Gail Szeluga's Local Marlboro & Manalapan Blog

Monmouth County Library to host "Mischief Night"

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:54:47 -0500

The Monmouth County Library will host a Mischief Night costume party 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. October 30th at its headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive.

The festivities for students grades 6 to 12, will include a DJ and emcee, tarot card readers, chances to play The Beatles: Rock Band and other games, costumes contests, refreshments and a goodie bag bar.

Attendees must arrive by 6:30 p.m. in costume and pre-register with the library at 732-431-2222 or sacosta @monmouthcountylib.org.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

What is a Short Sale??

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:28:32 -0500

I recently came across this article from the Associated Press explaining Short Sales. I think they did a fabulous job and wanted to share this information. We as realtors are asked daily about them and this is a concise response to those folks seeking explanation.

For a homeowner who needs to sell but has a mortgage balance higher than the property value, one option is something called a "short sale."

And don't let the name fool you. This type of sale is complicated and can drag on for months.

So what exactly is a short sale? Here are some questions and answers.

Q: What is a short sale?

A: A short sale happens when a lender allows a borrower to sell his home for less than what's owed on the mortgage. The lender usually forgives the difference and considers the debt repaid.

Q: How often do short sales occur?

A: Short sales now make up about one in every 10 home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's a lot more than you usually see when the housing market isn't distressed - in fact, the NAR doesn't have historical records on short sales before the current downturn because they were such an insignificant segment of the sales market.

Falling home prices have eroded home equity at a rapid place, making short sales more commonplace. About 16 million homeowners owe more than their homes are worth and would have to seek a short sale if they were forced to sell their homes now.

Q: What's in it for the lenders?

A: Lenders minimize their losses. If the borrower defaults and the bank has to foreclose, there are extra costs to auction the property and maintain it while it's vacant. Foreclosed homes also typically sell for much less than short sales.

Q: What are the drawbacks for the borrower?

A: While not as bad as a foreclosure, a short sale will still blemish a borrower's credit report. A short sale would knock an "A" borrower down to a "B" borrower, while the same borrower would fall to "D+" after a foreclosure, said Ritch Workman, co-owner of Workman Mortgage in Melbourne, Fla.

The extent of the damage also depends on the borrower's credit history before the short sale. A borrower with good credit won't get hit as hard, while a borrower with tarnished credit will feel more pain.

Normally, a borrower would have to pay taxes on the forgiven part of the balance, though the Bush Administration granted homeowners a reprieve that applies to debt forgiven through 2012.

Q: Why is the process so complicated and why does it take so long?

A: Short sales are plagued with snags on both sides. Desperate sellers or inexperienced real estate agents often send in the wrong paperwork, only to get it kicked back. It's an easy mistake to make because each lender requires different documents.

For their part, lenders don't have enough staff to handle the flood of short sale applications. It can take months before a lender will get back to a seller about an offer from a potential buyer. Some deals take more than year to finish.

And approvals from third parties - such as private mortgage insurers, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and lenders who hold a second mortgage on the house - also can slow a short sale.

In May, the Obama Administration promised to standardize documents and offer incentives to mortgage servicers, borrowers and second mortgage holders to encourage timely short sales. The Treasury Department has yet to release specific guidelines to lenders, which will take months to implement.

Q: What should I do if I'm interested in a short sale?

A: Most lenders will approve a short sale only if the borrower is behind on his mortgage, but some are now considering non-delinquent borrowers because they don't want them to walk away from their mortgages, said Pava Leyrer, president of Heritage National Mortgage in Michigan.

Ask a trusted mortgage or real estate professional to recommend a real estate agent, attorney or company to help with the short sale. Or, contact a local nonprofit housing counseling service. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a list of government-sponsored housing agencies at www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm.

And don't pay any upfront fees.

"Be cautious when choosing someone," Leyrer said. "Make sure they have the experience necessary to facilitate the sale and not hinder it."

The Associated Press

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

DEER REPELLENT IS AMAZING STUFF!!!

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:02:23 -0500

I love to have flowers in my Manalapan backyard. My yard backs up to beautifully manicured woods and I love to plant flowers along the border. The pop of color adds so much to greenery. I also have many pots scattered all around especially in the front yard. Since I am a Manalapan Realtor, I recognize the value of curb appeal. A buyer needs to feel that your home is well maintained and manicured landscaping is key. Many buyers just drive by and won't even go inside if they don't like the way the outside of the house looks. I digress...I was writing about flowers!

When I first moved to this home my husband painstakingly dug out beds for me all along the back of the property. Since it is partially shaded from the woods and trees, I plant impatiens. Every spring I buy 7 flats of impatiens, usually in 2 different colors, and spend 2 - 3 days planting them in the ground. I no time they are huge and gorgeous.

Every morning when I wake up, I look at my bedroom window to see them. They make me happy to be alive. Several years back, we were planning a family BBQ and my husband made sure that the yard was just perfect. He takes a lot of pride in manicuring his property. The morning of the BBQ, I awoke and looked out the window as I always do, and I could not believe my eyes. Every single flower was gone!! All that was left was the green stalks. My friendly neighborhood deer must have gotten word that we were having a party and didn't invite them, so they decided to help themselves to my precious flowers. I was devastated. Why on THAT particular day? They couldn't wait one more day until everyone had left and seen my beautiful blooms?

Needless to say my yard was dismal the rest of the year. I proceeded to do my research and found out that deer love impatiens. Who knew? So, the next year I planted begonias. Pretty, but not the same. They need more sun to grow large and I have too much shade. I decided that I was going back to impatiens the following year but was going to use one of the deer repellent sprays and hope for the best.

I came to find out that deer prefer a bland diet of plant material. Deer repellents are sprays that protect plants from being browsed by covering their leaves and flowers with a smell suggestive of either animal elements (from eggs or bloodmeal ingredients) or spicy taste (from minty oils, garlic or hot pepper ingredients). I was afraid of a chemical because my dog goes into the woods. Upon further investigation I determined that all of these repellents contain natural ingredients and are safe to use even with children and pets around. I spent a lot of time researching and decided to go with a product called Deer Off. Catchy name, I liked that. Deer Off protects two ways, by odor (from putrescent whole egg solids) and, in case Bambi has a stuffy noise, by taste (from capsaicin and garlic). OMRI certified organic. Dries clear.

I am here to report that Deer Off is hands down the best product I have every used. It works just as it advertises. Its smells really, really bad at first and then you hardly notice it. I see deer strolling around the yard and they make no attempt at all to go near my flowers. YAY!!! Until....you forget to follow up. You need to spray every few weeks to ensure safety. What we have been doing the past few years is that in mid to late September we just stop spraying and let the deer have their feast. They fill up for the winter. This past week, all the little Bambi's were out having a major feast at my expense. As much as I love seeing my flowers all summer, I do like to see the young deer munching on my flowers. I feel like I'm contributing to nature!

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Monster Mania

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:25:10 -0500

Manalapan Parks and Recreation presents:

The 21st annual

Manalapan Monster Mania

Magic Show Parade and Costume Contest

Haunted Hay Ride

Fright Fest

Thursday & Friday, October 22 & 23, 2009

Open to ages 2 through 9

Spooky Schedule of Events

Thursday, October 22:

7:00 p.m. - Nightmare before Christmas Hayride

Friday, October 23:

6:00 p.m.- Halloween Magic Show by magician John Carlson

6:45 p.m.- Halloween Parade & Costume Contest

7:00 p.m.- Fright Fest (Crafts, games, monsters and more!)

Crafts & treats are for children in attendance only!

7:00 p.m.- Nightmare before Christmas Hayride

Hayride is suitable for all ages! Line begins at field #2.

All events, except for Hayride, are held at the Manalapan Recreation Center

Basketball Courts (near parking lot #1)

MRC located on Route 522 across from Municipal Building

The Manalapan Monster Mania is held rain or shine.

This program is free of charge.

Bring a camera for photo opportunities with

the Halloween ghosts & ghouls!

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Township - 2009 Public Seasonal Flu & Pneumonia Clinics

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:28:19 -0500

Seasonal Flu & Pneumonia Vaccination Clinics

Manalapan Township Board of Health will be hosting the following 2009 seasonal Flu and Pneumonia shots for residents age 18 and over:

Tuesday, October 20 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Manalapan Town Hall

Thursday, October 22 9:00 am - 12 noon at Covered Bridge 1 Clubhouse

Friday, October 23 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Manalapan Town Hall

Monday, October 26 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Covered Bridge II Clubhouse

Shots are free for Seniors possessing Medicare Part B cards. The fee is $20.00 for Flu and $ 25.00 for Pneumonia for all others. For more information please call the Manalapan Health Department at (732) 446-8345.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

I am Addicted to HGTV!!!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:36:49 -0500

I am addicted to HGTV! There I said it. My favorite show is House Hunters! Why??? It is my life. I live it weekly. I can show 100's of houses in a week but I still enjoy watching other realtors show houses. What draws me to this show? I can watch people look at houses all day. Their comments are the most intriguing thing of all. What is wrong with me??

I love to listen to them as they rave about the abundance of natural light and windows in a room. Paint is very important to these people on TV. What is wrong with them? Doesn't their Realtor tell them that its only paint. Even a monkey can paint with quick instruction!!! They rule out houses for the most ridiculous reasons. And where do they get all the vacant houses from?? Most of them are empty. Where are all the homesellers who follow you and explain every outlet and switch to you??

Also, the prices seem unbelievable. I live in New Jersey. Granted our prices are a little higher than most of the country, I can't believe that these people can get a house for $175,000 with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. That's outrageous!!! Their mortgages are going to be less than my rent when I first got married.

I can't stop watching! It's like a car accident where everyone rubbernecks!! I guess it is why people go to open houses. It is interesting to see how people live and what their homes look like. As I write this I am watching House Hunter International and can't believe how folks in France live. Not me!!!

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Township - Provider's/Abilities Fair

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:22:52 -0500

PROVIDER'S/ABILITIES FAIR

The Mayors Special Needs Council of Manalapan is hosting it's 4^th Provider/Abilities Fair on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Manalapan Englishtown Middle School.

There will be a panel of service providers to help answer your questions or address your concerns. If you need special accommodations or interpreters, please contact Charlene McLaughlin at (732) 446-3200 ext. 4002 or email mayorspecialneedscouncil@yahoo.com.

We hope to provide individuals with a disability, parents and caretakers of those with a disability an opportunity to come and preview opportunities for resources and therapeutic possibilities under one roof.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Contest seeks Monmouth County Nature Photos

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:16:52 -0500

The area office of the state Soil Conservation District is looking for photographers to capture subjects promoting the beauty and uniqueness of the natural environments in Middlesex and Monmouth counties.

Wildlife, landscapes, natural resources, agriculture, waterscapes and conservation practices all are suitable subjects.

Photography contest prizes are $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $75 for third place.

Photographs must be received at the Freehold Township office of the district by Sept. 30. The office is at 4000 Kozloski Road, P.O. Box 5033, Freehold, NJ07728; e-mail info@freeholdscd.org.

According to the contest rules:

Photo location, landmark, town or address should be included with the entry.

Photos can be color or black and white.

It is open to people age 18 and older as of Sept. 30 of this year.

Photo sizes must by 8 by 10 inches or 8 by 12 inches.

Photos will not be returned.

More information and an entry form are available at www.freeholdscd.org. Questions may be directed to Karen Rowe, at info@freeholdscd.org or 732-683-8500.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

The Dream I Will Never Forget - We Will Always Remember 9/11

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:07 -0500

Totally not real estate related but I am feeling nostalgic today. Often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it does. Call it intuition or premonition but it has happened many times in my life. None more memorable than one that I had on September 4, 2001.

I don't always remember my dreams but that morning I remembered perfectly. I'll spare you the details but there was something major happening at my home and I was frantically yelling for someone to call 9-1-1 emergency. I said it so many times that when I woke up I screamed out "Call 9-1-1!!"

That morning as always, I sat down with my coffee to read the newspaper. I glanced over at the NJ Lottery results and I saw that the number was 9-1-1. Wow, I was shocked!! I showed my son and told him my dream. He told me I was crazy. One thing had nothing to do with the other. I shook it off and promptly dismissed it. Maybe I do have some psychic ability.

Exactly one week later as I drove to work, I heard on the radio that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I stayed in the car and listened, thinking that it was an accident. I had many, many friends and neighbors that worked in the area. As we all know, it was a horrific day that I will never forget. I was so consumed by the events of the day that I did not realize the date. Not until the next day, did I hear some say that "We will never forget 9/11". I was stunned!!! 9-1-1!!! There is was again. How could that be? I couldn't move. What made me dream that date?

As I sit here this morning and re-live it all over again, I can't help but feel emotional. Many of my co-workers were there and have their own horrendous stories of escape to tell. So many families were deeply affected by that day. Mine is minute and really insignificant but I needed to tell someone my story as ridiculous as it seems.

Gail Szeluga
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-580-7893 (cell)

732-536-4400 x152 (office)
Gszeluga@aol.com

www.SoldByGail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

7-TIPS TO HELP WITH YOUR HOME SEARCH

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:52:47 -0500

Buying a home is a major decision. For most people it is the largest purchase that they will make in their lifetime. I have put together a list of tips that will help you make an educated decision.

1. Always do your homework before you go out looking. Decide what town and neighborhoods you'd like to focus on. What features are most important to you and most of all, what is your monthly budget for your home?

2. Be Practical. It's okay to be selective but don't be unrealistic with your expectations. Create a guide of needs and wants and use that to evaluate each home.

3. Review your credit report. Speak to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Make sure that you have enough money to cover your down payment as well as closing costs. This will help you determine what price range to look in.

4. Think long term. Will this be the home you plan to stay in or will you buy a starter home with plans to move up to a larger home in a few years? This is very important as it will determine the size and style of home you choose.

5. Get a home inspection. This will determine not only what currently needs to be addressed but will alert you to future repairs. A home owners warranty purchased either by the seller or you is a great insurance policy.

6. Determine your timeframe. Do you need to get into a home before school starts? Is your lease up soon? Can you continue month to month until you close? Do you need to coordinate a purchase with a sale? All of these factors are important when negotiating for a home.

7. Make the final decision yourself. Don't ask too many people for opinions. Find someone you trust for guidance but be prepared to make the final determination on your own.

Above all else, enlist a real estate professional to help you with your search. The internet is a wonderful tool but nothing can replace the feeling you get from being inside a home. You will know as soon as you walk in the door that you have found the home for you.

Follow these tips and enjoy the notion that you will be in your new home very soon.

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

www.SoldByGail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:50:01 -0500

Monmouth Battlefield
State Park

Location:
Monmouth County

Mailing Address:
16 Business Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
(732) 462-9616

GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 15' 22.13" N 74° 19' 14.59" W

Size: 2,928 acres

Fees: No entrance fee.
Link to the Related Fees page

Directions:
Located approximately 12 miles east of exit 8 of the NJ Turnpike on Route 33.

From the NJ Garden State Parkway, take exit 123 to Route 9 south for 15 miles to business Route 33 west. Park is located 1.5 miles on the right.

Facilities & Activities:

Interpretive center
Visitor center
Picnic tables
Playground
Hunting: special
deer hunt only (by permit)
Winter sports:
sledding, cross-country skiing

Trails:

Horseback riding
Hiking

The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs. Join us for nature and history hikes, birding and lectures on the bloody details of the battle. Most of the programs are free. Check the Calendar of Events for Monmouth Battlefield State Park's current programs. In case of inclement weather, contact the Visitor Center to determine if a program has been canceled or rescheduled at (732) 462-9616.

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

Manalapan, NJ

732-580-7893

www.soldbygail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS!!! MOVE IN CONDITION THREE BEDROOM 1.5 BATH HOME

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:03:49 -0500

17 Hoffman Avenue, Sayreville, New Jersey 08859

Mailing address South Amboy, NJ 08879

Fall in love the moment you pull up to this meticulously maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home with full basement and beautiful yard in the Morgan Section of Sayreville. Plenty of curb appeal thanks to the cheerful landscaping and freshly painted covered porch.

Outstanding features of this home include: updated kitchen with solid oak cabinets and full appliance package, newer thermal windows, hardwood flooring, 2 zone hot water baseboard heat, laundry chute to laundry room in full basement which includes ½ bath, rooms for extra storage, plus convenient access to the backyard ready for entertaining with patio, outdoor speakers which are connected to the jukebox where you can play hours of music as you enjoy lazy summer days in the above ground pool, detached oversized garage and frost-free hose bibs.

Excellent location for commuters with nearby access to NYC bus and train.

First Time Homebuyers... There is still plenty of time to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit by closing on a home before the November 30, 2009 deadline!

Hurry before its gone. Call me for a showing today!!

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

732-580-7893

www.soldbygail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

NEVER, EVER ON A SUNDAY, A SUNDAY, A SUNDAY FOR THAT'S NOT A DAY TO REST!!

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:22:42 -0500

What is traditionally the busiest day in Real Estate? I think if you asked 100 people, at least 50 would say Saturday and 50 would say Sunday. I think I am pretty sure of that. Now, I ask you WHY would my local MLS pick Sunday to bring the entire system down for maintenance? WHY Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:15 pm??? What was wrong with Monday or Wednesday (normally the slowest real estate day of the week) or in the middle of the night????

Everyone in my office was so frustrated. We sounded like morons on the opportunity desk. But the most frustrated of all was my colleague Barbara C. She had been trying for weeks to get a prospect to come out and look at homes. Well guess what? Her prospect called at 10:00 am and wanted to come at 1:00 pm to look at homes. She said that she wanted houses that looked like MLS 123456. She had a few towns in mind and wanted to stay within a certain price range.

When I got to the office at 12:30 to meet my clients for 1:00 Barbara was in a panic. She was on her own personal website attempting to do a search. I quickly joined in and between Realtor.com and our websites we were able to get MLS numbers and developments but no addresses or homeowner information. She had notes all over the place and we scrambled to google the agents telephone numbers to check availability and ask them to make the appointments. We relied on old MLS sheets in our files for agency numbers. We called agents we knew who worked in different offices for help. I made a list of the MLS numbers in Word so as soon as the system came back up, I copy and pasted it in the search field and was able to print them for her client. All of this took about 45 minutes. She was able to make it out the door, sheets in hand, on time and the client had no idea what we went through to get those appointments made. Luckily my clients were stuck in traffic and I could help.

We take the MLS access for granted. There is a wealth of information at our fingertips to make our jobs easier. Years ago agents relied on the BOOKS for listing information and had to research tax and mortgage information. We can just look it up. We quickly learned, that we need a back up plan if the system goes down or the power was out. But what is the answer.

I digress....back to my original thought!!! WHY TAKE THE MLS DOWN ON SUNDAY FOR MAINTENANCE????????????????

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

455 Route 9 South

Manalapan, NJ

732-536-4400 office732-580-7893

www.SoldByGail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

TASTEFULLY UPDATED COVERED BRIDGE 2 BEDROOM-$129,900

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:10:45 -0500

Nothing to do but unpack! Tastefully updated upper 2 bedroom very conveniently located. Oak cabinets all the way to the ceiling and solid surface countertops make this kitchen a winner. Updated bathroom vanity and newer carpets as well as all newer A/C units are some of the special features. Enjoy the view and the breeze from your open porch facing interior lawns and trees. Join the association today and take advantage of all the social activities that Covered Bridge has to offer.

Covered Bridge is a delightful adult commuinity built around the Pine Brook Golf Course in Manalapan, NJ. Call me today for a showing. You will not be disappointed.

Gail

Gail Szeluga
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-580-7893 (cell) 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
Gszeluga@aol.com

www.SoldByGail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

The NY Times Thinks I'm a Manalapan Real Estate Specialist! Woo Hoo!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:57:41 -0500

JoAnna Siminerio and I spent the day with Jill Copuzzo from the NY Times touring her around Manalapan. We drove in and out of many, many developments such as Yorktowne, Balmar Woods, Meadow Creek, Knob Hill and Battleground Estates. We took her from Northern Manalapan to Southern Manalapan and everywhere in between. We talked for 3 hours and explained the ins and outs of our town, the people, the highlights, the fantastic school system. I'm sure that her article will bring more attention to our great township and give us the recognition we deserve. After all Manalapan is a "Great Place to Live!"

Thank you JoAnna for taking me along for the ride and allowing me to re-blog your great post!!

Via JoAnna Siminerio, Manalapan Marlboro NJ Real Estate (Weichert Realtors - Manalapan - Marlboro):

I started blogging less than a year ago and haven't looked back. In fact, it's been very disappointing to not have enough hours in the day lately to post or comment as often as I would like.

The good news is, in my opinion, my lack of time to blog is a direct result of my blogging!!

When I joined Active Rain, I gave serious consideration to the message I wanted to send with the majority of my postings.

I saw this forum as an opportunity to position myself as the Manalapan New Jersey Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist! I've lived in Manalapan almost 17 years and have been raising 2 daughters through the school system. I'm a Girl Scout Leader and community volunteer. What better place in which to specialize?

I started posting about community, school and local area events. I'd post my Manalapan listings. I'd write about market trends in Manalapan Real Estate. Working with my Weichert colleague and fellow Manalapan resident, Gail Szeluga, we've been working toward buidling a focus toward reporting on the different communities that make up Manalapan Township. Soon thereafter we expanded our Manalapan presence via Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking forums. Join us (and the 286 other Manalapan residents) on Facebook at the Manalapan Residents Group.

Almost immediately, the phone starting ringing.

Buyers would find me via posts on Manalapan homes for sale. Sellers started to stumble upon me when searching for information on Manalapan Township.

I've been thrilled with the response and felt I was making great strides toward my goal of being seen as the source for Manalapan Real Estate information.

Recently, I received a phone call from Ms. Jill Capuzzo. That's when I KNEW the plan was working!

Jill is a reporter with the New York Times! She was writing an article on "Living in Manalapan" and needed a local professional to show her around town and fill her on on the local market. She found MY blog which then led her to my website and finally to my listings! Don't you just love when a plan comes together??

About a week later, Gail and I had the pleasure of meeting Jill and touring her around Manalapan!

We visited neighborhoods throughout Southern and Northern Manalapan, as well as East and West of the Route 9 corridor.

We talked about the award winning Manalapan-Englishtown and Freehold Regional High School Districts. We covered the newly expanded Manalapan Recreation Center and the recently rejuvenated Thompson Grove Park. We toured many Manalapan landmarks, including the municipal building, 9/11 memorial, Old Tenennt Church, Holiday Park Duck Pond, Millhurst Mills, historic Englishtown and Pine Brook Golf Course. We talked about the attraction Manalapan holds for New York City transplants looking for a little extra elbow room while still enjoying a reasonable commute. Good schools, affordable homes, reasonable taxes... what's not to like? The time flew by! Once you start a realtor talking about real estate, good luck getting them to shut up! We had a blast!

What a thrill it was tonight when I felt my blackberry buzz and looked down to see my most recent Google Alert...

REAL ESTATE | June 28, 2009
Living In | Manalapan, N.J.: High Marks for Space, Schools and Location
By JILL P. CAPUZZO

I scanned the article quickly. As promised, Jill highlighted my Manalapan listing at 9 Old Queens Boulevard. What I didn't expect was that she would give mention to both myself and Gail! What a treat! A great afternoon showing off all our real estate know how, talking about the town we love AND a mention in the New York Times!

Me!! In the New York Times!! Excuse me while I go call my Mommy!! :-)

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

________________________________________________________________________________________

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Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Fabulous Townhouse in the Villages at Meadow Creek

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:48:07 -0500

Fabulous 3 bedroom townhome for sale in the Villages at Meadow Creek--Manalapan, NJ

Enjoy the resort lifestyle and vacation at home in this beautifully appointed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Upgraded cherry wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances make this a most appealing home. Upgraded hardwood floors and three sided fireplace are just some of the features that make this home stand out. Fully finished basement with a family room and private office make this especially desirable. Enjoy all the amenities that the Villages at Meadow Creek has to offer. Large outdoor pool, playground, fully equipped gym, tennis courts, basketball courts and much more.

Visit my website for more interior pictures of this wonderful home. www.SoldByGail.com

The Villages at Meadow Creek is one of the most sought after young developements in Manalapan. Call me to see this or any other properties today. You'll be glad you did.

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

455 Route 9 South

Manalapan, NJ

732-536-4400 office732-580-7893

www.SoldByGail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

EXCLUSIVE CURTIS POINT WATERFRONT HOME IN MANTOLOKING, NJ...REDUCED!!!!!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:14:11 -0500

PRICE REDUCED!!!!$1,975,000....MAKE AN OFFER TODAY AND BE IN BEFORE THE END OF THE SUMMER

Gail Szeluga | Weichert Realtors | 732-580-7893

185 Squan Beach Drive, Mantoloking, NJ

Exclusive waterfront community

6BR/4BA Single Family House

offered at $1,999,999

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	4,156
Bedrooms	6
Bathrooms	4 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	.2 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT COMMUNITY.THIS CUSTOM 6 BR 4 BATH 2 CAR GARAGE HOME HAS A SECURITY SYSTEM, CENTRAL VAC. A SLATE FRONT PORCH, VINYL SHAKE SIDING. ANDERSON HURRICANE WINDOWS, NEWER KITCHEN THAT FEATURES CREAM & CHERRY CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTERS & BACK SPLASH. GE MONOGRAM APPLIANCES FISHER AND PAYKEL DISHWASHER. HARDWOOD FLOORS AND PORCELAIN TILES. CEDAR DECK, HEATED IN-GROUND POOL. FULL OUTSIDE KITCHEN & BATH. DOCK, BOAT LIFT, JET SKI LIFT. ASSOCIATION WITH PRIVATE TENNIS COURT & BEACH.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Attic	Yard
Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Tennis court(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Lagoon, dock, boat and jet ski lift

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Gail Szeluga

Weichert Realtors

732-580-7893

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 3, 2009, 2:28pm PDT

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

3+ bedroom ranch in Candlewood

Tue, 26 May 2009 20:41:58 -0500

$329,000

Three + bedroom ranch style home in the Candlewood section of Northern Howell.

Full finished basement rec room with a very large full bath plus 2 additional rooms that can be used as bedrooms.

Large, flat fully fenced backyard.

Click for more information on 40 Springhill Drive, Howell, NJ.

If you'd like to see any other homes in Howell, NJ or the surrounding areas, please contact me or visit my website.

www.soldbygail.com

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Day 2009

Wed, 20 May 2009 17:42:56 -0500

Manalapan Under The Stars 2009

June 13, 2009

Manalapan Day 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm

Manalapan Recreation Center

Join the excitement as the township celebrates another great fun filled family day. Bring your entire family, your neighbors and your friends for an evening of fantastic entertainment, exhibits, displays, vendors, children's rides, amusements and games. Bring your appetites to our food court. The evening continues after 9:30 pm with a spectacular fireworks finale!

Main Stage entertainment will feature: Risings Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts, ICON Dance Complex, the "Speed Limit" band and the BJ Adams Orchestra. At 8:15 pm we will present Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Additional entertainment will appear on the Future Stars Stage: Rising Stars School of Performance and Dance, ICON Dance Complex, Bryan Klein's Tae Kwando and Gallery of Dance. Be on the lookout for strolling performers and characters.....Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, Uncle Sam and more! Visit the Organized Sports Center for sign-ups and information.

We welcome back Radio Station NJ 101.5 and our Master of Ceremonies.....the Leader of the Late Night.....Tommy G! The Samaritan Center will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and supplies. Parking will be available at the Municipal Complex, Manalapan High School, Manalapan Recreation Center and Temple Beth Shalom. Shuttle busses will run from Symmes Road commuter lot and Covered Bridge commencing at 4:00 pm. These busses will continue all evening with the last bus departing from the Recreation Center 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks. There is something for everyone, so come early! We suggest bringing your chairs and blankets for your comfort. Join the whole community for "Manalapan Under The Stars"! Rain date will be Saturday, June 20^th. Same time, same place. In case of rain on June 13^th, Micky Dolenz of the Monkees will perform at Manalapan High School. Admission will be limited to the capacity of the auditorium and will be cut off when full.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Named Tree City USA

Thu, 07 May 2009 07:10:19 -0500

Congratulations to Manalapan Township for being named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the 18th year that Manalapan has received the national recognition.

See the link below to view the entire article published in the May 6, 2009 edition of The News Transcript

http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0506/front_page/080.html

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental and education organization of nearly one million members with a mission to inspire prople to plant, nurture and to celebrate trees.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Wanted - Clean, Gently Used Plastic Toys

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:42:15 -0500

Wanted - Clean, Gently Used Plastic Toys

May 9, 2009

Manalapan Township and Second Chance Toys, an organization that rescues and recyucles gently used plastic toys for needy children, have teamed up to collect your unwanted toys. The YMCA Freehold will distribute the toys to families in need in our county. Your plastic toy donations will be collected and tagged with messages from our children to those less fortunate.

When: May 9, 2009 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Municipal Court Parking Lot

What: PLASTIC TOYS, CLEAN, NO MISSING PARTS, BATTERIES MUST WORK

Kindly place loose pieces of a set in a plastic bag and tape it to the toy.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Township Children's Book Drive

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:38:40 -0500

"Bridge of Books" Book Drive

May 9, 2009

"Bridge of Books" Book Drive

Saturday, May 9, 2009

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Drop off location: Municipal Court Parking Lot

The "Bridge of Books Foundation" provides new and used books directly to children and children's organizations.

We accept the following:

New and gently used children books

If a book makes sounds, it must work

If a book has parts, it must be complete

Parenting books

We do not accept the following:

Adult books

Magazines

Textbooks

Encyclopedias

Used coloring books

Used workbooks

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

The Manalapan Project

Mon, 04 May 2009 10:37:46 -0500

Manalapan Parks and Recreation is proud to present:

The Manalapan Project

A volunteer club designed to better our community!

Available to ages 12 and above, who are looking for a

fun way

to work with other volunteers who share their interest

in enriching their own lives by giving to others.

This project will not only focus on volunteering,

but will expose participants to community activities,

as well as various organizations.

Prior projects include: Salvation Army, Special Olympics,

Manalapan Township Special Events, Monmouth County

Parks Special Events and more!

Interested volunteers

should return application to

Manalapan Parks and Recreation

120 Route 522, Manalapan

All volunteers are notified of

opportunities via email!

Be sure to list an e-mail contact!

Recreation Keeps You

Fit For Life!

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

New Manalapan Township Tax Collectors Drop Box

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:24:46 -0500

Hot off the presses!!! This was just sent to me from Manalapan Township. Very useful for all the after-hours folks!!

Township of Manalapan

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

120 Route 522

• Manalapan, NJ 07726 • 732-446-8307 •
Fax 732-446-9615

The Tax Collector's Office now has a drop box located on the front of the office door. You may now drop off

your tax payment between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on

Saturday.

Please use the drop box when:

• You cannot get to our office during our normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Saturday is more convenient to drop off your payment.

• It is close to the 10th and you are not sure if you mail your payment that it will arrive in time to avoid

interest charges.

• It is more convenient to drop off your payment during normal business hours.

If you are dropping off a check with no stub, please be sure to include your block and lot number with payment.

GUIDELINES

• All payments received by 4:00 p.m. will be considered received as of that business day.

• Any payments dropped off after 4:00 p.m. will be considered received as of the next business day.

Please keep this in mind when dropping off your payment on the 10th of February, May, August and

November, as interest accrues on the 11th day calculated back to the 1st.

THE DROP BOX IS FOR PAYMENTS MADE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY.

NO CASH PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Richard Klauber

Manalapan Township

Mayor

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Good News!!! Fares on NY Waterways to drop from Monmouth County.

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:22:32 -0500

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the fares for commuters who ride the NY Waterway ferries from Monmouth County are going down again. Since December the fares have decreased $51.00.

Effective Monday March 30, 2009 the price of a monthly pass is reduced to $605 down from $635. The 40-trip pass is reduced to $615, down from $646. Ten-trip passes are $190, down from $197. One-way fares are $20, down from $20.50. The company eliminated a fuel-surcharge in December. In addition to the reduction in fuel prices, NY Waterway officials have made changes to maintenance and operations to increase effieiency.

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com