Hoboken, New Jersey real estate news, info and more!

Hoboken Real Estate - News for Buyers & Sellers

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:56:49 -0700

The February 2013 Hoboken Condo market update

By Edward Perez, Broker - REALTOR at RE/MAX

Good news for Hoboken condo sellers:

Hoboken condominiums on average are selling faster than they did during the same period last year, just 30 days in February 2013 as opposed to 80 days for all closings in February 2012.
Inventory continues to sit at historic low levels with just 188 total units for sale
70 condos went into contract last month (February 2013)
The current absorption rate, the rate at which all condos in market would be "absorbed" by the current pace of sale (in this case we're using the 70 units under contract in February) is just at 2.6 months which indicates that the current pool of buyers are absorbing the condo inventory at a rapid pace.
Interest rates remain at historic lows with 30 Year Fixed Conventional Conforming Loans (loans less than or equal to $417,000) at 3.625%/ 3.703% APR
Great time to trade up or down to a more appropriate home or investment

Email, text or call me ASAP if you would like to consult on getting your property ready for the market and to initiate all the marketing programs needed to net you top dollar!

Good news for Hoboken buyers:

Although still very low, inventory has risen 35% compared to the previous month as we are well into our Spring selling season
Average asking prices are slightly down from the same time last year however homes are selling at full price on average versus 95.6% of asking last year. Prices are still very affordable
Interest rates remain at historic lows with 30 Year Fixed Conventional Conforming Loans (loans less than or equal to $417,000) at 4.750%/ 4.868 APR and great rates for other loan products
Rents have risen substantially over the last few years so buy vs rent ratio is much better now, especially if you factor in the possible tax benefits from home ownership
Economists are expecting prices to rise across the country, including Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken and other communities along New Jersey’s Gold Coast bordering Manhattan so buying now and locking in a low interest rate may be a smart move
New condominium construction is underway. 1100 Maxwell Place, Hoboken’s newest waterfront building, is now selling - We can get you priority status into this community and numerous others.

We are in an active buying market however my experienced group can assist you in gaining an advantage over the competition.

Here are the actual stats I compiled for you using the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service:

Current Active "For Sale" Condo Inventory as of 3/1/2013: 188 (124 units on Feb 1st)

Average asking price: $621,359

Median asking price: $549,000

Average days on market: 42

Average asking price per square foot: $571

February 2013 - New Condo Listings: 106

Average asking price: $587,454

Median asking price: $546,843

Average Asking Dollar Per Square Foot: $545

February 2013 - Under Contract: 70 (-7.1% to the 75 units that went under contract in February 2012)

Avg asking price: $591,687

Median asking price: $553,113

Avg days on market: 30

Avg asking price dollar per square foot: $543

February 2013 - Sold: 35 (43 closed in January) ( -29% to the 60 that sold in February 2012)

Average asking price: $528,688 (-1.5% compared with $536,681 in February 2012)

Average selling price: $526,336 (+2.4% compared to $513,669 avg selling price in February 2012)

** Average List-To-Sales-Price-Ratio (LSPR) : 99.6% of asking price (95.8% LSPR in February 2012)

Median selling price: $516,000 (+15.7% from the median selling price of $434,750 in February 2012)

Average days on market: 34 (Selling 130% faster than the 80 average selling days on market in February 2012)

Average selling dollar per square foot: $553 (+15% from the average selling price per square foot of $470 in February 2012)

Remember, I'm always around should you have any questions or need anything....

From monitoring the market daily and getting you into 1st look, “off market” properties and priority status into new construction opportunities to leveraging our relationships with the brokering community so you can negotiate in good faith with the people we personally know, doesn't it make sense to go with the team that will add value and clarity to your next real estate deal?

I can also put together statistics and a customized marketing proposal to fit your specific property should you be considering selling. Just let me know!

Your REALTOR,

Eddie

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Condo living close to the PATH

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:38:51 -0700

Hoboken Condo Living Close to the PATH

By Edward Perez

One of the great benefits of living in Hoboken is that we are so close to Manhattan and that we're connected to the city by 2 ferry locations, the NJ \Transit bus to Port Authority on 42nd St & 8th Ave and the PATH trains to the World Trade Center and up to 33rd St.

Buyers looking for a new condo to purchase often want to look for homes that are a short walking distance to the PATH trains. With the Hoboken PATH station located in the further most southeast portion of town, that usually leaves just a handful of homes for sale within a reasonable 10 minute walk.

A search I performed today reveals just 12 condos available that are 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom in elevator buildings.

The least expensive is a wonderful condo at the Jefferson Trust condo building and has one of the closest locations to the PATH and is even closer to all of the boutiques and restaurants on Washington St.

Over 1100 square feet with a large living and dining room that has a bright corner full of windows and a 6th floor exposure. Beautiful granite and stainless steel kitchen, 2 good sized bedrooms, one with a master suite with private bath. Building has an excellent exercise room for residents.

This home represents and excellent value for the size and location.

As you can see from this, good values at excellent locations can been found in Hoboken!

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken New Construction

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:12:33 -0800

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Will More Hoboken Condos Hit the Market This Fall?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:09:19 -0700

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Fast and Furious in Hoboken

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:28:15 -0700

The real estate market here in New Jersey is picking up speed, and RE/MAX Gold Coast in Hoboken is doing its part to keep it rolling! Click on the video below to listen to Eddie describe the fantastic first half of 2012. Then, contact him at Hoboken Condo Living to get in on the action!

Eddie Perez, Broker - REALTOR at RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty

56 Newark St Hoboken, NJ 07030
Office: 201.795.5200 ext 436
Mobile/Text: 201.344.2886

info@HobokenCondoLiving.com

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Condo Market - Dog Days of Summer

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:20:28 -0700

Hoboken dog days of summer mean easier parking, less crowded restaurants, weekend trips down the shore, and low condo inventory! Yes, that's right. The Hoboken condo market has been at anemic levels for quite some time, but as of today we have only 185 condos listed for sale in the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service.

The current data tells the same story from most of this year – strong buyer enthusiasm coupled with low inventory levels. Sprinkle in the historically slower selling months of July and August, and we sit at the low water mark-et where we are today. The only thing different is that the buyers are still out there looking to snap up a new home before winter.

If you have been considering selling, now may prove to be a good entry point. If you're looking to purchase, the fall inventory should be coming to market soon.

Either way, it's hard to believe that we are almost into September! I think I'll join that house for an ice cream!

Current Hoboken Condo Market Statistics as of 8/20/12

For Sale:

Total condos: 185

Average asking price: $588,751

Average days on market: 79

54 units listed in the last 30 days

Under Contract

Total: 178

Average asking price: $498,091

Average days on market: 56

56 units under contract last 30 days

Sold:

Total sold last 90 days: 222 - (74/month)

Average asking price: $552,839

Average selling price: $541,159

Average list to sales price ratio: - 2.11%

Average days on market: 42

67 units sold last 30 days

Absorption rate:

This is the time it would take to sell through the total current condo for sale inventory if no other units were to come onto the market using the number of units under contract in 30, 60, and 90 days data points divided into the current number of units for sale.

30 days - 3.30 months (197 units divided by 56 under contract last 30 days)

60 days - 2.80 months (197 units divided by 66 units under contract per month last 60 days)

90 days - 2.64 months (197 units divided by 70 units under contract per month last 90 days)

It’s a lot of math, but would you like to know how can these figures fit into your real estate goals? Let's talk...

Make it a great rest of the summer!

Eddie

Eddie Perez, Broker - REALTOR 201.344.2886 mobile / text

eddie@InvestHoboken.com

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty

56 Newark St, Hoboken NJ 07030

Representing the finest properties......Yours!

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Hot Property

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:37:42 -0700

There are still great deals to be had in Hoboken real estate. In fact, it is still a buyer's market and investment properties are hot. If you're looking for an investment property, know the market and be familiar with what each area has to offer.

Investment properties should be in good basic shape, need little in repairs and have good bones. To rent a home, you need to make it sound, clean and presentable, make sure all the appliances work and don't worry that it doesn't have the most modern flooring or appliances. Keep the walls neutral and don't spend tons of money on updates, renters can be hard on a property and most rentals are pretty basic.

If you're buying your next home in Hoboken, you'll want to have a clear idea of what you're looking for and what the things on your wish list will cost. You might have an image of the perfect single family home you want, maybe a gorgeous historic brownstone, but after a little research you may find out you really want a condo. Just remember to see the potential in every property.

The old adage is to look for the worst house in the best neighborhood and that still holds true, however, the "best neighborhood" is relative to your own opinions. Start with the area you like, then decide what kinds of homes you like and what your most basic needs are, such as the number of floors, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, laundry facilities, storage and parking space, as well as the size of the rooms and the best kind of space for your lifestyle. You may love old homes, but prefer or need an open floor plan which could mean renovation. Now look at the kind of budget you have for improvements, appliance upgrades and decorating, and don't forget to include that in the overall cost right along with moving expenses. Sometimes the kind of appliances and furniture we want is not suited to the house we buy.

Often without realizing it, we fall for the advertising buzz about homes and what goes inside them and end up with unrealistic expectations. The huge side by side refrigerator might look great in the home pictured in the magazine, but it would swallow the kitchen in an older home. Do your research and go shop for the things you want, price, measure and take pictures.

Apartments and condos have the most in the way of amenities of course, such as swimming pools, private terraces, laundry facilities and more luxurious services as the price will indicate, plus many allow pets for an extra fee.

If you're selling a home in Hoboken you need to know what kind of amenities people are looking for in a property in your area in order to show your home in the best light, entice your buyer and get the best price. You'll need to look at comparable homes to know how to price your home. Make arrangements to tour homes in your area and take some pictures, save the information and see what you're up against. You may even want to hire a home stager to make your home shine a little more before you show it. Whatever your real estate plans, I can help provide information and resources and give you the professional advice you need.

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers, so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally closed over 200 transactions and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him directly at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Now May Be The Time To Sell Your Hoboken Home

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:42:49 -0700

Regardless of your political affiliations and your like or dislike for the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. "Obamacare") there are items contained within its pages that may impact your real estate plans. In the bill is a tax that all homeowners need to be aware of, especially those in the Hoboken area where home values average above $440,000.

Beginning in 2013, homeowners who meet specific criteria will be responsible for paying a 3.8 percent tax on "unearned income" under the new health care law. This means if you sell your home beginning in 2013 you could be paying this 3.8 percent tax, but selling this year may save you a lot of money and it may not be too late if you take action now.

The way the tax is written into the bill a married couple making more than $250,000 in adjusted gross income who sell a primary home for more than $500,000 will be subject to this tax -- which in this case would be $19,000. A single person with an adjusted gross income of $200,000 who sells a home with a sale price exceeding $250,000 will also fit the criteria and would have to pay a $9,500 tax. These are rough examples of course, intended to give you a basic idea of the amount of money involved.

So if you fall into this income bracket, your home value exceeds the amount listed and you have been toying with the idea of selling your Hoboken home now may be the time to act. In many cases people who have been left alone through divorce or the death of a spouse or those who have found themselves in a state of deteriorating health have put off selling because of the work involved. Don't despair, there is help available, in addition to the advice and expertise that your real estate broker offers, there are professional organizers and home stagers who can make all the difference in how your home looks and remove a huge burden from your shoulders.

A professional organizer can come in to your home and de-clutter your space, maybe relieving you of years of collected junk that you might have packed up and moved to your new home. Even if your home is older and needs updating, a professional home stager can refresh and rearrange your home to give it a cost effective updated look that more closely meets the current demands of the market. It helps if a potential buyer can see the potential of your home to be better and to become their space. Professional packers are always available through moving services as well, so there is no excuse not to act. Don't miss the chance to move to a beautiful Hoboken brownstone, make the decision, put your home in the hands of the professionals and I will help you to move to your next great Hoboken home.

About Eddie:Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Making the Monthly Mortgage Payment

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:58:02 -0700

When shopping for a house or condominium in Hoboken, one of the first things you might do is establish a budget. You'll start with the cost of the home you feel you can afford, add on the cost of moving and an amount for any necessary renovations. Based on this number you would establish a target budget and search for homes that do not exceed that amount. There is, however, a much more practical way to look at it.

If this is a first-time home purchase, you may want to re-evaluate your budget and base it on the monthly mortgage payment that best fits your circumstances. The cost of your Hoboken home is only part of the equation. Most buyers will be applying for a mortgage, and the monthly payment will be dependent on a number of factors. Consider that the length of the mortgage, amount of the down payment, the interest rate, taxes and insurance could completely change what you can actually afford.

Along with a monthly mortgage payment you feel comfortable with, add any expected maintenance fees, HOA fees, the bills to run and maintain your home and all of the other bills you have now, plus the amount you have designated for savings. This will give you a much more realistic number. Basing your home search on the monthly mortgage payment may cause you to re-evaluate the cost of your new home as you see how these numbers will impact your life.

If you currently have a handle on your budget, your bills are getting paid on time, you're saving money and you are secure, you should be able to find out how much you can pay by getting pre-qualified for a mortgage.

The good news is that if your credit score is high, you may be able to find a lower interest rate and combined with some lower home prices, you may be able to look at homes in a higher price range. This could mean a more desirable neighborhood and schools, a larger home or condo with more amenities that could be move-in ready and perfect! Even if you're not sure about the market, now is the perfect time to find your dream home.

Doing the calculations can be tricky, and this is where the expertise of an experienced broker will be invaluable. Along with availability, market trends, information about lenders and communities, I can provide an estimate of the price range and area in which you can look for a home based on the monthly amount you are comfortable paying.

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR®. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Soak Up Some Hoboken, NJ History on July 4th

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:18:07 -0700

Looking at Hoboken in 2012, it is difficult to imagine what it might have been like in colonial times. The city has a very rich history. In the 1600's it was a seasonal campsite for a group of Lenape Indians, who used the serpentine rock found there to carve pipes. In 1609, a man named Henry Hudson was the first European recorded to set foot on the land.

Three Lenape Indians eventually sold the land that became known as Hoboken for a combination of shell beads (known as "wampum"), cloth, kettles, blankets, guns and a half a barrel of beer. The land then acquired by Hendrick Van Vorst was leased in-part to a farmer by the name of Aert Van Putten, and the colony was known as "Pavonia." North of what is now known as Castle Point, in 1643 he built a house and brewery, the first in North America. It was an amazing show of entrepreneurial vision, but Van Putten was eventually killed in a raid and his buildings were destroyed. The residents of Pavonia were ordered to go back to New Amsterdam. The island remained virtually unsettled due to its isolation, deteriorating relations with the Lenape and distance from New Amsterdam.

It is difficult to imagine now, but Hoboken was mainly an agricultural area populated by the Dutch and English-speaking settlers. Eventually, the land changed hands again and was occupied by the British before being confiscated by the Revolutionary Government of New Jersey at the end of the Revolutionary War.

It was not until the year 1784 that the land was purchased by Colonel John Stevens for the equivalent of $90,000 and renamed it “Hoboken”.

This year, tens of thousands of guests are expected to attend the Macy's Fireworks event to celebrate Independence Day. Not only is Hoboken a great place to celebrate the birth of our nation, it is also your chance to slow down and see the city, and learn the history. Due to the tremendous amount of visitors, many streets will be closed to traffic, so public transit is highly recommended and walking of course, is always encouraged. Visitor or long time resident, this is your opportunity to get out your camera and take some snap shots of the amazing historic homes!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line, while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him directly at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Max Your Comfort! 1125 Maxwell Lane, Hoboken NJ 07030

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 13:46:17 -0700

Rare 12 ft Ceiling Maxwell Place condo for lease

Renowned Maxwell Place comfort & luxury amenities are yours with this rare 12 foot ceiling extra large 1 bed, 1.5 bath condo. Massive 16 panel wall of windows measuring 10ft high immerse your home in light and offers an unmatched living experience.

A marble foyer with large powder room off to the right greets you before entering your gorgeous granite & stainless kitchen with 7 foot center island. You’ll have more then enough cabinetry and counters to do all of your entertaining and your 14 x 23 foot large living & dining room is absolutely fantastic with the richness of hardwood floors accenting the home and your soaring windows and ceilings.

Master your relaxation and rest in another soaring space, your master bedroom that also enjoys the same 12ft ceilings and 10 ft of panel windows. We provide custom blinds and curtains for your privacy. A large marble 4-piece bath with soaking tub & separate large shower indulges you further. 2 deep closets with custom Efla systems will keep you organized and ready to go.

Includes 1 garage parking space that’s just steps to the elevator, 24hr concierge, state-of-the-art gym, pool & spa, lounge & courtyard with NYC views & private resident shuttle to the PATH.

This is a truly special place to call home and I invite you to learn more about this opportunity today!

$3,400 per month - Available 8/1/12

No pets or smoking

Includes use of all amenities plus it includes your heat and AC (not the fan), water, hot water, gas, basic internet and basic cable.

Broker fee equivalent to 1 month rent

1.5 month Security deposit

$20 application & credit verification fee per applicant - non refundable

Email eddie@InvestHoboken.com or text / call Eddie Perez at 201-344-2886. RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty

www.HobokenRealEstateBlog.com for market statistics, news, new listings and more!!

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

How's the Market, New Jersey?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:45:50 -0700

By Eddie Perez

Market statistics are like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder! (Thanks, mom, for your continued support). However there are signs that our markets are looking better and better.

Here is a list of some recent statistics compiled from the New Jersey Association of REALTORS^® that shed a favorable light on our GardenState. Knowing as many facts as possible is advantageous to making the best decisions for you and your family.

As always, let me know how I can help!

Here's the Latest...

April Existing-Home Sales Up, Prices Rise Again

Existing-home sales rose in April and remain above a year ago, while home prices continued to rise, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®. The improvements in sales and prices were broad based across all regions.

Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in April from a downwardly revised 4.47 million in March, and are 10.0 percent higher than the 4.20 million-unit level in April 2011.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the housing recovery is underway. “It is no longer just the investors who are taking advantage of high affordability conditions. A return of normal home buying for occupancy is helping home sales across all price points, and now the recovery appears to be extending to home prices,” he said. “The general downtrend in both listed and shadow inventory has shifted from a buyers’ market to one that is much more balanced, but in some areas it has become a seller’s market.”

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 5.1 percent to an annual level of 620,000 in April and are 19.2 percent higher than a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $256,600, up 8.8 percent from April 2011.

To view the full story, please view NAR’s press release.

March Pending Home Sales Rise, Market Recovering

Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent in March from an upwardly revised February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The index is now at the highest level since April 2010. Regionally, the PHSI in the Northeast slipped 0.8 percent in March but is 21.1 percent above March 2011.

Fourth Quarter Metro Median Prices and Affordability Reports Now Available

Reacting to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®' (NAR) 2011 Fourth Quarter Metropolitan Area Median Prices and Affordability reports, NJAR^® CEO Jarrod C. Grasso issued the following statement:

“There’s no doubt that now is a tremendous opportunity to enter the New Jersey real estate market. For consumers with steady income, the case for homeownership is strong. If you are a first-time buyer or renter, you should look to take advantage of the state’s market conditions.”

The press release also introduced the American Dream Get the REAL Story^® campaign which appeals to the emotional aspect of buying a home. View the full press release for additional details and statement from NJAR® President Gary Large; and check out the American Dream campaign.

Study: ‘Hurdle Rate’ Favorable for Buying

Now is a great time to buy because the “hurdle rate” is very favorable toward home ownership, an academic study by researchers at three universities finds. Learn more in a 2-minute video in which one of the researchers talks about the findings.

Christie Launches Website Detailing Property Tax Records and Other Vital Public Information

In an effort to increase government transparency, Governor Chris Christie recently launched a website that provides the public with data that makes it easier to understand New Jersey’s public finances. Included on this website, www.YourMoney.NJ.Gov, is an interactive map that displays the GardenState’s 3.1 million property tax assessment records. With the new property tax feature, REALTORS^® and consumers can check individual records in their town or community, jump from record to record, and compare assessments and taxes from one town to another.

Be sure to visit the website frequently to provide your feedback and view other reports.

Get the Facts

Despite the national trends and statistics you might have heard, the old adage that all real estate is local has never been truer. Market facts in New Jersey, combined with national incentives, make now a good time to get active in New Jersey’s real estate market. Here's why:

Seven-year real estate appreciation in the GardenState – at 37% – is five times the national average.
Mortgage rates are near historic lows, giving buyers a better chance to secure low payments for years to come.
Housing affordability – determined by home prices, income data and other factors – is high in New Jersey.
Increased Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits means more money is available, expanding your purchasing power.
The NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers low-interest loans and down payment assistance to first-time home buyers. Find out more about those programs and the Live Where You Work initiative for all eligible buyers.

New Jersey’s Homegrown Advantages

With unique and attractive neighborhoods, great schools, and other benefits, New Jersey is a great fit for the three rules of real estate – location, location, location. See what makes the GardenState such a great place to live and check out our interactive map to see specific county information and local real stories.

Make it a great day!

Eddie

Eddie Perez, Broker - REALTOR

201.344.2886 mobile / text

eddie@InvestHoboken.com

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty

56 Newark St, HobokenNJ07030

Representing the finest properties......Yours!

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

A Hoboken condo that will never go out of style!

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:33:53 -0700

Eleven10 Park Avenue epitomizes all that makes Hoboken great!

An awesome location, fabulous pre-war architecture, amazing views of our sister town to the east called Manhattan, extensive updates, bright, hip and perfect for the vibrant lifestyle.

This home is one of the few that is located at the top of the most fantastic row of limestone buildings in uptown Hoboken and commands lots of sunny eastern NYC views of both the Empire State Building and all of downtown including the Freedom tower.

You’re definitely at the top, and you relish that fact. Who wants to have someone living above them? You certainly don’t! You don’t mind the 5^th floor walkup, and why would you?

“But I have to walk up all those stairs….” How do I say this properly….Shut up! You also have to walk to your car, the bus, inside a grocery store etc…If the benefit of living at the top isn’t clear to you, then take a pass!

If on the other had you want an awesome top floor 2 bed condo in amazing condition with views, a quite living experience with just two small sections of shared walls and no one above you; a home that blends new updates where it needs to be with old world charm where it just shouldn’t be replaced such as a gorgeous granite and stainless kitchen, brand new bathroom, original wood floors, trim and moldings, then you will definitely warm up to your new home!

Let’s sweeten your living experience with a private resident’s outdoor swimming pool (hello summer), a great gym (good-bye gut), gated storage space just for you, bike storage & great courtyard for relaxing or sunning and I know you’ll confirm this is Hoboken Condo Living at it’s finest and something that will never go out of style!

This is a Cookie-Cutter Free Zone! Are you ready to enter?

This home is currently on the market for sale for $431,110

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker - REALTOR . His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County.You can email questions to eddie@InvestHoboken.com. To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

We Finally Have Our New House in Hoboken! Now What?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:17:40 -0700

Moving from one house to another forces a person to make many decisions. If you’ve been in your present home for very long, the thought of simply beginning can make you want to run screaming from the room. It’s not nearly as daunting as it seems. You just have to break the forest into trees.

Before you begin, you should have some things on hand. The first thing is to start some lists. You’ll need a “to do” list, a “to buy” list, and a “to call” list for starters. Keep these lists (preferably in one notebook) and a pen handy as you work from room to room. The next thing is boxes, boxes, boxes! You’ll want some nice sturdy, not-too-large boxes for things like books, dishes, etc. If they’re too large, they’ll be too heavy when the actual moving begins. You can also get garment boxes for clothes on hangers. They are a terrific innovation. A few larger boxes are handy for things like curtains, blankets, towels, etc.

Keep permanent markers handy, also. Use them to mark each box as soon as it’s packed. You’ll want to write what the contents are, and where to take it in the new house. Another good tool is a gizmo that applies clear strapping tape (or two, or five!)

There are a couple of ways to go about the process of packing. Some people like to go through things and toss or give away what they don’t want before they begin actually packing boxes. Other people prefer to do it all in one operation, that is, toss (or give) as you go. It’s something on which “honorable men may disagree”. So do whatever works best for you. Remember to add to your lists as you go, so you can keep track of your needs.

On your “to call” list, you need to write everyone who needs to know you’re moving, such as the utility companies, the Post Office, perhaps some neighbors and relatives, and maybe your church. Don’t forget the person who delivers newspapers. You may as well call the Board of Elections and change your address there, too, so you’re registered to vote in time for the next election. If you are using a moving service, you can put them on the list, also. You may want to make sure they are insured.

If you have friends or relatives coming to help, it’s a good idea to provide coffee and doughnuts or some other breakfast fare, and get them to come early. People are willing to help, but they want the decisions to be made by you, before they come, if possible. Keep cold drinks in a cooler handy for breaks throughout the day. If the move takes you into the afternoon, spring for lunchmeat and sandwich makings. Before turning over the keys, do a final walk-through to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything. HAPPY MOVING!!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

The Hoboken Condo market Update for February 2012

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:34:31 -0700

The Hoboken condo market has made some significant moves, many may be in your favor.

Personally, I have been able to get 13 properties into contract during the first two months of this year. Although the market has been very competitive as of late, most of my buyers have been able to secure the homes that they had targeted as their first choice! I'm excited to be able to get many of them into their first homes and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship :)

First, there's something I have to get off of my chest.....

The market is on SALE!

Prices have been beaten down the last couple of years. Rents have been going up, the population is increasing and new housing starts have not been keeping up with the historical averages. For the last 20 years, new housing starts have averaged 1.4 million units per year. The last 4 years we've only averaged 663K. That's less then half of the 20 year average! This means less inventory!

Will there be increased demand?

There are 63 million Echo-boomers, the children of the baby-boomer generation, that are between the ages of 17 - 32 that will begin to form families in the next 5-10 years. After every downturn in the market (see chart below) real estate has eventually gone UP! Interest rates have been at a crazy low amount (less the 4% for loans equal to or less than $417K in my market)!

Will real estate prices start to move up?

Hmmm.......... What the heck are you waiting for????

Now here's the update......

Here are the market highlights:

Inventory sits at a low level of just 238 units for sale
74 condos went into contract in February 2012 which is a 28.3% increase over the same period last year
The current absorption rate, the rate at which all condos in the market would be "absorbed" by the current pace of sale (in this case we're using the 74 units under contract in February) is now at just 3.2 months. Dare we say "sellers market"? I can't believe that's what I'm seeing!!
Interest rates remain at historic lows with 30 Year Fixed Conventional Conforming Loans (loans less than or equal to $417,000) at 3.875%/ 3.965% APR - from Pinnacle Mortgage 3/9/12
Average selling prices are up 15% from same period last year (mostly attributed to the high level of luxury property buyers in my opinion)
List-to-sales-price-ratio is at 95.7% which indicates that at the moment, buyers still may have some flexibility on asking prices

Here are the actual stats I complied for you using the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service:

Current Active "For Sale" Condo Inventory as of 3/13/2012: 238

Average asking price: $539,365

Median asking price: $489,000

Average days on market: 63

February 2012 - New Condo Listings: 74

Average asking price: $589,684

Median asking price: $549,949

February 2012 - Under Contract: 74 ( This is a + 28.3% increase to the 53 units that went under contract in February 2011)

Avg asking price: $522,348

Median asking price: $441,000

Avg days on market: 52

February 2012 - Sold: 57 (This is a +33.3% increase to the 38 condos that sold in February 2011)

Average asking price: $544,492

Average selling price: $521,266 (+ 15% compared to $442,855 avg selling price in February 2011)

Average days on market: 81 (- 7.6% difference compared to the average days on market of 70 days in February 2011)

** Average List-To-Sales-Price-Ratio (LSPR) : 95.7 % of asking price which translates into an average buyer discount of approximately 4.3% ** (96.7% LSPR in May 2010)

Remember, I'm always around should you have any questions or need anything.... I can also put together any statistics that will fit your specific property. Just let me know!

Your REALTOR,

Eddie

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Pending Home Sales Rise, Market on Uptrend

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:42:44 -0800

The following article is good news and I wanted to share it with you! It is reprinted from the DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS of Monday, February 27, 2012.

Pending home sales are on an upward trend, which has been uneven but meaningful since reaching a cyclical low last April, and are well above a year ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 2 percent to 97.0 in January from a downwardly revised 95.1 in December and is 8 percent higher than January 2011 when it was 89.8. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The January index is the highest since April 2010 when it reached 111.3 as buyers were rushing to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said this is a hopeful indicator going into the spring home-buying season. “Given more favorable housing market conditions, the trend in contract activity implies we are on track for a more meaningful sales gain this year. With a sustained downtrend in unsold inventory, this would bring about a broad price stabilization or even modest national price growth, of course with local variations.”

PHSI by region:

Northeast: Rose 7.6 percent to 78.2 in January and is 9.8 percent above a year ago.

Midwest: Declined 3.8 percent to 88.1 but is 10.8 percent higher than January 2011.

South: Increased 7.7 percent to an index of 109.1 in January and are 10.5 percent above a year ago.

West: Fell 4.4 percent in January to 101.9 but is 0.7 percent above January 2011.

“Movements in the index have been uneven, reflecting the headwinds of tight credit, but job gains, high affordability and rising rents are hopefully pushing the market into what appears to be a sustained housing recovery,” Yun said. “If and when credit availability conditions return to normal, home sales will likely get a 15-percent boost, speed up the home-price recovery, and thereby significantly reduce the number of homeowners who are underwater.”

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR®. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities, including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Singles - Want a Better Love Life? Buy a Home!

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:35:56 -0800

Hoboken has long been touted as having the highest percentage of singles of any city in the United States.

Want to increase your chances of finding love? Buy a home! In a new survey by Harris Interactive for the real estate site Trulia has shown that there is an overwhelming preference to date a single that own their own home as opposed to one that is renting. Don’t believe me? You can read the article here: http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/14/real_estate/dating_homeownership/index.htm

The fact is, I've seen this first hand, having sold many condos to single buyers … who later trade up to larger homes once they've found love in our mile square city … only to later trade up again once the family has outgrown that home once again.

I guess there's a case that can be made that not only are we REALTORS, but we can also add LOVE DOCTORS to the business card :)

Make it a great day!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Will Your Hoboken Home be Waiting in Line to Sell?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:44:44 -0800

Don't you hate it when people cut in line? Not only is it very annoying, it makes you have to wait longer to take care of your business or to get to where you're going next. Hoboken homes for sale are in a competitive line, with the home offering the best value in its category selling first. A price to value position, so to speak.

In theory, a home further back in the line (third or fourth position) would eventually sell once the better-valued homes (first and second place) have sold. Unfortunately, this is not the case. New listings are continuously entering the market and cutting in line. This causes the inferiorly priced homes (third or fourth place) to stay behind in line, never actually selling --unless they improve their price to value position.

Therefore, in order to price a home so that it will sell, it's very important to consider your position relative to other homes on the market. I call it strategic pricing.

Want to know how to get out of line in a reasonable amount of time? Shoot me an email or just call.

Happy Selling :)

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top-producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie@InvestHoboken.com. To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201-344-2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Condo Sellers: Prepare for Spring in Hoboken

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:11:04 -0800

Okay, folks. I know it’s the middle of winter, and it’s been a mild one so far (fingers crossed!). But if you are buying or selling a Hoboken property, you really do need to start getting ready for spring. Use these next few weeks wisely, and you’ll save yourself headaches when the time comes to put your place on the market. This week we’ll concentrate on a few seller strategies for getting your condo ready. Next week we’ll talk to buyers.

Sellers:

Don’t wait till the last minute to de-clutter; do those little repairs and start the deep cleaning. You never know when people will start looking at properties! And if you read the Buyer section next week, you’ll understand.

First off, go out and rent a unit at the nearest self-storage facility, and start going through the house (and garage if you’re lucky enough to have one!) one room at a time. I promise you’ll be glad you did. You’re going to have to go through stuff before you move anyway, right? Why not start now when you can take your time about it. Buyers have a lot easier time imagining their stuff in the condo if they don’t have all your stuff to visualize through! Your rooms will look larger with less stuff in them anyway.

You know those bothersome little household repairs on your “Honey Do” list? Now is the time to get on them. You’re stuck inside for the next two months anyway. Put the time to good use. While those little imperfections irritate you, they’ll have buyers seeing potential repair dollar signs … and wondering what else needs to be taken care of that they aren’t seeing. Like the commercial says, “Just do it!” Remember, everything you can see and don’t repair is potentially a negotiating point for buyers looking to get you to lower your price.

Don’t forget the exterior! Start speaking with your condo association about any common area repairs or upgrades that may be needed as it could take a few months to get board approval and get the work completed. Remember the importance of those first impressions! Take a look at your buildings front façade and landscaping. Could it use new plantings, paint or brick re-pointing? Updates to these can add value to everyone’s homes and make it a more enjoyable place to live.

Take a look at your building's hallways, mailbox, laundry and storage areas. What can be done to give the best impression to potential buyers? Sometimes simply enforcing the current building rules and regulations, such as limiting items left in hallways, can help with how your building will show.

Now let’s talk about your roommates. Not the buddies from college but the furry ones we call pets. You may not smell them, but if you have carpets, upholstered furniture and even one little dog … or a litter box and one little kitten … newcomers to the house will smell them. And if the buyer has pet allergies, watch out! No amount of sprays or powders will cover the smell. If you are serious about selling, you need to have the carpets, drapes and upholstered furniture steam cleaned. Try to decide on an area (preferably uncarpeted) that the pets can be restricted to, and determine what to do with them when the house is going to be shown. Doggy day care? Pet carrier? Mom's house? If possible, have the pets removed from the condo during showings.

These are just a few suggestions to keep in mind and to get started on now so that you’ll be able to hit the ground running when your place goes onto the market!

Next week, buyer suggestions!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201-344-2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Low Inventory + Higher Rents = ?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:59:53 -0800

A case could be made that this could begin to lead to price increases in the near future.

Additionally, recent news on the economy has been getting better lately and you know what this could lead to....... interest rates might start to go up!!

Hoboken is experiencing extremely low inventory of available condominiums. As of today, there are only a total of 215 units available for sale.

Six months ago, there were nearly 400 condos on the market!

If the current demand picks up just slightly, it just might ignite the lackluster activity of the past 3 months where we've averaged approximately 32 contracts per month.

Why wait? Let me know if you would like to start the home search in earnest.

Here are just a few of the headlines TODAY. I wanted to share this with you today as the LARGEST cost of home ownership is the interest. Remember the old adage, "you don't live in the purchase price, you live in the monthly payment" (i.e. interest rate).

Jobless Claims, Factory Data Suggest Recovery Picking Up

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45681589

Stocks Gain as Economy Shows Some Strength

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45680479

Have a great day!

Eddie

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Condo Living in Winter

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:40:41 -0800

As snow and ice sneak up on us, those living in downtown condos have a great advantage. You have the peace and quiet of your personal oasis. At the same time, you have easy, quick access to everything you could need … and you don’t need a personal vehicle to get to any of it! How great is that?!

One of the great things about living in a Hoboken downtown condo is the access you have to an incredibly wide variety of activities, restaurants and clubs. This being winter, I’ve selected two very different recreational outlets to tell you about that may surprise you.

First off, would you believe a ski club in the inner city?! The Hoboken Ski Club meets every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the Back Room at Willie McBride's Pub at 616 Grand St.,
Hoboken, NJ 07030. Their club motto is “Think snow!” and they say that’s what they do … all the time. Their foundation is built around snow sports and the winter, but the club is active all year round.

It's not just about Hoboken, and it's not just about skiing. The majority of their members are in their 20's & 30's. But they have no age limits, other than that you do have to be 21 to join. Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, or just like social activities, this club has something for you!

Not everyone is quite so athletically inclined, and that’s fine. Stroll on over to Symposia Community Bookstore and see what tweaks your interest. They’re located at 510 Washington Street.

For starters, they are the only used bookstore in Hoboken. But they aren’t “just” a used book store. They are actually more along the lines of a community center. In fact, Symposia is actually a Public Benefit nonprofit corporation that was organized, and is operated, exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. They operate a book thrift shop and offer their shop locations to be used as a community center.

What exactly does that mean? Well, you can buy books at discounted prices. You can donate books, DVDs, CDs, tapes and office equipment rather than chucking them in the dumpster and wasting them.

According to their website, their specific objectives and purposes are:

to help make books and reading as inviting and accessible to as broad an audience as possible;
to offer a venue to serve as a community center and a place for educational and community activities;
to support other charities through the use of the thrift store’s space to raise funds and run programs;
to offer support for emerging local artists through exhibitions and other projects;
to develop new community projects;
to engage in other activities related to the development of the social capital of our community.

It is definitely a place where you will always be able to find something interesting going on! Stop by and visit for awhile!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie @InvestHoboken .com . To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Benjamin Franklin Can Help You Buy A Hoboken-Area Home

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:55:15 -0800

That title may seem a little silly, but the way shoppers evaluate a prospective home never ceases to amaze me. There is nothing wrong with having a vision of your ideal home. In fact, having such a vision is a necessity. You need to know what kind of home you will be happy in. A workaholic with no family and a busy life would probably do best to buy a condominium with amenities like a building concierge that can receive packages and let the cable guy in, a pool or health club onsite to get daily exercise and an easy commute to work. This may make more sense than purchasing a large Hoboken –area home with a yard in the suburbs.

In fact, if you are not sure what you want, you should probably make what a friend of mine calls a “Ben Franklin List”. Benjamin Franklin, whom I think we’d all agree is no slouch, came up with a really useful decision-making tool. Basically, you divide a sheet of paper into relevant columns. In this case it could be “Wants, Needs and Undesirables”. Now you populate those columns with your choices. Maybe you want an open concept floor-plan and some type of outdoor space. What you need might be parking, elevator or three bedrooms. Undesirables might be location too far from NYC transportation or 4th floor walk-up buildings. You get the idea.

Be realistic when it comes to choosing whether something falls into the “Wants” or “Needs” column. Stainless steel appliances are all the rage, but I’d call them a “want”. What you need is working, reliable appliances. Changing them out for stainless steel is something you can do down the line. If the current appliances are ancient (more than 10 years old) and/or non-functioning, the cost of replacing them is a negotiating point when it comes time to make an offer, isn’t it? In order to move in and be comfortable, functionality should trump esthetics.

Face it. Unless you have a home custom-built and decorated to your specifications, the odds of finding an absolutely perfect property are not likely. Once upon a time the property you are looking at was the embodiment of someone else’s dream. It has been personalized through their occupation and decorations. You can make it yours, but before you can do that, you have to be able to see the property’s potential to fulfill your vision.

Look past paint color. Look past light fixtures, drawer and door pulls, curtains, carpets, plants used to landscape the yard or balcony. All of these are easily changeable, customizable to fulfill your vision. What are not changeable are location and the basic bones. As long as those are good, you should consider the property. Buy it and make it your own.

I recently sold a single-family row house on Bloomfield Street that had the location and “good bones” but was in need of renovations. The eventual buyers saw the home's fantastic potential and their opportunity to customize it to their liking. They are now well on their way to having the customized home that they envisioned and within the budget that they set.

The Ben Franklin list proved to work great for them! Give it a try, and see if you too will soon be on your way to having YOUR perfect home!

Happy shopping!

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker – REALTOR. His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top-producing agents in Hudson County. You can email questions to eddie@InvestHoboken.com. To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886 .

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Can Around $1000 A month Buy Me a 2 bed Condo Close to NYC? Yes it can!

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:25:19 -0800

Can you purchase a nice 2 bedroom condo minutes from Manhattan for around $1000 per month? Yes you can!

For about $1000 a month you can buy a really fantastic 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath duplex condo in Jersey City. Just a 30 min NJ Transit bus ride into Midtown Manhattan and even shorter into Hoboken. Oh, did I tell you that you have a private deck and direct access to a large common yard. It's also right across the street from a large park with tennis courts, swimming pool, play grounds, ball fields and more.

This is less than it would cost to rent a similar home AND does not take into account any potential tax savings from property tax and mortgage interest deductions.

Is now a good time to buy? You tell me.......

The asking price is just $139,000.

The $1000 per month is based upon a 20% down payment and 30 year fixed rate at 4.25% (rates as of 11/21/2011) Rates subject to change and individuals must qualify. Could be slightly more or less depending upon your individual circumstances. Speak to a tax professional regarding any tax savings that may apply to you.

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken Meets Jersey City

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:29:41 -0800

Hello Jersey City, I'm Hoboken. Nice to meet you!

This is a great photo showing where Hoboken and Downtown Jersey City border each other. Photo is taken from the Hudson Tea Building with 13th & Washington St., Hoboken in the foreground.

It's also a good perspective showing Hoboken with its abundant lower-rise buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800's, and the Newport section of downtown Jersey City with its newer high-rise buildings.

Both are very nice places to live. Lots of really great condos with easy access to NYC.

Do you remember when this skyline was totally different?

Which do you prefer?

Eddie

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

Hoboken condo sales statistics..Sales prices are up how much?

Eddie Perez - Hoboken Condo Living (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:37:06 -0800

Hoboken condo sales statistics..Sales prices are up how much?

By Eddie Perez, Broker - REALTOR

I know most people feel that the Hoboken condo market is down, especially the "buyers" out there. Surprise...prices went up when compared to last year.

When compiling the final sales figures for October 2011 using the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service, the central theme I noticed was.....

Fewer condos are selling but they are selling for quite a bit more!

In the Hoboken condo market, closed sales prices showed big increases in October when compared to the October 2010 stats. Average prices rose 7.73 % ($473,393 vs $436,776) and median prices were up 7.11%, ($436,000 vs $405,000). Who knew?

Ok, it's not all rosy data...

Total units sold were down by 30% (43 units in 2011 vs 56 units in 2010). Total contracts signed were also down as there were 54 contracts signed in October 2011, a 24% decline from the 67 contracts signed in October 2010.

What does this all mean?

The market is not as bad as most think, prices are holding steady and may have gone up for some category of homes, buildings and prime locations in Hoboken.

Now all we need to do is sell a few more condos..... which by the way, I'd be more than happy to help :)

Here are the sales statistics.....

	October 2010	October 2011	Comparison:
Units Sold:	56	43	- 30%
Avg. Price:	$436,776	$473,393	+ 7.73%
Median Price:	$405,000	$436,000	+ 7.11%
Contracts Signed (pending to close):	67	54	- 24%

October 2011 Sold Condominiums:

	High	Low	Average	Median	Total Dollar amount	Listing Count
List Price:	$1,275,000	$269,000	$486,355	$449,000	$20,913,294	43
Sold Price:	$1,215,000	$250,000	$473,393	$436,000	$20,355,900
Days on market	201	14	67	49

Studio: none sold

1 bedroom: 13 sold.

Average asking price: $372,861

Average selling price: $359,973 (-3.45% of asking price)

Average / Median days on market: 61 / 49

2 bedroom: 27 sold

Average asking price: $523,633

Average selling price: $510,175 (-2.57% of asking price)

Average / Median days on market: 70 / 50

3+ bedroom: 3 sold

Average asking price: $642,666

Average selling price: $633,833 (-1.3% of asking price)

Average / Median days on market: 58 / 40

October 2011 - Contracts signed. These are the deals that were consummated during the month and represent the current buying activity.

Total Contracts: 54

	High	Low	Average	Median	Total dollar amount	Listing Count
List Price:	$1,499,999	$198,500	$563,895	$488,000	$30,450,341	54
Sold Price:	pending	pending	pending	pending	pending
Days on market	199	8	62	40

Here's the breakdown:

Studio: 0

1 bedroom: 15 contracts

Average asking price: $360,619

Median price: $339,000

Average days on market: 72

Median days on market: 33

2 bedroom: 33 contracts

Average asking price: $599,986

Median price: $505,000

Average days on market: 56

Median days on market: 42

3+ bedroom: 6 contracts

Average asking price: $873,583

Median price: $751,750

Average days on market: 67

Median days on market: 79

I hope you find this info useful. As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any specific questions.

Eddie

About Eddie: Eddie Perez is a resident of Hoboken and works as a New Jersey licensed Broker - REALTOR . His goal is to educate both buyers and sellers so that they can make the most of their bottom line while saving time and having fun during the process of buying or selling condominiums and brownstones in Hoboken and the surrounding metro communities including Jersey City and Weehawken, New Jersey. He has personally sold over 135 homes and is among the top producing agents in Hudson County.You can email questions to eddie@InvestHoboken.com. To schedule an appointment to meet with Eddie, call him direct at 201.344.2886

Eddie Perez
Broker - REALTOR
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty
56 Newark St. · Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone (201) 344-2886 · Office (201) 795-5200 ext 423

E-Mail Me

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