Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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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.  

GETTING YOUR HOUSE PREPPED FOR SALE

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 19, 2019

GETTING YOUR HOUSE PREPPED FOR SALE

Decluttering your house is key to getting your home sold.  Personalized decor and collections can limit the imagination of buyers.  A way to look through your house it to use the KonMari method. For those of you that are not familiar, this method introduces the idea of only keeping items that are used and bring you joy.  Tidying not by room but by category; books, papers, clothes and sentimental items. Take time to consider if the item is useful. When was the last time your used it? Is it something that you should pack away? Once you have gone through the process it will cut down on the items that you pack and move and will ensure that you are off to a great start in your new home.  

MOLD AND REMEDIATION

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 5, 2019

MOLD AND REMEDIATION

Mold is ever present and can simply be a nuisance or can cause health issues.  The key is to identifying what type of mold is in your home.

Mold likes moisture so you may see it growing in the grout of the tile in the shower or in the basement, in crawl spaces and on walls. It is worth the cost to hire a professional for remediation.  Sealing off the infected area, using HEPA scrubbers and vacuums are able to capture the tiny mold particles in their entirety are all services a good remediation company will offer. Professionals use antimicrobial chemicals to clean the infected area after demolition.  Once the area is treated, you may want to run a dehumidifier and consider taking it one more step, have the area treated to be resistant to water damage.

Good remediation companies are able to clearly communicate a remediation plan, use professional equipment and have years of experience.

Beatrice Bloom