Real Estate Information

As a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent, one of the questions I often get asked by sellers is, “What can I do to help my home sell?”  Sellers are well aware that the Central New Jersey Real Estate market is still leaning in the favor of buyers, and they know that in order for their home to sell; they’ll need to stand out from the competition.

While the current market does require sellers to be a little more flexible and to make sure there home is pretty much move in ready; it doesn’t mean that selling your Central New Jersey home will be an uphill battle.  The home selling process can run smoothly and be stress free if you’re willing to do a little work and have a trusted Central New Jersey Real Estate agent by your side each step of the way.

Here are five simple tips to help you get your Central New Jersey home sold!

1. Research- While your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent will provide you with comparables of what other homes in your neighborhood are selling for, taking the time to do a little research on your own will help you prepare for what you can expect.  Take note of home prices in your area and what upgrades those homes have to offer.

2. Fix it Up- You’ll want to know what needs to be fixed before buyers begin looking at your home.  Having a “pre-inspection” by a home inspector will allow you to fix any necessary repairs so that they don’t come up in the buyers home inspection.  This can help speed up the process once you find an interested buyer. 

3. Act Like a Buyer- If you were looking at your home as a buyer, what would you see?  Are there any updates you’d want to make such as paint, appliances or finishes?  Acting like a buyer for your own home will give you insight into what you can do to make your Central New Jersey home more attractive to buyers.  

4. Make it Move In Ready- Today’s buyers have the option to be picky and many want a home that’s move in ready.  Your home will need to have those key factors that are now considered standard in a Central New Jersey home such as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  

5. Price it Right- This is a key factor that cannot be stressed enough.  Pricing a home correctly from the beginning will help you sell your home more quickly.  Your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent will work with you to show you what other homes are selling for and to determine a fair market value for your home. If your home is priced too high, it  will sit on the market and you’ll eventually have to lower your price.  If you decide on a price that is the lowest you’d like to go, be prepared to offer buyers other incentives such as closing costs or a flexible closing date. 

Armed with these five tips, you should feel more confident about putting your home on the Central New Jersey Real Estate market!  If you are considering selling your Central New Jersey home and haven’t yet found a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent; I’d love the opportunity to talk with you!

My goal is to discuss your real estate needs and to get your home sold in an efficient manner, so please contact me today to get started!

“Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but improves its’ chances.” ~B.J. Gupta

Christine Cura
Central New Jersey Real Estate Expert

Central New Jersey Real Estate
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Central New Jersey is a great area for young professionals, empty nesters and those looking to downsize or who don’t need the space of a home.  Whether you’re interested in purchasing a property in Bridgewater, Readington, Tewksbury, Bernardsville or any of the surrounding areas; you’ll find that there are a wide variety of condos and townhouses that can perfectly fit your needs, budget and lifestyle! 

If you’re buying a condo or townhouse for the first time or it’s your first time buying any type of property; you’ll want to be aware of some of the similarities and differences that buying these types of properties entail.  As a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent, I enjoy helping buyers find a property that is perfect for them and oftentimes a condo or townhouse is exactly the home for which they’ve been searching!  Interested in learning more?  Read on!

1. Length of Stay- Think about how long you're going to stay in one place.  Buying a condo or townhouse is no different than buying a single-family home; you need to live there at least a couple of years to recoup closing costs, assuming the property will appreciate.

2. Determine Your Wants - Give some thought to what you want. If you're not interested in the amenities, understand that the condo or townhouses’ price and ongoing monthly association fees will reflect their use regardless of your interest in using the pool or the gym.

3. Shop Around- Visit various townhouse communities and multi-unit buildings so you know what’s available in the Central New Jersey.  You’ll also get a sense of prevailing prices.

4. Request a Market Analysis- Request a market analysis from your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent regarding the selling prices of condos or townhouses in the area. Check the price appreciation on the market analysis to evaluate how quickly they are increasing in value; subtract the selling price from the purchase price and divide by the number of years the property has been held by the previous owner for a ballpark estimate of annual appreciation, if any, in the neighborhood.

5. Get Prequalified for a Mortgage- Just like buying a home, you want to be sure to get prequalified for a mortgage loan. This will give you a great idea of what you’re able to afford and will help you be prepared for a quick condo purchase.

6. Research the Community- Find out if the building has a good reputation. Ask how often repairs and maintenance are required, and how good the soundproofing is between units.

7. Discover Your Amenities- Check out parking, storage, security and other amenities. You’ll want to know every perk that comes with buying a Central New Jersey property! 

8. Take Note- Ask to see the minutes from a recent meeting of the home owners association (HOA). Find out what the hot issues are and if members are fighting tooth and nail. You’ll want to be aware of any major issues before moving in.

9. Research Restrictions- Find out how restrictive your HOA is. For instance, some buildings even dictate what sort of holiday lighting you can put up. Request the same information as you would for buying a house. Read the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions).

10. Budget in your HOA Fees- Budget in association dues, which are above and beyond your monthly mortgage payment. To assist in long-term financial planning, ask the association whether association fees have increased in recent years. Also estimate monthly maintenance costs that you may be responsible for in addition to the association fees.

I hope that after reviewing these ten factors, you’re more fully prepared to consider buying a Central New Jersey condo or townhouse!  Of course I’m always available to talk with you about the Central New Jersey Real Estate market or answer any questions you may have!  

I look forward to hearing from you!

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible." ~Author Unknown
 

Christine Cura
Central New Jersey Real Estate Expert

Central New Jersey Real Estate
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Buying a Central New Jersey home is an exciting time, especially if you’re a first time home buyer!  You imagine what your home will look like and what your new lifestyle of owning a home will entail.  It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation of home ownership, and as a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent; I know why!  There are many beautiful homes in Flemington, Tewksbury, Readington, Somerville, Bridgewater and the surrounding areas.  

Yet, buying a Central New Jersey home is also a large financial decision that should be weighed carefully.  If you have a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent working with you, they can help you navigate through the financial choices you’ll have to make and can ensure you’re fully aware of all that’s involved.  

Oftentimes, first time home buyers are surprised at some of the expenses that come up when going through the home buying process.  There are twelve common expenses that can be unplanned and can be discouraging if you weren’t planning on paying these additional costs.  So, I thought it’d be a great idea to point them out for you here so that when you begin the home buying process, you can be more fully prepared!  Take a look!  

1. Home Inspection- It is a great idea to hire a professional to inspect a home before you purchase as they can bring your attention to any major or long term issues.  Let me know if you need a recommendation for a Central New Jersey home inspector;  I’d be happy to help!

2. Pest Inspection- Buyers should consider having the wood of the home inspected for termites or other wood-destroying bugs. These inspections can run between $50-$200, but can save your home from further damage and larger costs.

3. Appraisal Fees- Before a purchase, your home must be inspected by a professional real estate appraiser as this helps lenders determine the amount of money to lend borrowers.

4. Closing Costs- At the final closing meeting in which you sign all documents, you should be prepared to pay closing costs which can be a few thousand dollars. These fees include processing fees, underwriting fees, recording, survey and title insurance fees. Many buyers roll these fees into their offer on the home and can be discussed with the seller and the participating agents. 

5. Moving Expenses- Unless you are moving down the street, you will have to be prepared for moving expenses such as renting movers, a moving truck, and any possible shipping costs depending on how far you are moving.

6. Furniture- You may come to realize that in buying a bigger home, you’ll have space to fill.  Buying additional furniture is an expense that can oftentimes be overlooked, but can be necessary in moving to your new Central New Jersey home.  

7. Property taxes and homeowners insurance- First time home buyers should be aware that your monthly bill will not only include the loan amount plus interest, but also the property taxes and premiums for homeowners insurance, which all mortgage borrowers are required to obtain.

8. Supplemental insurance- Buyers who are purchasing a home in a flood zone may have to buy supplemental insurance. There are tools online to help determine if your home is in a flood zone or we can discuss this as you view the homes in Central New Jersey area that interest you. 

9. Homeowners association fees- There are many great condos in Central New Jersey, some of which will have a monthly HOA fee. While you may not be keen on paying this additional cost, oftentimes it covers items such as trash removal, landscaping or even some utilities. 

10. Utilities- These costs vary from city to city so it’s always good to expect to see a difference in monthly bills. I can help answer questions on the average costs of utilities in the Central New Jersey neighborhood you choose!

11. Ongoing maintenance- You may love the thought of a large backyard, but keeping in mind the cost of maintaining your yard or garden. If you are buying your first home you may not have all of the tools such as a hedge trimmer or lawn mower to keep your Central New Jersey yard looking fresh. Also keep in mind any type of exterior or interior maintenance you noticed about your new home and factor in the additional costs.

12. Repairs- Covering all repairs tends to be one of the larger transitional points for those first time home owners. It’s wise to set aside a small amount each month to ensure that if additional repairs are required, the funds are already in place to cover the extra expense.

I hope that reading through these tips have been helpful to you!  I know that buying a home can seem overwhelming, but the more prepared you are, the better experience you’ll have.

I’m always here to help and can answer any questions you have about the Central New Jersey Real Estate market.  If you’re ready to begin your home search; let me know!  I would love the opportunity to show you some of the beautiful homes currently available in Central New Jersey.

Feel free to contact me today to get started!

Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him. ~ Booker T. Washington
 

Christine Cura
Central New Jersey Real Estate Expert

Central New Jersey Real Estate
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If you’re thinking buying or selling a Central New Jersey home this year in Somerville, Bridgewater, Flemington,Tewksbury or any of the surrounding areas; you may be tempted to go through the process on your own.  However, as with any goal you set for yourself, you want to have practical steps that will help you achieve your goal!

As a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent, I have helped buyers and sellers who attempted to navigate through the Central New Jersey Real Estate market without a real estate agent by their side.  After expending a lot of time and energy, they realize that the market is tough and you need someone who knows the Central New Jersey Real Estate market in order to be successful in your real estate endeavor. 

In order to keep you from unnecessary stress, I wanted to point out ten reasons that you’ll want to use a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent from the moment you think about entering the real estate market.  You’ll be glad you did!

1. Education and Experience- Their years of training and experience in the market will be a great asset to you! You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to learn about the market or how to negotiate a deal since a real estate agent will be fully trained and know the ins and outs of the Central New Jersey Real Estate market.  

2. Agents are Buffers- You won’t have to deal with multiple phone calls from buyers or other agents. Buying or selling a home can get personal and your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent can act as your personal shield against pushy buyers or bad deals.

3. Area Knowledge- If you’re buying a Central New Jersey home and are relocating to the area, your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent will know the best places to search to fit your needs and lifestyle!

4. Price Guidance- Your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent can guide you in what you want to offer on a home and help you come up with a price that works within your budget. They can also give you advice on pricing your home correctly from the beginning.

5. Market Condition Information- You’ll get an inside look into the Central New Jersey Real Estate market such as what homes are currently selling for on the market or when a home is a good deal.

6. Professional Networking- Your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent may already have a connection to an interested buyer for your Central New Jersey home! They will also have contact with other Central New Jersey Real Estate agents and brokers and can get the word out about your home being on the market.

7. Negotiation Skills- Negotiating a contract can be tricky and your Central New Jersey Real Estate agent will be able to navigate through this process to ensure you are happy with the deal.

8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork- There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into buying or selling a home. Your real estate agent will be able to take care of this for you and make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed!

9. Answer Questions after Closing- Sometimes there can be issues that arise during the closing or taxing authorities can get behind in their paperwork and call you months after closing. A good real estate agent will stick by you even after you close a deal to take care of any after effects.

10. Develop Relationships for Future Business- Finding a trusted Central New Jersey Real Estate agent can be tough, but once you find one; you’ll want to develop a great relationship with them! Whether you are looking to buy or sell again in the future, you know that they’ll be your first choice so building that relationship is key!

I hope these help you gain a better understanding of what a Central New Jersey Real Estate agent can do for you!  If you have questions about buying a home in Central New Jersey or are hoping to sell your home this year; please let me know!  I’d be happy to meet with you to discuss your goals and can walk with you throughout the entire home buying or selling process.  I look forward to working with you!

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ~ Helen Keller

Christine Cura
Central New Jersey Real Estate Expert

Central New Jersey Real Estate
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2012 is here, and a New Year means new beginnings! If you are getting ready to  buy a Central New Jersey home , or you have other major purchase plans, you’ll want to make sure your credit is in good shape! As your  Central New Jersey Real Estate agent , I’ve gathered some information to help you. Feel free to pass these credit essentials along to your friends and family!

Start by obtaining a copy of your credit history. It’s free to all consumers once a year, and the official credit industry website for this purpose is: annualcreditreport.com.  Avoid copycat websites advertised on the internet!

Pulling your actual credit score could involve a fee, but it’s also worth doing. Go to MyFico.com for more information about your credit score and what goes into the math. It’s worth a visit for the tips alone.

Next, check your credit history for errors. The credit bureau data is only as good as what is supplied to them, and mistakes do happen. Be sure that the account information, balances, and dates make sense to you. Keep in mind that companies change names and sell debts, so it can be a little confusing to sort out. For example, if you had a loan with GMAC Home Mortgage, it may now be reported under Ally.

If you find a mistake on your credit history, you can file a dispute directly with the credit bureau. The credit bureau will not immediately remove it, but they will flag the item while they investigate it with the agency that reported it. Be ready to supply proof of payment or other details to support your case.  

If you’re struggling with debt, take action! The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can refer you to an approved debt counselor in your area. Beware of miracle cures you find advertised on the internet; there are many scams out there today.

It’s important for all home  buyers  and  sellers  to be aware of their credit picture. You don’t want to find a problem when you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction! Not only is it potentially embarrassing, but correcting any errors on your credit report could take weeks, and the delay could cost you an opportunity.  Also, identity theft can happen to anyone and it pays to keep your eyes open.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful! Having your credit in good shape will help you with your mortgage pre-approval or any other borrowing needs. The  Central New Jersey Real Estate market  has some wonderful homes available right now! If you are looking for a home in   Flemington, Bridgewater, Readington, Tewksbury   or in the surroundings areas, contact me!  I will be happy to share the latest market information and help you find the right home!

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Christine Cura
Central New Jersey Real Estate Expert

Central New Jersey Real Estate
View Central New Jersey Listings
Visit My Website
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