Although pets may be a significant part of your family, they can pose a challenge when your home is on the market. Pet hair and odors obviously must be addressed, but your furry friend's presence may be the biggest problem. Although people love their own dogs and cats, they may not like others and they definitely will not be impressed with a property full of other animals' noises, toys or hair. Have a good plan in mind for dealing with your dog or cat before potential buyers come inside your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Clean, Clean, Clean! Vacuum every day to keep the place spotless. Keep animals toys packed away and take down the big scratching post. Pack up the cages and carriers. Put food and water bowls out of sight before a showing. Remember the outside, too, and be vigilant with the pooper scooper while your house is on the market. The Nose Knows Smelly pet odors are bad and cat urine is the worst! Cat boxes and puppy pads must be put away before showings and kept super clean the rest of the time. Even a leaking fish tank can create an unpleasant stink. Don't think that an air freshener can cover the scent -- get rid of the smell with an enzyme cleaner.  Nothing will turn buyers off more quickly than bad smells and pet mess. Repair Pet Damage Carefully inspect all floor coverings.  You made need to hire a professional to get rid of the worst spots and stains. If you can't fix the spots, replace the carpet. Cover scratches on the hardwood floors and doors. If your dog has clawed repeatedly on the back door, the marks will need attention. Has he dug up the yard or chewed on the fence? Be sure to inspect for pet damage thoroughly. If you have a dog house in the back, give it a fresh coat of paint. Fleas! Fix! If your pet has fleas, then they are in your home, too. Hire a professional exterminator to kill the fleas and have your pet treated. Fleas in your carpet and furniture will run buyers back out the door and your home will only be memorable to them because of bites on their legs! Where Should They Go? If possible, have your pets out of the house during showings. Take the dog to the park for a long walk or even to the office for the day. See if a friend can keep the cat for a few hours. Having pets at the house when buyers are there should be avoided if at all possible.  If not, kennel your pet or put up a temporary pen in the back yard and leave a note asking visitors not to disturb your animals. You will be running a big risk if your pet is roaming the house while strangers are there. You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home. That means helping them see beyond your personal belongings, including your pets. Even a home in excellent condition will likely take a hit in sales value if pet damage and smells are not addressed. Neutralizing your pet's presence will help you sell your home more quickly and at a competitive price.

Buyers - Check this out!

So, what does this mean for homeowners and their equity position? As an example, let’s assume a young couple purchases and closes on a $250,000 home in January. If we look at only the projected increase in the price of that home, how much equity will they earn over the next 5 years? Since the experts predict that home prices will increase by 4.0% this year alone, the young homeowners will have gained over $10,000 in equity in just one year. Over a five-year period, their equity will increase by over $43,000! This figure does not even take into account their monthly principal mortgage payments. In many cases, home equity is one of the largest portions of a family’s overall net worth.

Bottom Line

Not only is homeownership something to be proud of, but it also offers you and your family the ability to build equity you can borrow against in the future. If you are ready and willing to buy, let’s get together to find out if you are able to, today! Search ALL Haddon Heights NJ Homes For Sale Search ALL Mickleton NJ Homes For Sale Search ALL Homes For Sale In Broadmoor Somerdale NJ Search ALL Valleybrook Blackwood NJ Homes For Sale

 There are some who are calling for a decrease in home prices should mortgage interest rates begin to rise rapidly. Intuitively, this makes sense as the cost of a home is determined by the price of the home, plus the cost of financing that home. If mortgage interest rates increase, fewer people will be able to buy, and logic says prices will fall if demand decreases.

However, history shows us that this has not been the case the last four times mortgage interest rates dramatically increased.

Here is a graph showing what actually happened:

Last week, in an article titled “Higher Rates Don’t Mean Lower House Prices After All,” the Wall Street Journal revealed that a recent study by John Burns Real Estate Consulting Inc. found that:

“[P]rices weren’t especially sensitive to rising rates, particularly in the presence of other positive economic factors, such as strong job growth, rising wages and improving consumer confidence.”

Last week’s jobs report was strong and the Conference Board just reported that the Consumer Confidence Index was back to pre-recession levels.

Bottom Line

We will have to wait and see what happens as we move forward, but a decrease in home prices should rates go up is anything but guaranteed.

November 30, 2016 by Dave Sulvetta

CHECK OUT THE GREAT HOMES FOR SALE IN HADDON HEIGHTS NJ

What’s for Sale November 2016 & featured home picks for Haddon Heights NJ for the month of November 2016!
Contact Dave Sulvetta

November 2016 For Sale in Haddon Heights NJ

 

MLS Number	Address	Status	Current Price	Type	Beds	Baths	Basement
6642794	2022 Wayne Ave	ACT	$109,900	SNG	2	1	Y
6816373	1833 W High St	ACT	$169,000	SNG	2	1	Y
6856473	2013 Maple Ave	ACT	$169,995	SNG	3	1	Y
6894352	1317 Sylvan Dr	ACT	$178,000	SNG	3	1	Y
6866220	401 E Atlantic Ave  #217	ACT	$189,999	FLT	2	2	N
6879545	1817 S Park Ave	ACT	$209,900	SNG	4	2	Y
6843226	1837 W High St	ACT	$210,000	SNG	3	2	Y
6741877	1909 W High St	ACT	$220,000	SNG	4	1	Y
6859171	1925 Wayne Ave	ACT	$239,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6870604	1720 Prospect Ridge Blvd	ACT	$239,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6883072	124 Highland Ave	ACT	$239,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6787485	403 Bellmawr Ave	ACT	$249,900	SNG	4	1	Y
6832030	413 9th Ave	ACT	$279,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6888213	1340 Maple Ave	ACT	$284,900	SNG	4	2	Y
6875896	1411 Cedar Ave	ACT	$285,000	SNG	3	2	N
6865597	132 Highland Ave	ACT	$289,500	SNG	4	2	Y
6877281	10 Station Ave	ACT	$300,000	SNG	3	4	Y
6891502	406 3rd Ave	ACT	$324,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6895815	16 Station Ave	ACT	$334,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6860036	1933 W High St	ACT	$349,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6868182	315 8th Ave	ACT	$349,900	SNG	5	3	Y
6788533	111 3rd Ave	ACT	$389,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6841307	334 Crest Ave	ACT	$439,000	SNG	4	3	N
6837967	000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$455,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6837965	00 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$475,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6837969	0000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$495,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6837961	00000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$515,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6837963	0 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$540,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6804639	106 Station Ave	ACT	$575,000	SNG	4	4	Y
6895327	8 Lippincott Ave	ACT	$1,199,000	SNG	5	5	Y

 

Haddon Heights NJ is a quiet NJ suburb that is conveniently located near major highways, Center City Philadelphia and beautiful parks. Towns that border Haddon heights are Audubon, Haddonfield, Mt Ephraim, Barrington and Bellmawr.  As of the 2011-12 school year, the district’s four schools had an enrollment of 1,334 students and 117.0 classroom teachers. The towns municipal page is located here.

Search ALL Haddon Heights NJ Homes for Sale

Check out the Great Homes For Sale in Haddon Heights NJ

What’s for Sale November 2016 & featured home picks for Haddon Heights NJ for the month of November 2016!
Contact Dave Sulvetta

November 2016 For Sale in Haddon Heights NJ

 

MLS Number	Address	Status	Current Price	Type	Beds	Baths	Basement
6642794	2022 Wayne Ave	ACT	$109,900	SNG	2	1	Y
6816373	1833 W High St	ACT	$169,000	SNG	2	1	Y
6856473	2013 Maple Ave	ACT	$169,995	SNG	3	1	Y
6894352	1317 Sylvan Dr	ACT	$178,000	SNG	3	1	Y
6866220	401 E Atlantic Ave  #217	ACT	$189,999	FLT	2	2	N
6879545	1817 S Park Ave	ACT	$209,900	SNG	4	2	Y
6843226	1837 W High St	ACT	$210,000	SNG	3	2	Y
6741877	1909 W High St	ACT	$220,000	SNG	4	1	Y
6859171	1925 Wayne Ave	ACT	$239,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6870604	1720 Prospect Ridge Blvd	ACT	$239,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6883072	124 Highland Ave	ACT	$239,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6787485	403 Bellmawr Ave	ACT	$249,900	SNG	4	1	Y
6832030	413 9th Ave	ACT	$279,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6888213	1340 Maple Ave	ACT	$284,900	SNG	4	2	Y
6875896	1411 Cedar Ave	ACT	$285,000	SNG	3	2	N
6865597	132 Highland Ave	ACT	$289,500	SNG	4	2	Y
6877281	10 Station Ave	ACT	$300,000	SNG	3	4	Y
6891502	406 3rd Ave	ACT	$324,900	SNG	3	2	Y
6895815	16 Station Ave	ACT	$334,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6860036	1933 W High St	ACT	$349,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6868182	315 8th Ave	ACT	$349,900	SNG	5	3	Y
6788533	111 3rd Ave	ACT	$389,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6841307	334 Crest Ave	ACT	$439,000	SNG	4	3	N
6837967	000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$455,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6837965	00 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$475,900	SNG	3	3	Y
6837969	0000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$495,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6837961	00000 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$515,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6837963	0 Fulling Mill Ln	ACT	$540,900	SNG	4	3	Y
6804639	106 Station Ave	ACT	$575,000	SNG	4	4	Y
6895327	8 Lippincott Ave	ACT	$1,199,000	SNG	5	5	Y

 

Haddon Heights NJ is a quiet NJ suburb that is conveniently located near major highways, Center City Philadelphia and beautiful parks. Towns that border Haddon heights are Audubon, Haddonfield, Mt Ephraim, Barrington and Bellmawr.  As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's four schools had an enrollment of 1,334 students and 117.0 classroom teachers. The towns municipal page is located here.

Search ALL Haddon Heights NJ Homes for Sale

Monday November 28th, 2016

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, FSBOs, Move-Up Buyers

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey; you need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.

The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but rather have been strengthened, due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to pick up steam. 

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to make sure that you acquire your dream? 

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible), to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process. 

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $185,000 compared to $245,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional?

There is no doubt that kitchens help sell houses!

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned:

“Dated kitchens—just like bathrooms—are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren’t interested in renovating post-purchase.”

Kitchen remodels can be pricey, with many complete remodels costing $20,000 or more. But not every kitchen needs a full remodel. There are many smaller projects that will help buyers see themselves trying their favorite Pinterest recipe in your home!

Here are a couple of project ideas that, if you’re handy or know someone who is, could end up boosting your home’s value without breaking the bank:

• Are the cabinets in good shape but need an update? A new coat of paint and some updated hardware will instantly freshen up the space and drastically change the feel of the room all for under $300.
• A new backsplash to match the freshly painted cabinets updates the space and adds some style while staying under $200, depending on the size of the room.
• If the kitchen seems dark, consider adding LED under cabinet lighting for around $40.
• If replacing the countertops in the kitchen isn’t within your budget, consider using a top coat to cover the current countertops.

If you decide to complete a full remodel of your outdated kitchen, you can expect a 67% return on a $30,000 upgrade (the national median cost). The benefits of a kitchen remodel aren’t purely financial, according to Houselogic:

“Eighty-two percent of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home, and 95% were happy or satisfied with the result.”

Bottom Line

Kitchens and bathrooms are often make or break for buyers when touring a home or searching through photo galleries online. Consult a local real estate professional who can help you identify which small projects could pay off big!

 

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned:

Are you thinking of buying a home? Are you dreading having to walk through strangers’ houses? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of buying. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge, just like a great doctor or great accountant.

You want to deal with one of the best agents in your marketplace. To do this, you must be able to distinguish an average agent from a great one.

Here are the top 4 demands to make of your real estate agent when buying a home:

1. Tell the Truth About the Price

When making an offer on the home you want to buy, make sure that your agent walks you through their plan for getting both the seller – and the bank – to accept that price. Too many agents will just take the offer that you suggest and then try to ‘work’ both you and the seller in the negotiating phase later. In a competitive market, you need an agent who is going to help you make the best ‘initial offer’ so that you stand out from the crowd. Every house in today’s market must be sold twice – first to you and then to your bank.

The second sale may be more difficult than the first. When prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find adequate, comparable sales (similar houses in the neighborhood that closed recently) to defend the selling price when performing the appraisal for the bank. A red flag should be raised if your agent is not discussing this with you at the time of the original offer.

2. Understand the Timetable with Which Your Family is Dealing

You will be moving your family into a new home. Whether the move revolves around the start of the new school year or a new job, you will be trying to put the move to a plan.

This can be very emotionally draining. Demand from your agent an appreciation for the timetables you are setting. Your agent cannot pick the exact date of your move, but they should exert any influence they can to make it work.

3. Remove as Many of the Challenges as Possible

It is imperative that your agent knows how to handle the challenges that will arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.

Remember: If you have an agent who was weak negotiating with you on parts of the purchase offer, don’t expect them to turn into a superhero when they are negotiating with the seller for you and your family.

4. Find the Right HOUSE!

There is a reason you are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving.

You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you wouldn’t be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come along with buying. Do not allow your agent to forget these motivations. Make sure that they don’t worry about your feelings more than they worry about your family; if they discover something needs to be done in order to attain your goal, insist that they have the courage to inform you.

Good agents know how to deliver good news. Great agents know how to deliver tough news. In today’s market, YOU NEED A GREAT AGENT!