Great news for Ocean Township real estate! Unlike many areas of the country, Ocean Township has seen a rise in sales the past two months. October 2008 actually had 40% more single family home sales than October of 2007. So far for November we’re also up 9.78% in single family home sales versus November of 2007. So when people ask have we hit bottom yet, I answer with a confident yes! In Ocean Township there are 12 new listings so far for the month, for a total of 171 homes on the market with an average list price of $535,325.00. Two homes closed so far this month with average sale prices of $435,000.00 and four properties are under contract with average list prices at $412,450.00. For Ocean Township condo’s there are 8 new, 2 under contract and one closed for October and November with an average listing price of $347,025.00.
Along the New Jersey Shore prices are holding steady and in many areas increasing. The reason is that people are buying along the Jersey Shore and the demand is strong. For instance many buyers who have large amounts of cash sitting in bank accounts that is earning very, very low interest, have been buying Jersey Shore homes for cash. They are figuring on getting the rental money and the appreciation on the property. They figure the return will absolutely beat whatever they are earning in the bank and they also have the use of the property when not rented. Very smart buyers and investors! Whatever your desire is, the Jersey Shore offers great Real Estate, great family memories and great pricing. There never has been a better time to buy and invest in real estate at the Jersey Shore.
My recommendation to my buyer and investor clients is to be educated about the market you’re shopping in. What this means is to be familiar with the towns you’re looking to purchase in, know the inventory, get a sense of what a given price range should give you in a particular town or neighborhood, keep track of average prices, list-to-sale price ratios and days on the market. What does all this mean? Do your homework and make sure your real estate agent is on their game to not only find you the best deal but to negotiate the best deal for you. And of course make sure you’re working with an experienced realtor who is a full-time professional and knows your market! It shocks me how often consumers entrust such an important financial transaction to agents who are no more qualified than they are except they have a real estate agent’s license.
I have valuable recommendations for sellers also. There’s NOTHING more appealing in the real estate market, then an underpriced house! Sellers who overprice or even market price their homes often end up making small price reductions again and again as similar homes that are priced lower come on the market. Incremental price drops are signals to buyers and Realtors that a house is “stale” or that something is possibly wrong with it. Try pricing your home 2-5% below market value to gain BIG attention to your home when it hits the MLS. A few selling tips that make a HUGE difference; clear the clutter! Clear off your refrigerator of papers and photos, clear kitchen counters to the bare necessities and make sure “curb appeal” is at its maximum. Make buyers WANT to come in by having an inviting and nicely landscaped yard even in the fall and winter months. Contact me for more valuable tips that help homes sell FAST.
There always seem to be good things happening in Ocean Township that make it a very desirable place to live for people of all ages. Kohl’s is anticipating opening their new Rt. 35 south location in the spring of 2009. The Ocean Township museum is now open to the public and on December 6 & 7th there will be “The Story of the Woolley House” for the first time at the Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Rd., Ocean Township. Plus add your name to the history at the museum by buying a memorial brick to be installed in the phase two installation in 2009. Bricks cost $100.00 and are tax deductible. For more information call 732-531-2136. Also finally, for the 2009-2010 seasons, Ocean Township will have its own ice hockey team. The team will need a lot of town support and donations to help make them a successful addition to the town. Please help this very worthy cause for Ocean Township children. For more information call 732-245-4838 or email lorilane@msn.com.
As always, I am here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Whether you’re looking for a first home, investment property, you need to sell, or rent, I can help. I am now in a new Prudential office in Allenhurst, the address is 401 Spier Ave., corner of Main St & Spier Ave. I’m available 7 days a week to assure you the very best customer service.
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