HOLIDAY MARKETING PROGRAM

We learned a long time ago, that the major reason why the Real Estate business slows down during the Holiday Season, is because the majority of real estate agents themselves, slow it down.....basically taking a mental vacation from Thanksgiving until after the new year.

If you are thinking that you are going to have to sell your home, but your plans appear to be unfolding during the Holiday Season, worry no longer. Once again, in approximately 45 days, we will be re-introducing our "Holiday Marketing Program".

Here are some facts:

1. First and foremost, homes are festively decorated for the season and they seldom, if ever, present themselves more brilliantly. It is at this time of year
    they are most pleasing to the eye.

2. The Holidays generally weed out the lookers from the real buyers. Though the overall numbers might be limited, when buyers shop during the Holidays,

     they are serious.

Here are the simple guidelines:

You list your home for sale with our company exclusively, for the 7 week Holiday Period, and it is only shown to those buyers developed by our company. We control all the buyer activity for you, provide you with 24 hour in advance, notice of showings, and re-arrange any appointment that is not convenient for you. No Open Houses and No Lawn Sign.

When the Holidays are over, and if the home has not yet been sold, we will then place a lawn sign on the property, conduct open houses, and enter the listing into the MLS, where the potential for all other prospective buyers from all sources, increases.

The Holidays are right around the corner and if the need to sell arises at that time, you don't have to put your plans on hold.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, and questions about our Holiday Marketing Program, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ. 732-744-0400

MOLD
  FROM THE ORDINARY<>
  Fungi and mold naturally grow in our environment. In fact, over
100,000 types have been identified, and some very useful. For example,
yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, other baked goods
and products and some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of Blue
cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is a type of fungi and
lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold. Obviously, some forms of
mold add value to our lives, while other forms can be harmful.
Excessive amounts of mold and/or exposure to molds, can present health
concerns for some people.

TO THE UNHEALTHY<> Intrusion of water into your home or business from storm damage,
plumbing or equipment failures, long standing leaks, and poor humidity
control, can result in mold growth, and if not addressed quickly, can
present an increased risk to health. Some amount of mold spores are
normally present in most environments, but may grow and multiply if
the environment is not promptly returned to normal. Organic materials,
such as, wood, paper, dry wall and insulation, found inside every
building, provide food sources for mold to flourish, which poses a
health threat. Be alert for:

< The presence of visible mold
< Strong musty odors which normally indicate that mold is present
< Evidence of past moisture problems
< Excessive humidity

These conditions normally require the expertise of a professional to
inspect and safely eliminate the problem.
Health conditions are more likely to arise with "at risk" people. i.e.
infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with asthma
or allergies, and those with weakened immune systems. However, anyone
can be affected and symptoms of the presence of mold, often include;
runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and sinus inflammation.
source, Servpro, environmentalists

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, and more helpful hints,

contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, NJ. 732.744.0400

CONSUMERS VALUE THE KNOWLEDGE OF REALTORS

A recent report shows that consumers have come to depend on the expertise of real estate agents to guide them through real estate transactions. The survey found that 87% of New Jersey home buyers, used a real estate agent or broker to purchase their home. Buyers revealed the most important factor when choosing a professional, "is agent honesty and trustworthiness". The other qualities that ranked highest in the survey included knowledge of the market, responsiveness to questions, and follow up.

93% of New Jersey sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home, which is higher than the nationwide average of 87%, who used a real estate agent for their home sale. Recent NJ sellers typically sold their homes for 95% of the listing price, and 68% reported they reduced the asking price at least once, which is similar to national findings.

The share of home sellers who sold their home without the assistance of a real estate agent (for sale by owner, FSBO) was 4%, which is lower than the national share of 10%. Respondents found that FSBO sellers struggled with getting the price right and having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale. This clearly indicates that working with a real estate agent is much more beneficial than attempting alone. Even in cases where FSBO's knew the buyer, 100% of the FSBO's admitted they would work with a real estate agent next time.

PURCHASING POWER IS HIGH IN NEW JERSEY

According to a recent profile, the median household income of buyers was $110,000 in New Jersey, versus $80,900 nationally. The median income among first time buyers was $88,700 and $127,000 among repeat buyers, compared to $62,400 among first time buyers and $96,600 among repeat buyers nationally. This clearly indicates that New Jerseyans have more purchasing power than the average nationwide consumer. This, along with low interest rates and high affordability, favor the housing market in New Jersey.

(source, New Jersey Realtor Magazine)

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, contact: LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ. 732.744.0400

CHECKING OUT YOUR NEW HOME !!!!

You're getting ready to close on you first new or resale home purchase, and your pre-settlement "walk through" is next. Here's a checklist of things to look for, before taking title:

Grading:
. Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?
. Are there signs of erosion?
. Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation?

Roof and Gutters:
. Are the shingles flat and tight?
. Is the flashing securely in place?
. Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the house?

Exterior appearance:
. Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weather stripping?
. Are the trim and fittings tight?

Floors:
. Is the carpeting tight? Do the seams match?
. Are there any ridges or seam gaps in any vinyl tile or linoleum?

Appliances:
. Do all of the appliances, faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, operate properly?
. Use a hair dryer to check all electrical fixtures and outlets.
. Test the heating and cooling system for proper operation.
. If the home has a fireplace, do the draft and damper work properly?
. Test the doorbell, intercom system, and garage door opener.

Doors and windows:
. Do the doors and windows open and close easily?
. Are any window panes loose or cracked?

These pre-closing inspections shouldn't take more than 1 hour, and it is time well spent. If there are any problems, adjustments can be made at the closing table. Once title closes, it will be difficult, if not impossible to correct them.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, New Jersey.
732-744-0400.