Tag Archives: real estate

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Take Advantage of First Time Homebuyer Programs Around Atlantic City

First Time Homebuyer Programs

First Time Homebuyer ProgramsSometimes growing up is hard to do and sometimes there’s the thrill of it all, the firsts you’ll experience. There are few things in life as thrilling as becoming a first-time homeowner. Buying your first property, getting the keys and walking through the threshold of a house which will become the first home of your dreams is an exhilarating experience. But where do you start? First-time homebuyers often have many questions about how to search for the features they desire in a house, how to get the best financing assistance and how to find a Realtor® they can trust. There are some great first time home buyers programs right now. Let’s look at how to qualify.

Take Advantage of First Time Homebuyer Programs Around Atlantic City

You’ll want to begin by saving for your down payment but how much do you have to put down to buy a house? Typically, conventional loans require 20% down, but as a first-time homebuyer you may be able to get help covering your down payment. It’s possible to lower or eliminate the amount you need to have up front for a down payment through federal, state and local government programs.

How do you qualify for first-time homebuyer government programs?

Your lender and buyer’s agent will be trusted sources in directing you to the best options which may be available to you. Some of the most common federal government mortgage options such as FHA and USDA loans are well-known and may offer solutions for low or no-down payments for those who qualify.

Most state and local governments offer some assistance as well. We dug a little deeper to find out.

 first-time homebuyer government programs are available in the area.

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority offers a down payment assistance program to individuals who have resided in Atlantic County for at least 12 months and who have not owned a home in two years or more. At a state level, The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency offers several different programs for first-time homebuyers including down payment assistance and mortgage programs explained in a step-by-step guide to help you decide which options are best for you.

First Time Homebuyer ProgramsAll of this information can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out some great tips for first-time homebuyers from Nerd Wallet. They offer an easy-to-follow but detailed list with some general information to help you get started.

Now that you’re ready to set sail, the importance of having a trusted buyer’s agent is key in making the home-buying process go smoothly. You’ll want to find someone who’s ready to work for you, who’s also experienced in serving first time homebuyers and who knows the area real estate market. Matt Haviland with The Haviland Group and Keller Williams Realty offer free consultations for first-time homebuyer programs. Contact Matt today at 609-338-3773 or via e-mail to get started on the path to the door of your first home.

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Thank You For Helping Me Earn The NJ Circle Of Excellence Silver Level In 2017

I want to say thank you for my friends, family past clients and all the wonderful people I was able to help in 2017.  I was able to achieve the NJ Circle Of Excellence Award Silver level.  My business is almost 100% referral based so I want to thank all of the people who felt comfortable and confident referring me to the people that they care about.  Thank you and I look forward to another fantastic year in 2018!  Matthew Haviland

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Egg Harbor Township, NJ Market Statistics

What's happening in the real estate market September update

Houses for sale in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey

Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening in the real estate market in Egg Harbor Township.  Median sold price is down 6% to $190,000.  The median for sale price is up 2% and sold properties are down 2%.  New properties are down 9% and total inventory is down 19%.  

So even with lower inventories prices are still down overall.  My interpretation of these statistics indicate that the foreclosure properties that are still on the market are continuing to pull prices down.  At the same time some of the communities in Egg Harbor Township are very short on inventory and so there is a great possibility of price appreciation.  Contact me if you’d like to know how much your home is worth in today’s market.  To view full statistics for August 2017 Egg Harbor Township real estate click here:  egg-harbor-township-market-stats

Matt

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Add-On Front Patios

A New Home Trend Front Patios

Front porches and back patios have joined forces. The result is the emergence of the “front yard patio.”

A front yard patio is inviting, which might herald a reversal of a 70 year trend towards hiding out in our houses and entertaining only in our backyards. This condition was a direct result of the age of the automobile, when garages gradually crept to the front of the house at the expense of our porches.

For those of us with garage-dominated or porch-less facades, the front yard patio is a welcome feature—a decorative, as well as functional entertaining space that says, “Hello.”

Front patios can look like almost anything, and be constructed of any material that can be made weed-free and level, including brick, stone, gravel, or wood. They can be attached to the home, wrapped around the front door, or set off on their own. And they can be enhanced by such things as:

  •   A fire pit or heat lamps.
  •   A small side fountain.
  •   Low shrubs or low walls.
  •   Tea lights or lanterns.Front patios are more than simple functional changes in our space and lifestyle. They’re also a smart move for home sellers as they gain traction with buyers who see them as inviting and desirable features that add value to the house.

For more great tips and interesting articles download Matt’s Home News February edition here:  February Newsletter – Matt

Best wishes,

Matt

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Market Statistics For Atlantic County, NJ 2016

I have several clients investing in real estate in this market.  Prices are low inventory is high and it’s a great market to buy and hold.  I also have investors looking to flip properties.  I’ve put together some interesting statistics that should be helpful for people looking to invest in the Atlantic County, NJ real estate market.

Market statistics as of 12/22/16 For Atlantic County NJ

City Number of sales In 2016 Year to Date # of homes for sale # sold/month % sold/month
Galloway 349 311 29.08 9.35%
Absecon 122 98 10.17 10.37%
Port Republic 9 7 0.75 10.71%
Egg Harbor Twp 548 362 45.67 12.62%
Hamilton Twp 278 219 23.17 10.58%
Somers Point 127 86 10.58 12.31%
Northfield 130 84 10.83 12.90%
Linwood 98 85 8.17 9.61%
Pleasantville 224 121 18.67 15.43%

Sunset, Port Republic, NJ

This first chart shows some of the mainland areas, the number of homes sold and % of homes that sold.  The highest % sold was Pleasantville at 15.43%.  Pleasantville was followed by Northfield, Egg Harbor Township and Somers Point.

It’s also interesting to look at the number of sales in certain price ranges to see what price ranges have been selling the most.  Homes in the $150,000-$200,000 are selling most followed by $200,000-$250,000.

 

Sold Price Number of sales by price point
0-50k 94
50-100k 214
100-150k 307
150-200k 468
200-250k 350
250-300k 159
300-350k 56
350k-400k 33
400-450k 23
450-500k 16
500-550k 7
550+ 10

*Includes these areas: Galloway, Absecon, Port Republic, Egg Harbor Twp,
Hamilton Twp, Somers Point, Northfield, Linwood

I also get asked frequently how long it’s taking to sell homes so I broke that out based on the number of bedrooms.  Three bedroom homes are selling faster.  This is most likely due to their lower price point.

3 bedroom Average 71 days on market
4 bedroom average 91 days on market

Now is a great time to buy, sell and invest in real estate in Atlantic County.  Contact us for a free consultation to help you evaluate your opportunities in today’s market.  Matt

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Fall In Love With Your Home!

Is it better to move in the Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter?

Here’s a quick post to let you know how I can help you and the people you feel comfortable

introducing me to.

If you or someone you care about had been thinking about buying or selling a home in the spring or summer and decided to wait, there is a subtle yet important shift to moving in the fall that deserves consideration.

Summer moves are often triggered by family needs, while fall and winter moves are frequently influenced by external factors such as work. Whether you are buying or selling, here are critical seasonal influencers which affect the value of a home.

springorsummer-move

 

 

 

It is important that you know I optimize marketing strategies based on several factors that influence your micro-market. The next time you notice a person who is falling into an autumn or winter move and you know they’d benefit from my help, call or text me immediately. I promise they’ll be delighted you introduced us.

Matthew Haviland, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore 609-484-9890 ext 132

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What Do Baby Boomers And Millennials Share?

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you and the people you feel comfortable introducing me to.

This year there are more healthy and happy baby boomers over 65 than ever before. At the same time, there are more millennials than ever before, many of whom are well-educated, but paying the price in terms of high student debt, which keeps them living with their boomer parents longer.

Despite their financial and age differences, both these groups want the best for themselves and each other. For that reason, they appreciate the input of family and friends when choosing a product or service. Both prefer an enthusiastic introduction over the thought of working with the unknown.

Baby BoomersMillennials (1)
It’s important you know I skillfully work with people of many income brackets.

Whether you know a person with a lot of student loan debt or someone who could pay cash for their next home, I love helping people make good financial decisions. The next time you notice someone who would benefit from my help, call or text me immediately. I promise they’ll be delighted you introduced us.

Matthew Haviland, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore 609-484-9890 ext 132

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What Makes A Great Experience?

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you—or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me. Many people have a favorite restaurant, a place to enthusiastically recommend their friends because of the great experience they have there. Part of the experience comes from great food. But it’s more than just that. The experience is about how they feel there, which is a process of friendly service, attention to detail, consistency, etc. This restaurant is always hopping, and probably doesn’t do much advertising.

What Makes A Great Experience?Most of its business comes from repeat customers and referrals.

So for a moment, can you imagine that I am just like your favorite restaurant?

Like your favorite restaurant, my purpose is for you to be so outrageously happy with both the product and process—the complete experience of buying or selling a home—that you enthusiastically introduce people you care about to me so that they can have the same kind of experience.

So for a moment, can you imagine that I am just like your favorite restaurant?

Like your favorite restaurant, my purpose is for you to be so outrageously happy with both the product and process—the complete experience of buying or selling a home—that you enthusiastically introduce people you care about to me so that they can have the same kind of experience.

The next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family, or neighbor, and they mention they’re thinking of moving, would you mind taking out your cell phone, looking up my number, and calling or texting me immediately? I’ll make sure they have an experience they’ll want to rave about.

Matthew Haviland, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore 609-484-9890 ext 132

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101 N Central Ave, Landisville, NJ 08326

Commercial Real Estate Investment Opportunity In Buena Boro

This is a great opportunity own commercial real estate at the intersection of Route 40, Central Ave and E. Weymouth Road.  3 acre property includes a 1,200 square foot office building with basement.  It also has multiple covered car ports and a 40 x 80 garage with 5 bays.  Priced at $175,000 for a cash offer.  Contact Matt for details 609-484-9890 ext. 132.

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How To Be Up In A Down Real Estate Market

Our office numbers are way up. Here's why.

Despite a challenging seller’s market, high unemployment and lots of uncertainty our office has out performed the competition.  Why?  We treat our agents as partners and stakeholders.  We are the top training company in real estate and we study the market to be able advise our clients how to be successful in today’s new real estate economy.

Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore

COMPARING…

March 2015 to March 2016

 

 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore South Jersey Shore Regional Multiple Listing Service Outperforming the Market
Listings Taken Volume                         +23.28% 9.44% 13.84%
Listings Taken Units                   +46.94% 1.65% 45.29%
Closed Production List Side Volume +109.53% -6.35%       115.88%
Closed Production List Side Units +62.50% 4.54% 57.96%
Closed Production Total Volume +33.85% -6.35% 40.20%
Closed Production Total Units +18.60% 4.54% 14.06%

Matthew and Richard Haviland The Haviland GroupNumbers reported above are representative of South Jersey Shore MLS average percentages of all brokerages represented in the MLS.

Our Mission:  To teach people how to consistently implement the Keller Williams models and systems so they can transform their lives and businesses.

Our Vision:  We are a passionate team of real estate leaders that attract extraordinary talent and wealth building opportunities.

When you’re choosing a real estate agent and company to work with consider Me, Matthew Haviland, and Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore.

Best wishes, Matt

P.S. For Great Articles and fun facts download and view my May Newsletter here:  May Newsletter – Matt