In Honor of Halloween Which is Sunday, October 31st
Here are Tom’s Halloween Safety Tips

Keep all haunting and walking on the sidewalks, not the street.

Make sure to look both ways before crossing the street, especially at night, and cross only at corners.

Don't use parked cars as hiding spaces or cross the street between them.

Plan your route out and go over it with your family.

Only visit homes that are well lit and visible from the street.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.

Use face paint instead of masks so visibility isn't blocked.

Be careful when around animals or strangers.

Be sure to check your flashlight's batteries before leaving the house. New batteries should be inserted before children go off into the night.

Make sure a grownup inspects treats before they're eaten. Don't eat candy if the package is already opened.

For more information on how you can own your own home, or for more tips on keeping your home in great shape, Contact Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols, The Tom Smith Group, RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783 or email: Tom@Sellertom.com, or Amanda@Sellertom.com

Easy to do repairs to keep your most important investment in great shape




Owning a home is still a great investment. Most times it is cheaper to own then rent.

Home ownership has become more affordable and beneficial.

Mortgages interest rates are the lowest in many years,

You can deduct the mortgage interest from your income taxes,

You can deduct real estate taxes,

By building equity in your home it becomes a forced savings.

Here are some basic repairs that are low cost and relatively easy to do.
These repairs will keep your investment in great shape and will save you money!
Plugged Sinks- Pull out and clean the sink stopper. If the problem persists, turn off the water supply under the sink before removing and clearing the trap (the curved section of drainpipe under the sink). Avoid using chemicals if you suspect a serious blockage.

Plugged Toilet- The first resort is the tried and true toilet plunger. If that doesn’t work, use a plumber’s snake to clear the pipe.

Electrical Failure- Check the circuit breaker to see if the circuit has been tripped to the off position. You may need to replace a blown fuse (replacement fuses usually cost less than $5).

Leaky faucet- Shut off the water under the sink and replace the washer on the faucet. If the dripping persists, you may need a new faucet unit.

Damp basement- Make sure that gutters extend away from the house and that the earth is graded away from the walls. A dehumidifier can help dry the air, but you may need to call a professional if you find cracks in the foundation.

Damaged caulking- Crumbling caulk around tiles, windows and doors needs to be replaced periodically. Caulking guns and caulk run about $20 total and are easy to use.

Gouges or holes in walls or woodwork- Holes in plaster walls and drywall are easily fixed with plaster patching compound or spackling compound, respectively. Holes in woodwork should be filled with wood putty and sanded lightly. Refinishing may be necessary.

For more information on how you can own your own home, or for more tips on keeping your home in great shape, Contact Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols, The Tom Smith Group,
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783
Tom@Sellertom.com, Amanda@Sellertom.com

Home Maintenance Tips For October




 Cover central air conditioner, remove window air conditioner units and store
 Winterize lawn mower and outdoor power equipment, have them serviced if required.
 Remove the garden hose from outside spigot.
 Clean out roof vents.
 Maintain and reset the programmable thermostat
 Apply fertilizer to lawn and flower beds.
 Divide and replant perennials.
 Plant bulbs.
 Clean and store garden hand tools.
 Top off oil tanks while prices are still low
 Order seasoned firewood.


We welcome and encourage your comments and ideas. If you like these posts please share with your friends and family



For more tips call Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols, The Tom Smith Group,
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783 Tom@Sellertom.com, Amanda@Sellertom.com

Are you looking to purchase a home
that needs some repairs?
Consider a 203K loan program.
Below are some of the highlights:





The Streamline K program is designed for limited repairs that can total up to a maximum of $35,000.
There is no minimum dollar amount just the $35,000 maximum.

Eligible Repairs
The Streamline 203 (K) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated improvements to a home that doesn’t require plans, consultants, engineers and architects. The Streamline K is not intended for major remodeling, room additions, repairs of structural damage, landscaping on site amenity improvement, etc. All work must begin within 30 days of closing and be completed within 6 months of closing.

Examples of eligible repairs are listed below but please remember this list is not all inclusive. For a more comprehensive overview please go to HUD’s website:
www.hud.gov/offices/SFH/203KSLRP.CFM
and refer to mortgage letter 2005‐50
‐ Repair / replacement of roofs, gutters and door spouts
‐ Repair / replace / upgrade existing HVAC system
‐ Repair / replace / upgrade plumbing and electrical system
‐ Repair / replacement of flooring
‐ Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, does not involve structural repairs
‐ Painting interior and / or exterior
‐ Weatherization (storm windows, doors, insulation, etc)
‐ Purchase and installation of appliances
‐ Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
‐ Lead paint stabilization / abatement
‐ Repair / replace / add exterior decks, patios, porches
‐ Basement finishing and remodeling (no structural repairs allowed)
‐ Basement waterproofing
‐ Window and door replacement
‐ Exterior wall re‐siding
Examples of items not eligible for the Streamline K:
‐ Major remodeling such as relocation of load bearing walls
‐ New construction including room additions
‐ Repairs of any structural damage
‐ Repairs requiring detailed plans, drawing, etc
‐ Landscaping on‐site amenity improvements
‐ Work requiring six (6) months or longer to complete
‐ Activities requiring more than two (2) draw payments

I would be happy to answer your questions.

For more information on this program, please call me or Amanda.
Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783 Email: tom@sellertom.com, amanda@sellertom.com

Mortgage Rates Drops Again!




As reported by The Boston Globe today, All time low for interest for 15 year loans are now 3.75%. 30 year fixed interest dropped to 4.32%. Great news for anyone looking to purchase a home or refinance!

For more information call Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783

Fannie Mae Offers a Break to Service People




Fannie Mae says it will reduce or suspend mortgage payments for up to six months for military families if they are unable to pay because of the injury or death of a service member.

Military members or surviving spouses should contact their mortgage company or call this special military phone number: (877) MIL-4566.

Source: Associated Press (09/27/2010)

For more info call Thomas J Smith & Amanda Nichols,
The Tom Smith Group, RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay – Manahawkin Call/text 609 709-1429 or Amanda Call/text 848-992-1783 Tom@Sellertom.com, Amanda@Sellertom.com