This Week's Market Stats

Here’s one I’m particularly proud of…last month we listed and had under contract 4 Snowbell Ct in Barnegat and we 121 Atlantis in Manahawkin. Both were on the market less than a 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

Tom's Tip

Ocean County Has A Veterans Service Bureau

Now this is right up my alley - Ocean County has a Veterans Service Bureau, located on the first floor of the Ocean County One-Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, they provide numerous services to veterans, widows and families of veterans.
Services include initiating and filing veteran’s claims with both the state and federal government. Filing for death benefits, filing for burial benefits and filing for other entitlements.
The Veterans Service Bureau also facilitates transportation to V.A. medical centers, lends wheelchairs and walkers to disabled veterans and serves as a referral source for mental health, medical and social service agencies.
Contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at (732) 929-2096, or visit the Ocean County One-Stop Center for more information.
This isn’t charity mates. You’ve earned this!

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

Episode 28 - Life And Living At the Jersey Shore
July 20, 2011



Welcome to Episode 28 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. July 20, 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 one I’m particularly proud of…last month we listed and had under contract 4 Snowbell Ct in Barnegat and we 121 Atlantis in Manahawkin. Both were on the market less than a week.
We did good…

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
Last week we told you about the great music fest on the water, Aquapalooza. Well, here’s a report from Tom and Donna who were on the scene…
Well, that sounds like fun!

Tom’s Tip:
Now this is right up my alley - Ocean County has a Veterans Service Bureau, located on the first floor of the Ocean County One-Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, they provide numerous services to veterans, widows and families of veterans.
Services include initiating and filing veteran’s claims with both the state and federal government. Filing for death benefits, filing for burial benefits and filing for other entitlements.
The Veterans Service Bureau also facilitates transportation to V.A. medical centers, lends wheelchairs and walkers to disabled veterans and serves as a referral source for mental health, medical and social service agencies.
Contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at (732) 929-2096, or visit the Ocean County One-Stop Center for more information.
This isn’t charity mates. You’ve earned this!
Smart Home SELLER tip:
Here are the important things to think about when gauging your need to sell your home:

1. Define your goals for the next 5-10 years.

2. Weigh the pros and cons of selling.

3. Figure out if you can afford to sell, move and buy a new home. Calculate your home equity.

4. Research the local housing market.

5. Consider remodeling the home to fit your needs.

6. Weigh the pros and cons of renting out your home.

Call us. We can help you with the research data…
My 2 Cents:
Here’s one the politicians are going to have a hard time swallowing:
Everyone tries to define this thing called Character. It's not hard. Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking.

Home of the week:
This week’s home of the week is 47 Tiller Dr. in Barnegat, NJ. This 3 bedroom 1 bath ranch is perfect for the first time home buyer, investor or downsizer! It has a fresh coat of painted, new carpets, renovated bath, eat in kitchen, fireplace, and a huge oversized detached garage. This home is only 2 blocks to the elementary school and a very close to shopping and the Parkway.
It only needs some minor TLC make it yours. This home is priced well below market value at $139,900.00. Call today to see this home and to learn how you can own it with no money down and a payment of less than $1200.00 per month!
Don’t forget to go to www.SellerTom.com for all the photos and videos of this home.

Well, I don’t know why you watch this stuff but we’re done for another week.
Our show is written by me, Tom Smith – produced by, Amanda ( Triva Girl ) Nichols and Directed by, Donna (Baseball 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

Life And Living At The Jersey Shore Episode 27

July 13, 2011

Welcome to Episode 27 of Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. July 13, 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:
According to the Hope Now alliance of insurers, counselors and lenders, mortgage servicers completed 68,000 foreclosure sales in May, down 7% from the previous month and the second straight month of declines. Foreclosure sales dropped 14% in April.
However, servicers started 176,000 foreclosures in May, up 8% from the previous month. Roughly 2.67 million mortgages are at least 60-day delinquent, up 1% from the previous month.
Mortgage modifications through private initiatives and the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) remained flat at roughly 85,000… More on this in the My 2 Cents segment.

Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:
From the Asbury Park Press: What’s summer at the Shore without a day of fun, frolicking in the water! Join boaters, sailors, rowers, swimmers, kayakers or jet skiers at Marine Max's Aquapalooza, hosted by Magic 100.1, for some traditional Shore fun on Saturday, July 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Aquapalooza is the annual celebration that takes place on the water at Tices Shoal, an area adjacent to Island Beach State Park on Barnegat Bay.
The band Big Bang Baby will be performing and Magics morning show host Glenn Kalina and Keebler of Magic 100.1 will be broadcasting live on the water. The Magic 100.1 staff from Greater Media radio will be on hand giving away Magic t-shirts, beach balls, and more!
Aquapalooza is free and open to the public. For further information, visit MagicVariety.com
Tom’s Toast:

With all the weddings going on these days I found a toast that is as funny (and I’ve been married 36 years) as it is also profound:
To the groom: Early in your marriage you will find it difficult to get the last word in any discussion.
With time, though, you will learn how to always get the last two words in every discussion. Just make sure the words are "Yes dear."

Smart Home Buyer tip:
Aim for a home you can really afford.
The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But you'll do better to use one of many calculators available online at our website: www.sellertom.com to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.
Most gov’t funded loans (and that’s about the majority these days) mandate that about 41% of your annual, gross income can be used for ALL consumer debt – including your mortgage (principal and interest) and taxes and hazard insurance.
So do the math…
Or call us and we’ll help you with it. NO CHARGE!

My 2 Cents:
2.67 million mortgages are at least 60-days delinquent. The HAMP program (the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program) has helped modify about 85,000 mortgages. That’s 3%....that’s a joke. The reality is the banks can’t modify many of the delinquent loans because the loans were packaged by Wall Street in such a complex way that there’s no direct way to revise the loan.
The government puts pressure on the banks to modify loans; the banks make half hearted attempts to do so, just to keep the Feds off their backs.
The reality? We’re all the victims of a tremendous hoax.
If you’re in over head with your mortgage give us a call and we’ll give you the straight story.

Home of the week:

This week’s home of the week is 242 Atlantis Ave - located in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin. The outdoor living space is amazing! There are 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on an extra deep lot – 190 feet! The Florida room is all sliders, so there is plenty of light and air. It overlooks a gorgeous landscaped yard with a dreamy in-ground pool, custom paver and concrete patio perfect for killer bar b ques. There’s an abundance of plants including Holly and other low maintenance shrubs in all the right places. Great space for relaxing or entertaining friends and family. Other features include an open floor plan, hardwood floors, a master Bedroom with grand double door entry and private bath, one car garage, plus pull down stairs to the attic storage. This home is in excellent move in condition. Priced at only $239,900.00 and even comes with a 1 year home warranty. So call me today!
Don’t forget to go to www.SellerTom.com for all the photos and videos of this home.

Well, I don’t know why you watch this stuff but we’re done for another week.
Our show is written by me, Tom Smith – produced by, Amanda ( oh no, not another wedding ) Nichols and Directed by, Donna (yes dear) 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

Our Real Estate Glossary

CLOSING COSTS
Closing costs are separated into what are called "non-recurring closing costs" and "pre-paid items." Non-recurring closing costs are any items which are paid just once as a result of buying the property or obtaining a loan. "Pre-paids" are items which recur over time, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. A lender makes an attempt to estimate the amount of non-recurring closing costs and prepaid items on the Good Faith Estimate which they must issue to the borrower within three days of receiving a home loan application.

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

Real Estate Market Stats For Ocean County

Well, here are the stats for the month of June 2011 (that’s last month). We have 468 new listings; 242 closed sales (just over 52%). The average sale price was $366,370.36 and that’s up from $315,365.68 for the month of June 2010. The average days on the market is 151. So it’s taking less than six months to get a house sold. That’s pretty good considering what it was just a couple of years ago. It’s a slow cooker but things seem to be turning around.

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 26 of

Life And Living At The Jersey Shore. July 6, 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:
Well, here are the stats for the month of June 2011 (that’s last month). We have 468 new listings; 242 closed sales (just over 52%). The average sale price was $366,370.36 and that’s up from $315,365.68 for the month of June 2010. The average days on the market is 151. So it’s taking less than six months to get a house sold. That’s pretty good considering what it was just a couple of years ago. It’s a slow cooker but things seem to be turning around.


Fun stuff in Southern Ocean:

Picnicking in the Parks - The Ocean County park system provides picnic grounds for small and large groups. All parks have at least a few picnic tables, but some parks are able to accommodate large groups even up to 700! Beginning March 1 of each year, the park system will take limited reservations for large groups on a first-come-first-served basis up to three weeks before the requested date. Picnics can be held between April 1 and November 1.
A fee is charged based upon the size of the group, and proof of insurance is required for groups of 300 or more persons. (They do not take reservations on holidays.). Beer in cans or kegs, wine in wine boxes are allowed by permit only in connection with reserved picnics. Only those with reservations may consume beer/wine, and only within designated roped-off area. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on any sports field! For more detailed information, Rules and Regulations, or a Picnic Reservation Form, telephone the park system at 1-877-OCPARKS or 1-732-506-9090, ext. 5954. Please note that all requests for a picnic reservation must be made at least 3 weeks prior to the picnic date.

Our real estate glossary:
CLOSING COSTS
Closing costs are separated into what are called "non-recurring closing costs" and "pre-paid items." Non-recurring closing costs are any items which are paid just once as a result of buying the property or obtaining a loan. "Pre-paids" are items which recur over time, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. A lender makes an attempt to estimate the amount of non-recurring closing costs and prepaid items on the Good Faith Estimate which they must issue to the borrower within three days of receiving a home loan application.

Smart home buyer tip:
Make a list. Do you (and your spouse, if you're married) really know what you need and want in your home? You'll save yourself many hours of shopping (and potentially arguing) if you make a list ahead of time. Zero in on the features you must have, would like to have, definitely don't want and would prefer not to have. Your goal is to find the right home for your family without falling in love with one that doesn't suit your needs. Tip: Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current home. I call it the dream sheet.

My 2 Cents:
Thinking about stuff I remembered a life lesson that is really on topic any time. A young wife called her mother and asked her how to cook a ham. Her mom told her and ended with “don’t forget to cut it in half before you put it in the pot”. The young wife asked her why and her mom said she didn’t know, that’s how her mother told her to do it; so that’s how they always did it. The young wife was curious, so she called her grandmother and ask her why the recipe called for cutting the ham in half. Her grandmother laughed and said it wasn’t part of the recipe, she just didn’t have a big enough pot. So, maybe, just because it’s “always been done that way”, doesn’t mean there’s a reason to continue doing that way.


Home of the week:
This week’s home of the week is 196 Sprague Ave in West Creek (Eagleswood Township) This Cape Cod style home was custom built by Aiken Construction (a well know and highly regarded local builder). It has with 5 bedrooms, 2 baths on a quite acre of land. There’s a screened porch just perfect for summer and lots of room for gardening. Have the best of both worlds: secluded wooded location yet only a few miles to major shopping, the bay and the beaches of Long Beach Island. With a little TLC this could be the perfect home and its priced well under market value. Other features include zoned gas heat, central air, fireplace, one car garage, and pull down stairs to huge attic storage.
Don’t forget to go to www.SellerTom.com for all the photos and videos of this home.


Well, that’s 10 minutes of your life you’re never getting back.
Our show is written by me, Tom Smith – produced by, Amanda ( the Wedding Planner) Nichols and Directed by, Donna (where’s the beach) 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