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.
Irene, I love happy endings and this certainly had one! I don't know how you pulled it all together but you did and I'm sure your buyers are thrilled with you...congratulations!
Gary - Am proud to report Vernon Township workers got their thank you note and bread bright and early Monday morning. I got an email thank you for my thank you - and another phone call saying everyone wants my bread recipe. They deserve recognition.
Carole - My buyers are indeed delighted. Now I'm ready for an easy deal or two!
Irene - happy endings are hard fought for in the sale of distressed properties ... kudos to you for prevailing.
Kathy - I've been most fortunate with my distressed homes for sale, but none are easy. Thanks for the kudos.
Irene - True to your character you see it through to its conclusion. You are certainly the go getter and your clients are the beneficiaries. P.S.> Sweet move remembering the township employees!
Gary,
You're too kind! Recognizing the dedicated local employees is a move all agent should steal.
New Jersey waterfront property? I would think the dirt is worth at least that much no matter the house problems. Nice job, Irene.