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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Huge Open House Weekend Coming Up Part Of REALTOR® nationwide campaign!

Hoboken and Jersey City Real Estate Open House Weekend Coming Soon!

The National Association of Realtors® is holding a nationwide campaign to encourage seller's to hold open houses on the weekend of April 10th and 11th, 2010. This initiative is to help buyers seeking to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit, set to expire April 30th, see as many properties as they need in one weekend.

Buyers that find a property this weekend can make an offer, and respectively end attorney review period in time for the cut off date. Anything after this weekend of the 10th and 11th then the buyer would have to move extremely fast with all parties and hope that all is well and out of review in time for the deadline.

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty this past weekend held a whopping 35 open houses last weekend and will look to hold as many open as staff allows us for this weekend of the 10th. You can search for open houses on http://www.remax.com/ or request a list of open houses from me and I'll email them to you as the weekend gets closer.


As of today, March 31st, there are 545 condo's currently listed active from $205,000 to $2.75million.

Happy house hunting! Visit my home buying tips every buyer should know for some studying.

Selling Your Home? Successfull Real Estate Selling Tips - #6


6. Get A Sense Of The Market


When listing a home for sale, aside from looking at comparables, I suggest taking my clients out with me to preview other similar properties that are the competition. It's important to do this so you can see what we're up against, and to see what works and doesn't work. So. before you put your home on the market, take a weekend day to check out the competition: homes with similar prices and in similar neighborhoods.


Remember, you don't have to go out and buy new furniture just to look like that beautiful new model in the new development -- what you want is the feel of that new model -- clean, uncluttered, and fresh.
Remember, after location, the most important item to a buyer is a well maintained home. Many flaws can be overlooked if the buyer knows he can move in without a lot of trouble and expense.


I hope you've enjoy my successfull selling real estate tips series!

Monday, March 29, 2010

RE/MAX Gold Coast Raises Money To Support Haiti



This past weekend, on Saturday March 27th, RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty held a special bake sale in front of it's doors in an effort to raise money for Haiti relief. We started at 10am and went until 5pm and the bake sale was a success! We were able to raise over a thousand dollars of which our office is matching!


We had clients, friends and strangers all visit our table in the cold, and donate what they could and as a thank you they got their choice of cupcakes, cookies, cake, brownies and other treats!!



Photo: Melissa Winkler/The IRC



RE/MAX Gold Coast has ambitiously set a goal of $10,000 that we will match!!! So please, if you see us set up outside for another bake sale, please make sure to help us out. We haven't forgotten about the victims of Haiti and it's important that these people continue to receive aid. We've decided to team up with The International Rescue Committe to help their efforts.

Please visit their blog http://blog.theirc.org/tag/haiti/ to read more and if you'd like to help or make a donation please contact my office directly. With baby steps we can take a big stride.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Hoboken Open House Real Estate Listings For Today!

Our HOBOKEN Real Estate Open House List For Today
100 Clinton St. #2C*100 Clinton 2C Exterior
NEW LISTING
When: 1-3PM
Listing Price: $229,000
Bedrooms: Studio
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 500
View More Info
1015 Grand St. #4E*625 Willow 3R
UNIQUE 1BR LOFT W/ PRKG ON COBBLESTONE STREET!
When: 2-4PM
Listing Price: $349,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 620
View More Info
74 Garden St. #4S*
GREAT LOCATION
When: 12-2PM
Listing Price: $359,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 700
View More Info
1201 Willow Ave. #5R1201 Willow 5R Exterior*
UPTOWN HOBOKEN - TOP FLOOR 1BR
When: 12-2PM
Listing Price: $379,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 610
View More Info
151 2nd St. #4A*
BLOOMFIELD STREET BEAUTY
When: 12-2PM
Listing Price: $389,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 650
205 14th St. #2R*
WELL LAID OUT 2BR
When: 2-4PM
Listing Price: $399,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 726
View More Info
933 Willow 4L LR4933 Willow Ave. #4L*
NEW LISTING!
When: 12:15-2PM
Listing Price: $409,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths:1.5
Sq.ft: 900
812 Grand St 308202 Park Ave. #3*
MODERN AMENITIES + OLD WORLD CHARM
When: 2-4PM
Listing Price: $409,900
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 809
812 Grand St 308416 Monroe St. #1L*
UNIQUE 1200+ SQFT. DUPLEX W/ FULL STAIRCASE
When: 12-2PM
Listing Price: $420,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 1272
1210 Park 2 LR1210 Park Ave. #2*
CLASSIC OLD WORLD CHARM
When: 2:30-4:30PM
Listing Price: $449,000
Bedrooms: 2 + Den
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 1100
1210 Park 2 LR613 Monroe St. #4*
GREAT NATURAL LIGHT & NYC VIEWS
When: 2:30-4:30PM
Listing Price: $463,900
Bedrooms: 2+den
Baths: 2
Sq.ft:1325
812 Grand 310 LR223 Clinton St. #2*
NEW LISTING!

When: 1-3PM
Listing Price: $489,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1
Sq.ft: 1000
625 Jefferson 303 LR727 Monroe St. #203*
METRO HOMES PEMBROKE PLACE

When: 2-4PM
Listing Price: $529,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1193
View More Info
113 Madison St. #5W*
MOVIN' ON UP!

When:
2-4PM
Listing Price: $549,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1310
View More Info
659 1st St. #408*
NEW TOWN HOME STYLE PENTHOUSE

When:
1-3PM
Listing Price: $568,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1272
View More Info
82 Clinton St. #6B*
SUNNY PENTHOUSE
When: 1-3PM
Listing Price: $569,500
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1190
View More Info
74-76 Monroe St. #5*
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
When: 2:30-4:30PM
Listing Price: $600,168
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1282
View More Info
700 1st St. #16E*
PENTHOUSE W/ VIEWS & OVERSIZED BALCONY
When: 2:30-4:30PM
Listing Price: $639,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1437
View More Info
915 Madison St. #4D*
SPECTACULAR CONDO!
When: 2-4PM
Listing Price: $699,000
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1440
View More Info
1025 Maxwell Ln. #500*
MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS IN HOBOKEN
When: 1-3PM
Listing Price: $849,000
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1.5
Sq.ft: 966
View More Info
727 Monroe 203 Kit62 Madison St. #4
BRAND NEW
When: 2:30-4:30PM
Listing Price: $899,000
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 2388
View More Info

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Selling Your Home - Tip # 5


5. Putting Your Home on the Market: Show It to Sell It


After you have cleaned, shined, decluttered and generally whipped your property into shape, it's time to attract a buyer.
Regardless of who markets your home, you or a broker, there are other, small things you must do to attract buyers. For example, even if it's bright daylight, open the blinds and turn on the lights. Also, open all the interior doors to make the home appear roomier. Be sure to remove all your kids and pets -- they're cute, but a prospect wants to see your home, not your pride and joy. In addition, make sure your pet's litter pan is clean so the home smells clean and fresh, not like air freshener. Remember, you need to make sure your home is available to be seen by a prospective buyer with as little notice as possible. That means less than an hour, or even five minutes, if possible.

This is a very important tip that too many sellers miss. Selling your home is an inconvenience, yes we know this. But the goal is to sell your home right? So if that means waking up an extra half hour early in the morning to leave your place ready then it must be done. As an agent, we get last minute appointments all the time, and the seller's that refuse to let us show their homes get missed, skipped and another property that was ready gets the offer. Sounds harsh, but this is the reality! So always be ready for show. Like they say on Toddlers and Tiaras - you have to be on!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Selling your home? Tip #4 on how to prepare


4. Get More for Your Home: Repairs Pay Off

After you've cleaned the place to within an inch of its life, the next project is making all the repairs necessary to attract a buyer, or I should say keep a buyer.

So, patch your walls, touch up all the paint or repaint if necessary - (especially that neon green in the guest bedroom!), replace your filters, repair any trick doors, spruce up your molding by filling in any gaps, and make your entry area really shine. Get rid of sick or dying plants.

You've read this in previous posts, but, fix the grout in the bathrooms and on tile floors, cover any stains, fix leaky faucets, and be sure to address any plumbing problems. Remember, do what your home needs before the first buyer appears at your door.

One common error I've seen more times than I should've, is home owners leaving old leaks unattended to. Do not make this mistake. If there is some old water damage from a previous leak from a hot water heater, a window being left open, whatever, hire someone to repair this properly. This will send a huge red flag to a potential buyer and even scare them from a property.

Also, it's a good idea to get all this done before getting the real estate broker to make the first listing -- a good agent will advise you on what needs to be done. Also, if you have friends willing to be brutally honest about what your home needs to sell, invite them to assess the fix-up needs.

There is, however, an alternative to the sweat equity you get from a total fix-up --but it carries a price. An "as-is" sale keeps you from doing all this work, but a buyer will assess about twice the price you would have paid for the repairs. Then, the buyer will deduct that amount from your asking price before making an offer.

Ladies I found some fabulous tools and tool kits you'll love on squidoo! Pink hammers and wrenches oh my!


Real Estate Mortgage Rate Update

Just got this from my preferred mortgage broker - Michael Mundy @ Pinnacle Mortgage. Current rates look like they've remained unchanged - great news for buyers and seller's looking to refinance.

REVISED March 17th, 2010---- 10:30 AM ET
Lock Period = 30 Days

CONVENTIONAL CONFORMING LOANS (loans less than or equal to $417,000)

30 YEAR FIXED ---------------------------- 4.875%/ 4.891% APR

30 YEAR FIXED INTEREST ONLY--- 5.375%/ 5.657% APR

15 YEAR FIXED----------------------------- 4.250%/ 4.411% APR

5 / 1 ARM------------------------------------- 3.500%/ 3.321% APR

7/1 ARM ------------------------------------ 4.000%/ 3.816% APR

* All quotes are with 0 points
*Investment Properties --- ** Add 1.75 points (if 25% down)**
*There is a rate increase for cash-out refinance transactions over 60% Loan to Value, or condominiums over 75% LTV

CONVENTIONAL HIGH BALANCE CONFORMING FIXED RATE LOANS (loans greater than $417,000, but less than $729,500)

30 YEAR FIXED ------------------------- 5.125%/ 5.131% APR

15 YEAR FIXED ------------------------- 4.625%/ 4.641% APR

** Loan amount restrictions based on county and property type.

***There is a rate increase for cash-out refinance transactions over 60% Loan to Value, or condominiums over 75% LTV



CONVENTIONAL JUMBO LOANS (Fixed rate programs greater than high-balance conforming, ARM programs greater than $417,000)

30 YEAR FIXED--------------------------- 5.625%/ 5.891% APR

30 YEAR FIXED INTEREST ONLY-- 5.875%/ 6.131% APR
15 YEAR FIXED--------------------------- 4.875%/ 5.140% APR
5 / 1 ARM------------------------------------- 4.375%/ 4.316%APR

7/1 ARM -------------------------------------- 4.625%/ 4.556% APR

** All non-conforming loans need to be discussed in detail


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Real Estate | Tips | For Sellers | Hoboken and Everywhere! Tip #3




Continuing with my tips for sellers to prepare your home for market series, here is tip number three!


3. To Sell, Sell, Sell -- Clean, Clean, Clean


After you've cleared out the clutter, it's time to really clean. If you have carpets have them professionally cleaned. Hardwood floors? Then make them look their best! Hardwood floors are the number ONE selling feature in condominiums. Buyers swoon over nice hardwood floors so make sure they look great. Scour the bathrooms - another big ticket item for buyers. Buyers can be seriously turned off by a bathroom that looks used let alone dirty. So it is crucial that you re caulk if needed, and clean this room within every last inch. Go over the laundry closet, polish the furniture, scour out the cabinets, wash the windows and window coverings, and spiff up the ceiling fans and kitchen appliances. In short, clean everything, leave nothing behind and don't forget the dust bunnies on the ceiling molding!
Lastly, don't neglect the exterior; paint or power-wash everything that needs the work. Remember, this is a ceiling-to-floor, roof-to-foundation clean-up project. And with every dirty bucket of water you collect think of green in your pocket!


GO GREEN: Clean your home with home made recipes from your kitchen pantry and you'll clean just as well as using toxic items plus it's safe on you family and pets! Just add hot water to a bucket, and some ingredients you already have at home.


Here is a list of recipes from Planet Green you can make to clean different rooms in your home. In addition to contributing to a healthy environment, you'll save money on products!


Come back tomorrow for Tip #4!!




Is it Spring yet!?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Real Estate Tips For Sellers - Tip #2

If you're selling your home or condominium for sale, then you'll want to read these six tips for preparing your property for market. Check in as you go!

Continuing with my Selling Your Real Estate series, here is Tip #2

2. Clean Out the Clutter Before You Start to Sell

Take a deep breath because this next tip is difficult for most home owners, BUT - Before putting your home on the market, get rid of clutter in every area -- closets, book cases, kitchen cabinets, drawers, bath vanities, shelves -- everywhere. Remember, this is no time to be sentimental: if you don't use it, lose it. Potential buyers are seriously put off by clutter, and most of us drag a lot more things through life than we really need.

Also, don't forget the furniture and fixtures when getting rid of clutter -- most of us put too much in too little space, which makes a buying prospect, think your home is too small! If you have furniture that you combined when moving in with a significant other or roomate, get rid of it. Find a friend or family member that can hold it for you until you close.

Or, have a great moving sale with all the stuff you've collected and use the proceeds for paint and caulking, or whatever other materials you need for repair projects. If you just can't bear to part with some possessions, store them in the basement or some other place that's out of sight to a potential buyer, like a storage closet.
This is not to be taken lightly. This is probably the number one thing I go through with my sellers when getting their home ready for market, this is also where my sellers spend most of their time and energy! Decluttering everywhere literally means everywhere! Start with your kitchen. Common culprits are kitchen cabinets, drawers and even your counters. Buyers will open the cabinets and drawers, and you don't want to have them stuffed. This is a trick that stagers use all the time.

Remove items to show the buyer that their new set of plates, or the china set they have their eye on, will fit perfectly in these spacious cabinets!


The kitchen counters are another area in which we keep too much stuff. In this area you should not have more two or three items max. For example, a coffee maker, a utensil holder and a vase of fresh flowers.. that's it. Or, a toaster (if it doesn't take up too much space, and it looks brand new), a spice rack and a vase of fresh flowers - getting the idea??


Don't overlook the closets - every closet - linen, coat, bedroom closets you name it.

The idea is give the illusion of space so that the next potential buyer can see themselves in your home with their stuff.

Remember my acronym on the first post? O.C.D. Odors, Clutter, Dirt.

If you take the time to do it right, you will benefit. Think that for every item you declutter, you'll put a dollar in your pocket.

A great show you can watch is HGTV's "Sell This House". If you notice, the host spends time decluttering and depersonalizing spaces so that they are more neutral. You can gain great advice from the show.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Hoboken | Sellers | Selling Your Real Estate? | Time To Start Preparing


Real Estate Tips For Selling Your Home

Selling your home? Then you'll want to know that it takes work and time to prepare a home for market. Check in to read six tips for how to prepare.
Sometimes, life just hands us the inevitable: just when everything seems right with your home, something happens and you have to sell your dwelling. No matter what your reasons are for selling, remember that now is no time to dawdle, the process of preparing a home for sale can take a month or more. So, here's how to start:


1. Take a Fresh Look at Your Home
Your home looks great to you, but a buyer wants to see it since he and his family will be living in it -- so take a fresh look at your dwelling. Remember, be very critical; your buyer will be.

Next, walk up to your building (if this were the suburbs you'd pull into your driveway) noticing the immediate surroundings. How does the exterior of your building look? Are the stairs kept well? Do you have old pot plans with dead plants crowding the entrance? Does the front door make you excited to walk in??? Many times, I will take a buyer to a property or meet them there, and the buyer will say to me - "I don't want to go in." Sound crazy? It's true!! The front entrance is the very first impression! You may want to talk to your association and ask if anyone mind if you tackle the entrance be cleaning up, replacing plants and painting the front door. --- Don't wait until everyone agrees or ask them to get involved because sometimes a simple clean up can turn into a control battle, always let your fellow home owners your clear intentions of tidying up.

Next, walk inside and decide if the common areas need help too. Do the hallways need repairs or repainting? If there is not enough in the budget, then focus your effort on cleaning and making sure the hallways smell fresh and are free of odors.

Then, size up the interior as though seeing it for the first time. Walk into your home and take a tour and imagine what your real estate agent might say about each room; don't forget to look into cabinets, open doors and check out the bathroom.

Finally, make a mental note of the things that might put off potential buyers, along with another list of the things that first attracted you to the dwelling. Remember, the home's become a great place for you, but a new buyer will see things that you don't.Here are some top 3 things that turn off potential buyers almost immediately: I've listed them in an easy acronym for you to remember - O.C.D.

Odors - from pets or cooking spices can be an immediate turn off for some buyers especially if they have allergies or strong reactions to certain odors

Clutter- too much furniture, knick-knacks and just plain stuff will deceive a buyer into thinking the house is too small

Dirt - buyers are less forgiving in other people's homes (those for sale) than in their own homes. A dirty toilet, dirty grout, dirty dishes, dusty floors, or dusty ceiling fans can give the buyer a bad impression, make them think their are many repairs to do, and will make the buyer feel anxious to leave. Look for my next tips!!! Or if you can't wait, email me directly and I'll send you my full list.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Jersey City | Real Estate | Market | Snapshot

Downtown Jersey City Real Estate Market Snapshot


Downtown Jersey City saw a much more modest number in sales compared to Hoboken. The total number of units sold for the month of February was 21, identical to January's sales numbers of 21. Slightly better number in pending sales of 31 units. At a pace of 21 units a month, downtown Jersey City currently has a 16 month supply of homes on the market. Average days on market for those sold is 86, shorter than for those pending. This could be attributed to the amount of short sales in the area that are taking longer to close.

Jersey City Sold
- Click to view units sold for the month
Total # of Listings
21
Lowest Asking Price
$165,000.00
Average Asking Price
$409,600.00
Highest Asking Price
$677,900.00
Lowest Sold Price
$150,000.00
Average Sold Price
$390,071.00
Highest Sold Price
$645,000.00
Average Price/Sq Feet
$405.04
Average Days On Market
86

Jersey City Pending - total pending units
Total # of Listings
81
Lowest Asking Price
$199,000.00
Average Asking Price
$455,325.00
Highest Asking Price
$999,000.00
Average Price/Sq Feet
$420.75
Average Days On Market
106
These numbers are based solely on condomonium sales and do not reflect, single families, multi families or other properties, including private developer sales which are not all publicly available on the Multiple Listing Service.

Hoboken | Real Estate | Market | Snapshot


Hoboken Real Estate Market Snap Shot

For the month of February, Hoboken saw 40 units close, not far from January's sales of 43. The average days on market 99. We've noticed an increase in inventory and currently we are looking at a 12 month supply of homes. However I expect March sales to be higher and remain strong through June.
The number of pending sales for February was solid at 56 units.

Hoboken Sold
Click to see list of homes that were sold

Total # of Listings
40
Lowest Asking Price
$279,900.00
Average Asking Price
$538,243.00
Highest Asking Price
$1,299,000.00
Lowest Sold Price
$260,000.00
Average Sold Price
$514,200.00
Highest Sold Price
$1,225,000.00
Average Price/Sq Feet
$466.42
Average Days On Market
99

Hoboken Pending - number of total pending sales
Total # of Listings
141
Lowest Asking Price
$199,999.00
Average Asking Price
$518,616.00
Highest Asking Price
$1,272,995.00
Average Price/Sq Feet
$464.28
Average Days On Market
77
These numbers are based solely on condomonium sales and do not reflect, single families, multi families or other properties, including private developer sales which are not all publicly available on the Multiple Listing Service.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Real Estate Terminology For Buyers


Real Estate Terminology For First Time Buyers

First time buyers face a learning curve that can feel overwhelming if the right level of support and education is not available. It’s not enough to merely educate one’s self on buying strategies, mortgage application, and closing process. Buyers must also navigate through a sea of unfamiliar legalese, home building lingo and real estate specific jargon.

The glossary below is by no means complete and is no substitute for the careful guidance of an experienced real estate agent, but it can serve as a good primer for consumers getting their feet wet in real estate for the first time.

Agency – The relationship of trust that exists between buyers or sellers and their agents. The agency is formed via a written contract.

Amortization – The process of paying the principal and the interest on a mortgage through regularly scheduled payments.

Appraised Value – A licensed appraiser’s opinion of the current market value of a property.

Assessed Value - A tax assessor’s determination of the value of a home in order to calculate a tax base.

Breezeway – A roofed passage way with open sides.

Capital improvement - Any improvement that extends the life or increases the value of a piece of property.

Comparable sales - Recent sales of similar properties in nearby areas and used to help determine the market value of a property. Also referred to as "comps."

Contingency - A provision of an agreement that keeps the agreement from being fully legally binding until a certain condition is met. One example is a buyer's contractual right to obtain a professional home inspection before purchasing the home.

Dry Rot - Decay of seasoned wood caused by fungus.

Earnest Money Deposit - A deposit made by the potential home buyer as evidence of good faith that he or she is serious about buying the house.

Easement - A right or interest in the use of the land of another which entitles the holder to some use, privilege or benefit, such as to place power lines, pipe lines or roads.

Egress - The exit point from a property.


Escrow - An item of value, money, or documents deposited with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the earnest money deposit is put into escrow until delivered to the seller when the transaction is closed.


Energy Star - A joint program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that sets energy efficiency guidelines for products, homes and businesses.


Equity - A homeowner's financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on its mortgage and other liens.


Fixtures - Those parts of a property affixed to structures or land, usually in such a manner that they cannot be independently moved without damage to themselves or the property housing supporting or pertinent to them. Fixtures are usually included in a sale and commonly include but are not limited to items such as carpets and awnings.


Full Disclosure - In real estate, revealing all the known facts which may affect the decision of a buyer or tenant. In some states a broker must disclose identified defects in the property for sale or lease.


Green building - Also known as sustainable building or environmental building, this definition varies depending on the agency or group. Generally it means to construct a building to the highest environmental standards by minimizing the use of energy, water and materials. A green building, for example, might have skylights, recycled building materials and solar panels.

Ingress - The entry point to a property.

Lien - A legal claim against a property that must be paid off when the property is sold. A mortgage or first trust deed is considered a lien.

MLS (Multiple Listing Service) - An MLS is an organization that collects, compiles and distributes information about homes listed for sale by its members, who are real estate brokers. MLS’s are local or regional.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) - Mortgage insurance that is provided by a private mortgage insurance company to protect lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Most lenders generally require PMI when the amount borrowed exceeds 80% of the purchase price or home’s value.

Plat - A plan, map or chart of a tract or town site dividing a parcel of land into lots.

Subdivision - An area of land laid out and separated into lots, blocks, and building sites, and in which public facilities such as streets, alleys, parks, and easements for public utilities are also planned.

Sweat equity - used to describe the contribution made to a project by people who contribute their time and effort.

Title - A legal document evidencing a person's right to or ownership of a property.

Title company - A company that specializes in examining and insuring titles to real estate.

Abbreviations in Listing Advertisements
The agent shorthand found in listing ads can baffle the average consumer. Below are some of the most common acronyms and abbreviations found on listings!!

AGP – Above Ground Pool

ATT - AttachedCA,

CAC –Central Air Conditioning

CH/BW – Chain Link/Barbed Wire

EIK – Eat-in-kitchen

FDR - Formal dining room

FP - Fireplace

FSBO - For Sale By Owner

Gar – Garage

HDW/HWF/Hdwd – Hardwood Floors

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

IGP – In-ground pool

MLS – Multiple Listing Service

NC – New construction

PSF – Per Square Foot

SFD – Single Family Detached

Upr – Upper floor

w/d – washer/dryer

wic – walk-in-closet

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

My hoboken real estate update:
Just Sold!! 3-1-2010
1313 Park Avenue #4A
Hoboken, NJ 07030

Elevator building in prime uptown location. Top floor condo with a fantastic layout; master suite, open concept kitchen / living room, hard wood floors throughout, gas burning fire place and two bedrooms plus two full baths.


Bedrooms are on opposite ends for maximum privacy.


1100 square feet. One car garage parking space was included in sale.
List Price $539,000
Sold for $517,500
Factor $30,000 off for parking = 443.18 a square foot




Currently unit 4B, just next to this one is listed for sale and asking $539,000. If you or someone you know might be interested please contact me for more information.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Hoboken Real Estate Mortgage Rate Update

Just in from my preferred mortgage broker - Pinnacle Mortgage - mmundy@pinnaclemortgage.biz

Ladies, look at these numbers. If you are currently shopping for a home, I would highly highly recommend that you lock in a rate today. Remember, every borrower is different and the best rates are assumed with great credit.


Revised March 2nd, 2010---- 12:30 PM ETLock Period = 30 Days

CONVENTIONAL CONFORMING LOANS (loans less than or equal to $417,000)

30 YEAR FIXED ---------------------------- 4.875%/ 4.891% APR
30 YEAR FIXED INTEREST ONLY--- 5.500%/ 5.657% APR
15 YEAR FIXED----------------------------- 4.375%/ 4.411% APR
5 / 1 ARM------------------------------------- 3.500%/ 3.321% APR
7/1 ARM ------------------------------------ 4.000%/ 3.816% APR
* All quotes are with 0 points*Investment Properties --- ** Add 1.75 points (if 25% down)***There is a rate increase for cash-out refinance transactions over 60% Loan to Value, or condominiums over 75% LTV


CONVENTIONAL HIGH BALANCE CONFORMING FIXED RATE LOANS (loans greater than $417,000, but less than $729,500)

30 YEAR FIXED ------------------------- 5.125%/ 5.131% APR
15 YEAR FIXED ------------------------- 4.625%/ 4.641% APR

** Loan amount restrictions based on county and property type.
***There is a rate increase for cash-out refinance transactions over 60% Loan to Value, or condominiums over 75% LTV

CONVENTIONAL JUMBO LOANS (Fixed rate programs greater than high-balance conforming, ARM programs greater than $417,000)
30 YEAR FIXED--------------------------- 5.875%/ 5.891% APR
30 YEAR FIXED INTEREST ONLY-- 6.125%/ 6.131% APR15 YEAR FIXED--------------------------- 5.125%/ 5.140% APR5 / 1 ARM------------------------------------- 4.500%/ 4.316%APR
7/1 ARM -------------------------------------- 4.750%/ 4.556% APR ** All non-conforming loans need to be discussed in detail