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Matthew Haviland

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7 Tips To Choose A Real Estate Agent For Selling In Egg Harbor Township NJ

Don't hire a real estate agent in Egg Harbor Township without checking on these things first

Selling your Egg Harbor Township home is a big decision.  Buying and selling a home can be one of the largest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime.  Here are 7 tips for picking a great real estate agent for selling your Egg Harbor Township home.
  1. Talk with agents’ recent clients.  Ask for a list of past clients and references from the agent your considering.  Check for online testimonials and reviews.
  2. Check for license and disciplinary actions.  You can look up agent’s NJ license numbers here: https://www20.state.nj.us/DOBI_LicSearch/recSearch.jsp
  3. Ask about professional awards.  NJ agents receive the Circle Of Excellence Award.  If the agent hasn’t earned this award in the past year they are most likely not a full time agent and have not done an exceptional volume of business.  My dad and I have consistently earned this award.  Last year we earned the silver and bronze awards.
  4. Select the right broker.  The company does matter.  Keller Williams Realty is the #1 selling broker in Egg Harbor Township, NJ with 263 units sold last year.
  5. Find out how experienced an agent is.  Ask for the number of transactions the agent has had over the  past year. Combined The Haviland Group had 67+ transitions sides and over $12 million in sales volume in 2018.
  6. Look at the agent’s current listings and sold listings.  Does the agent have listings for sale in Egg Harbor Township and how many sold in the last year? Last year we sold 14 homes in Egg Harbor Township.
  7. Gauge the agent’s knowledge of the area.  Egg Harbor Township is a unique location.  It’s a large township with everything from waterfront homes, farm properties, developments, 55 and over communities and golf course properties.  Each section of the township is different and you need an agent that understands this.

Market share by units for Egg Harbor Township, NJ in 2018.

If you need an agent to help you sell your Egg Harbor Township home contact us now for a free consultation.

Contact Us Now
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12 Fenwick Ln Barnegat, NJ 08005

Fabulous home for sale in 55+ community of Heritage Point

I just listed this fantastic house in Barnegat, NJ.  This located just off the parkway in a fabulous community of Heritage Point. The home features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with a charming front porch. Grand entryway with coat closet. Guest bedroom and full bath at the front of the home.  

There is an open concept living room dining room combo.  An eat in kitchen and family room with sliding glass doors leads to the  back yard. There is a large master bedroom with walk in closet, soaking tub, shower and 2 vanities. The home also has 2 car garage and separate laundry room.  All appliances and blinds are included. The roof is just 2.5 years old. The community features two clubhouses with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, tennis courts, shuffleboard, planned activities and bus trips. HOA fee includes trash removal, lawn cutting, snow removal and management costs.  Contact us if you’re interested in this home.

 

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Up To $20,000 Available Grant Money For Atlantic City NJ Home Buyers

Home buyers in Atlantic City may be eligible for up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs.

Grant money is now available in Atlantic City for first time home buyers.  Grants are available from $10,000-$20,000.  It’s a great time to buy a home in Atlantic County.  And if you’re looking outside Atlantic City the Atlantic County Grant is also available now with up to $10,000 available.  So here are some more details on the Atlantic City Grant program.


ELIGIBLE PARTICPANTS:

  • Persons who have resided in the City of AC for the last 12 months.
  • Persons who have not owned a home for the past 3 years.
  • Persons with an acceptable credit history and ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  • Persons with incomes below 80% of the median family income. Please contact me for HUD income limits.

ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES

  • Single family properties, condominiums in the city of Atlantic City. Exclude manufactured homes.
  • Sale price cannot exceed $250,000.
  • Property must meet all requirements for an approved mortgage.
  • Property acquired must meet all state and local housing quality standards and code requirements. Any findings are to be corrected, reinspected and certified prior to settlement.

PROGRAM FINANCING

  • The program will provide a maximum amount of $10,000 – $20,000 to eligible applicants to assist with down payment and closing costs, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the HOME Investment Partnership program.

If you think you would qualify for this program or know someone who could benefit from this.  Please contact us immediately.  Funds are available on a first come first serve basis and typically go quickly.

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5 Tips To Sell A Unique Property In Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Not every house is the same and sometimes there are no comparable homes to go by.

Recently I met with a few seller clients that wanted advice on selling their unique homes.  In Egg Harbor Township there are many developments where the houses are very similar and it’s very easy to determine market value.  There are also many unique homes and properties that may be difficult to find any homes to compare with them.  In the township there are waterfront homes, farm properties, historic homes and interesting mixed use properties.  So how do you sell a unique property that’s not your typical cookie cutter home?

  1.  First I like to take a look at what the highest and best use for the property would be.  Is it on a large piece of land?  Could it be subdivided?
  2. Then I like to look at who the potential buyer would be.  Are their attributes of the home or property that would appeal to certain buyers?  Is it in a waterfront location or close to parks and recreation.  Determining the likely buyer can also help determine how they may position the value of the home.
  3. Look for similar properties.  Do the best to find similar homes even if they are in another city nearby.
  4. I also like to help my clients evaluate if there are upgrades or improvements to the property that could be done to significantly improve the value of the property.
  5. Another option is to have an appraisal done on the property.  This will help give you an idea of how the appraiser would determine value and then price the property close to the appraised value.

If you or someone you know has a unique property and you need help determining the value.  Contact me for a free consultation.  Best wishes, Matt

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What are the best schools in Atlantic County NJ

Here are the best schools and school districts in Atlantic County

Traditionally Linwood has always been sought after as one of the best school districts in the county.  Linwood is still one of the best school districts and as I studied for this article I found a few surprises.  According to www.niche.com the number one Elementary school was:  William H. Ross III Intermediate School in Margate.  This school received an A+ rating.  Eugene A. Tighe Middle School in Margate was also the number one public middle school with an A rating.

Margate’s schools are fantastic.  However Margate’s high school is Atlantic City High School which is not top rated and received a B grade.  The number one high school was Mainland Regional High School in Linwood with an A rating and number two was Egg Harbor Township High School also with an A rating.  Linwood’s Bellhaven Middle School and Seaview Elementary School came in number two behind Margate so overall Linwood is still the best ranked school district.

When you’re buying a home and need help selecting the right school district you need a real estate agent that knows the school systems and districts and can help you determine what schools are best for your needs.  Contact me for a free consultation.  Also, comment on this post and let me know what you think are the best schools and school districts in Atlantic County.  Best wishes, Matt

 

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When Is The Best Time Of Year To Sell A Home In Four Seasons Smithville, NJ

Here is a look at 2018 sales in Four Seasons Smithville, Galloway Township, NJ

Four Seasons Smithville is a fantastic 55 and over active adult community built by K. Hovnanian. This is the largest 55 and over community in Atlantic County and has some of the best amenities activities and clubs for active adult home buyers. Recently I met with a couple who will be relocating and wanted to know when would be the best time of year to sell their house.  Their new home would not be ready until July or August and they wanted to time the sale of their Four Seasons home with the purchase of the new home.  I studied the 2018 sales in the community to give them an idea of when they would need to put their house on the market for sale.
The chart shows the number of sales each month for the community.  Average days on market for Four Seasons was 57 for the year.  So that means it took 57 days on average for a home to sign a contract.  Then typically it would take another 30-60 days to close from that date.

The biggest sales month was July followed by April and September.  If you are looking to sell at one of the peak months March or April is a great time to list the house for sale.  Who do you know that needs this kind of advice in selling their home?  Contact me for a free consultation.

Best wishes, Matt

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Woods Landing Homes, Mays Landing NJ’s best 55+ community

If you're looking for a 55+ community in Mays Landing consider Woods Landing

There are three 55 and over communities in Mays Landing and if I had to choose the best one I would say Woods Landing is the winner.  Woods Landing is a community of detached single family homes located in Hamilton Township(Mays Landing) Atlantic County NJ.  The original homes were build by Kara homes around 2006 and Fernmoor Homes took over the community and is currently building new homes.  Woods Landing has a fantastic club house with game rooms, fitness center and outdoor heated pool.  Many of the homes are very large with 3 full bedrooms and 3 full baths.  Home sizes range from 1,500 square feet to 3,000 square feet.  Contact me for more details on this community and other communities in the area.

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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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Real Estate Market Update For Mays Landing, NJ

Here is the latest update for the real estate market for Mays Landing, Hamilton Township, NJ Atlantic County

So first let me say that this update is for Hamilton Township (AKA Mays Landing), Atlantic County, NJ.  There are two Hamilton Townships in NJ so if you are looking for Atlantic County in South Jersey you’ve come to the right place!  Mays Landing is located about 20 minutes east of Atlantic City and Ocean City.  Mays Landing is also the regional shopping and retail hub of the county and home to The Hamilton Mall and many other strip centers and chain restaurants.

Here is an update for the Hamilton Township real estate market.  New listings were down slightly for December.  Closed sales were up.  Days on market was down to just 63 days.  The median sales price was lower for the month however it is up 14% year to date to a median sales price of $173,250.

This report also takes a look at condos and townhomes in Mays Landing.  New listings were down for the month and median sales price is up 21%.  Monthly supply of inventory is up slightly to 6 months.


If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling real estate in Mays Landing please let us know. We can help them analyze the real estate market in their neighborhood to see if this is a good time to buy or sell for them.