Seek Or Sell

Beach Badges for The Cove are Now Available!

2012-05-25T19:10:10Z

The Cove opens Friday, June 15th, 2012

Hours: Friday through Monday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Season Tags

$12.00—Residents, $24.00-Non-residents

Day Tags

$6.00—Residents, $9.00-Non-residents

Tags are available at:

County Seat Florist ~ 5926 Main Street

Township Administrator’s Office ~ 6101 Thirteenth Street

Call the Public Works Department at 625-6311 for more information.

Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

2012-05-23T19:08:57Z

Owning a home is an exciting thought, but are you ready to commit? Before making a final decision, these eight questions will help you decide.

How stable is your financial situation?

Before contacting a real estate agent, you should have a clear understanding of your finances. Making a budget is an effective way to see how much, within reason, you can afford to pay. In making a budget, be sure to take into account the cost of taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance, and miscellaneous upkeep costs.

Are the initial costs out of your budget?

Depending on the type of loan you plan to apply/qualify for the down payment amounts can vary, but remember that your mortgage payment will decrease as your down payment increases. Loan set-up fees, inspections, insurance, and property taxes, among other fees, can run between 2% and 4% of the purchase price.

How organized are your bank accounts?

In an ideal situation, your checkbook is balanced and you are aware of where your money is going each month. However, if you take a more unenthusiastic approach to your finances, get organized, check your credit report, and keep building your savings. With better organized accounts, you can improve your credit score and qualify for better interest rates. An upstanding financial record will help you take full advantage of tax deductions!

Have you started to plan ahead?

In the next few years, will you be making any extreme life changes that could take a hard hit on your wallet? Children, tuition, and other such factors should be considered in the decision to purchase your first home. Unexpected automotive repairs and vacations can be hard to swing once you’re paying a mortgage.

Have you established an emergency fund?

Before you allocate all of your savings to a down payment or upkeep for your new home, make sure that you have built a big enough financial cushion in case of setbacks such as unemployment or serious illness.

Will you compromise when it comes to getting what you want?

Are you willing to settle for a property that might not be your “Dream Home” in order to own a home or your own? You may be able to purchase a more desirable home in a few years, but in the meantime you could consider renovating a less expensive home, buying a home with friends, or renting out part of your home for additional income.

How long do you plan to stay in this home?

If you are planning to move in 3 to 5 years, you should take into consideration the time, effort, and cost involved in buying a house ~ the ultimate goal is to make your investment pay for itself. Remember to take into account the set-up costs mentioned earlier. If you are not planning on staying in a new home for less than a year for work or school, you may find yourself in a tough situation when you are forced to sell your home for less than you payed for it in a slow market.

How do you feel about renovating?

A fresh coat of paint and new light fixtures are two of many details that can make a house feel like home. If you’re used to calling a landlord when something goes wrong, owning a home will be a wake-up call for sure. Part of the responsibility that comes with homeownership are the issues that may arise, from replacing blown electrical fuses to leaky roofs.

Convinced? Contact our agents here to set up an appointment or receive more information on homes for sale in your neighborhood!

Even if ownership isn’t for you, our agents can supply you with information on rentals or lease-to-buy properties.

Loan Programs ~ Which is Right for You?

2012-05-23T18:08:04Z

There are many different types of loan programs to consider when purchasing a home. Let Seek or Sell and guaranteedRate help you find the best loan for your financial situation!

Fixed Rate Mortgage ~ Long-term safety and reliability

As implied by its name, this type of loan carries a set interest rate that remains constant throughout the life of the loan. This type of loan is popular since it can be paid off over a specified period of time ranging from 10 to 30 years, 30 years being the most common.

Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages:

Security ~ the interest rate will never change, even in an unstable economy or through changes in market rates.
Consistency ~ great for buyers on a monthly budget and plan on keeping the home for a duration of time.
Industry Standard for first-time homebuyers ~ most common mortgage for first-time homebuyers since they are predictable and secure.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) ~ Lower your payments with an ARM loan

An adjustable-rate mortgage is a home loan that carries an interest rate that adjusts after a fixed period of time, typically between 5 and 7 years. ARM loans allow borrowers to lower initial payments, barring they are willing to assume moderate interest rate risk. To keep this risk in check, rate adjustments are “capped” to limit the overall rate change throughout the life of the loan.

Advantages of ARM’s:

Quick financial boost ~ low initial fixed rates may free-up money early on, but can lead to higher rates along with a higher cost of living later on.
Qualify for more house ~ an ARM can help you qualify for a higher loan amount and a more valuable home. Borrowers with larger-than-average mortgages chose 1-year ARM loans and refinance every year since the low rate enables them to purchase a more expensive home with the lowest mortgage possible.
Planning ahead ~ the benefits of an ARM loan increase dramatically if you plan on staying in your home for a shorter length of time, usually between 1 and 10 years. Such benefits include a lower rate and lower payments with less risk among many others.

Jumbo Loans ~ Higher loan amount

A mortgage is considered “jumbo” if it exceeds the Conforming Loan Limit, which changes annually. (The current limit is set at $417,000.) Jumbo loans are available with fixed or adjustable rates, and can be standard or interest only. Some jumbo loans are even available as FHA loans in certain parts of the country. (New Jersey falls under this category.)

Advantages of Jumbo Loans:

Higher value home? No problem! ~ if home prices are higher in your desired area, a jumbo loan may be your only financing option in a high-value real estate neighborhood.
You’re ready for a higher monthly payment ~ if your salary is high and you are comfortable making jumbo payments because you haven’t yet saved enough money to bring the loan amount to a conventional limit, a jumbo loan could work for you.
In for the long haul ~ these types of loans are great for long-term financing for families that purchase their home with the intent on staying for 15 to 20 years and can benefit from a home to grow into as income increases over the years. A jumbo loan can be a great help to those looking to bypass a “starter home.”
Improve your credit ~ if your mortgage payments are made on time, you can rapidly build credit since your credit score will reflect your financial discipline.

Interest Only Loans ~ Lower your monthly payments

For an Interest Only Mortgage, borrowers are only required to pay the interest on the mortgage for a set period of time. In doing so, an I.O. loan can free-up cash for retirement, college accounts, or a rainy day fund. I.O. loans are best for single parent mortgages, relocation mortgages, and first-time home purchases, to name a few. They are also beneficial to borrowers whose income varies month-to-month due to bonuses or commission-based work.

Advantages of Interest Only Loans

These types of borrowers can benefit greatly from Interest Only loans:

Borrowers who are certain that their income will increase, but would like greater purchasing power.
Borrowers who know their time frame for home ownership, and are more concerned with lower payments than building equity.
Borrowers who don’t wish to tie-up equity in their home and are looking to invest their money elsewhere.
Real Estate investors looking for a valuable way to manage cash flow for their investment properties.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans ~ purchase home with 3.5% down

In 1934, the FHA loan was formed by Congress to insure private loans for new and existing properties along with loans approved for home repairs. It lowers the lenders risk and helps borrowers qualify for the mortgage they desire. FHA loans are available for everyone looking to purchase or refinance a home and do not carry income limits, but the amount available for borrowing is limited.

Advantages of FHA Loans:

Low down payment ~ the low down payment associated with FHA loans (typically 3.5%, compared to 10%-20% for conventional mortgages) benefits first-time homebuyers with limited cash to put down.
The gift that keeps on giving ~ you can use borrowed money to cover the down payment, or a monetary gift from a family member.
Easier qualifications ~ FHA loans have easier qualifications than conventional mortgages and leads to more lenient underwriting guidelines.

Veteran’s Administration (VA) Loans ~ Buy your home with no money down

VA loans allow more than 25.5 million eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and their families (as well as surviving spouses) to purchase a home with no money down. All VA loans are offered by private lending institutions and are backed by the government for loan amounts up to $417,000 or more depending on the value of the neighborhood.

Advantages of VA Loans:

No money down ~ VA loans do not require down payments, while conventional loans require a down payment of 10%-20% of the loan amount.
No PMI ~ private mortgage insurance (PMI), an additional monthly expense on conventional loans, is not required on a VA loan.
Fewer restrictions ~ qualification guidelines are not as restrictive for VA loans, which allows higher debt-to-income ratios. Also, VA loans are not determined solely on credit score, the program takes into consideration the applicants previous 12 months of credit history.
Refinances made easier ~ borrowers under the VA loan can often refinance without re-qualifying within the program through the VA Streamline Refinance Loan.

Do you know which loan is best for you? Still unsure? Contact one of our professionals using the “Contact Us” tab at the top of our website, or click here to be redirected to guaranteedRate’s website where you can work with one of their top-knotch loan officers.

Can You Benefit From Lease-to-Buy?

2012-05-23T16:11:28Z

Especially in a tough market, lease-to-buy has advantages for both buyers and sellers. This type of contract allows renters to lease their property with the option to buy the home at the end of the term. It is a win-win situation for both parties involved since it gives the renters an opportunity to improve their credit over the duration of the lease, and provides cash flow for the sellers who no longer have a vacant property. Interested in a lease-to-buy property? Read on for more information about how it can benefit you!

Advantages for the buyer/tenant:

Under this agreement, you are the only one with the option to purchase the home at the end of the lease.
A portion of your rent typically goes toward building equity, which is then applied toward the downpayment should you chose to buy.
You have a contract to buy the property when the lease is up.
You usually have the option to purchase the home at any time during the lease.
You can test if homeownership is right for you.
If the home appreciates in value, you end up paying less than it’s worth because a specific sale price is locked in at the time the contract is signed.
You have a chance to improve your credit score and build equity.

Advantages for the seller/landlord:

Instant cash flow from the tenant with the opportunity to sell your property later on.
If the tenant choses not to purchase the property at the end of the lease, you keep the upfront fee.
The marketing pool increases because you are now marketing to traditional homebuyers as well as renters and investors.
The tenants will take better care of the home, since they may want to buy it in the future.
You retain tax-shelter benefits while the home is occupied since you own the property.
It will ease your mind knowing that the tenants in your home are working toward buying the home.

At Century 21 Glencove-Morris, our agents are experienced in lease-to-buy contracts. If you are interested in this option and would like more information, please fill out the Contact Form on our home page, or click here.

Don’t Let Real Estate News Predict Your Future

2011-07-07T17:47:02Z

Personally I have stopped watching the new, it is downright depressing. There is always some horrible story about a tragic accident, bad economic report, the war, etc. Pay attention to how these outside influences are effecting your disposition. Remember sad sells – happy doesn’t.

Now I watch the Planet Earth DVD’s while I run on the treadmill. What amazing footage has been captured – just breath-taking. So one morning I was watching this funny otter family teasing Mr. Alligator, “Can’t catch me – Can’t catch me”. They were having such a good time. I did actually feel bad for the alligator, although not for very long. He swam down the river bank and “snatched a bird right out of a tree”. The footage was a little alarming – not really the positive inspiration that I was looking for. It was then I realized that it is truly the circle of life. What may on the surface appear as a “bad real estate market” is actually just a necessary correction. As my Pop Pop said “Honey what goes up – must come down. It will go back up again but it will also come back down. It is the cycle of life.”

Now I realize that it is our job to counter balance the negative media with the positive that truly exists in the current real estate market. So tune in world – here it comes ……………………………

This is a buyer’s market – which means “NOW is the time to buy”. Don’t let Negative Nellie’s tell you anything different.

Did you know that you can OWN a home with no money down? NO you DO NOT need 20% down.

Did you know that a 1% interest increase could reduce your buying power by $20,000 on average?

Did you know that you have the best selection of homes available to choose from in years?

Did you know that historically homes double in value every ten years?

Did you know that with interest and tax write-offs your mortgage payment may actually be a lot less than your rent?

Don’t let fear hold you back. NOW is the time to make your move. We can show you why.

So turn off that TV and let’s go find a place you can call HOME

Have You Quit Your Job And Forgot To Tell Your Boss?

2011-03-30T23:34:26Z

Whatever results you’re getting, be they rich or poor, good or bad, positive or negative, always remember that your outer world is simply a reflection of your inner world. If things aren’t going well in your outer life, it’s because things aren’t going well in your inner life. It’s that simple.

~ T. Harv Eker

Look inside yourself, what do you see? You don’t have to share with anyone else just be honest with yourself. Quietly reflect on your answers to these questions…….

Have you been true to yourself?

Have you made an honest commitment to yourself?

Are you learning to work in today’s market or blaming it?

Have you sharpened your skills in a changing market or relied on old techniques that aren’t effective today?

Have you mentally given up on your real estate profession but forgot to hand in your resignation?

Make a commitment to YOU today. There are agents who have found success in this market. They think of changing themselves rather than waiting for the world to change. Your clients need your counseling today more than ever. They need you to talk them through their current situation to find them solutions. Buyers need you to demonstrate why there has never been a better time to buy. In real estate you are your own boss, don’t fire yourself, recommit to your chosen profession. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Don’t Let The Fear Of Losing Your Job Stop You From Buying A Home

2011-03-18T12:32:14Z

Confident that NOW is the time to get the best buy in real estate, but nervous about your job?

With the current rate of unemployment, being less than confident about job stability is natural. But is your fear justified?

Face Your Fear

My suggestion is that you go to your employer and let them know that you are looking to buy a home. Tell them that before you commit to a 3o year mortgage you wanted to ensure that your position is stable with the company. Whether positive or negative, the answer is something that you should be aware of anyway. Assuming a positive answer, what are you waiting for?

Three Reasons Now is the time to Buy a Home

Money is on sale. At $5.37 per $1,000 borrowed your buying power is strong.
Great Selection. It is a buyer’s market therefore there are a lot of homes to choose from and less competition from other buyers.
Home Prices Are Down. The current market values are the lowest we have seen.

Face your fears, and you will be one of the intelligent buyers, who years from now can say that they took advantage of The Perfect Storm and bought at historic lows.

Need help navigating? Call me anytime.

Mays Landing ~ The Epitome of Small Town Living

2011-03-18T12:31:55Z

Today is one of my childhood friend’s 42nd birthday. Myself and 128 other “friends”, logged onto Facebook to wish her a Happy Day. I’m sure this is no uncommon occurrence, however in Mays Landing our wishes existed long before Facebook. You see my friend Liz and I were born one day apart, our Mom’s shared a hospital room and we lived around the corner from one another. Today, we both have chosen to still live in Mays Landing, NJ and raise our families. Our children go to school together and we share the same circle of friends.

The little town that we call home has grown up too. When we were young we thought having a McDonald’s put us on the map. Today we have two McDonalds, and an ACME, Wal-Mart and every other shopping and restaurant chain one could imagine. Although we have grown in size, Mays Landing’s small town charm remains. Festivities such as the Art in the Park, Home Town Celebration, Haunted Walk, Halloween Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Home Town Celebration give us the opportunity to come together and celebrate our life long friendships.

Are you looking for todays modern conveniences yet still want your family to experience the traditions that you remember as a child? Take a look at Mays Landing, NJ, a small waterfront community located between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. And if you already live here and love it please tell us why.

Suze Orman Doesn’t Know Everything About Real Estate

2011-03-18T12:33:01Z

The combination of being conservative and having a degree in finance naturally led me to Suze Orman. Over the years I have purchased her books and tapes and been a fan. However, every time I hear Suze Orman spout off about buying your 1st home I cringe. Millions of innocent people being led down the wrong path. She advises that you need to save 20% down and have an 8 month emergency reserve fund before buying your first home. I disagree 100% ! With this criteria 70 percent of my clients over the past 24 years would have never bought a home.

Why Waiting To Save 20% Could Cost You $24,000

There are fabulous government programs that give one the ability to own a home with no money down and no mortgage insurance. Today if one of my $200,000 clients waited to save 20% down, they would lose $24,000 in buying power if the interest rate goes up 1%.

Home Ownership Is A Forced Savings Account

At 20 years of age I purchased my 1st home with the minimum down. My boyfriend and I fixed it up and sold it. This was the stepping stone that gave us the down payment for our marital home that we built the following year. Over the years we have continued to invest in real estate and have bought, sold and invested in ten different homes. We consider the responsibility of owning and improving a home a form of a forced savings account, with equity growing for our retirement.

Luckily Barbara Didn’t Listen to Suze

In 1990, a single cocktail waitress purchased a home from me with no money down. Just this past year she called me to sell her home. When I sat with her, and listened to what she had done over the last 20 years, I was so proud. She was sending in her last payment that month. A single Mom, with no money down, paid off her mortgage in 20 years, and had $150,000 in equity to show for it. Luckily Barbara and I never took Suze’s advice or we might still be renting.

Call me to day for a no obligation consultation. I would be happy to help you evaluate if you are ready to take the first step towards home ownership.

Are You Paying Too Much In Property Taxes?

2011-03-28T16:20:09Z

Click here to view the embedded video.