Thursday, October 29, 2015

Here Come the Millennials!

millenials signing paperworkMany have been wondering when the much anticipated move by Millennials’ into homeownership would actually take place. We know the belief in owning a home is there. According to a recent Merrill Lynch study, eighty one percent of Millennials believe “homeownership is an important part of the American Dream”. This compares favorably to previous generations. The obstacle seemed to be employment. It appears that is about to change. The most recent jobs report disappointed many economists. However, the silver lining in that cloud of doubt was Millennials.
Jonathan Smoke, realtor.com Chief Economist, reported
“About 33% of civilian jobs created over the last 12 months have been for the young adults who are most likely to buy their first home. This should help support continued growth in the share of homes purchased by first time buyers, as economic success has been influencing older Millennials to jump into the housing market this year.”
Selma Hepp, chief economist at Trulia, concurred
“The faster rate of job growth among Millennials will continue to bolster both the rental and for-sale housing markets for an extended period of time.” 
It appears that Millennials will be entering the housing market in great numbers in the very near future.
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Buying A Home Can Be SCARY… Until You Know The FACTS!

homebuying scary


  • 36% of Americans think they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. 44% of Millennials who purchased a home this year have put down less than 10%.
  • 71% of loan applications were approved last month.
  • The average credit score of approved loans was 723 in September (the lowest recorded score since Ellie Mae began tracking in August 2011).
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Community Video Tour of Waterview at Hanover in Hanover Twp, NJ

Waterview At Hanover, a community of magnificent town home residences, is conveniently located in the Cedar Knolls section of Hanover Twp. NJ.  The community is conveniently located near a variety of shops, restaurants, attractions and mass-transit options. Hanover Twp., NJ offers an Excellent School System and reasonable property taxes which makes it a great place to live, raise a family, relax and enjoy life!

The Morris Plains Train Station with direct service to New York City is about 1 Mile away and Routes 287, 80, 10 and 24 are very nearby. The community is also located just minutes from the convenience and culture of vibrant downtown Morristown, NJ which also has a NJ Transit Train Station.

For more information about living in this community, please visit www.WaterviewAtHanover.com

For Available Homes in Waterview, please Contact Us!



National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Friday, October 23, 2015

5 Bizarre Real Estate Photos that Make Us Cringe

We've been in real estate for a long time, and while we use wonderful photographers and expert staging to show off our clients' homes, not all agents take that approach. Here are some of our favorite giggle-inducing and cringe-worthy pics:
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Things wrong with this pic: everything except those elite MS Paint skills
We're not sure any less effort could've been made on this one.
Picture perfect
A trick of the light or a haunted home?
Light, bright, and open... to ghosts
Nothing says "pool view" like a photo that literally says, "pool view."
Nothing says "pool view" like a photo that literally says, "pool view"
When you want buyers to know there are stairs but don't want to spoil the mystery of where they lead.
When including more than the stairs would spoil the home's mystery
Our thanks to terriblerealestateagentphotos.com for the pics!
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Community Video Tour of The Grand at Hanover in Whippany, NJ

A Distinctive Townhome Community of 1 and 2 bedroom condos and townhomes in Whippany, a subsection of Hanover Township, NJ. The interiors are spacious and designed to fit every homeowner's lifestyles. And there are many Floor Plans to choose from including some that offer One-Floor Living and some with a Bonus Loft on the 2nd Floor. Outside you can enjoy peaceful walks, jogs or bike rides. The Grande at Hanover is designed for those who would like to enjoy an active lifestyle. The community amenities are perfectly maintained and offer a Clubhouse featuring Fitness Room, Billiards Room, Club room and an Outdoor Pool and Deck. Parks and Shopping are nearby.
For more details, check out: www.GrandeAtHanoverLiving.com

National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Buying a Home Remains 35% Less Expensive than Renting!

homes on coin stacksIn the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

  • Interest rates have remained low and even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation. “In the past year, these two trends have made homeownership even more affordable compared with renting.”
  • Some markets might tip in favor of renting if home prices increase at a greater rate than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due to the strengthening economy.
  • Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989.

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. Rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year, so lock in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now. 
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Community Video Tour: Windmill Pond in Morristown, New Jersey

Tucked away, yet conveniently located in Morristown NJ, Windmill Pond is a great place to live, raise a family, relax and enjoy life! Morristown lies about 32 miles west of New York City in Morris County, NJ and is just minutes away from all the conveniences necessary for today's lifestyles. The community is entirely surrounded by heavily wooded areas spotted by individual residences. The interiors are spacious and designed to fit every homeowner's lifestyles. And there are many Floor Plans to choose from. The community landscape is beautiful and gives each home lots of privacy. You can enjoy peaceful walks, jogs or bike rides. The amenities are perfectly maintained and offer a Community Pool and a Jogging Path. Parks and Shopping are nearby.






National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Do You Really Think Your Landlord Pays for Repairs?


A recent article that appeared on Nasdaq.com addressed the issue of whether it is best to buy or rent in today’s real estate environment. The article was very fair in discussing both options. However, there was one portion of the article that we questioned. One of the experts was quoted as saying:This argument is often made in defense of renting. However, we don’t believe it makes logical sense. They claim that, as a renter, you won’t have the expenses of “taxes and insurance, plus maintenance and repairs”.

“For some people, the choice is very clear: Buying a home can be more costly, given the cost of the purchase itself, plus taxes and insurance, plus maintenance and repairs.”

Do they really believe that the landlord pays all those expenses for their tenants? The vast majority of landlords own rentable real estate as a form of investment. As any other investor would, they expect to make a return on that investment (ROI) - otherwise known as profit. In order to make a profit, the landlord needs to include EVERY expense they incur into the rent…AND THEN ADD A PROFIT MARGIN! We think it is incorrect to advise a prospective renter that they won’t have the same expenses that a homeowner would have. They just pay those expenses to a landlord with a “premium” built in. 
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Where Will Home Prices Be Next Year?

Home-Prices

 

Some interesting facts:

  • 25 states are forecasted to achieve higher levels of appreciation in the next 12 months than already achieved in the last year.
  • 25 state and the District of Columbia are forecasted to experience a slow in appreciation.
  • All 50 states & D.C. are forecasted to achieve some level of positive price appreciation.
Even though each state is appreciating at different levels, you need to know the Cost of Waiting until next year to buy your dream home!
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Join us for TWO Open Houses on Sunday, 10/18

Please be our guest this weekend as we host 2 public open houses. You'll be thrilled with the bright, open layouts of these townhomes. Click below for details!
47 Davenport Place, The Moore Estate, Morris Twp, NJ
Offered at $495,000 | Sunday, 10/18, 1-4 PM
01 Outside_IMG_3281 copy (Large) 03 LR_IMG_3092_IMG_3096 copy (Large) 06 Kitch_IMG_3191_IMG_3195 copy (Large)
178 Westgate Drive, Westgate Square, Edison Twp, NJ
Offered at $340,000 | Sunday, 10/18, 12-3 PM
02 LR_P1050967 (Large) 07 Kitch_P1050952 (Large) 13 Loft_P1050972 (Large)
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Help Us Raise Money for Make-A-Wish

Dominic, 4, used his wish to buy toys for other hospitalized children
The Make-A-Wish Foundation makes wishes come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Health professionals say granted wishes help children feel stronger emotionally and sometimes even physically. For many, the wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses. That is why wishes matter. 

We are raising funds through December 31st, 2015 so that more children can benefit from wishes. Please join us today in making kids' dreams come true. Our goal is $2000, and every dollar donated makes a difference! Please click here to make your secure donation via our GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/SRRealEstate

From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life. ~ Arthur Ashe


National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Community Video Tour: Longview in Montville, New Jersey

 The Extraordinary Townhomes at Longview in Montville Twp. offer a Classic Elegance coupled with Ultra-Sophisticated Amenities for a Lavish Lifestyle Beyond Compare. Montville Twp., was recently ranked No. 1 in NJ for small towns by Money Magazine, offers a Top Rated School System and is a short ride to all that the Metropolitan Area has to offer.  It is approximately 25 miles from New York City in Morris County, NJ and is just minutes away from all the conveniences necessary for today's lifestyles.

 
For more infomation about living in this community, please visit www.LongviewLiving.com
For Available Homes in Longview, please Contact Us!
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Relocating to or from Northern New Jersey? Rahul & Smitha would love to help!

If you're relocating to the Northern New Jersey area (Morris, Essex, Somerset, Union, and Passaic counties), Rahul and Smitha and the entire team at SR Real Estate Group are here to make sure your move is as easy as it can be!

Finding the Right Community
There are so many great neighborhoods and communities in the Northern New Jersey area, and finding the right one is a challenge when you're coming from outside the region. We can help you understand all the options, from beautiful suburbs and subdivisions to city neighborhoods and specific condominiums and townhouses. We will provide you with insights into local schools, transportation, amenities and more. We know that these are the decisions that really matter, and that's why more people choose SR Real Estate Group to help them move to the area.

Making the Transition, Locally or Internationally
We also can find you temporary housing or help you lease an apartment. If you're visiting the area, we can provide you with relocation information ahead of time. If you're coming from another country, we can help you make the transition easier. We assist our clients with a full range of services to help you make your move to the Northern New Jersey area.

To make your initial stays in the Northern New Jersey area as stress-free as possible, we can recommend hotels, restaurants, and some fun things to do while you're in town, based on your interests.

Selling and Buying
The SR Real Estate Group works closely with the agent, lender, and attorney in the city you are coming from to make sure your transition between homes is as smooth as possible. Setting up the timing of two sales can be very stressful. Rahul, Smitha, and their team will work very hard to schedule everything to make it work properly.

If you are planning a move away from the Northern New Jersey area, we can market your current property and coordinate the timing of your move with the agent, lender, and attorney in the area you are moving to. We can also refer you to another excellent and knowledgeable agent in other New Jersey Counties or any other State.

Relocation Companies
With regards to various Corporate Relocation company procedures, paperwork and commissions, Rahul and Smitha cooperate with all Relocation Companies.

Please contact Rahul and Smitha today and allow us to show you how we can help you.
You'll be more than Satisfied!

National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.


www.SRRealEstateGroup.com | www.Morris-Homes.com | www.TheTownhouseExpert.com

Friday, October 9, 2015

Pending Home Sales Remain Steady


The National Association of REALTORS’ just released the results of their latest Pending Home Sales Index, which showed a small 1.4% decline in signed contracts in August. Pending sales remain strong year-over-year as they were 6.1% higher than August ’14 and have now risen for 12 consecutive months.
What is the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)?
NAR’s PHSI is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index number, the more contracts have been signed by buyers that will soon translate to sales. In every major region of the country, pending sales are up year-over-year as shown by the graph below: 
pending home sales 201510
What does this mean for the market?
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR explained: 
"Pending sales have leveled off since mid–summer, with buyers being bounded by rising prices and few available and affordable properties within their budget." Yun went on to say, “Even with existing–housing supply barely budging all summer and no relief coming from new construction, contract activity is still higher than earlier this year and a year ago."
So What Does This Mean To Buyers?
There is a lot of competition out there right now for your dream home. Prices are going to continue to climb, act now before you are priced out of your future home. 
What Does This Mean to Sellers?
If you are on the fence about listing your home for sale and debating whether now is the time to move on with your plans of relocating… don't wait! There are more buyers that are ready, willing and able to buy their first, second, third, vacation, or investment property now than there has been in years! The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with the demand of these buyers. Listing your home for sale now will give you the most exposure to buyers and the best sales price. 
Bottom Line
Whether you are planning on buying or selling a house this year, waiting to act no longer makes sense. 
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

9 Mood-Lifting Ideas for a Warm & Efficient Winter Home

cozy-home-gel-fireplace_af3b749ab0cf41e1583b2d983d97ed04_3x2_jpg_600x400_q85

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we put together a list of ideas that’ll turn your home into a comfy haven.

Cozy and Clever Energy Savers

Here’s how to create a brighter and warmer home without using more energy or cranking up the thermostat.

1. Clean dirty light fixtures and dusty bulbs to make your home appear 30% brighter without turning on more lights.

2. Seal sneaky air leaks. It’s not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don’t forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes, and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or scented candle to hunt down drafty spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.

3. Replace your traditional gas or wood fireplace. Why? Both suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. A gel fireplace insert is an eco-friendly option that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity, or even a chimney. It’s also smoke-free and emits fewer allergens than a wood fireplace; some options crackle like the real thing. A basic model costs between $100 to $210; custom models go up exponentially from there. A case of gel fuel comes with 12 cans that burn for three hours each (about $35).

Tip: Use a slow cooker to infuse your home with a warm and cozy aroma. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.

Immunity Boosters

You’ll feel coziest in a healthy indoor environment that keeps allergies at bay and reduces your chances of getting sick.

4. Get plants. Some indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are particularly adept at sucking up nasty VOCs — the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints, and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.

5. Vacuum while your thermostat is set to “fan on.” This helps filter dust that gets kicked-up while cleaning. Just leave the fan on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming and switch it back to “auto” afterward. HVAC blowers aren’t intended to run all the time.

6. Change your HVAC filter every couple months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust from circulating.

Tip: Combat superbugs with copper. If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, consider classic and homey-looking copper or a copper alloy like brass. A three-hospital study in 2011 found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks.

Sun Worshippers

Lack of natural light can trigger a mean case of the winter doldrums — or worse, mood-altering seasonal affective disorder. Maximize daylight and make rooms feel warmer by adding the following to your yearly fall maintenance checklist.

7. Make your windows pane-fully clear. Clean glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it’s a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute. When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, “gleaming windows” made the top five above a “spotless sink.”

8. Ditch your window screens in the fall and winter. They trap dirt and can make your home appear darker inside and out. It’s a good curb appeal booster, too.

9. Add an interior window to a room next to a sun-drenched space to take advantage of natural light.

Tip: Paint chilly rooms, especially north-facing walls that don’t typically get sunlight, in reds, oranges, or yellows — cozy colors that can actually help the room feel warmer, according to a Michigan State University study.

National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

www.SRRealEstateGroup.com | www.Morris-Homes.com | www.TheTownhouseExpert.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

#1 Reason to List Your House Today

If you are debating listing your house for sale this year or even early next year, here is the #1 reason not to wait!
Buyer Demand Continues to Outpace the Supply of Homes For Sale
According to the National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) Foot Traffic report, there are more buyers out in the market right now than at any other time in the past three years. The graph below shows the significant increase in foot traffic experienced this year compared to 2014.
KCM Reason to Sell 2
The latest Existing Home Sales report shows that there is currently a 5.2-month supply of homes for sale. This remains lower than the 6-month supply necessary for a normal market and well below August 2014 numbers. The chart below details the year-over-year inventory shortages experienced so far in 2015:
KCM Reason to Sell 3
Meet with a local real estate professional who can show you the supply conditions in your neighborhood and assist you in gaining access to the buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy today!
National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Market Insights: October 2015

KW Oct 1
KW Oct 2


KW Oct 3KW Oct 4KW Oct 5

National award-winners and seasoned Realtors with over many years of experience in Northern & Central New Jersey, Rahul & Smitha and their team have become New Jersey’s “Go To” agents and consistent leaders with a reputation for tenaciously protecting their clients’ interests. They specialize in Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union and Passaic counties.