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Numbers and Graphs…blah…blah..blah…Here’s a summary of what you need to know……Knowing the housing market in your area is a plus when getting to sell your home. It sets realistic expectations for the current market and what is ahead. Here is a quick snapshot of data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) regarding the housing market across Central New Jersey. It’s a plus to be in the know. This update includes Single Family Homes and Adult Communities. Have other questions or want to know where your house fits in?…contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com. Let’s chat!
Living In Your Home •
October 23, 2018
Keeping it Clean
Out with the old and in with the new…Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to cleaning? The world it moving quicker and more efficiently these days, so why not bring that concept into house cleaning? Change it up a bit and try these 3 ways that Realtor Magazine offers to make things easier. Let me know what you think!
Once you have put in the elbow grease to make your home spotless, what can they do to keep it that way for a longer period of time? HouseLogic, a home improvement resource, recently highlighted some unusual ways to keep a home clean and gleaming.
© David Papazian – Moment/Getty Images
Apply a car product to keep shower doors free from scum. Soap buildup could be eliminated by covering a glass shower door in the rain-repellant product that is used for car windshields (only advised for glass doors). The product creates an invisible barrier, causing water and soap to roll off.
Use protectants on furniture and carpets.Protective furniture sprays and carpet sealants, such as Scotchguard and Ultra-Guard, can help protect flooring against stains from spills. Use them once a year. They can cause liquids to remain on the surface instead of being absorbed into the flooring; they may also prevent some fabrics from fading and keep them resistant to mold and mildew.
Use a wet pumice stone to clean the oven. You might want to bypass traditional oven cleaners, which tend to give off strong fumes. Instead, use a wet pumice stone to scrape off any dirt and grease. It’s toxin-free. To wipe up an oven range, heat up a clean, damp sponge or cloth in a microwave for 30 seconds, and then wipe with—or without—a cleaning product.
Buying a Home •
October 20, 2018
Understanding Home Inspection Reports
Your home inspection report…Huh? What does it mean? Everything is signed and you are excited about your soon to be “new home”
Home Inspections
Home inspections are important as they are a “baseline exam” for your home. The inspectors report current conditions of all the components of the home. It is always a good idea to follow the inspector around, as you can learn lots about the home, such as where the main water shut off is or where the circuit breaker box if the breaker trips.
This is not the time to have the whole extended family come to see the house. Leave that for another day. The inspector reports on minor and major repairs if any, and offers recommendations for further maintenance when taking occupancy. Paying attention is important.
Reviewing The Reports
After receiving the report, which may be extensive, breathe…do not think that your whole house is in disrepair. Thoroughly go through the report to discuss any major concerns with your attorney. They will prepare a repair request list for the seller to address. Listing only the items of major concern is best. The seller is not obligated to address any or all items, so listing the ones most important to you should be main requests.
It is important for any home buyer to have representation present at the home inspections. I accompnay all my buyers and also offer references for further inspections to check out deficiencies found.
Types of home major inspections
- Most Common Inspections
- Home Inspection / interior and exterior of the home
- Termite Inspection / checking for wood destroying insects and damage if any caused by them
- Radon Inspection / levels of radon present, especially for homes with basemen
- Other Specific Inspections
- Oil Tank Sweep / checking for underground oil tanks that may not be known to be there
- Oil Tank Testing / checking the integritiy of the oil tank , especially if under ground
- Soil Testing / testing for any contaminated soil due to having an oil tank, which could lead to expensive remediation
- Sewer Line Scope/ checking for blockages
- Structural Inspection / checking the integrity of the foundation and structure
- Level I and II Chimney Inspections / the latter is a more invasive inspections of the whole fireplace and chimney
- Pool Inspection / checking for leaks and pressure of the water lines, pump, filter and heater if applicable
If you are seeking guidance for purchasing a home and the steps involved, contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Community News •
September 25, 2018
Halloween Happenings Not to Miss
Trick or Treat…Scary or Not…Boo…it’s Time for Halloween! HoweHallver, there is no time to spare…carve those pumpkins, decorate your homes and fill the candy jars. It’s time where excitement fills the air to scare and be scared, enjoy the fall aroma of cinnamon in the crisp air, candy apples to eat and more. Homes look seasonal with decorations in place from webs, scarecrows, witches and goblins; flashing lights; and orange and black decors.
Halloween Activities:
None the less, if scary is not your thing…have no fear, because Central New Jersey offers so much to enjoy. Coincidentally we are the Garden State, so besides decorating, why not visit our farms for the perfect pumpkin, or an apple orchard that has all kinds the choose from. Settle back home and make a fresh apple pie or crisps for dessert. Furthermore you can find decorations such as cornstalks, bales of hay and colorful gourds that the stores do not offer. For the active enthusiasts that want to take in the scenery, our may parks have trails and picnic areas amid the changing fall colors. The season will be over before you know it, so don’t miss out on all the fun…join us!
Events Not To Miss:
- Nightmare at Gravity Hill / Cicconi Farms–Jackson
- Fright Fest / Six Flags–Jackson
- Scary Rotten Farms-Haunted Experience / Berry Fresh Farms–Brick
- Camp Evans Base of Terror–Wall Twp
- Casola Farms -Haunted Attaction–Marlboro
- New Jersey Zombie Walk and Undead Festival–Asbury Park
- Farms or Horror / Schaeffer Farms–Flemington
- Field of Terror–East Windsor
- Brookdale Haunted Theater / Brookdale Community College–Lincroft
- Oasis Island of Terror–Robbinsville
- Spooky Spooktakular Halloween / I-Play America–Freehold
- Haunted Allaire / Haunted Hayrides & Village–Farmingdale
- Boo at the Boardwalk / Jenkinson’s Boardwalk–Point Pleasant
- Howl-O-Ween Dog Festival & Pooch Parade–Bradley Beach
- Not-So-Scary Halloween Laser Show / Ocean County College–Toms River
- Point Pleasant Boro Halloween Costume & Float Parade–Point Pleasant
- 80th Toms River Halloween Parade / Toms River Center–Toms River
- Haunted Woods–Old Bridge
Living In Your Home •
July 21, 2018
Outdoor Living Space Enhancements
Outdoor living space enhancements give you more areas to enjoy at home. Although you update the interior, you should include updating it’s exterior, too. When the weather has warmed up yards become an extension of your living space. Creating an outdoor space to enjoy is not as hard as you might think. Nontheless, just a few enhancements could make all the difference. They also can add value to your home if you are considering selling, too. Here are some tips from a Realtor Magazine homeowner survey that just might motivate you to give it a try.
- Water Feature or Fire Pits
- Create a dramatic focal point by adding a water feature or fire pit. This can draw the eye, and many homeowners say they have a greater desire to be home since adding these items.
- Fire pits scored high, according to the NAR and NALP survey. Homeowners can recoup about 67 percent of the cost to add a $6,000 fire pit with natural stone with a gas burner on a flagstone patio (10 feet in diameter).
- Lighting
- Enhance the lighting in your yard. Use lighting to highlight a focal point outside or to create a more inviting space. It was reported that althought installing 20 LED lights and a standard 600-watt transformer will cost about $5,000, but it could make a big difference. A few strings of lights along trees or fences can made a big difference, too.
- Nature
- Focus on nature. Landscape your space with plants and trees to increase the outdoor mood. Landscape architects say consumer demand is highest for native plants and low-maintenance landscapes, according to a 2018 ASLA survey.
- A container garden can also be a way to add curb appeal, says Kristen Coffen, a landscape architect and owner of Garden Architecture in Fork, Md.
Whether your budget allows for major changes in your yard, or your on a smaller fixed one, enhancements to your yard make a huge difference. Also, if you are looking to sell your home and need some tips to get your home sale ready, contact me today!
- Source: “The 5 Best Outdoor Renovations for Summer,” MagnifyMoney (July 11, 2018)
Buying a Home •
January 28, 2018
Should I Rent or Buy?
Another year is gone and you are still renting? Let’s change that and make 2019 Your Year!…Out with the old and in with the new. It’s time to move onto your perfect home. Dont’ be so apprehensive about the process. Paying rent just means you are paying a mortgage, but just not yours. Why help another with their payments and homeownership. You can be a homeowner, yourself. There are some steps to get you to the closing, so contact me to help you start and guide you to the end. If you are not sure what to ask…don’t worry. I am here to assist with the information you need. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to help you on your way. You could be hosting the New Year’s Party for 2020, in your new home.
