RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren: New Jersey: Vernon: Highland Lakes

My series on Sussex County NJ vacation homes and posts pertaining to Highland Lakes have sparked a lot of interest. Many looking for a vacation getaway in Sussex County live far away. Although I'm always glad to personally introduce potential buyers to real estate close to ski slopes and mountain lakes, I've decided to share my new vacation map guide to Highland Lakes NJ. This area is very convient to Mountain Creek ski slopes and other area amenities such as Minerals Resort and Spa.

While the Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Association posts some great info online, I needed a visual that shows boat docks and beaches with lifeguards (although not in December). HLCC kindly provided a basic map of Highland Lakes, Vernon NJ that I could tweak and dot with a color code. Now I have a great (copyrighted) tool for buyers looking for vacation homes for sale within Sussex County, especially if they are interested in the Highland Lakes community.

Here's a peek for those considering Sussex County NJ vacation real estate:

Perfect, no. But it beats me with multiple highlighter pens for each potential buyer of a Highland Lakes vacation getaway home for sale!

Copyright © 2009, 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.

One couple seeking a vacation or getaway property in a lovely Sussex County NJ lake community are the happy new owners of this great foreclosure in Highland Lakes, Vernon, NJ. Yes, they have lots of painting to do but that doesn't diminish their joy. A Highland Lakes home has been on their dream list for quite a few year.

 There were multiple offers on this Sussex County NJ REO owned by Freddie Mac and lots of question marks. At the time the offers were received, there were no power lines to the home. I was still juggling bids from electricians.  Getting power meant multiple visits from Vernon Township building inspectors.

With electricity, we were able to turn on the well pump.  Oops! All the pipes and the boiler had burst from freezing while the house sat abandoned. Multiple bids later, new boiler was done.  We had the home inspection the day after getting that news. Egads, the boiler ran but didn't heat the Sussex County NJ home. Buyers are now rather nervous...

While we sailed through our fire-safety inspection, Vernon Township won't grant an Certificate of Occupancy while there are still open building permits. Flunked the next Vernon building inspection for lack of an emergency shut off switch on the upper level. Closing was scheduled for Nov. 20 for this Highland Lakes foreclosure; the seller approved funds for the switch on the 17th, electrician installed on the 18th, and Vernon Township accomodated my unreasonable request for an inspection on the 19th.

We closed on time!!!

Bright and early on Monday, Nov. 23, I showed up with a thank you note and freshly-baked loaf of my breakfast bread for the Vernon NJ township employees. Without their great cooperation and attorney Marleen Horlacher's skills and her faith in my getting things done, we never would have closed on Friday.

And the new owners started painting on Saturday!

Copyright © 2009, 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.

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!

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

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 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.

Update August 30 - The 3 bedroom ranch foreclosure in Highland Lakes NJ was listed today for $167000.  This would be a wonderful Sussex County vacation property or full-time home. My crystal ball predicts that this move-in ready, updated REO home for sale in the Highland Lakes section of Vernon will find the right buyer quickly!

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 Within Vernon, NJ, Highland Lakes vacation homes are extremely popular. This section of single family residences is enjoyed by year-round residents and by those wanting a mountain getaway in Sussex County, NJ.  Like many of our local Sussex lake communities, Highland Lakes has older log cabins and small ranches that have been converted for year-round use right on up to Colonials under constructions. Just 50 miles from the heart of New York City, Highland Lakes is a modestly-priced, lovely community!

 According to the Highland Lakes County Club and Community Association, those looking for a resort-type Highland Lakes vacation home will enjoy:

"five lakes, a Clubhouse, and recreational facilities including ballfields, beaches, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. Sailing and boating are enjoyed by many, along with swimming, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. There are sailing leagues, swim teams, tennis leagues and a variety of recreational and social activities held at the Clubhouse. The Club supplies docks and boat racks for members located throughout the community."

 Additionally, Highland Lakes getaway properties are wonderful 4-season spots. Around Sussex County in the fall, you can pick apples, take a hayride, play golf, hike High Point State Parkor just gaze at fabulous foliage.  You would be just minutes from the waterpark or skiing at Mountain Creek, as well as the area's many challenging golf courses. 

 Want a great deal? Perhaps a foreclosed Highland Lakes vacation home is right for you. Both short sales and bank-owned foreclosures may be the "steal" you seek. I'm getting an REO ready for the real estate market; I suspect this 3 bedroom Highland Lakes ranch with unimpeded lake views will fly off the market because it is in good shape! Not yet on the market, the list price hasn't been determined. It could be the one to make your dreams of a getaway vacation home in Highland Lakes, Sussex County, NJ, a reality!

 Let's start our hunt with Highland Lakes vacation homes between $100000 - $200000. I'd love to help you with any of these or other Sussex County weekend retreat properties - priced higher or lower!

Irene Kennedy's 2009 series on Vacation Homes in Sussex County, NJ:

• Part 1: Vacation Homes in Sussex County NJ - A Long Tradition!
• Part 2: Highland Lakes Vacation Properties

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This post from RealtorIrene Blogs from Sussex County NJ 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.