Special offer

Manalapan, NJ Real Estate News

By Gail Szeluga, Manalapan, Marlboro & Monmouth County
(Weichert Realtors-Marlboro, Manalapan)
"Bridge of Books" Book Drive May 9, 2009 "Bridge of Books" Book Drive Saturday, May 9, 2009 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Drop off location:  Municipal Court Parking Lot The "Bridge of Books Foundation" provides new and used books directly to children and children's organizations.   We accept the following: New and gently used children books If a book makes sounds, it must work If a book has parts, it must be complete Parenting books   We do not accept the following: Adult books Magazines Textbooks Encyclopedias Used coloring books Used workbooks  
Comments 0
By Gail Szeluga, Manalapan, Marlboro & Monmouth County
(Weichert Realtors-Marlboro, Manalapan)
Manalapan Parks and Recreation is proud to present: The Manalapan Project A volunteer club designed to better our community! Available to ages 12 and above, who are looking for a fun way to work with other volunteers who share their interest in enriching their own lives by giving to others. This project will not only focus on volunteering, but will expose participants to community activities, as well as various organizations. Prior projects include: Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Manalapan Township Special Events, Monmouth County Parks Special Events and more! Interested volunteers should return application to Manalapan Parks and Recreation 120 Route 522, Manalapan All volunteers are notified of opportunities via email! Be sure to list an e-mail contact! Recreation Keeps You Fit For ...
Comments 0
By Gail Szeluga, Manalapan, Marlboro & Monmouth County
(Weichert Realtors-Marlboro, Manalapan)
Hot off the presses!!! This was just sent to me from Manalapan Township. Very useful for all the after-hours folks!!     Township of Manalapan OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 120 Route 522 • Manalapan, NJ 07726 • 732-446-8307 • Fax 732-446-9615   The Tax Collector's Office now has a drop box located on the front of the office door. You may now drop off your tax payment between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Please use the drop box when: • You cannot get to our office during our normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Saturday is more convenient to drop off your payment. • It is close to the 10th and you are not sure if you mail your payment that it will arrive in time to avoid interest charges. • It is more convenient to drop of...
Comments 0
By Gail Szeluga, Manalapan, Marlboro & Monmouth County
(Weichert Realtors-Marlboro, Manalapan)
Just a quick note to let everyone know that the fares for commuters who ride the NY Waterway ferries from Monmouth County are going down again. Since December the fares have decreased $51.00. Effective Monday March 30, 2009 the price of a monthly pass is reduced to $605 down from $635. The 40-trip pass is reduced to $615, down from $646. Ten-trip passes are $190, down from $197. One-way fares are $20, down from $20.50. The company eliminated a fuel-surcharge in December. In addition to the reduction in fuel prices, NY Waterway officials have made changes to maintenance and operations to increase effieiency.
Comments 1
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
  I took a new listing this weekend in my farm in Manalapan New Jersey's Yorktowne Development.  Yorktowne is not just where I farm.  I used to live there.  Check out my recent post about this great home. I love getting listings in my Farm.  Who doesn't?  They give you the confirmation that your hard work and commitment is paying off!         The weather was BEAUTIFUL in New Jersey today.  Up near 70° with sunny skies... quite the conflict to be jacketless and warm and stepping over piles of snow!!  (So long snowmen!) I planted my sign in front of the home (Don't you just love that part?).  It went in effortlessly thanks to the warm weather softening the ground!  I stepped back with my client... looked at the sign, looked at her home, looked at the sunny skies, looked around at my old ...
Comments 27
By Esther (Essie) Cruz, Manalapan Marlboro, NJ Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Monmouth-Ocean)
Just a reminder to all!  Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour this evening, March 8, 2009 (Spring forward--Fall Back).  It might be a good idea to check the batteries on your smoke dectectors as well. Enjoy this wonderful weekend! 
Comments 3
By Esther (Essie) Cruz, Manalapan Marlboro, NJ Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Monmouth-Ocean)
Staging a home before you sell can make a great first impression on potential buyers.  When you're ready to sell, I can show you more ways to showcase your home for a successful sale.   Call me.  Visit: www.EssieNJ.com       
Comments 2
By AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author, - The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
(Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide!)
SHORT SALE 101:  "RUMOR vs. REALITY CHECK" = Solutions To Help NJ Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure (March 2009 edition)  RUMOR:  Let's say a financially distressed homeowner owes a mortgage lender/bank a certain amount of money for a mortgage note, and the bank agrees to allow a SHORT SALE. This means the seller should purposely list their home at a high price since the bank will accept an offer from a buyer for 10%-20% less than what the sellers actually owe the bank, right? REALITY CHECK:  NO. This is NOT necessarily true! Many lenders understand the general public has "caught wind" to what a SHORT SALE home actually is, and because of that, the rules of engagement are changing. Every mortgage lender is different and is governed by various rules when it comes to what price is acceptable v...
Comments 11
By AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author, - The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
(Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide!)
A few days ago I met a real estate appraiser named Rosalyn at one of the Monmouth County NJ homes I have listed. Within less than 2 months of being on the market, this home had 3 offers to purchase and was now under contract...Yay!  Rosalyn the appraiser was very focused on what she needed to observe as it pertains to the home. Once she was finished, she was willing to indulge my curiosity as whether or not the changing real estate market has affected the appraisal process. Being the sponge that I am, I looked at this as a great opportunity to "pick her brain" and ask a few questions that might be helpful to my clients. I chose the 5 questions below, because they often lead to spirited debates between myself and other Realtors, as well as first-time buyers or home owners who are in the ...
Comments 8
By Gail Szeluga, Manalapan, Marlboro & Monmouth County
(Weichert Realtors-Marlboro, Manalapan)
I walk my dog every morning for a half hour. We walk all around the development and in doing so I observe a lot. I notice when neighbors get new roofs, new windows or when the hot water heaters have died. I take notice and try to keep a tally in my head. This way I know what to personally expect next as far as my own home maintenance goes plus I see who is putting out a large amount of garbage. Maybe they are cleaning out to sell. I beef up my contact with them. Anyway, today is recycling day in my neighborhood. One week glass and plastic and the alternate week is newspapers. This week in newspapers. We have all heard that newspapers are losing readers left and right. I always found that hard to believe because I absolutely can not start my day without reading my newspaper. I still bund...
Comments 2
By Matthew Schultz
(RPM Mortgage)
Unfortunately with everything the new administration did last week very little if any of it was aimed at bringing mortgage rates down.  The stock market was not impressed with what has been put forth so far.  We are in a waiting game to see if the markets either fall far enough and there is enough fear to bring rates down or if the Federal Govt gets back on track with the aggressive stance they took towards rates back in December.  Lower mortgage rates are still a key component of turning not only the housing market but the economy at large.  I am no sure if the current administration sees it this way.  If things deteriorate enough they will have no choice but to get on board.Even with almost 800 billion being spent through the stimulus bill, which would normally be inflationary we saw ...
Comments 1
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
  "The mission of Center Players, Inc. shall be to bring enrichment through the performing arts to the diverse community it serves. To achieve this goal, the organization will conduct activities and programs to educate and entertain its patrons, and provide actors, directors and other creative people the opportunity to pursue their craft."       COMING SOON! Here's your chance to support this local community theater, as well as fellow Manalapan resident and Realtor, Michelle Catania!  In the upcoming production of The Odd Couple, The Female Version, Michelle is starring in the role of Olive Madison (Oscar).  I hope to see you there!     Written by Neil Simon Directed by Ricky Selterman Fridays (8PM): March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 Saturdays (8PM): March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 Sundays (2P...
Comments 9
By AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author, - The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
(Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide!)
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REDUCE YOUR AUTO INSURANCE?  DO YOU HAVE 2 NAGGING POINTS YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE REMOVED FROM YOUR DRIVING RECORD? Well read below, because you may possibly be in luck! NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL "DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE" Sponsored by Manalapan Venture Crew 120 This class is taught by certified instructors of the NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2009 9:00am-4:00pm MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING Route 522 & Taylors Mills Rd. The cost of $30 per person includes lunch, certifications and materials. An additional $15 will be charged for those New Jersey State residents who want to be considered for insurance discounts up to 10% and/or a possible reduction of up to 2 points off your motor vehicle drivers license.  NOTE:  Keep in mind that any discount off your a...
Comments 4
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
Here is a summary of the new First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.  Thanks to Ann Arbor's own Missy Caulk for use of the fabulous chart! The new bill increases the size of the existing temporary (and refundable) first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It will not be applicable for nonfirst time homebuyers, but it also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it extends the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. First time homebuyers, search the Monmouth County MLS for your next home today!   Jo JoAnna SiminerioWeichert Realtors - Marlboro / ManalapanJoSiminerio@optonlin...
Comments 2
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
    I just received this letter and felt it important enough to share. As the mom of a 14 year old, I think it is great that this project is finally getting off the ground. As it has been said... "it takes a village."  I'm hoping that some of the good people of Manalapan show their community spirit and step up to give Arlene a hand.       MANALAPAN COMMUNITY CENTER Update February 11, 2009 Hello, I am very pleased to announce that after many years of trying to raise money to construct a building to be used for our children and our families, the Manalapan Township Committee will be allowing us the use of an existing building to use as a community center.  However, this building is in need of much renovation.  To this end, the Community Center Committee is looking for volunteers to help ...
Comments 5
By AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author, - The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
(Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide!)
UPDATE:  Due to the heavy snow NJ experienced, this FREE seminar was canceled for March 2nd. The NEW date is Monday, March 9, 2009, 6:45pm-8:30pm at the same location. Monday, March 2, 6:45pm - 8:30pm, the Freehold Township Democratic Club presents a FREE seminar on how to appeal your property tax assessment. The seminar will be held at the Monmouth County Library, Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726. The speaker will be Beverly Bova-Scarano, Former Commissioner of the Monmouth County Board of Taxation, Past President NJ Association of County Tax Board Commissioners & Administrators, and Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser, State of NJ. *This event is free and open to the public! Light refreshments will be served* Topics to be covered include: How to avoid common m...
Comments 4
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
"An Appreciation of Where I Live" What a great idea for a photo contest. See the flyer below for details on the photo contest being run by the Mayor's office. I've been wanting to get out and about with my camera and take some photo's of Manalapan to submit to Localism.  This contest gives me the perfect excuse to make it a priority! I'm also excited that they broke down the categories by age.  My daughter who is considering a future in photography will absolutely love this challenge!   ______________________________  
Comments 7
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
Preface:  This post isn't so much about a seller not accepting the "first offer" or them wanting to hold out for something better.  It is more about how getting a good offer, too quickly, or one that is unnaturally too high, which later falls apart can have a disasterous impact on the rest of the transaction. --------------------- In today's market, getting an offer the first week a listing is on the market can either be a blessing or a curse, especially if the offer price is TOO high! Allow me to explain. You take a new listing.  You work very hard to have the seller understand the closed comparable sales, active competition on the market, as well as where the market is trending.  Of course they want to list high (it is to die for you know) and you want an aggressive list price.  Event...
Comments 11
By AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author, - The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
(Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide!)
CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center Community Outreach Program FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART HEALTHY MONTH Tuesday, February 10, 2009 2pm-4pm Manalapan Township Municipal Building 120 Route 522 Manalapan, NJ 07726  Manalapan Township NJ Mayor, Richard Klauber, will lead his colleagues and constituents by example by kicking off CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center's free blood pressure screening and body fat analysis taking place on Tuesday, February 10th from 2 pm until 4 pm in the Manalapan Township municipal center lobby.  All those who participate in a screening receive a free one-day pass to the fitness center. In addition, anyone who wants to get started on the road to a healthier lifestyle by making an appointment to tour the facility can spin the Wheel of Health to win an ex...
Comments 0
By Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio, Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro)
This goes out to all the Newer Agents…. As a member of Weichert’s Certified Mentor Program, the question I’m asked by new agents most often is how to combat the “experience or track record” issue. Here’s what I tell them…     If you are confident about your ability and believe in who you are and what you are selling, from your nose to your toes, they probably won’t even go there.  They never did for me!   I remember MY mentor giving me the same advice.  It didn’t matter.  I didn’t believe her either.  It was easy for her to say, she’s been a top producer every year since the day she started in this business.  Yes, I was trained by the best!  I couldn’t believe a seller could possibly NOT ask that question.               I remember my first “solo” listing presentation.  I couldn’t sleep ...
Comments 53