Home ready for quick sale near the College of New Jersey

This listing is priced for quick sale!  Located in Ewing, NJ near the College of New Jersey, this home at 104 Pennwood Dr, Ewing, NJ is really a great deal at $129,900.

Being so close to the college, the owners will also enjoy the beauty of the campus, especially with the fall colors in full display.

I have this home listed as a hot buy at NJ Home Source, but the real selling points about this home must be seen. I want to show them to you today!   Please call me for an appointment - (609) 658-2612 ~ Joe.

Find out about old and new homes in Cranbury, NJ

While the Italian Festival was being celebrated in Hamilton, NJ  another one of our communities was celebrating their own special celebration - Cranstock.  Cranstock is Cranbury's concert day and this year six different bands took to the stage to help raise money for the Cranbury Arts Council before the featured evening performers The Robert Murdock Band.  It was a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic under the stars. 

Another event coming soon to Cranbury is the Historic House Tour on October 17.  It's a great way to get to know the community!  And the event benefits the Cranbury Library and Historical Society.  Tickets for the tour and a special Friends of the Library luncheon are on sale now at cranburyhistory.org. 

Of course I am available to help you our Cranbury, NJ today.  One of the highlights of my tour that I arrange for you is an estate home at 9 Cubberly Court.  Take a look at our previous posting on this wonderful New Jersey home.

The Township of Cranbury is busy throughout the year with a community clean-up day scheduled for October 3 and movies in the park on October 10.  Let's take a look at this charming community together.  Please give me a call at (609) 658-2612 or visit my NJ Homesource website for more information.

What to do this weekend in Mercer County, NJ

It's the weekend and what better way to celebrate than with a hometown festival? 

Today and tomorrow you can enjoy the 10th Annual Mercer County Italian American Festival at Mercer County Park.  I like the description given to the NJ Times by visitor Pat Hassenplug, "The first thing I noticed was garlic!  It's pretty great."

Mercer County Park is the perfect backdrop to the many festivals and events that come our way.  The park encompasses 2500 acres and links together the Townships of West Windsor, >Hamilton and >Lawrence with year-round facilities and activities.  From athletic fields to playgrounds, music and festivals, or just a place for a casual walk or picnic, you can find beauty at the Mercer County Park. 

Want to find out more about what makes our region a great place to live?  Please call me today; I love to talk about it!   Joe Giancarli - (609) 658-2612

Price reduction in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ

We are pleased to let you know about two more price adjustments on homes in Hamilton, New Jersey.  Both are colonial style and meant for your growing family to enjoy.

At 36 Sadie Street you will find a newer 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home on a quiet street, with professional landscaping, spacious 2-story  floorplan, lots of closet space and even a full finished basement.  Now priced at only $319,900.

At 18 Crestwood Drive you will see a 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in a great neighborhood.  This spacious home has formal living and dining rooms, a wood-burning brick fireplace and French sliding glass doors leading to a remote backyard.  It is now priced at $369,000.

I am so excited that we have these two wonderful properties available for you. Please call me today so that we can take a look at them together.  Joe Giancarli - (609) 658-2612

New price in Monroe Township, NJ for Clearbrook Townhome

The value of senior living communities has never been better.  Our friends at 115 Chatham Dr A Monroe, NJ have reduced the price of this three-bedroom townhome to $119,900.  Located in the Clearbrook Community it offers spacious living and excellent onsite amenities. 

• Read all about it in a previous post.
• Find out more in our featured listings.
• Email me or give me a call at 609-658-2612.

Let's take advantage of this great opportunity today!  Thanks!

NAHB releases study about senior living choices

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has released a study on active adult living.  According to their survey results, most Americans 55+ years of age prefer one-story homes in the suburbs.  They also want their homes to have have high-speed internet capability and other amenities such as non-slip floors, larger medicine cabinets, lower kitchen cabinets and emergency call buttons. And while 94% of all respondents said that energy efficiency was important, less than 55% were willing to pay extra for such construction sensing it was just the way building today should be taking place.

On an unusual note, even though people acknowledge that they hope to remain in their homes, universal design was not a top priority.  Universal design or aging in place considerations include larger doorways, easy-grip door handles and accessible kitchen and bathrooms.  Of course desire to live in a ranch-style home might signify the beginning of the trend towards aging in place strategies; however, according the American Occupational Therapy Association, individuals don't usually decide to make their home accessible until an event occurs that forces the issue. 

One final thought to share from the report; while we often think that as we get older we will want to downsize into smaller living quarters, most consumers say they want and need something similar in size to their current homes. That leaves one to wonder if moving will ever be a priority for the retiree.  I think it will for there are so many wonderful senior living communities available to make retirement fun and active. 

Read the full story on homes for baby boomers here.
See senior living choices at the NJ Home Source website.

NJ Home Source highlights active adult living in Cream Ridge

Think about the different titles given to communities meant for older adults:  Active Adult Living, Retirement Community, Senior Living Community.  I have to admit I'm always a little bit surprised that these communities cater to those only 55 years of age and older.  I don't know about you, but I don't necessarily think of 55 being senior so for the purpose of this post, I want to tell you about this great new listing for active adults. 

It's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch style home at 3 Edgewood Drive, Cream Ridge, NJ and it is reasonably priced at $149,900.  As part of the Jensen's Deep Run Community, there is clubhouse, lake, and plenty of organized activities for residents.  Or you can entertain at home with a sun porch, large lot and large kitchen that will make all your guests feel right at home. If you aren't a stay-at-home type, then you will enjoy nearby amenities like golf, factory outlet shopping, Great Adventure theme park and historic Downtown New Egypt. 

See what I mean about active adult living?  No need to settle into retirement unless you want to.  Can I tell you more about this great deal?  Take a quick look at the listing on my website and then give me a call at (609) 658-2612 so we can arrange a tour. 

A starter home in historic Hightstown, Mercer County, NJ

Have you been waiting for just the right starter home to come along so that you can use your first time home buyer tax credit?  Your wait is over!  This is a most charming home, in a most charming community and it is waiting just for you. 

This two bedroom colonial is located on Monmouth of Aspen Knoll, close to downtown Hightstown where hanging baskets adorn the street lights and restored and refurbished storefronts come to life with bustling shoppers and professional services.  It is a walk back in time with new age restaurants and conveniences. 

You'll enjoy the heritage of Hightstown and the character and prestige of your remodeled two-bedroom colonial home in this historic community.  Let's take a look at 130 Monmouth, Hightstown, NJ together.  Don't wait!  Call me now at 609-658-2612 for a tour. You'll want to act fast to take advantage of the location and the first time home buyer credits that await you.

Are new businesses headed to Mercer County, New Jersey?

If the New Jersey Economic Development Association is successful with their plans, new businesses may soon consider relocating in Mercer County.  The New Jersey EDA has asked the commercial real estate industry to help market New Jersey and attract new businesses.  They are specifically looking for leads in the pharmaceuticals, financial services and logistics industries.  According to Caren Franzini, executive director of the EDA, realtors are the sales force for the state. 

The government agency is not taking this mission lightly and neither should our realtors, both commercial and residential.  Realtors are truly on the front line for economic development for they are often the first to know when tenants are looking at moving in or out. With help from the EDA, they will be able to offer incentive packages to help them stay or relocate.

How does the commercial real estate market affect the residential market?  Well quite simply, as I am sure you can imagine new businesses often bring new people to a community to work and raise their family.  When economic development efforts are effective, the jobs created provide better paying jobs for the residents already living in a community and the ability to purchase goods and services increase.  The trickle down impact has worked in communities time and time again.

What would cause a company to consider the Mercer County area?  I believe that location - half way between New York and Philadelphia is the best reason with affordability coming in a very close second.  Moreover, we have the infrastructure in place for the three targeted industries.  It is much easier to relocate a business when there is a cluster of support.

The ideas proposed by the New Jersey Economic Development Agency have merit.  I'll be watching to see how the campaign goes, but in the meantime, it is business as usual.  Let me help you find your New Jersey home today.  Take a look at my website NJ Home Source and then call me at 609-658-2612 to get started on your own economic development plan.

Rutgers University helps gardeners in Mercer County, New Jersey

Bees, butterflies, birds and bugs...you can find out all about them at the Mercer County, New Jersey Insect Festival Saturday, September 12.  The activity is sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Mercer County at  Mercer County Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Pennington. It is an afternoon of family fun, education and entertainment that includes geocaching, puppet shows, bee dancing and questions and answer sessions with master gardeners.

The Master Gardeners of Mercer County are part of the Rutgers University Extension Program that teaches responsible gardening and pest management.  The program was developed by the USDA to meet the demand of questions from home gardeners.  You can find tips and resources at http://www.mgofmc.org/.

One of the best ways to always ensure your home has curb appeal is to pay attention to the landscaping. Whether you are a novice or veteran, the master gardeners can give you tips for how to maintain your lawn and garden on a budget and with the environment in mind. It's also an opportunity to find out if you might be interested in being a gardener and enjoying the peace and beauty that working with your hands in the soil brings.  Have a great Saturday! 

Photo of butterfly garden flowers on display at the Master Gardeners of Mercer County wherer you can learn how to start a garden to attract butterflies to your home. 

A tale of two Feds

The Federal Reserve is divided into twelve districts and part of New Jersey belongs to the New York region and the other part belongs to the Philadelphia region.  One would think that an economic report would show that a state the geographic size of New Jersey doing about the same from north to south and east to west. 

According to the Fed's recent survey of economic conditions released on September 9, that is somewhat true.  Both districts found the auto industry on the rise due to the Cash for Clunkers program.  Both districts reported near term sales in the retail industry, largely driven by youth apparel in Southern New Jersey, but soft in other markets.  In the New York region, where tourism is an economic driver, they reported Broadway show sales steady, but down the average ten percent that it has shown for the year and they predicted this would bode a Christmas season that was off by about five percent.

But the housing market was where things vary.  Both districts report that housing sales are picking up.  In the New York District, there are weakened apartment rentals, but high-end home sales were up.  Credit standards were tightening. In the Philadelphia region and Southern and Central New Jersey,  the location for NJ Home Source, home sales were steady with an increase of activity in the lower price range. 

What does the tale of two Feds tell us?  There is value in the Mercer County New Jersey real estate market.  Since both allow a reasonable commute to New York or Philadelphia, with diverse opportunities for local employment opportunities, Mercer County might be the place for you to choose for your New Jersey home.  Take a look at some of the properties for sale in Mercer County New Jersey and then let's talk.  Give me a call at 609-658-2612. 

Short sale vs. foreclosure

A friend from another state contacted me over the weekend.  There has been a house for sale on her street for a long time and she was disappointed to learn that the bank had just turned down an offer for a short sale.  How could that happen, she asked.

Very simply, a short-sale is a sale that occurs because the lender has agreed to accept less than the amount that it would take to pay off what is borrowed against the home.  It is often a first step before foreclosure and the lender would consider taking less because the borrower has fallen behind or no longer has the ability to make the required payments.

So why would a lender turn down a short sale offer? What comes to mind first is that the borrower isn't behind in payments or that he has the ability to pay even though the payments might be creating a hardship for them.  The lender in this case might need to work with the borrower to reach an agreement on what a short sale means to both.  It really isn't fair to the lender to take the hit if the borrower has the ability to pay. 

The next reason that comes to mind is recovery.  Maybe the real estate market in this community is showing signs of an upswing.  What they might have accepted as a reasonable offer last month may not be the same this month. 

But in all fairness, if this home is truly on its way to foreclosure, I would hope that all parties would work together to limit the burden to all that a foreclosed home causes.  Foreclosed homes have both pros and cons for buyers and sellers.  Take a look at some of them at my website NJ Homesource.

If you want to learn more about buying a foreclosed home, please give me a call at (609) 658-2612.  We'll discuss the possibilities and learn together if it is for you. 

Now is the time to buy or sell in Hamilton Township, NJ

I just posted a complete review of the real estate market in Mercer County for August on my Active Rain blog.  It's kind of tough to post in so many places and still provide new, relevant information in each one.  That's why when you see something in one area, if you click on the next, you are likely to find out more in depth or get a personal view, opinion or take on a situation. 

As I was looking at the report, I especially focused on the sales in Hamilton Township, "69 homes sold in August, with a low of $30,000 and a high of $422,500. This compares to 54 sales in the same period last year, ranging from $135,000 to $540,000. These results were slightly higher than July, 2009, with 64 sales."

Slightly higher than July sure sounds like a good thing, but take a look at the difference a year has made in sales - fifteen more houses closed in August 2009 over August 2008.  If you are a pessimist you might say, but look at the price difference.  If you are an optimist you might say, a sale is a sale. 

But if you are a savvy buyer or seller, I hope you are saying the time is now.  We have made it through a national election and are working our way through change that a new administration brings.  We are weathering a recession and all signs are pointing to recovery.  We have survived the adjustment in real estate prices that were inflated by risky loans. 

We are moving forward.  The time is now to buy or sell your home.  Let's talk about it.  Call me today at (609) 658-2612.  I also invite you to familiarize yourself with me by looking at my website NJ Homesource.  Don't wait any longer to act; start working on your personal financial recovery and independence today. 

New construction doesn't have to be overpriced

It's official.  New Jersey has surpassed Beverly Hills 90210 for the most expensive zip code in the country.  According to Forbes, Bergen County 07620, home to celebrities Chris Rock, Patrick Ewing, and Sean Combs, the median asking price of a home is $4.14 million.

This kind of information makes what I'm about to tell you even more special!  The price of your New Jersey home doesn't have to come anywhere close to that price point if you choose to live in Mercer County.  Mercer County homes are available with prices, features, amenities and neighborhoods to meet your needs and desires.  In fact, according to Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo, when you choose Hamilton Township, you are choosing a community of neighborhoods that make up America's favorite hometown.

So what is the most exciting real estate deal today in Hamilton, NJ? It's hard to choose, there are so many excellent choices, but one that I haven't told you about for a while is the new construction at Dogwood Meadows.  Only seven lots remain in this great new subdivision.

Take a look at the Dogwood Meadows photo album and imagine how fulfilling it would be to build and live in a new home then give me a call and we'll talk about how affordable it is.  With two new models to choose from, the  Bayberry at $449,900 and the Birch at $419,900, and a free basement to boot, you will want to learn more.  Call me now at (609) 658-2612 and we'll take a look at the New Jersey zip code that you will want to call home.