FREE A Very Merry Christmas Concert Friday, December 19, 2008 7:00pm-9:00pm Location: Marlboro Recreation Center 1996 Recreation Way Marlboro, NJ  07746 Performances by: Marlboro High School Band, Monmouth Worship Center Choir and Center Stage Dance School Special appearances by Santa & Frosty! No pre-registration required...Just stop by and enjoy the holiday festivities!   Information courtesy of:   Realtor-Associate / Multi-Million Dollar Producer Weichert, Realtors (Marlboro/Manalapan office) 455 Route 9 South - Manalapan, NJ  07726 917-723-5645 - cell  or  732-536-4400, ext 199 - office   www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com "Thank you for the referrals of your family, friends and colleagues. It is the highest compliment you could ever pay me."   12/17/2008

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself" - Jim Rohn   Sometimes, you know what? We can try to do everything to absolute perfection...be the best Realtor, Loan Officer, friend, neighbor, spouse, whatever and that still may not be enough. Things may not always go the way we want, but that's just life. There have been times when deals fell through and that commission check I was banking on became non-existent.  Has this happened to you before at least once? Or remember that listing that you just knew would be yours? You refused to be dishonest about the true current market value of the home so the sellers gave it to the agent who inflated the real numbers?  Yep...Happened to me more than once. We've ... 12/15/2008

Today, Larry & Judy Vardon got the foreclosure financial relief they had so desperately been praying for.           In 2004, the couple's Michigan home was refurbished by ABC Network's popular program, 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."   The Vardon who are both deaf, were selected because the financial challenges of caring for their now 16 year old blind and autistic son, Lance, were more than they could handle. Following the rehab of the home, the Vardons refinanced their home. After the refi mortgage was sold to a different company, their new rate ballooned to 11% and their monthly payment nearly doubled from $1200 to a whopping $2300. Combine that with the fact that the husband, Larry, works at a Chrysler car plant where he's been laid off on more than one occasion and there you have... 12/15/2008

This is the 2nd installment of a three part recap of the seminars I attended along with my colleague(Monica Walters) during the recent the NJ-NY-PA "Triple Play" real estate confab in Atlantic City. The 1st part of this series was the based on the featured post "The Top 5 Things I Took Away From The Millionaire Maker Potato Chip Marketing" Seminar. Many of you may know about Darryl Davis, while others may not be as familiar with him. Darryl is a popular motivational speaker/real estate trainer/coach/author, who infuses humor with his authentic New York persona to create his unique, high-energy presentation. The two books he's written are "How To Become A Power Agent in Real Estate" and "How To Make $100,000 Your First Year As A Real Estate Agent." At first I was kind of shocked to disc... 12/14/2008

"You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts." - Brian Tracy I believe that quote by master motivational speaker & sales trainer, Brian Tracy, is one of the truest things ever spoken. Some may call it the "law of attraction" and others call it "The Secret," but actually it's a slightly different concept. Why? Well, because Brian's statement subtly highlights the side of the "law of attraction" that many of those who focus on selling books, DVDs and audio cassettes may not really focus on.        The focus of his statement zeroes in on our ability to attract that which is can be good, rewarding, financially satisfying and spiritually uplifting in our lives. However, if you look a little deeper it also points out that each of us harne... 12/11/2008

Below are 5 simple tips that will help you grow your business & make more money! These can be used by Realtors, mortgage professionals, lawyers, insurance brokers, entrepreneurs and anyone in ANY type of business... 1. GO BACK TO THE SOURCE:  Go through each of the transactions you've successfully closed, and identify the source of business. Where did you get those clients from? Were they from direct mail marketing & farming? Referrals from past clients? Referrals from other professionals in your fields? Holding open houses & seminars? TIP: Don't always try to "reinvent the wheel." Look to the sources that have already brought you income and revisit them regularly and frequently. BENEFIT TO YOU: You will increase your number of transactions and make more $$! 2. SHOW APPRECIATION:  Peop... 12/08/2008

Ok, here goes...  1.  Written at least one blog and 10 comments everyday this week on AR. Now my point total is approaching 18,000 and my phone has been ringing from the added exposure...Cha-Ching! 2.  Had 4 confirmed buyers appointments. Two of the appointments were my buyers, to whom I showed my own listings! 3.  I took 1 new AMAZING waterfront listing and have at least 1 new listings in the pipeline for this week.Also just got a call from a seller who's finally getting off the fence and listing their home with me (now that the mortgage interest rates have dropped significantly). 4.  Updated info on my website 4x's this week, and my website traffic increased tremendously. 5.  Got much needed price reductions (totalling $45,000) on 4 of my listings located in Marlboro, Freehold, Howell... 12/05/2008

Why is the fear of loss a greater motivator than the possibility of winning? Yes, it's really true; far more people will act out of fear that they are "missing out" on something vs. the potential upside of gaining something.  Think about that hot pair of shoes with the purse that compliments them perfectly you saw at your favorite department store. The items were staring at you from a 50% sale rack across the crowded room. That dress had your name written all over it, it's your exact size, and it's the last one.             You tried the shoes on and they fit perfectly. Yet for some reason, you just wouldn't make the commitment to buy them, and you gave the box back to the salesperson. As you walk away another shopper who was scoping things out from distance, approaches the clerk and tr... 12/03/2008

Today I received a call "out of the blue" from a fellow ActiveRain real estate agent, who works with a different brokerage. We share a target territory in common and knew each other professionally prior to joining AR, not to mention we speak from time-to-time about real estate things in general. Whenever possible, we try to show one another's listings. He's a family man and a successful agent, who also has another profession that he works hard at everyday. Most importantly, he's always positive and pleasant whenever we encounter one another. The purpose of his call today was 2-fold... #1 He congratulated me on a new listing I just took; my biggest thus far $1,875,000. Here is the post about the listing and here is the virtual tour. #2 He let me know that he has a townhouse /condo listin... 12/02/2008

          As a child of God, a woman, an American, a wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, the HIV/AIDS pandemic in our world is of great concern to me. This disease doesn't discriminate based on age, race, religion, financial status or sexual orientation. HIV/AIDs is an issue that MUST matter to all of us! Today as we celebrate World AIDS Day Everyday, lets please encourage one another to think and act responsibly, not only for ourselves but for our family, friends and fellow world citizens. If you have a blog, website or email address, put it to great use and make someone you know (or better yet a complete stranger) aware about World AIDS Day today. It's not too late. Spread the word...Stop the disease. Stay motivated, Amber What is HIV? In 1985, scientists discovered the human imm... 12/01/2008

During November and December, spirits are high, celebrations abound and travel increases on America's roadways. Unfortunately, drunk driving is usually on the rise as well.  That's why MADD conducts Tie One On For Safety, our popular public awareness campaign, each year during the winter holiday season.Tie One On For Safety asks Americans to place a MADD ribbon or window decal on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up during the holidays and throughout the year.  Our message includes safety belts because they're the best defense against a drunk driver.  Activities to support the campaign are organized by a majority of MADD's 400 offices across the country.  Together, we distribute more than 6 million ribbons and ribbon symbols each year.   Statistics and Implica... 11/26/2008

Here are 10 of things I love most about central New Jersey (and western Monmouth County in particular)... 1. Wonderful homes with reasonable taxes, nice lot sizes and good prices 2. Close proximity to the shore and beaches             3. Solid hospitals like CentraState    4. Great schools!              5. Lord & Taylor, Wegmans grocery store, TJ Maxx and PF Changs all within 15 minutes of each other :)   6. Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck (especially their pecan pie around Thanksgiving)             7. Easy access to all the major roadways  8. Less than 30 mins to Six Flags 9. Famous residents who still own homes here and make us proud! John Bon Jovi, "The Boss" and Queen Latifah too.   10. Less than 60 mins to NYC's Times Square So what are 10 of your favorite things about central NJ?... 11/24/2008

Tonight I was talking with a fellow Realtor/friend who shared with me some really interesting and startling statistics with me... Did you know that out of the thousands of Realtors holding licenses in Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties in New Jersey, the great majority of them have not closed more than one transaction in the year 2008? Did you know that thousands of Realtors in New Jersey and states across the country are either going on a strictly "referral" basis or turning in their licenses altogether? Did you know that many real estate agents across the country have spent more $$ on paying the costs to do business but haven't earned any money (not even from rentals) to at least recoup the money they put out? Unfortunately, it's a sad but true reality. I'm sure everyone has their... 11/24/2008

Here are the latest stats on market activity and averages in Monmouth County.  Although the single family homes took a dip in terms of volume and average selling price over the summer months, the Sept 08' dollar figures and volume is shaping up to be far more competitive in relation to the Sept 07' #'s.  *Condo #'s are listed below as well* Overall, the Monmouth County NJ housing market continues to demonstrate stability compared to other areas of the state and the country-at-large. Sales Statistics for MONMOUTH COUNTY NEW JERSEY (as of 11/05/08) Single Family Residences:   Time Period   Number of Sales   Median Sale Price    Sep 2008      547                      $400,000    Sep 2007      647                      $407,500    Aug 2008      571                      $400,000    Aug 2007  ... 11/23/2008

The following are single family homes that are undercontract or sold in the month of August: Single Family Under Contract: 50 Low: $134,900 High: $1,799,999 Avg.: $729,897 Single Family Sold: 41 Low: $93,000 High: $1,799,000 Avg.: $602,439 Avg. Days on Market: 95 Expired Listings Single Famliy: 17 Low: $50,500 High: $1,995,000 Avg: $686,423 EXPIRED LISTINGS: WHY DIDN'T YOUR HOME SELL? CALL ME OR GO TO MY WEBSITE TO FIND OUT! Louis Trillo Prudential New Jersey Properties Manalapan NJ 732.567.2393 http://yourhomewillsell.net 09/12/2008

The following are single family homes that are undercontract or sold in the month of May: Single Family Under Contract: 37 Low: $129,900 High: $1,799,000 Avg.: $632,329 Single Family Sold: 11 Low: $289,900 High: $735,000 Avg.: $593,481 Expired Listings Single Famliy: 14 Low: $129,900 High: $3,120,000 Avg: $842,814 EXPIRED LISTINGS: WHY DIDN'T YOUR HOME SELL? CALL ME OR GO TO MY WEBSITE TO FIND OUT! Louis Trillo Prudential New Jersey Properties Manalapan NJ 732.567.2393 http://yourhomewillsell.net 06/05/2008

 Marlboro NJ Voted Best Place To LiveSeptember 22nd, 2007 Categories: Real Estate NewsWay to go Marlboro! The votes are in and Marlboro New Jersey was ranked Number 33 out of the "100 Best Places Live" by Money Magazine.The list was made up of the top 100 towns that offered the best of the following:Economic Opportunities Good Schools Safe Streets Sense of Community Things to do With its close proximity to the Jersey Shore and other recreational and business oriented places such as New Brunswick and Manhattan, Marlboro has become the town of choice for many families. The median home price in Marlboro is $557,186.We are very proud of this recognition and look forward to personally spotlighting this community in the very near future. 11/15/2007

September 18, 2007Loyal readers of my blog know ad nauseum my disclaimer on average list price. Averages can be quite misleading. Lately most of the sales in Monmouth County are under the average list price. Marlboro Township is such an example. There are 214 single family, detached homes for sale in Marlboro. The average list price of these Multiple Listing Sevice (MLS) listings is $808,748.Currently, there are twenty eight (28) homes "under contract." Under contract means the buyers and sellers have agreed on all major terms (price, closing date, deposit, financing, inspection issues). Both parties to the transaction are working towards closing or effecting the transfer of title. The average list price of the homes under contract? $603,300 -- that's $200,000 below the average list pri... 09/18/2007

There are a lot of good home for sale in Monmouth county NJ. The trick is getting a real agent that take  time to find these home and make suggestion in how to improve the home. Recently listed is a home in Marlboro, Nj w/ 4 br priced at $375,000. The home need a new garage door and new carpeting and your in business. Another beautiful 3 br home w/ inground and big backyard is at $419,000. There are plenty more if you real want to save money and willing to be a weekend warrior.http://affordablehomesinyourarea.net 07/02/2007

If you know someone interested in the various Active Adult Communities in Monmouth County NJ, I can serve as their Buyer's Representative.Active Adult housing can be as diverse as single family residences. Units can be attached or detached, ranch or multi-leveled. There are condominiums and town homes. Each community offers a wide range of services like social groups, organized shopping trips and shuttle transportation. Since I have experience in this area, here are my key Tips to Remember:•        Adult communities are deed restricted in regards to the age of the homeowners, usually 55 years plus.  •       A copy of the Association By-Laws should be obtained and consulted, especially in the attorney review period.  •    Lower level units with more than one bathroom tend to cost more th... 06/18/2007