YOUR Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Real Estate, Local Info & More Blog! by AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND: New Jersey

MarketWatch has reported that resales of U.S. single-family homes and condos rose 3.6% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million, the highest level since last October, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday. Resales have risen for three straight months.

The housing market appears to be healing, said Lawrence Yun, the NAR chief economist. The increase was higher than expected. 

Inventories of unsold homes are still elevated and putting pressure on prices. The inventory of unsold homes on the market fell to a 9.4 month supply at the June sales pace, down from 9.8 months in May. Yun said that inventories would have to be at a 7 month supply to get price stabilization.

The median sales prices fell 15.4% in the past year to $181,800. Resale activity is concentrated in lower-priced home as a result of tax incentives, analysts said. Distressed properties (meaning short sales, foreclosures and bank owned properties) accounted for 31% of sales in June. 

Another important thing to note is that in New Jersey, the number of home sales in the month of June 2009 increased by a whopping 12% more than the number of home sales for June 2008.  In addition, there is now a nine-month inventory of homes for sale in NJ; that number was 16.9 months in January. That is an astounding 41% improvement in the amount of homes just sitting on the market that were unsold!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking to BUY or SELL a NJ home in Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Old Bridge, South Amboy or any of the surrounding areas? 

Are YOU interested in relocating to central NJ from Hoboken, Jersey City, Edgewater, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan? 

Find out what a home is REALLY worth first before you BUY or SELL! 

Call me directly at 917-723-5645 or email me here.

For additional real estate listings in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean counties & beyond, visit my site at www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com.

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND, CDPE

Strategic Marketing & Sales Expert

Short Sale Specialist 

Weichert Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Short Sales, Real Estate Listings, Local Info & More"

I'm sure you've heard that expression..."the early bird gets the worm"...right? What about "time waits for no one?"

Well both sayings are the truth and nothing but the truth. 

When we step up to the plate early(be it in business or in our personal lives) not only do we free up our time to pursue other goals but we also give ourselves a chance to take advantage of great opportunities that may be right in front of us.  

Since time keeps moving even when we don't, it's critical to devise a plan of action to help us accomplish our goals in a timely fashion. 

Here are my Top 5 tips to help you clear off your plate early in the game, so you can seize the moment and move forward in life and business with momentum:  

1.  Write it down! Create a "To Do" list. Research shows that when you write something down, your chances of actually following through on the goal are increased dramatically.    

2.  Schedule it! When you know you have a task that must be completed, be sure to put it on a wall calendar or schedule it in your Blackberry or phone calendar.  

3.  Tackle the hardest or longest tasks first!  If you focus on getting the biggest challenges out of the way first, doing the easiest things later will be a piece of cake.  

4.  Learn how to delegate! If you find yourself getting stuck on the minor things you need to get accomplished, learn how to delegate that task to someone else who can help lighten your load. Whether it's an assistant, intern, friend or relative...don't be afraid to ask for help.  

5.  Like NIKE Just Do It! The hardest part of doing anything is taking the first step. Don't worry about doing it "right"... Just do it. If you make a mistake, you can always go back and re-do it.    

Stay positive & motivated,

Amber

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sometimes it PAYS To Do Things Differently...

Memorial Day Weekend was quite busy for me. I spent all of Friday working with buyer clients, most of Saturday doing the same and Sunday (the day before the actual holiday) I decided to hold an open house at one of my listings, located at 57 South Shore Drive in South Amboy in Lighthouse Bay.

Oh sure, there was nothing more tempting than the thought of joining my friends and family who were basking in the sun at the beach, sipping on a cool drink, with the sounds of waves splashing in the background.

Some might call me crazy....actually a few agents in my office did call me crazy...lolol...but I know without a doubt, sacrificing a vacation in a far off land was the right thing to do for my sellers and my business. :)

You see, the community where I held the open house is called Lighthouse Bay. It's a very unique and beautiful resort-like community located in a quaint yet thriving waterfront town called South Amboy in central New Jersey.  

LIVING IN LIGHTHOUSE BAY MAKES EVERYDAY FEEL LIKE A VACATION!

Lighthouse Bay is a collection of more than 250 luxury, multi-level townhouses and single family homes ranging in price from $425,000 to $1,695,000 like this beauty located at 29 Lighthouse Drive.

This this attractive home located at 7 Blue Heron Drive is upgraded to perfection!

There's no better time of year to appreciate a resort-like community like Lighthouse Bay and it's newest addition, Harbor Village at Lighthouse Bay, then during a beautiful holiday weekend like Memorial Day weekend.

The sun was shining on Sunday, May 24th, the waterfront was buzzing with people from all over, homeowners entertained relatives & friends at their houses, the private community pool had it's annual grand opening and everything was just perfect! So much so that I had the pleasure of entertaining nine (9) REAL prospective homebuyers at my open house at 57 South Shore Dr.

I was even able to convince a few of the buyers to also take a look at other clients' homes located around the corner at 6 Great Beds Court, also in Lighthouse Bay. 

Not to mention, I have had 3 of them come back to the community for second showings Monday and Tuesday for homes like this stunning "Monterey" model victorian located at 18 Spinnaker Drive.

Part of what makes Lighthouse Bay and Harbor Village at Lighthouse Bay so special is the town is that the town of South Amboy is...

• Located 5 minutes from both the Garden State Parkway and the NJ Turnpike
• Grocery store favorites like Wegmans, Pathmark , Walmart and BJ's Wholesale Club are less than 10 minutes away
• Less than 10 minutes from two major malls (Woodbridge Center Mall and Menlo Park Mall)
• Less than 15 minutes from the Newark, NJ airport
• Less than 14 miles from Staten Island, NY
• Only 32 short miles from Manhattan (aka NYC)
• Less than 50 minutes from Brooklyn,NY
• Only 42 miles from Queens, NY
• Private yoga and ZUMBA fitness classes, as well as career networking opportunities are offered exclusively for Lighthouse Bay residents
• There is both a NJ Transit train and bus line in the heart of town so commuters adore this place!

PLUS...

• There's a public boat slip and ramp to launch your jet skis on the Raritan Bay
• Beautiful public access beach and waterfront prime for kayaking or fishing
• Lovely sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops in town
• Public schools and private Catholic Schools that are becoming increasingly competitive
• Property taxes that are far more reasonable than just about any town in North Jersey

So while it would've been fun to have been a beach bum for a day, I'm glad I traded in my sunblock for an open house sign in GORGEOUS Lighthouse Bay on the South Amboy waterfront. If last Sunday was any indication of the growing demand for the benefits this one-of-a-kind community offers... the best is yet to come!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking to SELL or BUY a NJ home in South Amboy, Marlboro, Manalapan or any of the surrounding areas?

Are YOU interested in relocating to central NJ from Hoboken, Jersey City, Edgewater, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan? 

• Find out what a home is REALLY worth first before you BUY or SELL!
• Call me directly at 917-723-5645 or email me here.
• For additional real estate listings in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean counties & beyond, visit my site at www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com.

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Strategic Marketing Expert & Short Sale Specialist 
Weichert Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Short Sales, Real Estate Listings, Local Info & More"  

SHORT SALES 101:  The Five "P's" Everyone Needs To Practice When Dealing With Short Sales

"RUMOR vs. REALITY CHECK"

=

Real Solutions To Help NJ Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

(May 2009 edition) 

1. PREPARE:  Make sure you mentally and emotionally PREPARE yourself for the level of transparency that will be required in order to complete a short sale.  This means ultimately you'll be required to share details with your Realtor, your attorney, your CPA and the bank about why you are unable to pay your mortgage. Depending upon your specific circumstances this could include job loss, medical problems or any number of issues. You have NOTHING to be ashamed about!

2. PLAN OF ACTION: As a Realtor who is experienced with short sales in NJ, I can tell you that proper PLANNING is a huge part of successfully executing a short sale. The Realtor you choose to handle your short sale listing needs to have a real MARKETING PLAN to get your home exposed to buyers, as well as a real STRATEGIC PLAN to effectively deal with your mortgage lender/bank. If you are a seller who is experiencing financial trouble, and are considering listing your home with a Realtor as a short sale, please do yourself a favor..research the Realtor before you choose one.

3. PERFECT HONESTY: The only way your short sale Realtor can help you is if you are PERFECTLY HONEST with them about the obvious things about your financial status, as well as the not-so obvious. If you know of additional liens that are currently levied against your home, it's very important that tell your agent in the very beginning.

4. PATIENCE: Short sales typically take a bit longer than most traditional home sales. In order for the buyer, seller and the agents to get what they all ultimately desire (a closed transaction), everyone is going to have to commit upfront to remain PATIENT during the process.

5. POSITIVE ATTITUDE: In addition to being PATIENT, everyone involved in a short sale transaction needs to keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. This means the seller of the short sale home and their Realtor needs to support each other as they navigate through this tough process. The buyer's agent needs to regularly check-in on the short sale buyer to make sure they keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE while everyone waits for the bank to render a decision about approving the short sale. Being pesimistic and negative will only get you frustrated. Keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE throughout the short sale process, and you will likely wind up with a positive outcome!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking to SELL or BUY a NJ home in Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold or any of the surrounding areas?

• Find out what a home is REALLY worth first before you BUY or SELL!
• Call me directly at 917-723-5645 or email me here.
• For additional Marlboro, NJ short sale optionsand other real estate listings in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean counties & beyond, visit my site at www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com.

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Strategic Marketing Expert & Short Sale Specialist 
Weichert Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Short Sales, Real Estate Listings, Local Info & More"  

JUST SOLD! **SHORT SALE**859 Mariposa Ct. in Morganville, NJ - Marlboro Township's "Point de Jardin"

This 3-bedroom + 2.5 bath townhome was listed at $290,000 and sold for $280,000.

**NOTE** This home actually closed on 4/13/2009, and it sold for $12,000 more than a different home (that was the exact same model) sold for less than 3 months prior.

The former homeowners/sellers for this home had experienced a legitimate hardship, and were searching for a Realtor in Marlboro specializing in short sales. They researched me online at my main site, as well as my blog here on ActiveRain.com before inviting to their home to discuss the sale of their home.

They had already done the necessary due diligence, by discussing loan modification optionswith their mortgage lender. As much as they wanted to continue to stay in their home, it became apparent to everyone involved that by excercising a successful short sale, they'd be afforded an opportunity to regroup and start over in the near future.

The community this townhome is located in is "Point de Jardin"in the Morganville section of Marlboro Township in New Jersey.

Towhomes in this particular development don't stay on the market very long for the following reasons:

1. The entire community offers (which is equip with an outdoor pool and gorgeous landscaped grounds) is affordably priced  3-bedroom + 2.5 bath units only (no 2-bedroom units) ranging from the upper $200K's to the mid $300K's.

2. Point de Jardin is located in Marlboro Township NJ, a highly sought after area in central NJ known for having top-ranked schools. Details about before & after care are available here.

3. NYC commuter Park-N-Ride lots and public transportation via NJ Transitare conveniently located on Route 9 mere minutes from the entrance of Point de Jardin.

The interest in this home was strong from the first day I listed it.

However, selling it wasn't a cinch for a variety of reasons.  Namely, the home was listed as a "short sale" and that alone scared a few buyers who clearly were misinformed about the HUGE opportunity buying a short sale presents.

In general, buyers who are scared of purchasing short sale homes are usually apprehensive, because of stories they may have heard from friends or even certain Realtors who have not been successful with these types of distressed properties.

After 2 short months on the market, 2 price reductions and 45+ showings, we finally received 2 written offers from buyers. I reviewed the offers with the sellers, and they chose the one that whose overall terms were most appealing.

I was able to get a FULL SHORT SALE APPROVAL for the first offer on this short sale listing within 3 weeks of turning in all the appropriate paperwork. Anyone who is really familiar with how short sales work can attest that an approval in 3 weeks is a very fast turnaround! Unfortunately, the buyer was represented by an agent who was admittedly clueless when it came to short sales, and shortly after we received bank approval the buyer's attorney backed them out of the deal.

When I broke the news to the sellers they were initially nervous. Foreclosure was the last thing in the world they wanted. I encouraged them to stay positive, and reassured them that I would get their home SOLD! Sure enough...we had a breakthrough...We canceled the deal with the "flighty" buyer, did one final small price reduction and voila! 4 additional written offers poured in. The sellers chose to accept a buyer who was represented by agent whom I felt confident would do what was necessary to keep her client patient and focused, while we waiting for the seller's mortgage lender to approve this new contract. Within 10 business days I had a new approval from the lender, and 14 days later the home SOLD successfully! The sellers were happy, the buyers were thrilled and myself & the other agent felt relieved. The #1 key to success with short sales is being PREPARED for anything!

Short sales in stable and well-established condo/townhouse communities such as Point de Jardin in Marlboro, NJ don't necessarily come along everyday. So when one does come along, the majority of buyers clamor for a chance to purchase in this development, because they know they will very likely get a good deal. In this case it gets very competitive amongst buyers and buyer's agents. If you see a good short sale deal in this type of community don't let it pass you by! 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking to SELL or BUY a NJ home in Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold or any of the surrounding areas?

• Find out what a home is REALLY worth first before you BUY or SELL!
• Call me directly at 917-723-5645 or email me here.
• For additional Marlboro, NJ short sale optionsand other real estate listings in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean counties & beyond, visit my site at www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com.

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Strategic Marketing Expert & Short Sale Specialist 
Weichert Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Short Sales, Real Estate Listings, Local Info & More"  

SHORT SALE 101: 

"RUMOR vs. REALITY CHECK"

=

Solutions To Help NJ Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

(March 2009 edition) 

RUMOR:  Let's say a financially distressed homeowner owes a mortgage lender/bank a certain amount of money for a mortgage note, and the bank agrees to allow a SHORT SALE. This means the seller should purposely list their home at a high price since the bank will accept an offer from a buyer for 10%-20% less than what the sellers actually owe the bank, right?

REALITY CHECK:  NO. This is NOT necessarily true! Many lenders understand the general public has "caught wind" to what a SHORT SALE home actually is, and because of that, the rules of engagement are changing. Every mortgage lender is different and is governed by various rules when it comes to what price is acceptable vs. unacceptable. Now don't get me wrong; often times mortgage lenders are willing to "bend" a bit and accept a less than attractive offer from a buyer for a SHORT SALE home.  However, I have had lenders tell me directly "we will let certain homes go to FORECLOSURE before we will just give it away for almost no money in a SHORT SALE." 

They didn't make that statement based on principle, but rather on mathematics.  If a home is listed on the market for sale, and it doesn't yield contract offers high enough to cover the mortgage + the fees to sell the home + any delinquent utilities + delinquent home owners association fees (if applicable), the lender may feel it could be less costly to allow it to be FORECLOSED on. Lenders are often willing to negotiate when it comes to what "sale price" they eventually accept for a SHORT SALE, but a 10%-20% discount to a potential buyer is often NOT accurate when the SHORT SALE home is: #1 priced appropriately for the current market and #2 the home shows well.

SOLUTION = If you're a homeowner who is financially challenged and it seems like you can't figure things out on your own, make sure you speak to your mortgage lender immediately. Be honest with them about your circumstances, and ask them for all possible solutions to help improve your situation.  If they don't offer you any favorable options, then ask them about their specific steps to get you consideration for a SHORT SALE.

After doing your research with them, interview and select a Realtor who understands how the SHORT SALE process works. Be certain the Realtor is upfront with you about where the current prices of homes comparable to yours are. This way you will have realistic expectations about what to expect, and you can price your home appropriately based on current market conditions.  By following these suggestions, you'll be one step closer to attracting a buyer that will write a contract to purchase your home, and even closer to getting your mortgage lender to say SHORT SALE APPROVED!

Here's last month's edition (February) of Short Sales 101:  Rumor vs. Reality Check

Look at this GREAT 3-bedroom + 2.5 bath "BANK APPROVED SHORT SALE" townhouse for sale in Marlboro Township's Point de Jardin community

Luxury homes like this in Manalapan can also offer short sale opportunities

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Short Sale Specialist 
Weichert Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Real Estate, Local Info & More"   

A few days ago I met a real estate appraiser named Rosalyn at one of the Monmouth County NJ homes I have listed. Within less than 2 months of being on the market, this home had 3 offers to purchase and was now under contract...Yay! 

Rosalyn the appraiser was very focused on what she needed to observe as it pertains to the home. Once she was finished, she was willing to indulge my curiosity as whether or not the changing real estate market has affected the appraisal process.

Being the sponge that I am, I looked at this as a great opportunity to "pick her brain" and ask a few questions that might be helpful to my clients. I chose the 5 questions below, because they often lead to spirited debates between myself and other Realtors, as well as first-time buyers or home owners who are in the process of selling.

Thanks to Rosalyn for sharing her expertise!

1.  The square footage of a home also includes the total square footage of the basement.

FALSE:  According to Rosalyn, a home's true square footage only includes the actual living space. If an area is a below grade basement (meaning underground and not a walkout), then that basement is NOT considered actual living space, and should NOT be calculated as part of a home's square footage.  She said in NJ and in many states it is acceptable to measure the actual square footage of the basement and note that separately as additional square footage but NOT as living space.

2.  A home's appraisal value should be equal to or greater than the home's tax records assessed value.

FALSE: Although many cities and towns across America are reconfiguring their tax rate calculation formulas to reflect current real estate market values, there are thousands of cities who have not. Therefore, you cannot always expect a home's appraised value to be equal to or exceed the "tax assessment value."

3. If you're selling your home, you are entitled to receive a copy of the appraisal the buyer's mortgage lender ordered.

FALSE:  Neither the buyer or their mortgage lender are required to share the appraisal information with you. The appraiser is not allowed to share their evaluation results with you either.

4. If you give your home an extra good cleaning and de-clutter, your home will appraise for more money.

FALSE:  According to Rosalyn, appraisers do not base their evaluations on how "neat & tidy" your home is. The things that will likely have the greatest impact on what they assess your home's value at will be size, condition, upgrades, location, view (ocean, beach, etc) closeness to amenities (pool, golf course, etc) and/or facilities (bus, ferry, train, etc) and recent sales of comparable homes.

5. If you add certain upgrades to your home you will get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment when you sell the home.

FALSE: Many appraisers will agree that updating things like a kitchen or bathroom or finishing a basement can definitely be a positive step toward increasing a home's value. However, despite how wonderful the upgrades may be they won't necessarily increase the value of your home to the extent where you'll get a 100% percent return on the money you spent. Here's a great article from the NAR (National Association of Realtors) that explains "cost vs. value" in greater detail.

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Waterfront Homes Expert & Short Sale Specialist 
Weichert, Realtors

455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Real Estate, Local Info & More"  

"BANK APPROVED SHORT SALE" 

859 MARIPOSA CT. IN THE POINT DE JARDIN COMMUNITY ~ MARLBORO TOWNSHIP, NJ

Offered at $280,000

Amber Noble-Garland | Weichert Realtors (Marlboro office) | 917-723-5645     Mariposa, Marlboro, NJ "BANK APPROVED" SHORT SALE! COMMUTERS LOVE THIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED & UPDATED 3-BDRM + 2.5 BATH MARLBORO TOWNSHIP TOWNHOME NEAR RTS 9 3BR/2.5BA Townhouse offered at $280,000             Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Uncovered spaces Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month   DESCRIPTION "BANK APPROVED" SHORT SALE! COMMUTERS LOVE THIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED & UPDATED 3-BDRM + 2.5 BATH HOME NEAR RTS 9, 18, GS Pkwy, Turnpike! This is the LOWEST PRICED unit in POINT DE JARDIN. NEWER ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances, gas marble-encased fireplace, crown molding, recessed lighting, vaulted ceiling in master bdrm suite feat walkin closet + prvt bath, two addtl nicely sized bdrms and laundry room upstairs. Great shopping and restaurants around the corner. Top ranked Marlboro Township school district...WOW! CHECKOUT -> www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com   see additional photos below    PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Tile floor Living room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Microwave Stainless steel appliances Washer Dryer Laundry area - inside     COMMUNITY FEATURES Guest parking Swimming pool(s) Playground   ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info:      Amber Noble-Garland Weichert Realtors (Marlboro office) 917-723-5645 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 2, 2009, 10:13pm PST

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Your Reliable Resource For Marlboro Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

SHORT SALES 101:   RUMOR vs. REALITY CHECK 

= 

"Solutions To Help NJ Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure"

(FEBRUARY 2009 edition)

RUMOR:  If a homeowner contacts their mortgage lender/bank and tells them they can no longer afford to pay for the home they purchased, the lender MUST agree to allow a short sale.

REALITY CHECK:  Not true! Many mortgage lenders/banks are willing to consider allowing a homeowner in serious financial trouble (who can no longer afford to pay the mortgage) to do a SHORT SALE.  In fact, in many cases as long as the "net loss number" (the amount of money the bank is left with after paying all fees, commission, delinquent water bills, etc) doesn't prove to be too painful for the mortgage lender, most lenders will go from considering a SHORT SALE to actually approving a SHORT SALE. Lenders are in the "lending money" business, not the "landlord" business, so they'd often rather have a property sold and move on. However, a lender is NOT obligated to grant a seller permission to do a SHORT SALE. 

SOLUTION = People who know you often mean well, but sometimes they will unintentionally leave you with misinformation.  When you're seeking options, only rely on information from your mortgage lender/bank, the government's site for housing assistance, a trained SHORT SALE Realtor with experience or an attorney who specializes in SHORT SALES. Tune out random opinions from individuals who don't have any experience with this type of business matter. It will save you time, money and energy in the long run!

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND

Short Sale Specialist
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Real Estate, Local Info & More"  

I imagine that the new $8000 tax credit is on the tip of most people's tongues these days...at least I know it is in my corner of the world.  Whether you agree with the basis of the $8000 tax credit or not, there's no denying that millions Americans are looking for a reprieve or any sign of "light at the end of the tunnel." 

Below is a collection of a 5 different questions I've received over the past couple of weeks from buyers, sellers, family members and former colleagues who are considering home ownership.  The people asking the questions might be different, but it seems like everyone is curious about the same thing.  Questions #1, #4 and #5 seem to be the ones I keep getting the most.

I've too have asked a bunch of questions and enslisted assistance from two reliable CPAs (certified public accountants) I've known for years. See the Q&A below. 

1.  Q:  I'm hearing conflicting information about this tax credit bill President Obama signed. Is the $8000 tax credit for "first-time home buyers only" or all buyers? I am so confused about how this thing works! 

AMBER:  The $8000 credit included in the final version of the economic recovery/stimulus plan is for first-time home buyers.  By definition (for the purpose of this government plan) a "first-time home buyer" is someone who has not owned a principal residence for 3 years before prior to buying a different house.

2.  Q:  We are thinking about continuing to live with our in-laws in Marlboro until the baby arrives. We bought a modest vacation condo down the shore last year in the Spring before we met you. Will that count as our $8000 tax credit? What if we decide to still purchase a primary residence before the end of 2009, can we still be eligible for the $8000 credit?

AMBER:  No, if you've owned a "vacation home" but not a principal residence within the past 3 years, you would still qualify for the $8000 tax credit, and would be eligible to receive it as long as you purchase a "primary residence" within that 2009 timeframe. To be sure, double check with your accountant.

3.  Q:  We have friends in Freehold who bought their first home in July of 2008.  They said if we buy in 2009 we'll have to pay back the tax credit just like they will. Is that true? 

AMBER:  If your friends are entitled to a $7500 tax credit and they purchased in 2008, the money they will receive will likely have to be repaid over time.  However, if you buy a home between January 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009, you shouldn't have repay the $8000 credit.

4.  Q:  We heard the $8000 tax credit is for low income families only. We make a little over $100,000 in combined income. Does that fall within the financial requirements?

AMBER:  The $8000 tax credit comes with income limitations, but it's not for low-income families only.  Married couples must have a modified adjusted gross income (better know as AGI) of no more than $150,000 and $75,000 per year is the cap for single people in order to qualify for the full credit.  There is a possibility that any first-home buyers earning more than $150,000 may qualify for a reduced tax credit, but this hasn't be fully determined or approved yet.

5.  Q:  What happens if we buy a home in 2009, but for some reason we have to sell it within the next 2 years? 

AMBER:  In order to receive the $8000 tax credit and not have to pay it back to the government, you cannot sell the home in a time period any less than 3 full years from the date that title/deed was actually transferred into your name. If you do sell in less than 3 years you will very likely have to pay the $8000 back to the US government.   They might make an exception for justifiable and unforeseen circumstances such as death, armed forces deployment or death, but that is not a guarantee.

NOTE**I encourage anyone who has additional questions about tax credits or anything related to the IRS, to check with their own licensed CPA and go to www.IRS.gov for the most comprehensive and up-to-date professional advice.**

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro ~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Monmouth & Middlesex County Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

Freehold's Neighborhood Pride Committee to Host Gardeners' Workshop

The Freehold Borough Neighborhood Pride Committee has announced that it is sponsoring a Gardeners' Workshop for all Freehold Borough gardeners and potential gardeners on Saturday, February 28, at 2:30 p.m. at the YMCA located at the intersection of Center and Jackson Streets. 

Bob Mellert, a Monmouth County Master Gardener, will conduct the workshop.  Mellert has been gardening for a half century and, thanks to their freezer, he and his wife enjoy eating the produce they grow in their own back yard all year long.  "Can you imagine never having to buy another vegetable and having fresh, healthy, 95% organic food available at all times?" asks NPC member Donna Koloski. "Bob will help others get started or improve their own gardens by discussing soil preparation, what, when, and where to plant, and will answer your gardening questions." 

Koloski stresses that gardening is not an expensive endeavor and it is rewarding as well as stress relieving. Further benefits include a sense of pride and accomplishment, plus added personalized beauty to a home's landscape. "A lovingly tended garden represents personal artistry, sustenance and life.  Neighborhoods with abundant gardens add a sense of wholesome beauty for neighbors and visitors alike," she says. 

Koloski adds that the Committee is encouraging all participants to bring non-perishable food items for donation to area food banks. "The Neighborhood Pride Committee was founded on the belief that helping others creates a healthy and positive experience for all of us. We are proud to support our local food banks with our Gardeners' Workshop." 

The Gardeners' Workshop is free and registration is not mandatory. Those who do sign up for the workshop will be eligible for door prizes provided by the Freehold Borough Recreation Commission. To register, contact Donna at pd2535k@verizon.net or 732-866-9648. 

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Freehold Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REDUCE YOUR AUTO INSURANCE? 

DO YOU HAVE 2 NAGGING POINTS YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE REMOVED FROM YOUR DRIVING RECORD?

Well read below, because you may possibly be in luck!

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

"DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE"

Sponsored by Manalapan Venture Crew 120

This class is taught by certified instructors of the

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2009

9:00am-4:00pm

MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Route 522 & Taylors Mills Rd.

The cost of $30 per person includes lunch, certifications and materials. An additional $15 will be charged for those New Jersey State residents who want to be considered for insurance discounts up to 10% and/or a possible reduction of up to 2 points off your motor vehicle drivers license. 

NOTE:  Keep in mind that any discount off your automobile insurance is subject to approval by your insurance carrier - some restrictions may apply.

The purpose of this course is to teach you to drive defensively. This 6 hour course includes a discussion of the behaviors that influence driving habits, as well as vehicle characteristics, the National Safety Council's "Collision Prevention Formula" the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving, and anticipating potential hazards. In fact, a similar event was sponsored by the Manalapan High School marching band in January.

If you'd like to participate in the March 14th seminar, by no later than March 7, 2009, send payment (along with the registration form below) to the following address:

Manalapan Venture Crew 120

C/o  Manalapan Township Board of Health

120 Route 522

Manalapan, NJ  07726

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Make checks payable to:  Manalapan Venture Crew 120**

Name  _____________________________________________________   

Years Driving ________________________

Home Address  ___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Email  ___________________________  

Daytime Phone  ____________________________    

Evening Phone  ________________________________

Course Fee = $30 p/person _____________

Insurance and/or Point Reduction (if applicable) = $15 p/person ________________________

For additional details e-mail Manalapan.Crew120@gmail.com.  Participants must be no younger than 15 years of age to attend.

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Manalapan Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

UPDATE:  Due to the heavy snow NJ experienced, this FREE seminar was canceled for March 2nd. The NEW date is Monday, March 9, 2009, 6:45pm-8:30pm at the same location.

Monday, March 2, 6:45pm - 8:30pm, the Freehold Township Democratic Club presents a FREE seminar on how to appeal your property tax assessment.

The seminar will be held at the Monmouth County Library, Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726.

The speaker will be Beverly Bova-Scarano, Former Commissioner of the Monmouth County Board of Taxation, Past President NJ Association of County Tax Board Commissioners & Administrators, and Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser, State of NJ.

*This event is free and open to the public! Light refreshments will be served*

Topics to be covered include:

• How to avoid common mistakes
• Understanding property assessment appeals
• Just how many comparables do you really need?
• What to expect at the property assessment appeal hearing . . . if it goes that far 

RSVP's are appreciated but not necessary. Please RSVP by calling 732-616-8855 or emailing vegand@verizon.net.

*Please park in the side lot, off Alexandria Drive* 

The Freehold Township Democratic Club was re-established in 2005 by residents who want to ensure positive and balanced growth for our community.

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Manalapan Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

There are plenty of GOOD LOCAL NEWS STORIES of Freehold, NJ residents and business owners who are making great things happen, locally and around the world.

With so much negativity and bad news on TV, the radio and Internet, I think it's about time we start spreading the GOOD NEWS! 

Freehold Borough: A Thriving NJ Community 

In the twilight hours of February 2, 2009 a raging conflagration took the life of a beloved 12-year-old girl and displaced her mother and two sisters. All aspects of the community of Freehold Borough immediately began making plans to take care of their own. Within hours, a network of concerned citizens offered the survivors an apartment, rent free. Others began raising money, and still others began to coordinate an item drop off to give them.  

Freehold Borough is so much more than homes and businesses, it is a true "community" where neighbors help one another, protect one another and share freely. Freehold Borough is a model for small town values and qualities.

In a region of suburban sprawl and McMansions, people can come to Freehold and find a true sense of community. The people of Freehold have tremendous pride in their town and are often heard saying that they have "Colonial Blue" running through their veins, a reference to the high school sports teams that have had a great run of winning seasons in recent years.

*details supplied by CIC (Community Information Committee)*

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Freehold Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

A GREAT GIFT IDEA
AC Restaurant Week Gift Certificates - Click to Purchase   Atlantic City Restaurant Week is a seven-day celebration of the culinary scene in Atlantic City. For the week of March 1-7, 2009, participating restaurants will offer a multi-course meal for the fixed price of $15.09 for lunch and $33.09 for dinner (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Restaurant week offers gastronomes and gourmets an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of Atlantic City's classic restaurants - and some of the city's newest - to sample a variety of the exceptional dishes prepared by Atlantic City's chefs at incredibly reasonable rates.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week March 1 - 7, 2009

WHEN - Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 7, 2009

WHAT - Participating restaurants will offer fixed price, three-course meals at prices far below the normal and cheaper than early bird specialst:

Lunch: $15.09 per person
Dinner: $33.09 per person

**NOTE:  Prices DO NOT include taxes, beverages or gratuity**

WHERE - Approximately 70 casino restaurants and independent restaurants throughout Atlantic City, NJ and Atlantic County.

How can I find out which restaurants are participating?
Please visit http://www.acrestaurantweek.com for full details. The restaurant list is under the ‘Restaurants' tab. If you click ‘View' for the restaurant of your choice, you'll see a description of the restaurant, location, contact information, the days and hours they are participating, and the special Restaurant Week menu they are offering.

• American
• Asian
• Steak & Seafood
• Italian
• Continental
• Mexican
• Indian
• Irish
• Japanese
• Latin

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For NJ Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

Ever find yourself in a pinch trying to locate a website or phone # quick? Just don't have the time to rummage through thousands of web pages?                                 

Below are links to several local, national and international companies that millions of people use each day.

Whether your in Manalapan, Marlboro, Freehold or some other part of the world, I hope you find this information useful and bookmark this page or add it to your "favorites." By the way, if you have a company you'd like me to add to this directory by all means please let me know.  Enjoy!

Arts & Entertainment

• Count Basie Theater
• Madison Square Garden
• Movies
• Netflix
• NJ Meadowlands/IZOD Center
• NJ Pac
• PNC Arts Center
• Prudential Center

Banking & Finance

• American Express
• Bank of America
• CHASE
• Discover Card
• ING Direct
• Mastercard
• TD Bank
• Visa
• Wachovia
• Yahoo Finance

Beauty & Personal Care

• Sally Beauty Supply
• Weight Watchers

Books & Music

• Barnes & Noble
• Borders
• iTunes

Business Supplies

• Office Depot
• Staples

Computers & Electronics

• Adobe Flash
• Apple
• Best Buy
• Firefox 3
• Free Antivirus
• HP
• iPhone
• iPod
• iPod Touch
• LG
• Mac
• Microsoft

Employment & Job Hunting

• Career Builder
• Craigslist
• Yahoo Hot Jobs
• Monster
• The Ladders - Jobs paying $100K+

Furniture & Home Improvement

• Ashley Furniture
• Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Bob's Discount Furniture
• Home Depot
• IKEA
• Lowes
• Macys Furniture Gallery
• Overstock
• Pottery Barn
• Raymour & Flanigan

Government Offices

• IRS
• NJ Tax Rebate
• NJ Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Health & Pharmacy

• CVS
• Rite Aid
• Walgreens
• WebMD

Internet & Online Services

• AOL
• Facebook
• Gmail
• Google
• Hotmail
• MSN
• Myspace
• Yahoo
• Ymail 

Mailing & Shipping

• DHL
• Fedex
• United States Postal Service
• UPS

Maps & Navigation

• Google Maps
• Mapquest Directions
• Yahoo Directions 

Mobile Phones

• ATT Wireless
• Blackberry
• Nextel
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Verizon Wireless 

News

• CNN
• NY Daily News
• MSNBC
• NY Times
• Wall Street Journal

Real Estate

• Foreclosures
• Homes For Sale
• Loan Modification
• Mortgage Calculator
• Mortgage Rates
• Realtor.com
• Refinance Mortgage
• Reverse Mortgage
• Search Real Estate Listings
• Short Sale (Pre-Foreclosure)
• Trulia

Shopping

• Amazon
• Ebay
• Ed Hardy
• Forever 21
• Fortunoff
• JC Penny
• Kohls
• Macys
• Nordstrom
• Pathmark
• Sears
• Shoprite
• Target
• Victoria Secret
• Walmart
• Wegmans

Travel

• Expedia
• Orbitz
• Priceline
• Travelocity

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com 

"Your Reliable Resource For Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center

Community Outreach Program

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART HEALTHY MONTH

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

2pm-4pm

Manalapan Township Municipal Building
120 Route 522

Manalapan, NJ 07726 

Manalapan Township NJ Mayor, Richard Klauber, will lead his colleagues and constituents by example by kicking off CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center's free blood pressure screening and body fat analysis taking place on Tuesday, February 10th from 2 pm until 4 pm in the Manalapan Township municipal center lobby. 

All those who participate in a screening receive a free one-day pass to the fitness center. In addition, anyone who wants to get started on the road to a healthier lifestyle by making an appointment to tour the facility can spin the Wheel of Health to win an exciting prize. Those who take advantage of this opportunity will experience first hand all of the excellent services, programs and professionals the center offers all of its members.  Some of the unique amenities featured at the facility include a comprehensive nursing assessment by CentraState staff prior to beginning your exercise program, as well as a follow-up consultation every 3 months. 

Also included in the membership is a one-on-one training session with one of the center's certified exercise physiologists who will familiarize you with all the exercise equipment, as well as put together a program based on your individual fitness level and goals.  The trainer will assess the program and modify it based on your results. 

Also offered at the facility are over 185 group fitness classes a week including cycle, yoga and pilates, ballroom dance, country line dance, Zumba and many more exercise classes.  In addition to latest cutting-edge exercise equipment, there is also a pristine aquatics center including a heated therapy pool, junior Olympic lap pool and a whirlpool. Both the men's and women's lockers rooms feature a steam room and sauna "Fit Kids" classes are also available to children ages three to 13 to both members and nonmembers.  

For more information, please contact Anthony DiPasquale at 732 845-9400

For more information about CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center, located in Freehold, NJ use this link.

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com  

"Your Reliable Resource For Manalapan Real Estate, Local Info & More" 

LOOKING FOR A SECURE, PRODUCTIVE AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILD "BEFORE & AFTER" SCHOOL IN THE MARLBORO TOWNSHIP NEW JERSEY AREA?

Below is information I hope you'll find helpful regarding "before & aftercare" for ALL Marlboro Township elementary and middle school aged students...

Knowledge Learning Corporation School Partnerships (KLC), formerly known as Medallion, provides both a before- and after-school care program in Marlboro Township's elementary schools - Champions - and an after-school program in the middle schools.

The program is designed to provide children of working parents with a safe, caring, fun, and enriching "home away from home" during those hours that school is out but parents are at work.

The program is open to students in kindergarten* through eighth grade. Five optional daily activity areas are set up at each site: Sports Zone, where students are able to participate in physical activities; Take the Challenge, where students can engage in shared reading or complete homework assignments with the help of a teacher; Imagine That, where students can work on an arts and crafts or theatre project; The Nature of It, where students can construct projects related to science or nature; and Snack Attack, where students learn about healthy foods and have the opportunity to cook, create, and eat the final product. Professionally-trained adult supervision is provided at all sites.

Children may be enrolled for two, three, four, or five days per week. Tuition is based on the number of days for which a child is enrolled, and a discount is provided for siblings. An extra fee is charged for days when school is closed for a holiday or there is a one-session day scheduled. Before-school care programs begin at 7 a.m. After-school care programs end at 6:30 p.m.

"As needed" or "drop-in" care slots are available, whereby once parents pay the annual registration fee, a child may be permitted to attend an AM or PM session that is paid for on the day of service.

KLC also provides service for most one-session and school recess days. This is available for parents whose children regularly attend KLC's before- or after-care programs as well as for those parents who wish to avail themselves of KLC's services on an "as needed" or "drop-in" basis only.

Financial assistance is available.

Delayed Morning Opening- If the district issues a delayed opening, the program will still open at 7 a.m. as usual.

School Closing After Delayed Opening- If the district determines that schools will be closed after initially announcing a delayed opening, the KLC PM program will not be provided. The KLC staff will notify participating AM parents.

Early Closing of School-If schools are closed for inclement weather or for any other situation, the KLC program will be open for a 2-hour period. KLC staff will notify parents that the program is cancelled, and ask that the parents arrange to pick up their children within the 2-hour window.

If you are interested in receiving a registration packet or have additional questions about the program, contact Thea Pace, KLC Area Manager, at 732-536-2592 or tpace@klcorp.com

*Call for availability of kindergarten after-school care program*


PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANYTHING RELATED TO MARLBORO TOWNSHIP OR THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

Information courtesy of:

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro~ Manalapan office)
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

http://www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Your Reliable Resource For Marlboro Real Estate, Local Info & More"