NEW JERSEY HAS GOOD NEWS TO REPORT ON JOBS:

Regarding New Jersey's economy. As recently as August 2012, the Garden State's unemployment rate, a crucial economic indicator, stood at 9.7% approximately where it had stagnated for two years. But since then, the rate has steadily declined, dropping in November, 2013 to a five year low of 7.8%. It's good news, but before we send up the balloons, the rate is still too high. New Jersey lags behind the National unemployment rate of 7%, and ranks 42nd in percentage employed, compared to other states. That's not a glowing review, but it is improving and that's good news. Job growth in New Jersey is being fueled by many business sectors. As data from the state indicates, skills in demand, range from blue collar to top management. Many New Jersey companies are hiring.

TOP FIVE SECTORS FOR JOB GROWTH: (New Jersey, Oct. 2011-Oct. 2013)

Education & Health Services>>>34,600
Trade, Transportation & Utilities>>>22,200
Professional & Business Services>>>19,200
Leisure & Hospitality>>>18,800
Construction>>>3,000

THE TOP 20 ONLINE JOB POSTINGS:

1.   Software developers,applications
2.   Retail salesperson
3.   Sales representatives, wholesale & manufacturing
4.   Registered nurses
5.   First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
6.   Computer systems analysts
7.   Customer service representatives
8    Medical & health services managers
9.   Managers all other
10. Sales managers
11. Marketing managers
12. Computer user support specialists
13. Secretaries & administrative assistants
14. Heavy & tractor trailer truck drivers
15. Human resources specialists
16. Management analysts
17. Accountants
18. Computer programmers
19. First line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
20. General & operations managers.

This is all part of the shifting reality of the marketplace in New Jersey, that despite certain conditions, looks increasingly promising for job seekers.
SO DON'T GIVE UP YOUR SEARCH JUST YET.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact the "New Star In Town", LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NEW JERSEY. 732.744.0400

*data excerpted from New Jersey Monthly

GOING FOR THE GOLD-----WATCH FOR THESE NEW JERSEY STANDOUTS !!!!!!!

With the Winter Olympics upon us, New Jersey'ites, should be aware that there are five exceptional athletes who are hoping to win a place on the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic teams in Sochi, Russia. Let's meet them:

JAZMINE FENLATOR, Wayne, NJ; 28 year old, first female Bobsledder from New Jersey, is a graduate of Wayne Valley High School, and went on to Rider University, where she aspired to medaling in a throwing event. It was her Track & Field Coach who mentioned Bobsled. Fast forwarding to 2010 when she became sled pilot. She earned a silver medal at the 2012-2013 World Cup Competition in Lake Placid, NY, and a bronze medal in Igls, Austria.

KYLE TRESS, Lambertville, NJ; 32 year old Kyle is a three time National Championship, bronze medalist, in the sport of Skeleton, and 2010 Americas Cup, overall champion. He trains 6 hours per day, 6 days per week. He had no idea that Skeleton even existed until the 2002, Salt Lake City Olympics. He clicked on a Yahoo home page that read, "third generation Olympian wins skeleton gold". After reading the article, he felt compelled to try the sport.

JOSH PAULS, Green Brook, NJ: 20 year old Josh, will be competing in the sport of Sled Hockey Paralympics, which will take place March 7-16 at Sochi. Josh has been a member of the National Sled Hockey team since 2008, which won the world championship in 2009 & 2012, and Olympic gold in 2010. He works out 3 to 4 days a week in the gym and skates at least once a week with his club team. Born without tibias, he had his lower legs amputated when he was ten months old. He fell in love with the game of sled hockey at he age of 11. He modestly calls himself a "one sport athlete", who is not gifted, but works hard.

MIKE ROSSI, Long Valley, NJ, age 19; sport, aerial and free style skiing. The International Ski Federation Rookie of the Year in 2011 and a US Ski team member since 2011, Mike was Bronze Medalist at Deer Valley Championship in 2013. In Winters, he spends 4 hours a day on the hill at the teams Park City facility. In Summers, he practices on the water ramp with an artificial snow surface. He had a trampoline in his back yard, and would teach himself flips and twists. When he tried the aerials, he knew it was what he wanted to do. "Triple flips looked like fun".

JOHN CARLSON, Colonia, NJ, age 23. John was drafted overall, by the NHL, Washington Capitals in 2008. He was the alternate Captain for the 2010, US World Junior Team, where he scored the winning goal in overtime, in the gold medal game vs Canada. John was a member of the 2011, NHL rookie Team, and as a defenseman for the Washington Capitals, he scored 29 goals and 81 assists. In the early part of the off season, he focuses on weight training and cardio, then starting in August, skates again, gradually increasing to 5 days a week leading up to training camp. John's father taught him how to skate when he was 4 years old.

WATCH FOR THESE FIVE OUTSTANDING ATHLETES FROM NEW JERSEY AND BE PROUD.

The XXII Olympic Games will be held February 7 to 23, in Sochi and televised on NBC. The Paralympics Winter Games run from March 7 to 16.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ, "The new star in town",

732.744.0400

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING YOUR HOME NOW (conclusion)

As mentioned in part two of our previous blog, "why you should consider selling your home now", young professionals and empty nesters, seek out housing near mass transit and short commutes, as high priorities. That explains the strength of certain towns in Hudson County, where the commute to Manhattan is quick and easy. Example; 93% of the sales there in 2013, were condos and townhouses, including a penthouse condo in the Hudson Waterfront Tower in Jersey City, which sold for a record setting, $2.8 million, in October.

Of course, not all of New Jersey is riding the same wave. Superstorm Sandy's arrival in October 2012, depressed much of the Shore market, particularly in hard hit sections of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Mantoloking has recently staggered under as much as 18 months of inventory; in Loveladies, it's 24 months, although the situation is starting to ease, as buyers step up to snag bargains.

New Jersey's four Southernmost counties-Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic and Cape May-are still in the grip of a foreclosure crisis that is actually growing worse, even as other parts of the state, and even more so, the nation...get ready to kiss the foreclosure problem good-bye. Other nightmares could be waiting in the wings. Proposed federal tax reforms could eliminate all second-home, income tax credits. (That could finish off the Shore market)

These dark clouds could very possibly provide more reasons to sell soon. As long as nothing crazy happens to the economy, things should continue to look up. While it may appear to be overly optimistic, in the current real estate market, it is the prevailing wisdom.

If you have been putting off plans to sell your home, NOW, may be the time to re-consider your decision. Call us for a complimentary market analysis, no obligation.

For all your real estate and insurance needs, contact, "the new start in town" LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, NJ, 732.744.0400.  

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING YOUR HOME NOW, (part two):

In New Jersey, sales volume over the past 2 years, increased by an
amazing 43% over the previous 2 years. In the hottest regional markets
within Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, and Essex Counties, homes are being
sold for full asking price and above, with buyers stacked up to buy.
In the Suburban communities, the most in-demand homes tend to be in
the most highly regarded school districts. Those without children are
a growing breed of buyers. With both young professionals and empty
nesters, a reasonable proximity to mass transit and a short commute,
are high priorities. One of the latest demographic reports says that
65% of households in New Jersey, have no children under the age of 18.

No matter where you are located in New Jersey, there are some
inexpensive and common sense steps to take to create the greatest
desirability for your home. Keep in mind, buyers want to walk in and
be able to say, "this house is ready to live in". Buyers don't want to
take on a project, so sellers should deal with them ahead of time.

CURB APPEAL:

If you look at your house from across the street, does it look
inviting? Fresh paint and neat landscaping are essential. Damaged
sidewalks and steps should be repaired. If the outside is well kept,
it sends a message that the inside is well cared for.

INSIDE:

Repair broken floor boards & cracked tiles, and replace missing
cabinet hardware. At the very least, make sure that paint isn't
chipping and tile grout is clean.

DE-CLUTTERING AND DE-PERSONALIZING:

Remove extra furniture pieces, thin out book shelves and store the
knick- knacks. Art work should be kept to a minimum and family photos
along with personal mementoes should be packed away. If your budget
allows, upgrading the kitchen and bathroom always pays off.

If you are thinking about selling your home, contact us, no
obligation, for more detailed information and suggestions about what
you will need to do......if anything, to generate the most activity
and highest possible price.

For all your real estate and insurance needs and more helpful hints,
contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, New Jersey. 732.744.0400.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING YOUR HOME NOW !!!!!

Buyers are active, mortgage interest rates are still at an all time low and inventory is low. So what are you waiting for? Experts say there may be no better time than NOW, to post that for-sale sign.

***

Experts concur that New Jersey real estate is recovering strongly. After years of crisis and stagnation, sales volume is sharply up, and prices are rising. In 2013, the median home sales price rose by a projected 5% statewide, and the increase occurred despite Superstorm Sandy, which dragged down selling prices in devastated Shore communities by as much as 7% in 2013. What's more, the 4th quarter of 2013 was on track to be the most active sales period in the state since 2007. In October alone, home sales were up 19% compared to October 2012, and this despite the 16 day government shutdown that month.

North Jersey>

The hottest markets this past year, generally have been desirable suburban towns in North Jersey, like Chatham, Glen Ridge, and West Caldwell, which saw selling prices for homes gain an average of 8% over the past 12 months.

Central Jersey>

As a whole, Central Jersey has not been as active as North Jersey, but it has picked up and gotten better over the past 2 years. Some Central Jersey towns, including Metuchen, Milltown and Plainsboro, did show a healthy 7% average price gain in 2013.

South Jersey>

The marketplace is slowest in South Jersey, where unemployment has consistently run higher than the state average, which is itself, higher than the National average. However, even in the southern counties, certain real estate pockets such as, rural Gloucester County and the Moorestown area, a Burlington County suburb, about 15 miles East of Philadelphia, prices are heating up.

As hot as the market has become, some potential sellers are still dragging their feet, hoping to take further advantage of rising prices. Currently, however, New Jersey is in a "window of opportunity". When the market was down just a few years ago, many thought it was inconceivable that price wars would ever return, but that is exactly what is happening in quite a few towns around the state.

*** data excerpted from New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

For all your real estate and insurance needs, and an expert market analysis on the value of your home today, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, N.J. 732.744.0400.

STEADY PROGRESS IN  NEW JERSEY REAL ESTATE MARKET, PROJECTS A PROMISING 2014:

EDISON: The November housing report from the NJ Association of Realtors, indicates that the market is continuing to recover steadily. The market showed a modest increase in both the median sale price and the closed sales over November, 2012, while continuing to show a decrease in days on the market and total available inventory.

According to the November report, the total number of homes for sale is down from last year, while at the same time showing an increase in new listings, with nearly 10,000 new homes added in November. Along with that, pending sales increased to 26%, projecting a large number of closed sales to appear in the upcoming months. In the single family home market, there has been nearly a 28% increase in homes listed for sale and a 30% increase in pending sales. Closed sales increased and days on the market dropped. Additionally, the total number of homes for sale was down from last year and the median sales price dropped to $295,000.

The town house/condo market, likewise mirrored these trends, with an increase in listings and an increase in pending sales. Closed sales showed a modest increase, and days on the market dropped. Similarly, the number of properties in this category was down and the median sale price rose nearly 3% to $252,000.

As demonstrated, housing markets are very localized, but there have been significant improvements in many markets in New Jersey. Due to lower inventory, affordable housing, and mortgage interest rates still near historic lows, now is a good time to re-think your "put on hold" plans to sell and/or buy.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact "the new star in town", LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ. 732.744.0400

ESSENTIAL WINTER DRIVING TIPS !!!!!

Helpful, and important precautions, for safe Winter driving.

MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR CAR ARE PROPERLY EQUIPPED:
.
> Be sure that your car has ample anti-freeze and plenty of windshield washer fluid.
> Verify that your tires are properly inflated.
> Have your battery tested for strength.
> Equip your car with a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, warm clothes, a blanket, food, water and any needed meds.
> Keep sunglasses in your car. Glare off snow and ice is intense.
> Remember your cell phone, in case of emergencies (definitely not while driving).
> Keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full, to avoid gas line freeze ups.
> Make sure you have a substantial snow brush and ice scraper, perhaps even a shovel.
> For rear wheel drive cars, a bag of sand in the trunk, adds weight to the driving wheels, providing better traction. Also, sand can be shoveled
   under the wheels in the event you are stuck on a slippery surface.
> IF YOU BECOME SNOWBOUND, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or at the top
   of a rolled up window to signal distress.
> Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak into the passenger
   compartment.
> If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline.

SLOW DOWN AND DRIVE SMOOTHLY:

> Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause you to lose traction, causing an uncontrollable
   skid, leading to an accident.
> Be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination.
> Do not tailgate. Stay well behind the driver in front of you. It takes a much longer distance to stop on snow or ice, due to reduced traction.
> Avoid driving if you are fatigued.
> Do not use cruise control, and don't stop if you can avoid it. Don't power up hills and as long as there is nothing in front of you, don't stop
   on a hill. You will lose all inertia.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST:

> Stay home if you really don't have to go out. Remember, even if you drive well in the snow....not everyone else does. Accidents "don't just
   happen", they are caused, most often by humans, not acting responsibly, and taking unwarranted risks. Be very careful and think twice
   before you act. Enjoy the Winter and be safe.

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and helpful tips, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, New Jersey. 732.744.0400.