Building permits are required in most municipalities for any kind of repair, improvement, construction, modification or demolition work on a house.  While it may seem costly and time intensive, the permittingprocess and subsequent inspections help protect your family from safety risks like structural failures, fire hazards caused by electrical and heating systems, and electrical shock.

In addition, work done without a permit can come back and haunt you when it comes time to sell your home. Here’s why:

• In many states, home sellers must disclose repairs or additions to potential buyers. If they were done without a permit, the buyer may demand that the seller get the work permitted and inspected by the city before the transaction can be completed, or ask for a reduction in the sale price.
• If it is found that you have done non-permitted work to your home, you could be fined between three and 10 times the cost of the permit, erasing any financial savings from not getting a permit in the first place.
• In some cases, cities can force you to undo the work (or parts of it) to ensure that the underlying components were constructed safely. It’s easy to see how this could complicate a home sale.

Even if you are not selling your home, you should be aware that some insurance companies will deny a claim if a fire originates in, or another problem stems from, an illegally constructed area. For many reasons, it makes sense to get the proper permit required by your local municipality for any home construction or repairs.

For more information on Buying and Selling in Bedminster,

GO TO:   www.Bedminster-Real-Estate.com .

02/10/2012             16 Dorset Ln                   Stone Edge              $429,000            $412,000

02/14/2012              9 Timothy Ln                 Knollcrest                $358,000            $339,145

02/14/2012              3 Lockhaven Ct             Knollcrest                $629,000            $567,000

02/29/2012              63 Hyde Ct                    Parkside                   $87,735               $85,000

03/08/2012             14 Morgan Ct                Signal Point             $310,000             $287,500

03/09/2012            311 Enclave Ln              Long Meadow         $324,999              $307,500

03/14/2012              6 Danbury Ct                Crestmont               $329,000             $315,000

03/15/2012             30 Birchwood Rd         Birchwood                $329,000             $320,000

If you are thinking of buying or selling in Bedminster, go to www.Bedminster-Real-Estate.com for more information.

According to Fannie Mae’s most recent monthly survey, the upward trend in housing market sentiment has continued. Respondents in its January survey believe home prices will rise by 1 percent over the next year, an improvement over the 0.8 percent gain predicted in December. Additionally, 44 percent of those responding to Fannie Mae’s survey expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next year, up from 40 percent who felt that way the month prior.

Other recent reports support an improving housing industry and economic outlook:

• The National Association of Realtors said total existing-home sales rose 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, and were 9.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2010.
• Homebuilder optimism was up in February for the fifth straight month, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
•  The Mortgage Bankers Association said that mortgage delinquencies dropped to the lowest level in three years during the fourth quarter.
•  New applications for unemployment benefits dropped to the lowest level since March 2008, a sign that the labor market is on the mend.
•  Earlier this month, Weichert set a new record for the number of customer inquiries received via its Weichert.com website in one day.

For more information about Buying and Selling in Bedminster, go to www.Bedminster-Real-Estate.com

With historically low interest rates, increased affordability, and a wide selection of homes to choose from, it i a great time to buy a home.  As the popular spring-time buying period approaches, it is important that home sellers consider the best way to generate interest in their home.

Here are some tips from MSNBC financial columnist Laura T. Coffey:

• Consider feedback. Take any criticism your Sales Associate passes along from buyers who have viewed your home, and use it to your advantage. Fixing any issues that come up makes your home more attractive to buyers.
• Take a break. It is best if you are not at home during showings. This allows potential buyers to talk freely, making it more likely that you will get the constructive feedback you need to make the sale.
• Mix it up. Host an Open House on a weeknight in addition to a weekend day. This makes it easier for people to attend and could attract an entirely new group of potential buyers.
• Price it right. A home that is priced right will sell in any market. Think about the lowest amount you are willing or able to accept, and be open to adjusting your home’s list price accordingly based on local market data.

For recent home sales in Bedminster, go to Bedminster-Real-Estate.com.  If you are thinking about the possibility of listing your home for sale, and would like a FREE Market Analysis, please contact us and we would be happy to set up a time to meet with you.

Close Date      Address                              Section                   List Price     Sale Price

01/06/2012    67 Ashley Ct                       Crestmont             $265,000       $252,500

01/13/2012     1 Calgery Lane                  Stone Run 1          $429,000      $410,000

01/19/2012    77 Sage Ct                          Mayfield                $199,900       $189,000

01/19/2012    19 Eton Ct                          Stone Run II         $369,999       $363,500

01/20/2012   49 Crestmont Rd               Crestmont             $269,999      $265,000

01/20/2012   200 Old Farm Rd               Hunt Country       $795,000      $801,000

02/01/2012   48 Spruce Ct                      Pinevale                $229,999      $227,000

02/01/2012   1207 Timberbrooke Dr    Timberbrooke     $419,000      $412,000

For more information on buying and selling in Bedminster go to:

                            www.Bedminster-Real-Estate.com

Selling your home quickly and at the price you are asking is every homeowner’s dream. While the real estate market may seem like it is complicated and ever-changing, there are several constants to keep in mind when embarking on the home selling process.

Be certain to consider the following rules of thumb when your home is on the market:

Tidy Up. Be sure that your home is neat and tidy before potential buyers arrive. Give your home a once over and make sure that nothing is getting in the way of buyers being able to see how well loved and cared for your home is. Dirty or cluttered homes typically turn buyers off quickly, and the extra time you put into cleaning up will be well worth it.

Hit the Road. Never remain at home during showings or Open Houses. Your goal is to get buyers to explore your home, perhaps lingering to imagine the possibility of living there themselves. You being there could make them uncomfortable, leading to a shorter visit. For sure, you will be curious, but it’s easy enough to get any feedback from your real estate agent right after the showing.

Price to Sell. Often the key to how quickly a home sells is directly related to its price. It is extremely important to set a realistic, competitive price that will attract buyer attention. Your real estate agent can provide you with pricing recommendations based on local market conditions and sales of comparable properties.

For recent home sales in Bedminster, go to Bedminster-Real-Estate.com.  If you are thinking about the possibility of listing your home for sale, and would like a FREE Market Analysis, please contact us and we would be happy to set up a time to meet with you.

$363,500 – three bedrooms, two and half baths, garage.  

New furnace and central air!

Search for your Bedminster Townhouse and call Jennifer for an appointment; let us make it easy for you too!

According to Remodeling magazine’s 2011-2012 “Cost vs. Value Report,” replacement projects perform better in resale value than other types of remodeling projects. In fact, seven out of the top 10 projects were siding-, window- and door- replacement projects.

The good news for cost-conscious homeowners is that

investing in your home in a way that pays off at resale doesn’t have to cost a lot. The high value of most replacements can be

contributed to the relatively low cost of these projects. What’s more, the majority of replacement projects immediately improve curb appeal, making the home more attractive to buyers.

Based on interviews with real estate professionals throughout the country, the Remodeling report found that the top project is fiber-cement siding, which typically recoups 78 percent of costs. Fiber-cement siding has been in the No.1 spot for six of the seven years since it was added to the report.

Moving up two spots in the rankings is the minor kitchen remodel, now coming in at fourth place at 72 percent. Considered an “interior replacement” project, this is the least expensive way to give an existing kitchen a complete facelift. It is typically done by adding new cabinet door and drawer fronts and hardware, new countertops and new appliances.

The right remodeling project, when done well, also has the potential to make for a quicker sale and reduce negotiations with buyers over perceived shortcomings.

If you are thinking of perhaps putting your house on the market, please feel free to give us a call, and we would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you might have about getting your house or townhouse ready to sell.  Also, feel free to go to www.Bedminster-Real-Estate.com  for more valuable information about buying and selling in Bedminster.

According to the National Association of Realtors, in December existing home sales rose for 3 consecutive months in a row from where they were a year ago.  The latest monthly sales data shows a 5% rise in sales of existing home sales.  You can read the full article from the National Association of Realtors by clicking here.

If you are looking to buy or sell in Bedminster, check out Bedminster Real Estate today!

You probably would not want to rely on the seller to point out defects in a house he is attempting to sell. There may even be hidden problems of which he is unaware.

Be sure your sales contract is worded so that any “earnest money deposit” must be returned in the event the house fails inspection. If a major defect is found, you have the option to cancel the contract and have your deposit returned, bargain for a lower price to compensate for the cost of repairing the problem, or have the owner make needed repairs before the sale.

Even before you get to the point of a contract and having a professional inspector look at the house, there are many items you can check yourself as you are shopping for a home:

• Structure/Basement: Check the foundation for cracks or water marks.
• Floors: Are they level?
• Roof: Does it sag?
• Water damage: Look for unevenly painted ceiling or wall; mildew odor in basement; signs of re-plastering or re-tiling in just one area of a room.
• Water pressure: Flush the toilet and turn on both hot and cold water faucets at the same time to test.
• Plumbing: Ask what type pipes are installed and their age. If applicable, ask when the septic system was last inspected and cleaned. Stand near the tank to detect odor or soggy ground.
• Wiring: A 100-amp system is typical in modern construction and uses a one-inch main line; this can be seen leading to the fuse box. Appliances such as dryer or range require a 220-amp line. Notice if lights flicker or don’t work. Check for electrical outlets… usually at least 2 in each room.
• Energy efficiency: Ask to check last year’s heating and cooling bills. Determine if proper insulation has been used.
• Pests: Be alert for small accumulations of sawdust in the basement. This might indicate an insect problem. Obtain date and results of the last wood-destroying pest inspection.

A few final tips:

• Ask to see the seller’s survey made when the seller bought the house.
• When you are shopping, take a copy of the “Home Buyer Checklist” to keep you alert to possible problem areas.
• Avoid “surprises” by keeping your eyes open.
• Be certain that you are clear on problem areas which convey with the property and repairs which the seller agrees to make. Have this list with you when you go for your walk-through.

You can be successful in the home-buying process. During the entire process you should remember to buy with “resale” in mind.

In short, be alert! Be curious!

Find your Dream Home @ Bedminster Real Estate Today