Inaugural Running of the Union Beach 5K

Come run with us and celebrate our community while helping us Recover, Restore, and Rebuild.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

9:00 A.M.

Henry Hudson Trail and Spruce Street ~ Union Beach, NJ 07735

Post Race Party at Jakeabob's Off the Bay

910 Union Ave., Union Beach

***100% of proceeds will benefit Union Beach***

~Sporting Goods Drive~

The athletes at Westfield High School have learned many of our student athletes' sports equipment were lost in Super Storm Sandy. Knowing how important sports are and with the arrival of Spring sports, the students at Westfield High School are conducting a sporting goods drive for Jersey Shore impacted children. The items donated include new or gently used balls, sticks, bats, cleats, padding, gloves, helmets, skates, basketballs, footballs, etc. Additionally both General Electric & Sports Authority have also made donations.

This private event will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 & Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Parish Center in Monmouth Beach.

Registration is required ~ Please register at:

http://www.sandyfamilymatch.wordpress.com/sports-drive/

Pasta Dinner~Re-Construction of American Legion in Union Beach, NJ

Please join us for an evening of Food, Fun &Music!

Saturday, March 2, 2013 ~ 6:00 P.M.

American Legion Post 434

11 Sanford Street

Manalapan, NJ

732-446-9872

$10.00 Adult Admission & $5.00 Children 12 & Under

Dinner will be served from 6:00 P.M. ~ 9:00 P.M.

*To-go boxes available*

DJ Mike will be spinning music favorites until 12:00 A.M.

Proceeds to benefit the Re-Construction of

American Legion Post 321 in Union Beach, NJ

(Post destroyed by Hurricane Sandy)

While searching properties for sale in Middletown today, I noticed there are 164 homes under contract in Middletown alone. Great News for anyone looking to sell their home! Buyers are out there.. despite the snow storms and freezing temps. Priced right, there are even bidding wars going on. Don’t delay listing your home. Let my unique marketing plan get your home SOLD! Call Melissa Haddad today ! Cell (732) 337-0098 2012 Circle of Excellence Recipient

"Family Day at Union Beach!"

Sponsored by "The Footprints Family" - Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Holy Family Gymnasium

Join The Footprints Family for a fun filled day! There will be music, food & kids events.

This is a special day to celebrate the courageous journey of the Union Beach Community as they rebuild for a new bright future!

All are welcome ~ We hope to see you all there!

"The Concert for Union Beach"

The Concert for Union Beach is on!

We have secured the soccer field on Stone Road, next to borough hall. The date is Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Rain date scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2013.

It is a free concert for everyone from the Union Beach & Keyport area. It will be a day to bring the whole family! You can pack a picnic basket or purchase food from vendors. There will be face painting, a cotton candy & popcorn machine, and lots of other activities for children! Most important there will be 7-8 bands performing, most of whom are from Union Beach.

For further updates, go to "The Concert for Union Beach" on Facebook created by Big Poppy Productions, who will also be designing our posters & fliers. They will also be at the concert taking photos and videos throughout the day.

Take some time to stop by and show your love and support to all those from Union Beach whose lives have been turned upside down by the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. Hope to see you all there!!

"The Walk of Hope for Union Beach!"

Please join us for a walk to remind us how far we've come from Sandy and how far it is that we still need to go to our recovery. Hope to see you all there wearing your blue on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at our beachfront parking lot ~ Front Street, Union Beach, NJ

Jenkinson's Aquarium Opens to the Public!!!

Yes. Open again (after Hurricane Sandy) Here is some information: Aquarium, Gift Shop & Sweet Shop Re-Opening Friday - February 1 — 12:00AM Aquarium, Aquarium Gift Shop and Sweet Shop Re-Opening The Aquarium, Aquarium Gift Shop and Sweet Shop will be open daily beginning February 1st. The Pavilion Fast Food will be open weekends only beginning February 2nd. Info provided by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Search the Multiple Listing System at: www.LisaAlaimo.com 732-241-4588 or 800-531-2885 extension 451

Payments to borrowers who lost their homes to FORECLOSURE!

Did you lose your house to foreclosure? This settlement might help you to monies that you may be entitled to! Please review and if you believe your servicer was included please fill in the claim. Spread the word so the public knows that this is available. This in a nut shell is due to the "Robo Signing" of foreclosures that had taken place in the past. Roughly $25 billion in relief for distressed borrowers, states and federal government... In February 2012, 49 state attorneys general and the federal government announced a historic joint state-federal settlement with the country’s five largest mortgage servicers: •Ally/GMAC •Bank of America •Citi •JPMorgan Chase •Wells Fargo The settlement provides as much as $25 billion in relief to distressed borrowers and direct payments to states and the federal government. It’s the largest multistate settlement since the Tobacco Settlement in 1998. Call me, Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty with all your Real Estate Questions. 732-241-4588             or       800-531-2885 x451                  www.LisaAlaimo.com Very Knowledgeable with Short Sales, Foreclosures, Resales, New Construction, leases etc. Here is a video regarding the National Mortgage Settlement: National Mortgage Settlement

Pre Construction at Water's Edge, Point Pleasant

Along the Jersey Shore, excitement is growing as Pulte Homes prepares for the grand opening of the final building at Water’s Edge, a luxury condominium community in Point Pleasant. One of the award-winning brands of PulteGroup, Pulte Homes recently announced that the building will feature new home designs and price points. Each design offers two bedrooms and two baths with dining room, family room and den. Be among the first and reserve your unit. Now accepting non binding reservations. The Point Pleasant setting, which was voted one of the best places to live on the Jersey Shore by U.S. Money Magazine, is also a key attraction for Water’s Edge residents. The community features a thriving downtown area with quaint shops, boutiques and cafes, while Point Pleasant Beach offers any number of sand, surf and sun activities during the summer months. Nearby marinas give boaters easy access to the river, canal and Atlantic Ocean. The Water’s Edge at Point Pleasant Sales Center is located at 2201 River Road in Point Pleasant, N.J. It is open Friday and  Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. all other days by appointment only. To learn more about Water’s Edge, please call Anita Kazmierczak732-547-2710  Anita@BetterHomesUS.com Water's Edge is the area's premier condominium community with spectacular views of Manasquan River and Canal inland waterway! Water, Sewer, Elevator service and Hazard Insurance included in Maintenance Fee.

Open House Sunday July 8th 1pm-4pm

917 Cole Dr Brielle NJ $1,239,000.00 BEAUTIFUL Custom Home Situated in a Quiet Family Neighborhood close to the River! 5 Bedrooms on 2nd Floor + 1 Guest Bedroom with Full Bath on 1st Floor, Finished Basement with Home Theatre Room & Private Backyard with Heated Pool! Some of the Features in this Stunning Home Include: 6 Zone HWBB Heat, 3 Zone AC, Lg Front Porch, Home Gym, Screen Porch, 2 Fireplaces, Paver Driveway & Sidewalks, Central Vac, Music System Throughout,Irrigation System w Well,9'Ceilings on1stFL,Huge 14x12 Master Closet,2Dishwashers,Water Filtration system!  

MONMOUTH COUNTY WATER FUN

I have an extensive laundry list of reasons living in Monmouth County is wonderful, since school is out and the heat is on, lets start there. While New Jersey is well known for its beaches, or as people often refer the "jersey shore" there are a number of things you can do to beat the heat, aside from walking the boardwalk and catching some rays on the sand. Many people are aware that exit 117 on the Garden State Parkway is where your summer fun begins. All roads lead to Sandy Hook, a 7 mile stretch of beach with both ocean and bay sands. Did you know not only is this a beach,but it is also a National Park? Take the time to enjoy Fort Hancock Museum, Maritime Museum and hiking and biking trails. While on hopping off at exit 117, take some time to enjoy Runaway Rapids. This water parks is just across the street from the Keansburg Amusement Park and just a few short blocks off Highway 36. This is a great place to take the whole family!  The park is not the large scale water parks we are used to, but a great alternative to take  2 or 3 hours to splash around with out losing your group in the crowd. Joint admission is also available to the Amusement Park giving you extra bang for your buck! Finally, looking for a spot without all the usual tourist trappings?  Enjoy one of Monmouth County Park Systems best kept secrets.  Dorbrook Recreation Area offers a Sprayground. This great playground for the smaller kids is a super fun treat! With dry and wet playgrounds and water tables and umbrellas you are sure to enjoy. These are just some of the reasons living in Momnouth County is a such a treat. While your enjoying all that we have to offer take some time to consider owning in this area. Want to know more about why Monmouth County is a great place to live? Call me for more information posted by Danielle Calabrese Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 ext 625- Working 24/7 for all your real estate needs  

Breathtaking Water Views, Brielle, NJ

Experience the breathtaking water front views of Brielle from your new home. This 2 bedroom 2 bath condominium has views of the Manasquan River and Atlantic Ocean from practically every room! Enjoy breakfast in a custom kitchen complete with blue pearl granite counter tops and Decora maple cabinets. Relax in the master suite by the fireplace, or enjoy the ocean air on your own personal balcony. Hardwood floors throughout add to the sleek yet homey feel of this home. Located about a mile from Manasquan Beach and various five star restaurants and bars. Enjoy weekends kayaking on the Manasquan, walking the boardwalk in Point Pleasant, or simply basking in the sun with a comfortable and inviting home to return to which is both conveniently located, and tranquil and beautiful all year long. For appointment or to view call / text Anita Kazmierczak 732 547 2710 Make an Offer!!! $839,000 http://www.tourfactory.com/872539/r_betterhomesus.com   [gallery link="file" orderby="ID"]

Red Bank Riverfest

One of New Jersey's Largest Food and Music Festivals is happening June 2-3 at Marine Park in Red Bank. The Event will run Saturday June 2, 11am-10pm and Sunday June 3 11am-5pm. Right on the water in downtown Red Bank offering a taste of the best in food, music and lots of family fun!! Posted by Mary Etta Gregory Better Homes Realty 732-677-3984

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR IN KEYPORT

Make your dreams of owning a home a reality!  Thursday May 10th, Better Homes Realty in Keyport will be hosting a FREE First Time Home Buyers Seminar here in town at a local coffee house called Esspresso Joe's. There will be a variety of speakers and Real Estate professionals on hand to answer all of your questions and concerns in todays very challenging market.  Information on Monmouth County Grant Funds and Short Sale advice will be available! Preview available properties for Keyport, Hazlet, Aberdeen and Middletown. The meeting will start at 6pm and for more information please contact the Keyport office directly at 732-264-9593!!!

National Open House Weekend Tips!

ATTENTION BUYERS!! The time has come to get your comfortable shoes on, grab a water bottle and get the car keys, it's National Association of Realtor's Open House Weekend and in Monmouth County the balloons will be everywhere!!! Here are some handy tips that you may want to keep you from getting overwhelmed by it all. First, make it an occasion to spend some quality time with your significant other by getting a babysitter so you can see as many as possible and look forward to lunch or dinner after 4pm when most of them end. Second, have a plan! Know which areas you are most interested in based on school systems, access to work or family members, Hazlet, Middletown and Holmdel are among the most popular. Try to determine the exact style of house that you like such as a Colonial, Ranch, Split, Bi-Level or Cape. Research these different styles so you have an idea of what they look like from the street and try to resist the temptation to look at any that you know will not be your dream house so will have time to preview the right one.  Establish if you definitely want a garage, this will cut down on the amount of homes you would be tempted to preview on your drive by. Bring a pen and make notes on the print outs offered by the Realtors so you will be able to refresh your memory at the end of the day. And finally, remember to have fun and get excited about the prospect of buying your next home! Joanne Schiffres, http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty, Hazlet 732-757-5013    

Your Realtor Is A Valuable Resource

Realtors are more than just "door openers".  An experienced full time agent has established and maintained great industry relationships over the years in order to serve his or her clients when it comes to the largest purchase they will ever make. Your Realtor's sole purpose should be to make your transaction as seemless as possible. That is why they should be the first person you go to when you need an important referral such as an attorney, home inspector or most importantly, a mortgage representative. Real Estate transactions are only as good as the people involved in order to move things along in a timely fashion and open communication between those related industries are most important when difficulties arise. Why wouldn't you, the buyer or seller, want all parties involved in your transaction to have your best interests in mind and make this experience one of excitement and joy rather than something else entirely! Joanne Schiffres  http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty 732-757-5013

Waterfront Condos Point Pleasant NJ

2201 River Rd, Point Pleasant NJ Water's Edge  Point Pleasant's Premier Condominium Community Three units remain at Water's Edge, each with 2 bedrooms and 2.5  baths. Select condos offer furniture included in the sale, fireplace, butler's pantry, full kitchen with granite island, and state-of-the-art appliances. These beautiful mid-rise condominiums include units between 2,200 and 2,400 square feet. Balcony views with the Manasquan River or Point Pleasant Canal within eyeshot complete the beach-accessible dream this complex provides. For those just starting out, or those whose children are grown and are looking for a smaller home to retire to, or even those looking for a second home to enjoy, Water's Edge is a perfect location for all walks and stages of life. Come see why Money Magazine named Point Pleasant Borough one of the best places to live on the Jersey Shore, why not enjoy it with waterway views and ocean breezes? Three units remain and are available for a quick closing. Water/sewer fees are included in the association fee. Contact Anita Kazmierczak to schedule an appointment:  Email Anita@BetterHomesUS.com or call (732) 547-2710.

Garden State Film Festival 3-22 thru 3/25 2012

The 10th Annual Garden State Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre and other area venues. See over 190 current independent films from around the globe. This fun-filled weekend includes a special FREE screening of Michael, open talent casting call, professional panel discussions, parties, and more. Special Screening:  "I want My Name Back" Sat March 24th 9PM Wonder Mike & Master Gee of Rappers Delight, followed by a historic reunion concert with special guests. GSFF Only happens once a year.. Get tickets at the venues or GSFF.ORG source: APP  posted by Lisa Alaimo Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Monmouth County--JUST SOLD--2/29-3/5

2/29/2012 Aberdeen: 4 bedroom/3 bath Ranch 370 Fairfield Way$140,000 6 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 882 Malden Dr. $190,000 Atlantic Highlands: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Dutch Colonial 60 Fourth Ave $375,000 Colts Neck: 14 bedroom/7 bath Villa 187 Heyers Mill Rd. $4,450,000 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath brick front Colonial 121 Nottingham Dr. $539,000 Freehold: 4 bedroom/1 bath Colonial 27 Parker St. $105,000 4 bedroom/1 ½ bath split level  98 Wynnewood Ct. $230,000 4 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 132 Townsend Dr. $340,000 6 bedroom/6 ½ bath Colonial 311 Brandon Blvd. $1,150,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 16 High Point Rd. $517,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 12 Morse Way $653, 500 Howell: 2 bedroom/2 bath mobile home 5 Kay Lane $26,500 Long Branch: 4 bedroom/3 bathroom Victorian 470 Harrison St. $220,000 Manalapan: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 51 Winged Foot Dr. $455,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 16 Millay Rd. $365,000 Middletown: 2 bedroom/1 bath Cape 364 Port Monmouth Rd. 87,500 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 141 Iler Dr. $405,000 Neptune: 3 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 53 Heck Ave. $363,000 Millstone: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath 1 Red Owl Court $475,000 Red Bank: 3 bedroom/ 1 ½ bath Cape 84 John Street $363,000 Sea Girt: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 201 Boston Blvd. $2,000,000 Union Beach: 4 bedroom/3 bedroom Ranch 514 Central Ave. $225,000   3/1/2012 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Mother/Daughter 1 Woodmere Dr. $275,000 Fair Haven: 5 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 166 fair Haven Rd. $689,000 Highlands: 2 bedroom/2 bath RaisRan 8 Bay St. $195,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2½ bath Center Hall Colonial 12 Cindy Lane $640,000 Howell: 3 bedroom/2 bath Custom Home 117 Casino Dr. $230,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Weymouth Dr. $280,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Kinglet Ave. $335,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Damascus Dr. $485,000 Middletown: 3 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 502 Mackey Ave. $290,000 5 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 782 Clinton Pl. $380,000 Neptune: 2 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 3406 W bangs Ave. $44,000 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 6 Provincial Pl. $232,500 Rumson: 3 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 3 Wood Lane $1,385,000 Tinton Falls: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 107 Annapolis St.$330,000 West Long Branch: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 4 Primrose Lane $324,000   3/2/2012 Asbury Park: 3 bedroom/1 ½ bath Colonial 1513 3rd Ave. $268,000 Holmdel: 3 bedroom/ 2 bath split level 17 Deerfield Rd.$400,000 4 bedroom/ 2 ½ bath Colonial 7 Sweet Briar Lane $477,500 Howell: 4 bedroom/3 bath Bi-level 43 Forrest Hill Dr. $290,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Split-level 9 Silversmith Ct.$296,000 Manalapan: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 40 Symmes Rd. $282,500 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 99 N Parsonage Way $750,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 36 Longfellow Terr. $310,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 40 Hummingbird Ct. $361,000 Ocean: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 17 Conaskonk Dr. $405,000 Oceanport: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 97 Monmouth Blvd. $365,000 Roosevelt: 6 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 35 Lake Dr. $305,000 Rumson: 3 bedroom/2 bath Victorian 94 Bingham Ave.$460,000 4 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 4 Bellevue Ave. $1,425,000 Sea Bright: 4 bedroom/4 ½ bath Custom 8 Tradewinds Lane $1,750,000 Wall: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 1204 Laurel Ave. $387,500

Kaboom Fireworks on the Navesink?

The Kaboom Executive Committee announced on Feb. 15 that Red Bank's 2012 July 3 fireworks display would not take place due to soaring security costs and insurance premiums, coupled with the difficulty of monitoring public safety. A 50 year tradition which has become victim to its own success. It has become so large, it attracts 100,000-150,000 people to town and that does so much for local restuarants and retailers. Fore more info visit: www.gmnews.com details by Kristen Dalton of Independent newspaper. Posted by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesinNJ.com  

Help for Seniors

Click here for more info from my colleague Sandra RostekFebruary 29, 2012 by Wendy Trager Email: wendytrager@optonline.net.   It comes as no surprise that some of the hardest hit in this economy are seniors.  Homes seniors have been living in their whole adult life may now burdensome to pay for and upkeep.  Many seniors feel they have nowhere else to go.  Reverse Mortgages can be the solution for a variety of problems:

• To help seniors looking to downsize and finance the purchase of a smaller home.
• To help seniors facing foreclosure
• To help seniors suffering from job loss and unable to pay their mortgage
• To help with home repairs
• To help with sale of home
• To help a senior stay in their current home and pay for home healthcare

• The homeowners must 62 years old
• The home must be their principal residence (must live in the home more than half a year)
• The home must be a single family home, a 2-4 unit building or a federally approved condominium or planned unit development
• If there are debts against the home, then the homeowner must use the reverse mortgage to pay it off
• There are NO credit/income requirements

• Traditional mortgage or home equity loans require proof of sufficient income and credit history to qualify, and you will have to repay beginning within 30 days of closing.  With a reverse mortgage, there are no monthly payments to be made at any time during the loan for as long as you continue to occupy the home as a primary residence.  Since there is no monthly payment, the FHA does not require verification of your income and does not require a good credit rating. 

Real Estate Social Media

There’s a URL for That

By JILL P. CAPUZZO

LARRY VECCHIO, a Monmouth County real estate broker, was ahead of the curve in the late 1990s when he started buying up a number of generic-sounding Internet domain names that he thought might come in handy one day. The URLs he first went after were “Homesin(fill in the blank).com,” the blank being the names of the 20 towns his agency, based in Hazlet, served. Once he saw how easy and cheap it was to make these purchases — for a one-time flat fee or annual rentals — Mr. Vecchio started buying up every similar-sounding URL (Uniform Resource Locator) he could get his hands on. “I just thought, if you were going to look for a house, what would you type in?” he recalled. “So I looked up ‘homesin...’ and nobody had them.” Among those he learned were available were HomesintheUnitedStates, HomesinNorthAmerica and HomesinNewYork. (One that had already been spoken for was HomesinNewJersey, which was owned by someone in the Canadian town of New Jersey, from whom he was able to buy it for $1,500.) Today he owns 1,300 URLs, including “Homesin...” and “Condosin...” for just about every municipality in New Jersey, as well as towns throughout the country. He also owns the domain names, meaning that by adding a backslash and the name of any town in the United States, he has a network of some 35,000 URLs. As the vast majority of house hunts happen over the Internet, Mr. Vecchio’s URLs have a colossal resale value — far exceeding what he paid for them. For instance, he said he had been offered $100,000 for “HomesinForeclosure.com.” But this 54-year-old Web visionary has bigger plans for his holdings. Until recently, most of the Homesin... pages have had little or no content. But Phase 2 of Mr. Vecchio’s plans for HomesinYourTown.com envisions the URLs as the go-to real estate search-and-information site for anyone looking to buy a home in New Jersey and beyond. He has recently bought access to real estate listings nationwide, at a cost of $4,000 a month; he plans to populate his Web sites with these by the end of February. This will put him on similar footing with many other national real estate search sites, like Zillow.com, Trulia.com, the Multiple Listing Service, Realtor.com and Homes.com. But what he is hoping will make his sites more valuable are the “town leaders” he is trying to get to host each site: local agents or mortgage officers who will blog about area homes, schools, businesses and other community news in exchange for being the featured real estate professional on the site. By combining this hyperlocal reporting with real estate listing information, Mr. Vecchio said, he has developed “the first social media real estate site.” At the 2011 Tri-State Realtors Convention in Atlantic City in November, agents were competing for blogging rights on the URLs of some towns, said Christopher Sheridan, a real estate marketer who is signing up the local bloggers for Mr. Vecchio’s sites. “If you snooze, you lose,” said Mr. Sheridan, who has thus far signed up 180 town leaders, most of whom are paying the company $50 a month for that privilege. “If somebody wanted a town, I told them they better take it, or at least put something down.” Judith Weiniger, a Somerset County agent, recently signed on to be the featured broker on the HomesinWarren.com and HomesinWatchung.com sites. She described her venture as part of her overall commitment this year to embracing social media as a selling tool. “I’m a big believer in this hyperlocal social media strategy,” said Ms. Weiniger, an agent with Re/Max Premier in Warren Township. “People are more apt to trust a person or a business if they know someone else trusts them. I’m looking to build continued good will.” National Web-based real estate sites, too, are adding social media elements to their offerings, with blogs, links to Facebook and Twitter, and user apps. Patty McNease, the marketing director for Homes.com, said her company’s site was now posting a blog almost every day on some general-interest real estate topic. As far as localizing the information goes, Ms. McNease said, the site offers a question-and-answer section allowing readers to post queries about a given market, and “they’ll be bombarded with answers from local realtors within a few hours.” The goal at Homes.com — the country’s fourth-largest Web-based real estate site, according to comScore.com, a digital data analyst — is to “try to capture and keep visitors at our site as long as possible,” Ms. McNease said. Ian Lazarus, a broker with the Landis Company in Sea Isle City, signed on to host the Homesin... sites in Sea Isle City, Cape May and Avalon. He said he had been slow to embrace the blogging component of real estate sites, which in recent months had provided him with 50 to 60 leads, the majority of them people living outside of New Jersey. “He’s got 1,300 URLs, and every one is linked to the others,” Mr. Lazarus said of Mr. Vecchio. “That’s a lot of juice. And for me it’s important, because it’s something I can never build.” [caption id="attachment_4389" align="alignnone" width="190" caption="Real Estate Social Media"][/caption]

Let's Buy Something Together...

Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems Buying a home can be both exciting and stressful but, for those with past credit problems, the process may also seem intimidating.  The good news is that many lenders have adapted to the idea that many hopeful homeowners simply need a second chance, which means that past credit problems no longer have to define your future. Credit Blemishes When life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, it’s not always possible to come out without a few bumps and bruises. Every day, people are faced with late or missed credit card payments, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, auto repossessions and even civil judgments that will affect their credit reports for years to come.  Whether it’s from a job loss, injury or just a simple case of temporary hardship, credit blemishes are often a part of life.  The good news is that they no longer have to prevent you from becoming a homeowner. Give Yourself A Little Credit After experiencing a credit problem, most lenders will want to see an attempt to rebuild your credit through a steady payment history with a new account.  This can be accomplished by applying for a credit card and maintaining a responsible use of the account.  If you aren’t approved for an unsecured card, you can always apply for a secured credit card. Either will rebuild your credit over time and will help to show lenders that your past credit problems are just that - in the past. Clean Up Your Credit Report Before applying for a home loan, make sure that you check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Every 12 months, consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If anything is incorrect or found to be inaccurate, filing a dispute with the credit reporting agency can help to get the information corrected before speaking with a lender. When you apply for a home loan, the lender will access your credit report for the purpose of determining your creditworthiness. In an effort to ensure that you have the best possible chance at being approved for the loan at the best possible interest rates, making sure that your credit report is accurate is a must. Save Up For A Down Payment Some homebuyers often qualify for a mortgage with down payments as low as five percent (three and one half percent for FHA loans), but those with past credit problems may be required to shell out up to 35 percent or more for a down payment on their new home.  A buyer who pays a larger down payment obviously has more vested interest in the home and may, thereby, be less likely to default on a loan.  If you have past credit problems, check with your lender about specific down payment requirements and start saving! Creative Financing Options If you’ve exhausted all of your conventional efforts and are still turning up empty, don’t give up just yet. Alternative financing is an option that many homebuyers use to purchase a home.  Your REALTOR® can provide you with details regarding any lease purchase and/or owner financing properties, which may require no credit check, no bank qualifying, a low down payment and competitive interest rate options.

Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet selected as "2012 N.J. Five Star Real Estate Agent"!

Great News!!! Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet Branch is one of the recipents of the 2012 New Jersey Five Star Real Estate Agent award. She is among a group of fewer than 7% of real estate agents in the New Jersey area. New Jersey Monthly asked Five Star Professional to conduct research with clients, peers and industry experts to determine the r.e. agents in N.J. area who rated highest in overall satisfaction. Winners will be listed in the March 2012 issue of New Jersey Monthly. Congradulations Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet, N.J. 800-531-2885 x 451    www.SearchHomesinNJ.com

Luxury Waterfront Properties Offer Discounted Closing Prices!

Mark the Date!!! Your Residential Real Estate Questions Answered.

Live Chat on Ustream.tv  by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty.  Present will be Michael J. Weber of Weber Law Offices in Howell, NJ.  Chat live and ask you real estate questions.  All Residential real estate questions and RE Legal Quesions. Re-sale, short sales, bank owned, foreclosure, condo's, town homes & rentals. Mark the date... March 1, 2012 at 7:PM You can email your request prior, we will respond on live chat and email you back with answers. Email to : LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com See you there... Channel Name:  BHRLisaalaimo or search on ustream.tv  NJrealestateagent   or just click the link below and save to your favorites. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njrealestateagent Lisa Alaimo.. . .www.SearchHomesinNJ.com     for Michael Weber of Weber Law offices...  www.WeberLawOffices.com

Avoiding Foreclosure (Government information)

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure Call me with any questions. 800-531-2885 x 451 or email me at:  LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com  Better Homes Realty   Lisa Alaimo

Pricing your home to sell.

How to use comparable sales to sell your home.. Click the link from houselogic..  http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/how-use-comparable-sales-price-your-home/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty   800-531-2885 x451  www.LISAALAIMO.com   email me at: LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com

Looking for Middletown Parking Permit

Middletown's main parking lot on Church St. next to the train station no longer has a wait list. At the half year mark, parking permits for the main lot are on sale now for $200. for residents and $225. for non residents. Permits are good through June 30. Contact the office of the Township Clerk at 732-615-2015 from 9am -5pm. Monday through Friday for more information. information courtesy of Independent news entered by Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty

Sea Bright/Rumson Bridge Closing

Please be advised the Monmouth County Engineering Department has notified the Borough of Sea Bright that the Sea Bright/Rumson bridge will be closed for testing for four hours on Wednesday, January 25 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.