RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren

Despite delays by a blizzard, 25 Meadow Pond Road closed on March 2; sale price of $169,900.  A bank-owned 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhouse in Indian Fields in Hardyston NJ, this foreclosure needed painting and flooring.  The final list price of $169,900 brought in multiple offers; it sold for full list price.  The average list-to-sale price ratio in Sussex County is 95% but this townhome with a Hamburg zip code was still a great deal.

Rain this week melted the snow piles and I went to finally free my sign from the ground. A painting crew was unloading its van; told me beautiful hardwood floors already grace the ground floor. They were about to paint the entire inside of this Indian Fields townhome. It really warms my heart that these first-time home buyers who benefit from the tax credit are transforming an sad foreclosure into a lovely home.

May 25 Meadow Pond Road in Indian Fields, Hardyston NJ be full of love, laughter and health!

For other posts on bargain homes for sale, please visit: Distressed Properties - Short Sales & Foreclosures.

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

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a foreclosure home for sale? 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 Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.

Yesterday, my "blog buyer" closed on a wonderful bank-owned foreclosure for sale in West Milford NJ - the Upper Greenwood Lake community. A totally renovated, 2 bedroom ranch in the Hewitt section; I knew it was perfect for Dr. Alvaro Alban; made him come from Manhattan - New York City - to see it within 2 hours of it being listed.

For 2 months, I've had this picture ready to use. Not a single aspect of the sale of 54 Cedarbrook Road, Hewitt-West Milford, went smoothly - from my perspective. While I didn't share this with Al until after closing, I had given up hope for this one! Called it my train-wreck deal and had visions of lawsuits.

Al had selected Sussex County NJ attorney Marleen Horlacher to represent him; she is a deal-maker with whom I do many, many real-estate transactions. Without the superb support of Marleen and her assistants Justine and Karen as part of our buyer team, the deal would not have closed. The train wreck would have taken place.

On New Year's Eve we submitted Al's highest-and-best offer of $151,000 to close January 29. My extensive experience with foreclosures for sale meant we crafted an offer with many terms attractive to a bank selling an REO.  Among issues potentially leading to a train wreck with this lake community foreclosure for sale:

1. A scan found an underground oil tank. Fighting for my buyer, I eventually got the bank to agree to remove it. Turned out it was an abandoned water well, not an oil tank. 

2. Time to dewinterize for closing and "the ground pipes were frozen," which shouldn't be.  Al was pushed to close even though there was not a drop of water to the home. Weeks of touch-and-go during which I envisioned lawsuits. We triumphed. No pipes had frozen; the well was not correctly primed by the seller's handyman.

3. And last but not least was my buyer himself. A dedicated physician with an expanding medical practice and the devoted dad of a lovely young lady considering my alma mater, Duke, Dr. Alban didn't have time to handle a thing. (His New York City location didn't help.) Good thing I really came to like and respect Al because he made me work doubly triply hard! Our running joke was that getting me a commission check was both our top priority!

40 days after our original closing date, we did the final walk through and headed to Marleen Horlacher's for the closing.  There we learned that 54 Cedarbrook Road, Upper Greenwood Lake appraised far, far above the $151,000 sale price. A great lake community home with instant equity for a buyer who found me from my blog posts - almost makes me forget the interim! We're all thrilled the train wreck was just a near-miss.

 

Much happiness and joy in your new home, Al!

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

Considering selling a vacation home or looking to buy a NJ lake community property? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

First, let me say I'm a Sussex County NJ real estate agent who adores working with stagers whenever possible. In fact my first outgoing AR referral was to distant stager, Sharon Tara - who did a great job for relatives. I firmly believe that those with a home for sale should seriously consider the modest investment for staging. (I stopped hiring the stager myself once I realized owners didn't actually implement as many of the suggestions if they weren't paying the fee.)

Just got some feedback from a Sussex County NJ seller to whom I gave the name of 2 locals stagers. One reason for her decision to go with Stager X is that Stager Y's website implied she works ONLY on mansions. The seller's home for sale in Branchville-Frankford NJ is a modest one (not in the photo).

Now I know that stagers do wonderful work on every kind of home. Had one work miracles on this great-grandmother's house filled with 40 years of knicknacks and photos - shown in photo. And it helped get us offers and sell this Sussex County Scenic Lakes community home! So, I can personally attest to the great value stagers bring to every type of home for sale.

I'll freely admit that a staged million-dollar home will look better than one priced at the low end of your market. But guess which end is moving in most areas - certainly in Sussex County NJ.  And today I learned the intimidation factor. If a stager doesn't have pictures of a modest home on his or her website, a potential client may be intimidated - rightly or wrongly:

• My home isn't worthy.
• I can't possibly afford someone like that.
• She won't be interested working in my humble abode.

So while mansions will look better in the pictures, please be certain you show a "cheap" home on your website too.  I'll steer potential business your way but I then need your help to reel 'em in.  Unless you strictly do high-end, expensive homes, don't send them running for cover. Let them know I'm NOT crazy and that you offer value to all homes for sale.  Put a few photos on your website that will make hard working blue collars want to hire you - and realize they can afford it.  And, yes, I shared private feedback to Stager Y, who will be making a change to her site.

Update mid-March 2010: This Frankford NJ ranch home for sale is now professionally staged.

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

Considering selling a vacation home or looking to buy a Sussex County NJ getaway property? 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 Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.

Closed June 11. Sale price $193,000.

Purchasers were 1st-time home buyers, benefitting from the tax credit.

UPDATE: I'll be hosting an Open House at 3 Laurel Court in Stockholm NJ on Sunday, April 11 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. This 4 bedroom home for sale, priced lower than even the 3 bedrooms in Stockholm, has generated a lot of interest. I predict this will be the first and last Open. So if you are thinking about a vacation home or new residence, come on Sunday!

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Still in time to benefit from the home buyer tax credits, I've just signed listing paperwork on a 4 bedroom, 1 bath Cape Cod. Located in the Stockholm section of Hardyston, this move-in condition home for sale is withing walking distance to one of Sussex County's few NJ Transit stops.  Perfect for commuters or New Yorkers looking for a vacation home in Sussex County! To keep the price under $200,000, the seller is offering this home As-Is, making it one incredible value! 3 Laurel Court

Somewhat backwards, the seller has already purchased his new home: Agent 007 Works Magic - A Sussex County NJ real estate success story. The romantic aspect of this decision is a great one and the new place now is in wonderful shape. So time for me to get this 4 bedroom Stockholm NJ home for sale on the market and sold.  A solid Cape surrounded by woodlands, this will appeal both to year-round residents and those wanting a vacation property in our mountainous county.

Check back (or subscribe!) to be among the first to see interior photos, Open House schedule and other details on 3 Laurel Court home for sale in Stockholm NJ as I post them.

April 1 updated post and video:  RealtorIrene Blogs about Sussex County NJ Real Estate: 4 Bedroom Home for Sale Stockholm NJ - Historic Vacation Spot for New Yorkers

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

Considering selling a vacation home or looking to buy a Sussex County NJ getaway property? 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 Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.

Although Jeff Dowler had Carlsbad buyers in mind when he posted this, those looking for Sussex County NJ homes for sale frequently ask me exactly the same question.  His tips for home buyers to investigate safety are as useful in Sussex County as they are in Carlsbad!

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Foreclosure sold in Indian Fields on March 2 to first time home buyers enjoying the tax credit!

Update January 29 - An offer was accepted on this foreclosed Indian Fields townhome in Hardyston NJ and a sale is proceeding!

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A second HUGE price reduction on this Indian Fields home for sale. This bank-owned townhome for sale in Hardyston NJ (zip shared with Hamburg NJ, so it may appear as in that town) has had several offers that were rejected. Yes, it needs some work but is far from a dump.

At just $169,900 someone is going to snatch up this in Indian Fields REO home for sale in Hardyston NJ - assuming they consider the points in Want to Steal a Foreclosure - Sussex County NJ? I smell a sale in the works...

Related posts: PRICE SLASHED - Foreclosure Townhome - Indian Fields, Hardyston (Hamburg) - Sussex County NJ Homes for Sale

Foreclosure - Indian Fields, Hardyston, Sussex County NJ - Bank Owned home for sale

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

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

Taken off the market, Sept. 4. 2010

This well-cared-for ranch home for sale in Wantage (Branchville NJ zip code) is a Sussex County NJ beauty. Now priced $10000 less! Wonderful wooded setting might make it the rural vacation home you want. Great location between Route 15 and Route 23 makes it an excellent choice for commuters too.

A great new price more than compensates for whatever little tweaks you decide to make!

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

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

Update mid-March 2010: This Frankford NJ ranch home for sale is now professionally staged.

Estate offering this Sussex County NJ ranch home for sale has just reduced the asking price by $5000!  Being sold as-is but the 3 bedroom house in Frankford has been totally redone and is in wonderful, move-in condition! I've never had so much paperwork with a Seller's Disclosure - certification of new septic, water filtration, etc.

And on top of a gleaming ranch home for sale in Frankford-Branchville NJ, you save $5000. How great is that?!

Located right near 3 of Sussex County's lake communities: Culvers Lake, Lake Owassa and Kittatiny Lake, this might make a great vacation home for sale in Sussex County NJ. 11 Worthington Road is about 55 miles from New York City (Manhattan) and even has low-maintenance landscaping, according to the sellers.  It might just be the "county retreat" you have in mind.

Wonderful Ranch Home in Frankford-Branchville - Sussex County NJ - Vacation Property Potential too

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

Selling a vacation home or looking to buy a Sussex County NJ lake community property? 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 Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.

My friend, Sharon Tara, lives far from the homes for sale in Sussex County NJ. Her "key points" apply here too.  Sharon staged a MA home for some relatives, so I know first hand just how well Sharon knows her stuff!

Sometimes those with a home for sale in Sussex County NJ listen to an "outsider" more than they do their real estate agent. Let Sharon's five keys unlock a successful sale for you!

My real estate appointments for the day are done and went well. I spoke to several clients about seeing homes for sale this coming week. Materials for tomorrow's Open House are all pulled together.

My husband Chip isn't here. The house is warm and quiet. I could:

• Start a loaf of the Best Bread Ever;
• Work on the things I learned at RainCamp NY on Jan. 12!
• Follow up on a couple leads.
• Run a load of laundry or three.
• Draft a couple blogs that will solve the world's real estate woes.
• Attempt all the above simultaneously - my usual plan.

But no, not this afternoon. I'm going to grab a non-real estate related book. The paper kind with a spine and covers, remember?  Better yet, make it a novel!

Perhaps I'll be extra wicked and silence my phone...

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.