Long Beach Island (LBI) in New Jersey has become a prime destination for vacationers, investors, and potential homeowners alike. Located just off the Garden State Parkway, this 18-mile barrier island offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty, charming communities, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or considering investing in the area, one thing is clear: Long Beach Island is a great place to be. One of the most important things to consider when visiting LBI is where to stay. As a local realtor, I’ve had the opportunity to tour the area extensively, and I’m here to give you a guide to the top hotels on Long Beach Island, NJ.1. The Surf City HotelLocated in the heart of Surf City, the Surf City Hotel offers a blend of classic beach charm and m... 04/21/2025

A Premier Destination for Golf Enthusiasts and Home BuyersWhen it comes to coastal living combined with world-class recreational opportunities, Long Beach Island (LBI) is a standout destination for home buyers. Among the many attractions that make LBI a sought-after location is its access to excellent golf courses, including the prestigious LBI National Golf Club. This blog post will shine a spotlight on the LBI National, a renowned golfing gem that offers more than just an exceptional experience for golfers—it’s also an important factor for those considering making LBI their home.Why LBI National Golf Club is a Premier Destination for Golf LoversLocated in the heart of Long Beach Island, LBI National is not only a place for locals to enjoy their passion for golf, but it also draws visi... 04/21/2025

Your Guide to LBI Hotels for a Perfect StayLong Beach Island (LBI) is one of New Jersey’s most beloved beach destinations, attracting visitors from all over the country. Whether you're here to enjoy a weekend getaway, explore potential investment opportunities, or get a feel for the community as you consider buying or selling a home, LBI has something for everyone. As a local realtor with in-depth knowledge of the area, I often recommend these great LBI hotels for those planning to stay and experience all the island has to offer.1. The Islander Motel: A Classic LBI ExperienceLocated in Beach Haven, The Islander Motel offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with convenient access to the beach, restaurants, and shops. This budget-friendly gem is a favorite among both first-time visit... 04/21/2025

I don't know about you, but I get entirely too many garbage phone calls and anything that I can do to eliminate them is welcomed! (because cursing at a computer generated voice has not been effective.)A problem in the Mortgage World is Trigger leads.  When we run a full credit report the credit bureaus sell your information and let others know you are shopping for a loan.  The calls happen almost immediately and often the perpetrators insinuate that they are calling from the organization that you authorized to run the credit: (In my case CMG)While I am all for honest people trying to make a living, it is the under handed sales tactics like I mentioned above that are misleading and should be illegal. First off: if you get calls like this, hang up and call the original person you spoke wi... 04/17/2025

The Top Beachfront Hotels in Long Beach Island, NJAs a local real estate professional specializing in Long Beach Island (LBI), NJ, I often work with buyers and sellers drawn to the island's stunning beaches, charming communities, and vibrant coastal lifestyle. Whether you're considering investing in LBI real estate or simply looking for a relaxing stay, knowing the best beachfront hotels can enhance your experience and offer a glimpse into what life on the island has to offer. Here are the top five hotels in LBI, NJ, for a waterfront retreat. 1. The Seashell Beach ResortLocated in Beach Haven, The Seashell Beach Resort is a premier oceanfront destination known for its upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. With direct beach access, an outdoor tiki bar, and a heated pool, this resort delivers a... 03/10/2025

Access to exceptional golf courses is a significant perk for golf enthusiasts considering a move to Long Beach Island (LBI) or its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a challenging links-style experience or a picturesque course with rolling fairways, the region surrounding LBI offers a variety of top-tier golf destinations. Below, we highlight some of the best golf courses near LBI, NJ, each offering unique layouts and outstanding amenities. 1. LBI National Golf & ResortLocation: Little Egg Harbor, NJFormerly known as Sea Oaks Golf Club, LBI National Golf & Resort is undergoing significant upgrades under new ownership, making it a premier golf destination near LBI. This course offers a blend of wooded and open fairways, providing a challenging yet scenic experience. With plans... 03/10/2025

I saw a survey on social media the other day and saw this question...Why haven't you purchased a home?One of the top answers: "I don't know where to start."I assume there are many potential buyers out there that just don't know where or how to start.  Here is my answer (and it is going to sound a little self serving...):Your best place to start your home buying journey is with a local licensed mortgage lender like myself.  Even if you aren't ready to buy immediately you should have the finance conversation early on in the process to be sure you are doing the right things now that will not hurt your chances of getting approved.It's usually a pretty simple conversation about income, assets, credit and work history. It will also include your financial goals and most importantly your comfor... 02/20/2025

 If you follow me on social media at all you know I love a good graph.Here's a great one to show the potential appreciation in Toms River, NJ.  Most of Ocean County has very similar numbers for appreciation, I just chose 08753 because it is where my office is located.The above is assuming you purchase a $500,000 home today and put 5% down with $10k closing costs- it shows a few things:1) annual appreciation based on forecast and historical numbers2) ROI.  with 5% down and $10k closing costs this is based on $35k invested.3) You regain the entire 35k investment in less than 2 years.4)Don't Wait, BUY a home and build wealth.If you are interested in following me on social media, I am on just about every platform as @RobRauf or @RobertRaufIf you are looking to purchase or refinance a home i... 02/05/2025

 Would you have difficulty saving $1,600/month? Here's a pretty easy way to make it happen:  Buy a House!Seriously... here's the numbers:If you were to buy a $500,000 home in Ocean County NJ the Forecasted appreciation is 4.348% in most towns and the historical appreciation is 4.279%.  If we round that down to 4% appreciation in 2025 a $500,000 home today would be worth $520,000 in 12 months.  That $20,000 appreciation monthly is $1,667.Now if we assume you put 5% down when purchasing the home you would be approaching $5,000 in principal paid in the first 12 months as well, so lets call that $400/month.  Now that $500,000 is earning you $2,000/month all while you are enjoying it and most importantly paying your own mortgage.... NOT your landlords.If you think these numbers are contrived... 01/28/2025

Nestled in the heart of Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey, The Boulevard Hotel is a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of coastal charm and modern luxury. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic escape, The Boulevard Hotel offers an unparalleled experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of Long Beach Island.Why Choose The Boulevard Hotel LBI?The Boulevard Hotel is known for its impeccable service, elegant accommodations, and prime location. Situated along the iconic Boulevard, this hotel is just steps away from LBI’s pristine beaches and bustling local attractions. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum comfort, featuring coastal-inspired decor, plush bedding, and modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen... 01/26/2025

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Home on Long Beach IslandLong Beach Island (LBI) is more than just a vacation destination; it's a vibrant coastal community with a lifestyle that draws people back year after year. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly getaway, a retirement retreat, or an investment property, the LBI real estate market offers a range of opportunities to meet your needs. As a local realtor with extensive experience in this area, I've created this comprehensive guide to help potential homebuyers navigate the LBI real estate market with confidence.Why Choose LBI?LBI spans 18 miles of stunning coastline in New Jersey, offering a mix of charming beach towns, each with its own unique vibe. From the bustling energy of Beach Haven to the serene beauty of Barnegat Light, ... 01/26/2025

As a local realtor passionate about the unique charm of Long Beach Island (LBI), I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless clients find their dream homes near some of the best recreational spots in the area. Among LBI’s many attractions, its proximity to exceptional golf courses stands out for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, LBI offers access to some of the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in New Jersey. Here is my curated list of the top golf courses near Long Beach Island.1. Sea Oaks Golf Club Located just a short drive from LBI in Little Egg Harbor Township, Sea Oaks Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. This 18-hole championship course is known for its lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and scen... 01/26/2025

Long Beach Island (LBI), a gem along the Jersey Shore, is known for its pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions, and charming coastal vibes. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo escape, the island offers a range of accommodations to suit your needs. As a local realtor deeply familiar with LBI’s hidden treasures, I’ve compiled this guide to the top hotels on Long Beach Island to help you find the perfect place to stay.1. Hotel LBI Located in Ship Bottom, Hotel LBI blends luxury with convenience. Guests enjoy spacious suites, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views, and a heated indoor pool. Its central location provides easy access to LBI’s iconic beaches and attractions. Perfect for couples and families alike, this hotel ensures an unforgettable ... 01/26/2025

 January Update and ForecastInterest Rates: Rates have been on a bit of an upward climb for the past month. This is due to a few things: 1) inflation has been stubborn and has remained higher than the Fed likes to see, but most of the inflation is in housing, (which includes rents) and in insurance. Most other pieces were below the Fed’s target of 2%.  Next: Employment has remained strong. There are a lot of mixed signals in the employment report with most new jobs created have been for 16-20yr olds which is typically part time and seasonal and there are reports of job listings being posted in multiple markets since remote work is common, over stating available jobs. In another article just out today -The Wall Street Journal reported that 22% of jobs advertised are fake or not filled an... 01/14/2025

 Interest Rates:  Since the Fed lowered the Fed Funds rate ½% last month we have had mortgage rates climb about ½%.  About half of that move up was from Friday’s employment report that surprised the market with mostly good news on the employment front. If you have ever read any of my letters you should know that Good News is Bad news for interest rates.  There is a bit of a bright side to this. A few Fed Governors have come out and said they still see a need to lower rates and some have even said they are not confident the employment report is accurate, more of a blip on the radar.  Additionally, there is some historic precedence. If you look at the 10yr Treasury has almost always gone up about 3/8ths of 1 percent after the first cut in a cycle. As of today, we are up 0.36% on the 10yr ... 10/09/2024

You read that correctly.  Mortgage rates are higher now than before the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates last week.  First you have to understand how the market moves, especially the long end of the yield curve.  We have had HUGE improvements in rates since the high in fall of 2023 and all summer rates continued to improve in anticipation of the Fed Move on the 18th.Here's a pretty chart of how a 30yr Mortgage back security has been trading:That is the "price" of the 30yr Mortgage backed security, and it is an inverse relationship: Price up = Yield down. So we want to see the price climb, and you can see a nice run up in price (all that green is prices up). The arrow at the top of the chart is the day BEFORE the Fed moved, the red means the market sold off a little ahead of the fe... 09/24/2024

Welcome to a seaside tradition reimagined! The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off 2024 marks the 34th anniversary of the beloved Long Beach Island Chowderfest. This year, the festival not only adopts a new name but also brings a refreshed vibe to an already exciting event. Held in the scenic Beach Haven, the Chowder Cook-Off promises to serve up a delightful weekend filled with rich, creamy chowders that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over three decades.Whether you’re a returning fan or planning your first trip to this culinary extravaganza, the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off offers an ideal blend of tradition and new culinary challenges. As the event returns to its roots, local restaurants and businesses are set to play a pivotal role, ensuring that the festival rema... 08/23/2024

The USDA Rural Housing program is an excellent way to purchase a home when you have limited funds.  While we do not typically think of NJ as being a rural area there still are significant parts of the state that are eligible for financing.  Below is the map of NJ showing the eligible areas.  The lighter colors are eligible while the darker colors indicate the ineligible areas.Since my office is located in Ocean County I wanted to zoom in on the map a bit so you can see that huge portions of Ocean County are in eligible areas:In addition to geographical restrictions the USDA also has income limits. A small family in Ocean and Monmouth counties  the Household income limit is $140,600/yr  for family of 5 or more that number is increased. The benefits of a USDA loan are not just the zero do... 07/22/2024

Long Beach Island, New Jersey, is renowned not only as a vibrant summer hotspot but also as an enticing retreat during the quieter autumn and winter months. This 18-mile stretch of pristine shoreline transforms into a serene haven, offering a plethora of unique experiences that diverge from the typical beach vacation. For those who revel in the charm of a cooler, less crowded environment, Long Beach Island (LBI) presents an array of activities that make the off-season an ideal time to explore. This guide delves into the best things to do in Long Beach Island, ensuring your visit is both memorable and exhilarating, regardless of the season.Embrace the Outdoors: Unique Winter Activities in Long Beach IslandBeach Driving AdventuresOne of the most thrilling off-season activities in Long Bea... 07/11/2024

DON'T Wait: Home prices continue to climbFor today's blog I am going to focus on NJ specific numbers since that is where I am located.  You can do the math for your area by vising FHFA.Gov or take a look at the chart I posted a few blogs back that have the FHFA numbers for all the states.The FHFA's first quarter report had Home Prices in NJ increasing 11.58% from March of 2023 to March of 2024. That increase put NJ in 2nd place for appreciation in that time period.We often hear potential buyers wanting to wait for rates to go down before they buy and that would have hurt significantly in the past year.  Here's the Math:If you were looking at a $400,000 home in NJ last year and decided to wait for rates to go down before purchasing.  Guess what that home is worth today?  On average in NJ... 07/10/2024