White House Considering Extending Homebuyer's Tax Credit

The tax credit has been credited with the increase in home sales all across the country. At the present time the tax credit only applies to purchases closed by November 30, 2009. The goal is to potentially extend the tax credit expiration date and open it up to more types of buyers. If your interested in having the tax credit extended reach out to your local congressman.

Source

Home of the Week

Come by to see this custom built, 7 year old bi-level home in Saddle Brook, NJ. The outside of this home hides the massive amount space available inside, 4 bedrooms 3 baths on the main levels with an additional 2 bedroom, 1 bath in-law suite with its own private entrance. The main level features skylights, cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, a custom kitchen and extra large living room. The lower level features a family room with French doors leading toe the backyard, as well as a guest bedroom and bath. The home is conveniently located near schools, shopping and transportation to NYC. Don't miss out this great home! Won't last long! It's currently on the market for $699,999.

Home of the Week

I think this house is so cute! It is a 4BD, 2BA Cape Cod that has been dormered. It has great hard wood floors, and updated kitchen, bath, roof and water heater. It has a huge basement that will make a great family room! Did I forget to mention the backyard with an above ground pool for the summers and paved patio for great BBQ! The home is in Saddle Brook and is currently on the market for $390,000. If you're interested in seeing it, give me a call!

Don’t Get Swept Away When Shopping

When touring homes you will find that there are many beautiful homes on the market. There are two things you must do before looking at homes.

1. Find out from your lender how much you qualify to spend on the home, and get pre-approved for your loan. It is very easy to become excited about features found in homes out of your price range. Before you get your heart set on that big, tree-shaded colonial on the hill, you need to pin down your financial details. Only then will you know if you can afford Willow Crest, or if it makes more sense to aim for Shady Hollow.
   
2. Take a moment to decide what features are "Requirements" (location, basement, number of bedrooms, eating space, architectural style, garage, etc…) and which features are "Extras" (fireplace, walk-in closets, wet bar, pool, siding, vaulted ceilings, deck, landscaping, etc…). There are many different features in homes that range from necessary to luxury. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a beautiful home loaded with amenities. It is important that you select a home that truly meets all or most of your requirements first and foremost!
   

As you tour homes, check back to the list to make sure the home meets your requirements. The extras should only come into play when you make your final decision between homes that meet all or most of your requirements.

How to Choose a Good Inspection Company

Is an inspection necessary?

You have the right to request an inspection of any property you are thinking of purchasing by a professional inspector of your choice. You should always exercise your option to have the physical condition of the property and its inclusions inspected. Many of the more severe and expensive problems such as mechanical, electrical, structural and plumbing are not noticeable to the untrained eye. If repairs are needed, negotiate these in your contract offer. A professionally conducted home inspection followed by a written evaluation is becoming standard procedure in home buying because of increased buyer awareness and savvy.

Are inspectors licensed?

Since an increasing number of buyers are requesting property inspections, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people entering the inspection field, make sure your inspector is a licensed home inspector.

What does an inspection entail?

A qualified inspector will follow Standards of Practice in conducting their inspection. The inspection consists of a physical inspection of the home with the purchaser present, followed by a written report detailing their findings. They report on the general condition of the home's electrical, heating, and air systems, interior plumbing, roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, and visible structure. The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home. No home is perfect. It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair for the well being of the home and that might require significant expense.

Buyer education is necessary —

The primary purpose of the inspection is to educate the buyer to make an informed purchasing decision. The inspector should allow and even encourage the buyer to attend the home inspection. A good home inspector knows how the home's many systems and components work together and how to minimize the damaging effects of sun and water. The buyer's attendance of the inspection provides them with an overall idea of possible future repair costs and maintenance routines. This is valuable information, which could increase the life span, and perhaps the future selling price of the home.

Continuing education is important for inspectors —

A competent home inspector is familiar with the latest construction materials, home building techniques, and professional equipment. Consumers should research whether prospective home inspectors actively monitor the changes in construction and real estate in order to keep their business practices current and professional. Members must meet annual continuing education requirements for this purpose.

Time and fee guidelines for the inspection —

The time necessary to properly inspect a home, as well as the fee charged by an inspector, varies according to market location, the size and age of the home, and the individual inspection company. However, you can expect that it will take an average of two to three hours to competently inspect a typical one-family, three-bedroom home, with an average cost of $300 to $500.

Beware of false claims —

Consumers must be cautious in evaluating some of the claims made by people hoping to fill the growing demand for home inspection services. Many new companies request only an application fee. Some claim to offer certification but do not require exams or proven credentials. Still others boast engineering licenses as assurance of competence, even though the engineering license has nothing to do with home inspecting.

Inspection extras —

Some inspectors may be qualified to provide other types of services with their inspection that go beyond the scope of the ASHI standards.

Are you thinking of buying? Have you looked at your credit?

Spring is back, the economy is looking better and many buyers are calling. One of the first questions I ask is how your credit? Unfortunately, many first time buyers still don't know how important their credit score is in the home buying process. Credit is one of the easiest hurdles to overcome in the home buying process. Many individuals have errors and unknown items on their credit report that could be resolved easily. However finding these issues in the middle of your home buying process can cost you the home of your dreams. So what is the first step find a mortgage broker you trust who has experience with first time home buyers. They will not only pull your credit for you but can also guide you on what issues must be resolved before you can move forward in the home buying process. Often these changes can get you in a home within 3 months. So while you are saving your money for your down payment, check your credit and find out what you can do to resolve any issues! If you need a mortgage broker referral give me a call and get some great recommendations!

The Advantages of a Buyer’s Agency Agreement

Your interests are professionally represented —

Enlisting the services of a professional Buyer's Agent is similar to using an accountant to help you with your taxes, a doctor to help you with your health care, or a mechanic to help you with your car. So the first advantage is pretty obvious. If you had the time to devote to learning all you need to know about accounting, medicine, and automotive mechanics, you could do these services yourself. But who has the time? You probably already have a full-time career to which you are committed. This is why you allow other professionals to help you in specific areas of expertise.

The Jason Team has devoted their time to perfecting a career in real estate service. Continuous education, market research, and vast experience are combined with an excellent team of real estate professionals to find you the perfect home quickly. The Jason Team will take care of all the hassles of every day real estate transactions for you. We let you concentrate on your full-time job, while we do ours. The Jason Team will guide you through the home buying process and exclusively represent your interests as we help you find a home, present your contract offer, negotiate, and close!

You will get a great home quickly and conveniently —

The advantage to signing a Buyer's Agency Agreement with The Jason Team is that you will have a professional working to find and secure the perfect home for you exactly when you need it. It is nearly impossible to find a home that meets your needs, get a contract negotiated, and close the transaction without an experienced agent. The Jason Team has vast computer networks to make sure you only tour homes that meet your specific needs. You won't need to spend endless evenings and weekends driving around looking for homes for sale or trying to search computer networks yourself. When you tour homes with your professional Buyer's Agent, you will already know that the homes meet your criteria for bedrooms, bathrooms, garage space, square footage, neighborhood, etc. Also, your Agent will ensure you are looking at homes that are in your price range.

You get a personal specialist who knows your needs —

Just as your accountant, doctor, and mechanic get to know your needs through a steady relationship, your Buyer's Agent gets to know your real estate needs and concerns. This type of relationship is built by open communication at all times and by touring homes with your Agent so he/she gets a good idea of your feedback and concerns about each home. If you try to jump from agent to agent, you will not receive the best real estate services possible, and you will be violating your agreement to your agent. There is nothing to gain from trying to find and tour homes on your own, and you will save a lot of time when your agent can tell you everything about any home before you see it.

What is the Buyer's Agency Agreement —

Entering into a Buyer's Agency Agreement has countless advantages and no disadvantages. When you sign the agreement, you are simply agreeing to "hire" a personal representative who, by law, must represent your best interests to the best of his/her ability. All of this personal service is available at absolutely NO COST TO YOU! The Seller's Agent is responsible for paying your Buyer's Agent fee. With The Jason Team, you get a professional devoted to protecting your needs to help you make one of the most important investment decisions of your life –- and you don't even have to pay the fee!

Using a Realtor® to Purchase a New Home

Why should I use an Agent to purchase a new home?

The advantages of having The Jason Team help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home…knowledge of the market, help in finding the perfect home quickly, expertise in contract writing/negotiation, and closing assistance. The builder has a professional representative watching out for his needs, and you need the same expert representation.

Buying a new home is a little more difficult and time-consuming than buying a resale. The Jason Team can professionally guide you through this process. The Jason Team has experience working with builders, has access to a database of information about subdivisions, floor plans, etc. The Jason Team is also familiar with new home warranties and builders purchase contracts.

It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home. These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the home you want!

Is there any advantage to not using an Agent to purchase a new home?

No. There is no financial advantage for you to buy directly from the builder. Builders have a "single-price" policy, meaning you will be charged the same price whether your interests are represented by an Agent or not. Just as in any resale, the Seller pays your Agent's fee.

REMEMBER – the Builder requires that your Agent accompany you on your first visit to the Builder's sales office, or they will NOT PAY your representative's fee!

Preparing Your Home For Sale

A few great tips on creating an atmosphere that will charm buyers and make them want

to buy your home. Remember that you'll never get another chance to make a first impression. And first impressions are what count! Follow these simple tips and create the competitive edge that may help you sell your home more quickly.

Drive-up Appeal

• Trim trees and shrubs, clean out flower beds and invest in a few flats of seasonal flowers, paint the front door, make sure doorbell is working properly, wash the mailbox, keep the porch swept and get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet.
  

Absolute Basics

• Start by airing out the home. Most people are turned off by even the smallest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially those caused by dogs and cats; soiled diapers and/or cigarettes.
  
• Wash all the windows in the home, inside and out.
  
• If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned, now is the time to have them cleaned. Bare floors should also be waxed or polished.
  
• Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like bright & cheery.
  
• Clean out closets, cabinets and drawers. Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items. Get everything off the floor and don't have the shelves piled to the ceiling. Rent a storage bin, if necessary.
  
• Make sure rooms are not overcrowded with furniture. Select pieces that look best, and store the rest.
  
• Keep the kitchen sparking clean. Make sure all appliances are clean at all times. Straighten cupboards that appear cluttered and keep floors gleaming.
  
• Bath tubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout should be clean and in good condition. There should be no leaks in the faucet or traps.
  

A few more suggestions…

• If you have limited counter space in the kitchen, keep unnecessary items put away.
  
• Keep children's toys out of the front yard, sidewalks and front porch.
  
• Clean the ashes out of the fireplace.
  
• Make sure that the pull-down staircase is working correctly. Be sure there is a light in the attic.
  
• The pool needs to be sparking and free of leaves.
  

For those willing to go the extra mile…

• There are some things you can do that will really add flair to your home. If your house is the least bit dated, removing wallpaper in the entry, kitchen or bathrooms and replacing outdated light fixtures adds desirability.
  
• Fresh paint on interior and/or exterior where needed.
  
• New appliances in the kitchen can be an exciting feature that can actually make the difference in a buyer choosing your home over another.
  

Showing your home…

• When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown.
  
• Keep good scents in the house, such as potpourri or simmering pots or candles.
  
• Make sure all the lights are on and window treatments are open.
  
• Turn off the television.
  
• Keep pets out of the way – preferably out of the house. Many people are uncomfortable around some animals and may even be allergic to them.
  
• Leave your premises. Take a short break while your home is being shown. Buyers are intimidated when sellers are present and tend to hurry through the house. Let the buyer be at ease, and let the agents do their job.
  

Why the Jason Team?

• Working with The Jason Team can save you endless amounts of time, money and frustration.
  
• The Jason Team knows the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid many a "wild goose chase."
  
• The Jason Team can help you with any house even if it is listed elsewhere, or is being sold by the owner directly.
  
• The Jason Team knows the best lenders in the area; He/She can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage; and discuss down payments, closing costs, and monthly payment options.
  
• The Jason Team is an excellent source for general information about the community, specific information about schools, churches, shopping, transportation, plus tips on house inspections and pricing.
  
• The Jason Team is experienced at presenting your offer to the homeowner and can help you through the process of negotiating the best deal. He/She brings objectivity to the buying transaction, and can point out advantages and disadvantages of a particular property.
  

And the BEST thing is that all this help normally won't cost you a cent. Generally, the seller pays the commission to Realtors®. However, that doesn't affect The Jason Team's dedication or the spirit of teamwork that he/she will put into helping you find and buy the home of your dreams. After all, his/her success depends on your success.

Remember Buyers Always Determine Value!

I often see great properties that have been on the market for months, while less impressive properties fly off the MLS. Why? The biggest reason is PRICE! Many homeowners especially in this market base their price on everything but the comps. Doing that is like Bestbuy expecting to sell flat screen TVs for $10000, when everywhere else is selling them for $2000. Why would anyone buy from Bestbuy when everyone else is selling the similar TV for a much less. The value of your property is determined by what a BUYER is willing to pay in today's market based on comparing your property to others SOLD in your area. If you price your home to high it will sit on the market no matter how beautiful. Don't chase the market! Ask a realtor to help you determine the fair market value of your house in TODAY'S MARKET! Feel free to give us a call 201.880.0903.

COMMON PRICING ERRORS

WHAT YOU PAID	WHAT YOU NEED	WHAT YOU WANT
WHAT YOUR NEIGHBOR SAYS	WHAT ANOTHER ASSOCIATE SAYS	COST TO REBUILD TODAY

Welcome to Sajehomes.com Blog!

Welcome to Sajehomes.com Blog! My name is Stephania Jason and I love real estate. I love helping people with their dreams of home ownership, whether it's a first time homebuyer or an experienced homebuyer looking to sell their home and upgrade to a new home. This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Northern NJ. Please check in on us or add us to your RSS Feeder to be kept informed of great things happening in the North Jersey market!