Welcome to Episode 24 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. June 22, 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:

This week we took a look at all active listings in the MLS as well as all listings in the MLS that have closed in the last year. We currently have 3493 homes for sale and in the last year 2048 have sold. So we have crossed the 50% line. That’s a good thing.

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:

Viking Village "Dock Tours".
To heighten public awareness of the Commercial Seafood Industry, Viking Village offers "Dock Tours". These tours provide basic insight into key issues relating to the management of our seafood resources, as well as the mechanics of individual fisheries. The "Tour" discusses three main fisheries; Scalloping, Gill-netting, and Long Lining. Visitors get to see our facility in operation, along with a fresh display of seafood products. Dock tours are held every Friday at 10:00am from July 1 - September 2.
Call the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce at 609-494-7211 for more details.
Viking Village is in Barnegat Light where you’ll also find quaint shops, ice cream parlors and lots of boat watching.

Our real estate glossary:

An Assumable Mortgage is a mortgage that can be transferred to another borrower.
All mortgages in the United States are assumable. The trick is that when we hear “assumable” we think the next guy gets to be responsible. Not true. Years ago some mortgages were fully assumable. Meaning, that once the new borrower signed the paperwork the old borrower was completely free of obligations concerning that mortgage.
Today, all mortgages are assumable but the original borrow is still responsible for the loan. So if the new borrower fails to pay monthly payment the old borrower is stuck.

Smart home seller tip:

Here are a few really good tips to keep in mind when you’re selling your home:

1. Realize that you may need to invest in minor home repairs, fresh paint, etc. to sell your home.

2. Timing and the current real estate market will be a big factor in the speed with which you sell your home.

3. Before you place your home on the market, you should make minor repairs.

4. Take family photos off the wall.

5. Replace worn carpet. Paint walls in neutral colors.

6. You will also need to be ready to show it to potential home buyers at all times.

7. Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your home for showings When an agent shows your home, leave the house (so the buyers will feel comfortable looking around) But, leave the lights on and the interior doors open to create space and good traffic flow.

And of course, #8, hire us to sell your house!

My 2 Cents:

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

Home of the week:

Our home of the week is: 409 Mermaid Drive in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin
This 4 bedroom 2 bath custom home located in Ocean Acres has everything you have been looking for! In ground pool, very private 445 square foot master suite on second floor with walk in closet and full bath, 3 more bedrooms and bath with granite counters on the first floor, humongous living room next to an equally enormous kitchen with center island, double stainless sink, ceramic tile flooring, gas cooking, huge pantry, ceiling fans, sliders to the pool, patio & landscaped yard. The shed is as big as a small garage. Only $249,900 ! OMG JUST CALL! For photos and video tour visit: http://www.sellertom.com/

Well, we’ve gone an ruined another 10 minutes of your day…
Our show is written by company lackey, Tom Smith – produced by the big boss, Amanda Nichols and Directed by the Big Big Boss, 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: http://www.sellertom.com/ Tom@sellertom.com

Tune in again next week and let us know what you think!
Visit http://www.sellertom.com/ for our weekly webcast on our homepage. All of our past shows are under the tools & links button, click on Weekly Webcast

Welcome to our Tenth Annual Tom Smith Group, Re/Max At Barnegat Bay Night At the BlueClaws Client Appreciation Party.


This year our party was held at the First Base Party Deck and Suite on Monday, June 13, 2011. We welcomed members of our “I Love My House Club” to our party.
The Blue Claws players were signing autographs on the field. Lots of members of our group made it to the field and got lots of signatures!
There was tons of delicious choices of food for all.
The BlueClaws honored members of the military.
We honored our “most referral” winner, Andrew. He was awarded with a gift card tree. Since Andrew is a cop, most of the cards were Dunkin Donuts!!!
Thank you again, Andrew for all of your referrals and thanks to all for the referrals you have given us thru out the year.
Buster came by to visit us and was a highlight of the night.
We all had a fun night and cheered the BlueClaws on to victory.
See you next year!!
The Tom Smith Group, Thomas J Smith, Amanda Nichols & Donna Smith – RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay, 31 North Main Street, Manahawkin Cell/Text 609 709-1429 Email: Tom@Sellertom.com, www.Sellertom.com

Life and Living At The Jersey Shore Webisode 23 - June 15, 2011



Welcome to Episode 23 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. June 15, 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:
This week statistic in a personal one. I wanted to thank everyone who came out to the game Monday night for our 10th annual Night at the Blue Claws, Client appreciation party. We had the whole top deck and suite. It was lots of fun and we had tons of great food.
A special congratulations to Andrew Parsley the winner of a $500.00 Gift Card tree for referring the most customers to us in 2010. Since Andrew is a police officer it wasn’t a surprise when he quickly pocketed the Dunkin Donuts cards.!

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:

The STAFFORD TOWNSHIP ARTS CENTER (STAC) and OceanFirst Theatre, features an 800 seat theatre with state-of-the-art amenities, and is host to the region's finest professional entertainment. As the newest performing arts center on the Jersey Shore, STAC provides art and culture programming through its Summer Stage Series, Children's Programs and entertainment for the entire family. STAC is located at 1000 McKinley Ave. Manahawkin, NJ 08050 for show schedules call: 609.489.8600

Our real estate glossary:
The term “Fee simple” refers to the greatest possible interest a person can have in real estate. As opposed to an ownership in a condominium project, the unit owner is the exclusive owner only of the air space within his or her portion of the building (the unit) (we say from the sheet rock in) and is an owner in common with respect to the land and other common portions of the property. A fee simple owner is one who owns the everything including the dirt.
Often confused with condominiums, townhouses might be fee simple. Even though they are attached to another property the owner can still own the entire property including the dirt underneath.

Smart home buyer tip:

Here’s a good reason to seriously consider buying a home now. According to a report released by Realtor.com on current industry trends, Median home values are rising, although not uniformly. The Southwest and Florida still have a long upward climb, but states like New Jersey for example, experienced a 6.04 percent gain in just one month! As it stands, the national median list price is now $199,500, slightly more than February’s $199,000
So with mortgage rates below 4.75%, down payments of 3.5% and even 100% financing it makes good sense to buy a house now.
And we have some really nice looking houses all over Southern Ocean County.

My 2 Cents:
On June 15th 1911 the International Business Machine company was formed. 100 years ago today. And no, Amanda, (I wasn’t there for the opening ceremonies!)

Home of the week:
This week’s home of the week is 135 Autumn Oak Lane in the Oaks section of Manahawkin. This home was just reduced to an incredible price of only $224,900.00 This gorgeous center hall colonial is Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with tree lined streets, sidewalks and underground utilities, this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home features hardwood floors, formal living room, formal dining room, kitchen opens to dining area with bump out windows, family room Plus a Florida room off the family room overlooking the fenced yard and patio. There are three large bedrooms on the second floor. The spacious master bedroom features a full bath and large walk in closet. There is tons of storage in this home, a one car garage with pull down stairs to attic storage, central air, gas heat, in ground sprinklers. Call today 609-978-3623! You can see photos and a video tour on our website: www.sellertom.com. What a bargain.


Well, you’ve wasted another perfectly good 10 minutes of your life listening to our prattle. Our show is written by me, Tom Smith, my beautiful co host & partner, Amanda Nichols, and our producer, director, cameraperson and partner, Donna.

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 22 Life and Living At The Jersey Shore



Welcome to Episode 22 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. June 8, 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:
Here’s an interesting tidbit: in the last week there are 33 New listings; 43 price changes; 23 listings have Expired; 8 homes have closed and sold; 14 are in Pending; 10 homes are Back On The Market; 12 listings have been extended. Real estate is moving again in SOC!


Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:

Celebrate Stafford Township Founder’s Day with your friends and neighbors!
The Annual Founders Day has something for everyone! Starting with breakfast at the Stafford Township Fire House on Stafford Avenue for local senior residents.
Then the Annual Hometown Parade at 11 am. After the parade there will be opening ceremonies at the Little League Fields off Doc Cranmer Blvd behind BJ’s and WalMart
And of course Carnival Rides, Laser Tag, Inflatable’s (pay one price - wrist bands available for $10.00)
There will be a tethered Hot Air Balloon Demonstration by Dream Adventures
(weather permitting) , Local Business, Craft and Food Vendors , a Pie Eating Contest &
Corn hole Tournament, LITTLE MISS STAFFORD AND LITTLE TOWN CRIER CONTESTS. Also,
2011 STAFFORD IDOL CONTEST, 2011 MISS STAFFORD PAGEANT and of course the big ending of the Founders Day Celebration - THE FANTASTICALLY FABULOUS FIREWORKS SHOW
(FIREWORKS SET TO BEGIN AT DUSK) For additional info, please call the Recreation Office at 597-1000, ext. 8557, 8573 or 8578

Our real estate glossary:
Real estate agent or Realtor:
A real estate agent is anyone licensed by the state (in our case, NJ) to represent buyers and sellers in the brokering of real estate. A Realtor is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association Of Realtors. Realtors actually agree, in their membership requirements to an uphold a higher standard of professionalism and ethics. So it’s good to hire a Realtor.

Smart home seller tip:
Here is an often overlooked tip that will go a long way when selling your house: Replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures that are worn or leaking. People will notice a leaking or worn-out faucet. By replacing these items, you will give a new look to the room. Clean under the sinks. If there are any leaks fix them. Don’t forget to repair any cabinetry that may have gotten ruined with water.
This simple tip can help make a great first impression to a buyer and can avoid potential negotiation stumbling blocks later in the deal.

My 2 Cents:
A Parrothead is someone who embraces the lifestyle and attitude of the lyrics of singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffett. Now, you know you’re a Parrothead if you have eaten a cheeseburger in paradise, washed it down with Boat Drinks while watching a volcano erupt in Margaritaville. But the most important thing we Parottheads wonder is: what if the hokey pokey really is what’s it’s all about…

Home of the week:
This week’s home of the week isn’t a home. Nope, it’s a beautiful acre and a quarter building lot in the Parkertown section of Little Egg Harbor Township. 41 Fern Drive is perfect for someone looking for elbow room. It even comes with permits and plans to build a beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath cape cod. So there’s no waiting for approvals, engineering and all that. This lot offers a feeling of privacy, seclusion & space, yet close to shopping, restaurants, and the nightlife of Atlantic City. It’s in a very private neighborhood and is a short walk to the bay, bay beach, play ground, marina & fishing. So what are you waiting for? Call today 609-978-3623! You can see photos and a video tour on our website: www.sellertom.com.
What a bargain.

Well, you’ve wasted another perfectly good 10 minutes of your life listening to our prattle.
Our show is written by Tom Smith – our executive administrator of nudging, Amanda Nichols and our supervisor of nagging, 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

Tip of the week

Energy Saving Cooling Tips

·  Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.
 
· Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

· Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
 
· Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
 
· Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
 
· Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

These tips are to help save you money No matter what the economy is doing!

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.

If you have missed any of our Being a smart homeowner in 2011 series, visit http://www.sellertom.com click on booklets/report button & go to the Being a Smart Homeowner in 2011.

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

Episode 20 Life and Living At The Jersey Shore - June 1, 2011




Welcome to Episode 21 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. June 1, 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

In This Episode:

Here are this week’s market stats:
This is interesting: in southern Ocean County there are currently 784 waterfront properties for sale. The lowest price of these $104,900.00 and is located in LEHT; the highest priced waterfront home is, of course on LBI, and is listed at $14,995.00. And we’d be happy to sell you any in between!
Seven hundred and eighty four…. That quite a selection.


Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
So, Amanda, what’s fun in SOC this week?
Well, Southern Ocean County has some really wonderful parks. Here’s a list
Eno's Pond Park in Lacey 28 acres, Freedom Fields in Little Egg Harbor 120 acres; Wells Mills Park in Waretown 910 acres; A Paul King Park in Stafford 48 acres and Tip Seaman Park in Tuckerton 22 acres. and there is a lot of information on each one at the County Park Web site: www.ocean.nj.us/parks/parklist.htm Wow, lots of acreage to have some fun!

Our real estate glossary:
DEBT TO INCOME RATIO: DTI
– is the percentage of your annual gross income that a lender will allow for all debt. There actually two ratios: the front ratio which is the amount of your debt that can be used for a home mortgage – that’s usually about 28% and a back ratio, usually around 41%, which (and this is the most important one) is the total
Amount of debt a will allow you to carry including consumer debt and the mortgage. So if you earn 100,000 per year (not take home but gross – and can be combined with husband, wife and even other adults living in the household) you can use $28000.00 for your mortgage (principal interest taxes and insurance) or $2333.33 per month. And you can use $41,000.00 for total debt service. So, for example iff you have a car payment of say $300.00 per month and a couple of credit cards that cost about $400.00 per month and a mortgage payment of 2000.00 per month (a total of $2900.00 per month times 12 = $34,800.00) which is below the allowable $41,000.00 or 41% of gross income.
That’s DTI or Debt To Income ratio

Smart home buyer tip:
Here are some tips from our friends at Lowes Home Stores for getting your home sold in today’s competitive market:

Repaint Rooms.
Paint with a buyer's sensibilities in mind. Use neutral colors throughout your home to lend continuity from room to room. Use light colors to make living areas appear roomy.

Wash and Paint the Exterior.
Repainting your exterior increases curb appeal. Spruce it up with a thorough power washing. If your house's exterior paint has faded, a new coat will add value and attract more house hunters

Shine with New Lighting.
Bring out the best features of your house with a new lighting layout. A brighter room will appear more spacious and inviting to potential buyers. Accentuate your house's distinctive elements with track lighting, table and floor lamps, or wall and ceiling fixtures.


My 2 Cents:
if your relationship status on FaceBook says, “It’s complicated” you should stop kidding yourself and change it to “Single”

Home of the week:
1498 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin
There’s still time to enjoy summer fun in this move in condition waterfront – all brick home. It has 2 very generous bedrooms a large, eat in kitchen and a living room with sliders leading to the deck which overlooks the lagoon. And listen to these upgrades: a one year old roof, 3 year old bulkhead and dock, gas stove and hot water. Recently upgraded electrical and wiring. And it’s only 2 lagoons to the Bay. All this for only $269,900.00

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

This Week's Real Estate Market Stats

This is interesting: in southern Ocean County there are currently 784 waterfront properties for sale. The lowest price of these $104,900.00 and is located in LEHT; the highest priced waterfront home is, of course on LBI, and is listed at $14,995.00. And we’d be happy to sell you any in between!

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