JoAnna and Gail's Real Estate Thoughts

Manalapan Tax Bills

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:41:13 -0400

The 2010 Final/2011 Preliminary Tax Bills have been mailed. Due to the late mailing, the third quarter grace period has been extended to August 25^th. Please note that all payments received after this date are subject to interest charges calculated from the original due date of August 1^st.

If your bill is marked “For Advice Only” and you are a responsible to pay your own taxes or you pay off your mortgage, use the advice copy to make tax payments on time. Please notify the tax office so they can update their records.
If you have received an actual tax bill (stubs attached) and a mortgage company/bank is responsible for paying taxes, please forward the bill to them to ensure timely payment and notify the tax office as to where future bills should be sent.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean County Multiple Listing Service.

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JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

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Balmar Woods Colonial!!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:47:10 -0400

Photo Gallery

Stately Colonial

Formal Living Room being used as a game roon

Large Eat-in Kitchen

Light Bright Kitchen

Family Room with Gas Fireplace

Formal Dining Room

One View of Deck

Another View of Deck

Description

Unpack your bags and move right in to this very well-maintained 5 Bedroom colonial in Manalapan's sought after Balmar Woods development. Largest model features huge double door entryway, 1st floor bedroom/office ,light & bright kitchen, newer windows & full finished basement. High hats on first level, ceiling fans in all bedrooms plus all newer carpets upstairs .Let the dogs run in the fully fenced yard while you watch from the large deck off the kitchen. Neat,clean & a pleasure to show! 1-yr homeowners warranty for the lucky buyer!

Features

Bedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 2.5Year Built: 1985Subdivision: Balmar WoodsLot Size: 107 x194Garage Size: 2School District: Manalapan/Englishtown Agent Name: Gail Szeluga & JoAnna SiminerioBroker: Weichert RealtorsMLS #: 21029134

Location

4 Navajo Road Manalapan NJ 07726

Gail Szeluga e-Pro, SFR

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Calling all Commuters! Charming Colonial Awaits You!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:55:56 -0400

Links

My Website

Photo Gallery

Lovely sun porch welcomes your guests

Large inviting living room

Relax by the fireplace with custom mantle

Enough room for a few different seating arrangements

Formal dining room with crown molding and cutom built-ins

Renovated kitchen with modern appliances

Kitchen door leads to mud room and out to the yard

Side entry foyer

Master bedroom with its own Full Private Bathroom

Upsstairs bedroom that serves as a den

Another large bedroom, could be a second master

Bonus cedar room, great for office, sewing or a giant closet

Fully fenced backyard

Plenty of space to roam

Description

Calling all commuters!!!

Adorable, well-maintained, colonial located minutes from Matawan Train Station!

You won't find a more charming home on the market today!

Outstanding features include updated kitchen and bath, hardwood flooring, decorative lighting, moldings and custom built-in's thru-out, cozy living room with fireplace, master bedroom with private, full bath, fenced-in property with two separate areas for plenty of parking! Plus...newer roof, hot water heater & most windows.

All this PLUS a one year home warranty for the lucky buyer!

Features

Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2Parking Spaces: 4Year Built: 1924Lot Size: 69x106School District: Matawan Aberdeen RegionalAgent Name: Gail Szeluga & JoAnna SiminerioBroker: Weichert RealtorsMLS #: 21028505

Location

171 Broad Street Matawan NJ 07747

Gail Szeluga e-Pro, SFR

Manalapan/Marlboro Office

732-580-7893 Cell

www.SoldByGail.com

Gszeluga@aol.com

Manalapan Township Proposed 2010 Budget and Tax Rate Information

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:31:45 -0400

According to the Manalapan Township Committee, as reported in last week's News Transcript, Manalapan’s total tax rate (all taxing entities accounted for) in 2010 will be $2.03 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Simply put, divide your NEW assessed value by 100 (on the green card you received in January) and multiply by $2.03 to receive a pretty close indication of your proposed taxes. For example, if your assessed value is 425,000, you multiply 4250 by 2.03 and find your taxes for 2010 would be... $8,627.50.

Hopefully you will find the difference from 2009 to 2010 to be equivalent to the normal year to year change.

If you don't have your green card, drop me a note and I will look up your assessed value in the tax records.

- JoAnna Siminerio

News Transcript Article on Manalapan Township Proposed Budget

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Networking, Networking and what the heck... a little more NETWORKING!

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:02:33 -0400

It isn't just what you know, and it isn't just who you know.
It's actually who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living. (Bob Burg)

Loving that quote!! Go back and read it again, because it look me a minute to get it right, but boy oh boy is it right on!

I remember when I first started in this business, I didn't have a conversation without somehow introducing that I was a real estate agent. I'd tell the guy at the dry cleaner that I got that stain from the chinese food at my broker's open for my wonderful new listing! Or I'd tell the gal at the Starbuck's counter that I needed the "Double Grande Latte" because I had to wake up after showing my 42 homes to my buyer that morning!

I was networking, although not in the proactive sense. I was fishing where the fish weren't hungry! I wasn't specifically "asking for the referral." I was hinting at the referral!! Don't get me wrong... all networking is good networking... a friend of mine got her first listing and sale when a guy at 7-11 mentioned that he was thinking of making a move after seeing her name tag! Name tag = Networking.

I'm big-time networking on Facebook. Mixing it up with my old friends, staying in touch with neighbors or parents of my children's friends. They see my blog posts and get a friendly, non-pushy reminder that I'm in the real estate business.

I'm networking here, in "the Rain." But that's kind of obvious... realtors, lenders, appraisers, stagers. Lots of "Quid Pro Quo" going on and it is easy to demonstrate how we help each other! We understand each other's businesses, develop personal relationships and then trust each other with our precious referrals. Give and Take.

Another quote by Bob Burg...

"Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win-win relationships. It works best, however, when emphasizing the 'give' part."

These days I'm increasing my networking focus. I'm emphasizing the "give." I'm partnering with local businesses through a formal lead exchange group, Monmouth County Leadz.

We're just getting the group off the ground. We meet the first three Thursday's of the month from 7:00 am - 8:15 am. That's not a typo... yes, I said 7:00 am!!! The idea is to get together, talk about our ourselves and work toward helping each other grow our businesses through referrals. There's the "give"! Assuming we do it right, there should be plenty of "take" to follow!

Businesses are "category exclusive," meaning only one of each category allowed! Who are we looking for? Attorney's, plumbers, electricians, contractors, designers, stagers, personal chefs, just to name a few!

If you have a business in the Monmouth County area and are looking for this type of committed networking, please reach out to me for more information.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Manalapan Under the Stars - A Great Day for a Great Town!!

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:07:32 -0400

Manalapan Day was a blast right from the start!! (See my original post about the event: Manalapan Under the Stars).

The weather threatened but in the end the sun won!! It might have been a little warm at times, but we'll take it as opposed to the wash-out the event was last year!!!

For myself, Gail and the rest of the Weichert Team, the fun started long before the official event! Overcoming the hostile wind and setting up our tent was challenging!! We heaved and we ho'd and we finally got it up and secured! It seemed each one of us were able to contribute something to get the job done. Yeah Team!! Unfortunately some of the other vendors weren't quite so lucky!! Tents were rolling, signs were falling, folks were scurrying!

Thankfully, the wind calmed down in time for kickoff at 4:00! Folks started pouring in!! Everyone was having a great time! Lots of vendors selling, cooking and teaching! Kids were having a blast on the blow up rides and pony rides! Lot's of entertainment on the main stage (sponsored by Elite Fitness of Manalapan and Freehold).

As a Manalapan resident for almost 20 years, I always enjoy the chance to catch up with so many old friends and past customers... for a few clients this was their first time at Manalapan Day!!

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Manalapan township photo contest submissions! This year's theme was "Fur & Feathers." Of course, I was biased as my daughter entered... Go Danni!!!

Gail and I were happy to see so many other members of our new networking group, Monmouth County Leadz! Doctor Joffe (Chiropractor), Doctor Max (Pediatric Dentist) and Jim Scott (Bridge Financial Group) were all there! We were also very happy to meet some new potential members!

As the sun just started to go down it was time for the main event, Tommy James and the Shondells! Young and old were singing and swaying!

Top it all off with an amazing fireworks display and the day was a roaring success! Thanks again to Danni for some great fireworks photo's!

Can't wait for next year's event!!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Manalapan Day - Manalapan Under the Stars

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:12:25 -0400

You are invited to Manalapan’s annual summer kick-off!

June 12, 2010

4:00 - Fireworks

Join the excitement as our township celebrates another great fun filled day. Bring your family, neighbors and friends for an evening of great food, entertainment, exhibits, displays, vendors, children’s rides, pony rides and a new carnival area. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale!

Stop by the Weichert booth between 6:00 - 8:00 and say hello to me and Gail! Mention this post for YOUR free gift!!

The Main Stage entertainment will feature Icon Dance Complex, Manalapan’s own Speed Limit Band. Then at 8:15 pm we present TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS!

Be on the lookout for strolling characters and visit the organized sports center for sign-ups and information.

The Samaritan Center will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and supplies.

In case of rain on June 12th Tommy James and the Shondells will perform at Manalapan High School. at 8:15 pm. Admission will be free and limited to the capacity of the auditorium.

Parking will be available at the Municipal Complex, Manalapan High School, Manalapan Recreation Center Dreyer lot and Temple Beth Shalom. A shuttle bus will run from Covered Bridge Clubhouse commencing at 4 pm. The bus will continue all evening with the last bus departing from the Rec. Center 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks.

Contact the Heritage Committee at 732-446-3200 ext 4000.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Top of the Line, Expanded Ranch, in Howell, New Jersey

Sun, 23 May 2010 17:12:52 -0400

$550,000

Go ahead and judge this book by its cover! Top of the line EVERYTHING in this expanded, custom ranch with curb appeal that doesn’t stop at the curb! 155’ long, double wide, concrete driveway provides privacy and functionality. One acre of immaculately maintained property with 16 zone “Rainbird” sprinkler system!

3 season enclosed Victorian porch with dramatic mahogany flooring, ceiling fans and plexi-glass windows which easily convert to screens for enjoyment in almost any weather, tung and groove knee wall, custom molding and two-way access from both inside and outside the home.

Chef’s delight in the designer Kitchen with deluxe Wood-Mode cabinetry, chock full of custom features. Not to be overlooked are the Silestone countertops, huge center island, Sub Zero refrigerator and breakfast area offering breathtaking views of scenic yard through the floor to ceiling windows. Two, 6’ Pella sliding doors in the kitchen and another in the dining room, all with self-storing screens, open to the 1825 square foot wraparound, 3 tier, deck leading to the fully-fenced backyard that is an entertainer’s dream!

Detailed landscaping surrounds 20 x 40 inground pool with newer liner and DE filter with auto-chlorinator, Polaris self cleaning system and electric pool cover to keep you safe and the pool in sparkling condition! Retractable Durasol Awning provides poolside ambience and comforting shade. 12 x 24 Dutch Colonial Shed with two lofts for all your outdoor storage needs. Master bedroom complete with full bath and walk-in closet, as well as Anderson 12 ‘ sliding glass doors to outside deck/pool area. Resort living right in your own home!

2000 square foot fully finished basement with full bath, 4 separate and private rooms, family room with wet bar and woodburning stove and a full kitchen.

Other outstanding features include: Intercom system, french doors, advanced truss roof with Lifetime GAF 5-layer Grand Canyon roof shingles, Amtrol hot water system means you will never run out of hot water! Upgraded “3 tier” septic system, Culligan water conditioner, 4 zone HWBB heating, 2 zone air conditioning (2006), newer above-ground oil tank, Leafguards No-Clogging gutter system, Sunbrella fabric throughout!

A fine home with a fine location on the Wall/Howell border. Country living at its best and just 6 miles to the ocean!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Expanded Split Level in Manalapan's Holiday Park!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:46:07 -0400

Manalapan's Finest!!

Priced to Sell at $459,000

HUGE 4 Bedroom, 3 full bath "SUPER Split" in Manalapan's Holiday Park Development!

Updated kitchen offers porcelain tile backsplash and newer appliances. Magnificent breakfast room addition with picture windows, overlooking private, fully-fenced, flat yard with maintenance-free deck, pool & swingset!

Upper level has been extended to provide larger Master Bedroom, including walk-in closet and HUGE master bath with skylight, shower AND soaking tub!

23 x 17 Family room and a finished basement ensure plenty of space for entertaining!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

SOLD - Amazing Value, Amazing Home in Freehold, New Jersey - $459,000

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:13:11 -0400

This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is situated on close to 1 acre of property.

This home has so much to offer. Great open floor plan with generous sized rooms.

Enjoy 9 ft ceilings, 2 story foyer, beautiful hardwood floors and open and airy flow from family room into eat-in Kitchen with center island.

Master bedroom offers tray ceilng, walk-in closet, and full master bath with double sink and soaking tub.

Enjoy summers on the 2 tier deck overlooking pool and private property.

All this AND the Freehold Township School District!! What more could you want??

Click for more information on 635 Blueberry Hill, Freehold, NJ.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Expanded Custom Home with Apartment/In-Law Suite

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:41:52 -0500

57 Nautilus Drive
Middletown, NJ

$589,900

HUGE 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath custom home with a private apartment. Perfect to be used for mother/daughter, families looking for Nanny quarters, blended families, a true guest suite or maybe just a little private space for Mom or Dad. Excellent location for commuters!
Walk to NYC bus!

Gourmet Kitchen - Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, HUGE center island, light and bright separate breakfast area overlooking deck and pool area. Entertainer’s will delight in the sliders leading to the 500 square foot deck which takes you to the country club back yard.

Living room - Vaulted ceiling, stone, wood burning fireplace, hardwood flooring, palladium windows and another set of sliders to the deck and yard.

Dining room - Hardwood floors and french doors.

Master bedroom – Private respite awaits after a long day. Enjoy relaxing on the balcony and enjoying views of the backyard. Like-new master bath, walk-in closet and hardwood flooring complete the picture.

Family room - Wood burning stove, ceramic tile and sliders to paver patio leading to pool area.

Back yard – Feels like heaven, thanks to the newer in-ground, heated pool with self cleaning robot, which is surrounded by concrete and paver patio. Perfect for enjoying snacks poolside.

Apartment - Through the family room is the entrance to the apartment. Gourmet kitchen with beautiful cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances & ceramic tile flooring. Also offers living room, master bedroom and master bath. It doesn’t stop there! Private entrance allows guests to come and go independent of the main home. PLUS access to the backyard which is very convenient for entertaining! All this and their own zone for heat and central air!

Outstanding Features:

· Newer siding and roof
· Paver walkways
· Three paver patio’s
· Unique architectural features including portico over the front door
· Andersen windows and doors
· Balcony off master bedroom
· Stone-front, wood burning fireplace
· Two gourmet kitchens!
· Newer baths
· Walking distance to NYC bus!
· Middletown South High School
· 500 square foot deck accessed from kitchen and living room
· Newer in-ground, heated pool
· Fully fenced back yard
· Yard backs to wooded area

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:37:14 -0500

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!!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Pretty as a Picture in Freehold, New Jersey!

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:44:38 -0500

$399,900

21 Dogwood Lane, Freehold, New Jersey

This stunning 4 bedroom, 3 full bath colonial is truly move-in condition!

Outstanding features include 10 foot ceilings in Living room, Dining room and Kitchen. Beautifully decorated with custom moldings, tasteful carpets and gleaming hardwood floors! Many items recently replaced including windows, doors, siding, roof, furnace, garage door, hot water heater, PVC fence, main bathroom, paver patio and paver walkway!

Award winning Freehold Boro High School!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Is a Downsize in YOUR Future?

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:06:12 -0500

In recent years, adult community homes in Manalapan, New Jersey, have lost a greater percentage of value than single family homes, presenting a rare and attractive opportunity for people considering downsizing.

Comparing 2009 to 2006, median prices of adult community homes are down almost 34% versus around a 10% loss on a single family home for the same time period.

Adult community homes are the “top of the food chain” of real estate. Which means many homes have to sell with each buyer moving up, until the adult community home can sell.

Government incentives are finally having the impact to help these chains of purchases and sales occur, which will fuel the demand for adult community homes in the coming year.

Considering the spread of prices for adult community vs. single family homes, projected increased demand for the adult community sector, low inventory, low interest rates and Uncle Sam throwing in a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who purchase a new home, this IS a great time to make the move to downsize. You could be looking at a significant amount of savings.

Contact me to find out what your home is worth and to get an idea of what downsizing or investment opportunities are available for you.

And besides, do you really want to shovel your own snow again next winter?

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!

Speechless Thursday

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:06:51 -0400

I know the title is kind of irrelevant to our traditional Wordless Wednesday or Speechless Sunday... but these pics left me Speechless!

I stumbled across this album while catching up on Facebook.

It is a collection of photo's taken by my 14 year old daughter, Danielle. She's had no training and is using a regular, common digital camera she got for Christmas. I love that I "found" them and that she wasn't taking them for any special reason.

I was blown away by her knack.

I tell you... it is amazing what you are born with!

A proud Mom...

___________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Search the Monmouth and Ocean 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.

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x112 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Let's Connect!