If your house is on the market and does not have central air you could be part of a new trend. Stan Cox has written an interesting new book, “Losing Our Cool. ” Cox has recently been in the media speaking about the benefits of going without central air: lower energy consumption, greater sense of community (since everyone’s not shut inside in the air) and just getting outside to enjoy the true meaning of summer. Perhaps you are one of the folks who rely on window air conditioning units and never felt the need to install central air in your home. If this may be the case you may find some of Cox’s tips on ways to keep cool. For more great reasons to buy a Hoboken home in 2010, please click on The Best Time to Buy a Home is Now! If you have been patiently waiting to buy a Hoboken home, now... 09/15/2010

Below are the top 3 most expensive Hoboken condo sales for August 2010. All information is gathered from the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service.1. 822 Hudson St. Unit #2 - Sold for $1,050,000.2. 1125 Maxwell Lane Unit 919 - Sold for $887,5003. 600 Hudson St. Unit #3A - Sold for $685,000.For all the details regarding these condos, please visit my Hoboken real estate blog. 09/14/2010

This Week In Hoboken Real Estate: Sept 8-13 Are you ready for some football? I think a lot of people are. The rain and football caused a dead week for open houses. Quick musings. I am seeing a lot of retreads in the new to market section. You can slap lipstick on a pig but without a serious price reduction the market will not bite. The August Hoboken Real Estate Report is now available. A few of the highlights 52 Condos Sold. 51 Condos under contract. Only six over $600k AN IMPORTANT NOTE: if you click on the links in the speadsheet, it opens a page with more info about the property. If you want to see additional pictures, you must register. I didn't make the system. This Week In Hoboken Real Estate: Sept 8-13 09/13/2010

Anybody who is selling their Hoboken home would be elated to receive multiple offers to buy their home, especially if they meet the asking price. With multiple offers, even if they are the same, one could be better than the other. Here are four tips to find out which offer is best: 1. Carefully review the offers with your real estate agent. Many times , one offer will seem to be the because it is the highest offer. Often the highest price isn’t always the best offer. Be open to all of the offers and consider the terms—down payment, closing costs, etc., as well as the price. 2. Double check the terms of financing. Read the buyers’ pre-approval letters from lenders and pay attention to the “subject to’s” that will tell you how secure the buyer’s financing is. A high price may be worthles... 09/06/2010

If you are getting ready to move to Hoboken, be sure to change your address before you leave so you will avoid past-due bills, service lapses or even something as severe as identity theft. Be sure to keep the following in mind before you pack your bags: ●      The Post Office. Visit the U.S. Postal Service’s online movers guide or stop by your local office to fill out a change of address card so your mail will be forwarded. ●      The IRS. Print out and mail in the IRS’ Change of Address form. ●      Credit card companies. Remember your store cards and loyalty programs! ●      Banks. You may want immediate access to your checking account on moving day, as well as update online banks information, retirement funds and investment accounts. ●      Utility Companies. Schedule shut-off at yo... 09/06/2010

After making the down payment, closing costs and broker fees, many people are out of money to pay for an expensive moving service. Following are some great tips to stay on budget whether you are moving across the country or down the street: 1. If you don’t need it, don’t pay to move it. Movers base their prices on the amount you are shipping so be sure to get rid of any clutter. Start packing a few weeks ahead of time. Consider having a yard sale to get rid of the items you don’t need, or donate them to charity. 2. Try to relocate after peak moving season. The least expensive time of the year to move is between October and April, so if it’s possible to postpone your move, you could save some money. 3. Be sure to get three estimates. Prices will vary between companies so be sure to shop... 09/06/2010

Carlo's Bakery of TLC'S Cake Boss located in Hoboken, NJ is getting even more popular My second attempt to visit was successful. I was hoping an August Wednesday morning at 9am in 90 degree heat would have a smaller line and it was. Some of the beautiful cakes: Needless to say, the pastries were delicious. I would highly suggest the lobster tail, cannoli and crumb cake, although for some reason I have a feeling everything is good! Carlos Bakery95 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ 07030(201) 659 - 3671  Click Here For Directions It's worth a visit! 09/02/2010

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released and interesting survey called the 2009 American Housing Survey. The survey highlights the characteristics of U.S. housing and how it has changed over the years beginning in 1973 till today. Following is a quick list of findings: • Almost every home in the U.S. has a complete kitchen with a refrigerator, sink and cooking stove or range. • When it comes to cooking, electricity is the most common fuel used followed by piped natural gas. • Sixty-six percent of U.S. homes have a dishwasher and fifty-one percent have an in-sink disposal. • A clothes washing machine ranks high with 84 percent of U.S. homes having one and 81 percent have a dryer. • It’s likely you will find central air in a recently built home since 89 percent w... 08/30/2010

Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), and the findings have stated that, fixed-rate mortgages reached record lows, while the 5-year adjustable rate also remained at a record low. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are at 4.36 percent. Last year at this time, the 30- year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.14 percent. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged a recent record low of 3.86 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.58 percent. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s purchase only index, housing prices look like they may be stabilizing. On a national rate housing prices rose 0.9 percent on a seasonally-adjusted basis during the second quarter of this year after 11 consecutive quarterly declines. If you hav... 08/30/2010

If you lack the funds for a major remodelthat’s okay because you can still make good positive changes to your home with just a little creativity. For $1,000 and under are great ideas to make your current home the home of your dreams. Lighting can make or break your home. For under $500 you can perform a miracle in an overlooked room. Get rid of the overhead fluorescents and put in some recessed can lights. With a dimmer you can obtain instant mood lighting that will flatter and soften a room. To create a cozy feeling to a room, a few hundred dollars can buy you beautiful table lamps. A doorway is a main component of a home so shouldn’t it be a show stopper? Perhaps painting a front door with an unexpected color will give your home more personality and distinguish it amongst a row of si... 08/30/2010

This Week In Hoboken Real Estate: Aug 21-30 Last week my week was three weeks long this week it's only nine days! By next week I should be on track. I am feeling a little like Alice in Wonderland. Eat some of this to make you small, dring some of that to make you big. Musing from the Hoboken front. I wonder what a different place Hoboken would be today if people stood three hours in line to vote but only stopped by the bakery when it was convenient? I am continuing my good will gesture to all of those who have put up with my conspicuous absence (in body, not spirit) I am giving you my Hoboken Real Estate Report July Update here for free. The Q2 Hoboken Real Estate Report is also available but you have to let me know where to send it. AN IMPORTANT NOTE: if you click on the links in the s... 08/30/2010

Stocks are up and some commodities have risen dramatically. The only asset that needs to increase is real estate. According to Michael Murphy, editor of the New World Investor stock newsletter, following are three great reasons to buy a Hoboken homenow. Both home owners and lenders are eager to get rid of the many foreclosed and underwater properties. If you have the patience you can save a lot of money buying one of these properties. Since many people do not have the skills it takes to negotiate short sales and REOs, there are not a lot of investors looking for these types of properties. Mortgage rates are still at 40-year lows, so now is the time to buy a home in Hoboken. Stop waiting! There are many positive reasons to buy a new home now.Contact me now so I can show you why the The ... 08/23/2010

When you are buying or selling a Hoboken home you may hear some unfamiliar terminology. To make things easier, here are several terms you should know: Closing costs. This is a term that refers to any expense related to a real estate transaction. Generally, closing costs may include mortgage fees, attorney’s fees, transfer taxes, flood certification fees, title insurance and more. CMA. A “comparative market analysis (CMA) is a list of comparable homes that are similar in location, size, features and condition to a particular home. Fixture. A “fixture” describes anything that is attached to a property. A good example would be any light fixtures or wall to wall carpeting would qualify. Listing. When a home has been listed as for sale by a realtor would be called a listing. Realtor. A Real... 08/23/2010

Packing is an enormous task when you are moving into your new Hobokenhome. Here are a few tips to make your life easier when it’s time to pack: Allow extra time. Start packing as soon as possible, the more time you allow the better. This will give you more time to find extra boxes and deal with any additional problems that may pop up. Get rid of the junk. Don’t pack stuff you won’t need. That includesanything that’s out-dated, broken or never used. Go through every room, closet and storage area, including the attic, garage and basement. When you get settled into your new home, you’ll be happy to have less clutter. Label all boxes. It is a very good idea to be aware of the contents of your moving boxes to avoid anything getting lost in transit. Make a point of labeling the outside of th... 08/23/2010

Owning a condo in Hoboken is something that many people would love to do. The problem is that for many people, most if not all of the nicer condos are out of their price range. Why? A quick train ride in to NYC Great town with shopping within walking distance The best nightlife outside of NYC Safe neighborhood Wonderful restaurants READ ABOUT THE GREAT CONDO DEALS IN HOBOKEN Prices are as low as the Hoboken foreclosures only these are remodeled condos and are the best value in Hoboken. 08/23/2010

Here are the top 3 Hoboken condos sales in July. Data is compiled from Hudson County MLS.1. 1125 Maxwell Lane Unit #1222. Sold for $1,146,9952. 700 1st St. #17PA. Sold for $1,050,000.3. 223 Madison St. #2. Sold for $852,000.For more details on these condo sales, please visit my Hoboken real estate blog. 08/23/2010

On Thursday, Sept. 2, Hoboken will be having its Annual Spaghetti Dinner Block Party. The party will begin at 5 pm and last until 8 pm and will take place along the walkway on Sinatra Drive between 1st & 2nd Streets. If you purchase tickets before August 26, the price is $15.00, any time after the 26th, the cost will be $20.00 each. Tickets for children 12 & under are $8.00; after the deadline children’s tickets are $10.00. Seating is limited so it would be a good idea to get your tickets in advance. The menu will include four types of pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread & dessert. Wine, beer, water, and soda, will also be available at an additional cost and are sold to raise funds for the Hoboken Ambulance Corporation. Tickets can be purchased at City Hall, in the Cultural Affairs... 08/17/2010

Surveys conducted have stated that 84 percent of home buyers start their search online, which means it is critical to have an Internet presence while in the process of selling your Hoboken home. Following are ideas of how to develop a superior web presence in today’s home seller market: Property Photos Do it the right way and only use high-quality photos of your property, inside and out. If it’s possible use the services of a professional photography service to make your house stand out. Get several photos take inside and out, highlighting the most attractive features of the home. Be sure to highlight the most important areas of the house. The next step would be to post the photos on a high traffic and easily accessible site. It’s a good idea to have several photos online since buyers ... 08/17/2010

When you are deciding if you can afford a Hoboken home, one of the first measures of deciding how much house you can afford is adding up the cost of your expected monthly expenses. Keep the following things in mind regarding a home’s affordability: Be aware that most online mortgage calculators do not factor in homeowners insurance premiums and taxes when they spit out a monthly number. You can decide to roll these into your monthly mortgage payment (called escrow) or pay them annually. Also, keep an eye out while searching for a house online, the listing will often give you the estimated annual taxes. Any fees for HOA ( Homeowner’s Association ), Co-op Assessment, or Maintenance Fees, will also drive up your monthly payment. These fees usually cover any common ground maintenance and e... 08/17/2010

It is so easy to  “fall in love” when a buyer finds the perfect Hoboken home. But that feeling sometimes doesn’t mean the house is a perfect fit for their needs. Ask yourself the following three questions when you find that perfect Hoboken home: 1. Can you really afford it? Don’t take a huge mortgage even if your lender says it’s okay. Sit down and ask yourself if you are comfortable with the mortgage payment, insurance premium, property taxes and utility bills. Consider the age of the home since there may be repairs down the road. 2. Are there many repairs involved? A home that’s in poor condition could be any amazing fixer-upper or an aggravating money pit. 3. Is the home the right size for you? Are the rooms too small? Find out for yourself and use measuring tape to get an accurate ... 08/10/2010