Jersey Shore Views...

Tall Tales from the Health Care Debate! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:57:38 -0600

On a flight to the west coast, a 6th grade student sat reading a book. A congressional representative boarded the plane and sat next to the girl.

After the plane was airborne, the Congressman turned to the girl and said, "I’ve heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger, would you like to talk?"

She closed her book slowly and said to this total stranger, "What would you like to talk about?"

The congressman smiled smugly and said, "I don't know maybe global warming or universal health care?"

"Those could be interesting topics," the 6th grader said.

"But I need to ask you a question first.

"A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff – grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"

This legislator is shaken and a little surprised by the young girl’s intelligence.

He thinks about it for a minute and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea."

So the little girl asks, "Do you really feel qualified to discuss global warming or universal health care when you don’t know poop?"

Mystic Island, New Jersey - Waterfront Homes and Chunks of History!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:24:32 -0600

Mystic Island, New Jersey - Waterfront Homes and Chunks of History!

Mystic Island is a section of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey...Ocean County's southernmost municipality.

It's main road, from Great Bay Boulevard to Mystic Beach at the Great Bay, used to be known as Shore Road. It winds through Mystic Island, Hickory Island and Osborn Island. This thoroughfare is now known as Radio Road.

That name came about in the early 1900's with the construction of the Tuckerton Wireless Tower, the tallest and strongest radio tower in 1912. Its guide wire foundations are still visible, though the tower is long gone.

The tower was built by the German company known as HOMAG, The High Frequency Machine Corporation for Wireless Telegraphy. This tower was used to communicate with an identical station in Eilvese, Germany beginning in 1914, just before the outbreak of World War I.

Though taken over by the US Navy to assure the messages sent and received did not violate America's Declaration of Neutrality, the tower was still manned by German nationals employed by HOMAG. It's rumored that this tower was used to send the message ordering the attack on the Lusitania!

When the US entered the WW I, all radio stations were taken over and shut down by Executive Order. All the German employees of HOMAG were taken as prisoners of war and the Tuckerton Tower was assigned to the US Navy. They used it as a back up for the Navy's main transatlantic wireless station north of here in New Brunswick, NJ.

After the war, the Tuckerton Wireless Tower was included in German war reparations paid to America.

The government then sold the tower to RCA which used it as a backup a facility in Rocky Point, NY. It operated until 1948. The Tuckerton Wireless Tower was demolished in 1955 and that's when the single family homes in Mystic Island began cropping up

This 820 foot wireless tower was anchored by 3 huge blocks that exist today; one is in the backyard of a home on North Ensign Drive, one in the middle of the street on South Ensign Drive, and the other in the middle of Staysail.

..
South Ensign Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ

..
Staysail, Little Egg Harbor, NJ

Many smaller foundations for supporting towers are still visible in the lagoons of Mystic Island. If you'd like to see some great photos of the Tuckerton Wireless Tower, its construction and demolition, visit the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, home of the Tuckerton Historical Society.

If you'd like information on the real estate market or homes for sale in Mystic Island, Little Egg Harbor or Tuckerton, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

GET YOUR OWN JERSEY SHORE VIEWS!

After the Storm...Long Beach Island, NJ

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:47:42 -0600

New Jersey's coastal counties have been declared a disaster area by Governor Corzine.

Though the rain and wind subsided over the weekend, yesterday was the first day local and state officials could take a firsthand view of the damage. They were out in force on Long Beach Island, calling last week's storm the worst in a decade.

Most lagoon front property in Little Egg Harbor and Manahawkin fared well, some of the beaches on Long Beach Island were not so lucky.

Bulkheads and jetties saw some real action during the 4 days of wind and rain.

The beaches in Surf City handled the storm far better. Last year, Surf City received beach replenishment help from the Army Corps of Engineers. The wider beach and plenty of dune grass helped against the winds and high tides.

That's not to say the Surf City beach was debris free...

So as state and municipal officials continue to tally the costs to repair the damage on the Island, some were just enjoying the remnants of the storm.

Go Ahead...Make My Day!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:09:34 -0600

The day started out like any other...but the howling wind and pounding rain reminded me the Jersey Shore was still in the middle of some strange weather confluence.

Sounds like the beginning of a bad novel, but this was my morning. It didn't stop there!

I drove through flooded streets to make it to a termite inspection, only to find the copy of the key that was provided by the listing office hadn't been tested and didn't work!

I wasn't looking forward to it, but then I made the hour drive an hour to my next appointment. So, I recite affirmations and I continue on. Appointment done.

Arriving at my home office, I check my email. It's a habit. In my inbox, I read the following...

Laura,

You have really impressed me throughout this process. Thank you for looking out for the small details to make things go so smoothly.

Dawn J, Wells Fargo

This email was sent before I drove through flooded streets. The email was sent before I did what I promised today. We'll close in the next few weeks on this home, but this little note will stay with me forever!

Take the time to say good job; to another agent or to a contractor you're working with. Yea, we're doing our jobs, but we all love to know we're doing it well!

So, go ahead make my day!!!

Or more important...make someone's day. It doesn'T hurt!

More Tall Tales from the Classroom! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:18:29 -0600

A friend of mine watches her grandson after school because both parents work. Sean is in second grade and never ceases to amaze her.

It seems Sean came home from school last week and announced that they had learned how to make ‘babies' in school that day.

My friend was a little shocked; after all we never learned that in second grade. But she took a deep breath and trying to remain calm said, "That's interesting Sean, how do you make babies?"

Munching his after school cookies, Sean said, "It's really easy, you change the ‘y' to ‘i' and add ‘es'."

Can I Use the Expanded and Extended Tax Credit Program to Buy a Home in New Jersey if I Don’t Have Perfect Credit?

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:10:35 -0600

Can I use the expanded and extended tax credit program to buy a home in New Jersey if I don’t have perfect credit?

You might have thought that you couldn’t meet the deadline to qualify for a tax credit on a home purchase because your credit score is less than perfect. But the expanded and extended tax credit program to buy a home in New Jersey is now law, and you have six more months! That will give you some room to work on your credit score.

The extended tax credit program offers first time home buyers six more months to get a home under contract to qualify for the $8,000. The expanded tax credit program allows homeowners, who’ve lived in their homes for five of the last eight years, to qualify for a $6,500 credit.

The first step to see if you can take advantage of the expanded and extended tax credit program to buy a home in New Jersey is to check your credit score, and work on improvements.

The best place to learn about your options to check your credit and increase your credit score is to speak with a mortgage professional. You can click here for a list of active mortgage professionals in New Jersey…they’re part of the ActiveRain professional real estate community.

The higher your credit score, the easier the mortgage approval process. Your credit score is made up of your payment history, the amount you owe, the length of your credit history and the types of credit you have.

Very simply, your credit score improves by paying bills on time, paying down credit card debt and having lines of credit.

But a mortgage professional after reviewing your credit report can offer suggestions to tweak your score. It’s important to speak with some one experienced in the world of home finance because, while not mysterious, credit scores are quirky.

This simple step will get you on your way to taking advantage of the expanded and extended tax credit program to buy a home in New Jersey if you don’t have perfect credit.

If you’d like some suggestions on mortgage professionals I’ve worked with feel free to contact me. And when you're ready to buy, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Homes for Sale in Tuckerton - October, 2009 Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:10:45 -0600

Homes for sale in Tuckerton - October, 2009 Housing Market Report

Tuckerton, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
October 2009	8	9	9	7	167	$157,000
October 2008	13	7	14	6	117	$267,500

These figures are a bit misleading. There were really only five homes for sale in Tuckerton that closed during October, 2009.

Two of the 7 sold units were listed twice in the Jersey Shore Multiple Listing Service...they were listed for sale in both the single family category and the condo category. That brings the median sold price of homes in Tuckerton to $216,000.

The inventory of homes for sale in Tuckerton dropped last month when compared to the same period one year ago. There are currently about 57 homes for sale in Tuckerton, while last year at this time there were 61 homes for sale in Tuckerton.

If you'd like more information on homes for sale in Tuckerton, or comparable sales in your neighborhood, call or email me!

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Homes for Sale In Manahawkin - October, 2009 Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:48:21 -0600

Homes for sale in Manahawkin - October, 2009 Housing Market Report

Manahawkin, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
October 2009	94	47	35	32	110	$282,450
October 2008	92	23	56	33	122	$298,500

The number of homes for sale in Manahawkin (inventory) was down in October, 2009 over 2008 by more than 100 units.

As you can see, prices are also down. With enactment and expansion of the homebuyers tax credit, I expect the prices of homes for sale in Manahawkin to continue to inch up. The median sold price of homes in Manahawkin increased in October, 2009 more than $10,000 over September, 2009.

If you'd like neighborhood specific information on homes for sale in Manahawkin (Stafford Township, NJ), or are interested in pricing your home to sell, contact me via email or phone.

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Home for Sale in Little Egg Harbor - October, 2009 Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:13:08 -0600

Homes for sale in Little Egg Harbor - The October 2009 Housing Market Report

Little Egg Harbor, NJ

New Listings

Under Contract

Expired

Sold

Days on Market

Median
Sold Price

October 2009

124

$217,000

October 2008

126

$219,000

There are just over 300 homes for sale in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Last year (2008) at this time there were 435 single family homes for sale in Little Egg Harbor.

Fewer homes were listed last month, and prices are inching up in Little Egg Harbor. The median sales price in October, 2009 was $2,000 more than in September.

With these market trends this might be the perfect time to buy or sell a home in Little Egg Harbor.

If you're looking for homes for sale in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, call or email me. I'll get you the neighborhood specifics you need.

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

This information provided by the Jersey Shore MLS

Homes for Sale in Barnegat - The October 2009 Housing Market Report

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:08:11 -0600

Homes for sale in Barnegat - The October 2009 Housing Market Report

Barnegat, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
October 2009	47	32	22	29	166	$220,000
Barnegat, NJ	New Listings	Under Contract	Expired	Sold	Days on Market	Median Sold Price
October 2008	56	23	62	21	126	$219,000

Current inventory of homes for sale in Barnegat, NJ is roughly 188 single family units. That compares to the huge inventory during the same month last year, 360 units.

The market appears to be leveling out in Barnegat, NJ, so if you're planning to buy or sell a home in Barnegat call me for more information on neighborhood specifics.

If you're looking for homes for sale in Barnegat, NJ, call or email me.

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Change for the Sake of Change?

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:32:23 -0600

The votes have been counted…it’s official.

New Jersey has a new Governor-elect, but exit polls reveal Garden State voters have little hope things will change!

Republican Chris Christie out polled incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine in voting yesterday with members of both political parties saying their most important concern was the economy and jobs.

Second on their list of concerns is New Jersey’s high property and income taxes.

What’s most interesting though is that when asked who had a viable tax reform proposal, New Jersey voters said no one!

So is the outcome of this election change for the sake of change?

New Jersey's Disappointing Gubernatorial Campaign!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:33:03 -0600

As the New Jersey gubernatorial campaign winds down, I'm left to reflect on yet another down and dirty Democrat versus Republican battle.

This year's campaign was dominated by scare tactics and the deceptive wording of campaign messages, something not new to New Jersey politics.

What was new this year was a formidable Independent candidate, who didn't catch the attention of the trade associations and the public early enough to garner the support he deserves.

For example, even though the Independent received public campaign financing, the New Jersey Association of REALTORS (NJAR) did not include him on their gubernatorial website. (You'll need your NERDS # to log in and view this site.)

When contacted about the omission, I was told that the NJAR developed its site before the Independent qualified for public financing or was considered a contender.

This is not to say NJAR is the only one at fault, most newspapers with any circulation at all haven't given us all the information. That said, I must note the state's largest newspaper endorsed the Independent for Governor and that caused other media outlets to expand their coverage.

If New Jersey voters really want to control government spending and bring down taxes, we need to demand information on ALL the candidates. The Democrats and Republicans have failed New Jersey time and time again...perhaps there is another option.

Tomorrow's Election Day and the debate will turn to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) tactics, which is why we say here in New Jersey...

Vote Early & Often!

Tall Tales from the Pine Barrens! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:55:51 -0500

It's very easy to get lost in the New Jersey Pinelands...acres and acres of dirt roads and protected forests. But there are some homes scattered throughout the huge area...many are still occupied by the families of those that built them long before anyone heard of the Pinelands Preservation Act!

Recently my friend, a bagpiper, was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a man who had few family or friends. The funeral was to be held at a cemetery in a remote area of the New Jersey Pinelands.

Now even if you've grown up in southern Ocean County, it's very easy to become lost on the back roads of the Pinelands.

Well, my bagpiper friend became lost. When he finally arrived, at what he thought his destination, he was over an hour late.

But he saw the backhoe and the crew eating lunch. However, the hearse was nowhere in sight.

He apologized to the workers for his tardiness and stepped up to the side of the open grave where he saw the vault lid already in place.

He promised the workers he would not hold them up for long but this was the proper thing to do.

The workers were a little puzzled, but gathered around and continued eating their lunch.

My bagpiper friend said he played with his heart and soul. He played with such emotion that the workers began to weep.

He played and played, closing what turned out to be a lengthy session with Amazing Grace. He walked to his car, quite pleased with himself.

As he was approaching his car, he overheard one of the workers saying to another, "Sweet Jeezuz, Mary ‘n Joseph, I have never seen nothin’ like that before in the twenty years I’ve been putting in septic tanks!"

New Jersey's Divided Attention

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:17:09 -0500

Politics has always been considered sport in New Jersey. From our locally elected Boards of Chosen Freeholders to our off year gubernatorial elections, New Jersey voters seem to relish our down and dirty campaigns.

But this year, our gubernatorial election scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd, will have to vie for voter attention. You see as much as we love a good political fight, we also love battling among ourselves in a north-south showdown of Philadelphia and New York teams!

So lining up on one side you have South Jersey (roughly Trenton and south) cheering their Phillies, and our neighbors to the north doing the same for their Yankees!

Me, I'm not paying much attention to either! I plan to vote Independent and I'm a Mets fan!

LIttle Egg Harbor Protects Maritime Forest

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:52:49 -0500

Little Egg Harbor, NJ has received help to preserve what's left of its maritime forest.

At one time most of the Ocean County shore area was covered with maritime forest. But development in Manahawkin and Little Egg Harbor, NJ started fast and furious in the 60's and much of this integral part of the Jersey Shore ecosystem was lost. These forests are an important stop for migratory birds, and a natural barrier during storms and hurricanes.

Perhaps the largest preserved maritime forest in Ocean County, NJ is found at Island Beach State Park. On Long Beach Island, the protected area around the Barnegat Light House has a 1/5 mile walk through what's left of the maritime forest there.

. .

Now, through the efforts of the Little Egg Harbor Natural Lands Trust Advisory Committee, the Ocean County Freeholders and the Trust for Public Land, these 46 pristine acres, which were once slated for 73 new homes, are protected.

It's located off Radio Road on the southern tip of Ocean County and surrounded by both residential development and thousands of acres of protected tidal wetlands in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and the Great Bay Wildlife Management Area.

. .

The total purchase price for this 46 acre tract on Osborn Island in Little Egg Harbor was $3.5 million.

Is There Really Such a Thing - Free Money?

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:43:10 -0500

Is there really such a thing - Free Money?

We, as Realtors, have been bombarded with email from the National Association, our mortgage reps and home inspectors calling on us to lobby for an extension of the $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit. They call it 'free money'.

. .

They say the gains in the housing market over the last few months will be undone if this 'free money' program is not extended.

I'll be the first to admit this program COULD be responsible for increasing sales numbers (and home prices) in much of my service area, but is it 'free money'?

Doesn't somebody have to pay for it down the road...Who, and when, will that be?

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

609-384-6121

Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

Hat Head vs Pot Head?

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:03:12 -0500

Now if I didn't read this article myself, I would have sworn it happened in New Jersey!

Really, it gives new meaning to the word 'pot head'.

It seems a man in Lebanon, PA, which is about 25 miles east of Harrisburg, walked into a convenience, took his hat off and stared inside.

When he looked up at a police officer who was also shopping at the store, he had a small plastic baggie which appeared to be filled with marijuana stuck to his forehead!

The officer peeled the baggie off the man's head and made the arrest!

What to Expect in Heaven! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:47:29 -0500

It was unfortunate, but three women died together in an accident and went to heaven.

When they got there, St. Peter said, "We only have one rule here in heaven: don’t step on the ducks!"

They walk through the pearly gates, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place.

It seems almost impossible not to step on a duck. They do their best to avoid them, but the first woman accidentally steps on one.

So along comes St. Peter with a very unattractive man.

St. Peter chained them together and says, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this man!"

The following day, the second woman accidentally steps on a duck and sure enough along comes St. Peter.

With him is another extremely unattractive man. As he chains them together he again explains this punishment.

Well the third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an extremely unattractive man, is very, very careful where she steps.

She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks.

But one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on: tall, with beautiful eyes and every muscular. St. Peter chains them together without saying a word.

The very happy woman says, "I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?"

The handsome man says, "I don’t know about you, but I stepped on a duck."

New Jersey Home Buyers, You're Running Out of Time!

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:16:09 -0500

New Jersey home buyers, you’re running out of time!

Whether New Jersey home buyers are moved by low interest rates, declining home prices, a large inventory or the promise of an $8,000 tax credit, they’re taking action!

Homes under contract in Ocean County’s southern communities of Barnegat, Waretown, Little Egg Harbor and Manahawkin have increased substantially.

That’s the good news.

The bad news for New Jersey home buyers is part of that equation will be disappearing on November 30, 2009.

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There is talk in Washington about extending that deadline, but you know what they say about a bird in the hand!

If you need an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) to help you take advantage of this great home ownership opportunity, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta, ABR, e-Pro
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

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(Search homes for sale at the NJ Shore)

Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey - Factor in the Cost When Bidding on Bank Owned Property

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:11:14 -0500

A Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey – Factor in the cost when bidding on bank owned property in NJ.

A Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey or CO is issued by the municipality and is required to live in a home. In a traditional sale the costs associated with obtaining a CO are borne by the seller. However, if you’re purchasing a short sale or bank owned property this is usually the buyer’s responsibility.

The requirements to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey for a single family home vary from town to town. However there are several state mandated requirements. Those are carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as a requirement that a fire extinguisher be mounted in the kitchen.

Another more costly requirement for a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey is well testing and certification. Depending on the county, this can cost more than $600. If treatment or additional equipment is required, the costs can escalate significantly. Well testing and certification is not an option, it’s required by the state.

Requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey vary greatly. The municipal building office in each community has the municipal requirements. That office will also let you know the cost of a Certificate of Occupancy inspection since it also varies from town to town.

In some municipalities in Ocean and Atlantic counties only the state mandated detectors, fire extinguisher and well test/certification are required. However other communities require documentation from licensed contractors that the heating systems and chimneys are in good working order. Some municipalities even check the seals on windows, or ask for a survey of the property.

Familiarity with the requirements to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy is an important reason to find a qualified local REALTOR®. If you have questions about obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey, particularly Ocean or Atlantic counties, feel free to contact me.

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

GET YOUR OWN JERSEY SHORE VIEWS!

Tall Tales from Antarctica! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:04:19 -0500

I'm a big 'Discovery Channel' fan. I love all those documentaries about animals. But after watching a recent program on Antarctica, I wondered how come there were no dead penguins. Where do they go?

Well I did some research, so we need wonder no more.

It's a fact that the penguin lives an extremely ordered life. The penguin is also committed to its family and will mate for life. It also maintains a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

So, if a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice. They use their little tiny wings and beaks until the hole is deep enough. They roll the dead bird into the hole and then they cover it.

Then male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing this song: “Freeze a jolly good fellow.”

Remember at Least One...September 11, 2009

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:13:21 -0500

This is not a re blog, but a reminder. Last year on September 11th, I asked fellow ActiveRain members to remember at least one of the victims of the terror attacks on the US in 2001. Here's a link to that blog!

From their website "Project 2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, more than 3,000 bloggers joined together to remember the victims of 9/11.

Each year we will honor them by remembering their lives, and not by remembering their murderers.

If you would like to help out, by pledging to post a tribute on your own blog on 9/11 of this year, click the button at the top of the sidebar. Then, use the web to learn something about the life of the name you are given, and on 9/11, post your tribute your blog or website.

But, and this is critical, the tributes should celebrate the lives of these people-kind of like a wake. Over the last 5 years we've heard the names of the killers, and all about the victim's deaths. This is a chance to learn about and celebrate those who died. Forget the murderers, they don't deserve to be remembered. But some people who died that day deserve to be remembered--2,996 people."

Again this year I remember Craig Staub, who left his young family way too soon.

Craig Staub, 30, was tragically and innocently killed at the WTC where he worked as a Senior Vice President for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. He was in the South Tower on the 89th floor. Craig was an investor and analyst for this Wall Street firm that specializes in Banking and Financial Services. He graduated from Boston University in 1992, Summa Cum Laude.

Craig met his wife Stacey in 1994 and they were married on June 25, 2000.

Their daughter, Juliette Craig W. Staub, was born on what would have been Craig's 31st birthday, September 22, 2001, 11 days after the terrorist attack.

Tall Tales from Church!! (Humor)

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:14:33 -0500

Recently the pastor of the local Presbyterian church found a pink envelope containing $1,000 in the collection plate.

He was amazed when it happened again the next week.

Then following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected. He saw a sweet elderly woman put the distinctive pink envelope in the plate.

The pink envelope continued to show up week after week. While appreciative, the pastor was overcome by curiosity and approached the woman.

“Ma’am, I couldn’t help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate,” he said.

“Why yes,” she replied, “every week my son sends me money, and I give some of it to the church.”

The pastor asked, concerned that she might not have enough money to meet her own expenses, “How much does he send you?”

The woman replied, “$10,000 a week.”

The pastor was amazed. “Your son is very successful! What does he do for a living?”

“He is a veterinarian,” she answered.

“That is an honorable profession,” the pastor said. “Where does he practice?”

The little old lady said proudly, “In Nevada. He has two cat houses in Las Vegas and one in Reno.”

Buying a Home at the Jersey Shore - What You Need to Know..Offer & Acceptance and Attorney Review

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:56:38 -0500

Buying a home at the Jersey Shore, What you need to know about Offer & Acceptance and Attorney Review.

You found your real estate agent, have your mortgage in place, selected your new home and have and have a contract. Once all parties (the buyer, the seller and the witnesses) sign the Contract to Purchase you have a fully executed contract.

It is at this point you’ll either hire an attorney, or you and your real agent will go it alone and use only a title company. In north Jersey an attorney is almost always used in a real estate closing. In southern Ocean County attorneys are sometimes used, and to the south attorneys are rarely used.

Because the purchase of a home is probably the largest expenditure you’ll ever make, it’s worth it to get legal advice. For the most part, attorneys in southern Ocean County charge a flat fee for a real estate closing, usually not exceeding $1,000. Seems a small price to have one more advocate!

During the attorney review period, other offers to purchase the property can still be accepted. REALTORS® who might want to show their clients the property will be told there is an offer and acceptance pending. The home will still be listed as 'Active' on the Multiple listing service until the Attorney Review period is complete.

During that review period the attorney will go over your contract and negotiate any changes he or she may find to be in your best interest. New Jersey requires a minimum 3 day attorney review period, which can be cut short or extended if an attorney is used.

You, the buyer, should raise any questions you might have about the contract at this time. Whether it's the time frame for your mortgage commitment and inspections or additional contractual provisions you might have requested, bring these issues up now!

Once attorney review is concluded, you and your REALTOR® must ensure that all of the conditions in the contract are met, keeping your attorney in the loop.

If any bumps in the road on the way to the closing table crop up, your attorney will help smooth the way. Your attorney will order the necessary title work, survey and title insurance. He or she will also make sure the seller has met his or her contractual obligations and provided the documentation required by the contract (well certification, certificate of occupancy, etc). The attorney will take care of registering the transaction at the county level. The attorney’s trust account will be used for deposits and wire transfers.

If you choose to use only a title company, the first thing you the home buyer need to understand is that neither the Buyer’s Agent (REALTOR®) or the title company can give legal advice. Only an attorney can do that.

Using a title company means you and your buyer’s agent (REALTOR®) will be responsible to negotiate any issues arising from the home inspection or other problems that might arise. Deposit monies and wire transfers called for in the contract will be held in the Title Company’s Trust account.

If an attorney is used, the closing will usually take place at the office of the buyer’s attorney. If an attorney is not used, the closing will usually take place at the title company.

The decision to use an attorney or a title company is an important one. Speak to friends, family and your REALTOR® when making the decision to use an attorney or a title company only.

This is the 5^th report in a 6 part series on buying a home at the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey Real Estate Agency Relationships
Lenders and Loans
Homes and Communities
The Contract - Contractual Provisions
Offer and Acceptance - Attorney Review
Closing

If you need an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) at the Jersey Shore, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

GET YOUR OWN JERSEY SHORE VIEWS!
(Search homes for sale at the NJ Shore)

Buying a Home at the Jersey Shore - What You Need to Know...The Contract and Contractual Provisions

Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:26:04 -0500

Buying a home at the Jersey Shore – What You Should Know…The Contract and Contractual Provisions.

You’ve been out looking at homes with the real estate agent you selected, you’ve got your mortgage lender in place, and you’ve found the perfect home in the perfect community.

It’s time to make an offer! While some agents representing bank owned properties, or builders of new construction homes require their own contracts for a home purchase, most contracts to purchase homes in New Jersey are standard, fill in the blank contracts, approved and supplied by the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NJAR).

I usually give my buyer clients a blank copy of the NJAR Standard Form of Real Estate Contract when we start looking at homes. If your agent doesn’t do this, ask! This will give you time to review the nearly 8 page document, and ask questions you might have.

Briefly, here’s a review of the important contractual provisions. This summary is a guide to the standard contract. Once you have a copy of your contract of sale, before it’s submitted to the seller, review each section with your real estate agent or an attorney. Get answers to any questions you have at this time!

NJAR Standard Contract of Sale
(This is not offered as legal advice; consult an attorney for legal advice on any contract to purchase.)

The Cover Page is a general notice to both the buyer and seller. It again stipulates how the real estate agent submitting the contract is working, as a buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, disclosed dual agent or a transaction broker (representing neither the buyer nor seller).

It also outlines in the importance of using an attorney because the contract determines your rights, risks and obligations.

Here we run into a difference between north Jersey and south Jersey. Attorneys are almost always used in north Jersey. But once you get south, beginning in the southern sections of Ocean County, attorneys are seldom used. (More on this in the next installment.)

Sections 1 through 3 of the Contract of Sale includes the sale price, buyer and seller information, the address and description of the property, the amount of your deposit (escrow), in whose account that money will be held, the amount of your mortgage, the mortgage commitment date, the type of deed and the closing date.

Section 4 requires the buyer to state he/she has the money (including the mortgage) to close the transaction.

Section 7 requires the seller to provide clear title and allows reimbursement to the buyer if clear title cannot be provided.

Section 8 is where the buyer and seller state how the property will be used (single family, etc) and that it complies with zoning ordinances. This section also requires the seller to provide a Certificate of Occupancy.

Sections 9 and 10 outline the items included or excluded in the sale (refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc).

Sections 18 through 20 include inspection contingency clauses. The first is Lead-Based Paint. Any home built prior to 1978 requires the seller to provide a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form. If the buyer wishes to have an inspection or risk assessment, that is allowed at the buyers expense. There are strict time frames built into the contract for the inspection and/or risk assessment. Be sure to review these with your agent. Failure to comply with any of the dates in this section will forfeit your rights to negotiate a remedy.

Section 20 continues the inspection contingency clauses. More specifically this section provides the time frame for a home inspection. Again, there are strict time frames built in, and to negotiate repairs you must adhere to the built in time frames. In the standard contract the only date you can set is the time frame for conducting the home inspection. Providing the report to the sellers and requesting repairs, must be completed within the time frames in the standard contract or amended in the additional contractual provisions section of the contract.

Section 24 explains the attorney review process and Section 26 outlines the broker’s commission and again provides a declaration of business relations for the real estate agents.

Section 31 is of particular importance in southern Ocean County. It outlines the seller’s responsibility for State mandated well testing and certification.

Section 35 is for additional contractual provisions. This section can be used to clarify any of the previous sections, or to cover additional concerns the buyer may have.

This is a general review of some of the sections in New Jersey’s Standard Contract to Purchase, used in the sale of most single family homes in New Jersey. Review the entire contract with your real estate agent and an attorney.

This Contract and Contractual Provisions report is the 4th in a 6 part series for home buyers at the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey Real Estate Agency Relationships
Lenders and Loans
Homes and Communities
The Contract - Contractual Provisions
Offer and Acceptance - Attorney Review
Closing

If you’re looking for an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR®) at the Jersey Shore, give me a call.

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta, ABR®
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

GET YOUR OWN JERSEY SHORE VIEWS!
(Search homes for sale at the NJ Shore)