New Jersey Estates/Weichert Realtors/ NJ Luxury Real Estate/ New Homes

Luxury Open Houses Sunday in Warren Twp., Watchung and Branchburg, NJ

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:33:49 -0600

FROM NJ ESTATES REAL ESTATE GROUP
THREE (3) LUXURY HOMES OPEN FOR YOUR INSPECTION
TIMES, DIRECTIONS, TOWN AND SCHOOL INFO IN LINKS BELOW

CALL SARA MINIMAN 908-405-5539 (CELL) FOR COMPLETE INFO

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Watchung Office 908-561-5492

Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
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Survey Shows First-Time Buyers are Active in Market--with the amount of activity I've seen this week, I believe it!

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:12:56 -0600

I am amazed at the amount of real estate activity this week. I am excited to find that "According to the 2009 Profile of New Jersey Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time buyers account for a larger portion of the housing market than in previous years, largely due to the impact of the federal home buyer tax credit."

"The survey results released by NJAR^®found the number of first-time buyers rose to 52 percent. First-time buyers accounted for 49 percent of all buyers in 2008 and only 36 percent of buyers in 2007. When asked about the primary reason for the timing of their home purchase, 46 percent of first-time buyers said it was just the right time." Statistics Source: NJAR

This is wonderful news and with the recent flurry of activity in the market, it is clear there are many buyers out there looking to take advantage of the tax credit!

I've written three offers this week alone!

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Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
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Building Lot, Ready To Go, 2.4 Wooded Acres Set High in Bridgewater, NJ

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:29:30 -0600

1 Lot
2.39 Acres
Bridgewater Twp
Somerset County 1911-A Middlebrook Rd
Outstanding land opportunity. Beautiful wooded, over sized 2.39 acre lot, set high. Septic Design approved, Ready to go. Builder will use your plans or ours to construct your dream home. Imagine your dream home nestled into this well situated parcel of land. Convenient to Routes 22 & 287--this lot can be converted into a commuter's dream. Lovely established neighborhood.

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Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
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Future Architects Design Sustainabale Architecture

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:47:01 -0600

Whether you are a believer in the GREEN movement or not, designing buildings that use strategies aimed at improving the performance of metrics that matter most: water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction and energy savings makes sense. The last two years have been a wake-up call for not only Americans but for citizens of the world. We have all been faced with the rising cost of the natural resources we use every day and have come to understand the wisdom of conservation.

Paul F.
Stillwaggon

NJ Estates Real Estate Group
March 2010

LINKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
TO OLD FASHIONED SERVICE
Copyright © 2010 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.

LEED is a certification developed by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), "to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being." Architects and building professionals are increasingly adding this certification to their repertoire.

Michael Scott Anderson with Eaton Architecture located in Salt Lake City, UT, is LEED Certified and has been the lead architect on some very exciting projects. In one Salt Lake City home slated for construction this spring, Michael incorporates several design features that reduce its impact on the environment. He used water wise native plants, low flow fixtures, solar hot water, energy efficient mechanical system, energy efficient light fixtures; recycled content in the building material, FSC certified wood, low emitting materials in adhesives, paint, flooring and furniture.

The home is designed intelligent so that lighting systems and mechanical systems are controllable and monitored continually. The windows are oriented to maximize views while minimizing solar heat gain and loss. He further explains through the use of computer aided modeling they can analyze shadows and how they impact the design. This information can be useful in sizing and locating windows and overhangs. These features, along with other features not mentioned, have dramatically reduced the environmental impact of the building not just in construction but over the life span of the building.

Eaton Architecture has always been diverse in the projects they accept. They design high performance buildings: from residential design to local and federal government projects, to projects for Native Americans. Michael Anderson with Eaton Architecture has collaborated on the design of buildings for government projects. These projects have been invaluable to him because of the extensive requirements which include energy modeling of the building before any work can commence.

"Energy modeling has allowed us to play with various ways of achieving the goals set out by the federal government for their new generation of high performance buildings at the lowest possible cost, as most of these projects are cost competitive" he said. "The computer generated energy models we create illustrate how to best spend the client's money to achieve the greatest impact on the building performance. We take this knowledge into every new project we design and it is exciting."

Michael with Eaton Architecture designed a project for the federal government at Hill Air Force Base in North Davis County, Utah. The project is seeking LEED silver certification. It has many of the features described above but it has the added benefit of more extensive energy modeling.

"This energy modeling has given us great insight to how the building will perform; an understanding of the building in its totality, from the heat gained from the light fixtures, to heat gained from the occupants, to loss through the exterior envelope of the building combined with a myriad of factors that impact the performance of the building. The energy modeling allowed us to down size both the mechanical and electrical systems."

All these factors play into reducing the overall negative impact on the natural environment, economy, health and productivity. By taking advantage of these breakthroughs in building science and technology we are able to reduce our carbon foot print.

"It seems that whether it is a commercial project or residential project our clients have become more sophisticated in their understanding of GREEN architecture and the value of increasing the performance of their buildings" he explains. "I am seeing less need to convince clients of the validity of high performance buildings and more on how to use their money in the most efficient way to ensure maximum performance."

The last few years have seen a downturn in the quality of life that many have enjoyed. America is resilient and ever changing. GREEN building is perhaps that little flicker of light that ignites the start to a healthier, smarter, and more successful way of living.

[Note: You can contact Michael Anderson by email at arqui.tectonics@gmail.com.]

Written by Peter L. Mosca
March 3, 2010

Linking the latest technology to old fashion service. Our realtor's commitment, pride and extensive specialized knowledge has earned us a strong position in the market and we invite you to call NJ Estates Real Estate Group when buying or selling a home, @ (908) 561-5492. -- Contact Us

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Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
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Quick and Easy Interior Design for Home Sellers

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:17:54 -0600

Home buyers and home sellers have the same goal: an exchange of property. Buyers want to pay as little as possible for the nicest house they can afford; sellers want to earn as much as possible on their property. They may seem like conflicting interests, but they aren't. Buyers and sellers goals, at bottom, are both about making a fair trade.

NJ Estates
Real Estate Group

Paul Stillwaggon
March 2010

LINKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
TO OLD FASHIONED SERVICE
Copyright © 2010 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.

For sellers, there are some intangible factors they simply can't control, like fluctuations in the market in their city or neighborhood, interest rates on mortgages, and the price at which nearby homes are selling for. Sellers can, however, control how their home is presented when their Realtor shows their property to prospective buyers. One of the best ways for home sellers to ensure the sale of their property is to make it attractive to buyers.

Having a pleasant interior design can put buyers at ease and reassure them that your home is well cared for. Buyers don't easily get excited about purchasing a home that is sloppy, dirty and poorly decorated.

Interior design professional Emily Spreng, who holds degrees in interior design and historic preservation, says working with just two elements of your interior design can reap huge benefits in the overall feel of your home.

Lighting

"Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design," Spreng says. "By changing lighting you can instantly change the mood of a room."

Whether you're showing your home day or night, pay close attention to the mood being created by your lighting. In the bedroom, Spreng recommends creating a relaxing, ambient feel by turning off your overhead light and adding lamps with opaque shades to your bedside tables.

For cramped or dim spaces, Spreng says mirrors can make a room feel larger and warmer. "Put a mirror on the opposite wall of yours window to bounce the light around," she says. By reflecting the sunlight, mirrors create the illusion of a second window.

You should also pay attention to your choice of window dressing to use the daylight you have, Spreng adds. "Use blinds that open and close and go up all the way, so you can let in a little bit of light or a lot-it's just another way to control your lighting."

Accessories

"Your accessories are the cheapest thing to change if you're working on a budget," Spreng says.

Accessories are the stuff you put in the room to make it more interesting, things like vases, candlesticks, pottery, flowers and wall hangings. For Spreng, the thing to remember about accessories is: less is more.

"I think the most important thing to remember when accessorizing your home is that one very interesting accessory is better than six or seven knickknacks," she says. "If you want to emphasize the design of your home, it's important to remove as much clutter as you can."

Spreng advises home sellers to focus especially on area rugs, paintings or photos and throw pillows to spruce up a room. "An area rug is probably the best way to warm up a room," she says, adding that it will bring a room together and make it feel cozy. Paintings and photos are a good way to add color and character to your room, and you can liven up drab furniture with cheap, colorful throw pillows.

An extra tip: if you have a big room with an empty corner, folding screens are a great way to round out the space and bring the focus back into center of the room.

Design questions? Contact Emily Spreng at Emily.Spreng@gmail.com

About the Author: Drew Johnson is a writer living in Washington, DC.

Written by Drew Johnson
March 2, 2010

Linking the latest technology to old fashion service. Our realtor's commitment, pride and extensive specialized knowledge has earned us a strong position in the market and we invite you to call NJ Estates Real Estate Group when buying or selling a home, @ (908) 561-5492. -- Contact Us

COMPLETE INFO UPDATED DAILY

Current Listings Info
Luxury New Homes
Custom Build A New Home
Land & Building Lots
New Jersey Estates
All New Jersey Homes
Real Estate Listings Blogs
Real Estate Info Blogs
Open Houses & Directions
Our Testimonial Letters
Going Green/ Complete Info

Follow us on Twitter

Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Add To Your Investment In Property Management

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:06:43 -0600

Carla, good post it is my pleasure to Re-Blog It. Regards,
Via Property Management In Atlanta - Carla Barnes (EOTM Properties, LLC):

Investment property management is fast emerging as one of the vital aspects of a successful realty investment. In spite of the currently dull phase of the housing market, investing in properties is still considered one of the most profitable and stable activities. To keep all realty investments profitable, it is important to ensure efficient assets management.

Managing a property that includes managing of any type of tenants can be a daunting task. While purchasing realty is one thing, effective management is another. This is especially true if the owner or the investor does not possess management skills like the management professionals have. These experts can help to maintain the investments in the apartments or homes efficiently and also to manage good tenant relationships.

While management of properties such as apartments, single family homes and commercial properties does include screening prospective tenants and handpicking the suitable ones, it does not necessarily stop there. The property has to be well maintained and there has to be an impeccable system of accountability related to all financial transactions of its equity growth as well as the cash flow generated by renting it out to tenants.

What Makes Management Professionals Indispensable

Most property owners who stress on saving money usually end up hiring a single professional for investment management. Whether it is a house or a small apartment community, it is not possible for a single individual even a qualified one to attend to all the responsibilities associated with management or apartments and commercial investsments, supervise its maintenance and turn it into a profitable investment. This is why the primary concern of an owner or an investor must be to hire an established company that can offer outstanding services to keep all kinds of properties functioning at the highest possible levels.

A good management company will connect the investor with an experienced manager who will handle all matters related to the property. The professional responsible for investment property management will also act as the intermediary between the investor, tenants and the management company. The manager will also make sure that the investor receives accurate financial statements regarding the income generated from the property regularly.

A person who has invested in an single family home, duplexes or something on a more larger scale would definitely require a professional who is an expert is in his field and is aware of the financial goals of the investor. Since all properties are able to generate profits, a property manager must treat all properties as serious business. Therefore, before actually hiring an agency for investment management, the investor must create a great business plan with the management company. If the company seems to treat each investment as real business, they are likely to handle properties efficiently by enhancing their value and lowering potential risks.

Obviously, there is a lot at stake while choosing a company to manage realty investments and keep it running profitably. Therefore, it is important that the company and their overall business ethics inspire confidence and trust in the investor so that he is completely comfortable in assigning the property to the company handling investment property management.

Making the right decision regarding the company selected for managing properties and evaluating the experience of this company can directly influence the success of a realty investment. As long as owners or investors choose the best management professionals, they can create a profitable realty business.

Our goal is to help maximize your most prized investments. Contact Carla Barnes of EOTM Properties today to receive a free rental analysis of your most prized investment(s).

Direct line – 678-548-9466

Email – carla@eotmrealestategroup.com

Website – www.eotmrealestategroup.com

Real Estate Blog - http://activerain.com/blogs/mortgage_diva

Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Twas the Monday before Christmas...

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:11:31 -0600

With all due respect, I believe that to, "squat in foreclosed houses." is illegal!What do you think? Regards,
Via Michael Holmes (Clearpoint REALTORS):
I have a Doberman puppy named Hooch. Every morning around 4:00am, he decides he needs a bathroom break. We keep him in the laundry room at night, so this requires (me, can't anyone else hear him?) get up and let him out. This morning after I put him out, I started my usual routine; put on the coffee, put a log in the fireplace, turn on the heating pad (I have a bad back) and turn on the Christmas tree. Ah, what a comfy sight. My wife always puts soft Christmas lights along the mantle, the tree is shimmering with lights, and the fireplace warms the room with it's peaceful glow.

I always start the day with a prayer of thanks. Thanks for a roof over my head, food in the fridge, money to pay bills, etc...This morning as I was about to open my bible, I asked God to show me a way in which I could help those less fortunate. I don't have a ton of money (I have five kids of my own), but I live comfortable enough. I remembered seeing throughout the bible where it said, through GOD'S power great things could be done.

Then, as if on cue, God spoke to my heart about the homeless. Since we are in the "home" business, I mentally asked him what did he want me to do? The thoughts started to flood my mind. In our area (Memphis TN), there are quite a few homeless. The shelters, the news says, stay at capacity. I thought, there are about 3,500 agents in this town (down from around 5,000 due to the economy). I thought if each agent just gave a $100 dollars once a year, that would generate $350,000 a year. That amount could increase significantly if those who could gave more. Put that money with whatever corporate giving that could be solicited and you have MORE than enough to help facilitate maybe purchasing some city owned property (could possibly be given tax breaks or even given a building and maintaining it).

In addition, other real estate related businesses, such as mortgage companies, home inspectors, home improvement companies, could all make donations. Even if they were ONLY a $100 a year, you can see where it could snowball. I have hear about companies donating their services.

When I went to my Yahoo start page, a story from Chicago showed where the homeless were starting to squat in foreclosed houses. I know there are probably a lot of things I am missing related to the limitations, but it would be a great start. I know today I will touch base with the local homeless advocacy group to see about starting a voluntary fund aimed at addressing this need. I know I would be willing to speak to churches, businesses or anyone else to help raise awareness and funds for this need. It's not just drunks and drug-users that are homeless. It is families, too, affected by the down economy. I don't know where this is headed, but I feel God has pointed me in a direction, and by this blog maybe you too. Will we answer him with a yes, or will we say "there is no room in the inn"?
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:37:22 -0600

Thank you JR. Merry Christmas.
Via JR Sangiuliano (CENTURY 21 JRS Realty):
Review your remodeling contract carefully and adjust it to make sure it protects you in terms of payments, work schedules, and project specifications.

Even if you never intend to pick up a hammer for your remodeling project, there's one tool that's absolutely essential-a solid contract. But just having one often isn't enough. That's because the document a contractor gives you is designed to protect him. It's up to you to add in some basic protections for yourself. Here's what you need to know to make sure the remodeling contract you sign includes solid legal protection for you and your home.

Hiring a lawyer to review and make changes to a contract is a safe bet, especially since each state has its own construction-contract statutes. But not many homeowners are willing to shell out $500 for an attorney review, plus $1,000 to $1,500 additional fees to make wholesale revisions to a flawed contract. However, you can hand-write changes and additions in plain English and make sure both you and the contractor initial each change to the document, says Tampa, Fla., attorney George Meyer, who is chair-elect of the American Bar Association's Forum on the Construction Industry. Here's what you want to add (and subtract).

Project specs

Start by reviewing your contract, a process that should take several hours. The most important element of a contract is a thorough and complete description of the project, and the materials and the products that will be used. "It should say that the contractor will secure all necessary permits and approvals as well as what walls are being moved where, what type of countertops are going in, what type of sink, what type of faucet, and so forth," says Meyer. "You can't rely on everyone's memory because if there's a problem later, people may remember different things." The contract needn't contain these specs on its pages, it can simply refer to the contractor's attached itemized bid. Avoid allowances, which are pools of money set aside for work to be determined later, and which often lead to cost overruns.

Payment schedule

The contract should also state the total price for the job, and that it's a fixed price-not an estimate. It should provide a schedule of how the payments will be made by linking them to milestones in the work-such as when the foundation, rough plumbing, and electricity will be completed-so you're paying for work only after it's done. "You should always have enough money left to hire someone else to finish the work if need be," says Meyer. In general, the first payment should be no more than 10% of the total job and the final payment should be at least a few thousand dollars to ensure that it's a big enough incentive to get the contractor back for the final niggling details. If you're unsure whether the payment schedule is proportional to the milestones your contractor suggests, ask a friend who's familiar with construction process or consult a construction attorney.

Start and end dates

A contractor's boilerplate contract rarely includes dates for when he will begin work and when he will complete the job, so make sure those details are included. It's not that he'll be penalized if it runs late, only that if you ever have a major problem and need to sue him-or defend yourself from a suit he brings-showing that the contractor is, say, two months behind schedule will help you make your case. The dates needn't be too exacting. If he says it's a six to eight week job, eight or even nine weeks is fine for the contract, says Meyer.

Statement about change orders

Make sure the contract contains a line stating that any changes that will affect the cost of the job must be priced in writing and countersigned by both the contractor and homeowner before that work commences. That ensures that an offhand discussion about a possible change to the project won't result in a huge unforeseen additional cost. It also helps you, as the homeowner, keep track of exactly how much you've added to the bottom line, so you can avoid the very common urge to keep expanding the job.

Binding arbitration

Many contractors include a line that says that rather than going through the courts, disputes will be resolved by an arbitrator. Some legal experts feel that this is a quicker and lower-cost solution to problems, so a binding arbitration clause isn't necessarily a problem. What can be trouble is if the contract requires a specific arbitrator. "There are some big, national, well-respected arbitrators, like the American Arbitration Association," says Meyer. "And there are other questionable arbitrators that always side with the contractor. If a particular arbitrator is specified, I'd do some internet research about the agency to make sure it's legit."

Warranty

Having the contractor's warranty in the contract seems like a good thing, right? Well including it is often actually a technique for limiting how much liability the contractor has. "It's usually loaded up with exclusions and time limits," says Meyer, "and you're actually better off with no mention of warranty at all because then the only limits on his warranty are what's in the state statutes." In other words, keeping the contractor's warranty language in the contract will likely mean you're agreeing to less than what state law provides. For example, state law may specify a longer warranty term than what the contractor's warranty offers. So, unless you're having a lawyer review the contract, strike the warranty clause.

Technicalities

There are numerous state-by-state requirements for construction contracts. He may have to include his contractor's license number, for example, and he may have to include a clause saying you have the right to rescind the contract within a certain time period after signing. And unless you and the contractor sign the document, it doesn't matter what it says-it's not a valid contract.

A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He's currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Why Build A Team -- Why Not !!

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:01:31 -0600

I,m a team member, NJ Real Estate Group, and as you said, "With a strong client base and a strong team, I'm confident that as a business entity, the team members can continue to grow the business." Good Post. Regards,
Via Cathie Harney (Long & Foster Realtors):
I've been in real estate for over 30 years.   Starting as a single agent, in the 1990's I realized that for me, selling real estate isn't just a pay-check, but a long term business entity that can have unlimited potential for growth.

Building a good team takes time and good people. I've built my team on trust and compatability between the members of the team and our friends and clients.

Too many new agents come into the business unprepared for the expenses that soon follow, and they don't have a clear business plan for the future Year 1, Year 2, Year 5, and beyond.

What Does a Team Do for Clients?

We never miss floor duty time - someone is always there

We don't miss our clients' calls -- sellers or buyers

Our call capture system always gets answered

Sign calls always get answered

When schedules get re-arranged, clients don't get rescheduled. We call on one another.

What Does a Team Do for the Team?

It allows each of us to take time off, vacations, or schedule time with our families and around childrens' activities

We cover one another - not out of obligation, but because we have strong friendships and cohesiveness as a team -- we share similar values and commitment to our clients and families

We have someone to call when are schedules have conflicts

We have a strong licensed assistant who handles all marketing and transactions. She works in a "virtual" world from home frequently. Even the assistant has a higher quaility of life because she can be with her family if she needs to.

What Does a Team Do for my / our Future?

I'm realistic -- I'm not going to be able to sell real estate forever. With a strong client base and a strong team, I'm confident that as a business entity, the team members can continue to grow the business. Because my clients know my team members, they too build strong relationships, and become trusted advisors to my client base, while continuing to build their own sphere and bring that to the team too.

Creating and structuring a team appropriately can help provide for your long term financial future even after you stop selling real estate.

Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:11:52 -0600

When we think about where our energy dollars go, we notice the obvious choices we see every day around the house - lights, kitchen appliances, television, and air conditioning and heating. But we tend to overlook the expense of heating water for our daily needs, however, on average 25% of each energy dollar goes to heat water.

Your first decision should be whether to buy a gas or electric model. If you're replacing an existing water heater, check to see what type you have now. Is it gas, electric or even propane? Do you have a natural gas outlet available at the water heater, or only an electric outlet? Many homes are not equipped with natural gas. Obviously, it would not be a good idea to buy a gas water heater if you have an all-electric home.

Like most appliances, water heaters have improved greatly in recent years. Today's models are much more energy efficient. That's why you probably couldn't replace your existing water heater with the same exact model - and you probably wouldn't want to. Instead, you may be able to purchase a more efficient water heater that will save you money on energy each month. That's why you shouldn't just consider the initial purchase price - think about how much it costs to operate. You could save hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts regarding this subject.   Have a nice weekend. Regards,
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1

Water heaters are one of those modern conveniences that most folks take for granted. That is, until something goes wrong. As Murphy's Law would have it, this will be the major appliance that will head south shortly after moving into your new home. This often becomes a major bone of contention when dealing with home warranty companies.

The serial plate reveals a lot of information, if you know how to read it. The serial number reveals the age. This water heater was manufactured 7/99 and is 10 years old. The capacity is 40 gallons, it is electric, but the major item to notice is the big number 6. This tells the consumer and the inspector that the tank has a 6 year rust-through life expectancy. After that, how lucky do you feel? For the most part, this should tell you and your clients that this unit is at the end of its serviceable life. This information needs to be in the inspection report so that your client can budget for eventual replacement. This will also be very useful for any warranty claims against the home warranty company.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

SHORT SALE LENDER CANNOT REDUCE COMMISSION TO BROKER

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:01:24 -0600

Richerd, Good post thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Have a nice day and a Happy Holiday Season! Regards,
Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. ):
One of the great drawbacks to a broker taking on a short sale listing is the fear and often the reality that the short sale lender will demand a reduction in the broker commissions. This has created all sorts of contraptions to make the broker whole.

I have seen contracts that have inflated commissions designed to make the lender reduce it; I have seen deals to have the buyer guarantee the broker commission short fall. There are more and some not yet invented - I wrote about one 2 years ago in BUYER AGENT REMORSE - PREVENT A COMMISSION REDUCTION ATTACK!

This summer a case was decided in Iowa (and reported by the NAR) where the appellate court said the short sale lender could NOT renegotiate the commission and it is worth noting.

The case of Stewart v. All States Quality Foods decided May 29th has specific facts but I have seen this type of scenario several times and it is worth noting if you are a short sale broker.

In simplistic summary (you can read the case by the link above and it is not too complicated to understand even on a first read!), the broker brought a contract to the lender and in the contract the lender knew that the seller was to get a commission of 10%. The lender said it needed more money and made a counter offer of a specific amount. The broker got that counter offer. Then the lender said it needed to net more and the broker offered to cut its commission to help get part of the way to that number. The lender balked and denied the sale.

The broker sued on its contract for the commission based on bringing a buyer ready, willing and able who met the counteroffer price asked by the lender. The legal theory that won was interference with advangeous business releationship - the listing agreement.

The key issue here is that the lender actively participated in the transaction by making the counter offer request and it being met. Also important is the knowledge by the lender of the existing listing agreement.

In all short sales that we handle we provide a copy of the Exclusive Listing Agreement to the lender, so knowledge in our situations would be met. If the lender makes a counteroffer then the lender is bound to accept it or it has violated at least one legal theory - if you are in Iowa. However the law and doctrines cited by the Iowa appellate court are in comport with many other states caselaw, Florida included.

Be aware of the rights and obligations of the parties to a short sale - especially when the lender oversteps its position as a lender and becomes an active participant.

Copyright 2009 Richard P. Zaretsky, Esq.

Be sure to contact your own attorney for your state laws, and always consult your own attorney on any legal decision you need to make. This article is for information purposes and is not specific advice to any one reader.

Richard Zaretsky, Esq., RICHARD P. ZARETSKY P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW, 1655 PALM BEACH LAKES BLVD, SUITE 900, WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401, PHONE 561 689 6660 RPZ99@Florida-Counsel.com - FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED IN REAL ESTATE LAW - We assist Brokers and Sellers with Short Sales and Modifications and Consult with Brokers and Sellers Nationwide! Shortsales@Florida-Counsel.com New Website www.Florida-Counsel.com.

See our easy to understand articles at:

TABLE OF CONTENTS - SHORT SALE AND LOAN MODIFICATION ARTICLES
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Recycling-The Ins and Outs

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:39:19 -0600

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today. Have a nice day and a Happy Holiday Season! Regards,
Via Las Vegas Short Sale Real Estate Dawn Las Vegas Short Sale Real Estate Consult (Century 21 Realtor® *Short Sale Help*Las Vegas Homes):
This is an interesting article on recycling from... RISMEDIA, November 21, 2009-According to a recent survey conducted by Plastics Make it Possible, an initiative sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council, nearly 70% of households make an effort to recycle at home. Of those homes that make recycling a priority, more than two out of three rely on the women of the house to serve as the "recycling enforcers." One out of four families shares the responsibility while only 10% put their kids in charge of recycling duty.

Where do the plastic bottles you throw in the recycling bin and the plastic bags you take back to the grocery store end up? Though recycled plastics might be out-of-mind as soon as they are placed in a recycling bin, they are far from out-of-sight. Most people use "second life" plastics in their homes or cars everyday - and many of us may even be wearing them. According to the survey, 82% of Americans know that recycled plastic water bottles can be used to make a variety of items such as lumber for homes and decks, car bumpers, life jackets, sails for boats, rope and even fashionable t-shirts.

To encourage consumers to recycle more, Plastics Make it Possible(SM) provides the following tips for reusing and recycling everyday plastics.

-Find out which plastics are accepted for recycling in your community and where they can be taken. Though recycling options vary, most community curbside programs collect plastic bottles and many grocery and retail chains now offer bins to collect used plastic bags and wraps for recycling. An increasing number of communities are also collecting rigid containers like yogurt and butter tubs.

-Know what to recycle with your bottles. A "bottle" is any container with a neck or opening that's smaller than its base and includes milk jugs, beverage containers, bottles from salad dressing, oil and other condiments, food jars for items like peanut butter and mayonnaise, and bottles from shampoo, toiletries, laundry detergent and household cleaners.

-Know what to recycle with your bags at grocery stores. When you recycle your bags, include all plastic bags from grocery, retail and dry cleaning stores, plastic bags that cover newspapers, and product wraps from paper towels, napkins, bathroom tissue and diapers.

-Clean and empty. Before tossing them in the recycle bin, make sure bottles are appropriately rinsed and that caps are removed.

-Bring bottles back to the bin. When bottles are emptied away from home, store them in a backpack or briefcase, or simply leave them in the car until arriving home to place in a recycle bin.

-Store bags in a bag. Storing plastic bags and wraps in a plastic bag offers neat, convenient storage. Simply knot the handles when you're ready to drop them off at your local grocer or retailer.

-Reuse those bags. From trash can liners to pet pick-up, plastic bags can be used dozens of ways.

-Pitch in beyond the kitchen. While many recyclable bottles and bags come from the kitchen, don't forget to check the bathrooms and laundry room for shampoo and detergent bottles and reuse your plastic bags as trash can liners throughout the house.

-When in doubt, leave it out. Be careful not to contaminate your recyclables with garbage or items that aren't recycled in your area.

-Bridge the second generation gap. It's important to remember that recycled plastics go on to become second generation products like carpet, fleece jackets and new bottles and bags.

For more information, visit www.americanchemistry.com.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-11-21/around-the-home-the-ins-and-outs-of-recycling/#ixzz0XhQqw5TL
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:54:15 -0600

Rebecca, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today. Have a great day and a wonderful holiday season! Regards,
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):

How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign

It's the time to pay thanks and what better way for real estate professionals to become actively involved in their communities than to put the power of social media marketing to a charitable use online? Today I am going to use the GiveNGoble Campaign to illustrate how you can use the power of social media and your local business connections to power a local charitable online marketing campaign.

The Give'n'Gobble Campaign is Sherwood Oregon's annual 5Krun/walk and 10K run on Thanksgiving. The money and food raised during the run/walk goes to Helping Hands, a local food bank associated with the Oregon Food Bank. This year they have turned to social media to fuel their donations and WOM(Word of Mouth Marketing) and it has served the campaign well.

Here is what they did that you can emmulate to drive a local charitable online marketing campaign,

1. Bought a domain and drove traffic to a designated website for the charity

The website gives all the necessary information about the charity as well as an eye catching left hand side bar with 10 reasons why to participate and photos of the past year's events. It also includes a sponsor list, a map(would've been nice to see a Google Map also), a lists of sponsors (which are logos that link back to the sponsors websites) a form for volunteers, and a press release section.

I would buy a designated domain. Domains are pretty cheap to buy these days because domain dealers are currently holding an excessive inventory. I might even go with a .org instead of a .com. domain. If you are lacking time and resources to host and create a website, I would contact a local website provider and ask for a donation.

2. Used a flickr account to display photos

Consumers like visuals and do image search daily. Adding a flickr account for your charitable online marketing campaign just makes sense. Make sure to tag photos well and mark your distribution rights accordingly. Here are 14 other image search engines to consider for your campaign.

3. Created a Facebook Fan Page to drive online awareness and donations

Some of the most effective advertising through Facebook Fan Pages has been as a result of viral quizzes, contests,giveaways and strategic campaigns. A Facebook Fan Page should be part of any online charitable marketing campaign. It should include updates on campaign activities and behind the scenes action shared through notes. It can include polls on the wall about topics surrounding the campaign. I would include stats on how the contribution will directly help the charity from past experience if you have those stats or in general if you do not.

Tap into the viral marketing power of Facebook by reminding visitors to share the page with a friend. Add the Facebook FanBox to the dedicated website for the charity.

4. Twittering with a Charitable Purpose

Micro blogging the charitable event before, during and after makes sense. Create a separate Twitter handle and list it in local twitter directories like Twellow. Geofollow, and localtweeps. Think about how contributions will serve the goal of the charity and that is how you want to craft your message on your Twitter Page to create an empowering call to action.

The GiveNGobble Twitter Page makes a smart call to action by directing visitors to its Facebook Fan Page.

5. Blog the charitable event before, during, and after it is over

Blog your charitable event before, during, and after it's over. The blog should be built into the designated website to increase search engine rankings for your targeted keywords. Include links to the blog in blog directories and pertinent web pages.

Invite guest bloggers who are either sponsors, volunteers or participants of the event.

Here's a few things I would add to the online marketing campaign mix

Radio-If you have an Internet radio show include 3 spots for the event- Before to build awareness, the day of to kick start the even, and after to discuss the results.

Video-Launch a YouTube channel for the event OR include videos of the event on your YouTube Channel.

Generational Marketing-Advertise the event through online resources where you can get volunteers like college websites.

Document Sharing- Include any marketing brochures or applications on document sharing websites likeDocStoc andScribd.

Business Branding-Give your real estate business some credit by including a link on the charitable website/blog to your website or at the very least a business citation.  You will get some natural business branding by writing a press release and in return getting mentions in local and possibly national news.

Savvy Linking- Create buttons for sponsor, volunteers, contributors, to put on their website that will link back to the charitable website.

Don't forget that a key to success of this type of campaign will be to partner up with local businesses. Pop by in person or call them on the phone to get their assistance and their support.

It might be a bit late to ramp up a charitable online marketing plan like this in time for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is still a month away and there are charities all year round. You don't have to wait for a holiday to get buzz going and give thanks by helping others.

You can use the power of social media and local businesses to fuel a local charitable online marketing campaign anytime.

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Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Predictive Dialer vs. Power Dialer: Part II

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:50:44 -0600

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today. Have a great day and a wonderful holiday season! Regards,
Via Mojo Selling Solutions (Mojo Selling Solutions):
If you missed our previous blog post introducing this series about predictive dialers and power dialers, please check it out so you can get an idea of how predictive dialers work.

Part II

How does a power dialer work?

Power dialing is also outbound calling but, unlike predictive dialers, the agent is already on the line. The agent begins the calling session and, when a live answer is detected, the call is patched through to the agent. There is no transferring of calls because, in this case, the agent is already live on the phone.

Power dialers are great for single-agent scenarios or in a remote-agent environment as it is not necessary to have multiple agents standing by for calls to be transferred to. In general, the abandonment rate does not come into play as the majority of power dialers dial on one line at a time, so dropped calls happen infrequently. A single-line power dialer makes 75-80 calls per hour.

Mojo Sales Engine incorporates a triple-line power dialer with lead management software; unlike standard single-line power dialers, it allows users to make 250-300 calls per hour while protecting callers from surpassing the allowed abandonment rate. Check back soon to read more about how we accomplish this!

-Jennifer Davis

www.mojosells.com
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2

Short Sales Getting Closed- What a Relief!

Sara Miniman (Weichert Realtors/ NJ Estates Real Estate Group) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:02:39 -0600

Great Post, Tanya. Regards,
Via Tanya Spotts Loudoun County Real Estate, Blogger (Long & Foster Realtors):
Two years ago, I was the first agent in our office to have a short sale transaction. It went smoothly and easily for both the seller and my buyer. Litttle did I know then what I know now! it takes an army of professionals to get these things closed. I hate to get my buyers involved in these, but many properties look so good and are listed at such a bargain.

                                         For instance, how could my client whom I have been working with since July resist this great listed short sale... price $575,000. almost 5000 sq feet of beautiful Brazilian Hardwood floors all throughout the main level, Wolf Cooking Range, over 3 acres, and plenty of room for the entire family to have space of their own. This easily sold in the 1 Million in 2006, Yes, yes, I know, prices were way too inflated then, but never mind, today, this home should be at least $700,000+

     They wrote an offer way back in August with the thought of being in sometime possibly by Thanksgiving. I know that was on a wish and a prayer.

I tried to prepare them for what was to come! Anxiety, stress, patience, and faith. Faith was what brought us all through. Faith in God first, faith that the listing agent would help push this thing through, faith in me to keep my buyers informed and understanding the process, faith in my client's lender, and faith in the fact they would make the right decisions.

WE JUST CLOSED!   They moved into their dream home Saturday; nothing could stop them, not even the snow.

Lately, I have more and more interested sellers calling me to help them with selling their home. many are upside down- they owe more than than what their home is worth. My first piece of advice to most sellers in this situation is to try to do a loan modification. We now are seeing several banks and lenders working with more and more home owners. if they need to sell, I am now having my sellers work with The Platinum Group. Platinum Group Services LLC is a short sale processing group working together with agents to provide an additional service to their clients for their short sale processing needs. Their attorney network is highly experienced in successful short sale negotiations with most all major lenders.

Yes, there is an added cost to me, but the added value The Platinum Group brings to my team of experts is well worth every penny.
Tanya Spotts

Director's and President's Club 2006-2008
This Spot's For You! ( http://ThisSpotsForYou.com )

Long & Foster Realtors
508 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

Cell Phone: 703-618-1218

Office Tel: 703-777-2900

Office Fax: 703-777-5627

Email: Tanya.Spotts@longandfoster.com

L&F Office Green Ambassador
Sara Miniman REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Weichert Realtors
NJ Estates / Real Estate Group
55 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ, 07069
Office: 908-561-5400
Direct: 908-561-6499 Cell:908-405-5539
Web- http://www.newjerseyestates.net/
Email- njestates@gmail.com
Blogs- http://activerain.com/blogs/genna
Twitter- http://twitter.com/njestates2