Maximizing Your Money: What to Know When Buying a Home

By Shmuel Shayowitz | November 19, 2015

The housing market today represents what some might consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for potential home buyers. Home prices are recovering from the lows of the crash, mortgages are now safer than ever for borrowers, and interest rates are still at historical record lows. Despite how attractive this makes home

NJ and NY Real Estate Transactions and How They Differ

By RuKaplan | November 19, 2015

As a licensed real estate agent in both New Jersey and New York, I have had numerous clients who have sold homes in one state and then purchased in the other. This creates many questions since it is often confusing that the process is very different in both states.

Question:

To Pay or Not to Pay (More Income Tax)

By Carl Guzman, CPA | November 19, 2015

Whether self-employed or an employee, you need to show and verify enough income to qualify for the mortgage loan you are seeking. If you cannot show the income needed, there are alternative strategies to cover the income gap needed such as: (1) Utilizing a co-signer, (2) using liquid assets to qualify under an “asset depletion” program

After a Tough Week, Some Lighter Real Estate Matters

By Martha (Malkie) Aaron, Anhalt Realty | November 19, 2015

It was hard to write this column while my mind was preoccupied with the horrific news from Paris that is at the forefront of all our thoughts. However, history has shown that determination and perseverance in the face of adversity has been a major factor in overcoming the face of evil. The Jewish communities throughout our history have,

Will They? Won’t They? How a Fed Rate Increase Might Affect Mortgage Rates

By Shmuel Shayowitz | November 12, 2015

For months, the Federal Reserve has been signaling that it expects to start raising interest rates this year. They argue that with an improving labor market they can expect inflation to gradually rise toward their 2 percent target over time. The Fed started to cut short-term interest rates in October 2007 to support the fragile

Ask the Realtor: Barbara Ostroth of Coldwell Banker

By Barbara Ostroth | November 12, 2015

Q. When buying property in northern New Jersey, what are the next steps once my offer is accepted?

In northern New Jersey, real estate contracts and closings are handled by attorneys, one for each side of the deal, sometimes in cooperation with a title company or closing company

Is Your House Ready for Winter?

By Shoshana Halpert | November 05, 2015

The days are getting shorter and we are enjoying the brisk days outside and the changing of the leaves. It’s time to think about preparing our homes for the winter. This can mean physically repairing and updating as well as decoratively making some seasonal changes to your home.

Featuring Robert Russo, Broker-Owner Russo Real Estate

By JLNJ Staff | November 05, 2015

ASK THE REALTOR®: Can you tell me about some of the Realtors® in your office?

ROBERT RUSSO: All of our agents are licensed as either Sales

Before You Owe—Know!

By Carl Guzman | October 29, 2015

Mortgage disclosure changes are here.

If you have read any books or scoured any online articles about residential mortgage financing, as of October 3, 2015, you can pretty much scratch it! Not the theoretical aspects about financing, but the initial disclosures that were once known as the

Ask the Realtor: For Novice Homebuyers or Investors

By Nicole Idler | October 29, 2015

What are the pitfalls for a novice investor or primary residence?

There are many young professionals earning impressive incomes and given the historical returns in real estate, it is still a good time to get into the market. There are many properties available in good

Lawn Care Tips Guaranteed To Save You Winter Worries

By JLNJ Staff | October 29, 2015

(BPT) - Cooler nights and shorter days are a sure sign winter is on its way. Smart homeowners use this time to prepare their homes against the season’s wrath. You too can protect your property and eliminate winter worries with a few simple projects that can be completed in one weekend or less.

Dispose of Dead Leaves Quickly

When all

Renovating to Age in Place? Focus Efforts and Budgets on Bathrooms and Kitchens

By JLNJ Staff | October 29, 2015

BPT—No one relishes the prospect of having to move out of his or her home due to age-related health, mobility or dexterity issues. In fact, more than half of homeowners 60 and older say they intend to stay in their current homes indefinitely, according to a recent survey by Houzz. Fortunately for people who want to stay put, a range of