RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren

Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 1 - 7

While August might seem eons away, tickets are already on sale for the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Held at the intersection of Route 519 and Stryker's Road in Harmony Township, this is the 73^rd Farmer's Fair and 10^th Balloon Festival.

The Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival offers some specials for children and senior citizens but the normal admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5 - 12 with those 4 or under Free.  You may also buy a season pass for just $25.00.  This single admission covers both the fair and the Balloon Festival.  Rides have a charge expect during the special times. One does need another grandstand ticket for events such as a Demolition Derby, Mud Bog Competition, Lawnmower Races, the Elvis impersonator, etc.   Brochure for Warren County NJ Farmers Fair and Balloon Festival

I have the wonderful memory of a hot air balloon ride during a festival many years ago. Hubby Chip has never been, so I might just splurge and sign up for a ride by calling 908-454-3431.  Somewhat pricey, there are ways to win a hot air balloon ride both before and during the Farmers' Fair in Warren County NJ.

New to Warren County NJ, Chip and I are really looking forward to the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 1 - 7, 2010. A couple season passes might be necessary for us with so much to do and enjoy (and eat!).

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

The Owl's Nest - 97 Route 519, Phillipsburg. Hunting, Fishing, Archery Supplies and FRIENDSHIP. Warren County NJ. Phone is 908-995-7903.

  Had you told me a month ago that a place that outfits hunters, anglers and bowmen would be my first "great find" in Warren County NJ, I wouldn't have believed you.  Pohatcong Creek runs through my front yard and is stocked with trout. I asked some of the fishermen a few questions and they all told me to "go 'round the corner" to The Owl's Nest. There I could learn, obtain permits and get whatever I needed.

 I've had less than pleasant experiences in some sporting good places when I've gone to purchase gifts for family members. Decided to make hubby Chip meet me at The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg because

1. I am a woman;
2. I barely know which end of a rod points to the water (but do know one must wear a silly hat);
3. I'm the new kid in town.

 Wasn't I blown away when Proprietor Jim Heebner extended his hand and introduced himself when I walked in!  How many shops of any kind have YOU been in lately where that courtesy is graciously extended?  Chip arrived and Jim introduced us both to another neighbor who was at The Owl's Nest. And when Jim's son Jim came in, we were again introduced. (Chip was totally unnecessary but enjoyed his visit immensely.)

 Amidst all this socializing, Jim Heebner of The Owl's Nest was hard at work getting me ready to catch the big one.  Jim explained why he selected each item. My 5 year-old nephew, 3 year-old niece and I will have our first trout fishing experience together on Saturday. Jim made sure we can enjoy squirmy worms on hooks as well as trying a lure. Now Ryan, Juliana and I are certain to catch one of the 3 large trout Jim promises is right in front of my home.

 Prices? I don't have a basis for comparison but certainly the items I needed from The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg NJ were very moderately - and clearly - priced.  One can spend a fortune on hunting, fishing or archery supplies but I sure got "bargain beginner basics" yet Jim treated me royally. He meant it when he said to drop in any time with questions. I left with a new friend in my new neighborhood. DISCLOSURE - There is NO compensation for this post; Jim doesn't even know about it - yet!

 So, even if you have to drive a bit further for hunting, fishing or archery supplies, I highly recommend The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg NJ. After Jim Heebner shakes your hand to welcome you, you'll be very glad you're there!

Map for The Owl's Nest

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

 In A Moving Story - Irene Kennedy Now Handling Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ, I gave those with local homes for sale and potential buyers an introduction to me personally.  I did say that I'd do a list of posts that will give you an overview of my real estate credentials. So, I better prove to you that I deliver on my promises...

 One really important series I did covered Short Sales, Foreclosures (REO bank-owned, distressed properties). While the specifics related to my old turf, here in Warren County NJ I'm dealing with the same mortgage companies and issues.  This week in fact, I have closings on 2 Short Sales for which I got written approval from the multiple banks before bringing in the attorneys to close the deal. Among my Short Sales series:

• Part 2 - Short Sales can be a great thing despite Timeframe & Lowballs
• Part 4 - Want to Steal a Foreclosure? Get the REO facts. - Was clearly the most popular and still gets read regularly!
• Part 5 - Consider a Foreclosure - Advantages of REOs

 Pricing of homes for sale in Warren County NJ is just as critical as in other parts of the US, as comments show. Written almost a year ago, The Buyers Have Voted... helps sellers understand the lack of buyer interest in their homes. It may not be good but it is the honest news that sellers can expect from me - especially as some experts predict prices will continue to decline. The right list price is crucial!

 In Agent 007 Works Magic - A Sussex County NJ real estate success story I discussed some potential buyers who visited an Open House at one of my listed homes for sale.  They had dealt with 6 other real estate agents before meeting me. And they closed on my listing in less than 60 days! Right now, I have their previous residence Under Contract with only 38 days on the market and a closing by June 1.  They call me "the best Realtor in the world" and I do not discourage them one bit! I'd be delighted to put those same skills to work for you in Warren County NJ.

 For all my clients who a home for sale or have just purchased one, I love to give them something to help cut their costs. Doesn't it seem we just live in home-improvement stores when we own? Discounts for Lowe's (and Home Depot too) in Warren County NJ enabled me to "share the wealth" with others too.

 So, now that you know something about me personally and professionally, let's think about doing some Warren County NJ real estate business together!

New $8000 Seller Credit offered on updated 3 bed home for sale: 11 Worthington Road, Frankford - Branchville NJ

June 2 - Price on this beauty just dropped by $8000 and the Seller incentive credit is still in place!

The tax credit may be history but buyers may still benefit from a SELLER CREDIT up to $8,000. My brokerage is rolling out a new program and my forward-thinking seller of this "No Toolbox or Credit Card Needed - Frankford NJ Ranch Home for Sale Already Vacation Perfect jumped right on the bandwagon. The new signs haven't even hit our office but this 3 bedroom ranch home for sale at 11 Worthington Road is already participating in the $8000 seller credit!

Sure, there are limitations on this offer of a $8,000 credit by the Seller of this 3 bedroom ranch home for sale at 11 Worthington in Frankford (Branchville NJ zip). It is NOT, however, tax-related nor limited to certain segments of the buyer pool. Might just be the incentive you need to make your offer on this totally renovated home about 50 miles outside New York City.

Call me right away to obtain details on the new $8,000 SELLER CREDIT that is offered already on this move-in condition ranch house in Sussex County NJ's Frankford - Branchville lake community area.

Details and Video on 11 Worthington Road, Frankford NJ Vacation Home for Sale

Open House at Greenwich NJ Colonial Home for Sale - 462 Route 519 (Stewartsville NJ zip code) - SUNDAY, MAY 16

Although this 3 bedroom Colonial home for sale dates back to the 1800s, the kitchen is completely 21^st century with granite counters and stainless appliances. On Sunday, May 16, I have the honor of hosting an Open House at 462 Route 519.  (Located in Greenwich NJ, it shares the 08886 zip code so will appear as Stewartsville on some websites and GPS systems.)

Priced very competitively given the average sale price for Greenwich homes over the last 6 months, 462 Route 519 has a greenhouse, a sunroom and 2 ponds that will charm both residents and guests.  I'd love to show you these and other fine features at the Open House on Sunday, May 16 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

View Larger Map

Please stop by - even just to say hello - on Sunday, May 16. I adore having neighbors stop in for a peek, as well as meeting potential buyers of this Colonial home for sale. Let me know if you need further directions to 462 Route 519 in Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ!

If you cannot make it to my Open House, you might enjoy the video tour of 462 Route 519 in Greenwich NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Greenwich or other areas of Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Happy Mother's Day - Very Warm Wishes from Warren County NJ real estate agent, Irene Kennedy.  Moms are important to all - whether you are one, have one or lost one; these gals deserve a special place in our hearts and homes!

I have a lovely video tribute to Moms but a glitch on my blog platform is preventing me from posting it this morning.  Will try later to replace this link with that video.

No toolbox or credit card needed! This Frankford NJ ranch home for sale is already Vacation Perfect - and $8000 less as of June 2, 2010!

 Located near 3 pristine Sussex County NJ lakes, this ranch home for sale has been totally renovated. You won't be doing tons of repairs, so both your toolbox and credit card can gather dust! Frankford NJ shares a zip code with Branchville, so 11 Worthington Road may appear as in either town based on how a website designates.  Make no mistake, however. It is the same 3 bedroom ranch home in wonderful condition - inside and out. The great condition lends special appeal to New Yorkers seeking a carefree, year-round vacation property in the mountains but it also would be a fabulous residence.

Details and Video on 11 Worthington Road, Frankford NJ Vacation Home for Sale

Not all seeking homes for sale want to play handyman or handywoman - or pay a contractor to perform those services. Even if you did want to tinker, I suspect new septic installation might be beyond your goals! 11 Worthington Road boasts recent well & septic work, carpets, paint, appliances, etc. Both your toolbox and credit card will get a break giving you more time (and $$$) to enjoy other amenities in the Frankford - Branchville area.  Sussex County NJ is a fabulous spot 12 months a year: golf 3 seasons, ski in winter, pick apples in autumn, hike in spring, swim in summer.  Or get pampered in an area spa when you're not feeling sportive!

     A big thanks to my motivated seller, Marge, for the toolbox-credit card angle! She is eager to discuss your offer on this ranch home for sale at 11 Worthington Road, Frankford NJ!

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling or look buying a vacation home in NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Pohatcong NJ Updates on Homes for Sale, May 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

I based my Pohatcong NJ Market Report on real estate data recorded in GSMLS as of May 5, 2010. Numbers can change; for example, an Under Contract deal can die. I don't post market data on all Warren County NJ homes for sale, but I can work up an analysis lickety-split for my clients. I will also update previous month's data each time I post.

Analyzing the Pohatcong homes for sale trends & market data over 6 months is almost impossible because there were no closing in January or April.  Additionally, the Average Price in December is way up because 1 of those 2 closings was a Pohatcong farm for my very happy buyer at $765,000.  And, no, I will not apologize for my hefty commission check skewing the market data!

Homes for Sale $250,000-$350,000 - Pohatcong and other 08865 zips (Phillipsburg, Lopatcong and Harmony) 

Houses for Sale $350,000 and up - Pohatcong plus other 08865 towns

I'm somewhat surprised there were no Pohatcong closings in April, given the nearing expiration of the federal tax credits. Guess I'll have to patiently await recorded sales for the Under Contract properties to determine Pohatcong home sales trends for this period.

Area is indexed at: Market Data on Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in the 08865 zip code for Pohatcong, Phillipsburg, Lopatcong, Harmony or other areas of Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Greenwich (& Stewartsville) NJ Data on Homes for Sale, May 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

My Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Real Estate Market Report is based on data recorded in GSMLS as of May 4, 2010. Please note that statistics can change as a deal falls apart or late recordings take place - I give updates in subsequent reports. While I won't be publishing monthly market data on all Warren County NJ homes for sale, I certainly work up trends as appropriate for my clients! I've combined statistics for Greenwich and Stewartsville NJ because the MLS lumps them together.

Looking at the homes for sale trends in Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ during April and May, clearly many sellers waited for the spring market to list their house. With 23 new Greenwich listings in March alone, awaiting Spring isn't always the best strategy in my opinion, which is rarely humble. But I wasn't covering this area yet, so those sellers probably hadn't yet read my blog posts.

Search for Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ Homes for Sale Priced between $250,000 and $450,000 As this particular search system is zip code driven, you'll get all homes within 08886 - Franklin NJ, too. 

As the federal tax credits required first-time buyers to be Under Contract on/before April 30, one would expect a huge surge in that or the Sold category.  It isn't clear that the slight uptick in Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ homes for sale market data was from the credit. In most places, sales typically rise in Spring. Now, I might expect the Under Contract numbers to change in the next few days, as agents get caught up on paperwork from last-minute shoppers.

The impact from the tax credit on my Greenwich & Stewartsville real estate market report might best be seen in the Average Sale Price graph.  My first-time buyers were all focused on bargains within an area. Many of these were Short Sales or Foreclosures.  As we reach the credit deadline for closings, we'll see if my crystal ball is working and average sale prices remain on the very low side.

Area is indexed at: Market Data on Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Greenwich or other areas of Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Now that the kitchen renovations are complete, 87 Sherman Ridge Road in Wantage NJ is even more spectacular.  Built in 2002, this 5 bedroom, center-hall Colonial home for sale has regularly been improved. Set on a 32 acre farm - much of which is level - the home itself sits on the crest of a hill.  Although the sellers no longer have their horses, facilities remain should you wish to have horses.

June 2 - HUGE price reduction. Now just $699,999!

June 30 - $50000 less. Asking only $649,999!

Luxury and practicality abound at this Colonial in Wantage NJ; each level of this home for sale has its own washer and dryer, for example. Never again lug a laundry basket up stairs! Both the newly renovated kitchen and the in-law suite kitchenette have ultra high-end appliances. One of the 2 dishwashers in the redone kitchen at 87 Sherman Ridge Road is a double-drawer model! Opt for stainless panels or maple that matches the cabinetry on the state-of-the-art fridge.

Custom built, this 5 bedroom, 6 ½ bath home for sale has the potential to be a Bed and Breakfast.  You or your guest might enjoy a spot of tea or a cocktail on either the covered front porch or the sunny black walnut deck. History buffs might be delighted with the 32-acre farm's provenance - Kilpatrick's Reenactment - 21st Century Colonial home for sale on Civil War-related farm in Wantage NJ. 87 Sherman Ridge Road.

Details and video on this Colonial home and farm for sale on 32 acres - 87 Sherman Ridge Road, Wantage NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!