It's just me one of your local Real Estate tax paying guys who needs some answers...Before we get into that; let me share with you two things that happened today...1. A buyer asked me to show him a few properties tomorrow...My answer was HMMMMMMM... I don't know if I can or should. I'll get back to you.2. You issued an update to your essential list of businesses that be open and added some that I question just a lil bit. You added cell phone shops , (Didn't know that the demand for these were so critical) Livestock ,(really dude? shoprite will do for now)Nurseries & garden centers  (We can't work, so we might as well plant!) and my personal favorite Bicycle shops.  (Just be home before the streets lights come on son)  Let me just say whether it is in the best interest of public safety f... 03/25/2020

Maplewood, New JerseyReal Estate in MaplewoodMaplewood is a lovely suburban township in the southwestern part of Essex County, New Jersey. The district is bordered by the South Mountain Reservation to the west and the South Orange Township to the north. Conveniently located along I-78, residents are an hour drive to Downtown Manhattan. The Maplewood Train Station situated in the center of town provides a convenient transportation hub that connects residents to most business and commercial centers in the district.Maplewood, like most suburban communities in the region, primarily offers a selection of suburban single-family homes to home buyers planning to buy a property in the area. These include a variety of home models that typically come in classic American architecture with beautiful... 09/10/2019

  As real estate professionals we sometimes get caught up in some real sticky situations.   Sometimes our hearts, minds and intentions are in a great place but things just don't go as planned. I have a buyer that has been trying to buy a property for 6 months now. To his credit he has done everything he's been asked and still there's always a delay from the sellers side. Now let me State for the record this is a bank-owned property and when you enter these types of transactions you must understand that you are dealing with a entity and not a person (technically). The beginning...  But today's post is about the process versus the property... When you finally decide to put an offer on a property  there are all types of emotions involved. Joy, happiness, victory just to name a few.  But so... 03/15/2018

There's a BIG difference between active and productive! A lot of agents can be seen running from appointment to appointment, attending broker open houses, attending agent trainings, meeting buyers, listing appointments and still no check! Now how is this possible? I am speaking from experience when I tell you I have gotten home exhausted and as a result still no check.  I believe a lot of us get caught up being active but not productive. As we get closer to the 2nd quarter of 2018 (wow, time is flying) some of us need to re-organize, re-strategize and get focused on the goals at hand. Just a few words of advice if you are in this situation. 1- Identify who your HOT clients are - these are the clients who want to buy or sell within the next 30 days and switch your focus to them. Don't ab... 03/14/2018

  To text or not to text...that is the question?       In the smartphone era everything is at the fingertips of the real estate professionals and the consumer; is this good, bad or both?   Nowadays consumers can get information instantly; they can schedule viewings, chat with agents, find out about open houses and even see virtual tours with just a few clicks.  What I want to know from you all is how do you feel about texting?  I personally feel like times are changing and you must be able to adapt. Text messaging can be a useful tool if used correctly.  But are you using it correctly?If a prospect contacted you late at night on a listing; would you call them back at 11pm or is a text a good way to let them know you hear them while still remaining appropiate based on the time? last thin... 06/23/2016

SOOOOOOooooo for the most part all of us are Real Estate professionals right? So that means we are in the housing business right? WRONG! well at least I'm not... I was asked the other day what business was I in? and my quick response was "People" not houses.  Let me explain.  In this wonderful world of Real Estate most Agents/Brokers/Loan Officers etc.  feel that they are simply in the housing business so they study the neighborhoods, they know all about the available inventory and for you loan officers you know all of the numbers. Now keep in mind all of these things are crucial to being successful (so please do not take this section, dissect it and feel otherwise) but once again none of that matters if you don't have clients aka "People".  Speaking solely from a Real Estate Agent/Brok... 01/08/2015

With the ball dropping many people take time out to jot down their New Year resolutions.  Many vow to get in shape ,(pump you up) eat better (But sweets taste so good), quit smoking  (yeah we know, this is the year) and the list goes on and on.    Now as Real Estate professionals; we have the same goals but there are slight variations to how we do things.  We are a hunt/capture then eat business; meaning if we don't drum up business by finding new clients then we don't eat. It's that simple.  Now I have some things that I want to do different in 2015 and maybe you all have some things that can help us all push the profession further and more importantly fatten up those pockets.    Here are 5 things that can help 2015 be a better year:   Get up, suit up and get out there: Probably the on... 01/05/2015

Hello All,  as a Real Estate professional, I try to stay on top of not only the housing market but also the financial sector as well.  I just read that Fannie Mae has changed some waiting period restrictions for home owners who have completed a short sale or deed in lieu sale.  Effective with loans with application dates on or after 8/16/2014, Fannie Mae has updated the waiting periods following preforeclosure sales or deed-in-lieu of foreclosures. The prior waiting period schedule was: * 2 year waiting period to a max 80% LTV * 4 year waiting period to a max 90% LTV * Standard eligibility after 7 years * 2 year waiting period to a max 90% LTV with extenuating circumstances   The new revised waiting period schedule is: * 4 years standard waiting period with no LTV restriction * 2 year w... 09/10/2014

Have you ever heard the phrase "man makes the clothes, clothes don't make the man" ? pretty interesting phrase when you really think about it.  It's actually somewhat true but you have to admit clothes, your vehicle, your hair style all contribute to your success.   As a man, it is important that I remain well groomed, clean cut and dressed for success...(this is not me by the way...) I have to make sure that besides having a killer presentation for that home owner/buyer, I have to make sure that they see that I am here as a professional to complete the task at hand.  Now don't get me wrong, if you work near the ocean, then by all means put on your flip flops, shorts and go! just make sure that they are neat, clean and dressed sufficently for your market area.   but if you are trying to... 09/03/2014

As a dog lover, I had to do my part by posting this info for Rosie and her family I hope they all get through the trauma of such a devasting event and I hope they find Rosie soon! Yesterday, Essex county residents were witness to a terrible car crash that took 3 lives and lead to numerous injuries to others.  It happened on Route 280 in East Orange New Jersey early Wednesday morning.   Today, the victims of this serious motor vehicle accident are reaching out to the public in search of their beloved dog "Rosie".  She is a terrier mix who was traveling with one of the families involved in the crash.  Family members say that, Rosie was terrified and ran from the scene of the accident she was involved in with her family. She has been missing ever since. Some good news: one of the victims ... 08/28/2014

We've recently closed on another Bayview Loan Servicing Short Sale, this one in the Maplewood, NJ.   This colonial style home was located in the thriving community of Maplewood, which is highly desired by NYC commuters due to its easy train ride to Manhattan.  With 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms and a Finished Basement, there was a lot of demand for this Bayview Loan Servicing Short Sale. Originally, the loan was serviced by Wells Fargo Short Sale Department, but after a service release, Bayview Loan Servicing picked up the loan.  We quickly changed course, helping our Short Sale client complete her hardship affidavit and Short Sale application.  Finally, a Broker Price Opinion was done.   As we were able to obtain a pre-approved Bayview Loan Servicing Short Sale List Price, we knew any o... 08/15/2014

The other day I was sipping some cold tea and was having a smoke (cigar) on my porch and I noticed something very interesting...there was a guy in a car taking pictures of the house next door to me.  He actually had the nerve to get out and take even more pictures...Now some might say, maybe he was an appraiser or an interested buyer... but to that notion, I would say, NO WAY! this guy was low in his seat and was trying to remain undetected as he took picture after picture...I honestly don't think he saw me sitting there watching him... Now I know the house next door looks great and all but its not for sale, so why is he taking pictures?.  Now Being a New Jersey Real Estate Broker I've come across all types of situations, so I understood right away what was going on.   This guy was prob... 07/30/2014

  The other day I was talking to a friend of mine about an  empty house on the street where he lived.  As a Realtor I am always prospecting and vacant houses are always intriguing to me.   So I say to him: "John, how long has that house been vacant?" John says: " a year and a half"  I went on to ask him why and he said that the neighbor told him that the owner walked away from the property because the house on the corner caught fire and they feared their property value was now depleted.  I said to John: " Are you kidding me?" John reluctantly said " NO".     Apparently now the owners now reside in Florida and the property just sits there empty with over grown shrubbery and little to no life.  The question most distressed  home owners face is "should I walk away or not?" It is a very di... 07/17/2014

$229,900, 2Bd/1.5Ba Townhouse, 800 sqft.     Don Wenner | DLP Realty | 610-421-4610 664 Irvington Ave #7, Maplewood, NJ 07040 Well Maintained 2 BD, 1.5 BA Townhouse! 2Bd/1.5Ba Townhouse   $229,900 Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 800 sqft. Bedrooms 2 Beds Bathrooms 1.5 Baths Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit HOA/Maint $21 Virtual Tour www.tourfactory.c... DESCRIPTION "TRADE UP TO THIS HOME AND WE WILL BUY YOURS" Well-maintained interior townhome in Maplewood Commons! Features open concept floor plan on the first level with bright laminate floors, sliding doors in the dining room walking out onto the deck, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and half bath. Second floor boasts two sizable bedrooms, full bathroom, and laundry area with stackable washer and dryer. Plenty of room for storage ... 07/16/2014

APRIL GUEST BLOG BY MARC STERN Marc Stern is one of The Gosselin Group's newest Associates, along with Léana Lu and we are excited to start a monthly guest blog for them here. I will preface his guest blog by saying that Marc is way too humble to tout his musical accomplishments, but his band Thursday Habit is fantastic and you can "Like" their Facebook page here. Read on for a NYC musician's viewpoint on moving to the 'burbs.... Why Do People Say that Maplewood/South Orange is Awesome? Part One: The Local Music Scene By Marc Stern When my wife and I decided to move to the ‘burbs (17 years ago, coinciding with the birth of our first child) I thought we were moving to Siberia. As a musician, I thought I’d never play my guitar again. Boy, was I wrong… Stumbling into a local hardware store... 04/16/2014

HOME SALES IN MAPLEWOOD NJ FOR DECEMBER 2013 Real estate market data for Maplewood NJ provided by Barbara Lawrence of Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty.    Maplewood NJ Home Sales We have seen 6 straight months of sold price increases on home sales in Maplewood NJ and don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon.  If you are considering buying a home you can still find deals on a house in Maplewood NJ but having a good real estate agent who understands the market is a must.  Don’t wait too long to find a great home, many of the good listings sell within a few days of hitting the market, and often in multiple bids. As you can see from the graph below, listings are selling well above their asking price. To make sure you don't overpay for your home, you'll want to have an agent that d... 01/20/2014

Inner Peace- Inner joy- Happiness- spiritual awakening On January 16th, 2014 from 7:30-8:30 pm,  Kevin Lamb-Master Yoga instructor,  Life Coach Annette R. Brent, Ghislaine Mahone , Tyneisha Jones and Laura Cerrano- Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island Consultant will participate in a spiritual enlargement panel discussion called “The Third Metric: Measuring Success Beyond Money & Power” (borrowed from the Huffington post). The panel will be sharing a wealth of in depth and practical information that focuses on inner peace, inner joy, happiness, spiritual awakening. Location: 123 Newark Ave, Jersey city, NJ Free Admission!! WORD Bookstores For more information please call: 201.763.6611   01/13/2014

  Inner Peace- Inner joy- Happiness- spiritual awakening   Looking to gain New Year inspiration for 2014?  On January 16th, 2014 from 7:30-8:30 pm,  Kevin Lamb-Master Yoga instructor,  Life Coach Annette R. Brent, Ghislaine Mahone , Tyneisha Jones and Laura Cerrano- Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island Consultant will participate in a panel discussion called “The Third Metric: Measuring Success Beyond Money & Power” (borrowed from the Huffington post). The panel will be sharing a wealth of in depth and practical information which focuses the the discussion on inner peace, inner joy, happiness, spiritual awakening.   Location: 179 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040   Free Admission!!   WORD Bookstores   For more information please call: 201.763.6611   Looking forward to see you there! 01/08/2014

Five Reasons to Purchase a Maplewood, NJ Home  If you're considering relocating or are interested in purchasing your first home; consider the following five reasons to settle in Maplewood, NJ.  1) 30 Minute Commute to NYC: For many NJ residents living in close proximity to New York is a necessity for their daily work commute. Purchasing a home in Maplewood means you're only a 30 minute train ride from work (just twenty miles from midtown)! Just enough time to drink your coffee, read the paper and prepare for the day before you arrive at the office. And several of the morning trains even originate from Maplewood so you're guaranteed a seat! 2) Affordability: Typically the top requirement on a homebuyer's list is affordability. Maplewood homes are consistently ranked among the most afford... 12/08/2013

Maplewood/South Orange NJ Real Estate is Hot in the Last Quarter of 2013 Life is improving in the world of Maplewood/South Orange NJ Real Estate. With statistics showing the Average List to Sale Price Ratios of 98% for Maplewood and 96% for South Orange, industry professionals are delighted to engage motivated sellers at this time.  Home prices across the nation are steadily increasing as the unemployment rate decreases and the economy hints at amelioration.  “Realtor.com® National Housing Trend Report for September 2013 highlights a strong continuation of equilibrium-oriented trends identified last month,” according to Real Estate Data. "The year-over-year perspective shows a strong performance in median list price, decline in days on market and a return to year-ago inventory levels th... 11/29/2013