Having good credit and a steady job just does not seem to be good enough in today’s credit world when it comes to getting your home loan approved.  You need to make an impression.  Below are some great tips I would like to share with you.  Today’s lenders are a picky bunch when it comes to the loan approval.  Even well-qualified borrowers are expected to jump through some pretty high hoops to qualify for financing. Have no fear. The tips below and suggestions can help you make the best possible impression on the lender of your choice. Just as job hunters may wonder what top employers want to see on a resume, prospective borrowers may be curious about what lenders look for on a loan application. The four C's  - The answer may be summed up with a mnemonic called "The four C's," •    Capac... 02/16/2009

Of course, negotiating is a huge part of the homebuying process. I will negotiate on your behalf, bringing to the table years of experience and local expertise. There are some principles that are universal, though. You’re in a strong bargaining position if: •    You’re an all-cash buyer •    You’re already preapproved for a mortgage •    You don’t have a home that needs to be sold before you can buy These circumstances give you a little more leeway in negotiating. However, even if you are in a strong position, in a "hot" market, you may want to make your offer more desirable by offering more than asking price. When the market is "soft," homes tend to sell more slowly, creating a larger pool of homes from which to choose. On the other hand, when the market is "hot," there may be a limite... 02/09/2009

As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home: * The home's condition* Asking price* Marketing strategyHowever, it's important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers' market. The more your home matches these qualifications, the more competitive it will be in the marketplace. Your real estate agent can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides. LocationUnfortunately, the most influential factor in determining your home's appeal to buyers is something you can't control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS(r), neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers choose certai... 02/02/2009

Around 1609 Henry Hudson sailed along the coast of New Jersey coming to an inlet which he named Barende-gat, a Dutch word meaning an inlet with breakers. This name was replaced by Barndegat by early mapmakers and later evolved into the present day spelling of Barnegat. Population in July 2007: 1,860. Males: 956 (51.4%) Females: 904 (48.6%) Median resident age: 36.9 years New Jersey median age: 36.7 years Estimated median household income in 2007: $66,699 (it was $55,040 in 2000) Barnegat: $66,699 New Jersey: $67,035 Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $336,022 (it was $138,700 in 2000) Barnegat: $336,022 New Jersey: $372,300 Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $368,395; Detached houses: $373,962; Mobile homes: $27,500 01/23/2009

When searching for a home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with information and to forget the details of each particular home you’ve viewed - that’s why I’ve created this list to help you keep track of all the information you need to help you in this important decision. When you view a home, keep in mind this checklist: •    Is there enough room for both the present and the future? •    Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? •    Is the house structurally sound? •    Do the mechanical systems and appliances work? •    Is the yard big enough? •    Do you like the floor plan? •    Will my furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer    these questions.) •    Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace th... 01/17/2009

In an attempt to reduce foreclosures and further assist New Jersey homeowners at risk of losing their homes, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine has signed the Mortgage Stabilization and Relief Act into law. The legislation is another component of the Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan.   It establishes the Mortgage Stabilization Program and the Housing Assistance and Recovery Program. In addition the new laws also impose more requirements on lenders foreclosing on mortgages. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) will be responsible for the administration of the two new programs.Through the Mortgage Stabilization Program, HMFA will promote modifying or refinancing of first mortgage loans in imminent danger of foreclosure to qualified homeowners by offering non-amortiz... 01/09/2009

  Pinelands Development Changes Proposed! For the first time in 28 years, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission is considering realignment of Pinelands zoning boundaries. The Pinelands National Reserve in New Jersey was created by Congress under the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. It is the first National Reserve in the nation and covers more than 1 million acres in 7 NJ counties. In 1979, under the guidance then Governor Brendan Byrne, the Pinelands Preservation Act was adopted. It’s a state and federal partnership to preserve, protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pine Barrens. All or parts of 56 New Jersey municipalities are in the Pinelands National Reserve and are subject to Pinelands Commission regulations.   While the proposed changes to the land ... 11/18/2008

    New Construction in Barnegat, NJ The Manors at Freedom Hills K. Hovnanian Homes        The Manors at Freedom Hills is a beautiful community of single family homes built by K. Hovnanian Homes.  When complete, there will be approximately 115 homes in the community. There are both new construction and resales available.   Home Features     Homes feature 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 to 3 baths, and a 2 car garage.  Models range in sixe from 2155 sq. ft. for the Reagan model to 3327 sq. ft. for the Washington model.  Models also feature living room, dining room, family room, and many also include a study/den.       Standard features include 9 ft. ceilings, hardwood floors in entry foyer, designer light fixtures in foyer and hall, separate laundry room, 42" cabinets in kitchen, breakfast nook, cultu... 11/16/2008

Barnegat, NJ October, 2008 Market Summary In Barnegat, 19 single family residential units sold last month. While that might not sound like a lot, it’s nearly double the figure from the same month last year. Current inventory remains stable, but in October, 2007 homes were selling closer to list price than October, 2008. Check the complete October, 2008 Barnegat Market Report here. Remember if you’re selling, check comps (comparable properties in your neighborhood) frequently. If you’re interested in knowing what’s for sale or what’s sold in Barnegat or southern Ocean County, call or email me. Keller Williams Atlantic Shore Laura Giannotta 609-384-6121 Waretown Homes, Barnegat Homes, Manahawkin Homes, Eagleswood Homes, Long Beach Island Homes, Little Egg Harbor Homes, Tuckerton Homes and... 11/12/2008

  A Full Moon Hike   Check out Ocean County’s newest Park…the Cloverdale Farm County Park just off of West Bay Avenue, west past the Mirage Boulevard traffic light. Tomorrow evening, November 9th from 7pm to 8pm, join a naturalist from the Ocean County Parks Department for a Full Moon Hike. The hike is only a mile and is open to both adults and kids (9 years or older). Pre registration is required and is limited to 25 people. The fee is $9 per person. Call 1-877-OC PARKS, ext 5940. The County’s newest Park got its start in 2004 when the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust purchased the 80 acre tract of land known as Cloverdale Road Farm in Barnegat. Once a working cranberry farm, this area is a haven for nature lovers. Wildflowers, birds and yes, even cranberries are here, all for great ph... 11/07/2008

New Townhouse Community Being Built in Barnegat, NJ   Whispering Hills is located in Barnegat, NJ off of Rose Hill Rd.  When complete, the community will consist of 258 units:  107 townhouses, 99 single-family homes and 52 rental apartments.  The community is being built by Walter's Homes.  The entire development is LEED Certified.   Each unit consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a garage, and a full basement, which includes a finished half bath.  All units have an option to get the basement finished.    There are four different designs/models to choose from:  Downhill Interior, Downhill Exterior, Uphill Interior, and Uphill Exterior.  They range in size from 1983 square feet to 2188 sq. ft.    Current base pricing, as of November 1st, 2008, ranges from $219,950 to $239,995.    For more... 11/06/2008

  Upcoming Events at Heritage Point Active Adult Community Barnegat, NJ       November 15th - "How to Sell Your Home in This Tough Market" Seminar   December 6th - Home Tours and Holiday Celebration at Clubhouse   All are invited to attend both events.   You must RSVP for all events.  For more info ot to RSVP, either e-mail us at jkipila@vandykgroup.com or give us a call at 609-713-5194.   Jennifer Kipila Nancy Muldowney The Muldowney "Family" Team Van Dyk Group 11/06/2008

The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment. Robert Maynard Hutchins We’ve heard the arguments, we’ve read the mail, and we’ve heard the recorded phone calls…now it’s time to do our part and cast our ballots. Here in Ocean County, there are numerous local elections in addition to two statewide ballot questions on state spending and municipal judge appointments. Polls are open until 8pm and turnout is likely to be heavy. Officials say if you are in line to vote by 8pm, you will be allowed to cast your ballot. First time voters might be asked to use provisional ballots because new voter registration was heavy and all new registrants haven’t yet been entered into the voting books. Don’... 11/04/2008

Photo GalleryDescriptionOwned and decorated by a professional interior designer, the interior is simply stunning. Every room is a show place that you will be proud to call your own. Some of the many features include exquisite Brazilian Hardwood Floors, a stylish well appointed eat-in kitchen, a fantastic master bedroom, and a full basement. The large yard provides you with lots of space. The two car garage has been converted into a design office and can easily be converted back into a garage, or use it as a media center, game or family room. So many more upgrades and attractively priced - everything looks like new. If you are interested in living in Barnegat you’ll want to see all the comforts this home has to offer you.FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2.5Parking Spaces: 2Year Built: 1998S... 11/02/2008

Lions and Tigers and Bears…   No, it’s not a screening of the Wizard of Oz, but the Barnegat Library Halloween Parade. It’s scheduled this Friday at 10:30am (No school Friday!) Children are invited to join the Friends of the Barnegat Library and the Youth librarian for Halloween fun. Come in costume, hear some stories, eat some snacks and march in the Annual Barnegat Library Halloween Parade! You can contact the Library (at the corner of East Bay and Burr Street) for more information. 609-698-3331. If you're looking for an evening of Halloween fun, check out the Toms River Volunteer Fire Company #1’s Halloween Parade Friday evening at 7pm. This is said to be the biggest Halloween Parade in New Jersey, and it takes place right here in Ocean County! Check this Toms River Halloween Parade ... 10/29/2008

Customer Display   R 3029113 Active 23 TINA WAY , Barnegat, NJ  08005       ( 1 ) List Price: $399,900     County: Ocean Municipality: Barnegat Section: Ocean Acres Subdiv: Ocean Acres Block: 92.36 Zoning: RH Lot: 9 Tax Year: 2007 Qual. Code:   Taxes: 6690 Addl. Lot #s:   Assmnt Land: $146,000 Lot Dim: 75x120 Improvments: $273,700 Apx. Acres: .21 Tot. Assd. Value: $419,700 Liv. Area SqFt: 2501 Year. Built: 2006 Tot. Rooms: 10 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2 Half-Baths: 1   Prop. Type: Single Family Model: Sterling Primary Loc:     HOA: No Waterfront: No Basement: No Pool: No HOA $/Mo: $ Wtr Frnt Ft:   Fireplace: Yes New Const: No Initial Fee: $ Waterview:   Air Cond: Yes HOA Phone: () - Flood Plain: U Garage: Yes Furnished: No HOA Name:   Comm. Opp:   Spaces: 2 Furnishings:     Elem:   Middle:   ... 10/27/2008

It's Ocean County County Day!     The Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library will host the County’s 13th Annual Ocean County Day, Monday October 27th. The library is located at the corner of East Bay and Burr Street. The event, which begins at noon and runs til 4pm, features more than 2 dozen county government agencies. There will be exhibits and loads of educational information. In addition there will be several give-aways, raffles and snacks provided by the Friends of the Barnegat Library and the Ocean County Vo-Tech School. Flu shots will be available in the Meeting Room (a nominal fee may be requested for those not covered by Medicare), between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. The event is sponsored by Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Ocean County Library. It’s a great opport... 10/26/2008

      It’s the 25th Annual Cranberry Festival in the heart of the NJ Pine Barrens, Chatsworth. Chatsworth is located just off Route 72, west of Barnegat! This is a celebration of all things CRANBERRY. New Jersey ranks third in the nation in cranberry production. There will be antiques, classic autos, crafts and food of the Pinelands. Music will be provided by the country rock band Jersey Bound. The 2 day event begins Saturday, October 18th at 9am and runs through 4pm. Same hours on Sunday! If you arrive early breakfast will be available each day at the Chatsworth Volunteer Fire House from 6am till 11am. Proceeds from the Festival benefit restoration of the White Horse Inn atthe center of Chatsworth. The ‘White Horse Café’ is set up in front of the Inn during the Festival to sell assorte... 10/17/2008

  Today, October 8, 2008, is the start of the Friends of the Library (FOL) Annual Book Sale in Barnegat, NJ. The sale runs through Friday, October 10th during regular Library hours. As vice president of the Barnegat FOL I’d like to say, “Come on down!” This is one of the largest fundraisers for the Barnegat Branch of the Friends. The FOL of the Barnegat Library is a non profit group established to foster public support for the resources and services of the Library. The Friends, through its fund raising activities, also provides monetary donations to the Library for special programs and capital improvements. For example, we’re sponsoring a Halloween Parade at the Library and providing funds for the resurfacing of the front desk. The Book Sale, organized by Murray Goldberg, has long been ... 10/08/2008

It’s mid September and here in Barnegat the Friends of the Barnegat Library (FOL) is wrapping up its annual collection of books, CDs, DVDs, videos and all things media to be sorted and sold at its Annual Book Sale. Donations will be accepted through September 30th and the Sale is scheduled October 8th, 9th and 10th. The Friends of the Barnegat Library is a non profit organization. Our mission is to foster public support for the resources and services of the Library. One of our group’s largest fundraising events is the Annual Book Sale. So if you have books, old videos, DVDs your kids don’t watch any more or CDs you’ve lost interest in, we’ll take them. You can drop off donations at Meadowedge Park on East Bay Avenue in Barnegat. If you’re unable to bring them down, contact me via email... 09/16/2008