JUNO at the Metuchen Public Library

The Teen Advisory Board of the Metuchen Public Library will host a screening of the film JUNO at the Metuchen Library (480 Middlesex Avenue) on Sunday, January 31 at 2 PM. Watch the film that was named a “2009 Fabulous Film for Young Adults” by the American Library Association.  Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, a quirky sixteen-year-old makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child in this witty comedy (Rated PG-13). Refreshments will be served.

The program is paid for by the Friends of the Metuchen Public Library. Admission is FREE, but please bring a can or box of non-perishable food for the MCFOODS emergency pantry.  The Metuchen Library is a drop-off center for the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services. For more information about the film screening, visit www.metuchenlibraryteens.org or call the Library on 732-632-8526.

Fords Real Estate, New Jersey-

Are you looking for something to do around your Fords Real Estate this weekend that will also help the environment? Why not do a quick green renovation at home? Incorporating green products and practices in your Fords home save our natural resources and are better for your health. Here are a few simple projects you can work on this weekend.

• 1. Floors. You can easily replace the floor in a room during a weekend. Bamboo and cork floors are excellent environmentally-friendly choices because they are renewable sources. They come in a variety of colors and styles so you can find something that will match your current décor.
• 2. Paint. Painting a room is a quick and easy way to change its look. However, traditional paint is loaded with toxic fumes that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. When you paint your next room, choose a paint that contains less or no amounts of dangerous chemicals. Your room will look just as good, and your lungs will be happier.
• 3. Windows. If you still have old, single pane windows in your Fords Real Estate, it’s time to replace them with double pane energy efficient windows. These newer windows will lower your energy consumption by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Additionally, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 if you purchase Energy Star windows in 2009 or 2010.
• 4. Insulation. A well insulated home saves you money and cuts back on the amount of energy you use. Make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic. Check your doors and windows for cracks and leaks that allow air to escape. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping. The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency applies to Energy Star insulation as well.

Are you looking for a new home? There are some very good deals currently on Fords homes for sale and all around Middlesex County. Watch your timing, the clock is ticking. When you are ready, contact me…

Cathy Chaudemanche

Buying a new Energy Star appliance can lower your utility bills and perhaps even earn a cash rebate from your New Jersey state.

There’s another reason besides saving on utility bills to replace your outdated appliances with energy-efficient models: a cash rebate. States, using up to $300 million in federal funds, are offering rebates on Energy Star-qualified washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, furnaces, and more. A handful of state programs got underway in December 2009; the rest are expected to debut in early 2010.

Rebates plus energy efficiency equal savings
Funding for the appliance rebates comes from federal efforts to encourage energy efficiency and stimulate consumer spending. States applied to the U.S. Department of Energy to get a share of the money. Check with your state for specifics, including when the rebate program officially begins. Purchases made before the start date generally won’t qualify for rebates.

Swapping out old appliances for new ones is a smart approach to reducing household energy bills. According to the DOE, 70% of a home’s energy consumption goes toward appliances, refrigeration, heating, cooling, and hot water. The latest Energy Star-qualified appliances typically use one-third less energy than outdated models.

The savings can be felt immediately. Trading in a refrigerator manufactured before 1993 will net an annual energy savings of $65, the DOE estimates. Replacing a washing machine made before 2000 with a new Energy Star model can save up to $135 a year. Throw in a rebate, and payback on an investment in a new appliance can come in just a few years.

Let’s say you buy an Energy Star-qualified washing machine for $750, the average price in 2009. Your state offers a $100 rebate on the purchase. Thanks to the $135 you could save annually on utility bills, the payback period could be less than five years. Not bad for an appliance that should last at least a decade.

Appliance rebates vary by state
Before you rush out to your nearest appliance retailer, brush up on the exact terms of your state’s rebate program.

Typical appliance rebates will range from $50 to $250, though each state sets the specifics of its own program including rebate amounts, claim procedures, who’s eligible, and which appliances qualify. Don’t delay. States have until February 2012 to use up the funds, but most are expected to burn through the cash long before the deadline

For more information on New Jersey cash rebates

So here it is, the Top 10 real estate franchises, most recognized by the real estate industry as quality national brands are:

Survey methodology:
The poll was conducted online within the United States between December 3rd and December 11th, 2009 among 11,355 real estate professionals. The franchises that made it to the Top 5 were to be expected and are also the five largest real estate franchises in the country. The Top 5 also comfortably attracted more votes than the second five on the list, strongly pointing to the industry’s own internal belief  that these are the top five franchise brands that agents would like to work for.

Keller Williams Realty’s surprising #1 ranking was most likely due to the strong, above average online and social media presence of their agents and the fact that during 2009 Keller Williams Realty surpassed RE/MAX in agent count according to a widely published REAL Trends survey..

The 103-year old Coldwell Banker franchise has been the beneficiary of many NRT, Inc. acquisitions that have allowed the brand to remain at the forefront of many agents in a positive way.  RE/MAX with their powerful consumer portal has also enjoyed the highest profile on national television of all the brands, thereby probably contributing to their high ranking.

Most interesting was the strong showing of Sotheby’s International Realty at #6, ahead of ERA Real Estate (a more established brand in real estate) and EXIT Realty (a more bolder promoter).  The ranking was most likely attributed to the luxury homes image that many agents attach to the brand.

Long standing independent and northeast-based regional Weichert REALTORS converted to a franchise seven years ago and has steadily grown.  Impressively it was able to break into the top 10 as a recognizable national brand.

Also surprising was the fact that newcomer Better Homes & Gardens squeezed out companies like Realty Executives, John L Scott and Windermere (both still regional players) to claim the last spot in the Top 10. This was most likely attributable to the recent news that 2,000-agent Metro Brokers switched from GMAC to BH&G as well as a few other key acquisitions.

Article from REtrends.com
More on that survey...

You’ve found the perfect Fords real estate and the mortgage loan with the best interest rate you can find in New Jersey.  What’s next in the home buying experience?  Signing the contracts and paying the closing costs.  But what exactly are closing costs?  Here is a list of the most common closing costs:

 • Titling Fees- These include the title search and title insurance, and the associated attorney fees.  These costs are usually paid by the seller but can be assigned to the buyer.

• Recording Fees- The government charges a fee to record the change in ownership of the Fords real estate.  This can be paid by either the seller or the buyer.

• Survey Fee- This can be required by the lender.  It is a fee for the survey of the land or lot, and its structures, to determine that it matches the property description.

• Mortgage Application Fees- Are occasionally included in closing costs, but usually are paid prior to closing by the buyer.

• Appraisal and Inspection Fees- Are required by the lender to ensure that the value of the property is equal to that of the loan, and to make sure there aren’t any underlying problems that detract from the property value.  These fees are usually paid by the buyer.

• Points- Equal to one percent of the principal of the loan.  These discount points are paid by the buyer to the lender to reduce the final interest rate of the loan.
 
• Brokerage Commission- The seller pays the real estate agent this fee for listing and showing the property, and handling the contract negotiations.  The commission is usually a percentage of the sale price of the property, and determined in advance by the seller and the real estate agent.

• Underwriting Fees- The buyer pays underwriting fees to the lender to pay for the costs of determining if the buyer qualifies for the mortgage loan.

• Property Tax- County taxes are usually required to be paid in advance at the time of closing.  The buyer is responsible for these fees. 

Cathy Chaudemanche

Small steps to economic recovery continued last month. Among the positive readings was the report of a third quarter GDP growth rate of 2.8 percent, which followed four consecutive quarterly declines. This advance comes in well ahead of that of our Canadian neighbors, whose economy was once anticipated to be the first country out of recession, and by significant margin. Canada posted marginal 0.4 percent growth. Unemployment fell in November for the first time since April 2008. A strong rebound in home sales activity from year ago levels also points to a firmer stabilization.

With the extension of the $8,000 federal housing tax credit into spring 2010, first-time buyers will now have an additional few months to purchase their dream homes. Expansion of the income restrictions now gives possibilities for higher earners to participate too. And the $6,500 tax credit now available to established homeowners with five consecutive years or more in their homes broadens the opportunity landscape. This in turn will allow the housing market more time to find a more solid footing on a sustainable recovery. 

Although economists continue to debate the overall shape of the recovery, it is widely agreed that the U.S. economy will take a long time to rebound. Unemployment is expected to remain high for several quarters and the number of underemployed is expected by some economists  to remain a drag on growth prospects. On the brighter side, according to some economists, a slow and steady growth will likely fair better for the long-term well-being of the economy. Slower, sustained growth can help prevent dangerous asset bubbles, like the recent housing and technology bubbles, from growing and bursting.

Middlesex County Market Commentary and local real estate statistics are now available for December -

Cathy Chaudemanche-
Your local market expert

 Is Your Metuchen nj condo for sale in a Walk-able Neighborhood?

If you have a Metuchen nj condo for sale or you’re thinking about buying a condo to flip it, here’s something to keep in mind: walking distance. Why? Because a new study commissioned by CEOs for Cities shows that condos and homes within walking distance of amenities sell for more.

Environmental concerns are rising. More people are walking whenever possible and would rather walk than drive. They’re also becoming more environmentally conscious, as well as health conscious. If there are Metuchen nj condos for sale within walking distance to schools, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries and shopping areas, it’s more likely to be snatched up.

This is true even in the current economy. “Walk-ability,” says Joseph Cortright, the man who analyzed the data, “adds value to residential property just as additional square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms and other amenities do.”

In many places, walk-ability can lead to a sales price of as much as $34,000 more than in areas where you can’t get around without a car. Of course, this isn’t true for every city. In Las Vegas, more walk-able areas correlated to places with lower housing cost. Bakersfield, California, didn’t show any difference at all.

Why is being able to walk around such a big deal? Several reasons:

• The more walk-able neighborhoods usually have better mass transit systems.
• People living in walk-able areas generally weigh less, by at least seven pounds.
• Less money is spent on gas.
• Car owners don’t need to drive as often, and when they do, they don’t have to go as far.

What does this mean for you, the homeowner? If you live in a walk-able neighborhood and have a Metuchen nj condo for sale, you have an excellent selling point. Make sure you tell your real estate agent how easy it is to get around. With this knowledge, they can market your house towards all those people looking to use a little bit more leg power and a little bit less engine power. What’s your walk score?

If you’re trying to sell your Metuchen nj condo or home, or looking for a home in a walk-able neighborhood in Middlesex County NJ, I can help. Call me now-

Cathy Chaudemanche, Metuchen Real Estate agent and Realtor. More Metuchen nj Real Estate for sale.

Last November President Obama signed HR 3548 or The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, a bill that extends unemployment benefits and includes an amendment to also extend and expand the federal tax credit. NJAR^® anticipates that the newly signed legislation will help maintain the recent momentum seen in the New Jersey real estate market and spur the state’s economy as a whole. The legislation will extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit past its original November 30 deadline, and it will now be available through April 30, 2010. Additionally, existing homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight will be eligible for a credit that can total $6,500. Other details of that amendment are as follows:

   Buying Edison nj Homes for Sale

If you’re looking at one of the many Edison nj homes for sale (and especially when reading about buying a home), you’ve probably already read articles that ask, “How much house can you afford?” and “Can you really afford the mortgage for a new home?” From beginning to end, to get a good estimate, you’ll need to figure monthly payments, loan qualification guidelines, closing costs and much more. Frankly, all those calculations can set your head to reeling.

To cut down on some of the frustration, save a few trees from the paper you’d use up and help give you a better guestimate, I’ve decided to go looking for the best real estate calculators I could find on the Net. Here are my top 3 picks I’ve come across:

#3. Real Estate Calculator Suite - This product is an excellent choice for anyone, whether you’re a homebuyer, seller or even, yes, a real estate agent like me. Sixteen different real estate and mortgage calculators can help you figure out refinancing costs, amortization schedules - even whether it’s better to rent or buy one the Edison nj homes for sale. Although it’s $40.00, which might seem rather expensive to many, it could more than make up for the time you’d spend staring at a sheet of paper and numbers. To top it all off, it even includes a home inspection form and to do list for movers, tying your buying or selling experience up nicely.

#2. Yahoo! Real Estate Calculators - You can’t beat a search engine for information, and the Yahoo! Real Estate really does a thorough job in collecting a fantastic amount of calculators. Budgeting and finance, mortgage refinancing, deciding fixed or adjustable rate mortgages and more are all available on this one page. The major upside as compared to the Real Estate Calculator Suite is that it’s free.

#1. CNNMoney.com - CNN isn’t a worldwide news network for nothing, and they’ve taken their complete coverage to calculators. On one page, you have over thirty calculators to figure out everything. Compare costs of living for any area, figure out how much house you can afford, calculate the gain or loss on your home and more. As a bonus, it’s all free, too.

I ranked CNNMoney.com as the top due to the amazing amount of information you can gain in one place. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t try one of the others, or even all three. If you want one of the Edison nj homes for sale, get to calculating, get informed and see what you can accomplish.

Or, you can contact me, and I’ll help you…

Cathy Chaudemanche

Calculators from my own website.

 There are a few misconceptions about buying Edison for sale by owner real estate (FSBO) in New Jersey

Seller Isn’t Serious

Some buyers think that the seller isn’t serious about selling the house, that they’re just testing the market.  While this is true in some cases, most sellers will accept an offer that is close to the asking price at any time.

Sometimes Edison for sale by owner real estate will sit on the market for a while.  This may be because the owner is not open to negotiations on the sale price.  More often, it’s because the owner doesn’t have the experience showing homes to potential buyers that a real estate agent does.  A typical owner isn’t likely to have the time to properly market the house.  If there aren’t enough buyers looking at the house, it’s going to be harder to get a good purchase offer.

Real Estate Agents Can’t Help

Some buyers believe that real estate agents can’t help negotiate the purchase of a FSBO.  That’s not true.  If you find an Edison FSBO you’re interested in, whether you find it because you drive by it or see it in an advertisement, let your Edison real estate agent know.  Real estate agents can represent your best interests when purchasing Edison FSBOs, just like they do when purchasing homes listed with real estate companies.

If you do happen to come across an Edison for sale by owner that you just love, you may need to include several things in the purchase offer to protect yourself.  These include:

• Home inspection required that shows there are no significant defects or pest infestations in the house. Make sure you hire a credentialed home inspector; you do not want to buy a house that needs major repairs without knowing about it…
• Appraisal of the home is a specific value. You don’t want to agree to buy a house for more money than it’s worth.
• Clear title on the property.
• Seller disclosures. The seller is required to give you all the same documentation you would expect to get from an agent-represented seller.
• Mortgage approval.

With a for sale by owner, you never want to give the earnest money check directly to the seller.  A third party, like a real estate broker or title company, should hold on to all earnest money.  If you give the money to the seller, you may lose the ability to determine how the money is used. 

If you’re interested in buying an Edison home, whether it’s a FSBO or not, I’d like to help you.  Call me today.

Cathy Chaudemanche