This year has been a challenging one for many of us in the business of selling & financing real estate. It seems there may be a lack of overall urgency with many sellers unwilling to budge on price, and buyers willing to sit on the sidelines, or perhaps even being one of those sellers themselves. Mortgage lending guidelines have tightened in many ways, too.  There's just not as much action taking place, but we need to take stock of what we can do to control our own destinies, and earn a living! Here's a few ideas that I'll share with you.  Maybe one or more of them will resonate with you, and make today the day you change something or fine tune your own approach to the business. LISTING PRESENTATIONS: Are you prepared? Have you done more than the average research, driven the neighborhoo... 07/13/2011

Last week was a good one for interest rates, with Fannies gaining back 26/32nds by the close on Friday. The two "good days" were Tuesday which I attribute mostly to dust settling, and Friday where the employment report ended up weaker than expected which sparked a rally in the Credit markets.  Remember: Bad news is Good news for interest rates. This week is a pretty busy calendar of auctions, Data and Fed activity, here is how the week shapes up: Monday July 11: A no News day with Fannies taking direction from stocks, With stock selling off today we have an improving mortgage market which in turn leads to lower rates for our clients. Tuesday July 12: Auction number 1 of the week with the Treasury selling $32 Billion in 3 year notes. Here is a fun fact to worry about: The Fed ran out of ... 07/11/2011

Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08755 - Flat Fee MLS Listing $395 1999 Pamela CT Toms River, NJ 08755 - Realtors welcome, buyer agent commission paid at closing !Please check listing details here at MLS# 21125417 . 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Gorgeous colonial w/elegant upgrades. Step into majestic 2 story foyer w/dec molding. Four spacious bedrooms w/large closets. Master has full bath, walk-in-clos, custom recessed lights, and cozy sitting room. Eat-in kitch w/granite, center island & pantry. Wood floors throughout, dec molding, 9ft ceilings, Viking appliances. Finished basement (1950sf) w/high ceilings and custom bar. Enjoy the outdoors w/trek deck and lrg back yard. Near Rt 9, GSP & shopping. If you are interested in this Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08755- Flat Fee... 07/11/2011

Open House in Toms River with photos and maps for Sunday July 19, 2011. Toms River Open House information including school reports, neighborhood data and Toms River housing market trends. Click here for the list of Open Houses in Toms River on July 10, 2011 with easy to access maps and numerous photos. These homes are located in East Dover, North Dover, Georgetown, Shelter Cove, Ortley Beach, Money Island, Green Island, Silverton, Snug Harbor, and throughout Toms River Twp. Toms River Open House Maps: The link to the left provides Toms River Open House Maps for open houses in Toms River with property and location information. Details: 1921 RED CEDAR ST, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $239,000 Details: 288 FLAAM ST, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $259,900 Details: 532 E WOODLAND AVE, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $269,900 Detai... 07/09/2011

The annual Toms River Celtic Festival is set to take place this weekend on Washington Street in Toms River.  The event runs from 8am until 5pm, Saturday, July 9th.   The event is sponsored by the Pipes & Drums of the Barnegat Bay.   They were formed in 2007 as a practice chanter group and eventually grew into a full pipes and drum band.   Aside from a day of traditional Celtic music with performances by Ulster Scottish, Cameron and Memorial United Pipe Band and 14 other bands and 60 soloists, the event will feature Scottish style highlands games such as caber toss, hammer throw, other heavy athletics competitions and food. Pipe bands are a long-standing tradition in many areas with Celtic roots, such as the regions of Galicia and Asturies in Spain, as well as other regions with Celtic ... 07/08/2011

Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08753 - Flat Fee MLS Listing $395 43 Pilot Rd Toms River, NJ 08753 - Realtors welcome, buyer agent commission paid at closing !Please check listing details here at MLS# 21100600. 5 beds, 4 bathrooms Located in the private waterfront community of Green Island. Upgrades incl new paver landscaping w/walkways & entire yard, vinyl bulkhead, dock, boat lift & hot tub. Features 3 lvls of custom home living w/bayviews from master suite and 3rd flr decks. Oak flrs on1st flr. Maple cabinets w/granite counters & s/s appliances. MBR has sliders, walk-in closet w/CA closet organizer prof. installed. Private bath w/Jacuzzi. (will consider trade for smaller waterfront home in Toms River or Brick). If you are interested in this Home for Sale By Owner in Toms Riv... 07/05/2011

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July Weekend! last week was a bad one for mortgage rates with the worst sell off we have seen since early February... Fannies lost 44/32nds last week in the wake of good news in Greece, June 30th marking the end of the Fed's Quantitative Easing, Etc.  So what does that equate to?  Higher rates, back up to levels we have not seen since Mid May.  I knew they would bounce eventually, the only question is How hard or how High? The market almost always over does it on the up and down side, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see the dust settle down slightly over this week. Here is the Calendar for the week: Monday, July 4: Markets were closed, I hope you had a great 4th of July! Tuesday, July 5: may Factory Orders were expected +1.0% but in reality that mark ... 07/05/2011

    On July 4 in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. Have a wonderful and safe Independence Day! Did You Know? Thirty-one places have "liberty" in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, is Liberty, MO (29,149) Thirty-five places have "eagle" in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, TX (26,248). Eleven places have "independence" in their names. The most populous one is Independence, MO (116,830). Nine places have "freedom" in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, PA (4,464). There's just one place with "patriot" in... 07/01/2011

Do you know what an energy efficient mortgage is? Perhaps you've been at a closing and heard the attorney mention this odd form the buyer had to sign....or heard a mortgage rep mention this program before. If you are showing a home that is need of new windows, or has an outdated or old furnace or Central A/C unit for example, then you may want to know about these options for the buyer's loan.  A buyer can add the cost of the replacement items to the loan, without affecting the qualifying ratios.  This allows the buyer to stick with a low down payment of as little as 3.5% for FHA or ZERO for VA loans and be able to buy the home and finance the cost of adding the energy efficient items.  This works for new homes as well, if they have Energy Star rated appliances & HVAC equipment. In some... 07/01/2011

Toms River (08755) Housing Market Report and Toms River Real Estate Market Analysis is a compilation of statistical data in graph and written form with interactive maps. The data presents market conditions on a local level and in three month 'snapshots' in an in-depth and understandable way. This market report includes North Dover, West Dover, East Dover, Brookside, Sliverton, Silver Ridge, Oak Ridge and the other areas in Toms River with the 08755 zip code only. Selling your Toms River Home: Do you know what your home is worth? The information provided by a Housing Market Report is invaluable when establishing an appropriate asking price. Buying a Toms River Home: if you're thinking about buying a house in Toms River, knowing the local real estate market conditions will help you determ... 06/29/2011

  There are many different variables involved in determining how long it may take to close title on your property for sale. If you understand these main things, you'll be more comfortable with the sales process, and better able to make the smartest decisions leading to the sale of your Property.Location,Location, Location: This is the 1st , 2nd and 3rd most important factor in determining how fast, and for how much $$$ your home will sell for. Property Condition:The better your home is maintained, the easier it will be to sell. Many buyers do not want to purchase a home that needs major repairs. If you take steps to improve your home's appearance (many of which aren't even that expensive) you will improve the chances for a buyer to show interest.Terms:If you are in a position to offer ... 06/28/2011

   Make yourself at peace by organizing the mortgage fees and charges with this easy checklist/worksheet!   Name of Lender or Mortgage Company: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Name of Loan Officer: ............................................................ Name of Mortgage Processor ..........................................................  Date of Contact: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage Amount: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mortgage 1 mortgage 2 mortgage 1 mortgage 2 Basic Information on the Loans Type of Mortgage: fi xed-rate, adjustable-rate, conventional, FHA, other? If adjustable, see below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minimum down payment required . . . . . . . . . .... 06/28/2011

Celebrate America!July 2, 20117:30pmOcean County LibraryToms River, NJ Patriotic salutes, outdoor favorites, and family fun!  The Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra, currently under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Anthony LaGruth, is a cultural resource for the Jersey Shore and the surrounding region, performing the best in symphonic repertoire in a variety of venues, including Ocean County College and the Strand Theatre. Music lovers do not have to travel to the cities to enjoy live performances of fine symphonic music presented by a quality orchestra. The GSP, presently the orchestra-in-residence at Ocean County College, has kept pace with the rapid growth of Ocean County over the past 54 years, expanding in size, stature and scope, enlarging its audience, and broad... 06/28/2011

 Last week was a good one for rates with Fannies gaining 18/32ndsfor the week. That should set us up again for yet another low for the year, even with the ground we lost the previous week. At last week's FOMC meeting the Fed reduced growth forecasts, and troubles in Greece continued the flight to quality helping to lower rates last week. This week not only is a holiday week, but we have auctions and data to chew on as the week moves along. Here is the calendar: MondayJune 27: May personal income expected +0.3% Spending +0.1% and Consumption expected +0.2%. The biggie here is always the Consumption number. The actual report for Income matched the estimate, and the PCEactually came in a touch lower at +0.1%. For much of the day we have seen Fannies trading on either side of unchanged, cur... 06/27/2011

Open House in Toms River with photos and maps for Sunday June 26, 2011. Toms River Open House information including school reports, neighborhood data and Toms River housing market trends. Click here for the list of Open Houses in Toms River on June 26, 2011 with easy to access maps and numerous photos. These homes are located in East Dover, North Dover, Georgetown, Shelter Cove, Ortley Beach, Money Island, Green Island, Silverton, Snug Harbor, and throughout Toms River Twp. Toms River Open House Maps: The link to the left provides Toms River Open House Maps for open houses in Toms River with property and location information. Details: 104  SUBURBAN DR, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $254,900Details: 1602  WOODCREST DR, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $279,000Details: 914  STAFFORD DR, TOMS RIVER, NJ - $279,000Detai... 06/25/2011

Toms River (08753) Housing Market Report and Toms River Real Estate Market Analysis is a compilation of statistical data in graph and written form with interactive maps. The data presents market conditions on a local level and in three month 'snapshots' in an in-depth and understandable way. This market report includes Snug Harbor, North Dover, Bayshore, East Dover, Gilford Park, Sliverton, Silver Bay and the other areas in Toms River with the 08753 zip code only. Selling your Toms River Home: Do you know what your home is worth? The information provided by a Housing Market Report is invaluable when establishing an appropriate asking price. Buying a Toms River Home: if you're thinking about buying a house in Toms River, knowing the local real estate market conditions will help you deter... 06/21/2011

When two Australian mothers wrote a cookbook to save themselves time and money, and get them OUT of the kitchen, they had no idea that it would make them international bestsellers.Cookbook authors Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham will be at the Toms River branch on June 23 to discuss and share samples from their cookbook, "4 INGREDIENTS."Outselling Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, and Gordon Ramsey "4 INGREDIENTS" has sold over two million copies and consistently sits near the top of the bestsellers lists in both Australia and the UK. McCosker and Bermingham believe their cookbook has been such a huge success (even outselling J.K. Rowlings' Harry Potter series in 2008) because people can relate to the "4 INGREDIENTS" concept. It helps people get great food on the table fast, without co... 06/21/2011

Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08755 - Flat Fee MLS Listing $395 1231 Mercedes Bnd Toms River, NJ 08755 - Realtors welcome, buyer agent commission paid at closing !Please check listing details here at MLS# 21110778. 4 beds, 3.5 bathrooms Country club backyd. 4BR/3.5 bath, finished basement w/gas fpl & full bath. Oversized dining rm w/accent lighting. Master BR has WIC & jetted tub. Looking out to yard is sunrm w/custom bar & has heat/ac. FR has wood fpl & HW flrs. Converted garage has office & tv area w/granite counters, hw flrs, crown molding & gas fpl. Regulation tennis court w/nite lites, oversize 22x44 IG pool, detached 8 person spa, 12x32 pool house w/granite counters & 2 sheds. If you are interested in this Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08755- Flat Fee MLS Lis... 06/20/2011

It finally happened. After 9 straight weeks of improving interest rates we finally had a week where rates went up a bit.  By the closing bell on Friday we saw Fannies lose 7/32nds for the week. That is enough to be noticeable on a rate sheet, but over all we are still in great shape with rates.  The bump up in rates would have been much worse if it were not for the problems in Greece, Mid week we had a big mortgage rally as there was rioting in Greece and an market that went running for safety and starting buying into US credit markets. The reality is that the economic data released last week did show more inflation than anticipated, so things could have been worse. This week is a busy one with a Fed meeting, and more than enough data to chew on, here is the calendar: MondayJune 20; a n... 06/20/2011

Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08753 - Flat Fee MLS Listing $395 430 Burntwood Trl Toms River, NJ 08753 - Realtors welcome, buyer agent commission paid at closing!Please check listing details here at MLS# 2840476. 2 Units Completely renovated w/ new quality wood laminate floors & carpet, freshly painted, new appliances (fridge, DW & range) & more! A lot of work has been put into this home. Owner is being relocated so it must sell. Complex is very nice w/ plenty of greenery & parking (incl. driveway & 1 car garage) & Community pool. Close to malls, parks & schools. Place is immaculate & needs no work whatsoever. Just needs a new owner to call home. If you are interested in this Home for Sale By Owner in Toms River, NJ 08753- Flat Fee MLS Listing $395, please call 1-888-362-6543... 06/19/2011