JoAnna's Real Estate Thoughts

It's all my fault!  I take the blame!

Before I went to bed last night...

• I had my pajamas on backwards and inside out
  
  
• Toothpaste on my nose
  
  
• I put a lemon on a spoon and put
  it under my pillow
  
  
• I flushed the toilet 3 times
  
  
• I spun around 5 times
  
  
• Threw a dash of salt out the window
  

And then I went to sleep.

It worked!!

I needed a day off... a chance to catch up!  And catch up I did!!

• I cleaned out and organized my Outlook - sheesh I let that go too long!  Lovin' all my new Rules!!  Nothing better than being automated!
  
  
• Made some progress on my e-pro certification.  Good thing they give you 8 months to finish this program!!
  
  
• Took 1 of 3 webinars I needed to complete my short sale/foreclosure specialist certification. 
  
  
• Wrote a contract!  Not presenting til the snow clears, but it's ready!
  
  
• Wrote this blog post!!  Yeah... that took 1/2 the day!
  
  
• 3 loads of laundry
  
  
• and a pot of chicken soup too!
  

It's almost 24 hours later and it is STILL snowing.... Excuse me while I go turn my pajamas around... wait a sec... I'm STILL in my pajamas!!!  SNOW DAY, SNOW DAY, SNOW DAY!!!

Special thanks to Jackie and Summer who shared their secrets to ensuring a snow day!!

To my Manalapan Township neighbors,

You'll soon be getting a letter with your new tax assessment.  

You need to understand that these were "across the board" reductions in value to stop the rush of homeowners filing for (and winning) tax appeals.

Our assessment values were originally calculated in 2007.  Since that time, as you know, home values have dropped considerably.  The purpose of this reassessment is to bring the assessed value of your home closer to true market value. It isn't an exact science and won't precisely indicate the current market value of your home.  It is just a measure by which the township will calculate your taxes.

I know some of you were probably excited to see the lower assessment values thinking your taxes would be lowered and others were probably disturbed to consider this number might be reflective of the true market value of your homes!  Again, the only reason this reassessment took place was to curb the number of tax appeals being filed by township residents. 

THE TAXES YOU ARE PAYING SHOULD NOT CHANGE DRAMATICALLY!! 

The Township is lowering the assessed value on your home and will be raising the tax rate... so you should be paying approximately the same amount (not counting any normal annual tax increase). Make sense? Drop me a note or give me a call if you would like further clarification.

Now... having said this... if you believe your new assessed value is NOT indicative of your home's market value, you could qualify for a tax appeal. To win an appeal, you need to provide 3 - 5 comparable CLOSED sales that defend your position. I've helped my clients on more than a few tax appeals and would be happy to help you evaluate your situation.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin... "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."

In the words of JoAnna Siminerio... "In this world nothing is certain but death and increasing taxes... oh, and gaining weight during the holidays!"

Best wishes to my family, friends and neighbors for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day!

Credit to my daughter Danielle
for another great photo and kudos
to my sister Cathy for a
fabulously fun and healthy
Thanksgiving Turkey Treat!!

This extended and expanded custom home will surpass your expectations! 

Mother/Daughter, In-Law Suite, Large or Blended Families... This home does it all!!

$459,900 - 10 Old Queens Boulevard, Manalapan, New Jersey

I don't just sell homes in Manalapan's Yorktowne, I lived here for over 16 years!  Yorktowne Development is a family neighborhood, of single family homes, approximately 40 years old. The community is situated between Gordon's Corner, Pease and Pinebrook Roads.  Often a favorite for New York City Commuters due to the convenient proximity to the Gordon's Corner Road New Jersey Transit (Midtown) and Academy Lines (Downtown/Wall Street Area) bus stops.

In 2008, the average sale price for a home in Yorktowne was $403,125.

I'm very happy and excited to represent this special home for sale.  This extended and expanded, custom home, set on almost ¾ acre of Manalapan property, is the perfect choice for large families looking for extra space.  Blended families or those in need of a true mother/daughter can find it here.  With 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths, this home far exceeds the boundaries of the typical Yorktowne home!  

Outstanding features include 2 separate eat-in kitchens, each with updated stainless appliances, upper level master bedroom with full bath, walk-in closet, 2 double closets, and private balcony, second master/guest suite has 12x9 walk-in closet with custom organization system and laundry hookups ready to go, large dining room has laminate flooring and vaulted ceiling, hardwood flooring under most carpeted areas, painted in today’s colors and finished with decorative moldings and new doors.

As it is currently being used, the lower level is a fully-functional in-law suite with separate entrance.  This space can easily be used and enjoyed by the single family.  Living/family room with stone fireplace, master-sized bedroom, full bath, sizable laundry room, dining room (can be converted to additional bedroom) and recently renovated recreation room (with separate staircase to the upstairs).   Tremendous 31x14 kitchen  offers maple cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and comes in handy when entertaining in the huge, fully fenced, flat backyard, with plenty of room for a pool!

Size, condition AND value!  All this AND an award winning Manalapan, New Jersey School District!  Why wait?

VAILABLE!

Beautiful, like new, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome with 2 car garage in the luxurious Villages at Meadow Creek.

End unit Temple Model Townhome with 2 car garage is light, bright and airy. Owners have upgraded pre-finished hardwood floors on first level. Kitchen boasts upgraded cabinets and countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace, recessed lights and decorative molding. 4 large bedrooms with lighting and ceiling fans and upgraded baths complete the upstairs. Full daylight basement for all your storage needs! 

A fabulous home with a fabulous resort lifestyle!

All this for $2,900 per month!

Resort lifestyle, every day!  The Villages at Meadow Creek, Manalapan, New Jersey.

The Villages at Meadow Creek offers 300 luxury townhomes in a family-oriented, country setting in one of New Jersey's most desirable townships! World-class amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, kiddie pool, basketball court, tennis, tot lots and a grand community clubhouse.

For more information on rental opportunities, resale purchases or new construction in The Villages at Meadow Creek, please contact me.

I started blogging less than a year ago and haven't looked back.  In fact, it's been very disappointing to not have enough hours in the day lately to post or comment as often as I would like. 

The good news is, in my opinion, my lack of time to blog is a direct result of my blogging!! 

When I joined Active Rain, I gave serious consideration to the message I wanted to send with the majority of my postings.

I saw this forum as an opportunity to position myself as the Manalapan New Jersey Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist!  I've lived in Manalapan almost 17 years and have been raising 2 daughters through the school system.  I'm a Girl Scout Leader and community volunteer.   What better place in which to specialize?

I started posting about community, school and local area events.  I'd post my Manalapan listings.  I'd write about market trends in Manalapan Real Estate.  Working with my Weichert colleague and fellow Manalapan resident, Gail Szeluga, we've been working toward buidling a focus toward reporting on the different communities that make up Manalapan Township.  Soon thereafter we expanded our Manalapan presence via Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking forums.  Join us (and the 286 other Manalapan residents) on Facebook at the Manalapan Residents Group.

Almost immediately, the phone starting ringing. 

Buyers would find me via posts on Manalapan homes for sale.  Sellers started to stumble upon me when searching for information on Manalapan Township.

I've been thrilled with the response and felt I was making great strides toward my goal of being seen as the source for Manalapan Real Estate information.

Recently, I received a phone call from Ms. Jill Capuzzo.  That's when I KNEW the plan was working!

Jill is a reporter with the New York Times!  She was writing an article on "Living in Manalapan" and needed a local professional to show her around town and fill her on on the local market.  She found MY blog which then led her to my website and finally to my listings!  Don't you just love when a plan comes together??

About a week later, Gail and I had the pleasure of meeting Jill and touring her around Manalapan! 

We visited neighborhoods throughout Southern and Northern Manalapan, as well as East and West of the Route 9 corridor. 

We talked about the award winning Manalapan-Englishtown and Freehold Regional High School Districts.  We covered the newly expanded Manalapan Recreation Center and the recently rejuvenated Thompson Grove Park.  We toured many Manalapan landmarks, including the municipal building, 9/11 memorial, Old Tenennt Church, Holiday Park Duck Pond, Millhurst Mills, historic Englishtown and Pine Brook Golf Course.  We talked about the attraction Manalapan holds for New York City transplants looking for a little extra elbow room while still enjoying a reasonable commute.  Good schools, affordable homes, reasonable taxes... what's not to like?  The time flew by!  Once you start a realtor talking about real estate, good luck getting them to shut up!  We had a blast!

What a thrill it was tonight when I felt my blackberry buzz and looked down to see my most recent Google Alert...

REAL ESTATE   | June 28, 2009
Living In | Manalapan, N.J.:  High Marks for Space, Schools and Location
By JILL P. CAPUZZO

I scanned the article quickly.  As promised, Jill highlighted my Manalapan listing at 9 Old Queens Boulevard.  What I didn't expect was that she would give mention to both myself and Gail!  What a treat!  A great afternoon showing off all our real estate know how, talking about the town we love AND a mention in the New York Times! 

Me!!  In the New York Times!!  Excuse me while I go call my Mommy!! :-)

What better way to kick off the summer season than with a parade!

Each year, Manalapan Township celebrates Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street!

It is a wonderful opportunity for marchers and spectators to show their community spirit by celebrating Memorial Day together, as a township.

The parade starts at Manalapan's Municipal Complex, travels past the Recreation Center through the heart of Englishtown and finishing up at the American Legion Hall on Sanford Street.

As a Girl Scout Leader and Mom, I've been marching with my kids for years and think I will miss it some day!

Families line the street waving and cheering.  Parade marchers come prepared with treats to throw to the kids who are watching and eagerly waiting to snatch a lollipop or piece of candy!

Manalapan High School Marching Band led the way followed by numerous Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops.  There were police cars and fire trucks, and even Uncle Sam made an appearance on stilts!!

There were representatives from Manalapan's local government and many were hoping for their 15 minutes of fame when the local news channel showed up!

Last, and most certainly not least, on hand were many township veterans showing their support and pride as the community came together to remember the many people who gave their life for their country and to support the American soldiers who risk their lives every day for our safety.

I hope all my Manalapan neighbors, friends and family had a wonderful, safe Memorial Day Weekend!  Best wishes for a very fun filled summer!

I took a new listing this weekend in my farm in Manalapan New Jersey's Yorktowne Development.  Yorktowne is not just where I farm.  I used to live there.  Check out my recent post about this great home.

I love getting listings in my Farm.  Who doesn't?  They give you the confirmation that your hard work and commitment is paying off!

The weather was BEAUTIFUL in New Jersey today.  Up near 70° with sunny skies... quite the conflict to be jacketless and warm and stepping over piles of snow!!  (So long snowmen!)

I planted my sign in front of the home (Don't you just love that part?). 

It went in effortlessly thanks to the warm weather softening the ground! 

I stepped back with my client... looked at the sign, looked at her home, looked at the sunny skies, looked around at my old stomping grounds and sighed... LIFE IS GOOD!

Got in the car and started toward my appointment to show sell a house today!

As I pulled out of the driveway, out of the corner of my eye I saw him, Rob, my old mailman and neighbor.  He was the best mailman ever! (No offense Richie).

I quickly pulled over and teased him, asking him if he had the buyer for my brand-spanking new listing.  Mailmen know EVERYONE and EVERYTHING that goes on in town!  

He laughed and then congratulated me on my success.  I shrugged... "huh?," wondering how Rob knows what I've been up to.

He told me that he figures I must be sooooooooo successful because I am the only agent sending mail anymore!

He then thanked me for keeping him and the United States Postal Service in business!

The point is this... he noticed and commended me for sticking with it.  He encouraged me to keep at it.  He felt if you farmed before when competing with 10 other agents going after the same business, why would anyone stop farming now when they have much less or maybe no real competition at all?

He went on to say that the local perception is that I am successful, committed and have the wherewithal to stay the course, even with the challenges we face in today's complicated real estate market.

I'd say that kind of recognition is worth the 42 cents stamp.  (Wouldn't you?)

This concept goes deeper than direct mail or farming.  It applies to all aspects of our business today.  This is NOT the time to hold back. 

The current market condition presents us with a unique opportunity to take advantage of LESS competition in the marketplace.  This is the time to dig your heels in and plant your seeds diligently so that when the market starts to bloom you'll be in a superior position to excel!

Good luck!

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

This Southern Colonial home is the most sought after model in Manalapan's Yorktowne Community!

$399,999

I don't just sell homes in Manalapan's Yorktowne, I lived there for over 16 years!  Yorktowne Development is a family neighborhood, of single family homes, approximately 40 years old. The community is situated between Gordon's Corner, Pease and Pinebrook Roads.

In 2008, the average sale price for a home in Yorktowne was $403,125. 

The Southern Colonial, as built, was the largest model offered when Yorktowne was built, making it a very popular choice for buyers today.

I'm very happy to offer this home for sale.

Buy with confidence as this home has been lovingly maintained! Clean as a whistle!

Sun shines brightly through entry door with glass window and sidelights.

Spacious living room with new carpet.

Formal dining room with classic carpet and decorative molding.

Eat-in kitchen with plenty of like-new, 42" oak cabinets and pristine corian counters.

Kitchen conveniently opens to large family room with sliders to fully-fenced, serene, park-like backyard with natural gas grill.

Four bedrooms upstairs, including, master bedroom with two double closets and full bath. Hardwood flooring under carpets in all bedrooms.

Main bath and master shower recently refinished.  Furnace replaced in February!  

All this AND an award winning Manalapan, New Jersey School District!  Why wait?

___________________________________________________________________________________

If you would like more information on this home or one of the many other fine homes for sale in Manalapan's Yorktowne Community, call on me, YOUR Yorktowne Neighborhood Specialist!

Click to Search the Monmouth County Multiple Listing Service.

Click to Sign Up For My Homefinder Service to receive automated emails when new homes come on the market that match YOUR criteria.

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com