Tag Archives: help

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Help And Hope For A Family In Need

Please consider joining us in support of the Weeks Family.

I met Kevin and his family through my wife who grew up with Kevin and his older brother.  Please take a moment to watch this brief video and consider donating to help this family.  The Weeks family brought joy and help to many in the community and now it’s time to give back and help them at this time of need.

To Make a donation to the Weeks family through the J19 Foundation please visit their go fund me page: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/kevins-home/j19foundation

Thank you, Matt

A Family Dedicated to Helping Others

You may not know the Weeks family, but Sarah, Kevin, and their six children are known for their willingness to help others. Kevin was an unpaid youth pastor at his local church, as well as a community handyman and auto repairman for anyone that truly needed help. Sarah is known in their community as a woman of faith that will pray for you, as well as bring her six little ones to help in any way that is needed.

The Diagnosis

Kevin Weeks, at the age of 32, was diagnosed right before Christmas 2019 with neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that attacked his pancreas and liver. After a fierce battle, together with his courageous spirit in his fight with cancer,  Kevin Weeks passed into glory and into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Kevin passed on September 27, 2020 and is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their six children.

The Plan for a Home

Before cancer struck, Kevin was planning to purchase a home for his family that he was going to renovate, since he was a carpenter by trade. He and Sarah had a plan to have their dream home in Estell Manor, NJ by this September. They started investing financially in that home right up until Kevin got sick. Since then, they have been unable to complete the renovations or save the agreed upon amount to purchase the property from the current owner.

Help the Weeks Family 

J19 Foundation is asking to help raise the funds needed to purchase and renovate a home for Sarah and their six children. Kevin and Sarah have brought hope to many when it mattered most; now it’s time to call upon anyone who is willing to return the same to this family in need.

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How To Survive And Thrive Financially During A Crisis

Join us for our new live video talk show Thursday April 23rd at 4 PM.

In light of the current crisis, we want to help people survive and thrive financially during this time.  Our new live video show will go over things like what bills to pay when you are limited on income.  We’ll also talk about how to make money and look at employers that are hiring now.  And we will highlight local people and businesses making a difference.

Here is a replay of the show and join us for our next episode at https://www.facebook.com/havilandgroup/

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COVID 19 NJ Real Estate Update

Here's a quick look at how COVID 19 is effecting the real estate market

COVID 19 has made an impact on NJ in a big way.  And in South Jersey we have not as many cases of COVID 19 however we’ve experienced a severe economic impact with many businesses forced to close.  Our team has continued to work from home and remotely to keep our clients safe practicing social distancing and using personal protection equipment.  Governor Murphy has allowed us to show properties on a 1 on 1 basis.  Open houses are not allowed at this time.

All these changes have forced us to get creative.  Our home seller clients can now sell their home without ever having anyone enter it.  Our eLISTING Virtual Home Selling System makes this possible.   For buyer we are working as remotely as possible through our eBUYER Virtual Home Buyer System.  This allows us to tour homes live with our clients while they stay in the safety and comfort of their home.  For open houses we’ve moved them online.  eOPEN is our Online Open House System that allows for personal face to face video interaction.  These open houses are also broadcast live to social media.

We are changing the was we do business to continue to help our real estate clients safely during this challenging time.  I’m available for a free phone or video conference to talk about your needs.  Call or text me at 609-338-3773.  Best wishes, Matt

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5 Ways To Never Get Out Of Your Parents Basement And Have Your Own Home.

I see many adult children who want to move out of their parents home and parents who want their kids out.  However they don’t have a plan.  They don’t set expectations and timelines and they make some or all of the 5 mistakes below.  Here are 5 ways to never get our of your parents basement and have a home of your own.

1.  Have no budget.

Without a written budget it’s easy to spend more than you make.  A written budget will tell every dollar where to go.  If you’re living in your parents basement evaluate your budget and look for ways to cut expenses and save money.  Resources like Dave Ramsey and the Every Dollar App can help make this easier.

2.  Insist On Buying A House.

There is nothing wrong with renting!  It’s ok to rent.  Renting can be cheaper than buying a home.  You won’t have to worry about maintenance on the home and it’s a great way to get out of the house and move toward home ownership.

3.  Get Loads Of Debt

If you have debt this affects your ability to rent or buy a home.  The student loan problem is one example of this.  Work on paying off your debt while you’re in your parents home.  If you’re in college or plan on going to college pay for it in cash!  Choose a school that’s closer to home and less expensive.  Adding debt will not help you get out of your parents home.

4.  Don’t Make Enough Money.

Renting or buying a home will be more expensive than living in your parents basement.  If you’re working an entry level job or minimum wage job it will be hard to earn enough to move out.  Consider other fields that will make you more money.  Get a second job.  Start a small business or side hustle.

5.  Make Sure Your First Home Is Your Dream Home.

Your first home does not have to be your dream home.  Your first home is a stepping stone toward your dream home.  It’s better to buy or rent a small condo or house that you can afford rather than buying the most expensive house that you qualify for you.   You’re first home can build equity to help you get to your dream home down the road.

Let me know your thoughts on this post and please share.  Who do you know that is living in their parents basement or has adult children living in their house?  Contact us now to let us help them.  Matt

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Feb 2019 Atlantic County Announces First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available – $10,000

It's back! $10,000 available for Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyers

Good news!  As of today the Atlantic County, NJ grant program is now funded with grants available of up to $10,000 for first time home buyers!  All funds are forgiven after 5 years.  This program is administered through the Atlantic County Improvement Authority.  This program does not work for everyone so I’ve outlined the key requirements below.  If you don’t think you’ll qualify for this program the state grant program is also giving $10,000 grants and it’s easier to qualify.  Click here for details on the state grant.  You will need to be pre-qualified by an a approved mortgage company.  My preferred lenders are on stand by to help qualify potential first time home buyers asap and get them qualified to receive the grant money.  Complete the form below and we’ll reach out to see if you qualify.

Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Is Now Available

Eligible Applicants:

     HOUSEHOLDS

  1. Who have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.
  2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.
  3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

These income levels are (2019):

# of Household Members 80% of Median Income

1 Person

$42,850

2 Persons

$49,000

3 Persons

$55,100

4 Persons

$61,200

5 Persons

$66,100

6 Persons

$71,000

7 Persons

$75,900

8 Persons

$80,800

If you or someone you know may be eligible to qualify for this grant please call me for more details at 609-338-3773.  Time is limited and funds are usually gone in a few months so please call me now.  Matt

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Should I get a real estate attorney when buying or selling in NJ?

Here are 5 reasons to hire an attorney when buying or selling a home in NJ.

As a real estate agent I often get asked from buyers or sellers should I hire an attorney?  In NJ having an attorney is not required.  There is a difference in how closings are handled in North Jersey versus South Jersey.  If you are in North Jersey it’s customary for an attorney to handle everything in the transaction including title search and handling the closing.  If you’re in South Jersey title companies typically handle the closing and title work.  Regardless of what part of NJ you are buying or selling a home, here is my list of 5 reasons you should consider hiring an attorney.

  1.  Real estate agents can’t give legal advice.  Real estate agents can go over the contingencies of a contract but they can’t give legal advice.  Only an attorney can advise you on legal matter.
  2. Inspection Negotiations.  Attorneys can help in negotiating acceptable inspection terms.  Often a well drafted letter from an attorney can be more well received if it is coming from an attorney rather from an agent or home buyer or seller.
  3. Review of contract terms.  Your real estate agent will most likely be using standard New Jersey Association of Realtors contract forms.  These work well for most homes however every home and circumstance is unique.  It’s wise to have an attorney review the terms of the contract during the three day attorney review period once the contracts are fully signed.  During this time an attorney can cancel, or revise a contract on behalf of a home buyer or seller.
  4. Review of contract deadlines.  Attorneys will also help keep track of important deadlines in a real estate transaction to help ensure your agent does not miss any important deadlines.
  5. Problems at the closing table.  At the day of closing there can be problems.  In my experience there are two common problems.  The first is the seller not moving out all their personal items in time for closing and the second is repair issues.  Sometimes a new repair issue is discovered at closing.  For example the air conditioning is not working properly.  An attorney can help successfully negotiate agreeable terms for the buyer and seller and make sure they are legally protected if such a problem would occur at closing.

We have worked fantastic attorneys.  We would be happy to recommend one to you depending on your location and circumstances.  Contact us and we’ll be happy to recommend an attorney for you.

 

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When A Bad Thing Becomes A Good Thing, Short Sale in Egg Harbor Township NJ

Choosing a short sale when facing foreclosure can make the best of a bad situation.

A few months ago I got a call from Susan.  She got my name online as a short sale expert and called me desiring to sell her home in a short sale in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.  She was behind in her payments and did not want to keep the home because she was relocating.  I listed the home for sale and found a great buyer looking to purchase the home for his children.

Short Sale in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Short Sale in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

These happy home buyers purchased a short sale foreclosure property through me.

We received short sale approval and were able to sell the house so Susan could avoid foreclosure.  We were also able to get her a relocation incentive of $3,000.  The new buyers were able to get a great deal and are happy with their new home.  If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure or considering a short sale in Egg Harbor Township, NJ or anywhere else, please call me at 609-338-3773 or visit my foreclosure help center.  Best wishes, Matt

  • For privacy seller’s name has been changed in this post.

If you would like more information on short sales or forclosures please use the form below and contact me. I will get back to you ASAP!

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$50,000 Help For NJ Home Owners Facing Foreclosure

New Jersey HomeSaver offers eligible homeowners up to $50,000 in financial assistance to help bring their household monthly payment to an affordable level

Did you know that the NJ Hardest Hit Fund has funds available to help home owners facing foreclosure?

HHF logos

New Jersey HomeSaver program offers eligible homeowners up to $50,000 in financial assistance to help bring their household monthly payment to an affordable level by using HHF funds to facilitate a refinance, recast, or permanent modification of the first mortgage loan.

Visit our NJ HomeSaver page for details and eligibility requirements:  https://sjhouses.com/new-jersey-home-saver-program.

Matt

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May 2018 Atlantic County Announces First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available – $10,000

It's back! $10,000 available for Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyers

Good news!  As of today the Atlantic County, NJ grant program is now funded with grants available of up to $10,000 for first time home buyers!  All funds are forgiven after 5 years.  This programs does not work for everyone so I’ve outlined the key requirements below.  If you don’t think you’ll qualify for this program the state grant program is also giving $10,000 grants and it’s easier to qualify.  Click here for details on the state grant.  You will need to be pre-qualified by an a approved mortgage company.  My preferred lenders are on stand by to help qualify potential first time home buyers asap and get them qualified to receive the grant money.  Complete the form below and we’ll reach out to see if you qualify.

Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Is Now Available

Eligible Applicants:

     HOUSEHOLDS

  1. Who have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.
  2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.
  3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

These income levels are (2015):

                                                           # of Household  Members 80% of Median Income
1 Person. $37,600
2 Persons $43,000
3 Persons $48,350
4 Persons $53,700
5 Persons $58,000
6 Persons $62,300
7 Persons $66,600
8 Persons $70,900

If you or someone you know may be eligible to qualify for this grant please call me for more details at 609-338-3773.  Time is limited and funds are usually gone in a few months so please call me now.  Matt

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Atlantic County First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available – $10,000

It's back! $10,000 available for Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyers

Good news!  The Atlantic County, NJ grant program is now funded with grants available of up to $10,000 for first time home buyers!  All funds are forgiven after 5 years.  This programs does not work for everyone so I’ve outlined the key requirements below.  You will need to be pre-qualified by an a approved mortgage company.  My preferred lenders are on stand by to help qualify potential first time home buyers asap and get them qualified to receive the grant money.

Eligible Applicants:

     HOUSEHOLDS

  1. Who have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.
  2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.
  3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

These income levels are (2015):

                                                           # of Household  Members 80% of Median Income
1 Person. $37,600
2 Persons $43,000
3 Persons $48,350
4 Persons $53,700
5 Persons $58,000
6 Persons $62,300
7 Persons $66,600
8 Persons $70,900

If you or someone you know may be eligible to qualify for this grant please call me for more details at 609-338-3773.  Time is limited and funds are usually gone in a few months so please call me now.  Matt