Michael 's Blog

What happened in our marketplace January

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of January, 2010 ended with 25 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $120,000 and $649,000.  The average** selling price for the month is $407,340.  Average days on the market (DOM) for January was 74.

The month ended with 343 active listings on the market ranging in price from $110,000 to $999,500.  The month ended with 82 residential properties under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, February 8, 2010.

If you have a question about a specific property in town, or stats for surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact me.

**A mean or average price is calculated by adding up all the values in a distribution and then dividing the sum by the total number of values contained in that distribution. To find a median value, one takes all of the values in the distribution, sorts in ascending order, lines them up and finds the middle value.

*Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx. The links will expire 60 days from 2/08/2010.

What's happening in the marketplace

Carriage Homes at Quailbrook townhomes are located near Demott Lane featuring models ranging from the 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style homes to 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths two story homes with family room and a second floor den. Then there are 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath homes with family room. All homes have single car garages. Many have a fireplace which might be either gas or wood burning. Some units offer French doors leading into the large master bedroom and some have a greenhouse windows in the kitchen. Some units also have decks.

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are 3 homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development, at the time of posting.  One is a 3 bedroom-2.5 bath, 2 story townhouse. The other two are single story ranch style 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhomes.  View these three active listings

There has been one Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sale since my last report to you; 331 Hazlitt Way, $250,000, a 2 bedroom 2.5 bath two story townhouse. This transaction was a short sale.

That's what's happening in the marketplace, now. February 8, 2010

If you have specific questions regarding a Carriage Home property, email me at mjadams@century21.com, follow me on twitter, facebook or call directly: 908.583.0409

Facebook - http://tinyurl.com/y8fqwd2 Twitter - http://twitter.com/somerset08873

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**  The links will expire 60 days from 2/08/2010.

The ten basic steps of purchasing a home - Finding your home and making the offer

So, now you have shopped for a mortgage and have been pre-approved for a mortgage loan. That's fantastic! You are armed with the advantage of having a lender's backing. That send a strong message to your seller. And, most importanly at this stage, DO NOT make any major purchases before closing on your new home. I will repeat this; over and over!

The National Association of REALTOR® (NAR) states that nearly 90% of home buyers begin their search online. It's very likely that you have already been seaching on Trulia.com, Zillow.com or another third party real estate site. It's time to increase the accuracy of what homes are actively listed by using real time Multiple Listing data. Before you begin your advanced search, you might wish to decide which home features you feel are essential and which are optional, such as a backyard, basement, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc; as well as what to stay away from. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a basic but useful wish list that you can work from and share with your REALTOR®.

Now that you have your wish list completed, you can continue searching for your dream home on your own or seek the assistance of a local REALTOR® by have him/her send regular emails or alerts that fit your criteria. If you remain on your own, I recommend searching on a local REALTOR® website, such as mine, that offers a wide search or Realtor.com.

If you are considering homes that are undergoing a distressed sale due to financial hardship such as the purchase of a short sale, bank-owned property or foreclosure be advised that these transactions often take longer because a third party must approve the sale. Frequently these homes are also sold "as is" and may need repairs. Partcularly, if the house needs repairs you might wish to concider HUD's 203K mortgage program.

It's important to keep an open mind when visiting properties your REALTOR® feels may work well for you, just as it's also vital to be upfront and honest with your REALTOR® about your preferences and financial situation to ensure that you purchase the best home for your needs. Focus on the house, not how it is furnished. A little trick when assesing the true size of a room is to look at the ceiling to determine it's size. Oversized furniture may give the illusion that the room is smaller than it actually is. Also, try to look beyond the things that can be easily changed such as wall coverings and carpets.

Work with your REALTOR® when attending public open houses. When looking in Somerset, New Jersey and surrounding areas, you can find them easily at the blog: Somerset08873.  You want your REALTOR® to accompany you. I covered agency when choosing your REALTOR®, but it is worth repeating because you do not want to weaken you negotiating postion by providing too much information to the seller's agent: (http://tinyurl.com/rdo7vq)  Another thing with having a buyer's agency agreement; it ensures your REALTOR® is paid after negotiating a sale with a FSBO  owner.

After you find a home that you are serious about buying, work with your REALTOR® to come up with an appropriate offer. Be mindful of your financial circumstances, down payment amount and closing costs when negotiating the sale price. Each house and case is different. There is no uniform method for making an offer. Supply, demand, the condition of the home, how long the house has been on the market, and your personal circumstances with regard to how soon you need to close on a home all come into play when framing your offer. You might also weigh in how much you really want it. If you REALLY want it, make your best offer. Keep in mind that a properly priced or under priced home may draw multiple offers and quickly.

Have your REALTOR® run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for homes that sold within the last three months and work from there. If the price of the home is on target with the market, then you may have to go with market price unless you get really lucky and/or the seller is highly motivated. In an active market, you're likely to lose out bymaking a low bid or lowball offer; that's a discison and strategy you will have to make.

If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me here, by phone or email, on facebook and/or twitter. Next, attorney review and shopping for home owners insurance.

Step #3 to successful home buying: http://ow.ly/125uh Facebook - http://tinyurl.com/y8fqwd2 Twitter - http://twitter.com/somerset08873

The ten basic steps of purchasing a home - shopping for a mortgage

Ok, so you've figured a ballpark figure of how much house you can afford and you have checked your credit score. Now it's time to shop for a mortgage; step three.  It is recommended that you check with several mortgage lenders to compare costs and interest rates. Although there are different types of mortgage lenders, such as brokers and direct lenders, it is often more important to choose a good loan officer, not the institution.

Each type of lender has strengths and weaknesses. Quality within each branch or office can vary, depending on the loan officer, the support staff, and a variety of other factors.Loan officers have two jobs. One is to be your advocate in getting the loan approved. The other is to deliver quality loans. You want someone who has proven dependable and ethical in the past someone you can trust.  Don't forget to check with your credit union, if applicable. 

You will want to obtain a mortgage pre-approval, not just get pre-qualified; which will require reviewing your outstanding debts, income and running a credit check. A pre-approval signals to a seller that you are in a strong financial postion when making an offer.

Currently, the overwhelming number of mortgages written are FHA loans. Effective January 1, 2010 new Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rules went into effect. RESPA is a consumer protection statute designed to help homebuyers be better shoppers in the home buying process, and is enforced by the US Department of Urban Housing and Development HUD. Additionally, there are still conventional and VA loans.

 Here is a list of questions you might consider asking the lenders you meet with: 

· What is the interest rate?  How long is that rate available?

· Are the rates fixed or adjustable?

·  If it is adjustable, how will the rate and loan payment vary?

· What is the length of the loan?

· Can you quote points in a dollar amount?  Finding out this amount in dollar figures will help you make an informed decision. 

· What fees are there?  What does each of these fees include?

· What are your requirements for down payments?  Are there any special programs available?

• Is PMI (private mortgage insurance) required?  What would the total cost be? 

Under the new rules you will recieve a Good Faith Estimate.  Here is a quick breakdown of the new (GFE) form.  

· The first page contains basic information about the loan product, applicable deadlines, and escrow requirements.

· The important dates section states the deadlines after which the loan terms contained in the GFE are no longer available

· The loan summary details the specific terms of your mortgage.

• The second page is a list of settlement service charges such as loan origination charges, title services, transfer taxes*, etc. 

*Homes sold for more than $1 million in New Jersey are subject to a transfer fee that must be paid by the buyer.  All other transfer taxes are usually paid by the seller. Calculate the NJ Realty Transfer Fee

On the GFE, you'll see costs categorized by tolerance.  Tolerance categories indicate how definitive the estimates are, and which ones might change from the GFE to the HUD-1 form. 

· Zero tolerance category - The actual charges at settlement may not exceed the amounts on the GFE. 

· 10 percent tolerance category - The sum of the actual charges at the time of settlement may not be greater than 10 percent of the cost on the GFE

• No tolerance category - The amounts charged for all other settlement services on the GFE may change at settlement because these items are usually obtained by the borrower, separate from the lender.  

Your mortgage lender can provide a more comprehensive explanation of the mortgage buying process. If you don't already have a loacal mortgage lender, I would be happy to provide list for you.  As always, you can ask a question here, facebook or contact me directly. Next time....Finding your home and making the offer

Facebook - http://tinyurl.com/y8fqwd2  Twitter - http://twitter.com/somerset08873

Franklin Township - Sunday, January 31, 2010

If you qualify, there are only 91 days remaining to take advantage of the first-time and repeat home buyer tax credit! If you wish more information, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already contracted with an agent, give me a call or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign.

There is no need to feel overwhelmed. Click for Buyer Advice. And most importantly, as a buyer read why you might not want to venture out on your own... http://tinyurl.com/acv5zx

At the time of posting the following properties are scheduled for an Open House, this coming Sunday. Click here to view pictures of this week's Open Houses. The following are featured homes this weekend in Franklin Township and surrounding areas from Century 21 Moretti Realty http://tinyurl.com/c64npd

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.** The links will expire 60 days from 1/29/2010.

The ten basic steps of purchasing a home

With just about 10 weeks before the Home Buyer Tax Credits expire, I've decided to post the 10 Basic Steps of the home buying process. I will jump-start the program with the first two; examining your finances and finding a REALTOR®. Each week, thereafter, I will post an additional step.

1. EXAMINE YOUR FINANCES
It's important to consider your income and the total of your other debt payments (like credit card debt or car payments) when deciding if you can afford to purchase your own home. Think about how much money you can use for a down payment. Use an affordability calculator (http://tinyurl.com/ydggoz6) to get an idea of how much you can afford.

It is important to check your credit score (http://www.myfico.com) and fix any errors (http://www.ftc.gov/freereports) that may appear before starting the loan approval process. Lenders often look at credit scores as one factor in determining whether or not to approve a loan. Your score can affect the interest you can get. Consult with a mortgage lender about how much you can realistically afford. 

First-time homeowners are often startled by the hidden costs of owning a home. These are some of the costs, often overlooked: (http://tinyurl.com/nut8hm)

Got all of that?  If not, you can always ask a question here, facebook or contact me directly. Ok... now on to finding a Realtor.

2. FINDING A REALTOR®                                                                                                              First, not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. A REALTOR®, and I am one, is a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).  I abide by the Code of Ethics, (http://tinyurl.com/yem47rj) which sets forth standards of practice that includes honest and ethical treatment for all parties in transaction-related matters.  REALTORS® may be identified by the REALTOR® "R" logo on a business card, website or other marketing and sales materials.

Buyers can find all sorts of stuff including market trends, comparables and many other stats from sites such as Trulia, Zillow, Yahoo and others.  However, for a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of your local real estate market, it is imperative that you contact a local real estate professional. The local MLS has the most current and complete data available. 

You can ask friends, family and co-workers for a referral. You can also inquire at your local REALTOR® board/association to find a REALTOR®. There are 24 local boards and associations in New Jersey.  A list can be found at www.njar.com.

Most importantly, after interviewing several REALTORS®, you will want to select one who you are comfortable sharing personal information with. You want someone who not only understands the local market but is open, can empathize with you and explain the process in terms that you understand. It is not necessary, but you may wish to enter into an agreement to use a Buyers Agent; here is why - (http://tinyurl.com/rdo7vq)

And a final note; New Jersey law requires that real estate licensees inform prospective buyers and sellers about the four types of business relationships prior to the first discussion of financial matters or the motivation for buying or selling. The Consumer Information Statement (CIS), which must be delivered to the buyer or seller at the time of the first meeting, helps explain these relationships. Before showing you a single home, I will ask you to sign acknowledging that this legal requirement has been accomplished. It is NOT a contract.

The four business relationships are:

Buyer's agent
Seller's agent
Disclosed dual agent
Transaction broker

So, that's the basics of finding a REALTOR®.  If you have unanswered questions, I'm here to answer and help. Now...on to shopping for a mortgage, next week.

Proposed changes unvielded, today

For those who already follow me on twitter you've had a head's up on the proposed changes to come from the Federal Housing Authority.  To keep up with the changing Franklin Township real estate landscape, become a fan of Somerset and Central New Jersey Living on facebook  .

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Below are today's announced FHA policy changes:

1. Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) will be increased to build up capital reserves and bring back private lending

• The first step will be to raise the up-front MIP by 50 bps to 2.25% and request legislative authority to increase the maximum annual MIP that the FHA can charge.
• If this authority is granted, then the second step will be to shift some of the premium increase from the up-front MIP to the annual MIP.
• This shift will allow for the capital reserves to increase with less impact to the consumer, because the annual MIP is paid over the life of the loan instead of at the time of closing
• The initial up-front increase is included in a Mortgagee Letter to be released tomorrow, January 21st, and will go into effect in the spring.

2. Update the combination of FICO scores and down payments for new borrowers.

• New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA's 3.5% down payment program. New borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10%.
• This allows the FHA to better balance its risk and continue to provide access for those borrowers who have historically performed well.
• This change will be posted in the Federal Register in February and, after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

3. Reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%

• The current level exposes the FHA to excess risk by creating incentives to inflate appraised value. This change will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards on seller concessions.
• This change will be posted in the Federal Register in February, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

4. Increase enforcement on FHA lenders

• Publicly report lender performance rankings to complement currently available Neighborhood Watch data - Will be available on the HUD website on February 1.
• This is an operational change to make information more user-friendly and hold lenders more accountable; it does not require new regulatory action as Neighborhood Watch data is currently publicly available.
• Enhance monitoring of lender performance and compliance with FHA guidelines and standards.
• Implement Credit Watch termination through lender underwriting ID in addition to originating ID.
• This change is included in a Mortgagee Letter to be released tomorrow, January 21st, and is effective immediately.
• Implement statutory authority through regulation of section 256 of the National Housing Act to enforce indemnification provisions for lenders using delegated insuring process
• Specifications of this change will be posted in March, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in early summer.
• HUD is pursuing legislative authority to increase enforcement on FHA lenders. Specific authority includes:
• Amendment of section 256 of the National Housing Act to apply indemnification provisions to all Direct Endorsement lenders. This would require all approved mortgagees to assume liability for all of the loans that they originate and underwrite
• Legislative authority permitting HUD maximum flexibility to establish separate "areas" for purposes of review and termination under the Credit Watch initiative. This would provide authority to withdraw originating and underwriting approval for a lender nationwide on the basis of the performance of its regional branches

In addition to the changes proposed today, the FHA is continuing to review its overall response to housing market conditions, and continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through FHA/HAMP and other FHA initiatives going forward.

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For more information, feel free to contact me or your FHA mortgage provider.

Dan Green at Real Estate Connect NYC 2/2 - Watch

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

While home ownership historically has been a great investment, you should consider buying a home only when the timing is right for you; when you can swing all the costs and when you plan to stay put awhile. That way you can ride out any downturns in the market and benefit from any appreciation while enjoying a nice and affordable home in the meantime.

Gabe Sanders gives some great advice. So, if you are ready, now could be an ideal time to buy. 

November's homes sales highest in three years

There is more good news for home sellers. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) reported today that the the expected expiration of first time buyer tax credits spurred existing home sales for November to 7.4% over October's report.  The tax credit has since been extended to next spring.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had predicted that November existing home sales would total a 6.25 million unit annualized rate. October's existing sales number was revised to a 6.09 million unit annual pace. The actual sales numbers were the strongest since housing sales peaked in February 2007 at a 6.55 million unit pace.  Attractive prices, and historically low mortgage rates are also contributing factors powering the existing home sales rise.

What this means for prospective home sellers is they may wish to ready their homes for the market and get it listed sooner rather than later to take advantage of the spike in interest among home buyers.  There is no telling how long rates will reamain as low as they are or what effects the expired tax credit will have on the marketplace in the spring. 

Creating curb appeal and decluttering your home is a great start.  Minor remodeling that appeals to young and hip first-time buyers will result in a return on your investment. Think modern accents.  And when considering wall colors, a safe and modern palette will appeal to the masses. These things will appeal to a wider range of first time home buyers.

If you would like more information regarding what it will take to get your central NJ home sold in 2010, do not hesitate to contact me directly or via email. A custom Competative Market Analysis (CMA) for your Somerset home is provided free of charge.

Broadband service tops the list among current users

A national study of U.S. broadband consumers by RVA LLC Market Research and Consulting shows that 82% of those buyers who have had broadband service over fiber all the way to the home rank it as the leading real estate development amenity. Four other key prospective features ranked lower among buyers shopping for a new home. In another RVA study, very high-speed Internet-such as over fiber-ranked second only to landscaping and setting on a list of 23 amenities, ahead of features such as pools, home automation, shops, a fitness center, a dog park, a golf course, Wi-Fi at the pool area, day care or concierge services. 

A national random survey of more than 600 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) consumer users was conducted in May. Respondents were asked a series of perceptual questions and also were asked to test and report their current Internet speeds. Both surveys were done for the Fiber-to-the-Home Council. The survey showed that end-to-end fiber broadband service tops green space, a security patrol, a community pool, a park or a fitness center among sought-after amenities by the home buyers. 

Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC, said: "The indication is that the personal space and connectivity really matter to the home buyer now, compared with public facilities; it's where home owners actually spend their time, and broadband is an increasing part of that time, so they want the best," With the pace of change in both technology and in broadband services, moving into a home that is already wired for the future can be a distinct advantage.

According to Bill Heilig, Verizon vice president of corporate marketing, social trends also affect the quest for fiber-based service. He said, "Teleworking is on the rise again, and nothing beats a 25 or 50 megabit-per-second downstream link for just-like-at-work service,"

       Click to view

NJAR reacts to NAR's report

The New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) in a press release reacted to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) findings that first-time buyers are the key to a successful recovery of the NJ real estate market.

Reacting to the (NAR) 2009 Second Quarter Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Home Prices/State Resales report, NJAR's Executive Vice President Jarrod C. Grasso said, "the home price data signifies an unprecedented opportunity for home purchasers, particularly first-time buyers. Single family homes, apartment and condominium units are more affordable now than they have been in years."

"Signs of vibrant activity are evident in the New Jersey resales statistics," added Grasso. Although sales in the Garden State are 10.8 percent lower than they were in the second quarter of 2008, the seasonally adjusted, second quarter 2009 rates are up 11.8 percent from the first quarter of this year. This shows that buyers are entering the marketplace, thus lowering the inventory and driving up demand.

Though median sales price data indicates levels below those of a year ago, nearly all MSAs that cover New Jersey showed an increase in the second quarter of 2009 when compared to the first. Increasing prices paired with slight rises in interest rates signify that market stabilization is under way. Grasso commented, "The time to act is now, since prices may continue this strong, upward trend. We also anticipate sales to increase in the coming weeks and months as more buyers complete their first purchases in time to receive the tax credit."

To view a video of NARs Economic Report click here

As the clock winds down to expiration of the $8,000 federal tax credit at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2009, the opportunity lessens for financially capable first-time buyers to capitalize on the market and obtain the homes of their dreams.

Reported to you, first, in my August 5th posting, How the new regulation Z may affect U, I still encourage first-tme buyers looking to benefit from the $8,000 tax credit to act sooner rather than later to begin the process of procurrining a mortgage and finding a home.

July 2009 Franklin Township Monthly Market Report

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of July, 2009 ended with 43 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $171,500 and $715,000 .

The month ended with 400 active listings on the market ranging in price from $119,900 to $1,265,000 The month ended with 55 residential properties under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, August 6, 2009

If you have a question about a specific property in town, or stats for surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**  The links will expire 60 days from 08/06/2009.

What's happening in the marketplace, now - August 6, 2009

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are two (3) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development, at the time of posting.  The three available are one 2-story townhouses with 3 bedrooms-2.5 baths and two single level ranches with 3-bedrooms-2 baths. View these active listings.

There is one new listing since my last report to you on July 6, 2009.  The three actively listed home prices range between $249,000 and $309,000. 

There have been no Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sales since the last report. One property is currently under contract for sale.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, August 6, 2009.

If you have specific questions about a Carriage Home proprerty or any local property, email me at: mjadams@century21.com or call (908) 583-0409. 

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**  The links will expire 60 days from 08/06/2009.

Consumer disclosures and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA)

Regulation Z" is a federal regulation requiring creditors to provide full disclosure of the terms of a loan including the terms or the loan and the annual percentage rate (APR). Changes that became effective July 30, 2009 requires that lenders must comply with new rules under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) as required under the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA) which was part of  The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

These changes are expected to slow the timeline for obtaining a new mortgage or refinacing to a minimum of two months - at best.  There are some predictions the new reality might be a timeline of up to four months.  This is because it is anticipated that many lenders may add their own time restrictions as a safety precaution against violating the new waiting periods and thereby cause additional delay to the mortgage process. Failure of lenders to adhere to the proper waiting periods for certain disclosure items resets the waiting period requirements.  In addidtion, new changes in Reg Z may result in higher lender costs which are likely to be passed on to borrowers.

Here is a summary of the changes*: 

The new requirements apply to all mortgages secured by a borrower's home, including primary and second homes and refinancings. Investor loans continue to be exempt. 

• Lenders must give good faith estimates of mortgage loan costs within 3 business days after the consumer applies for a loan (early disclosure). The lender may not collect any fees before the disclosure is provided, except for a reasonable fee for obtaining a credit report.

• The closing may not take place until expiration of a 7 day waiting period after the consumer receives the early disclosure. 

• Consumers may shorten or waive the 3 day and/or 7 day waiting periods for a "bona fide personal financial emergency," but only after receiving an accurate TILA disclosure.  In the final rule's preamble, the Fed stated that it "believes waivers should not be used routinely to expedite consummation for reasons of convenience." The Fed decided not to insulate lenders from liability even where a consumer modifies or waives the waiting periods.

 • If the annual percentage rate (APR) changes by more than 0.125 percent, the lender must provide a corrected disclosure to the borrower and wait an additional 3 business days before closing the loan. The APR includes not only the interest rate on the loan but certain other costs related to settlement, so it will be important for any fees that affect the APR to be as accurate as possible, as early as possible, to minimize the need for a corrected TILA. 

Source: National Association of Reators (NAR)

Franklin Township - Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2, 2009

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already working with an agent, give me a call or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign. Contact Me

There is no need to feel overwhelmed. Click here for Buyer Advice.  And most importantly, as a buyer read why you might not want to venture out on your own... http://tinyurl.com/acv5zx           

At the time of posting the following properties are scheduled for an Open House, this coming Saturday and/or Sunday.  Click here to view pictures of this week's Open Houses. The following are featured homes this weekend in Franklin Township and surrounding areas from Century 21 Moretti Realty http://tinyurl.com/c64npd 

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS  **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**   The links will expire 60 days from 07/31/2009.

Events near Somerset

What's Cooking? A Display of Kitchen Tools & Accessories  Through 01/15/2010

16 Maple St., East Brunswick, NJ 08816

www.eastbrunswickmuseum.org

(732) 257-1508

Estate Park and Nature Tour  07/24/2009 - 07/26/2009

80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

www.dukefarms.org

 (908) 722-3700 

An Introduction to Native Plants for the Home Gardener  07/25/2009

80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

www.dukefarms.org

(908) 722-3700

Rutgers Gardens Open House and Wine Tasting Festival   07/25/2009

112 Ryders Ln., New Brunswick, NJ 08901

www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu

(732) 932-8451   

Wonder Walk for Families: Mysteries of the Meadow  07/25/2009

80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

www.dukefarms.org

 (908) 722-3700   

Scenic Bike Tour of Duke Farms  07/25/2009

80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

www.dukefarms.org

 (908) 722-3700

 Jersey Summer Beatles Bash III  07/25/2009

15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08879

www.statetheatrenj.org/beatles_bash_3

(732) 246-7469 

 Coping With Deer - 07/26/2009 2:00p

Franklin Township Library

485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

(732) 873-8700  Registration Required

May 2009 Franklin Township Monthly Market Report

According to the Garden State MLS, the month of May, 2009 ended with 30 Franklin Township single family residences sold.  Sale prices ranged between $130,000 and $617,500 .

The month ended with 401 active listings on the market ranging in price from $120,000 to $1,265,000. There are 100 residential properties under contract.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, June 6, 2009

If you have a question about a specific property in town, or stats for surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**

What's happening in the marketplace, now - June 5, 2009

According to the Garden State MLS, currently there are two (2) homes actively listed for sale in this Franklin Township Townhouse development, at the time of posting.  The two available are 2-story townhouses with 3 bedrooms-2.5 baths. View these active listings.

There are no new listings since my last report to you on May 4, 2009.  Both actively listed prices range between $298,000 and $299,000. 

There has been one Carriage Homes at Quailbrook sale since the last report; 246 Glastonbury Ln, 3-bdrm/2.5 baths - $300,000. *DOM=19

Two properties are currently under contract for sale and one additional is in attorney review.

That's what is happening in the marketplace now, June 5, 2009.

If you have specific questions about a Carriage Home proprerty or any local property, email me at: mjadams@century21.com or call (908) 583-0409. 

Source: Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**

Franklin Township - Sunday, March 28-29, 2009

Regardless of the listing agent, office or MLS service; if you are not already working with an agent, give me a call or send an e-mail and I will be happy to arrange a personal tour of any listed property or open house that you might find on the Internet, print media or yard sign. Contact Me

There is no need to feel overwhelmed. Click here for Buyer Advice.  And most importantly, as a buyer read why you might not want to venture out on your own... http://tinyurl.com/acv5zx           

At the time of posting the following properties are scheduled for an Open House, this coming Saturday and/or Sunday.  Click here to view pictures of this week's Open Houses.

Listing information provided by Garden State MLS  **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.**  

Events near Somerset 08873 

Dairy Day      03/28/2009 - 03/28/2009

103 College Farm Road

North Brunswick, NJ 08902

www.agriculturemuseum.org   (732) 249-2077  

Morning Rhymes for Toddlers  03/27/2009 at 10.30am & 11:30am

Public Library - 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Babies and toddlers develop oral language skills and have some fun as they take part in this active nursery rhyme program with their parents or grandparents. No registration is necessary. 

Guitar Hero - Teens (grades 7-12)  03/29/2009 at 1.30pm

Public Library  - 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Teens - Bring your friends and play Guitar Hero on the big screen! Snacks will be provided. Meets in the Community Room.