MaryAnn's Blog

Relocating with Horses?...Ask your Realtor if they wear Boots with their Suits!!!

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:31:50 -0700

Sometimes I wonder, when representing buyers and sellers of horse properties ... How many of those clients overlook the obvious by not hiring a professional who has ample knowledge of horses and all that goes along with that!!! We as Realtors are obligated to look out for our clients best interest Right? Ok, well since many of these people consider their horses to be part of their family, that would include them too!

There are many things that need to be consideredwhen moving horses from one area to another:

1. Where are they moving from? What State? What Country?

2. Have they arranged for the transportation of the horses? And if they are transporting the horses

themselves, have they mapped out a route to accommodate for stops along the way at an adequate

facility? AAA is a great help with this!!! Don't mapquest directions if you are traveling with a Van or

Trailer...they may give you routes that don't allow trailers or that have height limitations etc..

3. Are they moving the horses to the property that they are buying? or Will they need to find a temporary

or permanent boarding facility?

4. Do they have a vet certificate and current Coggins for the horses that will be transported?

5. Are they bringing along xtra feed, hay, bedding and even water to make the gradual change-over?

6. Do they have a list of the best veterinarians, farriers,etc...in the area that they are moving to?

7. Where is the closest Veterinary Hospital for large animals in proximity to their new location?

8. Is the climate different? If so Do they have the proper sheets and/or blankets to accommodate

the change in climate?

9. Are they aware of the challenges that may be area specific and different from what they are

accustomed to...clover rich pastures as well as sandy pastures can play havoc on the horses digestive

system if not introduced properly... If the area is sandy be sure to make them aware and have them

buy the proper supplement to avoid sand colic.

10.PUT YOUR PADDOCK BOOTS ON!!! And be sure to walk the property... the entire property... make sure

the fencing is in good repair...check the paddocks and barn for anything that may be unsafe ...barbed

wire, nails, rat poison... check the condition of the stalls...look for safety issues...

These are just some of the things that need to be considered. I offer my clients with horses a complete Handbook to make their move safe and stress free. It's part of the due diligence of any Realtor who specializes in horse properties as well as a personal passion of mine. I have heard horror stories of how horses died shortly after a move because of a detail that went unnoticed. Be the one who cares enough to cover all bases!

Magnificant Waterfront Historic Home / Horse Farm For Sale in Port Republic, NJ

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:02:57 -0700

This Breathtaking Historic Home is located in Historic Port Republic, NJ, adjacent to the Port Beach overlooking Mill Pond. Former site of The Franklin Inn, circa 1726, this historic landmark is situated on 1.77acres. In addition to gorgeous sunsets over the lake, this incredible waterfront estate also features a horse farm, with a custom built barn, attached garage and fenced paddocks. The amenities go on to include a heated in-ground swimming pool. The historic home features six bedrooms, butler's staircase, seven fireplaces, and so much more! This is a rare opportunity to own a piece history!!! For more information please email mawagner@kw.com or debibair@kw.com

Egg Harbor Township, NJ Waterfront Historic Home For Sale

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:51:00 -0700

"Step Back in Time"...Don't miss this opportunity to own this Historic Waterfront Home overlooking the beautiful Mill Pond. In addition to the spectacular view of the backyard and the dock and pond, this home features original hardwood floors, two brick fireplaces, one of which is in the Romantic Master Suite. The Master Suite also features two walk in closets and a separate dressing area, along with a Master Bath complete with soaking tub and shower. Nine foot ceilings and crown moldings throughout complete the warm yet open feel of this lovely home. For more information, please e-mail MaryAnn Wagner at: mawagner@kw.com

Beautiful North Wildwood Townhouse For Sale at 108 Anglesea Drive, Come live at the Jersey Shore and enjoy the Wildwood Beaches!

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:06:36 -0700

This Beautiful Anglesea 4br, 3.5 bath Townhouse has it all!!! Huge Gourmet Kitchen, with pantry, 2 Master Suites, and Spacious 3rd & 4th Bedrooms. Plenty of closet and storage space and flooring in attic. The Attached garage is every mans dream, Park 3 cars or set up a workshop. Enjoy the cozy side Garden or sit back and relax on the Second Floor Deck and enjoy the Cool Bay Breeze and Evening Sunsets. Home Warrenty included.

Calling All Equestrians...and Those of you who specialize in Horse Farms...

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:37:51 -0700

I would like to further build my network of Realtors who specialize in Equestrian Estates...Is there Anyone out there who would be interested in building a larger referral base? Please let me know. I have been active in the horse community my entire life and have many friends in various states who are avid horse people. I would love to have a larger network of Realtors who have knowledge of horses and are interested in building their business as well.

Looking For Fun at the Jersey Shore...54th Annual Night in Venice

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:03:16 -0700

Just a reminder for all of you who are looking for a fun night out. Ocean City, NJ will be holding it's 54th annual Night in Venice. If you've never attended, you may want to mark your calendar for July19, 2008 at 7:30pm you may want to get there early to claim your spot.

Night in Venice is one of the world's largest boat parades. This year's Master of Ceremonies will be Bernie Parent, former legendary goalie of the Philadelphia Flyers. The boat parade starts at the foot of the Longport bridge to Tennessee Avenue along the bay.

As night falls, the Ocean City Bay turns into a spectacle of lights as approx 300 bayfront homes and about 100 boats all lavishly decorated compete to claim a prize. The city is offering $1000.00 in cash prizes to the top 6 boaters in the parade.

Recently, Ocean City's Tourism commission voted to offer a $100 gas card to all participating boat entries. While this may not go too far, with gas prices for diesel fuel costing around $5.00 per gallon, I think it was a fantastic gesture on their part to encourage participation in such a landmark event. I certainly appreciate it!

Entry Forms for the boat an home competition are available at: City Hall, 901 Asbury, Ocean City, NJ. or you can download them at: www.njoceancity.com

So wether you are a Cape May or Atlantic County local, or maybe new to the Jersey Shore...or possibly a Philadelphia Flyers fan like myself, Come on out and enjoy the evening

See you there!!

Atlantic County NJ - Sold Properties First 6 months 2008

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:12:42 -0700

So what's the latest market info for Atlantic County?

We are continuing to see a downward trend in the total number of homes sold. There are many reasons for this continued decline.

Certainly, the tightening of the credit markets is a large reason. The loose lending practices of the past are gone. There has also been an increase in the interest rates over the last couple of years and when interest rates increase, Buyers qualify for lower mortgage amounts and cannot pay as much for a home.

We also have to consider that from years 2000 through 2007 we experienced a 232% increase in average sale prices. Let's face it, the average income increase of the buyers in Atlantic County was no where close to that kind of percentage.

With a large percentage of our employment base being related to the casinos, the income increases are a modest reflection of the consumer price index.

Market Trends - Properties Sold
Atlantic County - All Classes
January 1 through July 10 Period in each respective year.

2006 - 2466

17.3% decrease

2007 - 2039

29.5% decrease

2008 - 1438

Total Decrease over Two-Year Period - 41.7% decrease

An Insider's View

MaryAnn Wagner (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:58:37 -0700

Fovernight. Fear is paralyzing, and the news reports create fear and worry. Actually, it is an excellent time to buy a home, with prices not seen since 2004, and despite what some would have you believe, mortgage money is readily available. That said, things have changed drastically since this time last year when it comes to loan products, and what it takes to qualify.

What everyone needs to know about mortgage money is that the sound lending practices, that should have always been in place, are back. In fact, the pendulum has swung to far the other way, but that will correct itself, given time. Unfortunately, a lot of bad loans were made, resulting in large losses to lenders and investors. Remember, every loan is an investment for a mortgage company, bank, an investment fund, or a foreign investor. When too many of these loans turned out to be bad investments, investors stopped buying them. That put all the lending power back in the hands of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and the VA (Veterans Administration). Thank god we have these government sponsored agencies. These agencies have the power to keep sufficient liquidity in the housing market, to avoid a full scale crash, but only if the loans we make today are good investments that provide the returns the investors expect.

These government agencies are now providing over 8-% of all residential mortgage money. That means they get to make the rules. Superior Mortgage has been originating loans for 21 years, and we have the knowledge to continue to make plenty of loans under the current rules. To help us accomplish this, we need our Realtor partners and our customers to understand the work that needs to be done on every loan.

Income needs to be documented in almost all cases. Appraisals need to be done right, with recent comparables that are really comparable. Credit needs to be better than allowed before the August 2007 melt down. When credit is not acceptable, Superior has developed a special program to assist borrowers to raise their credit scores, so we can turn them into buyers for you in the future.

Assets for down payments need to be properly verified, so the lender can be assured the buyer will have a financial stake in the property. Clear evidence exists to prove that borrowers with no skin in the game are much more likely to walk away from a property verified, so the leader can be assured the buyer will have a financial stake in the property. Clear evidence exists to prove that borrowers with no skin in the game are much more likely to walk away from a property when things get tough, than a borrower who used their own savings as a down payment. In addition, underwriters need to take the time to review every detail closely, and make sure all the documentation is sound, and supports the approval decision.

Although Superior has always been totally committed to giving fast service, and being on time to meet every commitment and closing date, this extra attention to detail can make the process one or two days longer. The process also requires everyone's cooperation. We think this is a small price to pay to help restore the confidence in the mortgage industry that we all need, in order to achieve long term price stability and success in our chosen industry.

We look forward to helping you and your customers be successful in the current challenging market, and the great market that is sure to follow.