Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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HOW TO SUBMIT AN OFFER THAT’S MORE LIKELY TO GET ACCEPTED

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 23, 2019

HOW TO SUBMIT AN OFFER THAT’S MORE LIKELY TO GET ACCEPTED

How to Submit an Offer That’s More Likely to Get Accepted

While it may seem there isn’t too much within your control when it comes down to making an offer on your dream home, considering using these tips to increase your chances of submitting an offer that gets accepted:

  • Understand the market. An offer not only identifies what you are willing to pay for the house but also what you think it is worth. 
  • Consider motivation. A seller’s motivation can tell you a lot about their willingness to accept a lower offer. 
  • Be timely. You have less negotiation power if the seller has been presented with multiple offers. The sooner you put in an offer, the quicker you can find out whether or not your offer has been accepted or if you will be given an opportunity to revise it.
  • Offer a higher earnest money deposit. The earnest money deposit (EMD) accompanies your offer letter. It signifies a serious, sincere commitment to wanting to purchase the house.

The home-buying process can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your timeline while also increasing the chances of having your offer accepted. Do your research, try your best to be patient, and you will be in your new home in no time.

PREPARING TO CLOSE: THREE REQUIRED CLEARANCES

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 21, 2019

PREPARING TO CLOSE: THREE REQUIRED CLEARANCES

In order to transfer home ownership in Princeton, there are three documents homeowners  will need to provide to their buyers once clearances have been attained. The associated   fees for each are determined by closing date and the date of application completion or     request.

1. Construction Record Clearance (CRC): this document is issued once all open construction permits are closed out. (Note: this step does not apply to residents of the former Borough.) 

2. Sewer Certification: this document confirms proper connection of sump pumps and drains. 

3. Bureau of Fire Safety certificate: this crucial life-and-death certification confirms your home fully complies with the township’s smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and kitchen fire extinguisher requirements.  

As it is not uncommon for a home to require re-inspection, for a variety of unforeseen reasons, the sooner a seller begins this process, the better the odds of avoiding last-minute headaches. To access these forms, and for more information, visit the township’s website.

PREPARING TO CLOSE: CHECKING FOR OPEN PERMITS 

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 7. 2019

PREPARING TO CLOSE: CHECKING FOR OPEN PERMITS 

Congratulations – you have accepted an offer on your home! One of the most important – yet often overlooked – tasks on a seller’s “to-do” list is to ensure all permits related to prior improvements made to your home (such as renovations and additions) are closed out. This can be done in a few simple steps. 

First, visit www.princetonnj.gov and search for the “Princeton Request for Government Records” form (you can find the property’s lot and block information on your tax bill.) Once you submit the form, and the township has processed your request, they will send you a report. In the event there is an open permit, you will need to call the township to schedule an appointment for a final inspection, confirming all work has been completed and is in compliance.

Performing this crucial check early in the closing process will provide ample time to resolve any unexpected issues, offering peace of mind to all parties. 

HIRING A MOVING COMPANY

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 31, 2019

HIRING A MOVING COMPANY

There are so many things to think about when moving, it’s easy to forget about the crucial step of finding the right moving company. Here are some tips to assist you through the process: 

1. Start by looking at online reviews. The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and American Moving and Storage Association (moving.org) are two good resources.

2. There is nothing quite as valuable as other people’s experiences. Get recommendations from friends and family; these are people you know who will share the good AND the bad. Be sure to ask them questions like, “Was the estimate     accurate? Did anything break or go missing? Were your belongings delivered on time?”

3. Interview several moving companies online, via email or over the phone to get preliminary quotes. Take time to weigh the pros and cons of each before proceeding.  

4. Be sure any moving company you are considering is licensed and insured.

Once you have done your initial screening, invite 2-3 companies into your home so that they can see your home’s contents and provide you with a written estimate (the estimates are generally based on the weight of your items and distance of your move.) 

RETIRED? GEARING UP FOR RETIREMENT?

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 10, 2019

RETIRED? GEARING UP FOR RETIREMENT?

It is never too early to prepare for your housing needs.  If your current community is where you want to enjoy your Golden Years, you may want to think about what is needed to age in place. Things to consider are one floor living, walkability to shopping, places of worship or cultural activities. Some individuals opt for downsizing while others make modifications to their existing homes in order to accommodate their needs.  

Will loved ones be visiting and need a place to stay? Will you need supplemental income and consider renting space to increase cash flow? Or will you need modifications to improve accessibility. If so it is important to speak with a professional to anticipate both cost and timing.

SOLAR PANELS; CREATING ENERGY WHILE SAVING MONEY

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 26, 2019

SOLAR PANELS; CREATING ENERGY WHILE SAVING MONEY

Solar Panels reduce energy costs, add value to your home, create less of a carbon footprint and can generate and 8-10% return on investment.  There are some things that you need to know before you decide to move forward to making these changes to your home.

· What size system do you need

· How many square feet does your roof space allow for solar panels to be installed

· What is the annual amount of Kilowatt hour you can expect from your system

· Are there tax credits and other incentives 

· Energy costs in New Jersey are expensive; what is the projected savings and how long will it take to recoup the cost of installing the system

When taking into consideration as to buy or lease the panels, you should know that if you chose to lease it may complicate things if you decide to sell your home.  

Beatrice Bloom