Dennis's Blog

Everything you need in a Home

2008-06-30T15:07:56Z

Everything You Need in a Home!!

$314,900

162-164 Crosby Ave, Paterson NJ

Features:

3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Excellent Area of Paterson
Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, Office, 2 Kitchens, 3 BR, Enclosed Porch
Finished Basement, New Furnace, New Second Floor Windows,
50 X 100 Lot Size, 1 Car Garage, Corner Property
Less than 2 blocks away from one of Paterson's Great Elementary schools: School # 27
www.DennisSanchezlistings2.com

Remarks:
This very exquisite CapeCod has been totally renovated and meticulously decorated to match any buyers' tastes. This home includes a living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar, enclosed porch, 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths. The basement is totally finished with a summer kitchen, office, family room and 1 of the 2 full baths. The corner property is rich in parking spaces, which include enough parking for up to 4 cars. Another great benefit that this great home has is that it is less than 2 blocks away from Paterson's prestigious School number 27. In conclusion, this home is also very close to the great West Side Park, where there are Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, and a Baseball Field. Many activities coming soon in this neighborhood

Dennis Sanchez

201.724.0422

View My Other Listings

Susani Realty

209 Union Ave
Paterson, NJ 07502

973.790.6996

©2007Properties Online, LLC, Patent No. US 6,760,707. The above information including square footage is based on data received from the seller and/or from public sources. This information is deemed reliable but has not been independently verified and cannot be guaranteed. Prospective buyers are advised to verify information to their own satisfaction prior to purchase.

Excellent home in perfect condition. In one of the best areas of Paterson, Hillcrest Section of Paterson. The neighborhood is already great, but I have been getting even more involved to solve the inconvenience of the lack children activities. Things are changing in Paterson and their starting in the Hillcrest Section of Paterson.

Children activities in Paterson, NJ, (Boy Scouts)

2008-06-23T14:18:02Z

So far the young girls and young ladies have had the advantage of having the Girl Scouts of America and have reaped the rewards, as the program keeps getting larger and stronger.

Because of the success that the young ladies have had with scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is now stepping in for the City as well. The Boy Scouts of America is starting in the Hillcrest Section of Paterson and is slowly going to spread throughout Paterson. I'm very excited to be a part of this great addition for our young boys. We are in the process of filling out applications and finding volunteers to head our outstanding program. With this program, we are able to do plenty of fund raising and volunteer activities for the City of Paterson. After we set up the program in School 27 of the Hillcrest Neighborhood Association, we will start planning more activities, like Basketball tournaments and Soccer tournaments. We need more membership for the association to become stronger and more influential in the City. This is all volunteer work, but the benefits that are returned are more valuable than any salary being paid at the moment. Lets get together and get our children to help our city restore itself.

Children activities in Paterson, NJ, (Girl Scouts)

2008-06-23T14:07:58Z

In the City of Paterson there was a lack of activities for our children, but fortunately things are changing for this great historic city. So far the Girls Scouts is getting stronger and stronger and is already in most schools throughout the city. The Girl Scouts of America is not just a camping or hiking group, it's a support for the city in which other activities can be easily formed for the girls. So far there is a cheerleading team, swimming team, dance team, soccer team, etc all because the Girl Scouts of America has given the City the support needed to make such a program successful. This program is a non profit program, which is why the costs are so low, but since it is inexpensive, the support of the parents is imperative. Get involved with your daughters and the school and volunteer to make the program even more successful than it already is. Lets keep our kids out of trouble and keep their minds busy.

Cub Scouting is starting in Paterson. Join and help our youth

2008-06-23T12:54:44Z

Cub Scouting is starting in the Hillcrest Section of Paterson. Hopefully by the Summer of 2008 we will have an active Troop 27 starting for the boys of Paterson. This is something really really huge for Paterson and for it's children. We need support from the parents to spread this great addition to a much needed city. If you need more information don't be afraid to contact me, Dennis Sanchez, at my office Coldwell Banker Susani Realty 973-790-6996

Paterson Future Train Station (Planned)

2008-06-23T12:00:47Z

These are the maps of the Planned Train Station Village that is already approved by the Planning Board of the Paterson, NJ. There will be a future meeting with NJ Transit and the residents to speak about the possible repurcussions that this project may bring to the city. Please we need the residents of Paterson to step up and ask all the questions before this project is finalized. The meeting is not yet planned but I am in contact with key people that will know the exact date of the meeting.

WOW $264,900 IN HILLCREST!!!!

2008-06-10T11:57:29Z

Welcome Home

$264,900

235 Richmond Ave, Paterson NJ

Features:

4 bedrooms, 1 bath
One of Paterson's most desirable location
Central Vacuum and Security System
Huge backyard in very clean condition
Basement with high cieling and clean, easy to finish
Across the street from 1 of Paterson's most desirable elementary school
www.dennissanchezlistings5.com

Remarks:
This home is definitely in one of Paterson's most desirable locations and across the street from a great elementary school. Home is in mint condition, with new windows, newer roof, new boiler,new vinyl siding, central air conditioning, central vacuum, security system installed and ready to move in. All of the major concerns in purchasing a home have already been updated. Inspections will be very easy and very smoothly. This great capecod is ready to put your finishing touches to it and call it "HOME SWEET HOME". Definitely a must see and definitely priced to sell.

Dennis Sanchez

201.724.0422

View My Other Listings

Open House:

Jun 15
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Susani Realty

209 Union Ave
Paterson, NJ 07502

973.790.6996

WE JUST DID AN INCREDIBLE PRICE REDUCTION 6/10/2008. THIS HOME IS NOW UNDER MARKET VALUE. NOW TAKING HIGHEST AND BEST OFFERS. MAKE YOUR OFFER BECAUSE THIS HOME WILL NOT LAST. GIVE ME A CALL OR EMAIL ME AT DSPERU01@HOTMAIL.COM TO SHOW YOU THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME AT SUCH A GREAT PRICE!!!!

great real estate stats. 39% first time homebuyers in 2007!!!

2008-06-03T12:48:53Z

First-Time Home Buyers: NAR Survey of Home Buyers & Home Sellers
By: Karen Deis

Around this time every year, the National Association of Realtors® publishes a report on the home buying and home selling habits, ethnicity, age, income and demographics of different areas of the country.

This survey has been published for over 12 years (that I know of) and while it is written specifically for the real estate industry, the information is invaluable for both loan officers and agents because it helps identify niche markets and trends, so you can target where it might be best to spend your marketing efforts and advertising dollars.

I can also assure you that not many people even know that this survey exists. This article gives you all the facts but more importantly, interprets them for you, so you know exactly what to do next.

Over the past twelve years, first-time homebuyers were responsible for buying 42% of all the homes purchased in the US. In 2006 that number dipped to 36% but in 2007 it again increased to 39%. Overall, 12% of first time buyers were NOT born in the United States, versus 8% of repeat buyers. And 70% bought a home because they wanted to own real estate and establish a household.

The National Association of Realtors® mailed 150,000 questionnaires and received 9,966 responses. They obtained names and addresses from Experian, who maintains a database of recent buyers derived from county records.

First-time homebuyers made 39% of all home purchases.

If you don't have a system to attract first-time homebuyer prospects, you are missing almost 40 percent of the purchase market. Yes, you can have more than one niche, however, your marketing, seminars and the way you sell to FTHB has to be unique and different.

Living Arrangements Prior to Buying their First Home

75% rented an Apartment or Home prior to purchasing
18% Lived with Parents

Now you know where to find them. Over three-fourths are living in apartment complexes or renting single-family homes.

For 18% who are living with parents, consider marketing to your database of clients, who have children within the 24-35 age group. Parents will recommend people they feel comfortable with and have a big influence on whom they choose.

The marital status of first time home buyers is:

51% Married Couples
11% Unmarried Couples
25% Single Female
11% Single Male

Holding first-time homebuyer seminars is another method to attract prospects interested in purchasing a home. However, buyers who are single, have different issues and concerns than married couples. Consider holding "Women-Only Home Buying Seminars" or "Couples-Only" events instead of trying to be all things to all people.

Medium Age of First-Time Home buyers.

52% were age 24-35 years old
21% where age 35-44 years old

Ages 24-35 are considered Generation X. In Joe Burslem's blog called "Meet the New Real Estate Customer" he says that they've grown up with computers and understand technology better than Generation Y. 87% shop online and 50% do all their banking online. Since they were raised with little or no supervision (both parents worked) they are fiercely independent, blunt and skeptical. They've been bombarded with marketing messages since birth so they have sophist acted BS radar.

A majority of them are planning for their financial future. They have always had easy access to credit and have been warned about Social Security not being around for them. They don't expect a free ride and have been investing at an early age.

When planning your marketing tactics, an awesome website is critical but you need to "tell it like it is" or they will move on!

The Average Income For First Time homebuyers

$68K Married
$68K Unmarried Couple
$44K Single Female
$52K Single Male

While this is the medium income reported, the income earned versus the price of a home in your area will vary greatly. Single females earn an average of $8,000 less, but purchase 14% more homes than single males.

Ethnic Distribution of First Time Homebuyers

76% White/Caucasian;
10% Black;
8% Hispanic
6% Asian/Pacific Islander
(88% were born in the US and 12% were not born here)

The responders were permitted to select as many races and ethnicities as they felt applied, so the sum exceeds 100%. When developing your marketing pieces, consider creating them in different languages, especially for the Hispanic and Asian market! You can find websites who will translate your word docs into another language but be sure to have someone review it to make sure the translation applies to the real estate and mortgage industry.

Purchase Price Range of First-Time Homebuyer

38% purchased a home in the price range of $100K to $175K

Some areas of the country are more affordable than others. If your MLS statistics indicate that your housing prices are out of the buying range of first time homebuyers, you may not want to add this niche to your marketing plans.

Expected Length of Time to Buy Another home

28% plan to move within 5 years

In fact, 8% of those first timers plan to move within 2-3 years. If you keep in touch on a regular basis, you stand a good chance of both listing their home and selling them another one.

Only 17% of repeat buyers plan to move within 5 years! In working with first time homebuyers, they will buy another home within a shorter period of time than a repeat buyer, who moves every 7 to 10 years.

Information Sources For First Time Homebuyers

87% used the Internet to gather information
49% Used Newspaper Ads
44% Open Houses
30% used Home book or magazine
29% found they home they purchased on the Internet;
56% did a virtual tour online
9% TV

Unless you can say without a doubt that you get most of your leads by advertising in the local homes magazine, you may want to consider switching your marketing dollars to developing an awesome website. Be sure that you have a first-time homebuyer toolbar and plenty of resources for them to read and download. Use your marketing dollars to drive eyeballs to your site through traditional marketing, business cards, ads, etc.

How First-Time Buyers Found Agents to Work With.

54% relied on family, friends to help them find a real estate agent
32% interviewed 2 to 3 agents before choosing one to work with.
9% found their real estate agent on the Internet
1% Thru Newspaper and Home Magazine Ads

The name of the game here is networking and developing a referral-based business. For repeat buyers, only 68% of people would DEFINITELY use their agent again, meaning that 32% are asking others for referrals all over again.

Financing the Home Purchase

73% used own savings as down payment:
22% received gift funds
98% used a mortgage to finance the purchase
81% chose a Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Single males accumulated more of their down payment from savings than single females. Single females relied on gifts of money. The third source of down payment funds was from the sale of stocks and bonds. It's important to consider this information when creating the content for first time homebuyer seminars, your website and print ads.

shorten up your URL size, VERY USEFUL!!

2008-06-03T12:42:22Z

URL Size Does Matter
By: William Koelzer

Did you ever wish that the web site address (URL) that you needed to send to a home buyer was not 300 to 500 or more characters long.

Sure, in HTML mode on your email client, you could embed the URL in a hyperlink in your text, but some buyers are clueless about what a link looks like and they might miss it, right? And many Realtors, much less most buyers, won't even understand what I just said at first reading. It needs simplification.

So maybe its better to just send clients a really short URL.

How about shortening a long MLS address of a home you have for sale. This one is 144 characters long:

http://socallistings.marketlinx.com/SearchDetail/Scripts/PrtBuyFul/PrtBuyFul.asp?emailGUID=ab32821d-9d11-4672-a749-88d32d247034&AgentId=SFERRDEB

Wouldn't it be nicer and safer to just send the client a shorter URL? Say one that is only 25 characters long? How about: http://tinyurl.com/48qh4t.

See, long URLS are dangerous because clients can make mistakes typing a long URL, or even in copying and pasting one, and an error means that the link would not work. Meaning YOU have to waste time resending the link.

Some Mapquest.com links are interminably long...although the one below is only 109 characters long:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/240+Calle+Pintoresco+San+Clemente+CA+92672-7504/3000+paradise+road+las+vegas+nv/

But even then, a 25-character one that goes to the same place would be much nicer, huh?

How about: http://tinyurl.com/3rrd2g

Small URLS are also important now on sites like www.Twitter.com which many web-savvy agents use to enhance their positions on the search engines which often read certain kinds of twitter and twitter-related entries.

You can even have your twitter entries appear on your blog to give you extra key word value if you want. On these Twitter-esque sites you are limited in each post to, say, 150 characters. Well, the value of a tiny URL is obvious here. You can relay far more info if your URL chews up less characters.

Some of you are way ahead of me in already figuring out where to go to get your long urls made tiny. Yes, Virginia, you DO go to http://TinyURL.com which is the same site as www.TinyURL.com.

Just go there, paste in your long, obnoxious 500 character URL, and TinyURL instantly changes it into one that is usually about 25 characters long or less. Then, that URL, when clicked upon, takes you to the same place that the long URL would have taken you.

You can even drag a link, that is on TinyURL.com's home page, to your "Links" section of your browser toolbar and thereafter, whenever you click on your links menu, TinyUrl will be a clickable choice that takes you fast to http://TinyURL.com.

Look at this next cool feature that TinyURL talks about on their site:

Redirection to any page in your site!

With TinyURL, you can also make a smaller URL that will work for any page on your site. Let's say that you have a website with the homepage that is at: http://www.my-internet-isp.com/~myusername

Entering that URL into TinyURL will create a URL like http://tinyurl.com/3

With this, you can then redirect someone to anywhere within your site by appending a slash and the page's file name to it. Therefore, if you have a page at http://www.my-internet-isp.com/~myusername/my-links-page.html, you can use the URL http://tinyurl.com/3/my-links-page.html and going to this URL will forward the visitor to the page in your website.

Maybe you're posting a link as an affiliate of a manufacturer and you do not want your site visitors to know from the URL that you're an affiliate. Then just turn the affiliate link into a TinyURL, hiding it that way, and you're done.

As we get more into Web 2.0 and social networking sites, the value of shorter URLS will become even more important.

And if you are one of those belligerent ones who insist on keeping their 50-character web site address that every expert told you a million times to get rid of, take hope.

Yes, I'm talking about that monster home page address that you've stretched in 6 point type across half your business card---so that no one can read it anyway; well, now you can now KEEP that wretched long URL.

Just use the tiny URL address as a stand-in.

mistakes agents make

2008-06-03T12:37:03Z

Top 5 Biggest Mistakes Agents Make
By: Tim and Julie Harris

1. Thinking Real Estate Is Only A Numbers Business. That's very old school thinking. Yes, numbers are important for tracking your business. However, this is a people helping business. Always focus on what you are here to give. The numbers always follow.

2. Thinking of their Commission first. Too many agents focus on ‘making money'. In other words they don't put ‘being of service to others' ahead of ‘earning a commission. Learn how to help others in this market. All the rules have changed. Learn those new rules and the money will always follow.

3. Failing to Create Multiple Sources Of Leads. Think of it this way, if your only source of leads is over the phone prospecting, calling FSBOs, Expireds etc...what happens to your business when you decide to take a day off? What happens if you can't make the prospecting calls because maybe you have laryngitis? Simple answer, no new business. You must have at least 3-4 predictable sources of new leads.

4. Only Working When You Feel Like It. ‘I am not motivated' is one of the top excuses agents use to not take action. Here is a little secret for you: No One Feels Motivated Every Day. The successful agents work every day regardless of how they ‘feel'.

5. Confusing Busy Work With...Work. Listen, if you don't have the consistency in your real estate business its because you don't work consistently. There are 5-6 things you must do every day to be successful long terms in this (or any business). You must: Generate new leads, follow up with your existing leads, sift and sort your current leads for motivation, Negotiate contracts, and Present to Buyers and Sellers. Work in these areas daily, with consistency, to achieve consistent income.

PRICE REDUCTION!!!

2008-05-30T08:22:04Z

Welcome Home

$299,900

235 Richmond Ave, Paterson NJ

Features:

4 bedrooms, 1 bath
One of Paterson's most desirable location
Central Vacuum and Security System
Huge backyard in very clean condition
Basement with high cieling and clean, easy to finish
Across the street from 1 of Paterson's most desirable elementary school
www.dennissanchezlistings5.com

Dennis Sanchez

201.724.0422

View My Other Listings

Open House:

Jun 1
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Susani Realty

209 Union Ave
Paterson, NJ 07502

973.790.6996

I JUST GOT THE PRICE REDUCTION TODAY 5/30/08. GETTING PLENTY OF PHONE CALLS ALREADY!! THIS HOME IS DEFINITELY A HOT HOME. CALL AS SOON AS YOU CAN TO GET YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

IMPORTANT REASONS TO ALWAYS BE POSITIVE

2008-05-25T10:46:09Z

Positive Emotions Are the Key to Life
By: Brian Tracy

Positive emotional energy is the key to health, happiness and wellbeing. The more positive you are, the better your life will be in every area.

Your Main Energy Source
Here''''s the important point. Positive emotions give you energy, while negative emotions deplete your energy. When you are excited and happy and are interacting with people you love and enjoy, you sparkle with energy and enthusiasm. When you are angry or depressed, or negative for any reason, you feel tired and frustrated and, eventually, burned out.

You Burn A Lot of Energy
It takes 1,000 units of physical energy to operate your body and you do not do physical labor, that physical energy can be refined in your body to produce 100 units of emotional energy.

Emotional energy is a far more refined form of energy, and it is absolutely essential to healthy emotional functioning.

Creating Mental Energy
If you do not consume all your energy units in the expression of negative emotions, such as fear, doubt, anger, and resentment, your emotional energies are conserved. If your energy is conserved at one level, your body continues to refine it into higher and better energy. 100 units of emotional energy thus conserved will be refined by your body into 10 units of mental energy.

Anger Is A Killer
You''''ve probably heard someone described as "shaking with anger." When a person is shaking with anger, it is an indication that he has burned up the glucose or sugar-based energy in his system, and he is actually weak from his angry outburst.

The Benefits of Pausing
All successful people are very productive. They work longer hours and they work better hours. They get a lot more done than the average person. They get paid more and promoted faster. They are highly respected and esteemed by everyone around them. They become leaders and role models. Inevitably, they rise to the top of their fields and to the top of their income ranges, and so can you.

Don''''''''''''''''t Take Things Personally
They stand back and refuse to take things personally. They do not allow themselves to get drawn into arguments or other people''''s problems. They save their energy for more productive purposes.

The whole purpose of physical relaxation is to allow yourself to recharge your emotional and mental batteries. You don''''''''''''''''t engage in physical relaxation so much to relax your physical body because it''''s likely you don''''t work that hard with your body. The aim of rest and relaxation is more to build up your mental and emotional energies and thereby improve the overall quality of your life.

Keep Yourself Calm
Another characteristic of very successful people is that they keep themselves calm much longer than the average person does. They are more relaxed, more genial, and more in control of their emotions. They are very aware that expressions of negative emotion deprive them of the energy they need to be effective in the more important things they do. They don''''t allow themselves to become upset or angry over little things, or even over large things. They remain objective and detached.

Action Exercises
Here are three things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action:

First, keep your thoughts on your dreams and goals, and keep them off of the things and people that cause you stress and negative emotions. This is not easy, but it''''s very important.

Second, preserve your emotional energy by staying calm and positive in difficult situations rather than allowing yourself to be upset or angry.

Third, take ample time to rest completely so you can recharge your physical and emotional batteries. The better rested you are, the more effective you will be.

FOR ALL OUR SOLDIERS THAT DEFEND OUR COUNTRY

2008-05-25T10:30:45Z

MANY OF OUR SOLDIERS ARE RISKING THEIR LIVES IN A FIGHT THAT WE MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE WITH, BUT THEY DO IT FOR OUR COUNTRY. THEY ARE BUILDING A FUTURE FOR ALL OF US THAT THEY MIGHT NOT EVEN ENJOY. THEY ARE OUR BRIDGE BUILDERS!

The Bridge Builder

An old man going a lone highway,
came at the evening cold and gray,
to a chasm vast and deep and wide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
but he turned when safe on the other side
and built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man", said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength with
building here; your journey will end
with the ending day. You never again
will pass this way. You've crossed the
chasm, deep and wide, why build a bridge at evening tide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head;
"Good friend in the path I have come",
he said, "there followed after me today
a youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me,
to that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim.
Good friend I am building this bridge for him!"

- Will Allen Dromgoole

Great tip!!

2008-05-25T10:24:07Z

Low Profile Selling
By: Tom Hopkins

How do your clients perceive you? Do you come across as competent and professional? Or, is your selling style such that it appeals to a limited number of clients?

Today's consumers are better educated and more sophisticated than those of just ten short years ago. You can say all the right things and some still won't make a buying decision.

Many times it boils down to the fact that customers simply don't like or trust salespeople. Sales professionals are learning to diffuse potential customer biases and win their trust by adopting non-sales-type personalities. By coming across differently than all the other "typical" salespeople, the pros are earning the respect of their clients and higher incomes. They are able to build long-term relationships and establish solid business bases through referrals.

Your selling style affects everything...especially how you close sales. Here's an excerpt from my book, "Low Profile Selling" on that subject. Enjoy!

How to Consummate the Sale

What do salespeople really do when they consummate sales?

When I wrote the book "Low Profile Selling," I wanted to get away from the term "closing" because it's considered by some as too hard-sell. So, I decided to use the word consummate.

In the dictionary, the word "consummate" means "perfect ending." I like the sound of that and the image it brings to mind. It's the perfect ending--everyone is happy. The new client is happy with the benefits they'll receive. You're happy because you now have a new client. Your manager will be happy because you moved product. Everyone is happy.

So, how do we go about consummating more sales?

In doing your job right, you need to determine your potential clients' specific needs, then show them how your product or service fulfills those needs. Then, psychology comes into play. Even when they see the value of your offering, they will have to rationalize the decision logically before they'll make that final commitment.

When you see that your potential client is heading toward a stall, you'll know that they have not yet rationalized that having the product is worth more to them than keeping their money. They'll lean toward procrastinating and postponing the decision. If you let it go far enough, they'll actually begin to feel fear about the decision and freeze about making any decision at all. (It's that "deer-in-the-headlights" thing.)

They may say something like this, "Tom, I'm not sure about the quality of this product." Or, "I don't know if we're ready to go ahead." When you hear things like that, you know you need to move into an even more helpful mode.

Begin gently by trying to find out specifically what's holding them back. Say these words, "John, obviously, you have a reason for saying that. Would you mind sharing it with me?"

Let him expand and elaborate. He'll usually give you the information you need to help him rationalize. Or, in some cases, a spouse might jump in and help you overcome the objection. I've had situations where the other decision-maker jumped right in and closed the sale because he or she had already reached a point of rationalization.

The key is to help them see that the benefits outweigh the investment they're making. Until you do, they may be feeling a little bit of pressure. This will be internal pressure--nothing you've exerted on them. However, you will have to be the one to relieve that pressure if you want to move ahead.

I teach three gentle ways of relieving pressure in this book. Here's just one: Whenever you hear things like, "I don't know if we should," "I'm a little worried," "It's not in the budget," etc. there are five key words you must use. They are "I understand how you feel." Those five simple words will go far in softening them up to listening to your rationalization. With those five words, you're saying, "I'm on your side. This is not a battle. We are walking the road of ownership together--side by side." This will help lower the defenses created by any fears that arose, keep them open to discussion and allow you to consummate the sale.

conserve energy

2008-05-23T10:32:15Z

ENERGY SAVING TIPS: START WITH A FULL HOME INSPECTION

With the cost of energy a constant strain on everyone's budget, anytime is a good time conduct a full home inspection and see where adjustments can be made that can help bring down energy costs.

The professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offer the following suggestions for surveying your home and making modifications that can improve your electric and oil bills.

Proper Insulation: Appropriate insulation for the home has myriad benefits to keeping energy costs at bay, as the combination of products and construction techniques act as armor against outside temperatures, both hot and cold, air leaks and moisture. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the right insulation and sealing air leaks can reduce heating and cooling needs by as much as 10 percent. Consider an insulation overhaul if any of the following scenarios apply to you.

Your home was built prior to 1980 and you haven't upgraded your insulation.

You feel too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer indoors.

You pay very high energy bills.

You are distracted by external noise.

Ducts: The critical network tucked away in the ceiling, walls and floors that moves air from the furnace and the central air conditioner to each room in the home can be the biggest culprit in terms of wasted energy dollars. Ducts that are poorly or improperly insulated can allow heated air to seep into unconditioned areas (space that is heated and cooled), adding significant dollars each year to heating and cooling bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can lose up to 60 percent of heated air before it reaches the register if ducts are not insulated and they travel through unconditioned spaces like the attic or the crawlspace. To protect against such loss:

Check for air leaks by identifying sections that should be joined but have come apart, and look for obvious openings.

Professionals recommend sealing ducts with mastic, butyl tape, foil tape or other heat-approved tapes.

If the cellar has been converted into a living space, hire a professional to install both supply and return registers in the area.

Appliances: Major home appliances such as refrigerators, washer/dryers and dishwashers can account for as much as 20 percent of household energy consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When shopping for replacement appliances, study the federally required yellow and black EnergyGuide labels on appliances. They will outline annual energy consumption and operating costs of each appliance.

Windows: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that inefficient windows, skylights and glazed doors account for more than 25 percent of a typical household's energy bills. Those costs can decrease significantly by installing windows with double-pane insulated glass, heat-resistant coatings or airtight frames.SELLING IN A BUYER'S MARKET

Although home prices have leveled off during the course of 2006, that does not mean that sellers still can not get good prices for their homes. The sale may take a bit longer, but a little creativity can help the seller move a home without having to drop the price.

The professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offer the following suggestions for sellers who want to speed the process.

Nip and Tuck. If a repair is required, it is a good idea to go ahead and fix the problem. Potential buyers will cast an extremely critical eye over your home and, in a situation when more houses are available on the market to choose from, they may take a pass on a home that needs too many repairs.

Offer a "Seller's Contribution." A seller can sweeten the deal by including offering assistance to the buyer in ways that do not require lowering the asking price. There are many traditional contributions that a seller can offer; however, the sky is truly the limit if a seller really wants to move a house. For example:

Offer to pay a portion of the closing costs.

Cover the buyer's mortgage payments for up to the first six months. Depending upon the size of the mortgage the buyer can save several thousand dollars and the seller still gets the original asking price for the home. Again, depending on the mortgage, the seller will get more for the home than if he or she dropped the asking price by $10-, $20- or $30,000.

Many condos and houses across the country belong to home owners associations that require annual dues. Paying the first year's fees could be a big incentive to a buyer nearing the limit of his or her liquid assets.

Offer to pay off a buyer's bills. According to Realty Times, some loan programs allow sellers to pay off the credit card debt or auto loans of the buyer which will help him or her qualify for a better mortgage and prevent the need to buy a smaller, less expensive house.

$7000 TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS!

2008-05-23T10:26:28Z

Stimulus Clears Hurdle with Senate Committee Passage

Legislation to stimulate the national economy through an expanded use of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance, a new tax credit for home buyers, and reform of FHA and the secondary mortgage market companies' oversight has passed the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, positioning the bill for consideration on that chamber's floor. The U.S. House passed its version of the bill earlier. Should the legislation pass the Senate, the two versions will have to be reconciled.

Among the differences: the Senate tax credit is for $7,000 and applies to foreclosed property purchases (for principal residence only, not investment), and the House version is for $7,500 and applies to all properties (as principal residence) but buyers must be first-timers. Read the May 20 statement from NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® President Richard Gaylord in support of the measures.

END OF DECLINING MARKETS?

2008-05-22T17:31:42Z

Great news and I believe that real estate is finally going to start heading in the right direction.

Fannie Mae is discontinuing its declining market program. They will no longer require borrowers to put up an extra 5% down payment when purchasing homes in areas deemed â€œdeclining markets. Under the policy change, borrowers can get loans up to 95% loan-to-value, even in markets in which prices have been falling. Prior to the change, borrowers could only get loans up to 90% to give lenders a 5-percentage-point cushion to protect
against possible price declines in the future. The new policy takes effect June 1, and Freddie Mac has said it also is scrapping its policy.

"TASTEFUL LIVING"

2008-05-21T11:33:29Z

ENJOY THE PLEASURE OF OWNING A HOME THAT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND IN A BEAUTIFUL QUIET SECTION OF GARFIELD. THE OWNER IS VERY MOTIVATED AND IS LOOKING FOR OFFERS. THIS HOME WILL GO FAST SO GIVE ME YOUR HIGHEST AND BEST OFFER!!

$447,000

3 Laurel st, Garfield NJ

Features:

6 bedrooms, 2 baths
Totally renovated. On a huge 70x100 lot, located on a dead end street
First fl features 2 bdrms, living room, eat in kitchen, new bath
second fl features, 2 brms, livingroom, eat in kitchen, new bath
Third fl includes 2 bdrms with a separate entrance for privacy
Separate gas heat, electric, hot water. MOTIVATED SELLER!!!!
www.dennissanchezlistings8.com

Remarks:
THIS BEAUTIFUL, FULLY FENCED IN, 2 FAMILY HOME HAS BEEN TOTALLY REDONE AND IS ON A HUGE 70 X 100 LOT, LOCATED ON A QUIET DEAD END STREET. THE TOTALLY RENOVATED FIRST FLOOR FEATURES: 2 BEDROOMS, LIVING ROOM, LARGE EAT-IN-KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, NEW BATHROOM, TOTALLY REDONE HARDWOOD FLOORS, AND AN ENTRANCE TO THE YARD. THE SECOND FLOOR FEATURES: 2 BEDROOMS, NEW EAT-IN-KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS AND CERAMIC TILES, NEW BATHROOM, LARGE LIVINGROOM WITH REDONE HARDWOOD FLOORS, ALL NEW WINDOWS, PLENTY OF CLOSET SPACE, A BALCONY, NEW ELECTRIC AND NEW PLUMBING. THE FINISHED ATTIC HAS TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS AND WITH A SEPARATE ENTRANCE. ALL THE UTILITIES ARE SEPARATE. MOTIVATED SELLER!!!! BRING YOUR OFFERS!!!!

Dennis Sanchez

201.724.0422

View My Other Listings

Susani Realty

209 Union Ave
Paterson, NJ 07502

973.790.6996

JOIN ME IN MY SUCCESS!!!1

2008-05-19T21:56:51Z

So far these past 2 weeks I've been ranting and raving about how important it is to do staging, internet marketing, and use technology to work more efficiently. I usually try to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I've been working greatly to do my internet marketing and to work on my new staging campaign. So far my internet marketing has paid me with a new listing yesterday. I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT I GOT A LISTING THANKS TO ACTIVE RAIN!!! Yes I asked my new seller how they got my phone number and information and they told me that they saw me on the internet "A website with the points" was the exact phrase they used (in due time, all my sellers will know this site by name). Today I started interviewing a few staging professionals. I have found the perfect partner for my new internet and staging campaign. I am very excited and I hope that everyone will start to share in my excitement. I believe that we can make a great change in this market with these 2 powerful tools (along with our customer service and all the other real estate tools and techniques). I hope I can excite everyone to join me in my success, by simply exploring a new way to do business.

wow what an impact NJ real estate has on NJ

2008-05-16T16:27:01Z

Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity:New JerseyBy NAR ResearchApril 2008

Real Estate's Economic Contribution in New Jersey

The Real Estate Industry accounted for $97,250 million or 21.5% of the Gross State Product in 2006.

Economic Contributions are derived from ...

-Home construction

-Real estate brokerage

-Mortgage lending

-Title insurance

-Rental and Leasing

-Home appraisal

-Moving truck service

-Other related activities

When a Home is Sold in New Jersey...

Income Generated from real estate related industries is:

$32,706

Additional expenditure on consumer items such as on furniture, appliances, and paint service is:

$5,171

When a Home is Sold in New Jersey...

It generates economic multiplier impact. There is a greater spending at restaurants, sports games, and charity events. The size of this "multiplier" effect is estimated to be:

$18,181

Additional home sales induce additional home production. Typically one new home is constructed for every 8 existing home sales. Therefore, for each existing home sale, 1/8 of new home value is added to the economy which is estimate in the state to be:

$45,425

The Total Economic Impact of a Typical Home Sale in New Jersey

Median Priced Home in New Jersey

$363,400

Total Income Derived from a Sale of a Home:

$101,482

seems like good news with NJ sales

2008-05-16T16:18:05Z

New Jersey Defies National Housing Trends:
Home Sales Up 4 Percent

Sales volume of existing single-family homes, condominiums and co-ops in the first quarter of 2008 increased 4 percent from the same period last year, indicating New Jersey continues to defy national real estate trends. According to statistics released by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (NAR) on May 13, 2008, New Jersey's seasonally adjusted annual rate of home sales equaled 169,600. View the chart below comparing the first quarter median sales price of existing single-family homes in 2007 and 2008 within New Jersey metropolitan statistical areas (MSA):

MSA	First Quarter 2008	First Quarter 2007	Percent (%) Change
Atlantic City, NJ	277.4	264.6	4.8
Camden, NJ-Philadelphia, PA	220.9	222.5	-0.7
Edison, NJ-NY	361.2	363.5	-0.6
Newark, NJ-NY-PA	4.9.3	423.7	-3.4
Northern NJ-NY-Long Island	445.4	463.7	-3.9
Trenton-Ewing, NJ	288.2	283.8	1.6
Wayne, NJ-NY-White Plains	491.9	521.4	-5.7

For more information and to view the full reports, read NJAR®'s press release.

Technology and staging

2008-05-16T16:15:04Z

It is no secret that the real estate market is going through dramatic changes. I am seeing that in order to push and save our market, we really have to start getting big on the technology and using all types of websites to market our listings and we have to start using staging as an important tool for real estate. We have to go the extra mile and change with the real estate market or else.........

I'm definitely pushing the get staging partners.

EXCELLENT WAY TO GET A LISTING

2008-05-15T15:17:18Z

Have you ever been convinced by your child that they should be permitted to do something that you believe should not be done?

I have seen many cases where the parents were actually being told by their children what to do. The reason I have seen that is because they don't take no for an answer. That's the first step.

The second step is why they should not take "NO" for an answer?

You can't just simply say "NO" without explaining your reasoning and have powerful reasoning as to why your way or your product is "VALUABLE". You can't sell anything without any value.

Value for you may not be value for them.

Just because you believe that your product is valuable is not enough, so you have to know what "VALUE" they are looking for and know if your product supplies that type of "VALUE". So that means you have to ask questions.

What questions do you ask?

You have to ask questions that will tell you what it is "Motivating" them to sell (obviously if there is no motivation then they really don't want to sell).

What do you have to offer to them?

Now that you have dug deep and you know what it is that they consider "Value" and what is "Motivating" them to sell, you show them what you have to offer, according to what they have told you. Important note-only offer what they "Value" and what would "Motivate" them to sell. If you begin to sell more services then you will be like a typical salesperson and you will not be credible.

Why are typical salesmen not credible?

Salesmen are not credible because they don't "Listen". In our business we have to be listeners and then answer questions. A great salesperson is a great problem solver and not just a "Talker".

So in conclusion, if you are knocking on a door and the owner tells you that he isn't going to sell, you agree with him/her and that you understand their "Concern". (you didn't take "NO" for an answer).

But, "why is it that you don't want to sell Mr/Mrs. Seller?" (does he/she have any motivation to sell?)

Whether it is a bad experience or you want to make money doing it him/herself?

"How is it that you will sell it yourself Mr/Mrs Seller?" (What are they doing to sell their home?)

"What do you think will sell your home?" (What value are they looking for?)

"Can you give me the opportunity to show you the reason why I believe you desperately need my services?" (I have great value, let me show you)

"Do you have any questions or concerns about my services?" (What other values do you want?)

"Do you agree that my services will definitely get your home sold for the least amount of time and for the most amount of money?" (did you understand all that I have to offer?)

"Great, then lets get started on selling your home, please sign on the dotted line." (you are officially closed).

watch out with this virus

2008-05-12T10:04:32Z

You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. And sp;This i s the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts It is bet ter to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even th ough sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately.

This is the worst virus announced by CNN. It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.

HOW VALUABLE IS YOUR TIME?

2008-05-12T07:21:41Z

VALUE YOUR TIME AND YOUR TIME WILL BE VALUABLE

Working Today to Retire Tomorrow - Developing an Exit Strategy
By: Bob Corcoran

Imagine for just a minute that the year is 2020-the year you'll be retiring from real estate. (That might sound like long time but it's only 12 years.)

The clock strikes 5 p.m. and you're out the door-forever.

Now ask yourself this question: Will your retirement be filled with good times and no worries? That depends entirely on how well you've planned leading up to 2020.

You know the saying, "Hindsight is 2020." I'd like to add a new saying that relates to retirement: "Foresight needs to be 2020."

I've known may real estate agents and brokers who've simply walked out the door with zero thought about retirement. And you know what? They left one heck of a pile of money on the table when they did.

Why? Because, in essence, they've built a business. All those contacts, former clients, and potential buyers and sellers they met over the years are worth money.

And now is the time for you to begin to create a business that's worth a lot of money when you retire. It's time to prepare your own "house" for that big sale.

In other words, much of the exit strategy is getting your business in tip-top shape with systems today, so that it runs smoothly and will continue to run smoothly and efficiently when a buyer takes over tomorrow.

To entice buyers, you need to have real numbers to show what your business can do for them. That means you need clean records with specifics. You must be able to show buyers that your database, your contacts, your former and prospective clients, and exactly how much money your business is bringing in and can bring in.

You must show buyers that you've stayed in touch with your sphere of influence, that you've treated customers fairly, that your contact management program is effective and that your database is filled with the right contact names.

After you get an interested buyer, work with him or her over the next few months or even a year so that the transition is smooth. Why? Because it allows you to work with the buyer after the sale, not only to ensure your income, but also to help the buyer be successful.

And you both have a vested interest in the business working properly and being profitable, especially if you go with a staggered approach. A strong transition helps prevent key elements from falling into the cracks.

Simply handing over the reigns to the first Joe Schmo who walks along doesn't add any stability to your retirement fund. But working with the buyer does.

Create a worksheet that spells out the mission statement, the vision, the philosophy and goals of your business. This helps the buyer feel secure and it helps you determine how you can leave the business-with cash, residuals or both.

And don't go it alone. Enlist the help of a consultant, a CPA and a lawyer. Make them your board of directors in charge of succession.

Start now. Pick that retirement date and start working back from it. Decide how much you need to retire. Take a close look at your business as it is today. Evaluate it; get feedback from pros on how you can make it better by adding value so that when that retirement day shows up on your calendar, you'll be ready to make the next phase of your life as enjoyable as real estate was for you.

Best of luck to you!

PLAN FOR RETIREMENT

2008-05-12T07:19:05Z

VERY GREAT WAY TO HAVE GOALS AND WORK A GREAT REASON

Working Today to Retire Tomorrow - Developing an Exit Strategy
By: Bob Corcoran

Imagine for just a minute that the year is 2020-the year you'll be retiring from real estate. (That might sound like long time but it's only 12 years.)

The clock strikes 5 p.m. and you're out the door-forever.

Now ask yourself this question: Will your retirement be filled with good times and no worries? That depends entirely on how well you've planned leading up to 2020.

You know the saying, "Hindsight is 2020." I'd like to add a new saying that relates to retirement: "Foresight needs to be 2020."

Why? Because, in essence, they've built a business. All those contacts, former clients, and potential buyers and sellers they met over the years are worth money.

And now is the time for you to begin to create a business that's worth a lot of money when you retire. It's time to prepare your own "house" for that big sale.

Simply handing over the reigns to the first Joe Schmo who walks along doesn't add any stability to your retirement fund. But working with the buyer does.

And don't go it alone. Enlist the help of a consultant, a CPA and a lawyer. Make them your board of directors in charge of succession.

Best of luck to you!