Highlands Lakes NJ Foreclosure - An REO gem among Vernon-Sussex County homes for sale

Update Sept. 19 - This Sussex County NJ foreclosed home for sale attracted a huge amount of interest and multiple offers. Freddie Mac/HomeSteps has accepted one and kept another as a backup. Alas, there isn't an equivalent home for sale in Highland Lakes right now - or I'd have a deal on it too right now!

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At long last, this fabulous three-bedroom ranch home for sale in Highland Lakes NJ awaits you! An attractively priced foreclosure in Sussex County NJ, this Vernon home has the most spectacular lake views. Whether you seek a vacation property or a permanent residence, this ranch in Highland Lakes might just be the deal for which you've been waiting!

Offered at just $167000 - in time to benefit from the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit!

Since early July, I've been VERY excited about listing 29 Lakeside Drive - Highland Lakes (Vernon NJ) for sale because it is in such good condition compared to typical REOs for sale - Highland Lakes and elsewhere. Freddie Mac/HomeSteps has been most generous in funding "make ready" work. The neglected yard got a long overdue haircut (as a neighbor stood and cheered!). The Vernon NJ home for sale has been emptied and cleaned - see the terrible "before" photo. Some steps are still in the works: electric repairs and removal of the living room carpet/reseal the underlying hardwood floors. This Highland Lakes foreclosure home for sale will also have the plumbing checked once we can operate the well pump. (It had been winterized.)

I'm delighted to report that it no longers looks like that photo. This Vernon NJ home for sale is now ready for buyers to come take a peek! With the lake right across the street, I anticipate a great deal of interest from:

first-time home buyers wanting to purchase in time for the $8000 tax credit ;
those downsizing and wanting a smaller home - particularly a ranch;
folks seeking a vacation or getaway property in a lovely Sussex County NJ lake community;
all house hunters seeking a fabulous deal!

The following link to one of my posts may be useful if you're considering a foreclosure in Highland Lakes - Vernon - Sussex County NJ or anywhere in the U.S. You'll also find links to some of my other posts on distressed properties - REOs, foreclosures, pre-forclosures, short sales, etc.

Want to Steal a Foreclosure? Get the REO facts from a Sussex County NJ real estate agent

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

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. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.

7 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 30 2009 01:27PM

Tips for Buying a Home in Sussex County NJ - Don't be Shortsighted by a Bargain!!!

Many of you potential first-time homeowners racing to buy homes for sale in Sussex County NJ may need some better glasses.

Yes, the $8000 tax credit might be an important factor. Please don't overlook, however, that value does not just equal the lowest list price. Particularly with homes for sale Sussex County NJ, you'll be wise to look carefully at the age of a roof, septic system, furnace, etc. If you only see the list price, your great deal might not be such a bargain when you add in expensive work in the not-too-distant future.

I have two Sussex County homes for sale listed where major systems have been recently overhauled. This should offer peace of mind that you won't been spending a small fortune in the near future on, say, a septic system.

41 Beemer Church Rd - Branchville-Wantage NJ - Sussex County Homes for Sale

Are the list prices higher than that foreclosure you are considering? Absolutely. Speaking frankly, you may be very shortsighted if you buy a bargain today without factoring the major expenses you will be facing in the next few years. A roof ain't cheap! Septic work carries sticker shock!

Here is a gem of a ranch home for sale in Wantage Township NJ; it has a Branchville NJ mailing address. A meticulously maintained two-bedroom home, the owners have already made huge investments in a roof, front and back decks, flooring, etc. The septic is only 10 years old. Entirely move-in ready.

Sure, 41 Beemer Church Road has a somewhat higher list price than some of the Sussex County fixer-uppers you're considering buying. But when that bargain home for sale needs a new roof in 2 years, will you be prepared to pay the cost? Don't count on increasing home values resulting in your ability to get a home-equity loan to pay for the roof.

Update September 7, 2009 - The price on the following ranch home for sale in Scenic Lakes - Vernon - Sussex County NJ is being drastically reduced by $30000. The new price is just $185000!

This three bedroom ranch home for sale in Scenic Lakes - Vernon NJ - is another great value! Newer furnace, septic and some appliances. Yes, you'll want to do some painting and perhaps refinish the hardwood floors under the living room carpet. As your fortunes increase, you have the OPTION of updating a bathroom. (Replacing a septic is NEVER an option, trust me!) Buying 12 High Crest Drive in Scenic Lakes might just be a better value than a bank-owned foreclosure on which you'll have some capital expenses in the next couple years!

So, if you're looking to buy a home for sale in Sussex County NJ - or elsewhere - clean your glasses! Stop and consider the longer-term costs of that underpriced foreclosure.

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. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.

12 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 28 2009 04:19PM

The Ideal Open House in Sussex County NJ - Lightning can Strike!

Open Houses at homes for sale in Sussex County NJ have averaged 2.5 parties for quite some time. A party might be 1 person, a couple or family of 5 - one potential "home buying" unit. Our Opens are for 4 hours and I mine quite seriously. Lots of advance publicity, newspaper ad with a photo, tons of signs with balloons.

Open House at homes for sale in Sussex County NJ

No rhyme or reason - sometimes I still get skunked. Yep, no visitors at all. Discouraging for both me and the owners of the home for sale in Sussex County. At one of my very initial Open Houses in Sussex County (Branchville to be precise), I had a woman visit who was quite interested. We looked at many other homes before she purchased the one where we met. This lovely lady is a local real estate attorney and we've referred business to one another ever since. In fact, she recommended me to the seller of the Franklin NJ ranch home where I did an Open House on Sunday, August 9.

The Sussex County NJ real-estate gods must have been smiling down on me that day. Due to begin at 1:00 p.m., I arrived at 19 Scott Road in Franklin NJ 45 minutes early. Wanted to turn on the lights, open windows, arrange flyers, set up a beverage station, etc. A car followed me up the driveway, so I gladly gave the couple a leisurely tour of this home for sale. They departed shortly before 1:00 - but 3 other parties pulled up immediately!

Now I'm a very good and very experienced real estate agent. (Also very modest!) No way, however, can I give each potential buyer of a home in Sussex County the attention he or she deserves when an Open House is so busy. My husband Chip is also a real estate agent, so I called him to come help. Hadn't even finished showing Chip the home when the next few parties arrived!

We had 14 parties at this Open House in Franklin NJ, several of whom were seriously interested in it.

The best news, however, is that one couple returned as I was closing up my Open House to say they needed to buy the home! The seller accepted their offer 24 hours later - having considered it and a second that was submitted on Monday. We're now Under Contract and have completed the home inspection.

I'm now getting ready to help the buyers rent or sell their current home in Stockholm NJ. Plus I'm helping several of those other Open House visitors find the right home. Textbook example of the power of an Open House!

15 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 21 2009 07:47AM

Franklin Ranch Home for Sale - Open House at prime Sussex County NJ real estate

Update August 21 - In record time for most Sussex County NJ real estate, the home for sale in Franklin had completed Attorney Review and was Under Contract on August 14. The buyers were guests at my Open House - about which I'll be posting soon!

Clean out was just completed August 6 on this Franklin NJ ranch home for sale. Even so, interest in this well-priced 2 - 3 bedroom Sussex County real estate has been very high. On more than 1/2 acre of land, it has public sewer and is central to major commuter roads.

I (Irene Kennedy) will host the first Open House will be Sunday, August 9, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., 19 Scott Road, Franklin - Sussex County NJ.

Priced as attractively as a bank-owned foreclosure, potential buyers of this Franklin ranch at 19 Scott Road - off North Church Road - face none of those headaches. This gem does need painting and a new kitchen floor but the bargain price of $180000 - As-Is - acknowledges those required cosmetics.

Solid Ranch for Sale - 19 Scott Road, Franklin NJ

19 Scott Road, Franklin, NJ 07416 View Map

ESTATE SALE.

Private, solid ranch with hardwood floors on very desirable street in Franklin Boro – but this has PUBLIC SEWER.

Both bedrooms have walk-in closets.

Eat-in kitchen.

Fireplace.

Improvements: windows, furnace, water heater, well pumps, etc.

Owner placed yellow flags to roughly mark property lines but he didn't climb into brush...

Details

Asking Price:

$180000

MLS:

2702316

Sq. Feet:

1400

Lot Size:

.51 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2 car

Year Built:

1940

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Irene Kennedy
Real Estate Agent in Sussex County, NJ

Main 973-827-8899
Cell 973-493-8216
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

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

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office.

8 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 06 2009 07:42PM

Sussex County - Hamburg NJ Homes for Sale, 17 Wallkill Avenue

GREAT price reduction on a Queen Anne Victorian home for sale in Hamburg NJ. This renovated 4 -5 bedroom is in a great location for commuters.

One of the most beautiful older homes for sale in Sussex County!

A gem of a Hamburg home for sale in Sussex County, this jaw-dropping Queen Anne Victorian reflects professional decorator artistry & skilled renovations. Wait until you see the high-tech media room!

In this lovely piece of Hamburg NJ real estate, a totally remodeled kitchen meets the demands of the modern gourmet. Two internal staircases. High ceilings, original plank floors, pocket doors and detailed woodwork retain old-world charm while a new furnace and oil tank plus replacement windows satisfy today's practical concerns.

Fabulous location for commuters - right off Routes 23 and 94. Public water and sewer. A Victorian Colonial home for sale in Sussex County NJ that must be seen!

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

5 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 06 2009 02:02PM

Why You Should Take Your Home Off The Market

Lisa Udy really understands real estate although I'll bet she's never been to Sussex County NJ. As I plan on sharing this with my sellers who are getting no activity, I might as well share it on a wider scale.

Thanks, Lisa, for making this available to us!

Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Immaculate Homes):

Supply and Demand is the fundamental foundation to any economy. If the supply is high, the demand is low. If the demand is high, the supply is low. Economics 101 right? If you look at any real estate market in the country, there are homes flooding the market that have no chance of selling.

The Cure For The Real Estate Market

I believe the cure for our economy, or at least a huge push into the right direction, is in the hands of the people. The government doesn't seem to be on the right track in fixing the housing market. They are adding more and more regulations that are making it more and more difficult to finalize the real estate transaction.

If the people, and I mean you, don't truly need to sell your home, take if off the market for a few years.

What I mean is this:

In every real estate market in the country, there are homes that are truly priced to sell,  there are homes that the people are in financial disarray, and there are homes that are over priced that will never sell.

The homes priced to sell belong in the market, they are dictating market value. The homeowners that are in financial trouble belong on the market, there isn't any other option.

The homes that are overpriced because the homeowner doesn't really need to sell, are the homes that are ruining the market. They are killing the demand, and elongating the recession.

Imagine if, every home that is overpriced, or the seller thinks they should get more money then the market is going to give, were to take those homes of the market.

What would happen to your local real estate market? What would happen to the supply and demand? If you take half of the homes off the market we could super charge our way to recovery.

So, I'm asking you, the real estate agent, the unrealistic home owner, the home owner that can wait, do your country a solid, and take your home/listing off the market.

As a seller, you want the best price possible for your home. If you take your home off the market today, and wait a couple of years. You are going to take the ball out of the buyer's court, and return to the sellers market.

Here are some guidelines that should help you determine if you are killing the demand:

If your home has been on the market for over 6 months, and you can't do anything about lowering your price. You have no offers, and you don't see any coming in. Take it off the market.

If your home has been on the market two months with no showings, and you don't want to lower the price. Take it off the market.

If you have had multiple low offers, and it seems that no one is willing to give you what you will take for your home. I understand, you have a bottom line, but this market isn't going to produce it. Take it off the market.

You have your home on the market, because you are always in a selling mood. You don't really care if your home sells, but you would consider selling if you got the perfect offer. Take it off the market, you will get more money next year anyways.

If your too lazy to get your home in showing condition, or you just can't afford to make the needed repairs. Take your home off the market.

I am a real estate agent, and telling people to take their homes off the market probably isn't the best business decision, but it's the right thing to do. We can't depend on the government to fix all of our problems, we need to put our best foot forward, and do our part where we can.

If you can hold out, take your home off the market.

What do you think? As a real estate agent, do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Lisa Udy

Immaculate Homes

Logan Utah Real Estate

Logan UT Homes

Lisa@LisaUdy.com

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Lisa Udy, Logan Utah Real Estate  Copyright © 2009

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Utah, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Lisa Udy, is a Utah REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers in the cities of Logan, Providence, North Logan, Hyde Park, Smithfield, Richmond,  Nibley, Lewiston, Cornish, Trenton, Amalga, Clarkston, Newton, and all surrounding cities in the  Cache County Northern Utah area.

You may be relocating to or from Utah due to any number of reasons , whatever the case, when searching for a real estate professional outside the state of Utah, please feel free to Contact Me or call me at 435-881-3022 as I am more than honored to provide to you the contact information of exceptional agents across the U.S.

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4 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 05 2009 05:32PM

Wantage NJ Real Estate Snapshot - July 2009 Market Data, Sussex County Homes for Sale

In July 2009, GSMLS market data snapshot for Wantage homes for sale shows that 6 homes sold during the month while 13 went Under Contract.

The least expensive Wantage home sale was a 2 bedroom ranch in Lake Neepaulin, which sold for $173,750. One home under construction sold for $484,863 - well above the list price but the large difference can be attributed to upgrades selected. The Median Sale price for homes in Wantage that closed in July was down from the previous month - $245,000.

As for buyers considering homes for sale in Wantage, we still have plenty of choices with 156 MLS listings in Wantage alone. Add Branchville and other adjacent towns - lots of options with Sussex County NJ real estate!

Wantage Real Estate Homes for Sale Market Data, July 2009 Look at homes for sale in Wantage NJ $250,000 - $350,000.

Selling a home or looking to buy a Sussex County NJ 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.

0 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 04 2009 11:41AM

PRICE SLASHED - Three bedroom ranch home for sale in Sussex County lake community, Scenic Lakes, Sussex County NJ

Another update - September 19. For my seller's sake, I'm happy to report that an offer has been accepted on this Scenic Lakes - Vernon NJ home for sale! The modestly priced (well-priced!) homes for sale in Sussex County NJ that I have listed are now going quickly.

* * * * * * * *

Update September 7 - Tomorrow the price on this 3 bedroom Sussex County lake home for sale is dropping to just:

$185000 - In the nick of time for the $8000 first-time tax credit!

With this dramatic price reduction of $30000, I expect this Scenic Lakes NJ home for sale to fly off the market. End update

* * * * * * * *

Value priced home for sale in Scenic Lakes - Vernon NJ section in Sussex County

12 High Crest Drive is listed for just $215000! Original owner of this 3-bedroom ranch in Scenic Lakes is reluctantly leaving Sussex County NJ. Cosmetic updates would be great but you can have confidence with newer systems: 2008 - septic replaced, new furnace, radon remediation. Stove & fridge - 2007.

This Sussex County NJ lake community Scenic Lakes has homes both in Vernon and Hardyston. The zip code for all of Scenic Lakes is 07419 - which the post office classifies as Hamburg. Just part of the charm of rural life...

Very secluded property on quiet street with lots of trees and well-developed landscaping.
Walk to lake via short cut!
Hardwood floors in all bedrooms; owner says wood under living & hall carpet.
Finished, WALKOUT basement.
Oil tank in basement; owner states none was ever in-ground.
Schools - Grades K-1 to Walnut Ridge, 2-4 to Cedar Mountain, 5-6 to Lounsberry Hollow, 7-8 to Glen Meadow, 9-12 to Vernon HS.

VERNON NJ Homes for Sale

7 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 03 2009 03:48PM

Sparta NJ Real Estate Snapshot - Market Data includes details on Lake Mohawk Homes for Sale

This Sparta NJ Market Report is based on information recorded in GSMLS as of August 1, 2009. There may be unrecorded market data - closings or listings on July 30 - 31, for example.

GSMLS market data for Sparta NJ shows that 24 homes were sold in July 2009 with an average sale price of $469,812. For the 45 new listings of homes for sale in Sparta, the average price is $493,758. The average list price for homes that went under contract in July is $418,830 - so clearly buyers are still seeking incredible deals.

As of 8/1/09, Lake Mohawk real estate market data shows 7 sales - from a modest log cabin at $210,000 up to a lakefront Tudor at $725,000. With 81 active Lake Mohawk homes for sale, buyers still have a wide range of choices in this popular Sparta area!

Start looking at homes for sale in Sparta NJ $350K-$500K.

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, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.

3 comments • Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® • August 01 2009 01:01PM

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