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5 Tips To Prepare Your Home To Be Sold

Don't sell your house before doing these 5 things first!

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the Spring or Summer now is the time to start getting the home ready.  If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar do these 5 things as you prepare your home.

Create a great first impression.

Winter may not be the best time to prepare landscaping however one key area you can work on any time of the year is the front entry way to your home.  Look at the door does it need to be painted?  How is the trim work?  Make sure this are is clean and free of any cobwebs or dirt.  Remember that the buyer will often be waiting outside for a few minutes before entering the home.

Declutter

This is a simple one but not easy.  Picture your home as a model home.  You want to make the rooms look open and inviting.  Sell or pack excess furniture.  Pack knickknacks or decor that is excessive.

Clear The Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen spaces can seem small when they are covered with appliances, utensils and pots and pans.  Remove everything off the countertops to make your kitchen and counter space appear bigger.

Make sure the home is odor free

Smells can make or break a house.  Odors can easily be picked up on as soon as you enter a house.  Make sure your home is odor free.  Keep it clean.  If you’re a smoker, smoke outside.  Air out the house if you need to or seek professional help if you have a severe odor.

Fix things that are broken

If you know things need to be done take care of them.  Fix little things like burned out light bulbs, leaky faucets, or electrical switches that don’t work.  If you really want to be proactive you can do a pre-home inspection and find out exactly what issues would come up on an inspection report.  This gives you time to fix or evaluate the issues before putting the house on the market.  We have home inspectors we can recommend if you need help with this.

If you’d like more ideas on getting your home ready contact and request our free Room By Room Review booklet.  We can email you a copy of this booklet or come out and personally give you our recommendations on what to do and what not to do.

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FHA Approved condos, Atlantic County, NJ updated for 2020

Here is a list of FHA approved condominiums in Atlantic County, NJ

Here is a list of FHA approved condominiums in Atlantic County, NJ.  Based on findings at HUD.gov. Financing for condos with an FHA loan can be challenge.  Under the revised guidelines – which took effect Oct. 15, 2019 – an individual condo unit in a building of 10 units or more may be eligible for spot approval if no more than 10% of the units are FHA-insured.  So even if a condo is not on the FHA approved list it may still be eligible for FHA financing.

If FHA financing is not an option there are other choices include USDA loan (100% financing), and some banks do offer a 3% conventional loan.  Contact us if you’re interested in financing a condo purchase.

RITON CONDOMINIUM

10 N ADAMS AVE
MARGATE, NJ 08402

THE FOUR SEASONS CONDO

DOLPHIN AVE
NORTHFIELD, NJ 08225

THE MEADOWS AT HAMMONTON

YORKTOWN BLVD
HAMMONTON, NJ 08037

THE VILLAGE AT LINWOOD

550 CENTRAL AVE
LINWOOD, NJ 08221

WATERVIEW CONDOMINIUM

824 MARSHALL CT
VENTNOR, NJ 08406

These condos are approved for as low as 3.5% down payment FHA home loans.

UPDATE:  2/21/2020.  We just sold a lovely 2 bedroom condo in Society Hill II in Galloway Township and the sale was approved via FHA with a spot approval.

 

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New Construction 55+ Community For Sale In Mays Landing, NJ

Consider Woods Landing active adult community in Mays Landing.

We’ve just contracted with Fernmoor Homes to sell their fabulous 55+ active adult community called Woods Landing. This community is located in Mays Landing in Atlantic County, NJ. Home prices start at just $244,900. Homes range from 1,500 square feet to 1,875 square feet. All homes feature 2 car garages, walk up attics and upgraded interiors. 2 homes are available for immediate occupancy. Click here to learn more about Woods Landing homes or contact us for a tour.

Cavatina Model At Woods Landing

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Jim And Lori Sell Their Home Quickly For Top Dollar

Recent sale in Egg Harbor Township went under contract in 7 days $7,000 over asking price.

It’s a great time to sell a home and I want to share a story about Jim and Lori who were able to sell their Egg Harbor Township home quickly and for top dollar.  The biggest factors in selling any home are price and condition.

Jim and Lori had a home inspection done before listing their property so they didn’t have any surprises.  They fixed most of the items that came in the inspection report before listing the house to ensure a smooth sale.  They also priced the house right.  The result of this was 9 showings and under contract in 7 days.  The home sold in just 42 days and sold for $7,000 over the asking price.

If you’re interested in selling your home and want top dollar and a quick sale contact me for a free consultation.

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The Haviland Group 2019 Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway

Every year we offer fresh baked pies to our clients and referral partners as a way of saying thank you. It’s a great day and this year was our best pie day yet. We are grateful to have the opportunity to help so many wonderful people buy sell and invest in real estate.  Thanks to our clients for trusting us with their real estate needs and introducing us to the people you care about!

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Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family To Yours

We are grateful and blessed to help so many people this year with their real estate needs.  We wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.  

 

Happy Past Clients

Thank you past clients for trusting us to help you and introducing us to the people that you care about!

P.S. Did you know this is a great time to sell your home?  Contact us for more information.

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11 Reasons Home Sellers Should List During the Holiday Season

Now is a great time to sell your home.

We are rolling toward the end of October and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Many home seller chose to pull their homes off the market this time of year and wait until Spring to sell.  Here are 11 reasons sellers should list during the Holiday Season.

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low.

10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

9. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays.

8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transfers cannot wait until Spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture the market.

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a work week.

5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price.

4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays.

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home. Less demand means more money for you.

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you.

And the number one reason why your seller should list during the Holidays …

1. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers!

If you’d like to know if this is the best time or not to sell for you please contact me at 609-338-3773.

* repost from blog.KW.com

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3 Reasons Mays Landing, NJ Is A Great Place To Live.

3 Reasons To Love Living In Mays Landing, NJ.

Recently I’ve had several sales in Mays Landing.  I’d like to take a moment to share 3 reasons Mays Landing is a great place to live.  I’d also like to highlight three great communities I’ve recently had sales in.

Great Location

Mays Landing is located just West of Atlantic City.  It’s about 20 minutes drive to Atlantic City.  An hour to Philadelphia and 2 hours to New York.  Mays Landing is also the regional shopping hub.  Home of Hamilton Mall and major retailers like Macys, Khols, Target, Wal Mart, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, Bed Bath And Beyond, Best Buy and more.  Mays Landing also is home to many national restaurants such as Longhorn Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Famous Dave’s, Red Robin, Moe’s, Outback, Chipotle and more.  It’s convenient location makes it a great place to live and have easy access to shopping and activities.

Two of our recent sales in Mays Landing.

Low Tax Rate

Mays Landing has one of the lowest tax rates in Atlantic County.  Their municipal Tax Rate is 0.882 making it one of the lowest municipal tax rates.  Many Mays Landing Homes have taxes under $5,000 per year.

Low Home Prices

Mays Landing also has reasonable home prices.  I’ll give you a few examples.  I recently sold a fantastic 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home in Victoria Pointe for $245,000.  I also sold a beautiful home in a 55 and over community called Tavistock.  The home was 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and sold for $187,000.  And even if you’re looking for something on a lower budget I sold a 3 bed, 2 bath manufactured home at The Fairways for $70,000.  Also if you’re looking for a new home Artists Walk has homes starting in the low $200,000 range.

Mays Landing has a great location, reasonable home prices and low taxes.  If you’re looking for a home consider Mays Landing.  There are a variety of communities to fit your needs.  Contact us for a consultation to see if Mays Landing would be a good fit for you.

 

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5 Sensational Things To Do In South Jersey This Fall.

There's Plenty To Do And See In South Jersey This Fall.

I love summer in South Jersey.  Year round this is a great place to live and visit.  As the weather is finally starting to feel like Fall here are 5 sensational things to do in South Jersey This Fall.

Visit The Beach And Boardwalks

The beaches are beautiful this time of year and less crowded.  It’s easier to find parking and it’s often free this time of year.  Many of the boardwalks still have shops and restaurants open during the Fall on weekends.  For Ocean City visit Jilly’s Arcade open year round.

Ride A Bike

Fall is a fantastic time for bike riding.  My favorite place is the Atlantic County Bike Path. The Atlantic County Park System maintains the 7.56 mile bike and pedestrian path running between Harbor Square (formerly Shore Mall) in Egg Harbor Township and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Hamilton Township. This path is a safe fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.  There are also several other municipal bike paths and county and state parks that operate bike trails.

Visit A Farm

This is the garden state and Fall is a great time to visit some of the amazing farms in South Jersey.  Many farms have Fall activities and events.  Sahl’s Father Son Farms operates a family friendly corn maze in the Fall from now until October 26th in Galloway Township.  They have hay rides, pumpkin patch and more.  To meet some amazing animals visit the Funny Farm Animal Rescue in Mays Landing.

Visit The Cranberry Bogs

This is a totally unique thing to South Jersey.  If you haven’t seen it you’ll definitely want to check it out.  Check out JJ White and Pine Barren Native Fruits in Browns Mills.  This week they are starting harvest across the cranberry bogs.  Schedule a tour or visit Whitesbog to see some of the harvest. Then stop by JJ White Farm at 1 Pasadena to purchase some fresh cranberries, jellies, jams, salad dressing and salsa (awesome) directly from the farmer.

Bird Watching

This is a great time of year to watch the birds fly South for the winter.  There are some great places to drive to and see birds and wildlife up close.  The Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway Township is a fantastic spot to drive out onto the marshes.  Also Cape May Point State Park is fantastic this time of year.

What do you like to do in South Jersey in the Fall.  Comment and let us know your thoughts.

Matt

 

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Brigantine NJ Beach Homes

5 Reasons To Love Brigantine NJ

Brigantine NJ is not the most well knows shore town in NJ.  That’s part of the charm of Brigantine.  Here are 5 Reasons to love Brigantine NJ.

Number 1: The Beaches

Brigantine Beaches are beautiful, not packed, and easy to get in and out of.  Brigantine also has one of the few beaches in NJ that allow 4 x 4 access to sections of the beach.  Personally I spent a lot of time there one summer playing beach volleyball with the Brigantine Beach Volleyball Association.

Number 2:  Location

Brigantine is located just North of Atlantic City.  It’s easy to access Brigantine from Route 30 and the Atlantic City Expressway and garden state parkway.  Once in Brigantine there it is a peaceful and fun retreat.

Number 3:  Boating

Brigantine offers many amenities for boating lovers.  Many of the homes are on the bay or cove that allows boat slips.  This gives you easy access to the bay and ocean.  Enjoy fishing, crabbing or relaxing on the water.  Jet skiing is also popular in Brigantine.  Or enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding.

Number 4:  Affordability

Brigantine home prices are typically lower than some of the other shore towns.  You can purchase a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the $300,000 price range.  Waterfront homes start in the $400,000 range.

Number 5:  Golf

The Links at Brigantine Beach is a fantastic 18 hole golf course open year round.  Enjoy ocean breezes on this Scottish Links style golf course.

Brigantine Beach has much to offer for a year round residence, vacation home or investment.  We have an office located in Brigantine to help with any real estate needs there.  Contact us and we’d be glad to help.  Call 609-484-0890 ext. 132.

Visit our office:  Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore 3119 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd, Brigantine, NJ 08203.