Hoboken Recent Spring Sales!

Here are some recent Hoboken Condo sales for you! (More added)

1025 Maxwell Lane 1361 sq ft 2 bd 2 bth w/balcony listed by Caulfield Real Estate for $980,000 on 10/27/08, offer accepted 12/10/08, closed 03/17/09 for $920,000.

629 Garden 1050 sq ft 2 bd 2 bth with private backyard listed by Century 21 for $559,000, offer accepted 02/02/09 and closed 03/20/09 for $559,000.

924 Jefferson new construction 1000 sq ft 2 bd 2 bth listed by Century 21 for $569,900 on 9/9/08, offer accepted 12/10/08, closed 3/24/09 $566,400

924 Jefferson new construction 750 sq ft 1 bd 1 bth listed 09/09/08 $409,900, offer accepted 1/15/09, closed 3/24/09 $400,000

829 Garden, 1019 sq ft 2 bd 2 bth listed by Liberty Realty for $529,900 on 01/05/09, offer accepted on 01/14/09, closed 03/27/09 for $515,000

333 Adams, 552 sq ft 1 bd 1bth listed by RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty for $365,777 on 01/07/09, offer accepted 01/19/09, closed 03/30/09 for $330,000

928 Garden St, 768 sq ft 1 bd 1bth listed by Brian David Realtors for $419,000 on 10/21/08, offer accepted on 02/17/09, sold 03/31/09 for $379,000

924 Jefferson - new construction - 1040 sq ft 2 bd 2 bth closed 03/27/09 for full list price of $540,000

218 Madison, 710 sq ft 1 bd 1bth w/terrace listed by Liberty Realty for $419,000, offer accepted on 03/02/09, sold 03/30/09 for $399,000

Billboard Bashing Hoboken Taxes - Taken Down

A billboard put up by an independent Jersey City realtor in Hoboken not too far from the PATH terminal, those of you that saw it, read " Cut your Hoboken propety taxes 47%. We'll help you leave". This obviously did not sit well with the Hoboken Mayor - Roberts who contacted them demanding to have it removed.
It seems that Metropolitan & Waterfront residential brokerage obliged and did indeed take it down.
Some liked the bill board because it drew attention to the facts, and while many residents are upset about the tax hike, some felt it was a reality check for the city and hopefully a call to action.
Read the full story on NJ.com here.

New Hoboken Listings Today

Thinking about more space? Here is a list of new Hoboken listings as per the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service..

New 1 bedroom with parking, 885 sq ft downtown asking $389,999 - Listed by Adele Tamburo Weichert Realtors

2 - New 3 bedroom 2 bth with parking, 1795 sq ft downtown asking $760,000 & $785,000 (w/ terrace) New construction - Listed by Cynthia Nazzaro & Eric Dilone Halliburton Homes

New 2 bedroom 1 bth (previously listed) 701 sq ft, 4th fl uptown asking $375,000 - Listed by David Najjar Realty Executives

New 1 bedroom 1 bth with parking, (previously listed at $424,900) downtown asking $400,000 - Listed by Patrick Southern Liberty Realty

Tax Deadline Is Approaching

Yuck, yes it's that time of year. Many of us are scrambling! Don't forget, your taxes are due April 15th 2009. Visit MSN's guide for all of your tax deadlines. 

Here is a link with 15 deduction mistakes - you shouldn't make! 

Plus one last tax deadline reminder. If you are filing for a Hoboken Tax Appeal, the deadline is April First! This means you have to have your paperwork in by this weekend! The Hoboken tax ratio has changed, and most residents that live in the newer buildings (built 2000 are newer) are almost all over assessed. This doesn't mean that older buildings however aren't over assessed. In my monthly newsletter, February's issue included the full scoop on the tax increase, ratio and how to file for an appeal. If you are in a position where you absolutely need to, want to file before the deadline please don't hesitate to reach me! Or go to www.hobokenx.com and look up Stack and Stack, ask to make an appt with Tom. He is providing consultation for filing the appeal and can provide you with additional information. My office has been recommending him to our clients, and some of my own are currently using him to negotiate with the city tax assessor to get their property taxes lowered. 

If you miss the deadline, you can file next year. Here's hoping they don't continue to raise property taxes!!

                                                              

Buyers if you are currently buying a condo and the taxes are high and in fact over assessed, only if you close before the deadline, can you file for the appeal. Otherwise, you can file next year. 

Clothing Sale Tonight With Champagne!

Hello ladies! Tonight is Bella Ro's Moonlight Madness Sale! Bella Ro is a newer women's clothing boutique in Hoboken. They have a nice selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for women. I bought my favorite pair of white stretch jeans there ..

I received an email from them today announcing the sale. Here is what it reads:

Moonlight Madness Sale! Join us for this unique event!

Thursday March 26th, 8-10PM All shoppers can participate in a drawing for 10-50% off your whole purchase!Enjoy complimentary champagne while you shop!

Unfortunately I can't make it, so I'm passing this on to you! Why let a good sale go to waste?

Bella Ro is located at 512 Washington.

Hoboken Condo Sales - UP

As of today, there are 527 condominiums currently active on the MLS. This does not count any co-ops, single or multi family homes. This is up from recent months.

Some Good News! So far this month, there are 36 units that have sold, and 33 that have gone under contract. That is up from the last 3 months. February there were 32 units that went under contract and 22 that sold. January saw 44 new contracts and 27 sales.

We are anticipating an increase in sales for the end of this 1st quarter as well as the 2nd quarter due to competitive mortgage rates, the new stimulus tax incentive and the spring buying season.

Search listings on my website

Introducing La Vida Squared - Women Welcome!

Welcome To La Vida Squared!

Crossing off one of my New Year resolutions... "Create a blog for women". Better late than never I say. I am so super excited to finally do this! For a while now, I've wanted to create a place where women can go to and find information on not just real estate but day to day things like shopping, dining out, pet care, decorating and more. I love real estate, it's what I do, but sometimes I like to take a break and smell the roses. La Vida Squared is just that! My blog will have a few parts to it, kind of like mixing the perfect cocktail. One part alcohol, one part flavor and a splash of surprise. The alcohol will be the real estate, the flavor will be life in Hoboken, and the splash?, stories of friends and past clients who are so worth mentioning! Through the years I've met some wonderful women who are successful professionals, have bought their own homes, are raising children, have started their own business, donate their free time to charities, and are the backbones and support of beautiful families.
I hope that you'll enjoy coming here and will soon share your stories, knowledge and support. I will close with a quote by Jackie O and leave the rest free "the only routine with me, is no routine at all." - Jackie Kennedy

Real Estate referrals, should you trust them?

I've heard and even read a few times not to use a real estate agents referrals to attorney's, home inspectors and mortgage brokers. I don't know how this idea started, but I'm guessing someone probably had a bad experience and one or two bad apples spoiled it for the rest -- unfortunately, not uncommon I will admit. However, I'll share an experience here. And I hope you understand the thought process behind this.

I recommended, as usual, a trusted mortgage rep that I refer over and over again, that I also used personally to purchase my condo. In over 3 years he has never gone wrong. He has always delivered what he promises and closes on time, plus no sneaky points or weird fees. Now, take it from me, when you find a trusted professional like this - you hold onto it - especially in my business. It is important for me to do right by my people, to me a sale is not just a sale, it is a relationship, and you should be able to trust those you work with - if not - don't work with them. But I digress, my customer went with a trusted referral from a friend to use a different mortgage company and rep - whose name I will not divulge. And I was not upset with her. Anyone would do the same thing... I won't be specific as to how many things went wrong and the complete unprofessionalism demonstrated by this, gentleman. From completely misplacing documents to disappearing and delaying closing by more than 2 weeks.. etc etc If all goes well, my customer will have bought her first place, and can move on from the stress and enjoy her beautiful condo. She has expressed her regret and now she, her attorney (who I also reccomended) and I, all dislike this guy.

If you receive a referral from someone make sure that they personally, have used their services and ask them what went wrong during the process? What should I expect? What did he or she charge you? Please think twice to use someone that has not been tested. Especially today in these times, it is even that much more important to be able to get a hold of someone on the phone, receive accurate information and work with someone who will deliver what they promise. People are hungry and will say anything to get your business. Sadly, not only that - but they will try to make money on you by sneaking in fees. If you trust your real estate agent, and they have used the professionals that they refer please please strongly consider them. It could be the difference of a great experience, versus one that could go terribly sour. The last thing I want is for someone to tell me that they had a bad experience with someone I put my name to. Instead I feel good knowing my customer is happy and will refer not just me to their friends and family but the same people I referred them. :)