Beatrice Bloom

Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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MOVING IN 2022? HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – January 19, 2022

MOVING IN 2022? HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED

Moving is both exciting and stressful. Whether you’re relocating or moving to the next town over, you’ll need to start planning your move in advance.

Some items on your moving checklist should be started shortly after you make the decision to move. Your individual checklist will vary. For example, if you’re selling a property, your plan will be different if you don’t have a home to sell.

If you have to sell your home before moving, make a plan for what needs to get done before your house is placed on the market. A good place to start is making a plan to sort and declutter the rooms in your home. Getting organized early will make it easier to show your home and help your packing process.

If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll want to start research early. Also consider spending some time in your new town or city before you relocate to get to know the area and neighborhood.

No matter where you’re moving, find a local realtor who is knowledgeable not only about the market, but one who is also a neighborhood expert.

BUDGET FRIENDLY KITCHEN UPGRADES

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 3, 2021

BUDGET FRIENDLY KITCHEN UPGRADES

Remodeling an entire kitchen is time-consuming and expensive. Why not consider a kitchen upgrade or facelift? Real estate market statistics show that minor kitchen remodeling projects often get a higher return on investment than a pricier complete renovation.

Here are some projects to get you started. Some you can even complete over a weekend.

  • If your cabinets are in good shape, replacing your countertops can create a completely new look for your kitchen. Laminate and solid surfacing are some budget-friendly options.
  • Replacing an outdated kitchen floor is another way to transform your kitchen. DIY options for upgrading your flooring include luxury vinyl planks and engineered hardwood planks.
  • Add some color or texture to your kitchen with a new backsplash. White subway tiles with dark grout are perfect for a farmhouse look, while glass tiles suit a more urban look.
  • Brighten up wood cabinets with paint or refacing. Replace upper cabinet doors with glass doors to add light.
  • Optimize your kitchen storage with pantry and cabinet organizers. Simple options include adding wire pantry shelves, acrylic bins, and wire shelf organizers. Install pull out shelving for organizing pots or corner cabinets.

MILLENNIAL BUYERS REMAIN A KEY FACTOR IN HOUSING MARKET

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 25, 2021

MILLENNIAL BUYERS REMAIN A KEY FACTOR IN HOUSING MARKET

The latest housing trends report from Realtor.com reveal that housing prices continue to grow in most markets nationwide, even though the gains have slowed in some regions. Market watchers say that an increase in the number of smaller, lower prices homes on the market are a main reason behind the current market change. The seller’s market remains firmly in place, as buyer demand remains steady.

Even as autumn approaches, buyer demand for houses in the suburbs show no indication of declining anytime soon. Buyers have had more buying options in the last month or so, as inventories are certainly higher than they were a year ago. Low interest rates remain one reason for higher demand, but there are other key factors affecting the current climate.

First, COVID uncertainty remains, and as people continue to work from home for the foreseeable future, larger homes with backyard space and room for home offices will stay firmly in demand.

Also, millennial home buyers with growing families continue to drive demand for suburban housing. This group of home buyers are responsible for higher sales in many of the hottest real estate markets.

HOW TO SELECT A MOVING COMPANY

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 16, 2021

HOW TO SELECT A MOVING COMPANY

Finding a reliable and secure moving company can be a daunting task, whether you’re moving 5 miles or 500 miles. With careful research and planning ahead of time, it’s possible to take some of the uncertainty out of the process. Here are some tips to get started.

Do your research. A personal recommendation from a family member or friend for a moving company is a good place to start. Referrals from recent experiences (within a few months) are best. Online research from Angie’s List, Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau are also good sources.

Obtain several estimates. Request written estimates from 3-5 moving companies so you can compare. Look for hidden fees, additional costs for long distance moves or shipping, what type of insurance coverage they offer.

Choose a licensed mover. You can avoid unscrupulous companies by making sure the moving company is licensed by either the Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Commission.

Your realtor is also a good source for local moving companies and may be able help with specialists for long-distance moves.

MULTIPLE OFFERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET: HOW TO STAND OUT AS A BUYER

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 26, 2021

MULTIPLE OFFERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET: HOW TO STAND OUT AS A BUYER

Bidding wars and surging house prices are the norm right now in real estate markets coast-to-coast. Anyone looking to buy or sell a house in this market should be prepared for a multiple-offer situation. Here are some ways buyers can differentiate themselves beyond the offer amount itself.

  • Be as financially prepared as possible. Having a mortgage pre-approval in hand is a given. Buyers who can put down a larger percentage of the down payment in cash may be more attractive to sellers.
  • Have few or no contingencies on the sale, such as needing to sell another property before closing. In some cases, buyers are waiving appraisal contingencies, limiting inspection demands and even waiving inspections.
  • Be flexible. If you can accommodate a quick closing, or let the seller stay in their home longer, that may place you in a better position than other buyers.

Working with a real estate agent you trust is also important, so that you can depend on their skills and expertise when it comes to negotiating a deal.

MILLENIALS ARE NOW THE MAJORITY OF CURRENT HOMEBUYERS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 5, 2021

MILLENIALS ARE NOW THE MAJORITY OF CURRENT HOMEBUYERS

The strong sellers’ real estate market is showing no signs of slowing down. Market data and trends are revealing some interesting patterns in many of the hottest markets, including those here in New Jersey.

One of the notable trends is that a majority of the buyers looking to purchase homes in New Jersey are millennials, possibly as high as 72% of all buyers in the state. There are several key reasons why this generation, currently between the ages of 25-40, are starting to buy instead of rent.

The continued low interest rates are certainly part of the reason for the increase in demand, as many potential homebuyers wish to make a purchase while interest rates remain stable. An interest rate increase will likely reduce buying power for some homebuyers.

Many millennial buyers are also leaving city life in order to purchase larger homes with more outdoor space in the suburbs. Some of the rush is due to the pandemic. But more millennials are starting families, and are looking for homes and neighborhoods to raise them in.

Meanwhile, inventories of homes for sale remain near 10-year lows, with most houses moving quickly as the summer season is approaching.

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