Friday, May 29, 2009

Another one SOLD! in Mercer County

Here's what it looks like when you keep moving forward and to keep acting proactively.

Click to see the SOLD sign at 265 N. Burtis, Hamilton, NJ. The sold sign is always exciting for all involved.

Your home is waiting for you at http://www.njhomesource.net/. Take a virtual tour through our listings and then email me for more information on your dream home. I can't wait to hear from you.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

New figures predict cautious optimism in Mercer County, NJ

The latest government figures released today showed that new home inventories continued to shrink in April bringing the available number of newly-built, single-family homes to their lowest level since 2001. This is a good sign according to Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) because it trims down the backlog of homes to a more manageable level. Across the nation there is predicted to be approximately a 10-month supply of new homes for sale.

Of course every market is slightly different. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, other figures released today showed foreclosures remaining high in Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that existing-home sales rose by 2.9 percent in April. They also said that home prices were lower than this time last year.

So what does this mean for the real estate market in and around Mercer County, New Jersey? I think it means we should move forward with cautious optimism. We have options in both the new and existing home markets. We have values in both the new and existing home markets and we have buyers and sellers in both. If you want to know what cautious optimism looks and feels like, give me a call at(609) 658-2612. Let's explore the options in Mercer County together.

Monday, May 25, 2009

A tribute to those who serve our country from Mercer County, NJ

Sometimes we see national holidays as a time to gather the family together for a reunion and a cookout. For many, Memorial Day marks the official beginning of summer as they head out on the first family camping trip. For others, it is simply an extra day off from work. But those who have lost loved ones to military service know the true meaning of Memorial Day. Do you?

With just a quick look at the facts, I found that May 30 was first set aside in 1868 as "Decoration Day." Illinois Senator John Alexander Logan, a former Union General, proclaimed the day as a remembrance to the Union soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War and asked that their tombs be decorated.

About fifteen years later, the name Memorial Day started appearing in speech and print and following World War I, the remembrance was expanded to include all Americans who died during war or military action. It became a national holiday in 1967 and the new date arrived with the passage of the uniform national holidays bill that moved all national holidays to Mondays in 1968.

It is my honor to recognize and give thanks to all military personnel who have died in service to our country. You have made our nation a better place to live. Thank you.

Please click here to enjoy a slideshow of the Memorial Day remembrance service held in Mercer County.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Frugal buyer alert in Robbinsville, NJ

Another seller has responded to the needs of the frugal consumer. You can now purchase this beautiful townhome in the much sought after neighborhood of Washington Town Center for only $389,900.

Look at all that 44 North Street, Robbinsville, NJ has to offer you.

Now let me show it to you in person. Please call me at (609) 658-2612 for a tour of this New Jersey home.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Enjoy the Summer in Rolling Acres

This home is ready for a barbecue! Are you? It's ready to go, both inside and out, and priced just right at $300,000. Now that is value in the established Rolling Acres neighborhood.


The yard is wonderful, but the best thing about this home at 18 Misty Pine Lane in Hamilton, NJ is that it is just as perfect on the inside as out. There are new GE Profile stainless appliances and new ceramic tile in the kitchen. New Americast tub, new Swanstone tub/shower surround in the master bath; new hardwood floors, and new air conditioner, water heater, garage door and new Anderson windows are just some of the other upgrades for you to enjoy.

School will be out soon. Isn't it time to decide where you will spend your summer? Call me at 609-658-2612 and let's take a look at this New Jersey home today.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Frugal consumers: Take a look at new construction in Lawrenceville, NJ

According to Advertising Age, consumers have embraced frugality and that means that marketers - and that includes your real estate agent - must rethink everything.
  • Frugal consumers live within their means. That means products can't be extravagant or wasteful. They will become perhaps environmentally conscious as they move away from items such as bottled water and SUVs.
  • Frugal consumers narrow their list of referrers, opting for friends and family more than television and print ads. The social network will be more trusted, more important.
  • Frugal consumers watch their dollars. No more purchasing the largest SUV with every option when a mid-size car will do.
  • Frugal consumers will also rethink place. When it is time to buy a home, they will not stretch their dollars, but instead find the best location for what their income can buy.

Are you a frugal consumer? If so, then you will be impressed with the price reductions on these two newly constructed homes at 892 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. There isn't a better buy in new construction in the area. Call me today at (609) 658-2612 so I can explain what $389,900 will buy. Let's look at a New Jersey home today.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Enjoy the flavors of Mercer County

One of the best things about living in a diverse community is celebrating different cultures through food. I am looking forward to doing just that during this weekend's 34th Annual Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Community Center, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. Doors open from 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16; and noon-7 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

This food, market and music fest is one of the oldest ethnic festivals in New Jersey. Mercer County residents support the event each year and get to enjoy many Greek delicacies including my favorites: spanakopita, Souvlakia, arni psito and galatoboureko. Click here to find out what those are and more about this special community event and fund raiser. You get a great meal and excellent entertainment for under $15!

One of the festival coordinators explained that the reason they enjoy putting on the festival is because the parishioners enjoy it, but more importantly, the community does too. And that is why I'm proud to represent Hamilton, NJ.

Let me show you the true flavors Mercer County. Call me for a personal home tour 609-658-2612.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Confidence equals sales

Here is a sample of one family that was confident in the market. Congratulations to the proud owners of this lovely home:

7 Patriot Drive, Robbinsville

We just love adding to our collection of homes sold in New Jersey. Let us help you find the love - call me at 609-658-2612 to get started.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Let statistics bolster your confidence in the New Jersey real estate market

I've been blogging about new real estate listings in Mercer County, New Jersey and the surrounding areas for more than three months now and I've been musing about the economy and encouraging my readers to take action for just as long. I think - or hope - that my positive outlook is beginning to take hold. As I read through the single family home sales report developed by Trend MLS for the first quarter of 2009, I wondered if my outlook was supported by the statistics. I am happy to report that it is. So what do those statistics say?

Inventory for the first three months of 2009 was higher than any time in the past ten years except for 2008. This is good because that means there are plenty of choices keeping the buyer's market wide open for opportunity.

Inventory accumulation is higher than any other time in the past ten years. This is challenging because it is predicted that it will take ten months to absorb the current number of homes that are available for sale.

The number of pending units is similar to last year at this time; but more important, there was a significant jump from February to March in this year, perhaps signifying confidence or recognizing opportunity.

The same for settled units, while the number was down from previous years; it was on a positive upward trend up higher than the last five months. The settled volume recorded in dollars was appropriately higher as well indicating stability in housing prices.

What does that say about the median price in Mercer County, NJ? It’s off slightly from previous months at $225,000, but that is a median price point possibly indicative of where the “bubble” began in 2005. We must follow this statistic closely over the next months to determine its significance.

The average settled price for a single family residence came in at $308,000 in March, rising slightly from the month before. Looking at percentages, sellers are receiving approximately 88% of their asking price, only 2% less than the same month last year.

Do the statistics make you feel more confident? That means it must be time for you to make your move. Call me at (609) 658-2612 so we can discuss this topic even more and then find the right New Jersey home for you.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Sold!

What could be better than celebrating the first Monday of May with the Realtor's favorite word? We are happy to report that the following New Jersey homes are SOLD:

13 Wilson Street, Trenton, NJ
37 Collins Road, Hamilton, NJ

Are you ready to make your move yet? There are many affordable options waiting for you in Mercer County, NJ. Take a quick look at http://www.njhomesource.net/ and then give me a call so we can tour them together. (609) 658-2612

My goal is to make SOLD your favorite word too!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Perhaps you overlooked this outstanding New Jersey home?

I don't know how you could have missed it. Built in 2008, this home at 719 Woodland Avenue in Burlington, NJ is only $289,900. You have to admit, that is a great price on new construction.

You might be wondering, other than the price, what else is great about this home? It has a great location on a dead end street. It has been upgraded throughout, including crown moldings and cherry cabinetry. The open kitchen is fully appointed with all appliances and ceramic tile. The master suite has a walk in closet and there is loads of closet space throughout this 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home. Take a look outside at the landscaped yard and playground and you'll agree all this house needs is a family.

Are you ready to take a look? Give me a call at 609-658-2612 and let's review this great New Jersey home together.