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

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.

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.

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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

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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

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office.

 July 26 Update - The new owners of this vacation property in Sussex County NJ have finished renovations. They invited me for a peek at their ski condo near Mountian Creek.  Furniture is about to be delivered so the getaway property will be ready for them. At the time of the sale, this room had no sheet rock - floor or ceiling; a sump pump is now hidden in a tiny closet.

The former owners had used this as a mountainous Sussex County getaway property from New York City. Not only did they love the after shots I forwarded, they shared that the proceeds helped make their son's bar mitzvah extra festive!

End of Update

Another Win-Win Real Estate Transaction with one of the Sussex County NJ Vacation Homes!!!

Today I was at a real estate closing in which I represented both the home sellers and the buyers. One of the Great Gorge Village vacation homes in Vernon, NJ; it is a 2 bedroom condo that needed a lot of renovation. Photo of the lower-level family room proves I'm not exagerating about the work! Yet today, there are 2 delighted families. Why? Thank you for asking...

We'll call the buyers Bonnie and Clyde BradyBunch. (The sellers can be Romeo and Juliette Jones.)  The Bradys were referred to me; they wanted a small vacation getaway near Mountain Creek ski slope for weekend use.  At first they were intrigued by my condo-hotel listings in the Appalachian at Mountain Creek and Minerals Hotel and Spa. But with 5 children under the age of 13 and 2 small dogs, the hotels didn't suit their needs.

I showed Bonnie & Clyde several homes listed for sale. They wanted a lower-level unit for child safety reasons. Put in a reasonable offer on one and those sellers did not even counter, despite many months with no previous offers...

The BradyBunch headed to Florida while I went to bat for them. I contacted owners of lower-level condos adjacent to the Mountain Creek ski slope that the Bradys preferred. Two were more than pleased to be "solicited" and sent me keys to take a peek. The Jones family lives in New York City (about 55 miles outside Sussex County NJ) and had not been able to enjoy their condo for the last couple years due to water damage.

Despite condition of Romeo and Juliette's townhouse, I KNEW the BradyBunch would love it. (Clyde just happens to be involved with home improvement!)  Sent photos to Florida and set a time to show the Bradys the end-unit townhouse. All 7 gave it a thumbs up! Lots of trees to climb, a creek to splash in, a fabulous Minerals Resorts with pools and a "cliff" to jump off - plus skiing when the weather changes.

Breaking all the rules, I phoned the Joneses with the Brady's offer, negotiated a deal and then did the paperwork. (Naughty girl!) Closed in less than 30 days. As neither the sellers nor the buyers lived in Sussex County, my sellers readily agreed to a slightly higher commission. In return I:

1. arranged for (but cancelled) estimates from 2 licensed general contractors;
2. installed smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, mounted a fire extinguisher;
3. learned there was an open building permit for the new water heater. Installed a "bond jumper" when it flunked inspection;
4. met Vernon Township officials a total of 4 times to get the required Certificate of Occupancy;
5. scheduled and met 2 HVAC people to get estimates on the air conditioner repair;
6. took a complete photo inventory of the condo contents and sent it to Mrs. Jones so she could decide whether to make a trip to take any personal property. (Deal specified the Bradys would do clean out of whatever the Jones decided to abandon.)

 Four of the five children were in school today, but here are some happy members of the BradyBunch.

Where is my photo of the happy sellers? Not only do I not have a picture of Romeo and Juliette Jones - I have NEVER MET THEM. That is correct; we got their Sussex County vacation property sold long distance.

And what was the price tag for all this? $125,000 - sold As-Is. Yep, an amount that was win-win for both parties but didn't include some mega-commission.

I try to give all those looking to buy a home or to sell any home in Sussex County NJ - vacation properties or not -million dollar Realtor® service - at every price!

Sussex County NJ homes for sale - many potential vacation properties!

Track all the posts in Irene Kennedy's series on vacation homes in Sussex County NJ.

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post from http://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 http://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.

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.

I'm still ready to help you with your Sussex County NJ real estate questions -

Even if this total surprise still has my head spinning!

Compare this post to my January 2010 update: Great Gorge Village - Early 2010 Snapshot of Real Estate Activity - Vernon NJ. Great vacation homes or residences

Whether you're considering Great Gorge Village condos for vacation homes or permanent residences, the fact that this neighborhood is nestled at Mountain Creek ski resort is always a plus.  Both for year-round and weekend getaway owners, Sussex County NJ is a great choice.

I prepared some statistics on April 16, 2009 for a specific deal, so this focuses more on condos with at least 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  Thought others might benefit from this overview, based on data from the Garden State MLS system.

I look forward to your questions about Vernon NJ real estate and Sussex County vacation properties!

All Great Gorge Village condo units, regardless of size

• Active listings - 57 units with an average list price of $167,528
• Under Contract - 9 units with average list price of $156,622
• Sold/Closed within last 12 months - 38 units. Average list was $163, 413 but average sold price $152,457.  Means sale price was about 93% of asking price (at time of sale, not original list prices).

 2 beds, 2+ baths - Interior & end units, 4 & 5 rooms

• Active listings - 13 units with average list price of $177,115.
• Under Contract - 3 units with average list of $156,600
• Sold/Closed within last 12 months - 9 units. Average list $159,600, average sold price $151,588. (95%)

End units only - all shapes & sizes in Great Gorge Village

• Active listings - None
• Under Contract - Only 1 and it is 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath end unit on the lower level. List price $165,000. The MLS indicates it will close June 30 .
• Sold/Closed within last 12 months - 5 units. List averaged $150,940; sold at $140,200. (92%) The only one 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath end unit on the lower level listed at $155,000 and sold for $145,000; that closed Sept 30, 2008, owners offered to leave all the furniture in place.

2009 Sold/Closed 

3 units. Average list was $146,633, average sold price $138,216 (94%). Various configurations. All happen to be end units.

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