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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/should-i-wait-to-buy-my-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/should-i-wait-to-buy-my-home.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Should I wait to buy my home? </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are ready, waiting might cost you 


I am going to discuss this topic with a few assumptions.




       You want to buy a home  home buying guide


       You are ready to buy, meaning this is the next step


       Financially, you are ready to buy  get a pre-approval


       Again, you want to by a home




My answer to that question is “what are you waiting for?”, obviously you are asking because you are concerned about either interest rates or home values, most likely both.  


So, if it is interest rates that are you concern, this is where you would tell me that (insert number here) months/years ago the interest rates were (insert number here) and that is true. I could play the game and do the same and tell you what they were blank in said year and so on and try to remind you that historically, interest rates are still low yada yada yada.


Our conversation would pretty much track the same for home values. You would make an accurate statement about the increase over the last few years, and then I would point out that over time home values rise, as they do.


We are both right, but both of us being right does not help you.  You want Interest rates to drop You want home values to, maybe not drop a lot but drop a little. 


Even in our deadlock, I still ask “what are you waiting for?” If you want to buy a house and can AFFORD a house, that you want, then BUY it.  Not only are you purchasing and establishing a home to live in, presumably for the foreseeable future. You are also, just as importantly securing an asset.


Let’s say you purchase a home this year at X rate. What can happen after that




       The rates lower after a year or two, now you can refinance to the lower rate. You have your home and asset secured.  Life is good


       The rates do not lower, but stay more or less the same for the next few years. Ok, you already have your home and asset secured. You are no longer renting. Life is good


       The rates increase over the next few years. Lucky you, you believe you bought at the right time. You have your home and asset secured. Life is good




The same can happen with the home values over the next few years. They will either go up, go down or stay the same.  The difference is that even though home values can go down, historically they rise over time.  And don’t forget your loan is a SELF-AMORTIZIATION loan, as time passes your principle lowers and your equity increases.


Waiting is a gamble that can hurt you. You run the risk of higher rates or higher prices and more importantly time lost.  It could work out, maybe rates will lower along with values. But to be honest low inventory continues to be our problem, until we are flooded with houses to sell, I do not see values coming down anytime soon, and just like in 2020 with interest rates dropped, that could just pack the market with buyers again immediately causing prices to rise and creating another seller’s market.


https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/study-homeowner-wealth-is-40-times-higher-than-renters


https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/middle-income-homeowners-gained-more-than-120000-in-wealth-over-the-past-decade-from-home-appreciation
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-i-like-about-living-in-kearny-nj.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-i-like-about-living-in-kearny-nj.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>What I like about Living in Kearny, NJ</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
I really like my town


I moved to Kearny in 2006. Five years later, after getting married, we moved to Lyndhurst, NJ and stayed there till we bought our house in Kearny in 2018.


Here are some of the things that I really like about Kearny, NJ


Location: Kearny's location offers many benefits for travelers and commuters. The town is conveniently located near major transportation hubs, making it easy to get around the area and beyond. The airport is just a short 30-minute taxi ride away, making it a great option for those traveling by air. Additionally, the Harrison Path Station and NJ Transit train stop in nearby Lyndhurst( offers free parking), providing a quick and easy 20-30 minute train ride into New York City. Kearny is also conveniently located near major highways such as the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, making it easy to get to other parts of New Jersey and beyond. The close proximity to neighboring towns like North Arlington, Lyndhurst and Rutherford also provides access to even more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Overall, Kearny's location offers many benefits for those who value convenience and easy access to transportation options.


https://www.njtransit.com/


https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/schedules-maps.html


Events: Kearny has variety of events and organizations that operate in the town. Throughout the year, there are many events organized by local organizations, such as parades, carnivals, and tricky trays. These events provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate, and have fun. From the Fourth of July fireworks to the Kearny Christmas Tree Lighting, there is always something going on in Kearny. These events also serve as an excellent opportunity for local businesses and organizations to promote their products and services. They help to create a sense of community and bring people together. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, Kearny's many events and community organizations offer a fun and engaging way to experience the town and get to know its people.


https://www.kearnynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Calendar-FINAL.pdf


Parks: Kearny is also home to many parks, playgrounds, recreation fields and green spaces, making it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors. For athletics, the recently reconstructed Gunnell Oval has Baseball, Football and Soccer fields along with Volley Ball, Tennis and Basketball courts in addition to a large playground. For dog owners, there is even a dedicated dog park where their furry friends can run and play off-leash. Even with all of these outdoor spaces, Kearny will possibly have more in the future. The Essex-Hudson Greenway Project will pass through Kearny, providing even more multi-use green space.


 https://www.essexhudsongreenway.org/


 https://www.kearnynj.org/recreation-department


Walking: Kearny was Incorporated in 1867, well before the invention of the automobile, and the size and design make it a great walking town. Kearny Ave runs North/South through the middle of the town providing easy access to the majority of local businesses.  Whether purely for exercise, running errands, getting ice cream or coffee all can easily be done on foot. In fact, I believe that most students along with some parents walk to school every day. Having grown up in both walking friendly and car dependent towns, it is nice to have the option to walk.  


Food:  Kearny is a town with a rich culinary scene. From cafes to bakeries to restaurants, there is no shortage of options for those seeking a delicious meal. One of the standout features is the variety of cuisines available, with offerings from Portuguese, Brazilian, Peruvian, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and more. Whether you're in the mood for a spicy Mexican dish or a delicate sushi roll, Kearny has it all. Additionally, the availability of high-quality bread at affordable prices is a real treat for anyone with a love for baked goods.  Some places that I frequently enjoy are


https://www.instagram.com/natasandbowls/?hl=en


https://www.firepitbbq.net/home


https://www.mipueblitokearny.com/


http://curiositybyintrinsic.com/index.html
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2023 17:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/avoid-common-home-buying-mistakes.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/avoid-common-home-buying-mistakes.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Avoid Common Home Buying Mistakes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The mistakes I have seen.


Home buying is a significant investment and a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can derail your plans. Here are Five common mistakes to avoid when buying a home and offer advice to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals.



Not getting pre-approval: Before you start your house hunt, it's essential to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval lets you know how much you can afford and helps you understand the mortgage options available to you. It also gives you a better idea of the additional costs you will incur, such as closing costs. This information is critical to help you avoid disappointment and ensure that you only look at homes that are within your budget.


 Involving too many people: While it may seem like a good idea to seek advice from friends, family, or other loved ones, having too many people involved in the process can be a mistake. Unless they have recent and relevant experience in the area you are buying in, their advice may be outdated or even confusing. Furthermore, if they don't have skin in the game, they may be dismissive or negative about homes that you like, leading to a cancelled contract.


Being too aggressive: When negotiating the purchase price or conditions of a home, it's essential to be reasonable and professional. Being too aggressive in your approach can lead to the contract being cancelled, which is the last thing you want. It's important to understand that the contract will only close if both parties are satisfied. Using the inspection report to renegotiate the purchase price can be risky and may cause the deal to fall through.


Working with multiple agents: While it may seem like a good idea to have multiple agents searching for properties on your behalf, this approach can be counter-productive. Finding a home is only part of the job, and successfully closing the deal with minimal stress requires an experienced agent who can handle any problems that arise. It's essential to work with an agent you trust and who can educate you about the entire process and answer any questions you have.


Bringing unqualified individuals to inspections: Unless your father or uncle (or any other family member or friend) is a certified home inspector, it's best not to bring them along to the inspection. Having too many people involved in the inspection process can be a distraction and may lead to confusion or conflicting opinions. It's important to work with a qualified home inspector to ensure that the inspection is thorough and accurate.



In conclusion, buying a home is a big decision, and avoiding these common mistakes will help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals. By getting pre-approval, limiting the number of people involved, being reasonable in negotiations, working with a trusted agent, and relying on qualified home inspectors, you can ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience.



  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-is-really-going-on-with-the-real-estate-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-is-really-going-on-with-the-real-estate-market.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>What is really going on with the Real Estate Market?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In recent months, the media has been filled with stories of a struggling real estate market. Headlines blare about declining home sales and plummeting prices, painting a dire picture for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. But don't believe the hype. The reality is that the real estate market is thriving, and now is a great time to make a move.


Just this past Saturday I did an open house for a 2 family home.  The house had just come back on the market a few days earlier and since we did not have a lot of time to promote the open house my colleague and I were not sure about the turnout.  We were so busy that we had to extend the open house by 45 mins.  More than 30 sets of buyers came through and these were not the same buyers you would find during the pandemic.  These were mainly well qualified buyers that were also not 1st time buyers.  Even right now as I write this I am still receiving calls regarding the property. In fact I have a showing in 30 mins,  By the time we were collecting the the signs my colleague and I felt very positive, not only for the property we are selling but for the market in general.  


For Sellers 


The market is thirsty for homes, period.  If you are kicking your self for not listing 6 or 12 months ago, stop.  List now It is true that interests are higher and due to that there are less buyers out there, but since inventory is still critically low home prices have NOT plummeted like you were led to believe.  There still are plenty of buyers out there I would even dare to say that the average buyer in search of a home right now is a stronger buyer than during the pandemic.  Prepare your home accordingly and price it correctly and you should be able to find a buyer in no time.  Do not be tempted to set your &quot;town record&quot; with your price.  You will distract buyers and waste your time.  There have been some list prices out there that are just insane. 


For BUyers


Home prices have not fallen and unless the inventory jumps up 1000 in the next 6 months most likely they will not fall a whole lot.  This is actually good news for you.  If home prices are tumbling down would you feel very confident to buy? Stable values are a good thing.  Most importantly since there are less buyers out there looking you have less competition.  Technically it is still a seller's market but much more reasonable than the last 2 yrs.  You shouldn't have to promise the sellers your 1st born in you offer.  I do not know how long this will last.  I would encourage you to start or re-start your search soon.  Keep an eye on what is new to the market and price reductions. Stay ready to make a move.  You might be surprised to find yourself under contract before you know it.    



Who you work with matters


If you are looking to buy or sell in any market.  You want to work with an Agent that has the following. 






Market knowledge: A good agent will have extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and can provide valuable insights on current trends, pricing, and inventory. This knowledge can help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions.






Negotiating skills: A good agent will be able to negotiate effectively on behalf of their clients, whether it's helping a buyer secure the best deal or helping a seller get the highest price for their home.






Marketing expertise: A good agent will have the skills and resources to market a home effectively, which can help attract more buyers and ultimately lead to a faster sale.






Network and Connections: Good agents have a wide network of connections, including other agents, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and other professionals involved in the buying and selling process. This can help streamline the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly.






Experience and Professionalism: Good agents have experience in the industry and will conduct themselves in a professional manner. They know the laws and regulations that must be followed and how to navigate through difficult situations, protecting their client's best interest.






Stress reduction: Buying or selling a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process. A good agent can take on much of the burden and handle the details, allowing their clients to focus on the bigger picture.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/get-a-pre-approval.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/get-a-pre-approval.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Get a Pre-Approval</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Be the best buyer you can be


The importance of speaking with a mortgage rep or broker, and getting a pre-approval cannot be stressed enough.


In fact, it should be one on the 1st things you do, if not the very 1st thing.  This is assuming that you have a general Idea on where you want to buy.  Your desired location’s property taxes are a factor when it comes to pre-approvals.


I do meet buyers every now and then that want to find their house first, then get a pre-approval. This usually does not work out. Learning that a house that you like is not in your price range can be demotivating and delay you in accomplishing what you want. 


Even worse is finding a house, getting pre-approved for the price but since you needed a day or two to get everything together another buyer submitted an offer and it was accepted.


A pre-approval cost you nothing. 


What you get in return is tremendous.


Ultimately you are a better buyer, an educated buyer.


Buying a house is not an easy feat.  Getting a pre-approval first or early is the best way to set you up for success.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:36:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/when-to-buy-sell.html</guid>
    <link>https://jasonsellsnj.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/when-to-buy-sell.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Knowing when to buy or sell your home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Life of a realtor


Being a Realtor means that people always ask you if NOW is a good time to buy or sell. This is not just at the obvious places such as my office or a listing appointment, but everywhere. I mean everywhere. Weddings, BBQs, in line at the post office, even in my own house from the guy fixing my fridge. I do not mind it at all. Especially since I enjoy talking about Real Estate.


Usually, they are expecting me to bring up some statistics demonstrating the strength or weakness of the current market. I don’t, at least I don’t START with that.  Why?  If someone is thinking of buying or selling THEIR home, their reason almost always has nothing to do with the market, and I rather discuss that.  


Here are some reasons why 


Why you want to BUY




tired of renting and not paying into my own asset


want to move out of my parents house


want an upgrade to my quality of life


just got engaged/married


starting a family


financially stable/got a promotion




Why you want to Sell




relocating


want to downsize/upgrade


retiring


divorce


don't want to pay a mortgage anymore/ finances changed


Duties as executor of a estate




You only need one of these reasons, but that is not enough. Are you ready to buy or sell?


ready to buy




you have the funds for down payment, closing costs, moving costs etc..


you either have gotten a pre-approval or are ready to


you know where you would like to live and what type of property




ready to sell




you already have a place to go or want to buy another home


you are in good standing with your mortgage (if not, you can still sell)


you can transfer title 


your house is ready to sell (no open permits, house is clutter free)




Every month, regardless of the market, houses are bought and sold. Unless you are an investor, the market has very little impact on your desire to buy or sell. 


The market tells us how long it takes to sell a home, what are buyers willing to pay, what are they able to pay etc...


I usually always end my response with a question for them


&quot;if you want to and you can...why not?&quot;


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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