Jobstown NJ - Acreage - Springfield NJ - Monmouth Rd

This beautiful expanded custom Cape Cod home sits on a generous 3.2 acres of land in Springfield Twp, set way back from the road on a long private driveway with plenty of room for parking. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has large rooms and many windows receive plenty of sunlight. The spacious kitchen features ash cabinets with walnut stain, and an extended sitting area with views of the back yard open space and door to the side porch.  There are solid pine doors throughout and oak-tread stairs lead to the gleaming hardwood floors upstairs.  The master bedroom boasts a large walk-in closet, full bath, and additional closet with custom storage holder. All bedrooms have large closets and hardwood floors, and are decorated in neutral colors so are very bright.  The bathrooms have been updated and newly decorated.  The basement has heated floors with plenty of room for living areas.  This home is very private with peaceful views of the changing New Jersey seasons.



Joe Giancarli, SA
Real Estate Advisor
Short Sale Specialist
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/
www.activerain.com/blogs/josephgiancarli

Find homes for sale using my new mobile app. Just text JOEG to 87778 and you will be sent download instructions. Once installed on your device, you will be able to do searches and see complete listing details including photos and prices. If your device is GPS enabled you will also see the listings on a map. (Data rates may apply.)

New Jersey Real Estate Recovery will be Slow

Economists speaking at the recent annual meeting of the National Association of Real Estate Editors said the housing market likely will not recover until 2013.

Stan Humphries, Zillow chief economist, said home prices continue to decrease, and he sees the "tremendous amount of shadow inventory" delaying recovery. "We think the market will be flat in nominal terms for three to five years," remarked Humphries. "We are not going to hit bottom and see a V-shaped recovery."

Meanwhile, Fannie Mae chief economist Doug Duncan said it will be another three years before new household formation and housing starts pick up. Duncan believes home prices will fall another 1 percent to 3 percent before bottoming out in the third quarter.

Both Humphries and Duncan said the federal home buyer tax credits shifted demand so that buyers took action earlier than they would have otherwise. "We're going to see a payback in July and August," noted Humphries.

If you think of our Mercer County real estate as a glass half full, there are plenty of buyer opportunities waiting for you in Hamilton, Ewing, East and West Windsor, and all our Mercer County communities.  Call or email and let's discuss adding real estate to your investment portfolio.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/

House Passes FHA Reform Bill

The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation to allow the Federal Housing Administration to adjust monthly premiums on mortgage insurance.

The bill, H.R. 5072, FHA Reform Act of 2010, would strengthen the FHA loan insurance program while keeping it available and affordable to responsible home buyers. Allowing FHA to raise the monthly insurance premium would let FHA lower the up-front premium that places a burden on cash-strapped borrowers at closing.

In the process of crafting a final bill, the House defeated an amendment that would have increased the FHA down payment from 3.5% to 5%, which would have disenfranchised more than 300,000 potential homeowners and would not have contributed significantly to FHA cash reserves.  

If you support this bill, contact your Senators and Representatives now.  Not sure what FHA down payments and mortgage insurance will mean to you when you buy a home in Mercer County?  Just call or email and let's talk.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/

A third party review of New Jersey

I like to tell you great things about the housing market and the individual homes that I have listed in Mercer County and the surrounding areas.  However, I don't think I have ever given you real pros and cons for choosing to relocate to or in New Jersey. 

Thanks to The Philadelphia 10, I have a third party review of our wonderful community.  Freelance writer Mr. Art Gibb has given a succinct review of why you should consider New Jersey Home.  Please take a look at it here.

Please let me show you more and help you become acquainted with our neighborhoods, communities and townships.  I look forward to hearing from you! ~ Joe Giancarli, 609-658-2612

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.

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. 

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.

Mercer County offers affordable housing and reasonable commuting

Commuting.  I doubt that anyone really likes to do it, but somehow, it has become one of our realities.  As cities become more crowded and less affordable, people flee to the suburbs, seeking hometown living, tighter knit communities, local schools, and green, open spaces.  While families were the first to seek the small town amenities, no more are they just for family-life.  Singles, marrieds, single parents and grandparents alike are enjoying a slower paced life and have happily adjusted to the once feared commute.

According to CNN Money, there may be another reason that the commute has become more attractive to more people, especially here in New Jersey.  That reason, according to CNN is affordability.  They declared New York City as the least affordable place to buy a house.  Median income is $64,800 and median home price is $419,000.  That's a tough gap to cover. 

Lucky for New York employees, Mercer County is only an hour commute away! Think about how wonderful it will be to live in a quiet suburb and raise a family.  If you are single, think how the slower pace allows you to form relationships, not merely pass through them.  Most of all, think about the value you will have in your New Jersey home - value that will increase over time as  you add to your bank account, invest in your future, and still have the resource to live life to its fullest.

Don't you want to find out more? Take a look at some of the possibilities at NJ Homesource or call me at (609) 658-2612 for a personal preview.  I'm ready to answer your questions and I really look forward to hearing from you today.  Thanks!

First-time home buyers: Don't leave $8,000 on the table

Mom has always known what is best for you and she is right on today when she tells you that now is the right time for you to buy your first home. With only three months left to qualify for the $8,000 federal first-time home buyer tax credit, we need to be talking and looking now.

There are some great choices. Check out NJ Home Source and then give me a call at (609) 658-2612. Let's get started today so the transaction can be completed by November 30, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. and you can be in your New Jersey home before Christmas!

National Night Out showcases New Jersey community

Last Tuesday was National Night Out, a celebration of safety in our neighborhoods. It was a time for homeowner's associations, watch captains, civic organizations, police and fire departments and regular citizens like you and me to acknowledge the resources that make our community a great place to live.

I always believe that community starts with the people and this picture from Jackson Township's National Night Out really says it all. It ie easy to see how everyone is engaged. Central New Jersey is the place to live, work and raise a family.

We care about our families; we care about our neighbors, and we care about our community. I am proud to call New Jersey home.

Monroe, NJ showcases the Clearbrook Senior Community

Ready to move in! Those can be scary words or they can be inviting words. I hope that when you take a look at this great ranch style townhome at 115 Chatham Dr A Monroe, NJ I hope that you see the invitation that has been written for you!

Located in the Senior Community of Clearbrook, this townhome has three bedrooms, two baths, a great two-car garage with shop and wonderfully, spacious living area. A special touch is the bright enclosed sunroom that looks out from this end unit.

The community has a health club, swimming pool and clubhouse for your enjoyment and it is the only adult community in New Jersey with an auditorium that seats 1,000 people for cultural events or social gatherings. It located in charming Monroe Township, a township that values and promotes senior living.

Don't just read about this great New Jersey home. Please let me take you on a tour. Call me today at (609) 658-2612 for an appointment.

After the storm in Mercer County

Where were you when the storm hit on Sunday evening? That's been the question for the past day and a half. Really the question should be did you lose any trees?

The picture to the right, courtesy of nj.com, shows more than I could ever explain about the ferocity of the storm that passed through Mercer County. It flooded roads and damaged trees and power lines leaving some people without power until today. The damage even prompted Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo to declare a limited state of emergency in some parts of Hamilton Township.

But as bad as the storm was it is good to know that our emergency systems are in place and our first responders were on the spot and able to perform their duties for the community. My thanks go to them and my encouragement goes to anyone impacted by the storm. We're lucky to live in a caring, capable community. I hope this message finds your family and your New Jersey home safe and well.

A testimonial from a New Jersey home buyer

Sometimes I really love email and today is one of those days. In fact, I cannot think of a better way to start off a Monday morning. In my inbox today is note from a satisfied client that reads, "Hey Joe, We got the awning cranks… thanks…As I said on the phone the other day, Maria and I are very appreciative of your hard work and patience… It took a long time… but you helped us get the home we wanted… Thank you!!!!!

As a double bonus they also provided this wonderful endorsement for me to share
with you about their New Jersey home buying experience:

Joe Giancarli is an exceptionally professional and patient realtor. We were choosy first-time home buyers with very specific requirements. Joe remained positive throughout, making the long process pleasant and easy. He always put our needs first and consistently guided us in the right direction. The home we finally purchased is PERFECT. I can’t imagine a better real estate specialist.

Best Regards,
Ron & Maria

I know that you can't see my face, but if you could, you would realize how touched I am by their sincerity. I am even more proud to have been there for them. Ron and Maria had a positive experience and are now in a home they love. Now that is a good effort and a great start to a great week. Thank you!

Are you ready to slide into a New Jersey home?

It's summer. It's hot. It's Sunday. And it's baseball season. I try to keep up to date with all the action in the real estate market in the Mercer County area so that I can share it with you - my clients, friends and all who seek professional advice. In addition to my professional resources, I also like to use Google as my search engine for certain topics like New Jersey home or Mercer County real estate. It is kind of a simple process, really.

Imagine my surprise when I found a brand new sight on my search today: Sliding into Home. Sounds interesting and fresh and new. I couldn't wait to click, but instead of houses for sale I found baseball - the Yankees to be precise. If you are a Yankees fan or even if you are just mildly interested in the history of baseball, I encourage you to take a look; it's fun.

Of course, I have to let you know that when you leave the field or the stadium and are ready to slide into a great home yourself, I want to be there for you. Give me a call at 609-658-2612 when you are ready. Have a great week!

New Jersey foreclosures decrease by 30%

Time for some good financial news. According RealtyTrac, the number of foreclosures in New Jersey during the first six months of 2009 were thirty percent less than the same period in 2008.

Housing counselors in New Jersey speculate that federal government programs that help homeowners modify their loans have been instrumental in the decline. There is also legislation in New Jersey that offers mediation to distressed homeowners, along with state loans to help lower monthly payments.

Loan modification help can be obtained for free. Take a look at http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/ for the options that are available to you.

New Jersey State Attorney Anne Milgram has also been aggressive in pursuing home mortgage modification frauds, filing two lawsuits charging ten defendants with mortgage related fraud just this week.

The fact that more people are thriving in their New Jersey home should be a confidence builder for you as a home buyer. We all plan to afford our purchase, but knowing help is available when the unthinkable happens allows us to move forward with our lives. There is no better place to start than with a home in the Mercer County area. Call me at 609-658-2612 to get started.

Can you see yourself in this Hamilton, New Jersey home?

When you decide that you just might want to move and begin looking for the perfect home, you get the opportunity to see a lot of different properties and take a peek into many different neighborhoods and personalities. You are always looking for the vision of yourself and your family. You ask yourself, how do we fit here?

Take a quick virtual tour of this great property just listed at 36 Sadie Street, Hamilton, New Jersey. Then find out more about the property, taxes, and neighborhood of this younger colonial New Jersey home. Do you feel you belong? There are 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, nice storage areas, and even better open areas for gathering the family or friends together.

Is it calling your name? Then it's time for you to give me a call at 609-658-2612 so that we can look at it together and find out if it is just the right place for you. I can't wait to show you!

Looking at economic indicators in Mercer County, NJ

Earlier this week the Trenton Times reported on commercial vacancies and how they are an indicator that the economic recovery may not be as fast coming as we hoped. On the flip side, Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist and columnist for the New York Times reported today that even though more jobs were shed by US businesses in June, we are on the way to a jobless recovery. What? How is it possible that we can be doing both?

I think this is just an example of how economic indicators can be interpreted differently by different people. Kiplinger Reports gives a very straightforward message on how to read economic indicators in this online post that is updated frequently with current information. It charts the standards: consumer confidence, durable goods, existing home sales, interest rate spread, jobless claims and retail sales and help you make your own interpretations from understanding our history of what happened next when the economy was doing this. Economists use intricate models to make their predictions. Others have some common-sense ways. Such as:

• Movie theaters: Movies are fairly affordable entertainment. A packed house means that people are on a budget. Shorter lines at the theaters means that people are spending their money on other forms of entertainment.
• Dry cleaners: If the dry cleaners looks full, it might be that fewer people can afford to pick up their belongings.
• Look at your eyes: Are they droopy? In hard financial times, people tend to get less sleep because of worrying. If the eyes look rested, we may have turned the corner.

Do you have a common-sense indicator? The indicator that I trust is the number of people that I speak to every day that have a plan for moving forward, moving up, and moving on with their lives. They are both selling and buying primary residences in Hamilton, Trenton and beyond. They are looking for and finding the path to happiness right here in Mercer County. They are excited and involved in making New Jersey home.

I would be honored to help you find your joy. Please give me a call at 609-658-2612 to discuss how home ownership can increase your happiness.

Credit: Quirky Economic indicators were provided by Kiplinger.com. See more here.

New Jersey finds revenue windfall; May restore property tax rebate program in 2010 budget

It is budget time in the New Jersey Legislature as our legislators work diligently towards approving the state's budget before the June 30 deadline. This post isn't about politics. Please don't turn the page because you don't want political views or because you do or don't want to know where I stand on an issue. That's not what it is about; this post is about something that is important to every property owner in the state - property tax rebates.

The Governor's original budget proposed trimming rebates normally granted to property owners. It was then revised to suspend the rebates altogether. Now the legislators have found an unexpected windfall. They now have an unanticipated $600 million from the tax amnesty program. The state had expected that the amnesty program might bring in as much as $200 million so the unexpected $600,000 windfall comes at a time when our economy really needs it.

On Monday, June 22, our legislators have the opportunity to restore a positive influence on the New Jersey economy. They can choose to use apply the entire amount towards property tax relief for middle-class homeowners. Governor Corzine and Assembly Speaker Joseph Robert Jr think this is a good thing. How about you?

Do you make a point to speak with your legislators? This might be a good time to do so. Find your district delegates here and call them or email them this weekend. Tell them "I am a property owner in your municipality and I encourage you to vote yes to restore the property tax rebate program for the coming fiscal year."

Mercer County celebrates our residents

I hope that you found some time yesterday to celebrate the people who live, work and play in Mercer County. I know I did and I wanted to tell you just a little bit about the great and wonderful people that are in the spotlight.

First, Trenton put on a grand celebration for our returning National Guard soldiers. We are so proud of their service. It was a great opportunity to say thank you and welcome home. Click here to look at pictures from the parade that was put on in their honor. From a 19-gun salute, to marching bands and 2,900 marching troops, our community was there, waving flags and cheering them on.

Next, the New Jersey Special Olympics summer games rallied with fireworks at the Lions Stadium on the campus of The College of New Jersey. More than 250 special athletes are competing from Mercer County in this event, but aside from the special joy we get in celebrating their skill, I was especially impressed to learn about the Torch Run. The Torch Run touched 397 New Jersey Communities as private citizens, community leaders, young and old came out to cheer on the spirit of the games.

They weren't cheering only the spirit of the games. I believe they were cheering on the spirit of New Jersey. This weekend we celebrated the spirit of the caring and involved people that make our New Jersey home.

Pennington, NJ townhome in Brandon Farms SOLD!

The small town charm, friendliness and sense of community welcome you to the Borough of Pennington, NJ.

There are approximately 2,800 residents with the median age of 41, so family means a lot to this community. You can experience the value of the community when they come out to celebrate together during Pennington Day with vendors, crafts, history, sports and activities for kids to keep the whole family occupied and happy. Moreover, you can feel the sense of community all year long as they work to make their borough an even better place to live.

A sense of community is something that home buyers often seek and I am pleased to let you know it can be yours when you purchase this townhome at 208 Amberleigh Drive in Drakes Mill at Brandon Farms for only $329,900. You will enjoy 1,908 sq ft of living space - click on the link to read all about this 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath deal. I am confident that you will want to make it yours. Please give me a call at (609) 658-2612 to find out more about this New Jersey home.