Your Mercer County NJ Autumn Decor

 

Yes, landscaping is décor and autumn is the perfect time to add new life to your yard and add curb appeal. Here are some lovely ideas for autumn planting:

Select the right plants, trees, and shrubs for the season, easily maintainable and that add style to your Mercer County NJ home.

Create a plan of action and design. Without a solid design plan you may end up having a random look so think both long and short term. What plants do you want now and how do you want your yard to appear years down the road.

Do your research. Sometimes the best source of information is the nursery itself. You can see up close and personal what plants will fit within your design plan. Do you want small, evergreen shrubs for your front bed? Boxwoods are a great choice! Are you looking for a shrub with a bit more color? Consider using bayberry.

Think about how plants will look during the different seasons. Are there flower beds that will be filled with annuals during the summer and will be dormant in the winter? Consider adding evergreen shrubs, such as holly, spruce, or yew in order to keep green color all year!

Now that you have a plan and know what plants are available, it’s time to load up the car with the latest finds! Consider how long you have until the first frost. Plants need several weeks to become established.

Consider that flower beds look best when layered in textures, color, and sizes. Begin with taller shrubs in the back of a bed and work your way down.

When planting your shrubs and trees, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. Stamp the dirt to remove air from the soil and then water well. Be sure to give plants plenty of room! Most plants and trees come with spacing instructions. Take into account how big trees will become 40 years down the road!

Many bulbs also need to be planted during the fall. If you want beautiful hyacinths and tulips this next spring, then do your planting in the fall. Allow these items to settle a few weeks before topping with a thick layer of mulch. Plus, remember to sweep aside the mulch when spring arrives!

Fall is a wonderful time to spruce up your yard. Be thoughtful with your design and plant choices and you’re sure to create a beautiful accent to your home so Click here for more tips!

5 Tips to Increase Home Appeal in Mercer County NJ

Everyone that is thinking about selling their home in Mercer County NJ probably wonders what sells a home? Is it the price, location, or condition? Well, The Mike Carney Team is here to share some simple tips and give you an advantage over other sellers in your area.

When you sell your home with The Mike Carney Team we put you in front of the competition and it’s the difference between making the sale or not. Today, we will look at an important way to increase your home’s appeal in Mercer County NJ:

Tip #1: Stage for Photos

We are a visual society. Webcasts, virtual tours, and the Internet have made staging for photos and showings an integral part of any marketing plan and The Mike Carney Team does just that!  The Mike Carney Team makes every moment perfect by rearranging furniture, making sure your space is clutter-free and adding very detailed touches such as throw pillows and fresh cut flowers. Be sure to contact The Mike Carney Team TODAY for more tips and to sell your home in Mercer County NJ!

Tips for Selling Your Home in Mercer County NJ Before the End of the Year

If you are looking to sell your home in Mercer County NJ before the end of the year, then remember the tips I provided previously.  There are more tips on the way, and believe me, I am not the only one that is telling you that it is still the right time to sell.  There are more and more properties hitting the market and available for buyers so do your part to make your property worthwhile to potential home buyers.

Trulia also says sell today!  Typically, many buyers are eager to move and get settled in before the school year and holidays begin but that doesn’t mean you should be discouraged. The holidays are still coming!  In fact, there are some key factors that may help sell your home. First remember that the number of buyers may be reduced as we head closer to the holidays because many home buyers simply don’t want to juggle the holiday rush and house hunting.

On the other hand, there will be some serious home buyers looking for a very nice holiday gift for their self. If they’re out shopping in dreary weather or nearing the holidays, it could be because they’re extremely serious about making a purchase before the end of the year. With this in mind, be sure to make the most of every showing. Don’t let things slide with the upkeep of your home because you are juggling selling a home, working, or taking care of the kids.

When considering how long to keep your home listed through the holidays, experts suggest looking at the rates of sales activity in your market. Some areas can be pretty bleak, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no chance of selling. Remember, that some people may even have tax reasons and need to purchase before the end of the year.

Expert staging of your home will suit you. If there are a reduced number of home buyers seeing your home, make the most of each showing by having a spectacularly staged and clutter-free house to show off. Staging provides a competitive advantage.

Another reason you may see more buyers is that interest rates remain historically low. The potential threat of a rise in mortgage rates could have more potential buyers eager to lock into an excellent rate, even if it means a move during the holidays.

However, you can also negotiate the sale and make arrangements so that you can still stay in your home for the holidays and make the move after the first of the year. Another effect of the holidays, buyers tend to be more emotional and may spend more during this time of year. Couple that with potentially fewer homes on the market and you may have the perfect setting for an ideal sale.

So, when you make the decision to sell your home in Mercer County NJ, remember that having an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” is crucial.  If you are looking to purchase or sell your home in Mercer County NJ, contact the Mike Carney Team today!

 

More Homes in Mercer County NJ for Less Money

We all realize that foreclosures, distressed sales and bank-owned properties make up a good part of our housing inventory where years ago, it just wasn’t the case.  Recently, there have been reports that indicate about one-third of all home sales during the spring quarter and were made up of these types of properties, about 19% …AND…they sold for 40% less than the average price of other homes.

National reports also show about 102,407 homes in default or scheduled for auction–pre-foreclosures–which is an increase of 19% from the previous quarter. Many of these homes are sold via short sale, and despite this jump, the figure is still down 12 percent from the second quarter of last year.

Nationwide, the pre-foreclosures had an average sale price of $192,129, which is 21 percent lower than the average sales price of non-foreclosure homes.

While foreclosures and distressed properties are selling for, in some cases, up to 40 percent less than the average price of non-foreclosures, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting. Some people think of this as a discount. But often that implies that you’ll be getting the same or similar type of property as others on the market except for a lot less. However with foreclosures and distressed properties, what you’re actually buying may also be significantly lower in price for a reason.

Many of these homes are sold “as is” and may need substantial work to get the home in livable condition. Of course, that’s not always the case; there are foreclosures that might be in pretty good condition–just do your homework before you buy.

Learn how much you’ll need to put into the property to get it the way you want it or you may find that, even though you seem to be getting a bargain, you may have to put out more money than you originally thought. If you know from the start how much is needed then you can plan for it and come out ahead by purchasing a foreclosure/distressed property at a reduced market rate or just team up with an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!”!  Whether you are looking to purchase a home and make your home ownership dream a reality or have questions about the home buying process, then contact the Mike Carney Team today… and we can discuss your goals and see if making home ownership a reality is right for you.  Either way, the Mike Carney Team is on your side from start to finish so contact us today!

Are You Facing Foreclosure in Mercer County NJ?

If so, you’re not alone and there are millions of homeowners across the country who has found themselves unable to keep their homes in today’s economy. Even investors let go of properties in strategic defaults and still other homeowners make tough decisions to walk-away from homes in search of jobs in new cities. It is a fact of life that sometimes, we have to make difficult decisions in order to move forward.

More than 70 percent of all foreclosures are located in:

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Arizona
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Wisconsin
• Utah
• Michigan

If you are one of the millions facing foreclosures, then keep reading:

1. Communicate with Your Lender: Don’t ignore phone calls or letters. Lenders need to know why you’re behind on your payments. They may have programs available to help.

2. Get Help: There are financial advisors that specialize in your situation. Perhaps foreclosure is avoidable. According to HUD, “Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government.”

3. Refinance: Interest rates are at historic lows. If you have good credit, don’t ruin it with a foreclosure, see about refinancing options for a lower monthly payment.

4. Plan Ahead: If it’s inevitable that you’ll lose your home, be sure that you have a back-up plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to remove your belongings from the home, otherwise you run the risk of being evicted by the Sheriff and forfeiting the rights to your property. If you have no money, contact relatives or friends for a temporary place to house your family.

5. Explore Options: Don’t accept failure. There are government programs available. Visit Hud.gov to see if you can get help.

Team up with an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” and that can help you find solutions that meet your needs. Contact the Mike Carney Team Today!

9 Tips for Sellers in Mercer County NJ

So, you have decided to sell your home in Mercer County NJ- Awesome!  Whatever helped you make your decision, having an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” is crucial because this is a BIG decision.

The day you have been waiting for is here…..drum roll, please…..The OFFER!  Now what?

Here are 9 tips to help you stay calm during negotiations and the offer:

Trust your Real Estate Agent: You hired your agent for a reason and his experience handling negotiations and contracts is impeccable. You can ask your agent questions and relax a little bit.  There’s no reason for you to feel pressure, you have an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” is crucial. Feel free to ask him any questions you have, but don’t let the pressure of every minute detail overwhelm you.

Rest: We need to go on our normal routine- you know, eat, sleep and rest- refuel so that when the decision time arrives, you are ready!

Relax: This kind of goes hand in hand with Rest but it’s not quite the same.  Take your mind off any stressful situation so you will be ready for any challenge that heads your way.

Communicate: If you have concerns, communicate them- no one is a mind reader

Walk it off: Go for a walk in your neighborhood or by the park- this is a great way to clear your mind and truly beneficial!

Run the Numbers: Seeing the facts in black and white can help take emotion out of this business decision. Should you accept this offer? Is it too low? Do the math and know for sure.

Patience is a Virtue: This is something we all go through in life and selling your home can be a trying time so be patient.  Remember, the decision to sell your home was a big one and it is just as big for a buyer so if you have a counter-offer on the table, have some patience.  The answer will come soon.

Rashes are Not Welcome: This is not a time to make rash decisions. You want to be sure that this is the right deal and the right time.

Enjoy the Process: Yes, it can be stressful, but it can also be the doorway to your new life. Enjoy the process and remember, having an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” makes the process even memorable so contact the Mike Carney Team today!

10 Tips for Those Who Have Decided to Buy in Mercer County NJ

I wanted to share an article I recently read that has some great insight for anyone looking to purchase a home in Mercer County NJ. The article was written by PJ Wade and PJ’s outlook is extremely helpful.  Here is the article:

Wanting to buy a home and deciding to buy a home are two different things. The first is a desire or a dream. The second is commitment to achieve the goal. Do you want to buy, or have you decided to buy?

What are you planning when you think of purchasing real estate, whether it’s a house, condominium, cottage, or investment property? Is this something you’d like to do, but could be dissuaded from if it seems too hard, or your life becomes busy? Or, is this a goal you take on with determination to overcome barriers and maximize strengths?

If you are ready to commit to success, you are determined to replace wanting to buy with deciding to buy. Here are 10 tips to help you on the path to real estate ownership.

1. Decide who will facilitate your buy – The professional team you put together can make all the difference. You’re not looking for new friends, so concentrate on credentials and experience. Salespeople are trained to be personable, so if someone is likeable that’s nothing special. Their knowledge and ability to strategize on your behalf does matter. The real estate professional you select must be as convinced as you are that you can be successful and understand how to make success happen.

2. Decide when will you buy – Buying a home, cottage, or investment property is not something to rush into, but taking a long time does not necessarily make your choice a better one. A recent online survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the national housing agency, revealed that Canadians take, on average, 11 months to plan their purchase. That means sometimes the process takes longer than a year, and sometimes things happen more quickly. To facilitate a sound buying decision, project ahead three months at a time to see what external factors in your life and career might disrupt buying momentum, or add additional advantages to the timing. Possibilities of interest rate increases and price fluctuations are difficult to pinpoint for even the most informed experts, so prepare to respond to any shifts commonly predicted for your chosen location. Keep in mind, that if your Offer to Purchase were accepted today, you would probably not move in for 30 to 90 days depending on the sellers’ plans and yours. Tip: The more pressure you put on yourself to adhere to a specific move-in date, the less flexibility you’ll have in purchase negotiations regarding price and terms.

3. Decide where you will buy – Location is still the key factor in sustainable value and rate of appreciation over time. The best returns come from buying the best location you can afford—neighborhood and street, or condominium complex and floor. You can renovate or rebuilt the structure or unit, but you cannot move the land or condominium complex. Location matters. Spend time discussing your choice of housing, neighborhoods, and special features like in-law suites or separate apartments with your professional advisors before you start looking at properties.

4. Decide which you will buy – It’s not how many properties you view that will ensure success, but whether you see the property that best suits your needs, wants, and decision making. One strategy involves acting quickly with newly-listed properties, another stresses the hidden value in slow-to-sell real estate. You may decide to stay on alert for new listings in the best neighborhood and on the best street you can afford. Time invested in preparation will enable you to act quickly when the ideal property hits the market. If you decide on the alternate strategy that seeks purchase-price advantages with properties that do not show well, still search out the best location you can afford. Here, you’ll view tired or poorly-decorated condominium units or houses, and revisit with contractors and decorator to evaluate true potential.

5. Decide what you will buy – Stay on point and avoid getting carried away. Your agent will help keep you focused, but you need to be sure you know what features you want and need, and why. Does proximity to schools or public transportation matter? What will your home-based business require? Will an income-suite enable you to buy an even better location? Is this a fixer-up property that will build your financial strength, so you can eventually buy your goal property, or are you here for the long haul? Write your must-have list down and check it when you view properties and before you make an offer.

6. Decide what value you can add – Do you have skill with interior design or home renovation? Or, will you hire the expertise you need? Concentrate on improvements that increase functionality, affordability, comfort, and resale, not just changes in decor. What professional skills can you add to the search, analysis, or decision making?

7. Decide what buying will cost – Set a budget for the entire project, not just the mortgage. Your real estate professional can help prepare a full financial projection of costs. For more on mortgages, see “Mortgages: 7 Things You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way.”

8. Decide how you measure success – Short of having your Offer to Purchase accepted, how will you know how well you are progressing? What ongoing evaluation criteria does your real estate professional suggest? If you don’t track time and the properties you’ve seen, you may become overwhelmed with detail and confused by the continually changing real estate market. While you’re set on your decision to buy, interest rates, the economy, and many other variables may change. Focus is the key. Organization will ensure your success.

9. Decide what’s unique to your situation – What considerations or challenges must you take into account that may not be true for all buyers? Do you have a property to sell before you can buy? Do you have special mobility needs, or design features like higher ceilings or a detached garage that are important to your hobbies or business? Share this information with your real estate professional at the start, so they have the full picture of your needs.

10. Decide: What’s the point of buying? This decision must come first and stay first as you go. There are many great reasons for buying real estate, but what are yours? Not reasons you’ve been told to buy or think you should, but why you know you’re prepared to invest time and effort on the quest. When your point or purpose in buying is crystal clear, you can weigh the relative merits of the properties you view, and the many small decisions that must be made on the way to the first big step: Have you decided to make an offer?

Ironically, there are many people that think about owning a home and truly, you have to make the best possible decision for yourself and having an agent that is “With You Every Step of the Way!” is crucial.  If you are looking to purchase a home and make your home ownership dream a reality then contact the Mike Carney Team today….if you are thinking about owning a home and still aren’t quite sure then contact the Mike Carney Team and we can discuss your goals and see if making home ownership a reality is right for you.  Either way, the Mike Carney Team is on your side from start to finish so contact us today!

Remodeling Market Heats Up in Mercer County NJ

And that means less to-do lists as a new home owner!  Now that is exciting!  Swapping out the old and replacing with more modern and efficient products seem to be what Mercer County residents are doing in preparation of selling their homes.  Some home owners even put off purchasing a new home in Mercer County NJ because remodeling costs are accommodating the need for space. Even investors have taken part in this recovering market and are offering homes that are more affordable.  Remember, the fewer vacant days you have the more income your property will generate and the happier you will be motivated to stay — so, contact The Mike Carney Team, and have an Agent that’s “With You Every Step of the Way!”

Make Your Real Estate Investment More Successful in Mercer County NJ

For years we have been hearing the real estate mantra of “location, location, location,” but is that really what drives the success of an investment? Perhaps…BUT-

Even if you charge a higher rent because of a great location with a potentially higher return, you may find yourself struggling to keep tenants.

With the shift of the economy those areas or opportunities are not the norm and a higher rental rate could deter folks from renting and just open up the possibility to purchase a home in Mercer County NJ.

I’m not saying don’t charge a good rental rate but what I am saying is don’t make your rent too high or you will lose out on good tenants.  Make your investment in Mercer County NJ more successful by:

Charging a fare rental rate: Don’t charge a rate that is too high and certainly, don’t charge one that is too low- ask your knowledgeable real estate professional what rate you should be charging

Updating landscaping: This can add curb appeal and make your investment property more appealing to tenants

Off customer service- YES!  This is a business and if your tenant has issues, address them immediately and create options your tenant can live with

Keep your property looking it’s best and repair whatever is necessary.  Your property can look dynamite but if your roof leaks, who cares.

Prescreen your tenants- no one wants rift-raft or problems.  Be proactive and prescreen so you are aware of any issues a tenant may have had prior to renting or leasing.  That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t allow them in your property, it just means you are aware and can make a more informed decision.

It is all about motivating a tenant to choose your Mercer County NJ property. The fewer vacant days you have, the more income your property will generate. The happier your tenants are, the longer they will stay. When the economy turns down, they will be motivated to stay — even as other building owners attempt come to woo them away.

So, contact The Mike Carney Team, and have an Agent that’s “With You Every Step of the Way!

Make a Statement in Mercer County NJ

When purchasing a home in Mercer County, NJ, affordability is at a record high, yet home sales are lower than expected for these conditions. Limited access to credit, which is keeping many potential buyers on the sidelines, is partly to blame.

We continue to feel the pressure in the housing market with economic uncertainties weighing heavy and with unemployment on the rise and already over 9%, buyers are unwilling to dive into the housing market.

What does this mean if you are looking to buy a home in Mercer County, NJ?  It means there is a surplus of homes available and you can get a really good deal.  Investor and all-cash purchases are still very high. Investors made up 19 percent of all home purchases in June, up 6% from one year ago 2010. All-cash purchases was also up year-to-year, now at 29% of all sales from 24% one year ago in 2010.

So, if you are ready to jump into the Mercer County NJ housing market or just have questions, contact The Mike Carney Team, and have an Agent that’s “With You Every Step of the Way!”