RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren

Spring has come to Sparta NJ and the real estate market data reflects folks coming out of hibernation and thinking more about homes for sale.  That said, the winter months were none too shabby - wait until you see what a couple Lake Mohawk home sales did for the average price in January!

Of the Sparta closings that took place in January, the cheapest went for just under $120K while 3 of the 16 were over a million.  In fact, one home for sale on Manitou Island in Lake Mohawk went for $3.35 million. What does that tell you? There is a Sparta home for sale to fit every budget!

I'm still striving to locate the right Sparta Lake Mohawk homes for sale for a variety of potential buyers. As these folks are seeking Sussex County vacation properties, their needs are quite different from those looking for a residence!

As is typical in most areas, many with owners have waited for the spring market to list. You'll see from the market data graph below that inventory is again on the rise. So, I'm VERY optimistic that the right Lake Mohawk property is headed our way!

My Sparta NJ market report graphs are based on GSMLS data, extracted April 5: "Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED."

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

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.

Late Monday, I received a call from a gentleman inquiring about an updated market report for Indian Fields in Sussex County NJ's Hardyston. (Shares a zip code with Hamburg.)  As this section is not one for which I regularly do updates, I was pleasantly surprised by his interest in my November 2009 post on a townhome for sale: RealtorIrene Blogs about Sussex County NJ Real Estate: Foreclosure - Indian Fields, Hardyston, Sussex County NJ - Bank Owned home for sale.

That Indian Fields foreclosure sold for $169,900, full list price and with multiple offers on the townhouse. My caller had seen my post on the sale and wanted to pick my brain about the current state of the market, the home owner association, how Indian Fields homes for sale compare to other Hardyston or Sussex County communities.

Four months later, the Indian Fields homes for sale picture has changed. Both charts above use data from the GSMLS system.

The gentleman who phoned me found me from searching Google for experts on homes for sales within Indian Fields. My grasp of this Hardyston market, proven success in rapidly selling a townhouse in Indian Fields and Internet marketing strategies convinced him to pick my brain.

If you'd like to know more about Indian Fields or other homes for sale within Sussex County NJ, do what this gent did - give me a call at YOUR convenience!

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

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.

As Sparta may well be Sussex County NJ's most popular real estate, let's take a peek at some solid market data on home sales. While for this report I haven't broken out Lake Mohawk separately, I often do so when working with sellers and buyers in the area.

In fact, I'm trying very hard to find the right, well-priced Lake Mohawk homes for sale for a variety of potential buyers. As these folks are seeking Sussex County vacation properties, their needs are quite different from those looking for a residence! I'm very determined to help each of these buyers find that right lake home in Sparta. But I digress...

I've based the following Sparta NJ market report graphs on GSMLS data: "Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED."

Average price for home sold in Sparta in 2009 was $440,583.

 Reinforcing what I said about Sparta's popularity, the 2009 average sale price for a Sussex County NJ home was $268,762. Now, there are umpteen reasons to explain the big difference. These are best covered face to face.

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

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

Given the number of real estate deals on which I'm currently working in Vernon NJ, I thought it would be interesting for both home sellers and buyer to have an overview of 2009 market data for this Sussex County NJ area. The following include the very popular sections of Highland Lakes and Great Gorge Village, as well as the Vernon portion of Scenic Lakes NJ.

Many of my potential home buyers looking in Vernon NJ are seeking vacation properties, either a ski condo or a lake community home. Despite what some think about a lack of lookers during the winter, I'm showing Vernon's well-priced homes for sale without a slowdown! Well-priced being the key to buyer's interest...

I've based the following Vernon NJ market report graphs on GSMLS data: "Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED."

The average price for home sold in Vernon Township in 2009 was $199,654.

Compared to the 2009 average price for Sussex County NJ - $268,762 - Vernon appears to be a huge bargain. Keep in mind, however, that many of the Vernon sales were small condos, hotel units or cabins in lake communities. Makes a big difference, one which I help all my real estate clients understand.

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.

This Sparta NJ Real Estate Market Report is based on data recorded in GSMLS as of October 4, 2009. Statistics covering Lake Mohawks home for sale (below) are from the same source. While I don't publish monthly data on all Sussex County NJ homes for sale, I certainly can work it up for you as appropriate!

GSMLS market data for Sparta NJ real estate shows that only 11 homes were sold in September 2009. These had an average sale price of $455,773; the median price was $350,000. For 2009, 11 sales in a month are the second lowest; there were just 8 closings in Sparta in February. Given there are 26 Sparta homes for sale under contract, I'm optimistic that we'll have many more closings during October.

For the 45 new listings of homes for sale in Sparta in September, the average asking price is $524,912. The average list price for homes that went under contract in September is $660,098 - a significant jump aided by 2 very expensive Lake Mohawk properties!

A subset of my Sparta NJ real estate report, Lake Mohawk market data shows just 3 sales, recorded at $337,500, $365,000 and $615,000. During September, we had 9 Lake Mohawk homes for sale go under contract, ranging from just $239,900 up to $3,950,000. (Sure wish I represented the buyer of that big one!) As of the end of September there were still 66 active Lake Mohawk homes for sale.

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

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings.

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

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! 

 Look at homes for sale in Wantage NJ $250,000 - $350,000.

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from RealtorIrene represents Irene's personal musings.

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.

On Friday, June 10, 2009, I had a huge surge. Three different agents called about bringing buyers to one well-priced, short sale listing in Great Gorge Village, Vernon, NJ. Honestly, I hadn't been getting 3 calls a week on that Sussex County ski condo.

That Friday alone, also had inquiries on other Sussex County homes for sale that I have listed, although Friday is typically heavier as agents line up appointments for the weekend. It was far more than usual and calls and showings on my listings have continued to be robust this entire week.

This week, a new potential home seller in Frankford NJ called to set up an appointment for Sunday. He has a minimum price in mind, so I may not be able to assist him. But I will spend the time discussing current trends and how I work to help sellers maximize their return within the realities of a buyer's market.

Picked up a new REO in Highland Lakes -Vernon. Lots to get done before I can begin to market it but this foreclosure is in very good shape. It also has an unobstructed view on the lake - nothing between it and the water. My prediction is that this will be one very hot home for sale!

As for working with home buyers:

Suddenly swamped showing Sussex homes for sale to area renters, all potential first-time buyers. Several couples are ones who had been toying but have just gotten ultra-serious about putting in an offer in the very near future. We have had some recent headlines that stated prices seem to be stabilizing. The $8000 tax credit is getting close to expiry; the uncertainty about its extension or expansion is clearly a factor.

For one couple I've just met, the $8000 first-time home buyer credit (plus the joyous news of expecting their first child!) prompted them to start looking to buy a home - and I'm honored that they chose me to help.

In the week since June 10, I've started working with an out-of-area couple looking for a vacation home in Sussex County NJ. Tomorrow, I will be taking them to see one for the second time and showing them some alternatives within the 2 communities they preferred.

A gentleman called me about one of my listings. He needs a pied-a-terre in this area for work reasons, does not plan to relocate his family. While we have yet to meet, we've chatted multiple times and exchanged many emails. As soon as he has a business trip to the NY area, we'll go find him the right "bachelor quarters."

Now a one-week wild surge in activity doesn't document a shift in the Sussex County real estate market. This anecdotal increase in my business, however, certainly is a welcome addition to the other activity on which I've been working hard. Let's hope it is a sign of a improving real estate conditions!

 This blog post from RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings. Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved.

In June 2009, GSMLS market data for Wantage shows that only 4 homes sold during the month, but as many more are Under Contract, we can expect a much different picture when the July market data is available. Better news for Wantage home sellers is that the Median Sale price rose from just $164,500 in May to $255,000 in June!

As for buyers considering purchasing a home in Wantage, we still have plenty of choices with 162 MLS listings in Wantage alone. Add Branchville and other adjacent towns - home buyers have lots of option here in Sussex County! 

All this Wantage NJ real estate data on homes for sale has been updated based on June 2009 information. Sometimes earlier months changed. Say a deal on a home for sale that was Under Contract in May fell apart; the UC number dropped and the Active number went up accordingly.

 Start looking at homes for sale in Wantage NJ.

Whether you're considering selling your home or purchasing a home in one of Sussex County's fine communities, this is a better time than many folks think.  Statistics are a useful overview, but to really understand the outlook for your personal real estate goals - let's sit down and chat!

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from www.RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings.

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 www.HomesIrene.com.

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.

While there are many more interesting things to do around Sussex County, NJ, for the 4th of July weekend, I still want to give you the option to review the June market data for Sparta real estate transactions. Don't know about you but I prefer to be at Lake Mohawk this weekend...

GSMLS market report for Sparta shows that 19 homes were sold in June 2009, a significant drop given May's high of 29! The list to sale price ratio ticked up slightly - averaging 96% in June. Given the prices, however, this didn't have a major impact on either home sellers or buyers.

As you'll see, the number of listings are up - meaning great choices for buyers who have their eye on Sparta!

Start looking at homes for sale in Sparta, NJ.

 Whether you're considering selling your home or purchasing a home in one of Sussex County's fine communities (Lake Mohawk, for example), this is a better time than many folks think.  Statistics are a useful overview, but to really understand the outlook for your personal Sparta real estate goals - let's sit down and chat!

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from www.RealtorIrene.com represents Irene's personal musings.

GSMLS market data for Sparta homes for sale shows that 29 homes were sold in May 2009! This represents the most closings within the last 6 months.  While the average and median sale prices were down slightly, owners still benefited from a 93% list-to-sale ratio. (So did those buying homes in Sparta!)

Whether you're considering selling your home or purchasing a home in one of Sussex County's fine communities (Lake Mohawk, for example), this is a better time than many folks think.   Don't let gloomy newspaper reports dampen your hopes - let's sit down and chat about what these MLS statistics might mean for your real-estate plans!

Look for homes for sale in Sparta, NJ.

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from RealtorIrene represents Irene's personal musings.

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 HomeIrene.com.

Irene Kennedy,  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.