Hello 2012!

It’s January 3, 2012 and we hope you had a great New Years! In 2011 the real estate market had it’s ups and downs, but the year closed with positive housing market data!

The National Association of Realtors announced that it’s pending home sales index rose 5.9% from November 2010. This index tracks homes under contract, not the sales themselves, and has no been this high since April 2010! NAR also says that existing home sales rose 12.2% since November of last year.

Forecasts by Fiserv and the National Association of Realtors say prices will start rising in early to mid-2012. The NAR reports sales already have turned around with a dramatic 17 percent gain in the third quarter.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist says "November did reasonably well in comparison with the past year. The sustained rise in contract activity suggests that closed existing-home sales, which are the important final economic impact figures, should continue to improve in the months ahead."

Also on the bright side, mortgage rates end year under 4%! All fixed mortgage rates finished the year near all-time lows, with the 30 year home loan at 3.95%. Freddie Mac says the rate for 30 year fixed mortgage has been at or below 4% for 9 consecutive weeks and only twice did it average about 5%.

2011 may have been good, but 2012 is looking to be even better!

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Robert Kiejdan's New Construction in The Parkway is FINISHED!!

Take a look at these gorgeous updated pictures of Robert Kiejdan's latest design in the parkway section of Margate!

Highlights include

LARGE FRONT PORCH	HUGE DECK
HARDWOOD FLOORS	CROWN MOLDINGS
2 MASTER SUITES
ENERGY EFFICIENT FEATURES
MEDIA ROOM

More information here

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Totally Renovated Rancher In The Parkway Section!

This week we have a great new listing in the Parkway Section of Margate!

This terrific Margate beach getaway was gutted to the studs, renovated & remodeled top to bottom. 3 BR 2 BA ranch home featuring an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen w/granite counter tops, master BR suite w/full BA, gorgeous new HW floors & new EVERYTHING: Tankless hot water heater, HVAC, plumbing, electric, windows, roof! Outside features a huge covered front porch, rear deck, E.P. Henry paver patio, enclosed shower, a large fenced yard & 3 car parking. Walking distance to the beach in the Parkway section.

More Information Here

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How to Winterize Your Vacation Home!

Recently MSN had a great article on how to “button” up your vacation home for winter. Since we live at the Jersey Shore, a prime vacation destination, we thought we would share these great tips with you!

First off, what you need to do depends on where your home is. The colder the climate, the more work you have to do. Here is what the experts say:

*Turn Off Your Water Supply- Even if you decide to leave the heat on, turn off the water coming into the house. If you lose power and it gets cold and the pipes freeze, when it gets worm there will be water everywhere!

*Drain The Pipes- After you’ve shut off the water, drain the pipes in the house so there’s no water inside of them that can freeze.

*Change Your Water Heater Settings- Many water heaters have a “vacation setting” marked on the dial. This will conserve energy and also keep the water from freezing.

*To Heat or Not To Heat- It is advised to never shut your heat completely off when winterizing your home. Turn your heat to the lowest setting, but keep it going.

*Power Down- If you want to leave some electricity one, just throw certain breakers into the “off” position. Or, go around an unplug all the electrical items you can.

*Keep Interior Doors Open- This will help the air circulate while all the exterior doors and windows are closed.

Here are a few quick tips for the outside too:

*Prune your trees

*Install a chimney cap

*Care for sprinklers

*Secure your dock

We hope this helps you and your home get through the cold winter!!

More information here

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2 More Great Condo Listings This Week!

Ventnor

This totally renovated South Side 2 BR, 2 BA condo is just steps to the beach. The interior highlights include a great room with connecting sun room, eat-in kitchen featuring granite counters, SS appliances, and a balcony off the living room. Besides the large second bath and second BR, there is a large master BR suite and private washer and dryer. Pets are allowed and storage is abundant with NO CONDO FEE AT ALL!!! Great investment opportunity, summer getaway or year-round home!!!

More information and pictures here

Margate

Tradition & luxury combined in this distinctive 4 BR 3.5 BA Victorian style townhouse just 1.5 blocks to the beach. The home spans 3 levels & is filled w/exquisite finishes & high-quality craftsmanship including a state-of-the-art kitchen, hardwood floors, a 1st floor BR & full BA, a sun-drenched great room, & a luxurious master suite w/private deck. Other highlights include serene courtyard, 2 car garage, low condo fee & pet friendly. Located walking distance to the best restaurants & shopping in Margate.

More information and pictures here

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Is Black Friday Becoming Black Thanksgiving?

With the biggest shopping day right around the corner many of the largest retailer are opting to open Thanksgiving Day, rather than early Friday morning. Mega retailers like Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and Kmart will all be open at 10 p.m. the Day of Thanksgiving.

Other retailers including Target, Best Buy, Macy’s and Kohl’s are now opening at midnight instead of their usual 3 and 4 a.m. opening times. Ever year it seems that stores are opening earlier and earlier, but when is enough enough?

Many believe it’s no longer “Black Friday”, instead it is becoming “Black Thanksgiving”. Retailers do this to be more convenient for the shoppers, instead of having to wake up earlier and wait online in the cold, now customers can simply stay up late and go shopping at midnight. But is this fair to the store employees?

For retail workers, Thanksgiving and Christmas have typically been their two guaranteed time off. But now, stores like Wal-Mart are making employees come in at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving night. Many say this is causing them to miss out on time spent with family.

What do you think? Do you agree that stores opening at midnight on Thanksgiving is too much? Or are you happy that you don’t have to wake up at 3 a.m. to get the best bargains this year?

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Tips On Buying A Home At The End Of The Year!

Around this time of the year most people are wrapped up in planning for the holidays, but it could be one of the best times of the year to buy a home. A recent article from Trulia gives some great tips for purchasing a home at the end of the year.

Anna Maria, the author of the article, points out that during this time of the year some of the best deals could be made in tremendous discounts. Shes says that home inventory that did not sell over the summer will usually end up being the best bargains. There are a few reasons for this:

-Sellers Hate moving during the holidays.
-Sellers start becoming desperate if they sell, especially if their home did not sell during the summer prime selling season.
-Buyers with children usually want to complete their purchase by the end of summer for school reasons.

All of these reasons give the buyer an upper hand. If there is a home that has been sitting on the market for a while, don't be scared to office a lower then listed price. In today's market there are great deals to be made!

Read full article here

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3 Great New Listings!

This week we are happy to share 3 great new listings with you. 2 are spacious Condos at Ventnor On The Bay and one is a beautiful brick colonial!

1 N. Somerset Avenue, Ventnor

No expense was spared in the renovation of this 6 BR, 3.5 BA brick colonial in the heart of Ventnor's St. Leonard's Tract. With classic center staircase floor plan, the entry foyer provides access to both the large living room with a wood burning fireplace and the inviting dining room. The 1st floor also includes a state of the art kitchen and a big BR and full BA. The 2nd floor includes 3 BRs, a full BA & a large master suite with private BA. Connected to the home is a gorgeous in-laws suite with vaulted ceiling, BA and W/D.

More Pictures & Information Here



6105 Monmouth Avenue, Unit 905, Ventnor


LOWEST PRICED UNIT AT VENTNOR ON THE BAY!!! This studio condo has a great balcony featuring fabulous bay views. Priced to sell, the building is located on the bay just 3 blocks to the beach and the boardwalk. The low condo fee includes all utilities with building amenities, including security, storage, and a terrific pool. Docks are available for boaters also!!! Walking distance to the best restaurants and shopping.

More Pictures & Information Here

6101 Monmouth Avenue, Unit 902, Ventnor

LOWEST PRICED UNIT AT VENTNOR ON THE BAY!!! This studio condo is with a great balcony features fabulous bay views. Priced to sell the building is located on the bay just 3 blocks to the beach and the boardwalk. The low condo fee includes all utilities with building amenities including security, storage, & a terrific pool. Docks are available for boaters also!!! Walking distance to the best restaurants and shopping.

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New Updated Pictures Of The Bayviews Of Washington!!

Check out these new pictures of our Bayviews of Washington listing. These new photos show how warm and inviting these town homes are, but to get an even better look come see them in person!

215 N. Washington Avenue, Margate

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Atlantic City Beach Entrances To Be Spruced Up!

Not long ago we told you about the new lighting project to be done on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Now, thanks to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Special Improvement District, new entrances to the beach at every street have been designed. The designs will include the name of the street, a flower box on each side, two Adirondack chairs and a bench with no back. In between the beach entrances there will also be benches.

The redesign labor is being done in house, which is very economic, and so far is well received. Atlantic City is hoping that this, along with the new lights added along the boardwalk and extra surveillance, will boost tourism in Atlantic City.

If you would like to see the redesign yourself, two models are located on Rhode Island Avenue and Victoria Place. Let us know what you think!

Read the full article here

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