Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO's Blog

NJ RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS TAKE ACTION

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:38:16 -0700

Let your elected officials know that the elimination of the property tax deduction sends the wrong message, and that protecting homeownership is key to our economic recovery.

Click here to send a letter to Governor Corzine, your assemblyperson and your state senator.

Corzine Budget Hurts Property Owners

Governor Jon Corzine, to a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature, announced plans to eliminate the ability for all non-senior households, regardless of income, to deduct property taxes from their state tax filings. The elimination of the deduction is expected to raise $420 million in revenue, which will be used to fund a greatly scaled back property tax rebate program that only reaches a select few.

As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry in the state, the New Jersey Association of REALTORS^â (NJAR^â) is adamantly opposed to this proposal. In an effort to support the real estate industry as a whole, we must lend a voice to all property owners. NJAR^â asks that you join our fight to boost the real estate industry by joining in our opposition to this proposal. Governor Corzine’s efforts to do away with the property tax deduction in order to fund the rebate program are imprudent. The rebate program is a short-term fix that does not offer a long-term solution to our state’s crippling property tax dilemma.

http://www.NJHomeHunter.com

Bad Things Happen To Good People

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:00:50 -0800

ZoundryDocument

What is a short sale?
A "Short Sale" or "negotiated settlement" or "short pay" is when a Lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed to pay off a loan as an alternative to foreclosure. If the property is valued at less than the amount owed on the property, the Lender will take a loss on the property, even if they foreclose on it, thus Lenders are more willing to work with us to miti-gate their losses quickly to reduce their potential loss.
How long will it take?
The Short Sale negotiation process can take as few as 10 days to as many as 3 or more months. It depends on how many files in the Loss Mitigation Dept. and how willing the Lender is to negotiate a settlement amount. It also depends on the number of loans and or liens on the property.
Can I stay in the house?
No, the key word is "SALE". The purpose of a Short Sale is to sell the property, usually to a third party. So you will have to move. This is not a process to stop the foreclosure and let you remain in the property indefinitely.
How soon should I look for another place to live?
You should probably begin looking for alternative housing immediately. Whether you move in with family or look for an apartment, it may take a while to find a location that matches your family needs. You will have to move whether we negoti-ate a successful Short Sale or if the property goes to Foreclosure Auction. Be prepared!
Will I get money from the sale of my property?
No. A universal requirement of Lenders granting a Short Sale is that the borrower will not get any proceeds from the sale of the property. The Lender is taking a loss on your loan - they are not going to let you get any money.
How do I know this will work?
There are no guarantees. We do not make a promise that we can reach a settlement with the Lender on your behalf. Once you missed the payment, the Lender is in charge and can proceed to foreclosure if they choose. Lenders often choose to work on a Short Sale instead of having to foreclose and possibly take ownership of a vacant house, as both are costly.
What happens if it doesn't work?
Your property will go to foreclosure and an auction will be held. If the Lender's price is not matched, then they take back the property as an REO (Real Estate Owned).
What do I say to friends and family when they see the auction of my property posted?
You can tell them that you are trying to sell your house because you fell upon bad times. This is the only way to save your credit and move forward with your life. Tell them you are working to help you negotiate the sale of your house. REMEMBER- Bad things happen to good people!!
Hold your head high and be proud that you had the courage to try and save your credit and face your situation head on. Not everyone can and will do that.
Will I have to pay off the remaining balance of my loan?
You may try to negotiate with the Lenders so that they do not file a deficiency judgment against you. No guarantee that the Lender(s) will not file a deficiency. You may receive a 1099 form. If you do, consult with a tax specialist or CPA. There is an act President Bush signed called Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, The bill gives a tax break to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven as part of a foreclosure or renegotiation of a loan. No taxes would be owed on the value of any debt forgiven or written off.
Will the short sale affect my credit?
If successful in negotiating a settlement and no deficiency judgment is made, then your credit will easily be re-established. Continuing to pay your bills on time will help to improve your credit and you will soon be back on your feet and if you choose, can or may buy another property in the near future.

Working hard to help distressed homeowners is not easy but if done right will provide an easier transition to move forward. Do not accept anyone other than a professional who knows about short sales to assist you in selling and negotiating your home.

Your life depends on it! Don't go it Alone!

www.searchcamdencounty.com

Reduce your Property Taxes. Now is the Time! Your Window is Closing!

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:50:48 -0800

Real Estate Taxes Appeal and Win !

Appeal Today Save hundreds or thousands Each Year After
It's Easy When you know How!

During uncertain economic times such as what were are experiencing now, the effort of appealing a property tax bill may prove well worth the time and effort involved.

Most people are intimidated to "fight city hall" but the fact is it's easier than you may think with proper information. Yes you can hire an attorney, the cost is around $1000 and more and even they will hire an appraiser to do most of the work anyway. There are companies that do it for a percentage of your savings... So if you save $1200 you pay them $600 depending on the agreed terms. You can hire an appraiser, but in most states if you hire an appraiser you also have to have them come to your hearing... So that process is about $600-$900. OR you can do it yourself in about 2 hours. Some realtors charge a small fee to compile comparables and others don't. The hearing is a very informal... You really want to try and discuss your case of tax reduction with the assessor at his office first. But usually that will be like beating a dead horse, but armed with organized data you could influence a change. Don't be fooled by the nice person behind the counter in your local office or the tax assessor. They are not personally attacking you, their job is to not destroy the tax base. While the majority of us are not appealing property taxes, the assessor's job is made easier by you just allowing them to charge you year after year the same amount. It's up to you to prove your home's value. Oh and when was the last time your property taxes were reduced? I have successfully fought my taxes on my properties for over 20 years and I now use an organizational system that makes it easier than I could ever imagine.

No Matter What State You Live in there is an Opportunity To Lower Your Taxes Now, But Your Window is Closing. About 2 hours of work could save you Thousands of Dollars, year after year after year. You will receive your tax break every year after, meanwhile your neighbors will be still paying higher tax bills... Reduce your taxes. Take advantage of economic times, otherwise while your property values decrease you will still be paying more in property taxes. Doesn't seem right does it?

Time to Appeal Your Property Tax

Time is limited You Must Prepare Now!

As the price of homes has skyrocketed in the USA, so have the property taxes. Now the price of homes are decreasing, your assessment is way over valued and not appealing your property tax now can cost you thousands of dollars...

It was estimated by the National TaxPayers Union, that 60% of all property owners are over paying on their real estate taxes. You could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table, year after year. Yet only 2% of property owners bother to appeal...

Reducing property taxes is immediate and very rewarding to an owners bottom line and ironically increases your property's value. Once you establish your new tax assessment, the savings is ongoing year after year. And in economic times as we have today the savings is significant and is well worth your time to fight for a reduction in your property taxes .

If you want to fight your taxes and fight them right, here is a link (Organize and fight for a reduction in your property taxes) that will get you organized and ready to win. With help from your local realtor and a little time you can save hundreds maybe thousands year after year. Don't put this off! Start today and save tomorrow...

Here is a link of most tax assessor's offices nationwide to start your search Nationwide Tax Assessor Search

During uncertain economic times such as what were are experiencing now, the effort of appealing a property tax bill may prove well worth the time and effort involved.

The Appeal Process in simple form:

You must present proof of the value that your home is less than what you assessor has indicated on your property tax card.

In order to do this you should have current real estate listings and current real estate sales. 3 each is a good number...

You must present proof of the value that your home is less than what you assessor has indicated on your property tax card.

Ultimately if you have all your ducks in line and your rehearsed speech your assessor will comply and take off hundreds and even thousands of tax dollars off your home property tax. It's really that simple! If he does not agee then you apply to the county for a reduction and you appear before a the county assessors

If you need help try this...Click here for help Appealing Your Property Tax This will help you organize and process your application to reduce your property taxes the right way, the first time! It's a low cost $39.00 Ebook but it will definitely help and definitely worth every penny.. I use the same materials...

When buying or selling a home in NJ, I can put all the pieces together for you!

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:56:41 -0700

OVERCOME OBJECTIONS.. EASY OR DIFFICULT! CAN YOU SHARE SOME EXPERIENCE!

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:23:53 -0700

I wanted to put together an open discussion here to share everyone's experience handling objections. What objections have you encountered and how do you overcome them?

I hope we all can learn and share something here. This is an area of our business that is critical to our success and is always in a learning process

We all must deal with clients who are indecisive or need some time to think about what they want to do. However in almost every case it is not really what they want if you take their answer for face value. Most of the time something else was not explained or what they say can be isolated and fixed so they are happy and ready to want to sign.

Listening is the key to all objections. If you are talking then you are not listening. If you are not listening to you client intently, then you do not have your client's best interest at heart. This business is about caring. Caring about achieving your clients goals, caring about what your clients has to say, caring about where your client wants to go. By caring and putting your client's needs first, you work easier and more efficiently. If a client who is looking to buy says they want to look at more after showing them 15 houses, then you are not listening to their needs. You have not questioned their wants enough and isolated them. Isolate and address them with concern. Then you an pin point why they haven't made an offer yet.

I just came across one of my favorites the old have a friend in the business...

"I have a friend in the business, so I am going to list with them."

First of all, if this is a phone call I always just try and sell the appointment, not the reasons for listing with me at this stage, but in person, is a different story...

In person, Open with some understanding, I understand your lovalty to friends. Having friends are so important when helping each other out. I'm sure you must have a lot of faith in him/her to handle such a big endeavor such as selling your home. I know my friends are always there to help me also, Don't you think it's important to separate business from relations? It's a sure fire way to lose a friend, heck it's hard enough sharing some of this information with my wife, when I have such serous matters that involve my personal information being disclosed and potentially having to bring matters of confrontations that could result in hard or ill feeling between us, I personally would rather have business separate from my friendship. I know any friend would understand this. The most difficult thing you will have to say would be I decided to go with XYZ company because I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship doing business with each other. Would you rather yell at me or yell at your friend? Don't make any regrets, you know what I'm talking about don't you?....... Mr client we can do business for just 6 months if in that time I do something you don't like or you want to leave, you can yell at me, fire me and I won't get mad, I'd get upset because I would think I done something wrong but at that time we can discuss a release from any agreement we have. Let's get your home listed without any other thought so you begin to move forward and sell your home.

This works for me and I have some others also I use depending on what the clients says to me I will address it accordingly but only after listening.

So lets all put some effort to help each other and tell us how you overcome objections.

Funny styles are always welcomed! Try to keep them clean and focused to real estate! (lol)

It doesn't have to be these objections, use some you have had and it can be the same as someone else's. The point here we learn by helping each other to do business better.

HAVE FUN!

I have a friend in the business... relative... neighbor... cowokers wife...
Will you take less on your commission?
your competitor is taking less commission
Why do I need an agent?
I want to wait a little while.
The counter tops in the kitchen are old. Roof is old or any other.
I don't want to give my name
FSBO If you have a buyer bring them on by I'll pay you a commission.
FSBO I want to save money and sell it my self.
FSBO I'm on the MLS too
Expired The market is bad that's why it didn't sell.
Expired I want to wait a while before I relist it
Expired I meeting with a broker tomorrow evening to relist
I had another guy in here and he as doing the same thing as you so why should I hire you?

Hope we get a chuckle and learn something too.

Open Houses are so much fun? Open House Checklist you have to have!

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:40:14 -0700

Ever wonder what you like on Saturdays or Sundays preparing for an open house. Do you have a checklist of your activities needed to plan your open house. If you are like most, it's probably a pretty funny site to see a realtor putting their signs out hurrying and scurrying, slipping ans sliding, cold and waiting to cross the street because you left your coat in the car, Sweating in the sun hoping you put on enough deodorent, How about the rain drenching you while your umbrella just turned inside out. Not funny at the time but afterwards your sure can laugh about it.

What do you do to make open houses easier?

What are your funniest stories?

Don't park on a busy street or the left hand turn lane
Run fast
Don't were a short dress on windy days (especially guys)
May want to purchase an orange vest and keep it in the trunk of your car (make sure it doesn't have a target painted on back)
Be aware of your local sign ordinances
Put your sign in front of the others already on display
Don't wear a short skirts and spiked heels
Take your car keys so you don't lock them in your trunk or get your car stolen (AAA)
Tell your family where you will be
Try to avoid getting tangled in the balloons
Bring extra ballons for breakage (hate that when they pop in the car)
Make sure direction signs are facing the right direction.
Don't push signs through electrical lines or irrigation lines (zzzap)
Make sure competition does not change your directionals toward their way, the other way!
If at the last open house nobody showed, put "free food and refreshments" signs next to directionals, make sure you have enough when church lets out and for the hungary yard sale'rs...

Real Estate, what a great business.

Please add to the list and tell us your best and funniest or even your scariest stories.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAMS in New Jersey

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:46:09 -0700

First Time Home Buyer Programs in NJ are too numerous for most people to keep up with. When you begin your search to buy your first home, start by choosing a realtor who has the knowledge of the area and mortgage programs available that you may qualify. Most important First time Home Buyer Programs. Many expire in the next few months but there is always an incentive for you to purchase in NJ as a First Time Home Buyer.

Some programs available as of this date

Do you need Down payment Assistance?
How about a reduced mortgage assistance programs?
Are you a teacher, Nurse, Policeman, or firefighter?
Do you need help with closing costs?
100% financing for First Time Home Buyers!
and more...

Choosing a realtor knowledgeable of these programs can target the homes in areas you can qualify. Getting qualified is another task. You want a realtor who will have the patience to work with you, to make as much of the process smooth and worry free. If you don't already have a mortgage lender, a good realtor will have lenders they work with that are easy to work with and knowledgeable of the programs. Get yourself qualified and start looking for your First Home. New Jersey has so much to offer. Although our home values have gone down, just like other areas in the country, we have maintain a stable pricing environment in the last 3-6 months that are priced just right for the First Time Home Buyer. A first time home buyer has many choices and options. Choosing the right Realtor will put you in a home quickly and smoothly. You have so much to gain and nothing to lose...

Knowledge is the key to your new home. So go ahead, start looking today.

If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I will always respect your privacy with no hassles and just answer the questions you want answered. Good Luck!

NJ Active Adult Community 3 Bedroom Home "Waiting for Offer" Luxurious Clubhouse and ammenitites

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:56:51 -0700

20 Shelly Street
Gloucester Township, NJ 08081
LUXURY ACTIVE ADULT 1ST FLOOR LIVING NEW

Lawrence LARRY SARLO
Saels Associate

Office:	856-227-1950 x135
Mobile:	609-868-1171
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$279,000
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	2,010
Community	:	FOUR SEASONS AT FOREST MEADOWS
County	:	Camden
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2006
MLS Number	:	5409669

click for more pictures

Property Description

Maintenace Free Beautiful 3 Bedroom home all 1st floor living is located in the desireable Four Seasons Active Adult Commuinity. No need to cut grass, shovel snow or sweep a street. This spotless community oozes with such amenities as a Luxurious Clubhouse that includes state of the art fitness center, relaxing atmosphere lounging center hall with beautiful fireplace, Giant TV Movie room with fireplace, Game and Card room, Billard Room, outside patio area, Beautiful one of kind swimming pool, Bocce Ball, Horseshoe pit, Tennis, picnic areas, community planned entertainment parties and lots of activities planned with a community travel commitiee. Atlantic City and Philadelphia only minutes away. This home boasts Lots of closet space. Open Floor plan Living room Dining room and Family room overlooked by large kitchen and a wall of windows. Master Bedroom Suite has huge walkin Closet and Master bath double vanity all tiled in natural colors. 2 large size bedrooms with great closets and a full guest bathroom. Mudroom with Washer and Dryer leads to the a 2 car garage finished with irrigation controls and automatic door openers. Retire here and live the good life in a country setting. Just a great friendly community withs lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. This home will not last as owner is anxious to sell, so bring your offer and get ready to move in next week.

Features List

ACTIVE ADULT LIVING	3 SPACIOUS BEDROOMS	MASTER BEDROOM SUITE
MASTER BATH SUITE	WALKIN CLOSET	LOTS OF CLOSET SPACE
OPEN FLOOR PLAN LIVI	LIVING ROOM	DINING ROOM
FAMILY ROOM	BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN	BREAKFAST BAR
2 GAR GARAGE	UTILITY ROOM	MUD ROOM
IRRIGATION SYSTEM	CENTRAL AIR	NATURAL GAS HEAT
1ST FLOOR LIVING	CLUBHOUSE POOL TENNI	BOCCE BALL ACTIVITIE

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Weichert Realtors : 5070 Rte 42 - Tunrersville NJ 08081 : 856-227-1950 x135

First Time Home Buyers " Free Seminar" New Tax Law Incentives for First time Home Buyers

Lawrence "LARRY" SARLO (RE/MAX Preferred Realtors) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:29:11 -0700

Thinking of Buying Your First Home?

Afraid? Not sure? Want to Wait?

Knowledge is the Key to Your New Home

Before you do, contact me for valuable information that will be the key to your new home. Knowledge is the key to your home and Weichert Realtors is offering an opportunity of a free seminar on the new incentive laws that will get you the dream home.

Let me help you achive your dreams. How would you like a $7500 incentive to buy your dream home. How about $10,000 more or another 4% toward closing cost or your down payment.

With values down and so many choices, I can make your dreams a reality. There has never been a better time, but before you buy talk to me and visit this FREE Seminar(No Obligations or Pressures, you have my word), to put power into your purchase.

Call me and reserve your seating today. Seating is limited. Find out about all you need to know about living your dream. "

"Knowledge is the Key to Your New Home"