I would love to show you Montclair and our surrounding towns from my new "home" at 87 Park Street, just a few blocks for Montclair Center.  It's a new decade and I definitely wanted a fresh start, so I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined the Montclair office of Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty.  The Sotheby's name stands for a centuries-old tradition of excellent service, and that is what I pride myself on offering to all my customers. The snow may continue to fly, but the spring market is off and running in Essex County, no doubt helped by the extended and expanded buyer credits Congress passed late last year.

 

Meanwhile mortgage interest rates -- still amazingly affordable compared to any other time in recent history, have been hovering near 5 percent and are probably headed higher. The key reason?  The projected end of a Federal Reserve program that buys a sizable chunk of mortgage-backed securities issued by firms such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which the Fed has said it will start scaling back in March.  Many experts think rates will end 2010 closer to 6 percent, which is where they were before the Fed program kicked off last year.  Buyers who qualify for the new credits need to be under contract by April 30th and closed by June 30th.  Income caps have been increased (125k for singles, 225k for couples) with the credits scaling back and phased out by the time your reach 150/250k. If you'd like more details about how the new credits work, please give me a call, or drop me an email.

 

In early 2009, I don't think anyone would have predicted that real estate sales volume would increase for months in a row through the end of the year.  Homes have been selling with multiple offers; homes are selling over list price. What has happened?  Low mortgage rates, motivated sellers who have priced their homes properly to get them sold and the first time buyer tax credit have all combined to increase sales activity at many price points under 800,000. I think it can be extremely hard to wrap your mind around statistics like these if you're a buyer, which to me means it becomes even more important to be able to trust the real estate professional with whom you work.

 

At my virtual home you can search for your ideal home by viewing current listings from the Garden State MLS with detailed descriptions and photos. Or you can get help determining the value of your home by requesting a report that includes the prices of similar homes that recently sold or are currently for sale. But whether you're buying or selling, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

 Effective January 27th, 2010, I have joined the new Montclair office of Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty.  Our office is located close to Montclair Center in a lovingly restored Victorian home at 87 Park Street and my new office number is 973 783-6900 x132.  Stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

Buyers

Whether you're looking for your first home, your dream home or an investment property in the Montclair area,  I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. Read more.

Sellers

The decision to sell a home is often dependent on many factors. Whatever your reasons are for selling, my proven effective marketing strategies will ensure that you get the highest possible price for your home. I guarantee to provide you with professional, ethical and confidential service and keep you fully informed every step of the way. Read more.