the Resourceful Realtor

Good news! As of 6/21/10 Monmouth County single-family home sales are up 23.5% over last year's figures for the same period. 

Increases were seen across the board in almost every price tier with particular emphasis in the higher price ranges.  The first-home buyer tax credit doesn't appear to have made much of an impact in here as elsewhere in the country, although maybe some of the trade-up sales activity was due to the resale tax credit.

Probably most impressive is that the largest gains were in the $1.5 - $2 million range which showed a sales increase of 87.5%!  And sales $2 million and above rose a whopping 71%!

First half of the year stats will be made available soon... let me know if you have a specific area or town that you'd like information on. 

I live at the very beginning of the Jersey Shore... it's an incredibly beautiful part of Monmouth County with panoramic views of the Atlantic, Sandy Hook & Raritan Bays, the Navesink & Shrewsbury Rivers. 

Water is a key aspect of life here with many residents in my hometown of Highlands earning their livelihood as clammers and fisherman.  Many commute to their jobs in Manhattan via the high-speed ferry services that have ports in Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and the Belford section of Middletown.  There are numerous boat marinas, restaurants with dock & dine capability and people from all over the world come here specifically to surf, wind surf, fish, jet ski, sail or enjoy the beaches and scenic vistas.

For many, the ability to live here is made possible by the National Flood Insurance Program which provides coverage - often required by lenders - for homeowners near the water.   

As a REALTOR^® and homeowner in New Jersey, I know the importance of flood insurance to many of our waterfront communities.  From those living along the Jersey Shore to the Delaware River and beyond, flood insurance is critical to protecting homes and investment properties.

Until Congress extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), however, no new flood policies can be issued to protect private property owners. Since the expiration of flood insurance coverage provided by the NFIP on May 31, 2010, thousands of residential and commercial transactions are on hold. 

Take action today and tell Congress to renew this vital program for homeowners and the real estate industry.

Realtors across the country are encouraging Congress to take action on this but everyone can take part in this effort. 

So much for the battle of the sexes!

According to a recent study of 1000 home shoppers there was a surprising agreement among men and women among their Top 10 features in a new home.

1. Garage or designated parking space  (Men = 85.5%, Women = 87.7%)
2. Master suite   (Men = 79.8%, Women = 77.8%)
3. Ample storage space  (Men = 71.2 %, Women = 72.7%)

I don't know about you but I find this somewhat surprising... Typically when I'm showing a home the garage & basemenent are of major interest to men, kitchens & family rooms & closets are primary to the women. 

True, a master suite with dedicated bath and storage are generally of strong interest to both but I guess I was surprised a newer kitchen wasn't higher up on the list....

What are your thoughts?

It's that time of year again!  The Sandy Hook Beach Concerts are due to begin their summer season in just a few weeks.  Hopefully this year won't get the same number of rain-outs as last year. 

For me, this is the quintessential summer activity and my favorite thing to do every summer.  Imagine sitting in your beach chair or blanket on the sand with your good friends, enjoying a picnic dinner and glass of wine, with the sound of the surf crashing behind you and the stage in front with bands ranging from reggae to soul to country rock. 

It's a big party with a couple of thousand people that's low-key, relaxing and filled with laughs.  There's a fascinating assortment of people: some on the dance floor, some under a flag to signify their location to friends, some digging in the sand.  Most are just chillin' to the music. 

It's sponsored by the Sandy Hook Foundation who also offers a 50/50 raffle every night.  The winning ticket has sometimes walked away with over $5000.  The proceeds help pay expenses and further the efforts of the foundation to preserve Sandy Hook. 

Hope to see you there!

Sandy Hook Beach Concerts   Wednesday Nights 6:00 P.M. Beach E 2010

Brought to you by the Sandy Hook Foundation

WWW.SANDYHOOKFOUNDATIONNJ.ORG 

In case of rain, decision to cancel made after 2:00 p.m. on day of concert
Call 732-291-7733 for recording or check website

Click here to return to the Sandy Hook Foundation Website