I signed up a couple of months ago to be on Active Rain.  Sometimes things happen in life unexpectedly that interrupt your plans, as is what happened to me.  I was sitting at my home computer planning out my entire day, when I started to have some pain.  This continued, and to make a long story short, I ended up in the hospital.  But, that was then, and now is now.  So, I am now starting with my first blog a little on the late side.   I am completely well now, and looking forward to 2009!  After what I went through, I am now very optimistic. I know that for some, times are very, very tough.  But in every market, there are always people that have needs that cause them to move.  I am also very hopeful that the low interest rates will entice people to move.  I, myself, have had 2 houses an... 12/30/2008

  Definition of Proactive: Controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than waiting to respond to it after it happens.         Reactive marketing is waiting for the sale or client to "walk through the door".  Being reactive also involves putting your message in places where you think large numbers of people have a good chance of seeing it. This would include farming - sending postcards and flyers regularly to keep your name in front of potential sellers or advertising in local newspapers or maybe drip email campaigns to your sphere of influence.  It involves sending YOUR message to many people who at the given time, may or may not have a need or interest in what you are offering them.  The hope is that when they do have that need, they will think of you. Being proacti... 12/28/2008

In my work as a Manalapan NJ Realtor, as well as, my life as a Manalapan Mom and homeowner, I've been collecting links to some great websites where you will find information on life in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. I think it would be great to build upon and share this list of resources.  Please email me and I will add your favorite links!     Manalapan Township Information The Official Manalapan Township Website Manalapan Township Important Phone Numbers Localism Information on Manalapan New Jersey Manalapan Township Census Information The Official Manalapan Township Police Explorer Website Manalapan NJ Walk Score Manalapan New Jersey Residents Group on Facebook Monmouth County Library (Manalapan NJ Headquarters)   Manalapan Schools Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Free... 12/26/2008

      I am looking forward to the holiday this week.  Not just because Christmas is finally here, but because I desperately need some family time!  I miss them! I am looking forward to a few days off from the hustle and bustle that is the life of a Realtor and a Mom. I am excited to see family that I don't see often enough. I am also excited that the New Year is right around the corner!  I have great hopes and high expectations for 2009, on a personal, as well as, professional level! As I take stock on the past year, I will remember those less fortunate than me.  I will count my blessings and look ahead to bigger and better things! Best wishes to my Manalapan neighbors and my Active Rain friends for a healthy and happy holiday!  Oh... and by the way... that is my new kitten Mazy!  The ... 12/23/2008

Just a quick note to let you know that all Manalapan Township after school and recreation sponsored programs are cancelled for this evening 12/19/2008 due to the inclement weather. This does not affect Saturday 12/20/2008.     12/19/2008

Manalapan Real Estate Market Report for Nov 2008 The following are single family homes that are undercontract or sold in the month of August: Single Family Under Contract: 31 Low: $165,000 High: $1,299,000 Avg.: $588,481 avg. days on the market: 120 Single Family Sold: 16 Low: $355,000 High: $875,000 Avg.: $539,722 Avg days on the market: 84 Expired Listings Single Famliy: 22 Low: $209,900 High: $1,225,000 Avg: $642,450 Avg. days on the market: 180 EXPIRED LISTINGS: WHY DIDN'T YOUR HOME SELL? CALL ME OR GO TO MY WEBSITE TO FIND OUT! Louis Trillo Prudential New Jersey Properties Manalapan NJ 732.567.2393 http://www.rapidsellers.com/ltrillo 12/16/2008

MERS Restructuring Plan Approved As many of you know the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School System was working on a plan to restructure the elementary schools. Last night, the Board of Education approved the Restructuring Plan for the 2009-2010 school year. The grade levels and school times are indicated below.   2009-2010 SCHOOL TIMES Clark Mills School Grades 1-5 8:10AM-2:20PM Taylor Mills School Grades 1-5 8:10AM-2:20PM Wemrock Brook School Grades 1-5 8:10AM-2:20PM Lafayette Mills School Grades 1-5 8:50AM-3:10PM Pine Brook School Grade   6 8:50AM-3:10PM Milford Brook School Grades 1-5 9:20AM-3:40PM John I. Dawes Early Learning Center Grades PreK-K 9:20AM-3:40PM Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School Grades 7-8 7:20AM-1:50PM                 Please click on this link for more informati... 12/10/2008

I don't just work in Manalapan, I live in Manalapan.  My children are currently enrolled in Manalapan Township schools.  I'm very active in the Parent-Teacher Associations at their schools.  I think the heart of a community lies within its school system.  Here is some information gathered from the Manalapan Englishtown Regional School District Website.  Hope you find it helpful!  Please reach out to me if you would like to talk about school life in Manalapan.   _______________________________________________   Welcome to the award winning, central Monmouth County K-8 school district with a tradition of excellence.Two of our schools, MEMS and Pine Brook, have received the coveted New Jersey Department of Education STAR School designation and a third school, Taylor Mills, was recognized ... 12/09/2008

          Manalapan Township Presents Wednesday, December 10th Municipal Building Court Room 120 Route 522 Manalapan, NJ 07726   The schedule is as follows: 6:45 pm – Awakenings Vocal Group 7:00 pm – Manalapan Youth Orchestra 8:00 pm – Santa arrives!  Light refreshments will be served.   For information on this event, please contact (732) 446-8355   Hope to see you there! JoAnna SiminerioWeichert, Realtors - Manalapan 455 Route 9 SouthManalapan, NJ 07726     12/05/2008

  In its ongoing tradition of brightening the holiday season for children in need, Weichert has kicked off its 30th Annual Holiday Toy Drive. From now through December, each of the company's sales offices will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for distribution to financially or physically disadvantaged children within their local communities. Weichert employees throughout the United States and abroad will also participate in the yearly community service event. You are encouraged to contribute to the happiness of these children by dropping of a new, unwrapped toy to your nearest Weichert office: Weichert Realtors - Marlboro/Manalapan455 Route 9 South (Across from Pino's Restaurant)Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-536-4400 At the conclusion of the toy drive, local charities that aid needy or under... 11/29/2008

We don't realize how lucky we are.   I was in the post office Wednesday morning. It was 9:50 am and the post office does not open until 10:00 am. (A change that has been in effect since July...but none of us in line were aware of it) I was chatted to two women to pass the time. One of the women and I completed are transactions and were walking out together and she mentioned that she was heading over to Wegman's for her last minute Thanksgiving items. I also was headed there next. We actually parked near each other and walked into the store together. She told me that she just moved to Manalapan 3 years ago from Brooklyn and said, "You don't know how lucky you are living here." She mentioned that it is a 3 minute ride from the post office to shopping, there is no traffic and there are par... 11/28/2008

I am looking forward to the quiet time with my family tomorrow. A day off from the normal hustle and bustle that is the life of a Realtor and a Mom. I will pause, look around the dinner table and count the many blessings in my life. I will remember those less fortunate than me. I am grateful for great news from the doctor and the good progress report from a teacher. When dinner is done and the dishes are clean, I will sit back down and enjoy some pumpkin pi!   11/26/2008

  Presents   The Manalapan Symphony Michael Avagliano, Music Director   The annual holiday concert “An Operatic Holiday”   Featuring   Eduardo Villa, Tenor     Sunday, December 7, 2008 3:00 p.m. Manalapan High School     Program  Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D major                                    J. S. Bach “La Donna e mobile” from Rigoletto                            Giuseppe Verdi          “Nessun dorma” from Turandot                           Giacomo Puccini  A Christmas Festival                                              Leroy Anderson  Hanukkah Overture                                                  Bruce Chase L’Arlesienne  Suite no. 2                                          Georges Bizet “Vesti la giubba” from  I Pagliacci                            Ruggiero Leoncavallo O ... 11/24/2008

Manalapan Township has its own Television Network! Stay on top of what is going on in YOUR town! You can view Township Committee Meetings, Community Events and Bulletin Board Items on Cablevision Channel 77 and Verizon FIOS Channel 42. Check it out! Weekday Program Schedule Saturday Program Schedule Sunday Program Schedule To volunteer, please contact MTTN@MTNJ.org   11/24/2008

I was talking to a co-worker the other day and she mentioned that her client for last Thursday had cancelled but wanted to make it for this Thursday. My friend told her that Thursday was Thanksgiving so that wouldn't work. Her client then said "Don't you work on Thanksgiving?" Now, I understand that her client was off and it was a good day for her but give me a break! First of all, Thanksgiving is a holiday that 99% of the country celebrates. Her client was annoyed when she told them that Thanksgiving was a day that she was spending with her family. In addition to preparing and cooking all day for a house full of people and being absolutely exhausted her client thought she could squeeze in a showing. Did she think that the seller was even going to let them in the house. I understand peo... 11/23/2008

As many Manalapan township residents are aware, there is a plan to restructure the elementary schools being voted on in the next few weeks by the School Board. Below is a link to where you can view the presentation that was made by the Superintendent, laying out the details of the proposed plan. Click for Presentation School Board will vote on the plan on December 9th.   11/20/2008

Visit me at the Weichert Table at Pine Brook School's Vendor Night! Friday, November 21st6:00 pm - 10:00 pm155 Pease RoadManalapan, NJ Shop for all your Holiday Gifts! Over 50 Vendors! Vendors will be on hand to sell their goods and promote their services.This is the perfect opportunity to find those unique gifts for the holidays! No Entrance Fee! Handmade items · Jewelry & Accessories · Home DecorHomemade Candy · Clothing · Handbags · Sports CollectiblesItems for Home & Kitchen · Children's ItemsDoll Clothes & Accessoriesand Much, Much More! Pine Brook Spirit Wear For Sale! Snacks Will Be Sold _________________________________________ Thank you so much to all who turned out to support the vendors at Pine Brook School Vendor Night! Curt Himmelman and myself enjoyed talking Real Estate, ... 11/19/2008

These days, there is no satisfaction in being right. I wish I were wrong more.  I wish I were just blowing smoke.  I wish there were no truth to the dialog I have been giving buyers about getting off the fence before it is too late. I have a client that was approved 6 months ago to purchase $250k and today will be lucky to get financing for $200k!  He didn't believe me when I told him that financing guidelines were going to get tighter.  He thought I was just trying to "push" him to make a sale!  He thought he had all the time in the world.  He wanted to be one of the financial geniuses who could time the very bottom of the market.  Needless to say, he signed the lease on his apartment for another year! Too bad he won't be able to take advantage of the $7,500 First Time Homebuyer Tax Cr... 11/17/2008

  Is it me, or is the holiday season starting earlier and earlier each year?  I couldn't believe it.  I was at the Freehold Mall today and actually saw Santa Claus!  What is going to happen next year?  He will probably arrive in his Halloween costume, dressed as the Easter Bunny!  I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays.  I hate the hustle and bustle, but love the spirit that the season brings.  Many home sellers view the holiday season with dread.  Some actually suspend their listings until after the New Year.  They worry about their home sitting on the market and getting stale while the buyers are out shopping for presents, drinking hot cocoa and going to holiday parties. The holiday season offers unique opportunities that home sellers should consider: The buyers that are ou... 11/14/2008

The following are single family homes that are undercontract or sold in the month of September: Single Family Under Contract: 39 Low: $165,000 High: $1,299,900 Avg.: $601,232 Avg. Days on Market: 92 Single Family Sold: 12 Low: $206,000 High: $1,200,000 Avg.: $526,958 Avg. Days on Market: 79 Expired Listings Single Famliy: 30 Low: $180,000 High: $2,479,000 Avg: $902,137 Avg Days On Market: 212 EXPIRED LISTINGS: WHY DIDN'T YOUR HOME SELL? CALL ME OR GO TO MY WEBSITE TO FIND OUT! Louis Trillo Prudential New Jersey Properties Manalapan NJ 732.567.2393 http://yourhomewillsell.net 10/03/2008