Buying a Home • Community News • September 25, 2025

Property Ownership Types

by Roslyn Sibilia

Property ownership types can vary based on the type of real estate and the legal structure of ownership. Knowing them prior to making a home purchase is key. Here are the key differences.

Fee Simple (Freehold Ownership)
- This is the most common and complete form of property ownership. The owner has full control over the land and structure, with the right to sell, lease, or pass it down to heirs.

Condominium (Condo Ownership)
- A condo owner owns their individual unit but shares ownership of common areas (hallways, pools, gyms) with other unit owners through a homeowners association (HOA), which manages maintenance and fees.

Cooperative (Co-op Ownership)
- Instead of owning the unit itself, co-op residents own shares in a corporation that owns the building. Shareholders have a proprietary lease for their specific unit and must adhere to co-op board rules.

Townhouse Ownership
- Townhouse owners typically own both the unit and the land beneath it (fee simple), but they may also be part of an HOA that governs shared elements like exterior maintenance and amenities.

Leasehold Ownership
- The owner holds a property for a fixed term (e.g., 99 years) but does not own the land, which remains under the control of a landlord or governing entity. The leaseholder may have restrictions on modifications and resale.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)
- Similar to a townhouse, but often includes a mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes with shared common spaces. Ownership typically includes the unit and land, with an HOA overseeing shared areas.

Contact me to learn more on how they impact real estate transactions?❓

🏠Roslyn Sibilia 📞732-995-5609 💻RSibilia@ERAcentral.com 💻 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

#terminologythursday #PropertyOwnership #Title #deeds #InTheKnow #owningahome #realestategoals #buyingahome #sellingahome #BuyersRealtor #SellersRealtor #listahome #MakingAnOffer #OfferAcceptance #experiencematters #22years #TopAgent #monmouthcountyrealtor #oceancountyrealtor #middlesexcountryrealtor #freeholdrealtor

Living In Your Home • September 22, 2025

Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist to Keep Your Home Ready

by Roslyn Sibilia

Fall Yard Cleanup: Prepare Your Yard for the Season

As the seasons change, now is the perfect time to tackle your fall yard cleanup. A little attention this season keeps your lawn, garden, and outdoor spaces healthy and looking great through winter.

Essential Fall Yard Tasks

Clean Out Debris: Remove leaves, branches, and leftover summer clutter to prevent mold and pests.
Trim and Prune: Cut back rogue branches and prune perennials to encourage healthy growth next year.
Tend the Lawn: Aerate, feed, and give your lawn one last mow to strengthen roots and prevent winter damage.
Garden Prep: Till vegetable beds, plant bulbs, shrubs, and fall annuals, and mulch leaves for added soil nutrition.
Protect Sensitive Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to shield them from frost and freezing temperatures.
Clean Gutters and Deck: Clear gutters of leaves and debris, and seal or cover your deck to protect against winter weather.
Store Tools Properly: Clean, dry, and store tools to keep them in good condition for spring.

Why It Matters

Completing your fall yardwork now saves time and effort in the spring, protects your investment, and keeps your outdoor spaces looking their best. For homeowners planning to sell, a tidy, well-maintained yard boosts curb appeal and creates a positive first impression.

Even simple steps—like raking, mulching, or fertilizing—can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your lawn and garden. Taking the time now ensures your yard is ready to thrive when the warmer months return.

✅ Ready to enhance your home’s value this season? Whether you’re buying or selling in Central New Jersey, I can help you make the most of your property’s potential.

#REsultsWithRoslyn | #SuccessWithSibilia | #SibiliaSellsNJ

Enjoying New Jersey • September 12, 2025

Things To Do In New Jersey

by Roslyn Sibilia

There are so many things to do in all seasons in New Jersey. Check back each Friday to set up your weekend. From where to eat, what to see or where to be, you will be sure not to miss out. It’s great to visit New Jersey all year round. As summer ends and we approach the fall season, there is an overlap of our extended summer and autumn beginnings. It’s a great place to be.

Click here to see what not to miss. https://visitnj.org/nj/events

Just think how much you can enjoy if you lived here. A trip to the beach, fruit pickings at the orchards, or just a stroll on the many green acre trails could be a short trip away.

Already a New Jersey resident and looking for a new town. I an assist with that, too and add your real estate goals to “things to do”.

Let’s connect and have a great weekend!

#SibiliaSellsNJ

🏠Roslyn Sibilia
📞732-995-5609
💻RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
💻 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Home Tips • September 9, 2025

September Home Maintenance Tips

by Roslyn Sibilia

September home maintenance tips can help you prepare for the upcoming fall season. September is the perfect month to prepare your home for the cooler weather ahead. As temperatures begin to dip, it’s important to stay on top of seasonal maintenance. By tackling these tasks now, you can prevent costly repairs, save energy, and keep your home comfortable all season long.

1. Start With the Roof and Gutters

First, clean out your gutters and downspouts. This step removes leaves and debris, which helps prevent clogs and water damage during fall rains. Next, inspect the roof carefully. If you notice damaged or missing shingles, schedule repairs right away to avoid leaks.

2. Focus on Energy Efficiency

After your roof check, turn your attention to energy savings. Begin by sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and siding. This not only stops drafts but also reduces heat loss. Then, schedule a professional service for your heating system. A quick inspection ensures it will run smoothly when colder days arrive. In addition, don’t forget to replace your HVAC filters. Clean filters improve air quality and boost efficiency, and allergy-friendly options are available if needed.

3. Prepare Fireplaces and Chimneys

Also, make sure your fireplace and chimney are ready for use. Have them inspected and cleaned by a professional. This step is essential because it reduces the risk of fire and keeps your home safe.

4. Weatherproof and Insulate

Next, check the weatherstripping around your doors and windows. If it’s worn out, replace it to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. In addition, inspect your attic insulation. Good insulation will help maintain a cozy home while lowering energy bills.

5. Wrap Up With Yard and Safety Tasks

Finally, head outside for a fall yard cleanup. Trim bushes and trees, rake leaves, and prepare your garden for winter. While you’re at it, consider planting bulbs for a colorful spring. Also, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries and double-check that your fire extinguisher is not expired.

✅ By following this September home maintenance checklist, you will keep your home safe, efficient, and well-prepared for the changing season.

For more home tips—or to learn how to prepare your home for sale—contact me today!

🏠 Roslyn Sibilia, Realtor®
📞 732-995-5609 | 📧 RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
🌐 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Would you like me to also bold key phrases (like clean gutters, seal gaps, fall yard cleanup) so Yoast gives

Enjoying New Jersey • August 22, 2025

Things To Do In New Jersey

by Roslyn Sibilia

Click here to see what not to miss. https://visitnj.org/nj/events

Just think how much you can enjoy if you lived here. Already a New Jersey resident and looking for a new town. I an assist with that, too and add your real estate goals to “things to do”.

Let’s connect and have a great weekend!

#SibiliaSellsNJ

🏠Roslyn Sibilia
📞732-995-5609
💻RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
💻 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Home Tips • Living In Your Home • August 19, 2025

July Home Maintenance: What to Watch Out For When the Heat is ON

by Roslyn Sibilia

July Home Maintenance: What to Watch Out for When The Heat Is On

As temperatures rise and summer kicks into full gear, July brings more than just BBQs and beach days—it also comes with a unique set of challenges for homeowners. From fire safety to pest control, now’s the time to stay ahead of potential issues that could put your home or family at risk.

Here are key things to watch for in homes during July:

Fire Risks Are Real. July is one of the peak months for house fires, often caused by outdoor grilling, electrical overloads, or dry landscaping.

Prevention tips:
- Keep grills at least 10 feet from your home and never leave them unattended.
- Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet, especially with AC units and fans running full blast.
- Water dry mulch or grass regularly and clear out dead branches and leaves.

Overworked HVAC Systems
- Air conditioners work overtime in July, and without proper care, they can break down just when you need them most.
- Replace your air filter every 30 days in peak usage.

1. Schedule a mid-summer tune-up to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

Pests Invade

Hot weather is prime time for ants, termites, spiders, and stinging insects to sneak into your home.

Stay protected:

Seal windows, doors, and cracks.

Don’t leave pet food or crumbs out, and trim back any vegetation touching your home.

Humidity & Hidden Mold

With high humidity levels, especially in basements and bathrooms, mold can form fast.

Mold control:

Use dehumidifiers in damp areas.

Check for condensation on windows and walls and address leaks immediately.

Storm Season Prep

Thunderstorms can roll in unexpectedly, bringing lightning, strong winds, and flooding.

Before the storm:

Clear gutters and drains to prevent water backups.

Test your sump pump and have a backup power source if possible.

Tie down patio furniture and secure loose items that could become projectiles.

Banish the Bugs

Standing water creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry viruses and ruin your backyard fun.

Simple solutions:

Empty birdbaths, flower pot saucers, and kiddie pools often.

Consider adding mosquito-repelling plants like citronella or lavender near doorways and patios

Check back for more helpful home tips.

Roslyn Sibilia

732-995-5609

RSibilia@ERAcentral.com

NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

#hometips #protectyourproperty #julyhomemaintenance #njhomesbyroslyn #sibiliasellsnj #TheHeatIsOn

Home Tips • Living In Your Home • August 12, 2025

Is Your Pool Water Level Decreasing?

by Roslyn Sibilia

Have you noticed your pool water level decreasing? You keep the hose on in the pool, but the water is level is low again, when you stop. This can either be due to a leak or it actually could just be the effects of the air temperature.

Before spending hundreds of dollars hiring a pool company to check your pool, you can do the test yourself.

Here’s a test that works every time. I have tried it myself.

The Bucket Test For Pool Leak Detection

Fill Your Pool to Normal Level:–Ensure the water level is where it normally sits.

Fill a Bucket with Pool Water–Use a 5-gallon bucket and fill it about ¾ full with water from the pool. Place the bucket on the pool step (submerged about halfway), so it’s in the same conditions as the pool water

Mark the Water Levels
Inside the bucket–Mark the water level on the inside of the bucket.
Outside the bucket–Mark the pool’s water level on the outside of the bucket (at the level of pool water around it).
Leave the Bucket for 24 Hours–Turn off the pool pump and let everything sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Make sure it doesn’t rain during this time.

Compare Water Loss–After 24 hours
If the pool water level dropped more than the bucket water level, you likely have a leak.
If both levels dropped the same, it’s likely just evaporation.
Repeat with Pump On (Optional)

Repeat the test with the pump running. If there is a larger difference in the water level, then the the leak could be in the plumbing.

Before hiring a pool company to check this out, you can start here. You might be able to save not just on the service call, but also on your water bill.

And…if you are looking to sell your home , this is a great way to avoid any issues later on.

Don’t forget to comment below and let me know if this test worked for you!

Looking for other home tips, check back here on Tuesdays or Contact Me Today!

Roslyn Sibilia

732-995-5609

RSibilia@ERAcentral.com

NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Community News • Enjoying New Jersey • Living In Your Home • August 7, 2025

Making Monmouth County Home…Freehold Township

by Roslyn Sibilia

If you are looking to make Monmouth County home, then consider Freehold Township. When interviewed by The New York Times, I called this town “the hub of Monmouth County”. This town has it all and can get you anywhere you need to go.

Shopping, dining and entertainment is all around.

The Freehold Raceway mall offers shopping and dining. While shopping about, you can grab a bite either at the food court or restaurants directly outside. This mall is home to the Cheesecake Factory , PF Changs, Brio and more. Nearby in town you can find The Olive Garden, Moore’s Tavern, Esconditos, Longhornes, Mahzu, Clarizios, Tommy’s Tavern & Tap and many more! There is a meal for everyone’s taste.
When shopping is one, you can head to AMC Theaters-Freehold . I am sure you can find a favorite movie to watch. This multiplex center offers 14 theaters to catch a movie while enjoying reclining cozy seats. It’s never too late to check out the latest blockbuster!

There is easy access everywhere from Freehold Township with major routes.

Being within only about an hour to NYC and Philadelphia, you are never far from additional entertainment, shopping and recreation. If you have a urge to ski or see a concert out of state, living in Freehold Township offers an easy route to your destination. With many routes throughout, such as Route 9, 18, 33, 34, 79, 524 and 537, you can also easily access the GSP and the NJ Turnpike. Living in Freehold Township you are only about 30 min to take in the scenery of our beautiful beaches. Also, head approximately 25 minutes west to enjoy the attractions at Six Flags Great Adventure approx. 20 minutes west.

There are many opportunities for all types of recreation and sports.

Freehold Township is the home to many county parks with lots of activities for all. The Freehold Township Recreation Department, which includes events, dances and sports for children of many ages has events year round. This town also has Green Acres which is important to it’s residents to keep a balance of homes to the natural beauty around.

Freehold Township Education covers elementary schools and the Freehold Regional High School District.

The educational system is made of 2 districts. There is one for the elementary schools and one for the high schools. The elementary school district is comprised of 5 elementary schools which go from grade K through 5. The 2 middle schools have grades from 6 through 8. The Freehold Regional HS District (FRHSD) one of the largest districts in the state, includes high schools from towns in Western Monmouth County, that also have specialized learning centers and other vocational schools , too. These towns include Freehold Township, Freehold, Manalapan, Marlboro, Howell and Colts Neck. Within the district are programs offered at the Monmouth County Vocational School District, too.

There are homes of all styles throughout the town.

Freehold Township welcomes you and awaits its newest residents. This area is home to many developments such as Poets Corner, Champions Run, Seven Oaks, College Park, Raintree and more. You can find 1 and 2 level homes, homes within developments with amenities offered and home with large yards to design as you wish. Adult communities can be found here, as well.

Search for Homes of Freehold

Looking to make Monmouth County home and think Freehold Township is the place for you? Contact me, today!

🏠Roslyn Sibilia
📞732-995-5609
💻 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Buying a Home • Living In Your Home • June 3, 2025

Termites Want To Feast On Your Home

by Roslyn Sibilia

Termites want to feast on your home. Yikes! Whether you just purchased your home and had a termite inspection or it’s been many years, you should have an annual termite inspection.

As the summer weather warms up, the dirt is a breeding ground for termites. Here are some things to consider when you are buying a home or maintaining it.

What and Where?

- Termites are insects that nest in the ground and feast on wood. Your home is a meal for them. Not only can they cause major damage, but they can also affect the structure of your home. This can be costly for you to repair.
- There are mud tubes
- There is evidence of intermittent lines along a wood beam or wood columns
- Sawdust is found on horizontal parts of the home

How to prevent termite damage?

- Termite inspections.
  - A termite inspection is a very important part of the home buying process. A pest control inspector can offer more guidance. They will not only check for presence of evidence, but also advise of any evidence of damage.
- Termite treatments.
  - Many buyer are anxious about termite inspections. I like to point out that a houses already treated is a good thing. Not only does the house have a layer of protection, but often the warranty this treatment is transferrable to the new owner. The buyer would continue to make payments so the warranty stays current. Furthermore, if further treatment needs to be done, the warranty will cover that. You should always confirm the coverage of any warranty.
- Annual inspections.
  - This home is your most expensive investment, and it is important to maintain annual check ups. Although you many not find evidence of termites during your home inspection, this does not guarantee that your home won’t be affected after. Annual termite inspections are necessary and highly recommended to prevent that.

To know more about home inspections and guidance, Contact met today!

Roslyn Sibilia, Realtor®
732-995-5609
Sibilia@ERAcentral.com
NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Community News • Enjoying New Jersey • May 14, 2025

It’s A Shore Thing In New Jersey

by Roslyn Sibilia

It’s a shore thing in New Jersey. The dog days of summer are here…no worries, because New Jersey as your back. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

It’s no surprise that this time of year produces record temperatures and hot humid days. The perfect solution—New Jersey Beaches! Spend the day or just an evening by our shoreline and enjoy the ocean breeze and fun in the sun. There’s nothing like feeling the sand between your toes while enjoying a good book or the sound of crashing waves.

Each beach is managed by its town. There are different rules and restrictions for each. Also a daily fee may be required or you can buy an seasonal pass. Information can be found on each town’s web-site. Most towns offer on street parking, but some have additional areas with metered parking or offer lots where you can pay for the day. Be sure to check it out before heading towards the water.

As the summer season moves forward different beaches offer concerts, sporting events, movies at the beach or fireworks. The busy beach holidays are Memorial Day which marks the opening of the season, the 4th of July and Labor Day. The busy Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of the beach season, however the locals enjoy “local summer”.

If the beach is not your thing, there are so many restaurants, shopping opportunities and amusement parks, too. Don’t just take my word for it, here is a list that New Jersey Monthly put together of our best beaches you won’t want to miss. They are “Shore to Please”

20 Best Beaches in New Jersey

Just think…you could be minutes from your favorite beach and enjoy “local summer”. Let’s make that happen and contact me today!

🏠Roslyn Sibilia
📞732-995-5609
💻 NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist to Keep Your Home Ready

Fall Yard Cleanup: Prepare Your Yard for the Season

Essential Fall Yard Tasks

Why It Matters

Things To Do In New Jersey

September Home Maintenance Tips

1. Start With the Roof and Gutters

2. Focus on Energy Efficiency

3. Prepare Fireplaces and Chimneys

4. Weatherproof and Insulate

5. Wrap Up With Yard and Safety Tasks

Things To Do In New Jersey

July Home Maintenance: What to Watch Out For When the Heat is ON

Is Your Pool Water Level Decreasing?

Making Monmouth County Home…Freehold Township

Termites Want To Feast On Your Home

It’s A Shore Thing In New Jersey

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