Hope you have a quiet moment to reflect this past year and to make a
wish for all that you want 2012 to bring!
A Hoboken and Jersey City Real Estate Blog by Karina Abad, realtor at Keller Williams Towne Square. Real estate market news, condos, homes and brownstones, buying and selling tips and local community info.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Hoboken Home Inspectors | Hoboken Condo Home Inspections | Jersey City Home Inspections
What to Expect During Your Home Inspection
Some first time buyers can be overwhelmed with the buying process and even some repeat buyers too. Here is what you can expect during your home inspection.
So you've found a home, you've made an offer that's been accepted, and you even made it out of attorney review! Congratulations! You're half way there. Those first few steps can be emotionally draining so give yourself a pat on the back - you did it.
Next, the home inspection. Your realtor will refer you some local inspectors that they have personally used and are happy to put their name to. If so, I would highly recommend you work with them, if not, then surely you've done your homework and have some referrals of your own. This is a large investment!
Inspection day.
One tip I always give my buyers is to come prepared to the inspection. Bring measuring tape, pen and paper, a camera, and any friends and family that you'd like to see your future home. Since you won't be able to come back to the property until the actual day you close it's a great idea to take measurements for furniture, take some pictures for memory and picking paint colors, and bring your loved ones whose support is important to you. Don't forget your check book or your form of payment!
On the day of the inspection, your realtor will also be there. Expect the inspection to take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Your inspector will walk you through their booklet with you. Then he or she will start to check the house or condo unit. Remember, your inspector has most likely inspected hundreds of homes and will have their own system to help them cover everything they need to. So it's best not to interrupt your home inspector until the end. Write down any questions you have, or anything you want to point out. Then when the inspection is done you can ask them and have them answered.
You'll want to walk around and inspect hardwood flooring, ceilings, walls, and windows (stay out of your inspectors way) just to make sure you don't miss anything. Sometimes the day of the walk thru we discover a huge gash in flooring or stains that you wouldn't have otherwise seen under furniture... anything significant point out to your inspector at the end.
Your inspector will be checking all of the major appliances to make sure they work properly. They'll run water, check the electricity, any exposed pipes, lights, heating systems and central HVAC if there is one, windows, look for water moisture, any evidence of any leaks in the ceilings or around windows, if there is access they will look at the basement and roof as well.
Caveat: if it is too cold outside, and the house or unit has central air conditioning, then the air conditioning can not be inspected. There is no way around this unfortunately.
Although in Hoboken and Jersey City, most times you'll be purchasing a condominium, it is still beneficial to look at the basement and roof. There can be water problems, mold in some rare cases, or poor electricity and hot water/furnace systems.
If the roof shows signs of wear and damage, then you can inquire with the condominium association to see if there are any plans on repairing this and whether or not there is enough money in the reserves to do so. If your unit is the top floor, this is of special importance.
After the inspection is completed you, your attorney and your realtor will receive copies of the report. Any issues that came up will be itemized and included. At this point you will discuss with your realtor and attorney as to how to move forward. In most instances, you can ask that the seller repair what's wrong or provide you with a credit due at closing to address anything. Most inspections go well with only minor issues that sometimes don't even make it to the report so try not to worry too much!
Remember your inspection is not a punch list (unless it's brand new construction), but a search for defects and items that are not working properly. Scratches and wear and tear is normal and falls under the as - is wording in your real estate contract.
Some first time buyers can be overwhelmed with the buying process and even some repeat buyers too. Here is what you can expect during your home inspection.Next, the home inspection. Your realtor will refer you some local inspectors that they have personally used and are happy to put their name to. If so, I would highly recommend you work with them, if not, then surely you've done your homework and have some referrals of your own. This is a large investment!
Inspection day.
One tip I always give my buyers is to come prepared to the inspection. Bring measuring tape, pen and paper, a camera, and any friends and family that you'd like to see your future home. Since you won't be able to come back to the property until the actual day you close it's a great idea to take measurements for furniture, take some pictures for memory and picking paint colors, and bring your loved ones whose support is important to you. Don't forget your check book or your form of payment!
On the day of the inspection, your realtor will also be there. Expect the inspection to take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Your inspector will walk you through their booklet with you. Then he or she will start to check the house or condo unit. Remember, your inspector has most likely inspected hundreds of homes and will have their own system to help them cover everything they need to. So it's best not to interrupt your home inspector until the end. Write down any questions you have, or anything you want to point out. Then when the inspection is done you can ask them and have them answered.
You'll want to walk around and inspect hardwood flooring, ceilings, walls, and windows (stay out of your inspectors way) just to make sure you don't miss anything. Sometimes the day of the walk thru we discover a huge gash in flooring or stains that you wouldn't have otherwise seen under furniture... anything significant point out to your inspector at the end.
Your inspector will be checking all of the major appliances to make sure they work properly. They'll run water, check the electricity, any exposed pipes, lights, heating systems and central HVAC if there is one, windows, look for water moisture, any evidence of any leaks in the ceilings or around windows, if there is access they will look at the basement and roof as well.
Caveat: if it is too cold outside, and the house or unit has central air conditioning, then the air conditioning can not be inspected. There is no way around this unfortunately.
Although in Hoboken and Jersey City, most times you'll be purchasing a condominium, it is still beneficial to look at the basement and roof. There can be water problems, mold in some rare cases, or poor electricity and hot water/furnace systems.
If the roof shows signs of wear and damage, then you can inquire with the condominium association to see if there are any plans on repairing this and whether or not there is enough money in the reserves to do so. If your unit is the top floor, this is of special importance.
After the inspection is completed you, your attorney and your realtor will receive copies of the report. Any issues that came up will be itemized and included. At this point you will discuss with your realtor and attorney as to how to move forward. In most instances, you can ask that the seller repair what's wrong or provide you with a credit due at closing to address anything. Most inspections go well with only minor issues that sometimes don't even make it to the report so try not to worry too much!
Remember your inspection is not a punch list (unless it's brand new construction), but a search for defects and items that are not working properly. Scratches and wear and tear is normal and falls under the as - is wording in your real estate contract.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Happy Holidays 2011
Happy Holidays 2011
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| Don't you just love how sweet this is? I think I'm going to steal this idea to wrap all my gifts this year, love the ribbon and candy! |
If you're crafty you can make ornaments like these yourself. Just by some decorators glue and glitter and create your design. Place on sticks in a foam pad to hold for drying
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| A purple Christmas, so chic! |
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| White is so beautiful for the holidays isn't it? I just love this picture |
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| White even looks modern and fresh in an apartment Merry Christmas ~ !!! |
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty Christmas Party Tonight!
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty Christmas Party
Looking forward to my annual Christmas Party with my colleagues tonight! This year it will be at The Hudson Tavern on 14th and Hudson Street again and I still have to buy my Secret Santa Gift..
What to get a 30's something male??
Looking forward to my annual Christmas Party with my colleagues tonight! This year it will be at The Hudson Tavern on 14th and Hudson Street again and I still have to buy my Secret Santa Gift..
What to get a 30's something male??
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| 2009 Party Carey, Thia, Me and Karen |
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| 2010 Party Me, Myrna, Karen, Soha And Denise |
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| Santa's annual appearance |
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| Mille, Our late friend Paul Governor R.I.P, Jack, Malcolm and Steve |
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| 2010 Party Steve, Terri, Me and Allyson |
Leather Pull Out Couch For Sale - Hoboken
Leather Pull Out Couch For Sale - Hoboken
If you can come pick up this lovely leather sleeper sofa by Thursday morning - it's yours for $300!
Unfortunately it doesn't fit where we are moving so please contact me if you'd like to buy it.
It's in great condition.
It measures about 86 inches long and 38 inches deep by 34 inches high although legs come off (3inch difference)
You can email me at
Karee07@gmail.com
If you can come pick up this lovely leather sleeper sofa by Thursday morning - it's yours for $300!
Unfortunately it doesn't fit where we are moving so please contact me if you'd like to buy it.
It's in great condition.
It measures about 86 inches long and 38 inches deep by 34 inches high although legs come off (3inch difference)
You can email me at
Karee07@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Hoboken Real Estate Agents Turkey Drive - Biergarten
This is us at the Hoboken Biergarten - kindly donated space for us to
work - and we were so giddy and proud after setting up all these
baskets (by the way I tied them all together with beautiful bows!)
that my broker Dan couldn't snap a picture!
RE/MAX Gold Coast Agents Get Recognized!
Tis the season for giving. If you'd like to help with our Christmas
Drive, please stop in our office!
56 Newark Street
Hoboken
Back At Hoboken Ultramarinos
We had an amazing lunch and coffees plus drooled over these delish
little Spanish pastries.
Ultramarinos is the same owners as Zafra Hoboken and Cucharamana.
All three are excellent try it out for lunch or brunch or a snack!
It's on 3rd street near corner of Willow.
Hoboken Real Estate Agents Photo Sign
My old ones never had a picture on it and many of my clients always
ask why I don't put pics on my cards or signs.
So here goes!
Downtown Jersey City Real Estate Market November Report
Downtown Jersey City Real Estate Market November Report
November saw 15 units Sold compared with October Below
The Median Sold price is also UP from October (as is in Hoboken Real Estate)
November 2010 V November 2011 show that the median Sold price is down from $469,000 however there were just 15 sales this November compared with 24 of last November showing that prices are unchanged or up. You'll also notice that the list price to sale price ratio is tighter than it was last year, indicating that prices reflect the current market, and demand for homes priced right, trading at close to asking prices.
November Units Sold - 15 Units
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $675,000 | $199,000 | $461,886 | $458,000 |
| SP: | $675,000 | $175,000 | $441,193 | $445,000 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $385.20 |
November Units Pending - 24 Units
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $995,000 | $239,000 | $461,657 | $375,000 |
October Units Sold - 23 Units
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $675,000 | $260,000 | $440,051 | $389,000 |
| SP: | $655,000 | $260,000 | $422,730 | $376,000 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $421.69 |
October Units Pending - 17 Units
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $835,000 | $186,000 | $443,385 | $425,000 |
2010 November - 26 units Sold
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $1,199,999 | $232,900 | $482,023 | $484,450 |
| SP: | $1,030,000 | $227,000 | $458,657 | $465,000 |
Hoboken Real Estate - Condo Market Update - November Report
Hoboken Real Estate | Condo Market Update | December Report
A different format for this month's report. Hoping the grids are a little more reader friendly. Let me know what you think!
A different format for this month's report. Hoping the grids are a little more reader friendly. Let me know what you think!
The month of November saw 30 units Sold compared with October Below
(Median Sale Price for November Is UP)
Price per square foot is also UP from October
But Prices From November 2010 and PPSFT seem unchanged, except that there were more sales last year this month, showing that effectively, prices are higher in 2011 if there are less sales at the same price.
November Units Sold - 30
| CONDO-COOP Summary Statistics | ||||
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $1,275,000 | $229,900 | $510,421 | $468,000 |
| SP: | $1,215,000 | $220,000 | $492,855 | $459,875 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $464.71 |
October Units Sold - 44
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $2,135,995 | $269,000 | $523,847 | $449,450 |
| SP: | $2,090,045 | $250,000 | $510,000 | $438,000 |
Units Pending - Total of 42 for November
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $1,275,000 | $259,000 | $517,088 | $457,450 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $455.86 |
Compared With October - total of 41 units
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $1,499,999 | $198,500 | $528,080 | $439,000 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $446.05 |
Compared With November 2010 - total of 47 units Sold
| HIGH | LOW | AVERAGE | MEDIAN | |
| LP: | $1,679,995 | $229,000 | $542,118 | $475,000 |
| SP: | $1,634,840 | $180,000 | $521,167 | $459,990 |
| Average Price/Sq Feet | $466.12 |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Do It Yourself Dinner Menu Chalkboard
Do It Yourself Dinner Menu Chalkboard
I come across so many crafty types, and I envy them so! With their beautiful scrap books, awesome coat hangers and interesting galleries..
This chalkboard looks so cool and vintage I think it's so pretty. Especially in Hoboken, with so many Brownstones and Victoria era homes I thought this would look great in a kitchen or formal dining room, or would even be an amazing contract in a sleek modern home like in The Hudson Tea building condos..
Wherever you decide to place it, it's a great piece.
If you venture to create this, please send me a picture of your master piece!!
The step by step instruction is on HGTV.com - click here for the tutorial.
I come across so many crafty types, and I envy them so! With their beautiful scrap books, awesome coat hangers and interesting galleries..
This chalkboard looks so cool and vintage I think it's so pretty. Especially in Hoboken, with so many Brownstones and Victoria era homes I thought this would look great in a kitchen or formal dining room, or would even be an amazing contract in a sleek modern home like in The Hudson Tea building condos..
Wherever you decide to place it, it's a great piece.
If you venture to create this, please send me a picture of your master piece!!
The step by step instruction is on HGTV.com - click here for the tutorial.
Moving Boxes - Where To Buy In Hoboken
Moving Boxes - Where To Buy In Hoboken
Moving has to take the cake for me as far as the absolute last thing I
would possibly want to do on any day.
I hate moving.
And coming from a girl who's had 8 different addresses
in the last decade or so, I've more than made up for my share.
I'm finally packing ( couldn't put it off anymore since we're closing
on our condo very soon) and I called Morrosseys Movers again in Hoboken, (they do a great job) I've rented a storage space at Public Storage on Adams street in Hoboken, and when it came down to moving boxes I was all but too eager to pay Morrissey some extra green to come in pack our belongings for us the day before so I wouldn't have
to deal. It's the holidays for Pete's Sake and a girls got a lot of shoes!!
Anyway, the hubby (the rational one) talked me out of it, although I still say it's worth the investment, and we spent some time hunting down the best prices on moving boxes.
Hence we loaded up on these bad boys.
I have to tell you that Home Depot had the absolute best prices when compared with the storage place, and the movers boxes! We bought three sized plus wardrobe boxes plus tape and packing materials and didn't even break $100.
Have no fear - home depot is near.. Oh and they have that awesome
purple Fabuloso cleaning stuff by the gallon for like $6 bucks!!
would possibly want to do on any day.
I hate moving.
And coming from a girl who's had 8 different addresses
in the last decade or so, I've more than made up for my share.
I'm finally packing ( couldn't put it off anymore since we're closing
on our condo very soon) and I called Morrosseys Movers again in Hoboken, (they do a great job) I've rented a storage space at Public Storage on Adams street in Hoboken, and when it came down to moving boxes I was all but too eager to pay Morrissey some extra green to come in pack our belongings for us the day before so I wouldn't have
to deal. It's the holidays for Pete's Sake and a girls got a lot of shoes!!
Anyway, the hubby (the rational one) talked me out of it, although I still say it's worth the investment, and we spent some time hunting down the best prices on moving boxes.
Hence we loaded up on these bad boys.
I have to tell you that Home Depot had the absolute best prices when compared with the storage place, and the movers boxes! We bought three sized plus wardrobe boxes plus tape and packing materials and didn't even break $100.
Have no fear - home depot is near.. Oh and they have that awesome
purple Fabuloso cleaning stuff by the gallon for like $6 bucks!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Photo Hoboken Biergarten PilsnerHaus donates space
the Hyacinth foundation for Thanksgiving
Hoboken Real Estate Agents Making A Difference This Thanksgiving
Hoboken Real Estate Agents Making A Difference This Thanksgiving
Check out this great article and photo gallery posted today on NJ.com featuring our office, and all of our amazing clients and friends and bussinesses that helped make today possible!
http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2011/11/remax_gold_coast_other_hoboken.html
Check out this great article and photo gallery posted today on NJ.com featuring our office, and all of our amazing clients and friends and bussinesses that helped make today possible!
http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2011/11/remax_gold_coast_other_hoboken.html
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Golden Fall Yellow In Hoboken
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Bidding Wars And Buying A Home
Bidding Wars And Buying A Home
Sound familiar? Believe it or not, bidding wars are fairly common in even today's Hoboken real estate market, and rings true across the suburbs of New Jersey real estate.
Speaking from personal experience, bidding wars are not fun and can be extremely stressful.
Losing a home can be crushing, especially if you were lucky enough to find one that has everything you are looking for.
Some buyers can never shake the memory of the house that they lost, and compare everything else they see to it, leaving them forever unsatisfied and unable to make another offer. Others accept that perhaps it wasn't meant to be, and move on using the occurrence as a learning experience.
Some things you can do to avoid becoming involved in a bidding war:
Sound familiar? Believe it or not, bidding wars are fairly common in even today's Hoboken real estate market, and rings true across the suburbs of New Jersey real estate.
Speaking from personal experience, bidding wars are not fun and can be extremely stressful.
 |
| Photo: Daylife |
Losing a home can be crushing, especially if you were lucky enough to find one that has everything you are looking for.
Some buyers can never shake the memory of the house that they lost, and compare everything else they see to it, leaving them forever unsatisfied and unable to make another offer. Others accept that perhaps it wasn't meant to be, and move on using the occurrence as a learning experience.
Some things you can do to avoid becoming involved in a bidding war:
- Be available on short notice so you can see a home quickly when your agent calls you
- Make sure you have no contingencies, such as selling a home, or you aren't pre-approved for a mortgage yet
- See a home early in the week before the weekend rush when possible
- Bid aggressively; sure everyone loves a good deal, but if the price is right, don't waste precious time negotiating money that in the large scheme of things are mere pennies a day and could buy time for another buyer to fall in love with your home
But if you find yourself caught in a bidding war, here are some things you can do to increase your chances:
- Ask the agent if the seller will be fair and give all parties a chance to come back to the table
- Ask how many offers there are
- Ask if any of the offers are the listing agent's buyers, or in their own office
- Be armed with your attorney on hold, ready to start review, and your mortgage broker available if the agent or seller want to verify your pre approval
- If you were outbid, and this hasn't been done, ask the agent for a chance at highest and best
- Try not to worry about what the other buyers are bidding, or if you over paid by out bidding the other buyer. Rely on the market research your agent has shared with you, otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy
- Discuss possible strategies that will give you an edge, for example, waiving of mortgage or home inspection contingencies
- Offer a flexible closing
- Ask if seller or seller's agent has a preferred mortgage company that you should be pre-approved with before submitting your offer
- Write a letter to the seller, tell them how much you love their home (but keep it short and sweet)
If you win the bid, congratulations and move forward! Don't think that all seller's will honor your offer. Don't waste time, and make sure your attorney gets you in and out of attorney review as soon as is possible for everyone.
This will minimize the chance of buyer's remorse from one of the other buyer's that lost the house from coming back and coming over the top of your last bid, never to hear from the seller again.
Now Is The Time To Sell: Hoboken Real Estate | Update - November
Now Is The Time To Sell
Hoboken Real Estate Update November
November 1 - November 13th
So far in November the Hoboken real estate market reports 6 closed sales. The median list price for those sold was $594,500 and the median sale price was $573,000. Median days on market just 40 days.
Units pending so far for the month total 13 units. The median list price for these pending is $446,000 and the median days on market is 86 days.
Pricing is critical in this type of market, even though there is very low inventory. You can see that for those units sold, the median days on market was just 40 days, while the median days on market for those pending, many of those units were on the market 100+ days with price reductions.
If a home is priced right in today's market, it will sell quickly. And there are many buyer's out there looking for the right home at the right price.
While inventory is low, (an amazing just 265 units for sale) if you are a seller don't be tempted to list higher than market price because you could end up affecting your final sale price by having longer market time and price reductions to entice buyers to come back to your home.
And if you're a buyer, if you see a home you like and the price is right, don't wait to make an offer or you can lose it.
Happy house hunting!!
Hoboken Real Estate Update November
November 1 - November 13th
So far in November the Hoboken real estate market reports 6 closed sales. The median list price for those sold was $594,500 and the median sale price was $573,000. Median days on market just 40 days.
Units pending so far for the month total 13 units. The median list price for these pending is $446,000 and the median days on market is 86 days.Pricing is critical in this type of market, even though there is very low inventory. You can see that for those units sold, the median days on market was just 40 days, while the median days on market for those pending, many of those units were on the market 100+ days with price reductions.
If a home is priced right in today's market, it will sell quickly. And there are many buyer's out there looking for the right home at the right price.
While inventory is low, (an amazing just 265 units for sale) if you are a seller don't be tempted to list higher than market price because you could end up affecting your final sale price by having longer market time and price reductions to entice buyers to come back to your home.
And if you're a buyer, if you see a home you like and the price is right, don't wait to make an offer or you can lose it.
Happy house hunting!!
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