Should you Default on your Hamilton NJ Mortgage? - 08/27/10 10:03 PM
It seems like every day I meet someone who is having trouble paying his or her mortgage.  When it becomes a choice of buying food for your family, or clothes, or making that payment, the choice is not easy.  Marion Anthony recently published an article on the 5 Common Questions Homeowners Have about Default.  Here are some highlights.
"1.  Should I intentionally default on my home mortgage?Today, many people are ‘intentionally' or ‘strategically' defaulting because cash is more valuable than credit.  Rather than defaulting, the best thing to do is use the Section 702 program of the Obama act, which allows … (0 comments)

Lawrenceville, NJ - Colonial Lakes - Bunker Hill Ave - SOLD - 08/27/10 02:47 PM
Beautiful restored Dutch Colonial located on a shady tree-lined street. This home has recently been updated and features new siding, roofing, replacement windows, modern kitchen with oak raised panel cabinetry, granite countertops, and tile flooring.  The living room could be used as dining room, and there's a family room with fireplace. Original restored shining oak hardwood flooring through out the first floor rooms. New carpeting in all three bedrooms. This home has the charm of yesteryear, reflecting historic features but offering modern amenities, and is close to the recreational opportunities of Colonial Lake Park.
Overview Maps Photos Features Description About Mercer … (0 comments)

Hamilton NJ Buyers - How to Find a Short Sale - 08/19/10 11:05 PM
RISMedia.com recently ran an article explaining how buyers can profit from the "year of the short sale" or find a great property among the plethora of distressed homes on the market.  Here are some excerpts.
1.  Filter your Search.  When you sign up to receive MLS listings, filter for these terms: Subject to bank approval - Pre-foreclosure - Notice of Default - Give the bank time to respond - Preapproved by bank - Headed for auction2.  Choose the right Realtor.  Find one (me) who is experienced and trained in dealing with short sales (and/or bank-owned properties).  Successfully making an offer and … (0 comments)

Hamilton, NJ - Community and Homeownership - 08/19/10 10:45 PM
A new report from the National Association of Realtors, Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing, explores the impact of stable housing and the positive social outcomes resulting from homeownership.  Homeowners who are more active in their communities benefit from improved education opportunities and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters, according to leading research.  Key findings include:
1.  StabilityNAR's study identifies research from government, industry and academia that found a relationship between homeownership and stable communities. Homeowners move far less frequently than renters, and therefore are embedded into the same neighborhood and community for longer. This allows for … (0 comments)

Buyer Traps to Avoid when you Purchase a Home in Mercer County NJ - 08/12/10 10:19 PM
No matter which way you look at it, buying a home is a major investment. But for many New Jersey homebuyers, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be.  Don't fall prey to the many common and costly mistakes which can trap you, such as:
paying too much for the home you want losing your dream home to another buyer (worse) buying the wrong home for your needs A systemized approach to the homebuying process in Mercer County can help you steer clear of these common mistakes, allowing you to not only cut costs, but also secure the home that's … (0 comments)

New Jersey Buyers - a Timeline for a Fast Close - 08/05/10 09:29 PM
Real estate experts often refer to the impact and strategies of "motivated sellers," but the needs of motivated buyers are seldom addressed. New Jersey home buyers can have many motivations for wanting to buy quickly: a desire to take advantage of low interest rates, the need to address their housing situation before starting a new job or school, or to prepare for the arrival of a new family member. Whatever your individual reason, smart planning is the trick if you're in the position of buying on a tight schedule.  Here's how to move the process along for your timetable.
1.  Establish … (0 comments)

Beware Short Sale Scams in Mercer County, NJ - 08/05/10 09:08 PM
NewsGeni.us recently ran a story about the scams targeting sellers who are in short sale situations.  While geared for Florida, we in Mercer County and surrounding communities in New Jersey have our share of homes valued below what the owners paid.  Here are some possible scams.
1.  Bogus Realtors - check credentials if a realtor offers to help with your short sale.  We all have to be licensed by the state.2.  If someone asks you to sign over your home - call the state attorney general's office.
3.  If someone asks for a big upfront fee - ditto, call right away. 
… (0 comments)

Mercer County NJ Sales Report for July - 08/03/10 07:47 PM
While total sales decreased in July, rates hit historic lows week after week, so the buying power of buyers has increased substantially this year.  That means more house for the money and long-term savings.  My next blog will explore reasons why buyers should not wait to invest in this market.Here are the real estate sales for the various townships and boroughs in Mercer County, for single family homes in July, 2010.  There are a lot of areas in Mercer County, so the easiest way to represent all the homes sold is by place.  I can run a similar report for you of … (0 comments)