St. Gabriel's Carnival

It's time for family fun at St. Gabriel's Carnival. Thursday to Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy food vendors and more than 15 rides. Admission is free, and families can pay one price for all rides. On Sunday, the carnival will be open at noon and feature an antique and custom car show. Friday night entertainment will be by the band Third Sun, and Saturday night by the band Backbeat. 100 N Main Street, Marlboro, NJ 07746 Located near the intersection of Rt 520 and Rt 79    

East Brunswick High School Top School in 2012

According to an article published by U.S. News and World Report, EBHS ranks 40 among all New Jersey high schools and 891 nationally among the more than 21,000 high schools evaluated by the magazine. According to the report, students at EBHS “have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at East Brunswick High School is 36 percent. The student body makeup is 50 percent male and 50 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 38 percent. "It is rewarding to see how well our students perform with respect to their peers in the state and the nation. This is a true testament to the hard work done each and every day by our students and teachers to ensure our graduates are both college and career ready," said EBHS Principal Robert Murphy. Call Better Homes Realty for all your Real Estate Needs 732-254-0123

The Preserves at Matawan

Only five units remain at the Preserve in Matawan MATAWAN - The Preserve at Matawan offers the perfect blend of luxurious condominium living and commuting convenience. ... And while all these new constructions units are available for a quick delivery, only five remain. Located only two miles from the Aberdeen-Matawan train station, each unit features two bedrooms and two baths, roomy interiors with open floor plans, a private balcony or terrace and complete freedom from exterior maintenance. The park-like setting off Ro ute 79 is minutes from shopping, parks, beaches and major roadways. Buyers can also feel confident in the record of Preserve builder, American Properties. For over 40 years, American Properties has been a leading development, investment and management company in New Jersey. Not only has the builder constructed over 10,000 homes, apartments and condominiums, American Properties has also completed over 1,000 hotel rooms and 3 million square feet of commercial space. Currently, American Properties has active projects throughout New Jersey with prices ranging from $199,990 to $1,700,000. Headquartered in Woodbridge, NJ, American Properties is one of the first builders in the state to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, as well as multiple awards from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). American Properties has also been awarded with the highest honors f rom the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA). For more information or to schedule an appointment to view of one of the units at The Preserve, contact Anita Kazmierczak from Better Homes at 732-547-2710 or email her at Anita@BetterHomesUS.com   [caption id="attachment_4900" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="The Preserves @ Matawan"][/caption]    

National Open House Weekend Tips!

ATTENTION BUYERS!! The time has come to get your comfortable shoes on, grab a water bottle and get the car keys, it's National Association of Realtor's Open House Weekend and in Monmouth County the balloons will be everywhere!!! Here are some handy tips that you may want to keep you from getting overwhelmed by it all. First, make it an occasion to spend some quality time with your significant other by getting a babysitter so you can see as many as possible and look forward to lunch or dinner after 4pm when most of them end. Second, have a plan! Know which areas you are most interested in based on school systems, access to work or family members, Hazlet, Middletown and Holmdel are among the most popular. Try to determine the exact style of house that you like such as a Colonial, Ranch, Split, Bi-Level or Cape. Research these different styles so you have an idea of what they look like from the street and try to resist the temptation to look at any that you know will not be your dream house so will have time to preview the right one.  Establish if you definitely want a garage, this will cut down on the amount of homes you would be tempted to preview on your drive by. Bring a pen and make notes on the print outs offered by the Realtors so you will be able to refresh your memory at the end of the day. And finally, remember to have fun and get excited about the prospect of buying your next home! Joanne Schiffres, http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty, Hazlet 732-757-5013    

Your Realtor Is A Valuable Resource

Realtors are more than just "door openers".  An experienced full time agent has established and maintained great industry relationships over the years in order to serve his or her clients when it comes to the largest purchase they will ever make. Your Realtor's sole purpose should be to make your transaction as seemless as possible. That is why they should be the first person you go to when you need an important referral such as an attorney, home inspector or most importantly, a mortgage representative. Real Estate transactions are only as good as the people involved in order to move things along in a timely fashion and open communication between those related industries are most important when difficulties arise. Why wouldn't you, the buyer or seller, want all parties involved in your transaction to have your best interests in mind and make this experience one of excitement and joy rather than something else entirely! Joanne Schiffres  http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty 732-757-5013

Last New Construction Home At Cranbury Crossing

  LAST NEW HOME LEFT FOR SALE!! NEW CONSTRUCTION Renaissance at Cranbury Crossing Premier Adult Community Upon entering this home, you can't help but notice all the space! The kitchen and family room have tall cathedral ceilings. The living and dining room are joined and the dining room and a large kitchen. The owner's suite is enormous and features dual vanities and a spacious walk-in closet.Convenience, low-maintenance, and style! Located within minutes of Exits 8 and 8A of the NJ Turnpike.  This wonderful adult community combines a convenient and coveted address with a healthy and relaxing maintenance-free at-home resort lifestyle. Nestled on 60 acres of scenic woodlands and preserved green spaces, Renaissance at Cranbury Crossing is a private paradise of only 182 beautifully designed single-level single family homes, interspersed with glistening ponds, fountains and superb recreational amenities. The community's centerpiece is a lavish, 7,200 square foot clubhouse where you can go for a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, meet friends for a game of cards or billiards, read a book by the fireplace, or go online in the computer center. Our multi-purpose room with adjacent catering kitchen is perfect if you want to entertain on a more lavish scale than your home will allow. Step outdoors and you'll feel as if you're on vacation with amenities that include bocce, shuffleboard and tennis courts, a large swimming pool, sundecks and patios, barbecue grill stations, an outdoor whirlpool, a large putting green with sand traps, even a playground for visiting grandchildren. For more information contact Better Homes Realty, Marlboro NJ 800-350-6579

Monmouth County--JUST SOLD--2/29-3/5

2/29/2012 Aberdeen: 4 bedroom/3 bath Ranch 370 Fairfield Way$140,000 6 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 882 Malden Dr. $190,000 Atlantic Highlands: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Dutch Colonial 60 Fourth Ave $375,000 Colts Neck: 14 bedroom/7 bath Villa 187 Heyers Mill Rd. $4,450,000 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath brick front Colonial 121 Nottingham Dr. $539,000 Freehold: 4 bedroom/1 bath Colonial 27 Parker St. $105,000 4 bedroom/1 ½ bath split level  98 Wynnewood Ct. $230,000 4 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 132 Townsend Dr. $340,000 6 bedroom/6 ½ bath Colonial 311 Brandon Blvd. $1,150,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 16 High Point Rd. $517,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 12 Morse Way $653, 500 Howell: 2 bedroom/2 bath mobile home 5 Kay Lane $26,500 Long Branch: 4 bedroom/3 bathroom Victorian 470 Harrison St. $220,000 Manalapan: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 51 Winged Foot Dr. $455,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 16 Millay Rd. $365,000 Middletown: 2 bedroom/1 bath Cape 364 Port Monmouth Rd. 87,500 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 141 Iler Dr. $405,000 Neptune: 3 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 53 Heck Ave. $363,000 Millstone: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath 1 Red Owl Court $475,000 Red Bank: 3 bedroom/ 1 ½ bath Cape 84 John Street $363,000 Sea Girt: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 201 Boston Blvd. $2,000,000 Union Beach: 4 bedroom/3 bedroom Ranch 514 Central Ave. $225,000   3/1/2012 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Mother/Daughter 1 Woodmere Dr. $275,000 Fair Haven: 5 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 166 fair Haven Rd. $689,000 Highlands: 2 bedroom/2 bath RaisRan 8 Bay St. $195,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2½ bath Center Hall Colonial 12 Cindy Lane $640,000 Howell: 3 bedroom/2 bath Custom Home 117 Casino Dr. $230,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Weymouth Dr. $280,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Kinglet Ave. $335,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Damascus Dr. $485,000 Middletown: 3 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 502 Mackey Ave. $290,000 5 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 782 Clinton Pl. $380,000 Neptune: 2 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 3406 W bangs Ave. $44,000 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 6 Provincial Pl. $232,500 Rumson: 3 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 3 Wood Lane $1,385,000 Tinton Falls: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 107 Annapolis St.$330,000 West Long Branch: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 4 Primrose Lane $324,000   3/2/2012 Asbury Park: 3 bedroom/1 ½ bath Colonial 1513 3rd Ave. $268,000 Holmdel: 3 bedroom/ 2 bath split level 17 Deerfield Rd.$400,000 4 bedroom/ 2 ½ bath Colonial 7 Sweet Briar Lane $477,500 Howell: 4 bedroom/3 bath Bi-level 43 Forrest Hill Dr. $290,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Split-level 9 Silversmith Ct.$296,000 Manalapan: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 40 Symmes Rd. $282,500 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 99 N Parsonage Way $750,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 36 Longfellow Terr. $310,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 40 Hummingbird Ct. $361,000 Ocean: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 17 Conaskonk Dr. $405,000 Oceanport: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 97 Monmouth Blvd. $365,000 Roosevelt: 6 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 35 Lake Dr. $305,000 Rumson: 3 bedroom/2 bath Victorian 94 Bingham Ave.$460,000 4 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 4 Bellevue Ave. $1,425,000 Sea Bright: 4 bedroom/4 ½ bath Custom 8 Tradewinds Lane $1,750,000 Wall: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 1204 Laurel Ave. $387,500

Help for Seniors

Click here for more info from my colleague Sandra RostekFebruary 29, 2012 by Wendy Trager Email: wendytrager@optonline.net.   It comes as no surprise that some of the hardest hit in this economy are seniors.  Homes seniors have been living in their whole adult life may now burdensome to pay for and upkeep.  Many seniors feel they have nowhere else to go.  Reverse Mortgages can be the solution for a variety of problems:

• To help seniors looking to downsize and finance the purchase of a smaller home.
• To help seniors facing foreclosure
• To help seniors suffering from job loss and unable to pay their mortgage
• To help with home repairs
• To help with sale of home
• To help a senior stay in their current home and pay for home healthcare

• The homeowners must 62 years old
• The home must be their principal residence (must live in the home more than half a year)
• The home must be a single family home, a 2-4 unit building or a federally approved condominium or planned unit development
• If there are debts against the home, then the homeowner must use the reverse mortgage to pay it off
• There are NO credit/income requirements

• Traditional mortgage or home equity loans require proof of sufficient income and credit history to qualify, and you will have to repay beginning within 30 days of closing.  With a reverse mortgage, there are no monthly payments to be made at any time during the loan for as long as you continue to occupy the home as a primary residence.  Since there is no monthly payment, the FHA does not require verification of your income and does not require a good credit rating. 

Real Estate Social Media

There’s a URL for That

By JILL P. CAPUZZO

LARRY VECCHIO, a Monmouth County real estate broker, was ahead of the curve in the late 1990s when he started buying up a number of generic-sounding Internet domain names that he thought might come in handy one day. The URLs he first went after were “Homesin(fill in the blank).com,” the blank being the names of the 20 towns his agency, based in Hazlet, served. Once he saw how easy and cheap it was to make these purchases — for a one-time flat fee or annual rentals — Mr. Vecchio started buying up every similar-sounding URL (Uniform Resource Locator) he could get his hands on. “I just thought, if you were going to look for a house, what would you type in?” he recalled. “So I looked up ‘homesin...’ and nobody had them.” Among those he learned were available were HomesintheUnitedStates, HomesinNorthAmerica and HomesinNewYork. (One that had already been spoken for was HomesinNewJersey, which was owned by someone in the Canadian town of New Jersey, from whom he was able to buy it for $1,500.) Today he owns 1,300 URLs, including “Homesin...” and “Condosin...” for just about every municipality in New Jersey, as well as towns throughout the country. He also owns the domain names, meaning that by adding a backslash and the name of any town in the United States, he has a network of some 35,000 URLs. As the vast majority of house hunts happen over the Internet, Mr. Vecchio’s URLs have a colossal resale value — far exceeding what he paid for them. For instance, he said he had been offered $100,000 for “HomesinForeclosure.com.” But this 54-year-old Web visionary has bigger plans for his holdings. Until recently, most of the Homesin... pages have had little or no content. But Phase 2 of Mr. Vecchio’s plans for HomesinYourTown.com envisions the URLs as the go-to real estate search-and-information site for anyone looking to buy a home in New Jersey and beyond. He has recently bought access to real estate listings nationwide, at a cost of $4,000 a month; he plans to populate his Web sites with these by the end of February. This will put him on similar footing with many other national real estate search sites, like Zillow.com, Trulia.com, the Multiple Listing Service, Realtor.com and Homes.com. But what he is hoping will make his sites more valuable are the “town leaders” he is trying to get to host each site: local agents or mortgage officers who will blog about area homes, schools, businesses and other community news in exchange for being the featured real estate professional on the site. By combining this hyperlocal reporting with real estate listing information, Mr. Vecchio said, he has developed “the first social media real estate site.” At the 2011 Tri-State Realtors Convention in Atlantic City in November, agents were competing for blogging rights on the URLs of some towns, said Christopher Sheridan, a real estate marketer who is signing up the local bloggers for Mr. Vecchio’s sites. “If you snooze, you lose,” said Mr. Sheridan, who has thus far signed up 180 town leaders, most of whom are paying the company $50 a month for that privilege. “If somebody wanted a town, I told them they better take it, or at least put something down.” Judith Weiniger, a Somerset County agent, recently signed on to be the featured broker on the HomesinWarren.com and HomesinWatchung.com sites. She described her venture as part of her overall commitment this year to embracing social media as a selling tool. “I’m a big believer in this hyperlocal social media strategy,” said Ms. Weiniger, an agent with Re/Max Premier in Warren Township. “People are more apt to trust a person or a business if they know someone else trusts them. I’m looking to build continued good will.” National Web-based real estate sites, too, are adding social media elements to their offerings, with blogs, links to Facebook and Twitter, and user apps. Patty McNease, the marketing director for Homes.com, said her company’s site was now posting a blog almost every day on some general-interest real estate topic. As far as localizing the information goes, Ms. McNease said, the site offers a question-and-answer section allowing readers to post queries about a given market, and “they’ll be bombarded with answers from local realtors within a few hours.” The goal at Homes.com — the country’s fourth-largest Web-based real estate site, according to comScore.com, a digital data analyst — is to “try to capture and keep visitors at our site as long as possible,” Ms. McNease said. Ian Lazarus, a broker with the Landis Company in Sea Isle City, signed on to host the Homesin... sites in Sea Isle City, Cape May and Avalon. He said he had been slow to embrace the blogging component of real estate sites, which in recent months had provided him with 50 to 60 leads, the majority of them people living outside of New Jersey. “He’s got 1,300 URLs, and every one is linked to the others,” Mr. Lazarus said of Mr. Vecchio. “That’s a lot of juice. And for me it’s important, because it’s something I can never build.” [caption id="attachment_4389" align="alignnone" width="190" caption="Real Estate Social Media"][/caption]

Looking for an FHA-approved condo or townhome in Tinton Falls? Call Erica Herbst (732) 850-0944 for

There are FHA approved 1-3 bedroom condos and townhomes available from $179,000-$300,000. (Tinton Falls and surrounding area.)   Fantastic location, minutes to parkway, route 18, shopping & beaches!  Contact Erica Herbst 732-850-0944 or eherbst11@yahoo.com.  

Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet selected as "2012 N.J. Five Star Real Estate Agent"!

Great News!!! Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet Branch is one of the recipents of the 2012 New Jersey Five Star Real Estate Agent award. She is among a group of fewer than 7% of real estate agents in the New Jersey area. New Jersey Monthly asked Five Star Professional to conduct research with clients, peers and industry experts to determine the r.e. agents in N.J. area who rated highest in overall satisfaction. Winners will be listed in the March 2012 issue of New Jersey Monthly. Congradulations Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet, N.J. 800-531-2885 x 451    www.SearchHomesinNJ.com

Mark the Date!!! Your Residential Real Estate Questions Answered.

Live Chat on Ustream.tv  by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty.  Present will be Michael J. Weber of Weber Law Offices in Howell, NJ.  Chat live and ask you real estate questions.  All Residential real estate questions and RE Legal Quesions. Re-sale, short sales, bank owned, foreclosure, condo's, town homes & rentals. Mark the date... March 1, 2012 at 7:PM You can email your request prior, we will respond on live chat and email you back with answers. Email to : LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com See you there... Channel Name:  BHRLisaalaimo or search on ustream.tv  NJrealestateagent   or just click the link below and save to your favorites. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njrealestateagent Lisa Alaimo.. . .www.SearchHomesinNJ.com     for Michael Weber of Weber Law offices...  www.WeberLawOffices.com

Avoiding Foreclosure (Government information)

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure Call me with any questions. 800-531-2885 x 451 or email me at:  LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com  Better Homes Realty   Lisa Alaimo

How much Mortgage can you afford?

4 good tips.. Click the link for info: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/4-tips-determine-how-much-mortgage-you-can-afford/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty:   www.LisaAlaimo.com   email me: Lalaimo@BetterHomesUS.com   or call me at: 800-531-2885  x451