WHAT'S TRENDING IN REAL ESTATE TODAY !!!!!

Three of the hottest topics that are gaining traction.

1. GENERATION X JUMPS TO THE TOP:

    Generation X-those ages 33 to 47, made up the largest chunk of home buyers, at 31%, between July   2011 and June 2012, according to the National 

    Association of Realtors, "home buyer and seller generation trends" report. Generation Y-those 32 and younger, made up the second largest group at

    28%. Followed by younger baby boomers (18%) and older baby boomers (14%).

2. MOBILE REAL ESTATE SEARCH:

    Consumers are talking to their mobile devices in droves for real estate searches. According to the Search Agency, an on-line marketing firm, real

    estate ad clicks on smartphones, grew 10.7% between the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. Tablet ad clicks shot up even higher,

    increasing 20.2%, quarter over quarter, and 87% year over year. It all proves that consumers are becoming far more comfortable searching for real

    estate on mobile devices, which allow a buyer to search leisurely, saving time, without the need to physically visit a real estate office.

3. REVERSAL OF FORTUNE IN INVENTORY:

    The complaint is widespread: Housing inventory has been stubbornly low in the past year. Perhaps that's starting to change. The number of listings

    nationwide, ticked up by 4.3% to 1.9 million homes on the market in June. According to Realtor.com, that is the highest monthly jump in a year, and

    rising home prices could persuade more sellers to throw their homes on the market in the coming months.

Suffices to say, the demographics of buyers and sellers and the manner in which they buy and sell real estate, has changed dramatically over the past decade.

For all of your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful information, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, NJ. 732.744.0400

BEWARE OF THE FEARFUL DOG !!!!!

We usually associate fear in animals, especially dogs, with running away or hiding. However, fear can also be exhibited through aggression. A variety of triggers can cause an unexpected, fearful response, and many dogs have fear responses serious enough to require behavior modification.

Here is a list of signs that your dog may be suffering from a fear issue:

> Barking while backing away.

> Lunging, barking, threatening behavior at people or unknown dogs while on a leash.

> Unprovoked biting without warning.

> Excessive drooling.

> Pacing, screeching, howling or destructive chewing of windowsills, walls or doorways leading to the outdoors, when left alone.

> Excessive shivering.

> Violent attacks on other dogs without warning.

> Growling and snarling when in possession of bones, food or toys.

> Attacking or threatening visitors or strangers to the home.

> Hiding   > Growling with mouth closed.

If your dog exhibits some or all of these symptoms, it may have a serious fear issue. For help and guidance, contact a certified veterinary behaviorist for help. These actions can generally be eliminated with professional training which is worth the inquiry. After all, dogs become beloved members of the household.......and most of us wouldn't just discard a member of the family.

excerpted from INSIDE JERSEY Magazine

For all of your Real Estate and Insurance needs, and helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, NJ. 732.744.0400

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS......TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS

Shopping during the Holiday Season can present unique risks, mostly because it is a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other crimes.

Here are some simple, but valuable hints to prevent the unthinkable:

1.  Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. if you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

2.  Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

3.  Do not carry a purse or wallet if possible. If a purse containing any of today's electronic devises, is stolen, your entire life can be accessed.

4.  Always carry your drivers license, or I.D. along with necessary cash, checks and/or credit card, on your person. Avoid carrying large amounts of
     cash, and pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Keep cash in your front pocket.

5.  If you must carry a wallet or purse, be extra careful. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals

     etc.

6.  Do not leave your shopping cart unattended, even for a moment. Think about how easy it is for a thief to lift your purse or even a small child

     from an unattended cart.

7.  Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Maintain clear visibility and freedom of motion.

8.  Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists are experts at distracting you, with the intention of stealing from you. They

     quickly recognize those who are most vulnerable.

9.  Teach your child to contact a store clerk for help if you become separated.

10. Place packages in the trunk of your car, out of sight of potential thieves.

11. Get your keys out before you approach your parked vehicle.

12. Always park in well lighted areas, and avoid parking next to vans and trucks, even cars with dark tinted windows.

13. Try to always use your ATM in a secure location and shield your pin # from the view of others. Take your ATM receipts with you rather than

       discard them in the trash.

14.  At home during the Holidays, check the I.D. of anyone who delivers packages to your home.

15. Keep gift wrapped packages out of sight of windows and doors.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED. TRY TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES HAPPY AND JOYOUS AS THEY ARE MEANT TO BE. DON'T LET A SPLIT SECOND, LAPSE OF MEMORY TURN YOUR HOLIDAY INTO A NIGHMARE.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, and other helpful tips, Contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, NJ, 732.744.0400.