Somerset County Real Estate and Home Inspections in New Jersey

Somerset County Real Estate and Home Inspections in New Jersey http://activerain.com/blogs/steve147 en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/2509799/approved-franklin-township-short-sale Approved Franklin Township Short Sale <p>Well, here we go. Offerd through Daunno Realty Services. It's back on the market again for only 139,900. This wonderful 2 bedroom house located in a quiet section of Franklin Twp, Somerset, New Jersey, became available again. With an updated kitchen with new cabinets and appliances and extra room in the basement this home is in move in condition. Located on a nice quarter acre lot the home is close to highways 287 and 22. Lots of parking room. The taxes are really low.<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/7/9/7/ar131613425979782.jpg" height="226" alt="" width="300" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; border: black 4px solid;"></p> <p>Please call me on my cell at 732-259-9071 to see the property. If your credit is good and you are pre-qualified for a loan, we will be able to have a fast closing. As soon as your mortgage is ready, we can close. We have a preapproval in place from the bank. This property is located very close to S. Bound Brook and about a mile from the delaware raritan canal. No flooding here, absolutely guaranteed. Great starter home. You will not be disappointed.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/0/0/1/ar131613439610059.jpg" height="226" alt="" width="300" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; border: black 4px solid;"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:56:12 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2509799/approved-franklin-township-short-sale http://activerain.com/blogsview/2508760/setting-up-a-franklin-township-foreclosure-or-short-sale-what-s-the-first-step- Setting up a Franklin Township Foreclosure or Short Sale - What's the First Step? <p>What do you do if you need to sell and you're not sure if you can sell yourself, if you need to sell it as a short sale, or if the property should be listed under a foreclosure? Knowing the <strong><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/franklin-township-somerset-county-new-jersey/">Franklin Township real estate</a></strong> market can be a huge step in the right direction when considering selling any home here not just a short sale or foreclosure. But when you face the reality that you may need to sell under these terms, having the right agent can make all the difference in the world.</p> <p> If you're not sure what stage you're in, call me immediately and we can get the details straightened out, organized and communicate with your lender for the best option. If you are not late on a mortgage payment but feel you may be shortly, call your lender <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">today</span></strong> and let them know. They may have a program or option for you that allows you to skip or miss a payment while catching up on your finances. This may also be the time to consider selling the property yourself and avoid a short sale or foreclosure.</p> <p>If you are already late on your mortgage payment you will still need to make your lender aware of the situation. By doing this you can take a breath and review your current options. <strong>Franklin Township short sales</strong> are only allowed by the lender when they approve the short sale procedure. This is only done when you offer up a letter of hardship stating why you truly cannot pay your mortgage. Once this is approved, you can begin the short sale procedure.. The lender will connect with a <strong><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/sample-page/">Franklin Township Realtor</a></strong> and set up a listing to cover what you owe on the home. This may be much lower than market value and you typically will not see any funds at closing. But this is a way to sell the home without having the pressure of making your mortgage payment and you may continue to occupy the home during the sale. Although you may not get much say in the sale, you are free from the stress of making that payment and your credit will not be damaged as much overall.<a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/flipped.jpg"><img title="franklin township foreclosure, franklin township short sale" src="http://somersetcountyre.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/flipped.jpg" height="214" alt="" width="280" style="margin: 11px; float: right;"></a></p> <p>If you are more than 3 months behind on your mortgage payment, typically the next step is foreclosure. You have most likely already received several phone calls and letters stating the inevitable if you have not caught up on your payments. If this is the case and you have not contacted your lender, allow me to help with all those needs. I will contact the lender for you, help determine the next step and help make the process less stressful overall.</p> <p> Once you Franklin Township foreclosure is on the market you may move out, stay in the home or find a new home. We ask that you leave the home as-is and not take any more items than necessary other than your personal property. For a quick sale for all, this is the best practice. Foreclosures are not fun for anyone involved. They can be heart-breaking and surreal.</p> <p> I want to make any process you go through as easy as I can. Let me help in your process. If you are considering selling your Franklin Township home either by owner, short sale or foreclosure, let discuss all the options for you and handle all the details. It will be better overall when the dust settles. As your <strong>Franklin Township New Jersey Foreclosure</strong> specialist I can help weed through the confusion and find a program and option that works for you. Give me a call today. I look forward to speaking with you. 732-356-8927 0 <a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net">Steve147@comcast.net</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Originally posted at: <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/09/franklin-township-nj-short-sales-foreclosures/">http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/09/franklin-township-nj-short-sales-foreclosures/</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:28:53 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2508760/setting-up-a-franklin-township-foreclosure-or-short-sale-what-s-the-first-step- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2478436/franklin-twp-floods-accross-easton-avenue Franklin Twp Floods Accross Easton Avenue <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">There are many points of interest<span style="">  </span>in Franklin Township with almost 50 square miles consisting of historical landmarks and state and county public parklands, but today's most interesting area was by far that of viewing the aftermath of hurricane Irene's destructive path located here in Somerset County, New Jersey. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="">Today, after enduring a night of hurricane Irene's  wind and rain, I took a quick drive around tour of Franklin Twp while avoiding damaged trees that were creating roadblocks and also flooded highways . Of especial interest was the flooding I saw located  in the vicinity between JFK Blvd. and Franklin Blvd. The water levels both areas reached about three feet due to the continuing  rising waters of the D&R Canal and the Raritan River. The photos were taken at Easton Avenue/or Canal Rd located in S. Bound Brook accross from the Ukranian Church and also at thethe other end of Easton Avenue located in Franklin Twp near the Easton Avenue Shopping Center entrance that is very close to New Brunswick, NJ. Unbelievable!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""><img title="S. Bound Brook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/4/6/8/ar13145660986434.jpg" height="226" alt="road flooded" width="300" style="margin: 4px; border: black 4px solid;"></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span style=""><img title="Easton Ave, Franklin Twp" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/9/9/3/ar131456642039959.jpg" height="226" alt="Flooded road" width="300" style="margin: 4px; border: black 4px solid;"></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:29:22 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2478436/franklin-twp-floods-accross-easton-avenue http://activerain.com/blogsview/2478340/flooding-in-south-bound-brook Flooding in South Bound Brook <p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Today I took a quick drive from my house located in Franklin Twp, Somerset NJ to see how things were doing after hurricane Irenes arrival last night. The main attraction in South Bound Brook is the Delaware and Raritan Canal that permits light boating to hiking, biking and fishing. As you can see, as I was looking toward Bound Brook that is right accross the river, the canal has flooded over the banks onto  Canal Road that connects the Boro of S. Bound Brook with Manville, NJ.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><img title="D&R Canal" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/6/8/8/ar131456116188671.jpg" height="215" alt="D&R Canal" width="304" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; border: black 4px solid;"></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Proceeding down toward Main Street in S. Bound Brook I saw that the canal has turned into a rushing river. The area where the photos are taken is right next to the new community housing development. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">New townhomes and condos were recently built on the GAF Manufacturing site that provides an updated look to the town.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/9/7/0/ar131456263407977.jpg" height="227" alt="" width="287" style="margin: 4px; float: left; border: black 4px solid;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/1/7/6/ar131456272767173.jpg" height="229" alt="" width="287" style="margin: 4px; float: right; border: black 4px solid;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:38:02 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2478340/flooding-in-south-bound-brook http://activerain.com/blogsview/2368854/was-that-remodel-permitted- Was that Remodel Permitted? <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Make sure permits were in place </strong></p> <p>One thing that should be stressed when buying a new place to live and getting a home inspection is that if you see that there has been major remodeling, always check to see that all necessary installation permits have been taken out. Major home component replacements such as roofs, siding and windows normally require permits issued by the local code enforcement agency. Also normally included are kitchen and bathroom remodeling, especially when there has been new plumbing pipes and where electric wiring has been newly installed. Whenever walls have been altered or moved this will also require a permit to be taken out from the local town or municipality.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Home remodel" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/7/5/4/ar130895009345718.jpg" height="234" alt="" width="312" style="border: black 3px solid;"></p> <p><strong>Make sure the improvements were inspected</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Permits are required so that the town's code enforcement official(s) can come out and inspect the work and make sure that the installation is up to modern standards. This will keep most contractors from taking unnecessary shortcuts that will eventually lead to problems that you will have to correct eventually. If you ever have seen the HGTV series Holmes Inspections, most all of the homes that Holmes had inspected that had major problems didn't have the proper permits in place when the work was done. A red flag.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:51:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2368854/was-that-remodel-permitted- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2475379/hazlet-nj-home-ready-for-tlc Hazlet, NJ Home Ready for TLC <p style="text-align: justify;">Huricane Irene has become quite popular talk of the town and the airwaves over the past few days. Tonight I'm sitting home watching the weather channel and accessing my computer for further news about the impending hurricane that is about to ascend on New Jersey and the rest of the northeast coastline.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I just listed 4 Bed/2 Bath fixer-upper home located in Hazlet, New Jersey is now for sale. The good thing about this house is that it's not too close to the shore line and or bay but is near enough to still enjoy all that the New Jersey shore has to offer, safely. I might try to drive out to Leonardo tomorrow or next day to see how far  the water did come up. I now fully understand why the Leonardo marine facility is built operating on the second level and that houses in close vicinity are built up a little higher than normal.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/5/8/3/ar131449512338595.jpg" height="229" alt="" width="394" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; border: black 4px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Continuing, my new listing is situated in a nice quiet neighborhood on an oversized lot that is not in a tidal flood zone! There is more than enough room for a large patio and a swimming pool if desired.  Located near major transportation and many shopping centers.  This home will need updating and is suited for either a handyman or contractor. The taxes are modest.</p> <p><img title="Hazlet Fixer-Upper" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/6/6/9/ar131437523196638.jpg" height="243" alt="" width="386" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; border: black 4px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The kitchen cabinets have been recently updated but the two full baths are incompleted as of yet and will need a modest amount of work. The walls in the house will need to be refinished and than painted throughout. The floors are ready to be upgraded with your choice of floor coverings.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The exterior of the house  has been covered with vinyl siding with newer insulated viyl windows added. The roof is about 10 years old and in decent shape. The two car garage has been partially finished.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:39:57 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2475379/hazlet-nj-home-ready-for-tlc http://activerain.com/blogsview/2146344/a-flair-for-trimwork A FLAIR FOR TRIMWORK <p style="text-align: justify;">Occasionly I think about the wonderful trim work that was installed on my Somerset County home in Martinsville, NJ when I contracted Fine Homes Construction to do the work. I was so pleased with the way things turned out and the quality of the workmanship, that I'd like to share it with other local realtors and homeowners that live in Somerset County area.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Trimwork" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/5/6/0/ar130893281506502.jpg" height="231" alt="" width="340" style="border: black 3px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Henry Calvo, who is the  owner of Fine Homes Construction resides in Manville, NJ. He is one of the finest  hands on building contractor I know.  He did the trimwork on my home that consisted of exterior and interior door and window casings, crown moldings, and a remarkable coffered ceiling. He and I discussed the ideas I wanted implemented and together designed all the trim details on site.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I am happy to say the custom home project turned out exceptionally well, as was evidenced by Henry Calvo's genuine artistic flair. The hidden details, such as the proper use of glued and nailed components, were done to ensure that the installations would last for a long time.  After the trimwork was done, I also had Fine Homes Construction install my CWP custom kitcnhen cabinets. Everything went well and Henry displayed his flair for installing custom cabinetry again.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Additional Henry spoke to me about the painting that still needed to be applied on the doors and trim. I, myself, have  years of experience doing normal painting, but little did I know I was about to recieve an education in high end painting. Painting is one of the most important aspects of a house.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">To make the trimwork turn out the way it should the painters needed to use the best paint, caulking and nail filler material available. This makes all the difference in the world. And this is where some home owners go wrong, where they would rather save the money and do the work themselves but later finding out that there was much more to finishing woodwork than they expected. Thanks to the painting crew that Henry recommended, the job turned out to be superior quality. This is the coffered ceiling that Henry created. As you can see the ceiling turned out picture perfect and quite impressive.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="coffered ceiling" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/2/8/6/ar130893296568257.jpg" height="222" alt="" width="341" style="border: black 3px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Fine Homes Construction is licensed in New Jersey and also does a variety of installations such as installing kitchen cabinets, built-ins, bathroom  upgrades, decks, additions, power washing and handyman services.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Don't hesitate to give Henry a call.  He will be happy to assist you every step of the way. Estimates are free of charge.  Phone: 732-356-8927 or 908-307-4445.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:24:43 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2146344/a-flair-for-trimwork http://activerain.com/blogsview/2342632/home-inspectors-vrs-holmes-inspections Home Inspectors vrs. Holmes Inspections <p style="text-align: justify;">As most of us have seen on the HGTV real estate channel, the Holmes on Homes series has become quite popular. I can appreciate the way Holmes and his crew can go through a building's components and find out what the last contractor did wrong, than proceed to make substantial and attractive improvements to those areas of the home. Finding a reputable contractor does involve a lot of research. You need to locate the right company for you, that you can trust with your largest investment.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/2/2/ar130844570222483.jpg" height="266" alt="" width="384" style="float: left; border: black 3px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There's also another segment of the series called Holmes Inspections. Each one of these episodes lasts one hour and has depicted some gruesome home component defects that the home inspector had missed and the new homeowner was stuck with. The question arises as to whether this was just a poor home inspection or if the validity of a home inspection process may be another concern for a new home buyer to worry about.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">During most real estate home inspections the normal procedure is to perform a non-evasive inspection that is limited by closed walls, ceilings and floor coverings; also storage. The home inspector should view the house from both the inside as well as the outside and look for abnormalities. The home inspector has a limited amount of time to inspect the whole house, but all house components need to be inspected.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Cutting into walls and dismantling components is never done during a visual home  inspection. When Holmes finds huge problems during an episode, that were partially hidden, I think that the home inspector may have done a bad job and dis-service to the client/or home buyer. If an area of questionable concern arises, a home inspector should always call for further evaluation by a reputable contractor and not leave the matter hanging in limbo. The home inspector may have to exaggerate inspection details on behalf of their client. As when during an episode when water was spilling to close to the foundation, the inspector needed to report that and missed a very important finding. The contractor obviously covered the basment defects adjacent to the water spillage problem with drywall.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When Mike Holmes comes to review/or inspect a home that has problems, he has an idea where the problems are located in the home. Because closed walls hide so much, usually the next step would be to remove a wall section to be able to get a better understanding of the extent of the existing problem.  When Holmes finds some evidence of a problem , the next step requires dismantling of the walls, floors and ceilings... contractor stuff.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Briefly, I think that when Holmes finds house problems that the "home inspector" had missed, it usually happens when the "dismantling wall phase" starts to happen. The visual home inspection perhaps was poorly done on some occasions, but that doesn't mean that All home inspections preformed by All licensed home inspectors are inadequate as compared to the Holmes Inspection. Hidden damage may always be  present no matter how through the inspection was done.  A fact of life.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I know and have actually seen what some contractors have done to hide problems when buying a house to flip in the Somerset County area. You would be surprised to discover how many defects drywall and layers of paint can cover up. When a contractor covers up defects it's very difficult to almost impossible to discover without removing walls.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Even though the industry standard home inspection may be limited in it's scope by visual details, it is a necessary and valid inspection that is needed to be in place if the business of real estate transaction will ever move forward. Most of the times these limited visual inspections do just fine. And there's alway the option of calling for further evaluation if an area was not accessible or if examining a  component is beyond normal inspection standards of the company.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/9/1/3/ar130844554731956.jpg" height="284" alt="" width="344" style="border: black 3px solid;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">One thing that should be stressed is that if there has been major remodeling, you must check to see that all necessary installation permits have been taken out. This does includes both  kitchen and bathroom remodeling, especially when there has been either new plumbing pipes and electric wiring installed. Also, whenever walls have been altered or moved this also requires a permit to be taken out from the municipality.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Always make sure that the proper permits are in place so that the town's code enforcement official can come by and inspect the work that has been done on your property. Most all of the homes that Holmes had inspected didn't have the proper permits issued before the work was done. A red flag.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:47:42 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2342632/home-inspectors-vrs-holmes-inspections http://activerain.com/blogsview/2294599/check-your-deck Check Your Deck <p>Now that spring has arrived in Somerset County, New Jersey I'm sure everybody is busy out of doors refreshing their gardens and planting flowers and shrubs were needed. But one thing people don't think about too much, are the decks that connect to their houses. While being actively engaged as a general contractor for over 30 years, I have built many different kinds of decks. It's very important to have your deck checked out  every few years, especially when it's elevated or raised. Wood components can weaken due to normal changing climatic conditions.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deck with railing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/9/7/7/ar130530323377951.jpg" height="120" alt="wood deck " width="160"></p> <p>May is the North American Deck and Railing Associations "Deck Safety Month". It should be a reminder to have those loose or deteriorated components of your deck repaired. And while doing so, it's  also  a very good idea to take a look at what holds the deck together and how it's connected to your house.  If your not handy or too well versed in the art of deck building, a reputable home improvement contractor should be able to point out if there are any serious defects. Being the busy season for contractors, you may consider hiring an experienced home inspector to make a visit to make sure everything is ok under the deck.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deck with rails" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/8/6/5/ar130530419556811.jpg" height="121" alt="deck with rails" width="160"></p> <p>Normally, the most  easily identified component defects in a  deck include loose railings, loose steps and deteriorated decking boards. But there are also items that are not quite so evident beneath the deck surface. One of these items are the joist hanger clips- that are used to fasten the deck joists to the house. Sometimes the joist clips are improperly nailed or fastened/and or become rusted. They would need to be replaced ASAP to stop a further weakening of the structure.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img title="Joist hanger" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/4/6/8/ar130530395086413.jpg" height="120" alt="joist hanger" width="160"></p> <p>Another installation that's just as important is the fastening technique used to attach the deck to the house, most frequently with the use of a ledger board that needs to be bolted instead of being just nailed or screwed. The prescribed method is to use ½ inch bolts, not screws or nails. This is a requirement in most Somerset County New Jersey area.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deck with lateral support" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/8/9/0/ar130530334709852.jpg" height="120" alt="deck" width="160"></p> <p>One more major element worth mentioning, and that I see a lot of, is deck sway or poor lateral support. A lot of decks that have been built provide post support but do not properly connect to the deck joist system that  then creates deck sway. When buying real estate, the house or wall is static and does not move. It's should be the same for a deck. Even thought the deck is used for leisure activities, it should not be considered a play toy. The deck should be built just as solid as your house- from the footings to the guard railings the deck components all need to be fastened correctly.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Fri, 13 May 2011 12:27:23 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2294599/check-your-deck http://activerain.com/blogsview/2279440/somerset-new-jersey-county-parks-system Somerset, New Jersey County Parks System <p>I was very happy to find the information regarding the Somerset County Parks website  neatly organized and quite easy to understand. After being a long time resident of Somerset County, New Jersey, I still found new facilities that I didn't know existed. Below is a brief summary  of what you can expect to find on the website. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Gazebo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/2/8/4/ar130455672348209.jpg" height="157" alt="gazebo" width="253"></p> <p>If you live in Central New Jersey, the Somerset County Parks System is something that everyone should be aware of and  enjoy. Included on the website are:</p> <ul> <li>General Information, that contains directions to the many parks and maps,.</li> <li>Parks and Facilities, that lists where the general parks and natural and undeveloped parks are located and what's included in these parks such as golf courses and tennis courts.</li> <li>Activities, such as dog parks, gardens, miniature golf, roller hockey and horseback riding.</li> <li>Events and Programs such as concerts, naturalist programs, swim lessons and park ranger programs.</li> <li> News Releases, that remind everyone of annual monthly events.</li> <li>Site Index, that introduces you to every page on the website.</li> </ul> <p> Again I would  invite you discover the Somerset County Park. The <em>Site Index</em> offers a 32 page downloadable brochure that can help inform everyone in your family of the benefits of the park facilities has to offer. The website is <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org" title="Somerset County Parks" target="_blank">www.SomersetCountyParks.org</a>.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Wed, 04 May 2011 20:56:48 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2279440/somerset-new-jersey-county-parks-system http://activerain.com/blogsview/2257239/duke-island-walkers Duke Island Walkers <p>A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor's Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park off Old York Road in Bridgewater along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226. The walk is free of charge.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:25:58 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2257239/duke-island-walkers http://activerain.com/blogsview/2257229/science-programs-for-ages-10-to-13-environmental-education-center- SCIENCE PROGRAMS FOR AGES 10 TO 13 - ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER <p>The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey is offering monthly science programs for children ages 10 to 13. AWESIM Saturdays will entertain and educate children about science, the environment, and the natural world. <br>AWESIM Saturdays (Animals, Wetlands, Environmental Science, Imagination, and your Mind) is a unique combination of fun and education through hiking, crafts, and hands-on activities.<br>AWESIM Saturdays will be presented on one Saturday each month from February to June from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. <br>Saturday, April 30 - Alive at the EEC<br>Saturday, May 14 - Critter Care<br>Saturday, June 4 - AWESIM Art<br>Registration for individual programs or the complete series may be done on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:21:00 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2257229/science-programs-for-ages-10-to-13-environmental-education-center- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2255266/deer-hazards Deer Hazards <p style="text-align: justify;">Living in Somerset County for many years has been a wonderful experience. With the nicer weather upon us, I'm sure that most folks are eager to take a drive and enjoy  viewing the beautiful country side. Somerset County offers a wonderful landscape of hiking areas and other recreational activities. There also is a more than ample deer population that has been here living here for many years.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deer herd" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/9/2/1/ar130330509612957.jpg" height="106" alt="deer grazing" width="159"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you are new to the area and scouting around the countryside for a new home or just out driving to one of the many shopping areas here in Somerset County, please be aware of the huge deer popuation we have . During the day deer are fairly easily to spot. If you see a deer that is crossing the road ahead of you, be aware that more animals may follow, as they tend to move one behind the other. I would caution you to gently slow down and double check that there are no more deer around.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deer whistle" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/8/5/ar130330517358874.jpg" height="82" alt="Deer whistle" width="160"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As I presently own a home in the Martinsville area of Somerset County, I do travel back and forth quit often and practice safe driving habits as often as possible. There is a device called "deer whistlers" that can be attached to your car that emit a whistle sound that deer can hear quite distinctly. I have noticed while passing deer along side a road that their ears go up and they are alerted that something new to their environment is arriving. Though not a 100% cure, my personal opinion is that these deer whistle devices do work and do help. And I think they would be most beneficial when traveling at night where one's visibility is limited. These devices can be easily attached to the grill area of an automobile using the self stick tape that is provided in the kit. Incidentlly these whistles are quite cheap and easily available either in a sporting goods store or over the internet.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:22:09 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2255266/deer-hazards http://activerain.com/blogsview/2235307/sccoah-has-changed-it-s-name SCCOAH Has Changed It's Name <p><img title="Family" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/4/9/2/ar13022963529496.jpg" height="140" alt="Family" width="241" style="float: left;">SCCOAH is now known as the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This non-profit organization was started to provide services to low and moderate income individuals and families that find it difficult to cope with the housing issues in this area. A list of services is provided below. Most people that I know of have been able to find wonderful bargins in the Somerset County area.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Financial Literacy Counseling</li> <li>Savings Match Programs</li> <li>Rental Counseling</li> <li>Pre-Purchase Counseling</li> <li>Information regarding Grant Programs</li> <li>Forclosure and Delinquency Counseling</li> <li>Legal Consultation Program                                  </li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;">For additional information visit <a href="http://www.cjhrc.org">www.cjhrc.org</a> or call (908)704-9649</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Qualification for assistance is according to income and household size. Incomes must be within the organization's limitations of regional incomes in the area. More infomation can be found regarding thses perameters on their website.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:07:00 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2235307/sccoah-has-changed-it-s-name http://activerain.com/blogsview/2204577/short-sale-possibility Short Sale- Possibility <p><strong>Deciding whether or not to short sale your Somerset County home is a big decision. </strong>It is not for the faint of heart, and is not a solution simply because you are unhappy your home is worth less than when you bought it. For a homeowner to successfully short sale a home, they need to be experiencing a genuine financial hardship. Once you have established that you are eligible for a short sale, it's important to understand how a short sale will impact you - negatively. <strong>Primarily, a short sale will impact you in three ways: credit damage, tax liability and remaining debt liability.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Short Sale Candidate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/9/8/3/ar130092972938957.jpg" height="174" alt="" width="232"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:27:20 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2204577/short-sale-possibility http://activerain.com/blogsview/2196436/free-cma-comparative-market-analysis- Free (CMA) Comparative Market Analysis <p style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to know a liitle more about what your Somerset County, NJ home may be valued at as compared with other similiar houses, townhouses or condos in you area, I would be glad to help you find that number. What I can provide is an estimate of value based on other homes that have been or are presently listed in the (GSMLS) Garden State Multiple Listing Service.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Spring has Sprung" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/8/2/5/ar130054377252853.jpg" height="159" alt="squirrel" width="151"></p> <p>Obviously sales that have taken place within the last three months would be a good comparison. Please email me at <a href="mailto:steve147@comcast.net">steve147@comcast.net</a> with you name and phone number and expect a courtesy call from me within 24 hours. I am a licensed real estate agent.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:16:28 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2196436/free-cma-comparative-market-analysis- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2186456/owning-a-home-is-still-the-way-to-go Owning a Home is Still the Way to Go <p style="text-align: justify;">A recent survey of 3,793 adults was done by the National Association of Realtors indicating that 95 percent of homeowners and 72 percent of current renters agreed that over a period of a few years, that owning a home was a better decision tha renting. An overwhelming majority of homeowners we happy that they owned their home and indicated that they would do it again.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="House logo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/6/0/2/ar130006559320628.jpg" height="81" alt="House logo" width="81"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">More than half the now current renters- 63 percent, said that they have intentions of the purchase a home in the future. Young adults (18 to 29 years of age) had the the strongest desire for the dream of home ownership; but only eight (8) percent of young adults were not so inclined to desire homeownership.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">NAR also reported pending home sales also were in an uptrend in December, marking the fifth gain in the previous six months. Pending home sales is a forward-looking indicator that indicates contracts and not closings, which usually take a month or two more.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Source: National Association of Realtors.</em></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:22:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2186456/owning-a-home-is-still-the-way-to-go http://activerain.com/blogsview/2175642/let-s-start-exploring-franklin-township Let's Start Exploring Franklin Township <p style="text-align: justify;">As a New Jersey real estate agent that specializes in all of Somerset County I am especially well versed in Franklin Trownship area. I had spent my earlier years growing up on a farm located somewhere off of South Middlebush Road and did go to Hamilton Street, Elizabeth Avenue, Middlebush and finally Franklin High School. As a real estate agent, I would like very much to tell people what I know and like about the area.</p> <p>Franklin Twp has undergone emmense changes in the last 50 years. I can remember when riding around visiting farmers with my father that there were very few homes in now what surrounds the JFK Blvd section. Today there are vast expanses of homes that start from Franklin Blvd and continue all the way to Hwy 287.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When I went to high school I can remember that skate boards were all the rage, but were eventually banned from public use . Well they have been back for some time again. But little did I know it, until I stumbled upon it by chance this past fall, that a skate board area was in the process of being put together in a Franklin recreational area park off of Demot Lane. I don't skate board, but the area looked pretty awesome and I was happy to see it constructed. Also in the same area I noticed that instead of a just a large field only used for football, there was a very nice sized soccer field or two. I was impressed, to say the least. Even though Franklin has grown by leaps and bounds, there have been some very nice leisure improvements put in place. The Franklin Twp wesite is <a href="http://www.franklintwpnj.org" title="franklin twp,nj">www.franklintwpnj.org</a>.</p> <p><img title="trail biking areas" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/1/5/6/ar129954996665117.jpg" height="153" alt="Trail biking" width="368" style="float: right;"></p> <p><img title="Hiking trails" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/0/9/3/ar129955031239044.jpg" height="145" alt="Hiking trails in Franklin Township" width="219" style="float: left;"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>If your so inclined there are also numerous hiking and biking trails throughout Franlin. Some of the hiking areas can also attended by a local guide. And there are bird nesting  groups that usually gather during the weekends. And lets not forget the D&R Canal State Park where there are a multitude of activities also including boating and fishing. I can't wait to put on my hiking boots on again and spend a day or two on the trails that intertwine Franklin Twp, as I did when I was growing up here.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:23:16 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2175642/let-s-start-exploring-franklin-township http://activerain.com/blogsview/2144630/non-smoking-lung-cancer Non-Smoking Lung Cancer <p style="text-align: justify;">Of course I am aware that radon does cause lung cancer, but I wasn't sure of what the most recent statics were. I found out that radon is the leading cause of non-smoking cancer responsible for more than 21,000 deaths each year. There are many millions of Americans that are unaware of being exposed to radon each year. It is estimated one out of fifteen homes have high levels of radon.</p> <p>With that being said, the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency and some other government agencies are taking steps to make the general public more aware of this huge problem. Officials are presently drafting a plan that will focus on a national risk reduction agenda which will save lives and promote healther homes in America.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:49:09 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2144630/non-smoking-lung-cancer http://activerain.com/blogsview/2143681/a-gold-mine-in-disguise A GOLD MINE IN DISGUISE <p style="text-align: justify;">I just recently listed an older ranch home built in the 1950's in Franklin Twp, NJ. It's situated in an industrial area and has 0.229 acres that go with it. The house has two bedrooms and one bath but has the potential of adding another bedroom. There is a full basement. The kitchen has been upgraded and in good condition. The list price is a modest 179,900. The house could be a great find for either an investor interested in renting or a landscaper or similiar business that uses a lot of vehicles and needs a place to park them.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The house is a potential short sale that is being handled by a professional negotiaing team. We will need lender approval to close the sale. Once a legitimate offer to buy is recieved, we will promptly be in contact with the lender. Although short sales have a history of taking a lot of time, we estimate a closing scenerio may happen in 3 months time. Please contact me if there is interest in this home.  MLS # 2830297 </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:40:58 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2143681/a-gold-mine-in-disguise http://activerain.com/blogsview/2108372/condensation-in-glass-panes Condensation In Glass Panes <p style="text-align: justify;">As a Central New Jersey real estate agent  who speciaizes in Somerset County area, I have noticed for some time, condensation stains in multi-pane insulated glass windows. Those annoying foggy stains that are more or less prevalent during different times of the day as the sunlight shines in different positions or angles. Usually the windows are functional if they open and close properly, but there may be other consequences. Windows with two or more panes and those with low emissivity coatings depend on the "glass to glass seal" to be in tact to protect the Low-E coatings and any speciality gases within the panes. Failures such as these are sometimes due to a manufacturing defect. If a warranty is in effect, contact with the manufacturer is recommended.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Condensation In Glass" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/1/9/1/ar129642357219103.jpg" height="160" alt="Condensation In Glass" width="120"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If the window functions well in that it opens and closes normally and there are no cracks in the glass and the window sash is in tac, the window can still be used. It probably has lost only a fraction of it's insulative value. As was mentioned in the previous paragraph, a warranty period may still be in effect. So I think it would be wise to contact the manufacturer immediately  so as to take advantage of the benefit of a manufacture's warranty.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:26:25 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2108372/condensation-in-glass-panes http://activerain.com/blogsview/2081641/risk-of-forclosure- Risk of Forclosure? <p style="text-align: justify;">As a New Jersey real estate agent residing in Somerset County I have heard it mentioned that some homeowners that either miss a mortgage payment, haven't missed a mortgage payment or are just worried if they might miss a future mortgage payment sometimes don't really know where to go to get answers. It's the time delay between worring what to do and finally taking action to correct a situation that is critical. Help is out there. A knowledgeable realtor would by my first choice.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Some people may be of the opinon that once they fall behind in mortgage payments that there is no further hope left for them. I think this is due in large part to the coldness of some banks and the time delay that it takes for them to respond to a concern of the mortgagor. However, there other options. Some of the most obvious choices would be to first contact a knowledgeable realtor, an attorney, or tax advisor that understands these matters of missing mortgage payment(s).</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/8/5/5/ar129554202355864.jpg" height="161" alt="" width="148"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Little be it known that <a href="HUD.gov" title="HUD" target="_blank">HUD.gov</a> is an excellent place to start to find answers to many types of questions. HUD is a non-profit organization that offers reputable housing counseling using accredited housing specialists. A tip to avoid fraud: One should try not using a forclosure prevention company that charges a large fee. You may never again see your money again.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">It is important for a homeowner to be able to understand the facts of short sale vs. forclosure and how these differences may effect one's credit history. Don't hesitate contacting a real estate professional, your banker, a government sponsored counselor, a tax attorney and your accountant.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There is also the (CCCS) Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley that is a non-profit organization may that also be contacted at 1-800-989-2227. They have over 300 accredited counselors on staff.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:47:27 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2081641/risk-of-forclosure- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2071685/a-pressing-engagement A Pressing Engagement <p style="text-align: justify;">As a real estate agent residing in Somerset County  New Jersey, one of my favorite fall acitvies is taking a day trip driving through the countryside looking at the wonderful displays of the  fall foliage and stopping into the many stores and shops along the way.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">By chance I was traveling through the Morris and Somerset County areas last year we stumbled upon a most interesting historical site, that of the Ralston Cider Mill located on Rt. 24. The clock had been turned back. The cider mill had been sitting vacant for more that 70 years avoiding the epitath of the bulldozer, and had just opened up for visitors during the months of September and October.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Before entering the building we were treated to a short film that informed visitors about the history of the site. When we entered the inside of the building, everything was  still in it's original condition including the pulleys and belts, the presses, the old style mechanical engineering.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Ralston Mill was originally built in 1848 as a gristmill on the border of Mendham and Chester Townships. Grain was ground into flour and animal feed for approximately 60 years until it was acquired by a new owner who turned the building into a cider mill.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The brandy industry in New Jersey had been in production for 130 years before the Ralston Mill had every squeezed a drop of apple cider, having begun in 1773 in Morris County. By 1899 New Jesey was the national leader  in cider production, with 23% of that being brandy. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/6/9/8/ar129487210889613.jpg" height="252" alt="" width="325"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When Prohibition  came, that changed everything.  In it's heyday the cider mill had been producing all brandy. An underground distillery in back of the main building housed the operation. From what was a normal workday comprising of processing 10,000 lbs. of fruit into 1,100 gallons of cider, all efforts now went directly into making brandy. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When Prohibition ended in 1933 the tide changed forever. The liquior industry turned to a more affordable wheat-based whiskey and the apple orchards started disappearing. New towns and homes were built that replaced these apple orchards. The mill closed it's doors in 1938. Today this mill stands as a last suvivor of an era gone by.</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:03:14 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2071685/a-pressing-engagement http://activerain.com/blogsview/2065303/manufactured-home-questions Manufactured Home Questions <p>If your in the market for buying or selling a manufactured home and have questions, the best resource around would be looking into the Manufactured Housing Program that HUD has to offer. This program offers established guidlines that protect the health and safety of the occupant.</p> <p>Just about everything you need to know regarding a manufactured home can be found here. The FAQs answers questions concerning what to do if the HUD Label or Data Plate are missing. These metal data plates are necessary to be affixed to the outside of the manufactured home before a sale can be completed.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/3/5/7/ar129485484975337.jpg" height="120" alt="" width="160"></p> <p>Technical issues regarding foundation requirements can also be found under the appraisal and property requirements area. You will find that <a href="HUD.gov" title="HUD" target="_blank">HUD.gov</a> is a useful source of information for your questions.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:24:16 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2065303/manufactured-home-questions http://activerain.com/blogsview/2061838/speaking-about-mold Speaking About Mold <p><strong>According to a statement released by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, " Mold spores are present in all indoor environments and cannot be eliminated from them."</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/iStock_000011944815Small.jpg"><img title="iStock_000011944815Small" src="http://www.ameri-search.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/iStock_000011944815Small-300x199.jpg" height="199" alt="Mold surrounding window" width="300"></a></p> <p><strong>Mold above a window</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.ameri-search.com" title="Speaking About Mold" target="_blank">Home inspections</a> can indicate the presence of mold. Whenever mold starts to grow indoors there is a souce of water or moisture that is present that needs to be controlled. If normalization of the indoor environment can succeed, than the souce of water or dampness must first be identified before corrective procedures can be put in place.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mold can be very commonly found in many homes and buildings. If basements are not properly dehumidified in the summer months, mold will develop easily; even during the colder winter months mold can develop on inorganic surfaces if moisture or dampness is present, ie, for example as evidenced on metal basement exit doors. Dampness has an easily recognized order. Signs of mold can usually be found along basement trim moldings, wall paneling, and in basement crawk areas where dampness is present due to inadequate ventilation and/or water penetration.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mold growth in and around one's home should not go unchecked as the next level is for rot to develop  leading to unsightly staining and physical deterioration of organic building materials such as wood trim. Mold is also likely to produce allergic symtoms to senisitive people.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Another issue that has emerged in the past 10 to 15 years is the presents of mold and deterioration of building materials with an exterior wall cavity. Usually the exterior cladding found at fault is called (EIFS), also called exterior insulative finish system. Even a small defect in the wall system could allow water to penetrate into the exterior wall and soon cause severe problems. A normal <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">home inspection</span></strong> is limited to visual details and a specialist may have to be called in to do additional testing for moisture.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">One more thing. If you are in charge of maintaining a vacant house in the winter months, as we sometimes do here in New Jersey, try to keep the indoor temperature up to 55 degrees. At this temperature mold should be held in check. If the temperature is kept at a lower level then what is recommended/ or the house has been winterized with no heat on at all, mold can develope within the interior walls of the house.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Stephen R. Sliwka, Somerset County, NJ Real Estate Specialist, NJ Real Estate Consultant - Home inspector</strong></p> <p><a href="mailto:Steve147@comcast.net" target="_blank">Steve147@comcast.net</a> ~ 732-3568927</p> <p>Daunno Realty Services, Broker</p> <p><a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/bernards-township/" target="_blank">Bernards</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bedminster-township/" target="_blank">Bedminster</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bound-brook/" target="_blank">Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/branchburg-township/" target="_blank">Branchburg</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/bridgewater-township/" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a>, Dunellen, Far Hills, Franklin Park, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/hillsborough-township/" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/04/manville-new-jersey/" target="_blank">Manville</a>, Millstone, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/montogomery-township/" target="_blank">Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/north-plainfield/" target="_blank">North Plainfield</a>, Peapack and Gladstone, Raritan, Somerset, Somerville, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/south-bound-brook/" target="_blank">South Bound Brook</a>, <a href="http://somersetcountyre.com/2011/05/warren-township/" target="_blank">Warren</a>, Watchung</p> <p><strong>My website: </strong>www.SomersetCountyRE.com for all <strong><a href="http://www.somersetcountyre.com" target="_blank">Somerset County NJ Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.ameri-search.com/">Somerset County Home inspections</a>.</strong></p> </div> Stephen Robert Sliwka - Somerset County New Jersey Realtor (Daunno Realty Services) Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:18:23 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2061838/speaking-about-mold