NJ Homeowners Inspect Your Trees

Tree Specialists says property owners should have their trees examined every three years as a safety precaution and to prevent any consequential damages to your property in the even to a major storm like Sandy.

Now that, Hurricane Sandy has left her wrath here in NJ, so many displaced homes and many lives have been lost. We still have to be patient while public utility companies who are doing their best to restore power for us. Just like the insurance companies who are swarming in phone calls. There are only so many insurance adjusters to around. Thinking the coastal areas of Southern New Jersey is their top priority at this point.

As for us, here in Central and Northern New Jersey, we need to take precautions for our safety. I have come to realize it is highly relevant to examine our trees. If you know, you have a dying tree or if you think it is deteriorating ask a professional. If you can afford to do it, cut them down. You can recover some of your cost by selling it for firewood.

In any case, if there is a dangerous storm (especially when it has been given a name), and a large tree happens to fall on your home and crashes into your house, garage, deck or fence, the damages are most likely covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy, less the deductible. Major storms like Sandy override any “Act of God” clause. You might want to check your policy to see if there is an additional expense to you for removing the tree. Most policies will include a set dollar amount, and you would be responsible for the remaining cost. This only applies if your property is damaged.

If the damage is so severe that you need to evacuate your home to protect you and your family, let the insurance company know, so they are aware. Also, check your homeowner’s insurance policy, it may state that you will be reimbursed your for meals and accommodations.

For future reference, during a storm, if you have trees that are remarkably close to your home, stay in one of the interior rooms. If you live in a two-story home, please stay on the first floor! Moreover, please keep all children’s beds and baby’s cribs away from windows!

http://www.americantreeservice.biz/ American Tree Service offers free evaluations in New Jersey.

Condo Community Factors

Central NJ Condo Living

The name condominium is the Latin word for shared ownership or community control.  It also is a legal term meaning, owning only the inside of the exterior walls. A townhouse can also be a condominium, which depending on its architectural design.

Townhouses are structures and condominiums are ownership. Most people do not understand this.

Condominiums are a part of a bigger company or property, such as a high rise. Surrounding one another, so there can be neighbors upstairs and downstairs’, as well as being on each side. Condominium owners own the airtime in their units.

The condo association sets a comprehensive set of rules governing what can be done to your home and what cannot. They can prohibit any enhancements, having pets, and leasing.

The positive side of these rules is that other condo owners have to keep consistently modernized, and in perfect order. If there in an issue with a neighbor, lodging a complaint can be easily done, for they have an obligation to obey the condo rules.

The primary attraction of this ownership is the ability to obtain affordable housing in highly desirable Metro-Trendy areas that typically is beyond economical reach.

When purchasing a condominium, owners appear to be in the Planned Unit Development, known as P.U.D., which shares in the responsibility and costs title. Each unit owner shares the costs in monthly association fees. The Condominium Association regulates the fees needed to run the affairs of the community.

These are just the basic factors of owning a Condominium.

Here is a list of the Condo Communities in the most desirable neighborhoods of Central NJ: 
In Bridgewater, NJ
Stratford Place
The Fairways
Vanderhaven Farms
Finderne Heights
Bridle Club
Click to see all Bridgewater Condos for sale

In Bedminster, NJ AKA “The Hills”

Birchwood 

Crestmont Highlands 

Edgewood 

Four Oaks

Wynnewood 

Click to see all Bedminster Condos

In Basking Ridge/Bernardsville, NJ
Society Hill at Bernards
Spring Ridge
The Cedars
Click to see all Basking Ridge and Bernardsville Condos

Divorce and Selling Your Home

Divorce and Selling your home in NJ

I now this is a morbid topic but yet common these days.  A husband and wife have made a decision they can no longer stay together.

The first concern would be the children and then the splitting of the assets, such as bank accounts and their home. I know I have been there myself.  I have also helped clients that were going through a divorce and I felt very sympathetic to both. I have looked at every one of my clients and said, “I understand what you’re feeling right now”.

It was not easy for them and it was important for me to stay neutral and guide them through the painful process of sell their home.

Now, the home might be worth less than its mortgage, and there are no guarantees it will sell in the near future, much less for a profit.  However, those who decide to sell, it can be a daunting task for people trying to split up. Do they keep the house now and try selling it next year? If they wait, will its value go up or down? Can they rely on a short sale? What happens if they just stop paying the mortgage? Is one spouse willing to buy out the other, own the home, and assume all risk? There is no obvious solution.

Just be aware, New Jersey is an impartial distribution state, meaning that the marital estate distributes in an equitable, but not necessarily equal, manner.

Attorneys, accountants and judges all strongly recommend that one or both parties retain a state certified real estate appraiser to provide a credible opinion of market value. MAKE THIS THE FIRST STEP IN THE PROCESS.

Once both attorneys have documented the appraisal and you both agree you want to sell then it is vitally important to have a REALTOR that is there for you, assists you, and makes you feel like they are there to help you in every step of the way with selling your house.

If you have any questions or want more information please feel free contact me. My email isdawn@dawnruete.com .

NJ RESIDENTS ARE URGED!

IT’S BLACK BEAR HIBERNATION SEASON!

NJ residents and outdoor lovers are warned by the Department of Environmental Protection that black bears are preparing for winter and are now actively searching for food to prepare for hibernation.

Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter season and need to eat large amounts of food in the fall.  If you live in areas where black bears linger, you need to make sure they will not find food near your homes, as bears will naturally take advantage of searching through garbage cans and dumpsters, or raiding bird feeders.’

Either feeding bears deliberately or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or unsecured garbage can have serious consequences. Bears that learn to connect food with people become a nuisance and are more likely to damage your property or display hostility, which may jeopardize public safety.

Hikers and campers really need to make the effort to reduce any chances of attracting bears if they thoroughly bear-proof camps by removing or properly safeguarding any potential food.

Most of New Jersey’s black bears live in the northwest area,  particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, and portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. As the bear population in New Jersey has been growing in recent years, black bear sightings in all 21 counties, and bear-human encounters have occurred more frequently in places outside of traditional bear country, including more heavily populated suburban areas of the state.

The state’s Fish and Game Council developed the NJ Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy. That policy emphasizes managing black bears through research and monitoring, non-lethal, and lethal control of problem bears, public education on co-existing with bears, including trash management, and includes an annual controlled hunt.

These simple rules for living in NJ bear country will help minimize encounters with black bears:

• Invest in bear-proof garbage containers. If not using bear-proof garbage containers, store all garbage in containers with tight fitting lids in a secure area such as a basement, the inside wall of a garage, or a shed.
• Use electric fencing to protect livestock and beehives.
• Put garbage out on collection day, not the evening before.
• Wash garbage containers with a disinfectant at least once a week to eliminate odors. Draping ammonia or bleach soaked cloth over containers will help to eliminate odors.
• Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in compost piles.
• Feed birds only from December 1 to April 1, when bears are least active.
• If you feed birds when bears are active, suspend birdfeeders at least 10 feet off the ground.
• Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Feed outdoor pets during daylight hours only. Immediately remove all food scraps and bowls after feeding.
• Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use. Grease and food residue can attract bears.
• Do not leave food unattended while camping or picnicking.
• Store all food items in coolers inside vehicles where they are not visible or in bear-proof food storage lockers at State Park facilities.

Never feed a black bear. It is dangerous and against the law.

Bedminster, Bridgewater, Branchburg NJ Homes are Selling!!!

I am sitting here thinking about real estate and why I became a REALTOR.  I have wanted to get my New Jersey Real Estate License for 20 years.  I have always had an interest in the different structures and styles of homes.  My passion for helping people also played a big part in becoming a real estate agent.  Now I have the best of both worlds and I love what I do!

Yes, the economy has taken a detour, but it seems here in Central New Jersey homes are selling close to the asking price. In Bridgewater, homes are being sold well into the $500,000’s and $600,000’s and higher.

In July 2012, a home in Bedminster was purchased for $910,000. Just last month another Bedminster home was bought for $845,000. To be honest, I think the media/news that has created a major upset in the real Estate market with all their negative reporting.  Let’s face it, TV news stations love to report all the negative and rarely anything positive.

I am here to tell you otherwise!  Homes are selling everywhere, Bridgewater Twp., Bedminster, Warren Twp. and many other local towns.  I service this area and keep a close eye on the homes that come on the market and what has sold.  Therefore, the real estate market has always been up and moving and home values will always vary from one market to the next. The reason some homes sit on the market for a long time ( and this is from experience) is not the price, it is one of two things: the real estate agent has followed through on a good marketing plan or the house needs better staging, curb appeal, cleaning, and some repairs. It Goes to show:

MOTHER/DAUGHTER HOMES aka IN-LAW SUITES

Mother/daughter homes are HOT right now. Many of my buyers here in Central New Jersey are couples selling mom and dad’s home along with theirs to save money on taxes and home maintenance by buying and sharing a home that has an in-law suite.

As an example, maybe it was a mutual decision that grandma should move in because she loves watching the young kids, saves on expenses and since she doesn’t get around as well as she used to, her support group is right down the hall.

As a REALTOR, I am often asked what is the difference between a two family home and a mother/daughter home.

• Multi family or two family homes are legally two different residences in which you could live in one and rent out the other(s).  
• Mother / Daughter homes have a separate apartment (either with or without a private entrance) and legally cannot be leased.  

These are usually larger homes with specific rooms or apartments designed for accommodating elderly parents. In-law apartments may have a separate entrance from the main entrance and could be entirely self-sufficient having a smaller kitchen and utility/laundry room. Other plans may include a privately located first floor bedroom and bath designed to accommodate other family members, or live in help.

A mother/daughter would be the same price to buy a single family home with comparable square footage. Most of these suites are approximately 500 square feet or larger. If you own one, please make sure you have the proper permits through you town’s zoning department. This makes it easier when you go to sell your home.  If you are looking to purchase a home with a full in-law suite, have your REALTOR or a Real Estate Lawyer check to make sure it has all the necessary permits before you buy, that is if you are planning to leave it as it is.

If you need assistance in finding a home in Central NJ with an in-law suite or have questions, feel free to contact me at dawn@dawnruete.com We have quite a few in #Piscataway, #South Plainfield, #Dunellen, #Bridgewater and #Bedminster NJ!

What is a NJ Real Estate Wholesaler?

Flipping houses has many implications. Investors buy a property, rehab, renovate, and then sell for a considerable profit.  A type of investor is a wholesaler.

A wholesaler places (typically) distressed property under contract and transfers or sells the property to another investor. Someone can use this opportunity to build income with little capital or credit. The investor uses cash, lines of credit, or hard money loans. This allows quick closings on properties that sometimes need many repairs.

Typically, it is illegal for anyone, EXCEPT for a Realtor or Broker to sell a home for a third party. Wholesaling real estate can be illegal if not done properly.

The majority of real estate contracts do not state that it is assignable. However, a clause can be added that states you have the FULL right to “ASSIGN” which means 'giving up' your right to purchase a piece of real estate by selling that right to another investor, your buyer. The contract that you assign is the original purchase agreement that the homeowner signs with you.  

Also, write in an escape clause in special provisions that will allow you to terminate the contract at no fault if you are unable to find another buyer. An escape clause could be as simple as "the offer is subject to my partner's approval."

This is just business like any other and the free market system - buying low and selling high - nothing illegal about that.

According to cnbc.com U.S. wholesale inventories rose as expected in August while sales at wholesalers posted the first gain in four months, government data released on Wednesday.

There seems to be lots of opportunity in Somerset, Middlesex, Union Counties here in NJ.

If you would like more info feel free to email me dawn@dawnruete.com