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Orly Steinberg

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Displaying blog entries 181-190 of 300

Passaic County NJ Real Estate For Sale: 61 Lily Road, Wanaque

Friday, November 21, 2008
by Orly Steinberg

Passaic County NJ Real Estate For Sale:

passaic county nj real estate61 Lily Road, Wanaque NJ 07456
MLS#   2604005

PRETTY, PRIVATE AND YOU CAN MOVE RIGHT IN! 2 STORY ON VERY QUIET CUL DE SAC IN WANAQUE HAS BEEN NICELY UPDATED AND FEATURES 2 GENEROUS BEDROOMS + ADDITIONAL ROOM OFF MASTER BEDROOM!! 2 FULL BATHS! HUGE 1.4 ACRE LOT TOO!!.............call "ONLY" ORLY TODAY at 973-962-5410.

For more information on 61 Lily Road in Wanaque or other Passaic County NJ real estate visit OnlyOrly.com.

Search all Passaic County NJ real estate for sale.

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Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 13, 2008
by Orly Steinberg

  With Thanksgiving coming up everyone is planning their menus.  What is a Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce?  I grew up with the canned kind that was more like a gelatin and thought that was the way to go.  Even as I grew to enjoy cooking from scratch- everything from the  stuffing to the gravy, homemade cakes and desserts, I still held on to the old sauce. 

Last year I decided to make my own cranberry sauce.  It was SO easy and So delicious.  It was also fun to make.  I enjoyed watching the cranberries pop and then thicken.  For so little effort, the difference from the canned variety was a huge one.  This is a great recipe I got from the internet....

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice. Stir in the cranberries, and cook until they start to pop (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat, and transfer to a bowl. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Thats it!  It will serve 12.  It keeps it the refrigerator for up to 10 days so its nice to make it ahead of time and one less thing to do on the big day!

posted by

Merry Lapine

Buyer Specialist on Only Orly's team

 

 

 

 

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Passaic County NJ Real Estate: New Jersey Real Estate Podcast

Thursday, November 13, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
The New Jersey Real Estate Podcast




This month's edition covers Passaic County real estate market activity and then we discuss four proven strategies for getting the most out of today's market!

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.


Program length: approximately 5 1/2 minutes
download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed
Search all Passaic County NJ real estate and homes for sale.
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12 Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Passaic County REALTOR

Thursday, November 06, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
12 Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Passaic County REALTOR

passaic county realtorYour Passaic County home is most likely the largest investment you have and choosing a Realtor to assist you with the sale is a major decision. Below are questions to ask when choosing your Passaic County Realtor:
 
Make sure you choose a Passaic County REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?

12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.
 
When you are ready to interview Passaic County Realtors, give me a call. I am glad to answer the above questions and any additional questions you might have.
 
 
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Passaic County Real Estate: New Jersey Real Estate Podcast - October 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
The New Jersey Real Estate Podcast



This month's edition of The New Jersey Real Estate Podcast covers New Jersey real estate market activity and then we will talk about how with every change, there are hidden opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 6 minutes
download podcast mp3 file   |   subscribe to podcast feed
Learn more about New Jersey and Passaic County real estate at OnlyOrly.com.
Search all Passaic County real estate and homes for sale.
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Passaic County NJ Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008
by Orly Steinberg

Passaic County NJ Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2008

Pending home sales activity surged as buyers took advantage of low home prices and affordable interest rates, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,1 a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 7.4 percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87.0 in July, and is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home buyers were responding to improved affordability. “What we’re seeing is the momentum of people taking advantage of low home prices, with pending home sales up strongly in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island and the Washington, D.C., region,” he said. "It’s unclear how much contract activity may be impacted by the credit disruptions on Wall Street, but we’re hopeful most of the increase will translate into closed existing-home sales.” National Association of Realtors®

Let’s take a look at the Passaic County NJ real estate sales statistics for September 2008 to see how the market looks in our area:

 
       
The sold listings have remained constant in Ringwood this September over September 2007.  The average sales price has decreased by 35% to $300,359 and median sales price has decreased by 37%, while market times have increased by 24 days.

Ringwood
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
Sept 2008
109
6
$272,300
$300,359
98
Sept 2007
111
5
$429,888
$405,478
74

The Wanaque market saw constant active listings this September, compared against September 2007.  Homes sold this month are down by 3.  The average sales price remained relatively unchaged at $320,375, while market times have increased by 50 days.

Wanaque
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale Price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
Sept 2008
94
4
$309,000
$320,375
102
Sept 2007
93
7
$322,500
$320,857
52

Pompton Lakes saw an increase of 36% of sold listings in September 2008 compared to September 2007.  Like other areas the median price decreased.  The median sales price dropped 15% to $315,000 while homes remained on the market an average of 10 days longer than last September.

Pompton Lakes
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale Price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
Sept 2008
141
14
$315,000
$306,314
77
Sept 2007
167
9
$370,000
$370,111
67

Again, as Lawrence Yun said and as these statistics show, people are taking advantage of improved affordability.  
For the latest Passaic County NJ real estate market conditions, please call me at 973-962-5410 or visit HomesByOrly.com.

Statistics are based on information from the Garden State MLS. They are deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 
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Passaic County Real Estate: Home Buyers Enjoy Reduced Fees

Friday, October 17, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
Passaic County Real Estate: Home Buyers Enjoy Reduced Fees
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both announced they will not impose the loan fee increase scheduled to go into effect next month. Fees were to have increased from .25% to .5%, making it even more difficult for Passaic County home buyers. The biggest obstacle many ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Passaic County home buyers face is the necessary cash needed for a down payment and closing costs.
thumbs upBoth companies, now controlled by the federal government, had decided to increase fees to boost their finances during difficult times.
Freddie Mac, however, will raise fees next year for riskier loan products, including mortgages that allow interest-only payments for the first few years. Freddie also will require higher credit scores for "piggyback" loans that allow borrowers to make smaller down payments by taking out two mortgages.
Taken together, Freddie Mac said the changes would provide "some relief from the challenges in the current market environment," but added that it is following lending practices "that are prudent and largely applicable in all market conditions."
Learn more about Passaic County real estate at OnlyOrly.com.
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Is Buying Passaic County Real Estate A Good Idea?

Friday, October 10, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
Let’s face it, our economy and the Passaic County real estate market (not just Passaic County, but the entire country) is in turmoil. I am to the point I refuse to pick up the newspaper…it is just too depressing!
 
Like many Americans, abacusI am tempted to take my money an stick it under the mattress, but as a Realtor, I have to ask is buying a home and investing in Passaic County real estate a good idea? And the answer is yes. As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of the best investments you can make. And the operative word here is “long-term.”
 
You are probably thinking I’m out of my mind with the number of foreclosures going up and home prices going down. So whey is Passaic County real estate a good idea? Like the stock market, real estate is cyclical and will have its ups and downs. But, homeownership has a track record that is virtually unmatched by any other investment of stocks, bonds or mutual funds.
 
Homeownership’s Real Value
 
Homeownership is a solid stepping stone to financial security and the single largest creator of wealth for many Americans. Despite cyclical ups and downs, real estate has consistently appreciated over the long-term. The National Association of Home Builders reports home appreciation has, historically, increased 5-6 percent annually.
 
This may not seem like much, but let’s look at some figures that will put it into perspective. If you were to put down the 3.5 percent required by FHA on a $200,000 house, you would put down $7,000. At a 5 percent annual appreciation rate, that $200,000 home would increase in value $10,000 during the first year. Earning $10,000 on an investment of $7,000 is an extraordinary annual return.
 
In contrast, putting that $7,000 down payment into the stock market and getting a 5 percent gain would only yield a $350 profit.
 
Compared to Stocks
 
Looking at it another way, over a longer period of time, if someone put $10,000 into the stock market in 1996, the average annual S&P return would make that investment worth $21,500 today—an increase of $11,500. The median home price in 1996 was $140,000.
Today, that same home would have gained nearly $100,000 in value.
 
Try to ignore the ‘nay sayers’ and those who say the sky is falling and don’t miss out on the benefits of homeownership. Conventional wisdom is always to buy low and sell high, making now the time to buy.
 
For more information on Passaic County real estate, visit OnlyOrly.com or give us a call at 973-962-5410.
 
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New Jersey Real Estate Podcast

Friday, October 03, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
The latest edition of the New Jersey Real Estate Podcast covers market activity and then we will examine the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 recently passed by Congress.
Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Excerpt from this month’s show:
“The government is offering $7,500 in what amounts to be a tax-free loan, helping first-time home buyers get into a home. 
Up to $7,500 will be given to first-time purchasers as they file their income tax returns. The amount will be phased out above a certain income level and is to be no more than 10 percent of the home purchase price — though first-time buyers will qualify for the full amount.”
Listen to our Podcast to learn more about how the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 is helping New Jersey home buyers.
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Passaic County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008
by Orly Steinberg
Passaic County Real Estate Market Trends
The level of home sales is expected to show little movement in the months ahead, according to the latest projections by the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in July, fell 3.2 percent to 86.5 from an upwardly revised reading of 89.4 in June, which had risen 5.8 percent from May. The July index remains 6.8 percent below July 2007 when it stood at 92.8.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home sales continue to edge up and down. “Pending home sales are oscillating month-to-month, with the long-term trend essentially flat,” he said. “Overly stringent lending criteria imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past month no doubt held back contract signings.” National Association of Realtors®

Let’s take a look at the Passaic County real estate sales statistics for August 2008 to see how the market looks in our area:

 
       
The market times have decreased by 17 days in Ringwood this August over August 2007.  The average and median sales price has decreased by 2%.  Active listings have remained constant. 

Ringwood
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
August 2008
108
6
$410,000
$460,817
71
August 2007
119
19
$419,000
$469,808
88

The Wanaque market saw constant active listings this August, compared against August 2007.  Homes sold this month are down by 5.  The average sales price decreased 12% to $319,841, while market times have increased by 55 days.

Wanaque
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale Price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
August 2008
98
7
$320,000
$319,841
146
August 2007
96
12
$330,000
$364,158
91

Pompton Lakes saw consistant sales activity in August 2008 compared to August 2007.  Like other areas the median and sales prices both decreased.  The median sales price dropped 6% to $350,000 while homes remained on the market an average of 63 days longer than last June.

Pompton Lakes
Active
Listings
Sold
Listings
Median
Sale Price
Average
Sale Price
Average
DOM
August 2008
148
7
$350,000
$381,986
103
August 2007
150
8
$375,000
$350,125
40

Again, as Lawrence Yun said and as these statistics show, home sales are moving up and down, even within the same city. 
For the latest Passaic County real estate market conditions, please call me at 973-962-5410 or visit HomesByOrly.com.

Statistics are based on information from the Garden State MLS. They are deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 
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Orly Steinberg
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
130 Skyline Drive, Ringwood NJ 07456