My Blog

HOME BUYERS: Rising Mortgage Rates are having a Major Impact on Buying Power

4/1/2022
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As MORTGAGE RATES continue to rise, home buyers must face reality they may have to borrow less.
Considering buying a home? Not sure what you can afford?
Reach out to me with your questions/concerns.

WHAT IS A TITLE SEARCH & WHY IS ONE ORDERED WHEN YOUR PURCHASE A HOME?

4/1/2022
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A title search is the process of looking at public records of both the property and the property's current owner to make sure the seller is the legal owner of the home, and there are no outstanding issues or liens on the home that would prevent the seller from legally transferring the home to you.
It not only confirms who owns the property, it also reveals if there are unpaid property taxes or any old claims against the property. Through a title search, you discover if there are any easements or covenants as well.

Your lender will require you get title insurance to protect the company if any title issues arise after you purchase a home.

If you have questions regarding the home buying process, feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Market Update February 2022

2/21/2022

Housing Inventory is INSANELY LOW, as evidenced in the fact there were only 8 single family homes actively listed FOR SALE in the zip code of 08003 in Cherry Hill, and 13 single family homes listed in all Voorhees, given the parameters listed below.


Home buyers are feeling extremely frustrated as they continue to place very competitive offers on homes, and time and time again, are being outbid.


Even as I continue to only want the best for my buyers and advise them of their options, I am astonished at what some buyers are willing to do out of total desperation. Waiving all inspections to win a bid is not something I would advise. When you are bidding 10-20 percent higher than a home’s market value, be sure you aren’t going to want to sell it in a few years because the market may have corrected itself by then.


Home Sellers who own second homes(they know they won’t be out on the street) are cashing in on the gains. 


While MORTGAGE RATES continue to RISE, many buyers will continue

to be challenged heading into spring as their borrowing costs rise and housing values continue to be driven up by high demand.



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Housing Market Update for Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 July1-Sept. 30, 2021

10/19/2021
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FINDING PEACE and TRANQUILITY at HOME in the MIDST of a PANDEMIC

9/5/2021
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In these unprecedented times, many people are looking for ways to reduce stress and anxiety. They are making a conscious effort to put worries aside and practice mindful meditation. Many homeowners have chosen to update their bathrooms as the perfect place to practice self care. Here's a few suggestions on how you can transform your bathroom into a serene retreat.



COLOR PALETTE MATTERS

To create a feeling of peace and tranquility, incorporate green and blue tones into your space. For creative ideas, check out https://www.artistictile.com/ or https://www.walkerzanger.com inspiration pages.

UPDATE THE LIGHTING

Choose a mixture of different light sources to set the mood. Remember you will want to have the ability adjust the lighting based on whether you need bright lights for dressing and applying makeup, or soft subtle lights for relaxation and meditation. Consider ambient(natural) light first.  Ambient light provides natural light from the sun and outdoors. A combination of recessed lighting, sconces, LED under cabinet lighting and mirrors, and accent lighting from a chandelier will create a room that is tranquil and peaceful. Don't forget the dimmers.
Check out some beautiful bathrooms featuring Visual Comfort lighting here: https://www.visualcomfort.com

ADD A SOAKING TUB/ STEAM SHOWER/ UPDATE SHOWER HEAD(S)

Although not often, when I do take the time to light a few candles, sit in the tub and focus on my breath, it takes me away from the daily stresses of life. Sometimes it's where I'll go to read for 30 minutes. The warm water, soothing surround, my favorite slow jams, and dim lights bring me back to calm. For a true splurge, an over sized shower with a steam unit will not only relieve stress, but help improve circulation, moisturize your skin, recover from exercise, and open up your sinuses. If you splurge on steam, be sure to add a seat in the shower too.
If you can't completely gut the bathroom, investing in a good rain shower head can work wonders. Here's a few top rated brands:
https://www.deltafaucet.com/https://www.grohe.ushttps://www.pulseshowerspas.com
I suggest you google the ones I've posted in the links above to find the best price.

ADD AN ACCENT WALL

Do you have a favorite tile or pattern that when it comes to mind or you see it, you just breathe a little better? Adding an accent wall that is texturally and visually appealing is a great feature to look at when soaking in the tub or sitting in your shower.  Don't want tile? Add built in glass shelving with lights at the top accessible from the tub. Fill them with bath tea, bath salts, candles, bath oils, face mist, and pictures of your family or whatever helps calm you.

CHOOSE ACCESSORIES THAT ADD A SENSE OF PEACE

Simple lines, monochromatic colors, matte finishes, and a lack of clutter aid in the feeling of serenity. If images of the beach make you happy, add a beach print. If thoughts of being in a log cabin in the woods makes you happy, include such a picture in your space.  If you have a favorite piece of abstract art, use that. Try to keep metal finishes the same and keep lines symmetrical. Plush neutral tone bath towels/mats are a great way to add a little luxury without exceeding your budget. 
https://www.frontgate.com has a beautiful selection of towels on sale at the moment.




Why Painting Hardwood Floors Can be a Great Alternative to Refinishing

6/7/2021

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Photo: James Baigrie

I’ve told clients and friends for years the easiest and most cost effective way to truly transform a space is with a tiny investment in paint. A new color on a wall can completely revamp a dated space. Just as a new coat of paint can transform a room, a piece of furniture or dated cabinetry, the same holds true for dated or faded wood floors.


Painted wood floors became popular in old Victorian homes, farmhouses, and beach cottages as a way to retain character, add color, and hide imperfections before the development of modern wood sealants. Over the years, designers and homeowners have gotten creative and turned to painting floors over sanding and refinishing for several reasons including:  

  • Cost effectiveness -cheaper than refinishing
  • Create a Distinct Look- create a totally custom space
  • Define a Space- Use a stencil or paint a border in a foyer, hallway, bedroom, or dining room
  • Update dated stains/patterns- painting is a cost effective creative way to modernize a dated design

I suggest consulting with a paint store professional to decide what paint is best for durability and to achieve the look you desire. For a satin finish, choose a latex floor paint. For a semi gloss or high gloss finish, use a latex, polyurethane, or alkyd paint.

QUICK TIP: As always, when I consult with HOME SELLERS, when their home needs upgrades to make it more inviting to potential buyers, I advise them that investing in paint can go a long way.

MY TOP FIVE SUGGESTIONS ON PREPARING A HOME FOR SALE

  • NEUTRAL CLEAN WALLS AND FLOORS
  • REMOVE DATED WINDOW TREATMENTS
  • LIGHTING MATTERS-ADD DIMMERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE
  • STAGING DEFINES A SPACE
  • REMOVE PERSONAL PICTURES 

As always, if you have any questions regarding design or preparing your home for sale, feel free to contact me. 856.912.4995

The Value of Home Staging

5/10/2021

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  • I save you valuable TIME
  • I tour each and every room of your home and strategically advise on necessary changes: Staging/Design/Paint/Accessories to make your home appealing to multiple buyers and will yield you TOP DOLLAR
  • I am Available Seven Days A Week via cell phone/email
  • Problem Solver-My Vast Experience Provides a Seamless Transaction to my Buyers and Sellers
  • Advanced Marketer-MY large network coupled with the use of the latest cutting edge technology allows me to target thousands of buyers when marketing your home for sale 
  • Communicate-And keep you informed throughout the entire process
  • Experienced and Strong Negotiator-YOU come FIRST. I protect your interests and negotiate the best possible outcome for YOU!


If you have questions on how staging your home(simple to elaborate) can yield a higher sale price, CONTACT ME TODAY.  856.912.4995



THE DEMAND FOR IN-GROUND POOLS IS SURGING

4/10/2021
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Do you remember there was a time when it was difficult to sell a home if there was a pool in the backyard? Well times have certainly changed in the world of Covid-19.


In-ground pools are now a major selling point with home buyers today.  From personal experience, many of our buyers have placed pools and/or hot tubs at the top of their want list. If there is a pool in the backyard, buyers are willing to pay a premium, especially due to the fact if a homeowner wants a pool installed today, on average they are looking at a 2 plus year wait time. According to REALTOR magazine, pools have become one of the most popular keyword searches on listing sites. 


As the growing popularity of renting vacation homes on Airbnb and VRBO continues to soar, tenants are also willing to pay a premium if the home features an in-ground pool.  


SELLERS, If your home has an in-ground pool, you can expect a greater demand in today’s market.  But REMEMBER, price your home at market value to bring the greatest number of buyers through the door.

Why is This Spring the Optimal Time to Sell Your Home?

4/1/2021
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Why is it an ideal time to SELL your home?

This SPRING is even more advantageous for sellers, because it affords them the ability to take advantage of the abundant colors, bright blue skies, and happy days that springtime brings.  Here's a simple list of things sellers can do to the exterior of their homes to add value and give buyers that first impression that excites them to step inside. 

  • Fresh Cut Lawn-Be sure there are no weeds in Lawn or Pathways
  • Colorful Flowers in the ground and a few in beautiful pots surrounding the entry door
  • Clean Windows-INSIDE and OUTSIDE
  • Any Trim at the entryway and surrounding it should be clean and freshly painted
  • Entry door-freshly stained or painted
  • Power wash Paths, Patios, and/or Decks
  • If you don't have already, add a few chairs for a cozy seating space where buyers can imagine themselves having coffee, tea, a glass of wine

These simple enhancements add tremendous curb appeal, and combined with EXCESSIVE buyer demand and extremely LOW mortgage rates, can yield an even bigger return and create greater buyer interest.

BOTTOM LINE: It's a great time to SELL!
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