Veronica's Blog

The stimulus package includes a revison to the credit given to first time home buyers. All of the changes are good! 1. The amount of the credit is 10% of the cost of the home with the maximum now $8000. 2. Applies to purchases of principal residence which close between January 1 and December 31 o...

The current version of the stimulas package passed by Congress eleiminated the proposed $15,000 tax credit for home buyers. Instead, the tax credit which is now offered is $8000 and is extended to the end of 2009.  In my opinion, this may be a better alternative to many people. The $15,000 would ...

Many home owners are faced with the unpleasant reality that they now owe more on their home than they can sell it for. This is the essence of a short sale situation. We realtors can help them through this painful process. Our office recently had a presentation by a company which negotiates with t...

I'll be watching what Congress decides to do this week about the economic stimulus package. Particularly I'll be wanting to see if the $15000 tax credit to home buyers is passed. This credit would be a great boost for the ailing real estate market. Buyers would have an additional motivation to bu...

I know. Who wants to talk about septics and sewers? But this is definitely an issue for home buyers and one they need help understanding. I have been working with a first time home buyer who have been fairly insistent that they want a home with public sewer. They just don't trust septic systems w...

There seem to be more vacant houses for sale now. When showing these houses, I try to do my research ahead of time to answer my buyers' natural question, "Why is this vacant?"  Sometimes the answer is obvious. The house was purchased low so the seller is flipping it. Then there are the less obvio...

Yes, NOW is a great time to invest in real estate. Prices are lower than they have been. Interest rates are historically low. Money is still available to qualified buyers. You will need an experienced real estate agent to guide you through the process. You can invest in commercial real estate. Bu...

New Jersey has designated certain areas throughout the state as Smart Growth areas. Generally these areas are along major highway corridors. For example, in Hunterdon county the Smart Growth areas follow Route 22 which goes through Readington and Clinton townships. Not all of either of these town...

New Jersey is still offering first time home buyers help through the Smart Start program. The program offers a grant for 4% of the sale price which can be used towards down-payment or closing costs. The grant is not repaid until the buyer sells the property. If the buyer stays in the home for sev...

Whatever you political convictions, make sure you vote today. Remember, you lose your right to complain if you don't exercise your right to vote. Our forefathers fought hard to get and maintain our right to govern ourselves. Be patriotic- VOTE. Have a great day. Bonnie