Mark Arbeit and Co.Scores Highest Sale in Ventnor & Margate in 2010!!!

107 S. Derby Avenue, Ventnor, NJ

I am proud to announce that on Oct. 4th we sold 107 S. Derby Avenue, a magnificent totally renovated beach block home in Ventnor's St. Leonard's Tract. The home was meticulously renovated by Remarkable Renovations in 2006. To see this home and all of its over 7000 square feet of living space, you knew you were truly in a one of kind estate.

Here are a few photos of the home:

Foyer

Kitchen

Dining Room

It was one of the happiest unions I have ever been a part of as the Buyer and the Seller became instant friends from the day they met. For those of you that have bought and sold homes before, you know that this is not always the case.  In addition, the agent who represented the Buyer, was someone, I had never dealt with before and she too was the consumate professional and a pleasure to work with.  We all had a common goal and we all worked together to achieve it.  Everybody involved felt blessed to be a part of this event. 


It was also a professional achievement for Mark Arbeit and Co. as it marked the highest sale in both Ventnor and Margate since August 2008.  The sale price was $3,000,000.


In addition, it marks the 3rd consecutive year in a row that Mark Arbeit and Co. completed the highest home sale in Ventnor.



105 S. Derby Avenue, Ventnor, NJ



In 2008, we successfully sold 105 S. Derby Avenue, representing both the Buyer and the Seller.  This magnificent home was fully renovated by the one and only Remarkable Renovations. Sale price: $2,030,000.

110 S. Derby Avenue, Ventnor, NJ

In 2009, 110 S. Derby Avenue was a 5500 square foot new construction home.  Since this was a new home, Remarkable Renovations was not needs this time to sell this home.  We will have to wait until this home ages a little while.  Sale Price: $2,850,000.


We are very proud of these achievements and grateful to our clients for the opportunity to represent them.

Summer Weather for Columbus Day Weekend Means Great Open Houses!

The weather forecast for this coming Columbus Day weekend is in the mid 70's, and we are so excited to welcome our potential buyers and friends to two great Open Houses. 

Saturday, October 9th - 12 - 2 P.M.

NEW LISTING
106 N. Osborne Avenue, Margate

This spacious 4BD 3.5BA home in the heart of the Parkway section of Margate will charm you from the minute you pull up. It's contemporary flair is enhanced by an open floor plan anchored by a family room w/a custom fireplace as the focal point w/glazed terracotta ceramic tile running through the entire 1st floor. While the 3rd floor is devotes to a private master BD suite, the 2nd floor has a 2nd master suite + 2 more BDs & an open loft. Outside highlights are a wrap around deck, fenced yard and outdoor shower. $799,000

Sunday, October 10th - 12 - 2 P.M.

104 N. Clermont Avenue, Margate


Totally renovated to the studs by "Remarkable Renovations" in 2009, this showplace home is just 3 blocks from the beach in Margate, w/4 BD, 2.5 BA home (the 4th BD has a built in Murphy Bed) and features all hardwood floors, large eat in kitchen w/granite counter tops, central AC, first floor master bedroom suite, and an open floor plan w/expansive great room w/gas fireplace. Outside highlights are attached garage, large covered porch, fenced yard w/E.P. Henry Patio, enclosed outdoor shower and gas line barbeque. $569,000

BEST BET HOME IMPROVEMENTS : For Now and The Future

Home improvement can be key to selling your home. It is an investment in your property and although $10,000 in improvements may not add $10,000 to a home’s value, it can help it sell faster and at closer to asking price.



Many buyers assess a house based on improvements needed, and the cost of improvements will often make them “low-ball” an offer, or even make no offer at all.


Here are some “best bet” home improvements that will score points with buyers and help you get the best price for your property.

OUTSIDE – First Impressions Really Matter


The exterior of a home sets the tone. If the outside of your home looks old, worn and uncared for, Buyers will assume the inside is too.

Tips:
• Paint the front door. For a Buyer, it’s the first ‘close-up’ look at your home.


• Paint the exterior. This will give your home a fresh clean look.


• Changing shutters or adding awnings is an way to enliven a home’s exterior


• Replacing old porch railings instantly updates a home


• Paint or replace your old shed, but don’t let it ruin an attractive yard



Bigger Payoffs
 • Some homes need more than paint. New vinyl siding or other exterior can be a worthy investment.


• Outside space is a huge selling point for Buyers. The two most requested outside features are a front porch, and a deck large enough for entertaining. These additions increase square footage of a home in a very cost effective way.


• Fencing will broaden a home’s appeal because fenced yards are a “must have” for families with small children or pets.


INSIDE – The Devil’s In The Details

Yes, while most major interior improvements do focus on the kitchen and baths and granite counters and designer cabinets make a big difference, there are less costly ways to improve a home. You may be immune to your environment and unaware of “eye-sores” needing the most help, so before you tackle large projects, ask a Realtor® or home stager about the most worthwhile improvements for your home.

Tips:

• Replace old blinds and faded window treatments with fresh new ones.


• Replace dated light fixtures. New ones cost $20-$40


• Replace those awful bi-fold closet doors that don’t work.


• Stylish new door knobs can add extra flair to your home.


• Replace kitchen and bath faucets if they are old or ugly.


• Replace shower curtains or install sliding glass doors.


• Old kitchen cabinets can look fresh with paint and new hardware.


• New kitchen flooring is easily installed and makes a huge difference.

 Bigger Payoffs

• Remove stained or worn carpets. If you have hardwood floors, show them. Otherwise install new carpeting in neutral colors.


• Fix or replace broken windows. It will reduce your utility bills, and an energy efficient home is important to buyers.


• Central A/C is a major plus. Many buyers will not even look at a home with window units.


• If your appliances are mismatched or look outdated replace them. A full set of white appliances can be purchased for under $1,500.


• Replace old bathroom vanities and countertops, and have tile in tubs re-grouted.

Remember, sometimes small improvements make a big difference. Above all prioritize: Figure out your budget, what is most needed and what you will enjoy. This is still your home and you should benefit from home improvements until you sell it.


(This article will appear in the October 2010 issue of Homes and Land Magazine)

Come Visit Us - The Weather is FABULOUS!!! - 2 Great Open Houses!!!

For those of us that own a home at the shore, we already know how great the weather is in September and October.  September is still summer weather and October maintains great walking temperatures in the 70's. 


This weekend promises to be beautiful with all of our shopping and restaurants open and of course we are featuring two great Open Houses.  We hope you will stop by and see these great homes or just come in to introduce yourself.  We'd love to meet you.


Saturday, October 2nd - 12 - 2 P.M.

104 N. Clermont Avenue, Margate

Totally renovated to the studs by "Remarkable Renovations" in 2009, this showplace home is just 3 blocks from the beach in Margate, w/4 BD, 2.5 BA home (the 4th BD has a built in Murphy Bed) and features all hardwood floors, large eat in kitchen w/granite counter tops, central AC, first floor master bedroom suite, and an open floor plan w/expansive great room w/gas fireplace. Outside highlights are attached garage, large covered porch, fenced yard w/E.P. Henry Patio, enclosed outdoor shower and gas line barbeque. $569,000

Sunday, October 3rd - 12-2 PM

410 N. Union Avenue, Margate

You will be dazzled by this fully renovated 3 BD 1.5 BA ranch home in the prestigious Parkway section of Margate. For the best in shore living, this meticulous home w/central A/C features a sun-filled living room, a richly appointed eat in kitchen w/ butcher block counter tops, huge center island, custom cabinetry &slate flooring, hardwood floors through out and beautifully renovated bathrooms. Outside the home boasts a huge covered rear deck w/nice back yard w/shed, a front porch and 2 car parking.  $379,000

Summer Wrap Up - 3rd Quarter Summary

If you ask anyone who came to the Shore this summer they will tell you it was one of the best summer they have seen in many years.  The weather was absolutely perfect with the sun shining almost every single day.  Temperatures were in the high 80s most of the time, except for the occasional heat wave.  However, even when those temperatures were peaking at the shore, you were thrilled to be able to jump in  the ocean as opposed to suffering in the hot city.

As a Realtor this summer, the toughest job I had was actually getting people OFF the beach to look at homes...but that's okay.  That is what the summer IS all about.


I am happy to report my 16 closings over the past 3 months.


OUR NEW SALES IN JULY, AUGUST and SEPTEMBER!!!
Please join me in sending out congratulations to the Buyers and Sellers I represented in the past few weeks in successful transactions:

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Jim P. on the sale of his home in Ventnor
Lila B. on the sale of her home in Margate
Debbie and Martin B. on the sale of their home in Margate
Evan and Susan K. on the purchase of their home in Margate
Michael M. on the sale of his home in Somers Point
Charles and Rozz S. on the sale of their home in Margate
Debra B. on the purchase of her home in Margate
Sol M. on the sale of his home in Margate
Scott C. on the sale of his home in Margate
Mark S. on the purchase of his home in Margate
Rich B. on the purchase of his home in Margate
Rosalie S. on the purchase of her home in Margate
David K. on the sale of his condo in Somers Point
Josh and Lauren D. on the purchase of their condo in Somers Point
Lou and Paula B. on the sale of their duplex in Margate
Herb and Eva B. on the sale of their home in Margate


UPCOMING SALES!!!

With mortgage rates at an all time low smart Buyers are still taking advantage of "free money" and well priced homes.  In addition to these completed sales, I currently have 10 more properties under contract and scheduled to close in the coming weeks.


For the perfect home for you, please be sure to check out my web site http://www.markattheshore.com/, or please feel free to call me at 609-402-5885 or email me directly at markarbeit@aol.com.

Happy New Year!

To our clients, friends and family who celebrate the Jewish New Year,

Mark and Mitch want to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Doom & Gloom...REALLY???

HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO THE NEWS?


The national unemployment rate is 9.6%!


OK, but what about YOU? Are you are among the 90.4% who are employed? Is your job secure and are you finances solvent? If so, you should be eagerly taking advantage of the amazing opportunities available to you! And guess what? By doing so, you stand to gain personally, while actually contributing to overall economic growth.


HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO THE NEWS? The National Realtors Association reported that while the average price of homes increased slightly, sales of existing homes decreased by 27.2% from June to July, the lowest rate since 1999.


OK, but what about HERE? While such facts are relevant to the country, for the most part they are not applicable to you and your home purchase at the Shore. Such factors are NATIONAL facts and in most cases DO NOT affect our market or our Buyers. In Margate, Ventnor and Longport, sales of existing homes decreased by just 9% from June to July – so the national rate of sales decline is 3 times what we are experiencing locally!
Unfortunately, the media continues to bombard us on adaily basis, and it’s easy to forget that we are not all in Kansas.


Have you seen the mortgage rates? Did you know you can get a mortgage as low as 4.2% on a 30 year fix mortgage with 0 points? Mortgage rates have not been lower in over 35 years.


Have you seen the choices of homes? There is a greater selection of properties on the market in terms of price, condition and location then there has been for a long time. Multiple builders and renovators have numerous spec homes started all over the island at this time. In addition, prices have never been better than they are now.


In December 2009, Marc Roth wrote an article for Business Week, entitled, “If You Don't Buy a House Now, You’re Stupid or Broke”. While Mr. Roth was not talking about the Shore market specifically, the article truly pinpointed a Buyer’s need to not miss this opportunity. And keep in mind that once unemployment begins to drop, mortgage rates will climb and so will home prices, and your window of opportunity will close.


The most important thing to remember above all is:

ALL REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL!

It can’t be stressed enough. The media is reporting on the biggest trends across the country, but that does not necessarily apply on a local level. This is critical to keep in mind and understand as you watch the news and read the papers.


Negative reporting of a declining market on a national level may be valid information overall, but it’s not information valid to the Jersey Shore. Buyers are often surprised when they hear that our local market does not fit the national trend. What we tend to forget is that our community and the demand for homes in our area differ from California, Florida or even other parts of New Jersey. The Jersey Shore is a large growing resort community, and while our market has been affected, people still flock here every year seeking a second residence, a place to retire or just a great environment to live and raise families year round.

THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH BEACH!

(This column will appear in the upcoming issue of Homes and Land Magazine due out on September 10, 2010.)