Saturday, July 07, 2012

OCEAN MONTHLY REAL ESTATE REPORT June 2012


OCEAN MONTHLY REAL ESTATE REPORT
June 1 - 30, 2012
Total Number of closed sales
25
Average days on market
160
Ratio of sale price to list price
94%
Lowest closed price
$170,000
Highest closed price
$880,000
Median closed price
$325,000
Distribution of Closed Sales
# under $400,000
11
# $400,001 - $700,000
4
# above $700,000
2
Total under contract as of 7/3/12
43
Total homes available as of 7/3/12
153
Median price of available homes
$417,900


Source: Monmouth/Ocean MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

  

If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time! With today's low interest rates and available financing, the buyers are back. The Spring market is in full swing and there has never been a better time to make a move. 














FAIR HAVEN MONTHLY REAL ESTATE REPORT

FAIR HAVEN MONTHLY REAL ESTATE REPORT
June 1 - June 30, 2012
Total Number of closed sales
10
Average days on market
145
Ratio of sale price to list price
94%
Lowest closed price
$326,700
Highest closed price
$995,000
Median closed price
$629,750
Distribution of Closed Sales
# under $500,000
4
# $500,001 - $1,000,000
6
# above $1,000,000
0
Total under contract as of 7/3/12
32
Total homes available as of 7/3/12
47
Median price of available homes
$769,000


Source: Monmouth/Ocean MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

 If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time! With today's low interest rates and available financing, the buyers are back. The Spring market is in full swing and there has never been a better time to make a move. 

You need a smart, knowledgeable real estate professional who listens, answers your questions and offers expert advice.  I am ready to assist you with all your real estate needs. Contact me today!
Gloria Benaroch, Broker Associate 732.245.4031 cell


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Celebrate Earth Day with Monmouth Park System

Nobody celebrates Earth Day like we do!  In fact, we need a whole weekend for everything we have planned.  Our annual Earth Day Celebration at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, is on Saturday, April 21 from 11am-5pm and features nature walks, boat tours, crafts and much more.  Then on Sunday, April 22, the fun spreads to other parks with Eco-Fashion Fun, Snakes & Reptile Shows, Spring Plant Walks and more.  See all our Earth Day plans.



Here are a few other things to enjoy:



  • Junior Gardeners on Saturdays, April 21-June 9 from 1-3pm.  Children age 8-12 are invited to plan, plant and tend a garden at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown.  Please bring gardening gloves. Fee and registration required.



  • Paddle-Fish-Relax on Sunday, April 22 from 8:30-10:30am at Thompson Park, Lincroft. We'll have tandem canoes, paddles, life jackets and fishing gear for a relaxing outing on Marlu Lake.  An additional session is offered from 10:30am-12:30pm.  The cost is $20 per boat.  Registration recommended but not required.  Cash or check only for drop-ins.












For more information or to register, please visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com

or call (732) 842-4000, ext 1.  The Park System can also be contacted through email at
info@monmouthcountyparks.com

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Mirror or a 2-Way Glass

Do you know the difference?
This is a very good thing for the ladies especially to know to ensure privacy when dressing in a strange place.

2 - WAY GLASS IMAGE




MIRROR IMAGE

A Mirror or a 2-Way Glass?
How can you tell when you are in a room, restroom, motel etc. with a mirror or a 2-way glass?

Here's how: I thought it was quite interesting! And I know in about 30 seconds you're going to do what I did and find the nearest mirror.

Do you know how to determine if a mirror is 2-way or not? A policewoman who travels all over the US and gives seminars and techniques for businesswomen passed this on.

When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror (i.e., they can see you, but you can't see them)? There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms. It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by looking at it.

So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of mirror we are looking at?

Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE! IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR!

"No Space, Leave the Place" So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything.

REMEMBER. No Space, Leave the Place:

Friday, June 11, 2010

Apple’s iPhone 4 won’t slow Google’s Android momentum

Innovation no longer belongs only to Apple, as there choices for top Android phones that run apps, shoot crisp video and inform you what your friends are doing.

Posted via web from Gloria's posterous

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sea Bright EMS Run - Part 2

Sea Bright Montage

Sea Bright NJ - 2009

Sea Bright 2009 Fireworks #1

Fireworks in Sea Bright, nj

Street Flooded

River Traffic Worries Dolphin Watchers (Jul 2, 2008)

Dolphins in Shrewsbury River (June 25, 2008)

Dolphins - NJ

Monday Mega Storm 3 1 09 055

Sea Bright Wind and Snow (Pump up the volume!)

Spring Bass, 2009.avi

Monday Mega Storm

Angry Ocean

Cocoa on the Beach

Donovan's Reef - Summer Fun - 2007 TV Commercial

JB Live part 1

Itsutsu no Tachi - Sunrise Training at the Beach - RC&MS

SEABRIGHT BEACH

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Exclusive Waterfront Property in Rumson

Sailors' and boaters' Delight. Riverfront property that can accomodate a 46 foot Sailboat plus other boats. for more information Call Gloria B 732-245-4031

 

Posted via email from Gloria's posterous

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Homeowners Insurance Costs Soar

Homeowners Insurance Costs Soar: "10 Most Expensive Homeowners Insurance States State Average Premium Change
Florida $1,534 Up 10.7%
Texas $1,448 Up 2.8%
Louisiana $1,400 Up 11.4%
Oklahoma $1,054 Up 3.5%
Massachusetts $1,023 Up 10.6%
Mississippi $1,019 Up 2.1%
Rhode Island $950 Up 3.4%
New York $936 Up 7.7%
Connecticut $929 Up 5.8%
California $925 Down 1.3%
National Average $822 Up 2.2%
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners"


YEah New Jersey is not on this list!

Monday, January 18, 2010

CNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud « Jeremy Brandt

CNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud « Jeremy Brandt: "Short Sales, Bank Fraud and Off-HUD PaymentsCNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud
This morning CNBC aired the story we brought them regarding short sales, bank fraud and kick-backs to banks.
—————————–
Diana Olick — CNBC Real Estate Reporter
Big Banks Accused of Short Sale Fraud
Just as regulators, lawmakers and all forms of financial oversight boards are talking about new regulations to guard against mortgage fraud and another mortgage meltdown, there appears to be yet a new mortgage fraud out there today, allegedly perpetuated by agents of, yes, the big banks."
http://www.jeremybrandt.com/cnbc-big-banks-short-sales-kick-backs-and-fraud/

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Our Visit to the Rockefeller Tree


This was our 10th Anniversary and we celebrated by going to the Rockefeller tree and staying at the St Regis Hotel.

Posted by Picasa

Friday, December 11, 2009

Looking Through the Buyer's Eyes

Below are questions to ask yourself when preparing your home for sale, to ensure it looks the best it possibly can to the buyer's eyes.
Exterior
•Does your yard look well maintained?
•Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
•Is your lawn mowed and edged?
•Is your lawn free of weeds?
•Are the decks and patios clean?
•Does your house need painting?
•Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
•Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
•Does your roof leak or sag?
•Are any shingles or tiles missing?
•Is your chimney in good shape?


Looking Through the Buyer's Eyes full story

Posted using ShareThis

Tips for Finding The Right Home

When beginning the process of finding a new home, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Before researching the market or analyzing housing options, homebuyers may want to start by prioritizing their family's needs, determining what are "must-haves" versus what are "nice-to-haves." Below are some factors you may want to consider when trying to find the right home for your family.

Tips for finding the right home full story




Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Today We Celebrate ALL Veterans

Veterans Day is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 11 to coincide with the signing of an armistice that ceased most major conflict during World War I. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson made Nov. 11 Armistice Day which would later be renamed Veterans Day.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Web site says that Veterans Day “is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.”

It is also a day of remembrance for those serving in overseas conflicts and any who have served.

I know that alot of you have family or friends that have served or are serving in the military. There are many sacrifices that these brave individuals and their families make every day and because of these sacrifices we are fortunate to have the freedom to live our lives as we do.

Today I say thank you to those brave men and women and reflect on how fortunate I am to live in this great country.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

"President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!

The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.

The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.

To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it."

Home Buyers and Home Owners of 5 years, take advantage of the tax credit NOW

President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.


The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!

The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Life Line Screening Sea Bright NJ Dec. 21,2009

No one knows when a stoke can strike - since 4 out of 5 stroke victims experience no apparent symptons whatsoever.
Life Line Screening Radiology have had over 275,000 people particpate in the ultrasound screenings that can determine your risk for storke caused by carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneuysm, and other vascular diseases.
I have had mine done by them when I saw their screening in Highlands because I fall under the risk factors and the price was reasonable as I did not have health insurance at that time.
I urge you to call Life Line Screening Radiology and pre-register fo rthe December 21,2009 screening as soon as possible. They will be in Sea Bright, NJ, ONLY DAY!
Call Today 1-866-579-4971

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Waterfront Condos along the Jersey Shore in Long Branch

Waterfront Condos along the Jersey Shore in Long Branch
I am constantly asked by prospective buyers looking to purchase a condo with "absolute ocean views" or a "waterfront condo" or a "condo on the ocean" oh yes and it must be under $200,000. Well that just does not happen and then they get very disappointed. So I decided to start writing about the different condos, townhouses that are specifically in Long Branch along the ocean and on ocean ave. For ease of use I am doing it alphabetically and will include address as well as map for visual aid.
Please feel free to contact me any time with questions you may have on these condos in Long Branch or other towns.
So we will now start with the Anchorage



Come and get away at the Anchorage, located 480 Ocean Ave., in one of the most up and coming towns on the Jersey Shore! This ocean front high rise building in the section known as west end offers comfortable living at a great price. Also a perfect escape from the hustle of the city, just step out your door and you're on the beach! Get cozy in a one or two spacious bedroom unit here at Anchorage. Relax on the balcony and enjoy direct water views, side views of water or wake to glorious sunrises from the large bedroom windows. Wind down with the re-modeled in-ground pool, exercise room, sauna and clubhouse. Literally steps to the ocean, this high rise is ready for your occupancy!
As with many condos along the Jersey Shore this is a no pets condo.Anchorage maintenance fee includes common area, exterior maintenance, snow removal, trash removal, sewer, water management fee. 2008 SOLD price range for a 1 bedroom 206,000 - $310,000
prices are affected by floor level and water views as well as updates if any were made
Nothing has sold yet in 2009,
Search for Anchorage Condos
Anchorage General Info:
Incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean
Walking distance to Pier Village
Minutes from Garden State Parkway
Anchorage Recreation:
Recreation room, exercise room and pool
Boating, fishing, and all water activities
Boardwalk along water
Anchorage Living Features:
Reserved parking
Laundry room on every floor
Waterfront

Saturday, September 05, 2009

BOOST your Credit Score

Theoretically, You have More control over the amount and terms of debt than you do over how the markets impact the value of your investments. Do you have as much control as you would like? Are the low interest rates you've been reading about out of reach because your credit score isn't high enough? It's NEVER too late to get your debt under control and take steps to increase your credit score.



WHY CREDIT SCORES MATTER



The so called FICO score is the most widely accepted measure of credit worthiness; it is a quick gauge of your ability to repay debt. A high credit score can not only help you secure a lower interest rate when you need to borrow; it can even reduce your insurance premiums and some employers consider it when deciding whether or not to hire you for a job.



In general companies using the FICO score believe people with higher scores tend to act more responsibly in other ares of their lives as well. Conversely, a lower score makes it harder to get a loan, land a job or qulify for the best terms on a wide variety of consumer contracts.



FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Only a small percentage of consumers have scores over 800. The median score is roughly 725 and a score of 760 or higher usually gets you the best deals in interest rates etc. Income and assets (which are NOT included in the credit score formula) can also affect the amount and terms of a loan. However depending on the lender's standards a good job, high net worth may NOT be Enough to OVERCOME a POOR credit score.



A higher credit score will give you leverage in negotiating the best terms. MyFICO.com estimates that someone with a FICO score of at least 720 who takes out a 36 month $20,000 car loan will pay a 6.47% annual percentage rate (APR). In contrast with someone with a score between 500 and 589 will pay 18.403%.

(Source: MYFICO data as of July 14,2009. Interest rates are natioanl averages).





IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE



Five factors have an impact on your FICO score: payment history,leght of credit history, credit use, frequency of new credit requests and typres of credit. see previous article explaining what you can do to increase your credit score.



CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY



The three main credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Transunion - are each required to provide consumers with a FREE copy of their credit report every 12 months.

It's a good idea to request a copy from one of the three agencies every four months on a rotating basis.



To do so go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
READ THE SCREEN CAREFULLY.
They will try to make you think you have to pay for the credit report.
Scroll the screen and you will find where to click for your FREE CREDIT REPORT!
Remember either every 4 months with a different agency or 1 time a year on ALL 3 agencies.
P.S. I just did it myself I got my credit report but NOT my credit FICO score you have to pay for that. OR get pre-qualified by a mortgage company and they will have to give you a copy of your report and the FICO score.



As you check out your credit reports, look for errors (such as accounts you never heard of or closed long ago, or late payments that were actually paid on time) and follow instructions for correcting mistakes.



THE BOTTOM LINE - BORROW SMART



For most people, some level of debt is a necessity. When you need to borrow, take appropriate steps so YOU are the one who is In Charge of the terms and conditions - not the lender.





The material here is provided for general inforamtion purposes only.

Five Ways to Improve Your Credit

PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME! - Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your score. Paying your bills on time is the MOST important thing to do. If you are behind, get caught up and then stay current. If you are struggling, CONTACT your creditors to work out a payment schedule.

INCREASE THE LENGTH OF YOUR CREDIT HISTORY - It accounts for 15% of your score. Cancelling an OLD card or getting alot of NEW credit within a short time span can hurt your score because it lowers the AVERAGE AGE of your accounts.

KEEP CREDIT BALANCES LOW - Credit use makes up 30% of your CREDIT SCORE. Try to keep the amoutn you borrow below 25% of your AVAILABLE CREDIT. Even if you pay off your credit cards every month, the average balance will still impact your score.

MINIMIZE NEW CREDIT REQUESTS - They account for 10% of your credit score. Every time a potential lender asks for a copy of your credit report, an inquiry is recorded. If you will be applying for a loan in the near future, DON'T apply for ANY NEW credit cards beforehand. You can also ask the three main reporting agencies to stop unsolicited credit offers.

MAINTAIN DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTALLMENT AND REVOLVING DEBT - About 10% of your score depends on the type of credit used. How you handle revolvng credit (ie: credit cards) carries more weight than how you deal with installment debt (such as car loans and mortgages).

source; My fico. The material is for general informational purpose only.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

IRS Warns Taxpayers to Beware of First-Time Homebuyer Credit Fraud

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced its first successful prosecution related to fraud involving the first-time homebuyer credit and warned taxpayers to beware of this type of scheme.

On Thursday July 23, 2009, a Jacksonville, Fla.-tax preparer, James Otto Price III, pled guilty to falsely claiming the first-time homebuyer credit on a client’s federal tax return. Price faces the possibility of up to three years in jail, a fine of as much as $250,000, or both.

for the full story on the IRS credit fraud

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

New Truth In Lending Rules can cause a 3 day delay for closing

New Truth In Lending Rules for Mortgages
Here are the new rules for TIL (truth in lending) forms for all mortgages applied for after July 30th, 2009.

• The “early” TIL disclosures must be delivered or placed in the mail not later than 3 business days after the creditor receives the consumer's written application, and at least 7 business days before consummation of the transaction. This is a new “waiting period.”

“business days” do not include Saturday or Sunday. Similar to attorney review.

• If the annual percentage rate (“APR”) on the disclosure becomes inaccurate, by increasing or decreasing changes by more than 1/8 (.125%), the creditor must now make corrected disclosures to the consumer with a revised APR. The consumer must receive the corrected disclosures no later than 3 business days before consummation.

What does this mean?

If any of the fees change on the final settlement statement to a great extent compared to the GFE (good faith estimate) that was signed by the borrower at time of application (increase OR decrease in fees), a new TIL(truth in lending) disclosure will have to be generated and you have to wait 3 more days before you can close.

So a lender can’t have a higher or lower rate by more than .125% at closing AND the lender fees can’t go up or down by more than a couple of hundred bucks or you will have to wait another 3 days. Lender credits of any significant amount will cause a 3-day delay, even if it benefits the buyer.

for more highlights on this new rule

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Are We There Yet? Have we reached bottom?

"How's the market"? Are we there yet? That is the question that I get asked the most. In Rumson, the price ranges that are currently selling the most are $500,000 - $600,000 and over $2M Homes and under $3million and anything over $3 million is still taking longer. The luxury market always takes longer in any market.

The Average sold price in Monmouth County is $471,501 with 105 days on the market.
for more statistical information you can go to my website www.monmouthmarketwatch.com

Rates remain low, inventory is still high, so plenty of choices, and with some very motivated sellers It is a GREAT time to buy.

For first time buyers or if you have not owned a home for the past three years the $8000 credit is good until December 1st, 2009. Use it.
The second most asked questions - "Have we hit bottom"? “When will we hit bottom?”

"I don't know', and guess what neither does anyone else!!.
I do sense the buyer confidence is on the rise and that we appear to be leveling off. This does not mean that prices will suddenly go back up, as with any cycle it takes a long time for the cycle to complete.

Therefore, my advice to the seller who is thinking of waiting- you might have to wait for several years just to get back to where we were 2 years ago.

For the buyer, I advise moving ahead at this time before mortgage rates move upward and change the affordability factor. Smart sellers have been moving with the market, pricing correctly the first time and selling quickly, freeing up equity to invest in other real estate.

Selecting a realtor is not like choosing a flavor of ice cream. Please consider the size of the transaction before deciding to place the responsibility upon a friend or acquaintance to represent you. In additon to intelligence and knowledge, look for integrity and ethics. Some agents do less transactions but with better results.

Even a good agent is only as good as their client allows them to be. In some cases the client ignores good advice and ends up selling for less later on. In some instances it may not be what the client wants to hear, but it is only when one has factual honest information the client can make informed decisions.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

MOnmouth County Market Statistics

In The Northeast sales have increased by 13.% as compared to last year same time fram Jan thru June 11.6% however the sales price has declined 11.1% this year compared to last years decline of 10.5%
What this means is that the market is moving. People are buying and selling when the property is price to market!
here is a brief overview of inventory in the folowing towns single family only Jan 09 to June 09:


Myths vs facts

From the guru of agency, John Reilly: Regarding the Bright Analysis by Lisa Sturtevant, PhD Bright Chief Economist Our analysis shows that t...