Monday, October 5, 2009

Rising Mortgage Rates, Foreclosures & Short Sales

Steve Harney, a national real estate expert, recently reported a new development with the Fed and mortgages, as well as making an important prediction regarding rates. Here's what Steve had to say:

Anyone looking to buy, move-up or refinance, MUST do it before the spring. Let me explain why I feel this way. Banks are not currently in the business of lending money to home purchasers. Why? Because, with all the risk associated with mortgaging and with inflation looming why would anyone make a 30 year loan at 5%? So banks, for sometime now, have been content to just collect the up-front fees associated with the loan and the processing fees associated with servicing the loan (billing, collection, etc.). The actual loan is financed by the government who has been willing to make loans at a lower rate in part to help stabilize the economy.

Well, the Fed announced last week that they will no longer be buying those mortgages after March of 2010. Once the government stops purchasing mortgage-backed securities and banks are forced to make the loans, rates will rise. History tells us that once they start to rise they will do so quickly and dramatically.

Again, if you are going to buy, move-up or refinance, DO IT NOW!

If you are seeking to purchase a home before rates go up, contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-8577.

Now for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...

Carteret

East Brunswick

Edison

Middlesex

New Brunswick

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Plainsboro

Sayreville

South Brunswick

South Plainfield

Woodbridge Area

TOWNHOMES

MULTI-FAMILY

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Finding Flood Zones, Foreclosures, and More...

Finding Flood Zones

As Home Buyers continue their search for a home, quite often, the question comes up, "Is this house in a Flood Zone?" Subsequently, questions about Flood Insurance usually follow. Here are some helpful tips.

A Free Way to Determine Flood Zones

Many websites will charge you for this information. However, there is a free site called www.Floodsmart.gov which can be of tremendous help. Very simply, all you need to do is put in your address, and it'll tell you the risk for flooding. Voila!

What About Flood Insurance?

Quite often, if you are in a high risk area, your mortgage lender is going to require that you carry flood insurance. It may even be a good idea to carry it if you're not. However, its important to consult an Insurance Expert to determine appropriate coverages to best protect yourself. If you don't know a good insurance agent, feel free to contact me for a referral.

Does Your Realtor Know?

If Flood Zones are a concerned, be sure to work with a Realtor who knows the areas you are interested in and is constantly checking these homes before showing. This will save you time and energy in your search for a home.

For more information flood zones or overall assistance in finding a home, feel free to call me direct at 609-865-5877 or email me at cooper@zastko.com.

Now for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...


Helmetta


Highland Park


Metuchen


New Brunswick


Sayreville


South Plainfield


Woodbridge Area


Townhomes


Multi-Family

Monday, September 21, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales - 9/21/09

Buyer Frustration


Lately, many buyers have been extremely frustrated in their search for a home. Many times, they find what seems like the perfect deal, even visiting the home with their agent, only to discover that the house has been under contract for weeks! This was unheard of in the past, but is an ever increasing trend with Bank-owned properties. Many exasperated buyers want to know, “Why????”


The Status Quo


Generally speaking, each property that’s listed for sale is entered into an online system, giving real estate agents up to the minute information. Usually, when a seller accepts an offer, the status is changed, notifying all agents that a contract is in play, rendering the property unavailable.


The Rules Change on Bank-owned


Lately, when offers are accepted on Bank-owned properties, some agents aren’t changing the status, leading agents to believe that the property is available, when in reality, its not. Apparently, the claim is that banks are instructing agents not to change the status, so as to “maximize marketing time”. Whether this is true or not, the bottom line is that countless hours are wasted showing these homes, resulting in Buyer frustration and disappointment.


How to Stay Ahead of the Bank


During this crucial period for Buyers, time needs to be used well. In order to stay ahead, Buyers’ agents need to do their due diligence and find out about the status of these Bank-owned homes before viewing. This means doing a little extra work to contact the listing office or track down the agent to discover the truth of the matter. It requires more effort on the part of their agent, but it means that Buyers will only spend time seeing what’s available.


If you’re interested in working with an agent who will put in the extra effort in helping you find a home, feel free to contact me directly at 609-865-5877 or email me at cooper@zastko.com.


And now for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...


East Brunswick


Edison


Monroe


Old Bridge


Perth Amboy


Piscataway


Woodbridge Area


Townhomes


Multi-Family

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales - 9/14/09

How the $8000 Tax Credit Helps Home Sellers

This morning, I had a conversation with a good friend of mine who was looking to buy a larger home for his family. Quickly, the topic turned his condo as he asked the age old question, "Should I sell it now or rent?" Lately, many have asked this question, and while there are many factors that affect it, one that most sellers aren't considering is the $8000 Tax Credit.

How the Tax Credit Affects the Price of Your Home

Even though the tax credit is for Home Buyers, it is creating a very real incentive to buy a home, one that may not be there after November 30, 2009. Many buyers are responding by making the move, creating a declining inventory of homes and numerous multiple offer situations. This has helped to slow down the price decline, creating an artificial bottom.

What if the Tax Credit isn't renewed?

If the tax credit isn't renewed, the urgency is lost, and with it, Buyer demand for homes. Additionally, without the free $8000 from the government, homes will become less affordable to Buyers, resulting in a continued decline until greater affordability kicks in. However, with a lack of urgency or any incentive, slow recovery is the best we can hope for.

What if the Tax Credit is renewed?

This is certainly a much better scenario for both Buyers and Sellers. However, keep in mind that if its extended for another year, many Buyers will procrastinate for 9 months, and suddenly realize, "Nuts! I've only got 3 months to get that credit!" Granted, there will be renewed urgency towards the end, but in the interim, things will probably be slow, and if the number of homes builds up again, prices will decline.

The bottom line is that Today's Tax Credit will help you sell your home, as Buyers are urgently seeking theirs. If you'd like to discuss whether now is a good time to sell your home, or if you're interested in a free market analysis on your home, feel free to contact me directly at 609-865-5877 or email me at cooper@zastko.com.


Now for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...


Carteret

Edison

Middlesex

New Brunswick

Perth Amboy

Piscataway

Sayreville

Spotswood

Woodbridge Area

TOWNHOMES - Click Here

MULTI-FAMILY - Click Here

Monday, September 7, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales - 9/7/09

Labor Day Special!

Focus on HUD Homes

This week, we're putting our attention on HUD Homes. For those not familiar, these are homes that have been foreclosed by HUD and can only be shown by a small group of select, registered agents. This is a fantastic opportunity for any buyer wanting to pick up a great deal with little or no competition for a home.

Here's a highlight of what's available:





Somerset - 3 Bedroom, 1 Full, 2 Half Bath Split


Offered for $240,000!





East Windsor - 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome


Offered for $131,200!




Woodbridge - 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Ranch

Offered for $235,000!



If you're interested in any of these homes or others like it, or simply want more information on HUD Homes, feel free to call me direct on my cell at 609-865-5877 or email me at cooper@zastko.com.
Now for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...
Single Family
Townhomes - Click here
Multi-Family - Click here

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales - 9/1/09

As the summer season draws to an end, we've seen a continual shift in the market. Foreclosure/Short Sale listings continue to be down from several months ago in some areas, though persisting in others.

A Declining Inventory

In Middlesex County, new Single Family homes in a Short Sale or Foreclosure situation are down, with only 15 of a total of 175 new listings this past week, as compared to an average of 12-15% earlier this year. Similarly, townhomes also seem to be down, with only 7 of 66 total.

There are several possible reasons for this. On one hand, perhaps the market is truly getting better, with people finding new jobs. Similarly, banks may also be doing more to help people to stay in these homes through loan modification programs. On the other hand, it could also be that there's so much foreclosure action that only so many can be handled at one time.

A Significant Difference

One stark difference is the Multi-Family homes. There were only 11 Multi-Family homes listed this week, six of them in a Short Sale or Foreclosure situation. With such a low number of total listings, it would seem that owners, many of them investors, are choosing to hold these properties until the market improves. Similarly, those that are selling may be looking just to cut their losses, perhaps from non-performing tenants or overwhelming expenses.

What This Means For You...

If you're looking for a deal on a Bank-owned home, with a declining number of homes to choose from, the opportunity may quickly be slipping away. If you're interested in making a move or simply obtaining more information, please contact me directly at cooper@zastko.com or call me at 609-865-5877.


Now for This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...

Single Family

East Brunswick


Middlesex

New Brunswick

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy


Piscataway

South Amboy


South Plainfield


Woodbridge


Townhomes/Condos - Click here

Multi-Family - Click here

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 8/10

How DO You Find a Great Deal?

Finding a great deal in this market isn't always easy. After all, if it were, everyone would be doing it. However, with the right people and a little bit of patience, you'll have the deal of a lifetime!

Steps to Finding a Great Deal

Here are some steps to finding a great deal:
1) Be patient and visionary. You need to see potential where no one else does.
2) Never make an offer without knowing what similar homes are selling for and price trends for the neighborhood.
3) Don't be afraid to lose a house if they don't accept your offer. NO EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS!

Most importantly, be sure to work with a Realtor who is knowledgeable and a GREAT NEGOTIATOR. If they don't know where to look or how to negotiate the deal, they probably aren't the person for the job.

If you need help finding a great deal or aren't sure you're getting the best service, contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877 for a Buyer's Consultation.

Now, for this week's Foreclosures and Short Sales...

Carteret

Edison

Jamesburg

Perth Amboy

Sayreville

South River

Woodbridge

Condos

Multi-Family

Monday, July 27, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 7/27

Central Jersey Market Update
For those who are interested in what the local market is doing, here are a couple of statistics for Middlesex County for the 2nd Quarter that may be of interest:
Single Family Homes:
Avg. Sales Price:
April 2009 - $321,278
May 2009 - $335,563
June 2009 - $358,589

Number Closed:

April 2009 - 217
May 2009 - 264
June 2009 - 374

While this doesn't mean the prices are going back up, it does seem to indicate that there are more second or third time buyers who are now able to move up into a bigger home. Also, more and more people are still making the move to buy a home.

If you'd like to know how your town is doing, please contact me directly at cooper@zastko. I'd be happy to get you the appropriate information.

Now, for this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...

Avenel

Carteret

Edison

Helmetta

Highland Park

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy

Piscataway

Sayreville

South River

Spotswood

Condos

Multi Family

Monday, July 13, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 7/13

Buyer Activity Up, But So Are Foreclosures…

The Real Estate market in New Jersey is a mixed bag right now. We’re seeing many positive signs in the market, indicating a leveling off in price decline. Yet, there are some signs that the worse may not be over yet.

More Buyers, Better Market

We’re continuing to see a dramatic increase in Buyer activity, which is essential for market recovery. Here are two findings from a recent survey (5/27/09) by the National Association of Realtors for the month of April, which is very encouraging:

- The number of Buyers looking for a home is up 14% from a year ago.
- First-time buyers declined to 40% of transactions from 53% in March, implying more second-time buyers are entering the traditional spring home-buying season.

This means that as First-Time Buyers are buying homes with traditional owners (not Short Sales or Foreclosures), those people are now getting into the market to purchase other homes, which is another positive indicator of overall market recovery. However, this recovery may be hindered by another factor.

The 2nd Wave of Foreclosures

The flood of Foreclosures due to sub-prime loans seems to be past us, but it looks as if another wave is coming. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, “Not only has foreclosure activity surged, it’s become more widespread, as prime, fixed-rate mortgages now constitute 56% of mortgages in the foreclosure process” (Housingwire.com, 5/28/09). One of the primary factors in New Jersey seems to be the unemployment rate, which was last reported at 8.8% by the Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development. If unemployment remains at these levels or continues to rise, we can expect to see its impact over the next 6-12 months on the number of Foreclosures and the overall Market.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about buying a home, now may be the best time to make your move. More foreclosures means more selection, but more buyers means more competition for the best homes available.
For more information or to set up a consultation to see if this is the right time for you to buy a home, contact me directly at 609-865-5877 or email me at cooper@zastko.com.

And now, this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales...

Carteret

Cliffwood Beach

Dunellen

East Brunswick

Edison

Fords

Monroe

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy

Piscataway

Sayreville

Somerset

South Plainfield

South River

Condos

Multi Family

Monday, July 6, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales July 6th

Happy 4th of July, Everyone! This week's list of Foreclosure/Short Sale homes is a lot lighter, compared to the past couple of weeks. Perhaps a lull in the action, perhaps a sign of things getting better, but whatever the case may be, we'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, if you're interested in any of these homes, or anything else you may come across, feel free to contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.



Carteret

D
unellen

East Brunswick

Edison

Fords

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy

Sayreville

South Plainfield

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures/Short Sales - 6/29/09


Save 20-30% on your next home!


Before...

In the past few months, as prices have dropped and rates remain historically low, many buyers are taking advantage of the current market to buy home. Some saavy consumers are saving even MORE money by buying rundown homes in great locations that no one else wants. Then, with as little as 3.5% down, they are using the bank’s money to fix up the home how they want it, ending up with a fantastic, modern home for much less! This is the magic of the 203(k) program.





...After!!!


Can you show me how?


Take this home for example. A house flipper bought this home for $212,000 and sold it for $299,000 in a multiple offer scenario, putting in about $40,000 in work. A buyer using the 203(k) program could have saved themselves almost $50,000 on this home, and ended up with the upgrades they wanted. That's an enormous savings.





What about unscrupulous contractors?

One of the great features of the 203(k) program is that it is designed to protect Home Buyers from unethical contractors. Here are some of the ways how you are protected:


1) The 203(k) Consultant – This individual is a construction professional whose job is the protect YOU. Working with you, they set the budget and scope of work, as well as inspect all work to make sure it is completed properly.


2) No Deposits – Unlike with regular jobs, contractors do not receive any deposits. This means you are always ahead of the game.


3) No Payments Unless Work is Done Correctly – The Contractor is only paid for work that is done correctly AND approved by your 203(k) Consultant. No work, no money.


With the 203(k) Consultant and the Bank on your side, you can end up with a fantastic home with the upgrades you choose at a tremendous savings!


If you’d like more information on the 203(k) Program, or would like to take advantage of this opportunity, feel free to contact me directly at 609-865-5877or email me at cooper@zastko.com.



And now for this week's Foreclosures and Short Sales...


Many of the homes on this week's list would be absolutely perfect in conjunction with the 203(k) program. As you take a look at these homes, I'd be happy to provide more information or schedule a showing on any that may be of interest.


Carteret


Dunellen


East Brunswick


Edison


Jamesburg


Monroe


New Brunswick


Old Bridge


Piscataway


Sayreville


South Plainfield


South River


Woodbridge Area


CONDOS


MULTI-FAMILY

Monday, June 22, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 6/22

Well, summer is here, and while home prices are down, activity is up. While there's been a lot of national statistics regarding home prices, there has been very little locally.

The graph to the right represents average home values of single family homes in Middlesex County based on closed sales since 2006. Declines were cyclic, but not as drastic as other parts of the US, until September 2008, when the banking industry imploded. Since then, the market has slowed in its decline. It'll be interesting to see when it actually ends.

On the other hand, it seems the Foreclosure and Short Sale activity continues to rise. Whether this is seasonal or simply banks moving forward is hard to say, but the bottom line is this kind of market is here to stay, at least for the next several months, which means tremendous opportunity for the saavy buyer.

For this week's Foreclosures and Short Sales, check out the list below. Our focus is Middlesex County and surrounding areas, so if you don't see an area, don't feel bad. We can still help! Just drop us an email or call.

If you'd like more information on any of these properties, please contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.

Aberdeen

Avenel

Carteret

East Brunswick

Iselin

Keansburg

Keasbey

Manville

Matawan

Middlesex

Monroe

New Brunswick

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Piscataway

Sayreville

Woodbridge

CONDOS

MULTI FAMILY

Monday, June 15, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 6/15


Happy June, everyone! Even though its been rainy most of the month so far, there seems to be a lot more sunshine in our Central Jersey market. Based on the number of closed Single Family homes in Middlesex County, we're seeing a pickup in the market, which is a great thing. Perhaps stability is just down the road...

As usual, we have this week's Foreclosures & Short Sales, which you can view by clicking on the towns below.

If you'd like more information on any of these properties, please contact me directly at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.


Sunday, June 14, 2009

This year's Heritage Day Info

North Brunswick Twp. has just announced this year's Heritage Day! See below for more details. It is a great event...hope to see you all there!

The Annual Heritage Day Festival is North Brunswick’s day to celebrate ethnicdiversity & historic traditions with an outdoor festival which includes great food, crafts , games, music & entertainment. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we enjoy our Township’s day to shine.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2009RAIN DATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2009
Begins at noon at Babbage Park
Fireworks & Concert in the evening at
NBTHS Stadium

Monday, June 8, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 6/8

Hello Everyone! This week I would like to share some statistics with you that were reported by Phil Mintz in a 6/2 article in Business Week. ->

Pending home sales activity was greatest in the Northeast, where the index increased 32.6%, to 78.9, in April, 0.8% above a year ago. The only region that showed a decrease was the South, where the index declined 0.2%, to 93.0, 3.5% higher than a year ago.

Cranbury

East Brunswick

Edison

Fords

Iselin

Metuchen

Middletown

Monroe

New Brunswick

Perth Amboy

Piscataway

Spotswood

Woodbridge

CONDOS

MULTI FAMILY

June 08, 2009
The Best Deals Aren't Always Bank Owned
No matter the price range, I've never worked with a buyer who wanted to pay more than a house was worth. On the flip side, especially these days, the vast majority of buyers I work with want a deal. After all, with a drop in value, low mortgage rates, and the tax credit, its a great time to buy. So, how do you find those deals?
Don't Always Bet on the Bank-Owned
Many people believe that bank-owned are the best deals, but this isn't always the case. Many times, it depends on bank expectations, the property condition, and what the house is really worth. If a bank could get $300,000 for a house, why would they sell it for $200,000? Yes, there's some motivation on the part of banks to sell quickly, but it doesn't always mean great pricing.
So, How do I Find These Deals???
To find a deal, you need to find a seller with motivation to sell quickly. For example, job relocation, bankruptcy, marriage, divorce, death in the family, etc. If people NEED to sell, that's where you'll get your best deals.
Where Do I Start?
Best thing to do is to setup a Buyer's Consultation with a Realtor who knows how to recognize seller motivation and can hunt down these homes for you. A full-time Realtor who knows their market and takes the time to meet with you will be your best asset in achieving your goals.
If you'd like help finding these deals or would like more information, feel free to email me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.

This Week's Foreclosures & Short Sales

There seems to be a good number of Foreclosures & Short Sales on the market this week. You can view them by clicking here.



Deal of the Week

While not a Foreclosure, this East Brunswick home is an Estate sale that is priced right and ready to move. After all, not all the best deals are Bank owned!
Offered at $244,900
If you're interested in this or any other home, please contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.



Cooper FordRealtor Associate732-297-0600Email MeVisit My Website
Copyright © 2009 Cooper Ford. All rights reserved.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Foreclosures and Short sales 6/1

Welcome first week of June! With the coming summer, along with buyer incentives, we've seen a tremendous increase in activity. Even though overpriced homes continue to sit, those that are priced well are moving, some of them even getting multiple offers and going OVER list price (I kid you not.).

Here are this week's listings for Middlesex County. Click the town to view. If you'd like more information on any of these homes or have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly at 609-865-5877 or cooper@zastko.com.

East Brunswick

Edison

Monroe

New Brunswick

Old Bridge

Piscataway

Sayreville

South Plainfield

CONDOS

MULTI-FAMILY HOMES



Get Off the Fence!
These past couple of weeks, we've seen a tremendous increase in Buyer activity. Many have been waiting and watching, and now, they are making their move.
Rates on the Rise
This past week, mortgage rates actually increased signficantly, going up 0.25%, reversing a previous flatline trend. As previously reported, rates were artifically suppressed to unusual lows, and with greater confidence in the market, they are now on the rise. Rates are still great, but if you're looking for the absolutely lowest, you missed it.
A Changing Market???
Another trend we've seen this past week is a shift on certain homes from a Buyer's to a Seller's Market. This is happening when Sellers are pricing their homes well, causing several potential Buyers to make offers on their home, resulting in a contract at or over list price. Many homes are still over-priced, leaving the overall market in the Buyer's favor, but by using this technique, Seller's are taking control on their home (even though its still a great price for the Buyer!).
Don't Get Caught Waiting
In the end of the day, those who sit and wait for something to happen will lose out. As Jeff Otteau recently said:
"Those who wait will regret it. The next six months represents a sweet spot in the housing market that isn't going to come back."
If you're ready to make the move, feel free to contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-5877.
This Week's Foreclosures and Short Sales
Activity has really begun to pick up in Central Jersey as buyers are coming out of the woodwork. You can view this week's Foreclosure and Short Sale homes by clicking here.
Deal of the Week

WOW!!! This Grand 5 Bedroom, 4 1/2 Bath Estate home in Old Bridge is BANK OWNED and ready to move! Definitely would not wait on this one!
Offered at $625,000.
For more information or to schedule a showing, feel free to contact me at cooper@zastko.com or call me direct at 609-865-8577.


Cooper FordRealtor Associate732-297-0600Email MeVisit My Website
Copyright © 2009 Cooper Ford. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 5/26

I want to share a quote with you this week made by Jeff Otteau on the 17th of this month in the Home News Tribune. "The window of opportunity is between now and the end of the year," Otteau said. "Once the public starts feeling more comfortable about the security of their jobs and starts to buy, that window will close quickly. Those who wait will regret it. The next six months represents a sweet spot in the housing market that isn't going to come back."

Carteret

Colonia

East Brunswick

North Brunswick

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy

Piscataway

Sayerville

South River

Woodbridge

CONDOS/TH






Monday, May 18, 2009

Foreclosures & Short Sales 5/18

Memorial Day is nearly upon us and Single Family short sales and foreclosures have fallen off a bit while town houses/condos seem to be growing.

Here is this week's listings for Middlesex County. Click the town to view. If you'd like more information on any of these homes or have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly at
609-865-5877 or cooper@zastko.com.


CARTERET


HIGHLAND PARK


NEW BRUNSWICK


PERTH AMBOY


PLAINSBORO


SAYERVILLE


SOUTH BRUNSWICK


TOWN HOUSES/CONDOS

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

This Week's Foreclosures/Short Sales - 5/11/09

Happy Mothers Day! We've had a few more properties pop up from a few towns that were not on here last week.

Here are this week's listings for Middlesex County. Click the town to view. If you'd like more information on any of these homes or have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly at
609-865-5877 or cooper@zastko.com.

Single Family


Avenel

Carteret

Colonia

Edison

Jamesburg

Milltown

New Brunswick

Old Bridge

Perth Amboy


Piscataway

Woodbridge



Townhomes/Condos
Click Here

Multi-Family
Click here