and I also recommend that you should consult a tax advisor for all income tax matters.

First-time home buyers in the Police and Fireman's Retirement System program may be eligible for the tax credit due to their financing not coming from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. But again, you must consult your tax professional to get the details.

The IRS has made the tax credit available to home purchases after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.

You may view this notice at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=186831,00.html.

Mullica Hill's Fall Festival October 11th and 12th , 2008

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:54:56 -0500

Mullica Hill's

Fall Festival

October 11 & 12

Sponsored by the Mullica Hill Merchants' Association

Join us in celebrating Fall along historic Main Street. Visit www.mullicahill.com for a complete listing of our Fall Festival special events, sales, and discounts!

Civil War Living History Weekend

Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm behind Sisters • 39 South Main St.

Free guided lantern tour 7pm Saturday

Antique & Classic Car Show

Saturday 9am-1pm • Susquehanna Bank • 114 North Main St.Friends School Fall Arts Festival

Crafts, food, music & games • Saturday 10am-4pm • 15 High St.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Prizes for Best Carved • Best Stenciled • Best Painted

Drop off Saturday 10am-12pm • Friends School • 15 High St.

Lighted pumpkins on display along Main St. during Ghost Walk

Soulfood & Stories

A Taste from the Past: The Roots of Soulfood & The Old Black Pot

Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm • Country Critters • 15 Woodland Avenue

Fall Pre-fix Dinner

3 Courses $30 • Saturday & Sunday evening

blueplate • 47 South Main St.

Ghost Walk

Saturday night only • Advanced tickets required • $5 each

Tours depart every 15 minutes from 6:30pm • Mullica Center • 2 South Main St.

South Jersey Ghost Research exhibit at Old Town Hall following tour

Tickets on sale at Amazing Grace (33 South Main St.) & blueplate

The Girls in My Circle

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:28:06 -0500

I read this today in my e-mail, and I thought it was so special that I wanted to share it... I hope that you enjoy it:

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your
children and their activities
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'
Another , 'Let's fight together,'
Another , 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .
Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbour,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

A new office, and even better service...

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:04:51 -0500

This week a move to a new office is bringing a whole new breed of service to my clients with new and innovative techniques that I have recently implemented as well as the support of a terrific office. I am excited to announce that I am now with Prudential Fox and Roach. My home office is in Gloucester Township, NJ, but I also have the use and convenience to meet clients in any of their other offices all over NJ. With a new office opening in January in Mullica Hill, I will not only benefit from the convenience of having staff close to home, but I will also be able to service clients where ever they are. With experience in Real Estate for nearly 20 years and a Realtor for over 12, and working in all of Southern New Jersey, I am positive that this move will help my clients to receive even better service. I look forward to a wonderful future with Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors!

Here's an offer... if you accept it... THEN I'll look at the house and see if I want it!

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:50:26 -0500

It is becoming more and more often that an offer will come in (Low-Ball of course) on a property listing from an investor that has not even seen the house. I am obligated to present every offer that comes in for my sellers, and I do, but the offer must be explained delicately and in great detail to these home owners.

The sellers need to understand and not blame these investors (or the agents) for trying to get a good deal, after all, isn't everyone? It's just difficult for a seller to understand why someone is putting in an offer without seeing their home. This is their home, not just a property to them, and it's really hard for a seller to detach themselves from it and look at it as a business deal.

I would never discourage these investors from searching out the best deals on the market. After all, I often work with investors myself that have done the exact same thing. It is not their intention to insult the seller in any way, they are merely looking at the house as an "investment."

Sellers, the offer, even if it is a low-ball offer, is encouraging. Investors consider your home in an area that will produce "income" for them (either with or without some work to the house). They are considering your house as an investment, so that is a good sign that the market that you are in is one in which an investor is predicting that they will come out ahead. So, be happy to receive any offer. It will help you to understand your market better, and it will also help you to understand that your home/area really has value and is predicted to continue to hold it's value.

Why isn’t your house on the market if you want to sell it?

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:57:37 -0500

Many sellers have decided to pull their homes off the market because they think they better wait out the slow market and stay in their home a little longer. I have heard this many times, they fear that they will not get what their home is worth, and negotiating too low is not something that they can afford to do. But, keeping your home off of the active real estate market here in southern New Jersey is not the right thing to do right now. Home buyers are very busy looking at homes right now, and many are frustrated because they can't find what they are looking for in Camden and Gloucester County.

It is true that house hunters are looking for a good deal, but many really cannot find the perfect property to fit their needs because of the apathetic attitude of the current real estate market. When you look at the real statistics, the market is not that bad, and buyers are willing to pay the right amount of money for a home, if in fact, it has what they are looking for! I have been showing these buyers homes that are just not right for them, and they may end up either giving up, or buying something that they can "work with."

Don't make them do that... get your home listed for sale, and help them find the perfect home for them! When they buy, you will be able to do the same... and this will help everyone down the line! Maybe we can even get the reporters to notice and start reporting the positive side of this current market.

There has never been a better time to consider buying or selling a home. There are great homes on the market, and more to come; the interest rates are pleasingly low; the first time home buyers are very much interested in buying, which helps others to move up, and so on; and the real estate agents are very eager to help! Don't miss out on this terrific spring and summer market this year!

Call a full time agent that specializes in your area... one that knows how to stage your home for it to sell for the most amount of money in the least amount of time. You want an agent who knows how much a home is worth in your neighborhood/town. One that can help you to know you are buying or selling for the right price. If you don't know any, I can do the research in our vast data base to find you one who is competitant and active to refer you to one.

So, bottom line.... you absolutely cannot sell your home if it's not listed for sale, so what are you waiting for? Get your home listed for sale and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much the market has improved.

Diane Testa

Re/Max Connection

856-415-1210

Cell 856-229-5533

e-mail: diane@dianetesta.com

Harrison Township Day ~ 2008

Diane Testa (Prudential Fox and Roach) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:53:11 -0500

Don't miss the great fun this year at Harrison Township Day, or should I say... Harrison Township "Days"...

This year come on out for this fun filled "2 day" event!

Friday and Saturday

May 2nd and 3rd, 2008

Friday Is Youth Night -
Amusements 6-9 pm (Rock Wall/Bungee Jump/Thunderzone)
Battle of the Bands 5-9 pm
Saturday
Morning Parade begins at 9 am at Woodland Avenue on Route 45 and travels along Route 45 all through town to the park.

At the end of the parade join us for the Welcome and Kick-off

at Ella Harris Park

Amusement Rides for all ages (blow-ups & mechanical)
Lip Sync contest for grades K-6th
Vendors
Crafters
Great food and snacks
Rode's BBQ - sponsored by the Women's Club of Mullica Hill
Etc., Etc., Etc.
Then come back or stay all day and experience a Spectacular Fireworks Display to conclude the celebration!

Diane's Blog

Mullica Hill Clothing Drive

Knock, Knock...

New Listing at 18 Hancock Lane, Berlin, NJ 08009

No one WANTS what no one else wants!

Writing a better description to sell your home

Did they yank the rug out from under us?

New Tax Credit proposed in Washington... but they decided we didn't need it~

Gloucester County Home Sale Statistics for 2008 compared to 2007

Do you pay PMI? Don't forget to take the tax deduction on your return

Tax advantages you can get when you buy a home

First-time Homebuyers... get moving!

What is PMI, and do I have to pay it?

Thanks for those who voted..... time is running out, if you want to cast your vote!

Is the Camden and Gloucester County Real Estate Market ready for YOU to buy or sell?

We need your vote... it only takes a second!

Buyers, find your own agent... one who will represent YOU!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2nd Annual "Trick or Trot" in Mullica Hill

"Tax Credit to Aid First-Time Homebuyers"

Mullica Hill's Fall Festival October 11th and 12th , 2008

The Girls in My Circle

A new office, and even better service...

Here's an offer... if you accept it... THEN I'll look at the house and see if I want it!

Why isn’t your house on the market if you want to sell it?

Harrison Township Day ~ 2008

Friday and Saturday

May 2nd and 3rd, 2008 Friday Is Youth Night -Amusements 6-9 pm (Rock Wall/Bungee Jump/Thunderzone)Battle of the Bands 5-9 pmSaturdayMorning Parade begins at 9 am at Woodland Avenue on Route 45 and travels along Route 45 all through town to the park.

At the end of the parade join us for the Welcome and Kick-off

May 2nd and 3rd, 2008

Friday Is Youth Night -
Amusements 6-9 pm (Rock Wall/Bungee Jump/Thunderzone)
Battle of the Bands 5-9 pm
Saturday
Morning Parade begins at 9 am at Woodland Avenue on Route 45 and travels along Route 45 all through town to the park.