Central New Jersey Property Values Benefit from Spring Ritual

May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

The first day of spring fell on the 20th of April marking the day many homeowners start planning their ritual seasonal maintenance. Spring is also the traditional launch of the busy season in real estate, when safeguarding Central New Jersey property values can become a less abstract matter.

Because water damage is Public Enemy #1, homeowner checklists should always highlight three points:

First: the Roof

As soon as March’s lion turns a bit more lamb-like, it’s time to get out the ladder to survey roof damage. Leaves, twigs or other storm debris that have clogged gutters during the weather months can allow moisture to penetrate the roofing and below, in the worst case triggering mold or rot. Look for holes or rust in the flashings or metal seals around roof joints, chimneys, skylights or any other structures that penetrate the roof.

Second: Down Under

Now it’s time to go down. While spring rains are still falling, put fresh batteries in your flashlight and head to the furthest reaches of basement or underneath the house to check for puddles. Even when it’s raining outside, the your home’s foundation should remain dry. When it comes time to sell, Central New Jersey homes’ property values are seriously affected by water damage, some of which might not appear upstairs until later. If you see signs of trouble, it’s time to call an expert.

Third: the Exit Routes

That is— the drains. Backed-up plumbing is a nuisance you can avoid if you clean all the drains two or three times a year. Don’t forget the garbage disposal, either. My trick is to pour in equal parts salt, baking soda and vinegar, followed 30 seconds later by two quarts of boiling water. Then give the mixture a chance to work overnight before running water again.

With the sales market poised for spring action, the protection careful homeowners have given to their own property values will make a material difference. But you don’t have to be selling your home for this time of year to trigger the maintenance efforts your property may need. Got a property-related question? Give us a call!

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex, Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call Elizabeth “Liz” Brain at 848-448-3132 or Michael “Mike” Downer  at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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The Most Important Part of Curb Appeal

April 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

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“Curb appeal” is an instantly understandable byword: one every home seller hears. You can see for yourself how Central New Jersey property listings that feature sparkling exterior shots with superior ‘curb appeal’ instantly draw your attention — and often, higher offers.

Hearing the phrase makes you picture potential buyers standing at the curb, viewing your property. Yet the most important part of ‘curb appeal’ is the second word, not the first. “Appeal” should be an active concept: one that’s about reaching out, roping potential buyers in. Successful sellers create appeal by making every part of a home’s presentation — from its debut in the Central New Jersey property listings to final inspection and closing — as actively appealing as possible. It’s a frame of mind that brings results.

“Nice idea,” you might be thinking; “but how do I put it into action?”

Try viewing today’s Bridgewater property listings from a buyer’s perspective: notice how a mish-mosh of dark or bright colors can make rooms look detached from one another. A home’s ‘flow’ is important, but you can’t see that from the property listings. But you can work to neutralize your home’s color scheme. When your selection of wall colors makes a coherent whole, your home looks like an appealing place instead of a collection of disjointed rooms.

It won’t matter how well your home fares in the local property listings if visitors are greeted with strong pet or any other blend of objectionable odors. Strong cooking aromas are right up there with cigarette smells to top off the quickest turnoffs to prospective buyers. In doubt? Ask a friend for their honest opinion.

A clean, clutter-free home adds appeal to any property, and is especially beneficial for those with smaller rooms. A Saturday spent cleaning out the house and boxing up as many superfluous items as possible is guaranteed to pay off.

You can’t appeal to everyone — and you don’t need to. But you can set the stage for success.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex, Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call Elizabeth “Liz” Brain at 848-448-3132 or Michael “Mike” Downer  at 732-302-1771.

 

 

 
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The Calling Card That Can Sell a Home

March 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

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Your yard is your Central New Jersey home’s calling card. A dated or overgrown yard can be a huge turnoff to potential buyers – just as an appealing one can trump other objections.

Landscape designer Cynthia Bee knows this well. “Landscaping often makes the difference,” she says, “between a prospective buyer getting out of the car for a closer look or simply driving on by.”

The same goes for Internet prospects as they scan through listings in search of a Somerset, Hunterdon or Middlesex County home to buy. An unappealing yard can detract from your all-important curbside glamour photo — and cause them ‘to drive on by’ your listing. The backyard is not as important in attracting buyers, but often proves vital in holding their enthusiasm.

To help sell a home in Central New Jersey this spring, right now is prime time to consider some yard-focused dos and don’ts:

DON’T allow ornamentation designed to create character — that ‘character’ may be hard for prospective buyers to see past. In this category are mirrored globes, plastic fauna, and (definitely) gnomes of all varieties.

DO consider maintenance issues when you plan front and backyard updates.  To sell a home that appeals to the widest swath of prospects, avoid intricate garden plantings that shout, Weed me!  Water me! Trim me!

DON’T let original planting design make an otherwise appealing property feel dated. It used to be considered elegant to have flat-toped and rounded bushes alongside pathways – but that was the 50’s. Today, the vast majority of buyers appreciate the natural look (and native plants).

DO consider who your likeliest prospects will be – and how your yard will fit their family. If you are going to sell a home with four bedrooms, a back yard with plenty of playing space for the kids is a good idea.

Sometimes it can be the smallest details that determine how quickly you sell a home in Central New Jersey.  It’s our job to help in figuring out which and what those are likely to be.  If you are getting ready to sell a home in Central New Jersey, We hope you will call us to put our knowledge to work!

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex, Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call Elizabeth “Liz” Brain at 848-448-3132 or Michael “Mike” Downer  at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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Central New Jersey Open Houses (and Losing All That Junk)!

March 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

Why so many open houses in Central New Jersey?  The reason is because they are so effective — not only by instantly spreading notice that a property is seriously entering the market, but also by creating a firm target date – a day when all concerned agree that the property will be in peak ‘showability’ condition.

Open houses are like showings on steroids. With dozens of visitors in the offing, there’s little doubt that every effort will go into preparing for them. Along those lines, every agent will tell you that a tidy home is far more tempting than one that looks too lived-in.  The New York Times recently offered the assessment that decluttering is vital because “most real estate is aspirational, and buyers want to see themselves in someplace better and more beautiful.”

Therefore, a basic part of preparing for open houses is the unglamorous task of whittling away as much of the daily clutter as possible. There are some stress-reducing ways you can approach the task:

Focus on how long it has been since items were used

Anything you haven’t used in the past three months is a candidate for storage (or beyond!) It may be easier than you think.

Identify items in disrepair

Homes across America are filled with things that fit this category – items that don’t belong on display in any area open houses. (When you find items like this, you may feel better about tossing them when you realize no one ever gets around repairing them, anyway!)

Find what’s hidden in plain sight

Finally, scout through the house for items you take for granted – but which add little charm. Shelves with books and magazines you will never read and chests in the kids’ room filled with long-abandoned toys are examples. Clearing such “hidden in plain sight” articles will complete the decluttering — and create the kind of open houses potential buyers get serious about. If you are anticipating the coming spring selling season, then it’s time to recruit a top-notch local agent to help. I hope you won’t hesitate to give me a call!

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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Bridgewater Homeowners’ Long-Term Thinking Pays Off

February 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

 

“Longevity planning” is not something most youthful or middle-aged Central New Jersey residents spend a lot of time thinking about. “Getting old?” Who wants to dwell on that?

Joseph Coughlin, the director of the AgeLab at MIT, pushes for changing that attitude when it comes to home sale decisions. He points out that a 65-year-old woman today can plan to live past 85 — far longer than her parents did. If her budget plans match theirs, the result will be a serious shortfall in later years.

It may be more doable than you’d think. The Brooking Institution recently reported that a home sale in a good school district totals (on average) 2.4 times more than one in a less child-focused district. Once schooling is no longer at issue, being willing to forego the premier school system could free up a considerable amount of extra cash. Add to that the reality that a smaller house means smaller taxes, utilities, and upkeep bills, and the resulting quality-of-life improvement might be a true game changer!

When it comes to the decision about when or whether to undertake a home sale, letting longevity-consciousness influence your choice should put you ahead of most people. Coughlin says, “No one wants to buy products or services for old people. If I design an ‘old man’s car,’ I can guarantee two things: A young man will never buy it — and neither will an older man!”  For the same reason, except for retirement communities, most builders don’t design “old people homes.”

That’s why homeowners intending to retire here in Central New Jersey should plan — both aesthetically and practically — for the wider doorways, ground floor bedrooms, bathrooms, and accessible kitchens they may welcome later on. If such changes would be cost-prohibitive in a current home, longevity planners should look for available properties where that’s not true.

Forward thinking about your ultimate housing solution is central to a successful and stress-free retirement.  I can help ascertain more about current Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon home sales and other information to help you do some of your own longevity-conscious retirement planning.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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A Cure for Windy, Creaky New Jersey Homes

January 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 

If you live in a home built in the early 20th Century (or before), cold winter evenings can send visions of new homes dancing through your head. With floors that creak and windows that barely slow the icy gales of January, even the antique charm of your original wooden banisters can wear thin (most noticeably after your sister’s kid knocks another handrail loose).

But don’t despair. While new homes in town may be a preferred investment for some buyers, duplicating the authenticity of your hand-hewn, turn-of-the-century Victorian is, quite simply, not possible.  With the right specialists to help, keeping your original home in top repair might not be as time consuming or costly as some fear.

Original windows, for example (the kind famous for letting chilly drafts pass unmolested) don’t necessarily need complete $1,000 replacements. A less expensive solution is to call in an experienced carpenter for an overhaul.  True pros know how to remove built-up paint, add new hardware, wax the rails, and most importantly, weatherstrip the gaps.  That cost is usually between $100 – $200.  Another common problem is wooden floors that squeak after decades of wear and multiple re-finishings. That noisy problem can often be fixed by using tiny screws to secure them to the framing below.

That creaky banister?  Locating the newel post and the corresponding nut at the base of the stairs can often strengthen the rails – they were designed to tighten the whole banister.   This is a simple $200 fix for someone who knows what he’s doing.

Of course, if one of the new homes in Bridgewater is your ultimate goal, repairing and restoring your older home before listing it is a doable project.

The fact is, I delight in discovering the magic in both new homes and older ones — contact me today if you would like an up-to-the-moment pricing evaluation.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information and services. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 

 
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Home Inspection Reports Must Be Read With Caution

October 20, 2012 By 2 Comments
 

Almost every home purchase in Central New Jersey requires a home inspection.  The goal is to reveal any major costs, repairs or maintenance that the home requires.  A competent inspector will provide an estimated cost of repairs for any issues that he or she finds.  Once the report comes back, many buyers use it as a tool to renegotiate the purchase price of the home or to receive a credit at closing for the repairs.

In my experience, even with the most well-qualified and respected companies it seems that inspectors tend to over-estimate the cost of repairs on these reports as part of a CYA approach to the inspection.  Usually they are concerned that the report may be missing something that will come back to bite them.  If the repair item is a big ticket item I always make sure they get a second opinion of the actual cost of the repair.  Especially if I have the seller side I caution the seller that the costs are often a way to get the price down to the area the buyer originally wanted to pay.

Reports often have similar findings.  The grading is bad, the bushes are too close to the house and bugs may enter the home from the shrubs, the roof is discolored indicating the home needs a new roof, etc.  In most cases it is a result of too much caution and can kill a deal that both sides actually want to complete.

As a buyer and seller, it is always best to procure the help of an experienced, local Realtor who will be able to advise you on the many hurdles that will arise during the transaction.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey real estate information. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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Home Security, Basic Tips and Advice

September 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

Always Lock Doors and Windows

It sounds simple, but it’s very easy to leave doors and windows unlocked, especially if you are just slipping out to the shop for a few minutes. Unfortunately, this provides a classic opportunity for thieves.

Most burglaries are a result of a door or window being left open or unlocked. If your property doesn’t feature good locks, you can purchase high quality locks from any do-it-yourself store near you. Not only will this make your home more secure, it will also act as a strong deterrent as high quality locks send out strong signals that you are taking your home security seriously.

Don’t Leave Keys In View

Make sure you do your best to keep your keys out of sight, especially from unwanted individuals. If you have a key rack positioned near your front door, try moving it out the way. Some burglars gain entry by ‘fishing’ your keys off the rack. You also need to make sure you don’t have any keys left outside in hidden locations. Some people like to leave a spare key outside. Not only is this convenient for you, it’s also very convenient for anyone who wants to get into your home.

Think of Some Deterrents

There are ways to give the impression to potential intruders you’re still at home when you’re away overnight such as using timers for lights and radios. Also security lighting and visible burglar alarms are likely to put off any thieves as there will be more chance of them getting caught. It’s important if you do have security lighting, that it is placed in appropriate areas such as doorways and access points to the house.

Also, having a dog can be a good deterrent for burglars, especially if your pet does not welcome visitors. Potential burglars will not proceed to try and get into the house if they feel any attention will be drawn to them. In addition, you should close your curtains at night so burglars cannot see any valuable goods.

Most insurance companies will offer you additional things you can do to lower your risk of a burglary. After all, they want your home to be as secure as possible… they insure it.

Some Final Tips

To make you feel safer, if you have a solid door, you could get a ‘spy hole’ installed in your door, similar to what hotel rooms have, so you can see who is approaching the front of your house. Also, you could get a chain fitted to your lock so even if the intruder was able to get the door open, the chain would prevent them from forcing their way through. Furthermore, remove any garden tools or equipment lying around that could be used by burglars to break into your home, and check your home’s surroundings for anything that may help conceal a burglar.

It may sound far-fetched but shrubbery or bushes you have around your house are helpful for intruders to hide, so perhaps consider changing your home’s garden exterior to prevent this from happening. Also, reach out to the community and discover if you have any neighborhood watch schemes or start one up yourself.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey  real estate information. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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Home Improvements and Which Ones to Do

August 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

Whether you plan to sell in the near future, or just want to improve the value of your home, here is one low cost improvement you should consider. Refinish your hardwood floors. Scratched and worn hardwood floors detract from your home’s value and if left untended, you may need to replace them at a huge cost. Paying a professional to refinish them is a good idea – going a little too far with the sander can leave permanent indentations on your floors. Ask around for a reliable professional or check out a site like www.needcontractor.com. And while you are refinishing your floors, consider staining them a different shade for a dramatic new look.

The DoorPath Team is the most comprehensive online source for Central New Jersey  real estate information. Whether you are looking for the latest sales, trends or homes for sale in Somerset, Middlesex Union or Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey, The DoorPath Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has it all at your fingertips. Browse information regarding short sales, foreclosures, new construction, investment property, land sales or commercial locations throughout Central New Jersey plus much more at  www.DoorPath.com or call us at 908-658-9000 x 159 or cell at 732-302-1771.

 

 
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Energy Efficient Renovations Homeowners Should Consider

August 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

As temperatures in the Central New Jersey area continue to spike in the high 90s, homeowners need to be proactive in making energy-efficient home renovations. Here is a list of easy check-ups every homeowner can do to optimize the energy efficiency of their home:

 

Windows and Doors

 

Holes in windows and doors allow conditioned air to leak from your home and allow outdoor air to infiltrate, which can tax your heating and cooling systems and raise your energy bills. Caulk around windows and doors where there are gaps. Also caulk areas where plumbing lines or electrical wiring extend to the exterior of the home.

 

Floor and Wall Insulation

 

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat movement and helps keep any home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter—all while using less energy. Making sure insulation is used at potential gaps such as around an attic stairway or over the attic access door is important as well.

 

Shedding a Little Light on a Simple Solution

 

By replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can use up to 75% less energy on lighting alone. A wide assortment of CFLs is now available for almost any type fixture found in a home.

 

Appliances and HVAC Systems

 

Your major household appliances are a good place to focus on to make your home more eco-friendly. Start by changing the filters of your HVAC systems regularly and consider upgrading older appliances to take advantage of newer, more efficient designs.

 

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

 

This energy-saving step can have a positive and noticeable impact right away. Programmable thermostats are fairly easy to install and once they are set up a homeowner can adjust them as the weather changes. For every degree that a thermostat is set back, you may realize a savings between 1-3% on your heating or cooling bills.

 

There are many other energy efficient renovations you could do, these are just a few suggestions. If you’ve made an energy efficient renovation in your home and would like to share it with our readers, we’d love to hear from you.

 
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