Here are this week’s market stats






Since we’re just about half way through the year so I thought I’d recap Southern Ocean County real estate activity starting on Jan 1st. The total count of new listings thru today is 2932. Total sold listings since the beginning of the year was 759, BUT, there are 1089 listings in Pending (which means they are under contract; not yet closed). So assuming most of them do close, the proportion is again 50% sold to active.
The average days on the market was 164. That’s pretty good since not long ago it was took most of a year to get a house sold.
Those are our stats this week. Things are looking up…

Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Welcome to Episode 20 Of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore - May 25, 2011


EACH WEEK WE TRY TO BRING YOU FUN, INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING TID BITS ABOUT THE BEST KEPT SECRET AT THE JERSEY SHORE. . . SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY

Here are this week’s market stats:
Since we’re just about half way through the year so I thought I’d recap Southern Ocean County real estate activity starting on Jan 1st. The total count of new listings thru today is 2932. Total sold listings since the beginning of the year was 759, BUT, there are 1089 listings in Pending (which means they are under contract; not yet closed). So assuming most of them do close, the proportion is again 50% sold to active.
The average days on the market was 164. That’s pretty good since not long ago it was took most of a year to get a house sold.
Those are our stats this week. Things are looking up…

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
Since it’s warming up outside here are a few FREE things you can do in SOC: Search for Sea Shells - Build Sand Castles – go crabbing - Sit on a Jetty & Watch Boats sail by - Watch Wind Surfers (best place is the bay beach at 70th St in Beach Haven Crest) - Go fishing - Beach Combing - Go to Island Beach State Park, bicycle in and take a swim, take a tour, visit the aeolium (the Island Beach State Park Nature Center)- Surf - Watch Swim Races - See commercial fishermen bring in the day's catch - Watch a lifeguard tournament- and tons more. So for information about these & lots of other great fun stuff to do call the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. While you’re at it you can reserve a free place for the "Behind the Scenes Dock Tour at Viking Village," 800-292-6372

Our real estate glossary:
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The cost of the loan expressed as a yearly rate on the balance of the loan. Now that’s not the annual interest rate that you read about. The APR is that interest rate plus all your closing costs added in and then divided the number of years of the loan. So if are quoted a 5% percent interest rate and then you pay points to get your interest rate down and you pay other closing costs the APR could be 5 point something.

Smart home buyer tip:
There was a time when our parents would tell us to buy above our needs because “we’re going to grow into the house”.
Well, times have changed and even the billionaire Warren Buffet is now advising that a home purchase is a great investment but you should buy only what you can afford so that you will live IN your house now FOR it.
Today, in Southern Ocean County there are fine homes with 3 and 4 bedrooms, nice yards in good neighborhoods priced in the low 200’s.
And with USDA, no down payment and FHA 3.5% down payment, loans available you can own a home for less than rent. And that’s not including the tax benefits! Now that’s a bargain.

My 2 Cents:
Now everybody knows I love lawyers. And I really think it’s wrong to make fun of the poor creatures. But sometimes I see a lawyer joke that I just have to pass on:
The only difference between a dead skunk lying in the road and a dead lawyer lying in the road is that there are skid marks around the skunk. Hehe, sorry….

Home of the week:
This is a brand new listing! We don’t even have the pictures and floor plans yet but it’s so nice and priced so right I just had to tell everybody about it.
The address is 121 Atlantis Ave., in the Ocean Acres Section of Manahawkin and the price is only $239,900.
This is a 4 bedroom home which includes a full, mother-in-law suite on the first floor and a huge loft with 3 more bedrooms and 2 full baths on the second floor. In the last year or so this house has had a complete makeover: new roof, new driveway, new kitchen (maple cabinets, granite counter tops, new appliances) the kitchen was installed by one of the area’s most sought after carpenters! Ralph Karp. There are new ceramic floors, new laminate floors, a big deck out back off the sliders. Upgrades galore. Even CENTRAL VACUUM! ONLY $239,900! This is a winner.
See the pictures and tours at www.Sellertom.com

Remember to look out for your “I love my house club” happenings newsletter. In the mail this week. Lots more info!

Well, you’ve that’s another perfectly good 10 minutes of your life you’re never getting back… Our show is written under duress by Tom Smith – nagged and abused by Amanda Nichols and Donna Smith.

If you like our show, friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass the show on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Being a smart homeowner in 2011 Tip of the week:

These tips are to help save you money No matter what the economy is doing!
How is that budget going?

Tip of the week

Here are some no- or low-cost ideas that can help you save energy and money at your home.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Use your microwave instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use. Cell phone chargers draw energy even if the phone is not charging!
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115º is comfortable for most uses.
• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.



Being a smart homeowner in 2011 means…
1) Saving Money
2) Saving energy
3) Saving the environment
4) Being a more responsible consumer
You can still live within your means and not miss out on anything! Each week tune in to our tip of the week and see how to save money while still enjoying life.

So for this week, keep up with your budget & check back next week to see more tips.
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group,RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

This Week's Real Estate Market Statistics For Southern Ocean County



In this week’s sales statistics we’re going to cover all of Southern Ocean County. There are currently 3405 active listings and in the last year 1521 units have sold. Again 50/50 seems like a pattern.

Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Life And Living At The Jersey Shore Episode 19, May 18, 2011


Welcome to Episode 19 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. May 18, 2011

It is filled with Real estate tips, trends, statistics, fun things to do in southern ocean county. The web cast is funny, informative with lots of Tom’s wisecracks.

Each week we try to bring you fun, informative and interesting tidbits about the best kept secret at the Jersey Shore... Southern Ocean County

Here are this week’s market stats:
In this week’s sales statistics we’re going to cover all of Southern Ocean County. There are currently 3405 active listings and in the last year 1521 units have sold. Again 50/50 seems like a pattern.

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
The Stafford Fire Department is having their annual Flea Market this Saturday May 21st. It usually a really big event and you never know what you’re going to find. The Fire Department and Flea market are located on Stafford Ave just two blocks in from Route 9 in downtown Manahawkin.

Our real estate glossary: Lease option vs Lease Purchase:
In a lease option you enter a contract to lease a property for a period of time. Sometime in that period you have the option to either buy the property, continue renting or leave.
In a lease purchase- you enter a contract to lease the property for a period of time and then agree to purchase the property at a specific price (sometimes the price can be designated to be determined by appraisal at the time of sale). In either case the agreement to purchase the property is not optional.

Happy Home Owners of the month:
Just a few more families we’ve had the pleasure of helping find the home of their dreams. Happy Home Anniversaries:

• Eddie & Heather– 5/5/08 Forked River

• Mike & Beverly – 5/5/00 Little Egg Harbor

• Drs. Shikhar & Poonam – 5/7/04 Manahawkin

• Corrine – 5/6/02 Tuckerton

• Nick & Jane – 5/9/01 Manahawkin

• Michael & Marge – 5/14/99 Cedar Run

• Bill & Linda – 5/15/01 Little Egg Harbor

• Maureen & Anthony – 5/15/01 Little Egg Harbor

• Patrick & Stacey – 5/16/01 Eagleswood – West Creek

• Barbara – 5/21/04 Barnegat

• Katie & Don – 5/28/09 Forked River NJ

My 2 Cents:
If you don’t get the irony in this book title, you should buy the book: an
“Idiots’ Guide to Low Self Esteem”

Home of the week:
This weeks’ featured home is 47 Tiller Dr., Barnegat NJ . It’s listed at only $159,900 and this one definitely comes under the heading “Why Rent When You Can Own?” This 3 bedroom 1 bath ranch is perfect for the first time home buyer or the downsizer! Freshly painted, new carpets, the bath has been completely, the eat in kitchen overlooks a deck, a big yard and oversized detached garage, There’s a fireplace in the living room which has just been painted and new carpets are installed!
Here’s why this is a “why rent when you can buy” house. It qualifies for a USDA NO MONEY DOWN mortgage. Based on the asking price of $159,900.00 the total monthly payment for this property (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) would be ONLY $1,286.34! You could never rent this house for that kind of money! Unbelievable!
Here’s the fine print….For qualified buyers. Based on 5% interest rate - 30 year fixed rate 0 points. Interest rates subject to change. Ready to move right in! Call today to see this home.

If you like our show, friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass the show on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Here are 9 tips for making your house look good for spring selling:

1) Wash windows inside and out / polish all mirrors
2) Rake the yard / trim back bushes
3) Mow your lawn diagonally and edge lawn along driveway / sidewalks
4) Transplant tulips and daffodils or buy flowers in containers – put them in
groups of three or five near the entrance.
5) Clean drapes, curtains & blinds and open every window
6) Set out fresh-smelling flowers such as just-clipped lilac branches or peonies
7) Polish floors to a high gloss
8) Utilize towels, throws, pillows in light colors – yellows, pinks, pale blues,
lavenders
9) Offer an outside mat for cleaning shoes & put an umbrella stand at the
entrance

Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass the on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

This week's Southern Ocean County Real Estate Statistics



This week’s sales statistics cover Long Beach Island (including Long Beach Twp, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Barnegat Light, and Beach Have Boro). We have a total of 516 active listings and in the last year a total of 285 units sold.

Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Episode 18 Of Life and Living At the Jersey Shore
May 11, 2011



Welcome to Episode 18 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. May 11, 2011
It is filled with Real estate tips, trends, statistics, fun things to do in southern ocean county. The web cast is funny, informative with lots of Tom’s wisecracks.


In this episode:
Here are this week’s market stats: This week’s sales statistics cover Long Beach Island (including Long Beach Twp, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Barnegat Light, and Beach Have Boro). We have a total of 516 active listings and in the last year a total of 285 units sold.

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
Going to the beach! Since the season is here I thought I would tell everyone about going to the beach on LBI. First of all you do need to purchase beach badges. You can purchase a beach badge or tag at any of the township and borough halls. Each township has its own rate and designated area. You can also purchase a badge from the "badge checker" that comes around to check that you have one. You can choose a daily tag, weekly tag or season tag.
Children over the age of 12, and adults. Seniors are offered a discounted rate over the age of 65 in some townships, other townships if you're over 65 it's free.
There are no boardwalks on LBI so you can access the beach at the end of each street

Our real estate glossary:

Short Sale: It’s not short; it takes a long time and you, although you’ll likely get a good price you won’t get half off.
A short sale takes place when a homeowner can’t pay the mortgage and the house is worth less than the balance of the mortgage. Because of this a home owner who wants to sell his home must ask the mortgage holder to take less than the amount owed.
The sale process is the same as any home: list the house for sale, negotiate a contract and move to closing. Right in the middle of that the mortgage lender of the seller will send out an appraiser or real estate agent who will provide them with a market value opinion (you will hear terms like BPO – Broker Price Opinion, Appraisal, Market Valuation). The seller’s lender will also require the seller to provide documentation as to why he can’t make his payments ( loss of job, decrease in salary, etc.). It can take six to nine months to process the request and the bank may still say no. So a Short Sale is not really short --- other than shorting the mortgage lender on the amount owed.

A Smart Home Seller:
Here are 9 tips for making your house look good for spring selling:
1) Wash windows inside and out / polish all mirrors
2) Rake the yard / trim back bushes
3) Mow your lawn diagonally and edge lawn along driveway / sidewalks
4) Transplant tulips and daffodils or buy flowers in containers – put them in
groups of three or five near the entrance.
5) Clean drapes, curtains & blinds and open every window
6) Set out fresh-smelling flowers such as just-clipped lilac branches or peonies
7) Polish floors to a high gloss
8) Utilize towels, throws, pillows in light colors – yellows, pinks, pale blues,
lavenders
9) Offer an outside mat for cleaning shoes & put an umbrella stand at the
entrance


My 2 Cents:

Home of the week:

This weeks’ featured home is 7 Andrew Dr. has just been reduced to just $329,900 for a 4 bedroom Waterfront Vacation Home in super move in condition. Three bedrooms & a full bath are on first floor which adjoins the open kitchen-great room just steps to the deck and lagoon. The upper level is a private master suite with full bath and large closet. This is a vacation home where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lagoon, dock your boat out back and cook up all the clams and crabs you caught in the bay!

Our mortgage sage worked up the numbers on this one: With an FHA mortgage that’s just 3.5% down payment. Based on the asking price of $329,900.00 the total monthly payment for this property (including principal, interest, taxes, M.I and Homeowner’s insurance) would be ONLY $2506. For qualified buyers. Based on 4.75% interest rate - 30 year fixed rate 0 points. Interest rates subject to change.


If you like our show, friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass the show on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com

Episode 17 Life and Living At The Jersey Shore

Welcome to Episode 17 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. May 4, 2011
It is filled with Real estate tips, trends, statistics, fun things to do in southern ocean county. The web cast is funny, informative with lots of Tom’s wisecracks.




In this episode:


Here are this week’s market stats:
This week’s sales statistics cover Eaglewood, Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton Boro. We have a total of 571 active listings and in the last year a total of 269 units sold. Amanda, it’s amazing that this is the third week in a row that the numbers were so close both active and sold. I can feel a buzy season coming up.

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
BINGO! On Sundays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM you can play at St. Mary’s Parish Center located at the intersection of Rt 72 & Rt 9 in Manahakwin. You can call for more information at 609-698-5531
And you play at the Elks Lodge, 520 Hilliard Blvd., Manahawkin. On Mondays from 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. So there are 2 places in Southern Ocean County.

Our real estate glossary:

Condominium: A condominium is an property where your ownership is strictly from the inner walls into the unit. (From the sheet rock in). You will most often find a condominium constructed apartment style – one on top of the other. That’s possible because the ownership of the exterior of the building (the roof for instance) is the responsibility of the condo association. That’s one reason condo association fees tend to be higher than other home owners association fees.
Townhouse: At townhouse is a single family home which happens to be attached to another single family home. Sometimes they are called row homes. Where a whole group of row homes are built in a complex and the deed includes restrictions of use – called the by laws – a home owners association is created to care for the common areas: grass cutting, snow removal, paving and striping the parking areas, etc. Fee here tend to be less because the homeowner is typically responsible for the exterior of the unit.

A Smart Home Seller: Well we learned yesterday that the FHA has lowered their bottom credit score to 620. It was 640 and that’s huge. So many people are penalized for having low credit scores and sometimes they were victims of temporary problems like a job layoff and medical leave. A couple of missed or late payments and their credit score drops. With this new, lower score we will be able to put so many more people into homes with only 3.5% per cent down.
My 2 Cents:

One last comment to Osama Bin Laden. Ten years, two wars, too many lives and trillions of dollars. Here’s an idea: next time send the SEALS in first!

Home of the week:

This weeks’ featured home is 168 Gunwale Road, Manahawkin, a great 3 bedroom 2 bath colonial with formal living room, formal dining room, large family room, eat in kitchen and a huge Florida room leading to a deck with an oval above ground pool. The landscaped yard is accented with a koi pond, and the tool shed is, in reality, a sports bar! Located in Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin, this home is 5 miles to the beaches of Long Beach Island, near restaurants, shopping, boating, fishing and just 30 minutes from Atlantic City. This home comes with a 1 year home warranty. Call today to see this amazing home!
Again this we had our mortgage guru’s work up the numbers. Get this: 168 Gunwale qualifies for a USDA NO MONEY DOWN mortgage. Based on the asking price of $259,900.00 the total monthly payment for this property (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) would be ONLY $1883.52 For qualified buyers. Based on 5% interest rate - 30 year fixed rate 0 points. Interest rates subject to change.

If you like our show, friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and pass the show on to your friends. Thanks or viewing and have a great week!
Brought to you by The Tom Smith Realty Group, Thomas J Smith and Amanda Nichols. For more information call/text 609 709-1429 visit: www.Sellertom.com Tom@sellertom.com