I’ve been getting so many calls and email regarding my previous posts about the grant program I thought I would compile the information on my previous posts into one blog entry… Of course if you have any additional questions contact me.

The Atlantic County Grant Program for first time home buyers has money available now.  This is a great program for first time home buyers in Atlantic County, NJ. 

The grant through The Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA) provides up to $20,000 for first time home buyers to cover down payment and closing costs.  First time home buyers are buyers who have not owned a primary residence in the last three years.

Here is a list of communities that qualify for the grant money:

Galloway, NJ

Absecon, NJ

Egg Harbor City, NJ

Pleasantville, NJ

Mullica Township, NJ

Hammonton, NJ

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Hamilton Township, Mays Landing, NJ

Northfield, NJ

Linwood, NJ

Somers Point, NJ

Brigantine, NJ

Ventnor, NJ

Margate, NJ

Longport, NJ

Estell Manor, NJ

Beuna, NJ

*Atlantic City, NJ Has a seperate grant program with up to $30,000 in grant money.

To Qualify For The First Time Home Buyer Grant You Must:

* Have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County * Have not owned a home in the last three years.

* Have acceptable credit history and be able to obtain a mortgage.

* Have incomes below 80% of median income (effective February 13th, 2009)

Number of household members:               80% of Median income

               1                                                $38,300

               2                                                $43,750

               3                                                $49,250

               4                                                $54,700

               5                                                $59,100

               6                                                $63,450

               7                                                $67,850

               8                                                $72,200

* Please note the median income amounts are based on the 2008 numbers.  I’m waiting to get updated 2010 numbers and will update this post when I receive them.

Eligible Properties:

1. Single family residences in Atlantic County excluding Atlantic City.

2. Sale price can’t exceed $200,000.

3. Property must meet all requirements for an approved mortgage.

The program is designed to help pay closing costs and down payment up to $20,000. These funds will be forgiven after 5 or 10 years. Funds are limited and may not be guaranteed if funds are low.

If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of this opportunity before the money is gone. Please contact me immediately at 609-484-9890 ext. 132.

Best wishes,

Matt

Your Trusted Real Estate Expert For Life

Many of our friends and clients have asked us if there are there any good deals out there in the market.  The answer is yes!  Here are a few properties this month that are great buys.  Please feel free to forward this post to anyone who might be interested.  Reply back or call if you are interested in any of the properties.  Contact us asap before these deals are gone.

Northfield – $139,000:  3 bedroom, 2 bath with basement.  Not yet listed contact us to be the first to see it.

Egg Harbor Township – $189,900: 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 4 years old on 1 acre.

Mays Landing – $209,900: 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, full basement.

Egg Harbor City – $59,900 2 bedroom, 1 bath, basement, walk up attic.

Best wishes,

Matt

I just put together some information for one of my clients and I would like to share it with everyone.  Here is the link to the market statistics for Pleasantville, NJ 2008 to 2009.  

If you open the link you can see information highlighted for 3 and 4 bedroom homes.  Also there are details broken out in the worksheet for all single family homes and condominiums in Pleasantville.

The statistics for Pleasantville mirror the statistics of Atlantic County and the Atlantic City area.  We see an increased number of homes sold and a decrease in price.

Here’s my take on what is happening in the market.  First of all our economy is not good with unemployment around 12.5% in Atlantic County.  The main employer in the area is the Casino industry.  Tough economic times and increasing competition from other casinos (many in Pennsylvania) have put a hurting on the casinos.  Many people have lost their jobs.  Things may get better or may not get any better with the casinos.

Our tough economy has led to many distressed sales, short sales and bank owned properties.  This had helped put downward pressure on prices.  Financing has been and will increasingly be more difficult to obtain.  This shrinks the pool of potential buyers and limits what the buyers can afford to pay. 

So prices are dropping but sales are up.  Sales are up because it is a great time to buy.  With tax credits for home buyers, grant programs for first time home buyers, very low interest rates, and dropping prices – I call this the perfect storm for home buyers.

For savvy home buyers and sellers my advice is to take advantage of the opportunity right now in the next few months.  Do not delay or you will regret it.

Of course my team and I are here to guide you through this opportunistic market.  You can call me with any questions at 609-484-9890 ext. 132.

Best wishes,

Matt

Matthew Haviland, Your Trusted Real Estate Expert For Life.

Last night my wife and I saw the best Christmas light show!  It was by far better than anything I’ve ever seen… even the house you see on TV for the Budwieser commercials.  You have to see this. The great think about this house they had over 30 minutes of music programed including some awesome Trans Siberian Orchestra songs. Santa Arrives 18, 19, 20th. Donations are accepted and 100% goes to fight cancer. 

The address is Sooy lane in Absecon.  I don’t have the street number but it’s the last house on the bay side.  If you’re coming from Shore Road heading North.  It’s just past the intersection of Rout 9 and Shore Road.  Make a right and follow the signs for X-mas light show.

Here is a link to a video I took with my phone.  The quality is not so good so you have to see this for yourself.  http://qik.ly/u9mr

Best wishes and have a Merry Christmas,

Matt

The Atlantic County Grant Program for first time home buyers has money available now.  For the past 6 months or so money was not available.  This is a great program for first time home buyers in Atlantic County, NJ. 

The grant provides up to $20,000 for first time home buyers to cover down payment and closing costs.  First time home buyers are buyers who have not owned a primary residence in the last three years.

If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of this opportunity before the money is gone.  Please contact me immediately at 609-484-9890 ext. 132.

Here is a list of communities that qualify for the grant money:

Galloway, NJ

Absecon, NJ

Egg Harbor City, NJ

Pleasantville, NJ

Mullica Township, NJ

Hammonton, NJ

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Hamilton Township, Mays Landing, NJ

Northfield, NJ

Linwood, NJ

Somers Point, NJ

Brigantine, NJ

Ventnor, NJ

Margate, NJ

Longport, NJ

Estell Manor, NJ

Beuna, NJ

Best wishes,

Matt

Your Trusted Real Estate Expert For Life

How was your Thanksgiving?

In this month’s newsletter we’ve got some great information including an article on the new tax credit for home owners, not just first time buyers.

We’ll also be talking about the hot toys of the season and how to enjoy stress free holiday travel. As always, we invite you to check out some of the area’s best properties and find out what homes are selling for in your neighborhood.

Feel free to also watch the latest This Month In Real Estate Video.

If you like what you see… please forward it to your friends!

To enjoy the interactive features of the Haviland Group newsletter online click here. http://www.atlanticshoreliving.net/haviland

Thank you and best wishes, Richard, Matthew, and Linda Haviland Your Trusted Real Estate Experts For Life

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Vera King Farris.  I just got this email from President Saatkamp regarding funeral services.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Stockton Community and Friends of the College,

The passing of President Emerita, Dr. Vera King Farris, has deeply impacted the entire community. A pillar of the Stockton community, Dr. Farris’ contributions to the College, the community and higher education nationally and globally, have been immeasurable. She will be sorely missed, not only by the Stockton community, but also by an international network of friends, colleagues and admirers.

Dr. Farris’ family deeply appreciates the love and support of Stockton College and the community and is thankful for the many prayers and words of condolence.

Funeral services for Dr. Farris will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009, beginning with a viewing from 9:00 AM – 11:00 A.M. followed by services at 11:00 A.M. at the Wimberg Funeral Home, 211 East Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ 08205 (609.641.0001). The repast will be held at the Carriage House, 25 South Pitney Road in Galloway, NJ 08205 (609.748.2400) immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to The Vera King Farris Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online through the College’s website or by mail to The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Office of Development, P.O. Box 195, Pomona, New Jersey 08240.

While we mourn Dr. Farris’ passing, we celebrate her extraordinary leadership, courage and contributions to Stockton, the State of New Jersey and the nation.

We offer our sincere sympathy and ask that you continue to keep the Farris family in your thoughts.

Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. President

Brian K. Jackson, M.B.A. Chief of Staff

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey P.O. Box 195 Jim Leeds Road Pomona, New Jersey 08240 Phone (609) 652-4521 Fax (609) 652-4945 E-mail brian.jackson@stockton.edu New Jersey’s Green College