Looking for a New Jersey New Home? Use Your Technology

The latest National Assn of Realtors (NAR) Member Profile showed conclusively that technology plays a crucial role in a successful real estate transaction.  94 percent of Realtors use e-mail daily or nearly every day, 91 percent use computers, and 56 percent use smart phones with wireless e-mail and Internet capabilities.  Other options widely used include digital cameras, instant messaging, GPS devices, and PDAs without phone capability.  More than six in 10 NAR members have a personal website, while 89 percent report their firm has a Web presence. Seven out of 10 Realtors have a home office.

How well am I positioned to use the technology of 2010 to help in your search for a new home in Mercer County NJ?

• I have 2 web sites
• 3 blogs with different foci
• am with a worldwide franchise company whose web site has global search capabilities
• would be lost without a digital camera
• work out of my home office
• use a smart phone
• use and respond to Instant Messaging
• use social media for networking and to support your interests

I could go on and on.   If you find a home site under construction, or a new home development in Mercer or surrounding counties that intrigues you, just email me for information.  I will get back to you within minutes on what's available.  I know the Mercer County builders and new home opportunities.  Let's use all the technology we have to find you the new home you want.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/

 

Remodeling to Become more Popular

According to the latest National Assn of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index, the decline in remodeling activity is coming to an end.  The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number below 50 indicates that more remodelers say market conditions are getting worse than report improving conditions. The RMI has been running below 50 since the final quarter of 2005, but the first quarter 2010 is the best showing since the first quarter of 2006, reported at 47.0.

Current conditions for the remodeling market improved in three regions: Northeast 45.8 (from 27.7 in fourth quarter 2009); Midwest 47.0 (from 37.5); and South 49.0 (from 40.0). However, remodeling conditions declined in the West to 36.6 (from 41.7). Major additions climbed to 53.8 (from 40.0), as did minor additions to 49.6 (from 40.7). Maintenance and repair grew to 36.6 (from 27.1).

"Although the overall RMI and most of its components are still slightly below the break-even point of 50, the recent improvements suggest that the remodeling market may soon reach its bottom and begin to grow in the coming months," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "However, professional remodelers are still operating in a highly competitive marketplace and dealing with consumers who are uncertain about the future."

If you are trying to decide between a remodel or sale of your Mercer County home, contact me now, before you spend any money.  I can tell you which improvements will bring the most value in your specific area, and how that will compare with an expected sales price in Hamilton, Robbinsville, Ewing, or any of our communities.

I have experience in the building trades and many years as a Realtor.  Get some professional advice - free, no obligation - and give me a call.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/

New Home Sales Up in March

HUD and the Census Bureau released figures this week that sales of new single family homes in March hit 411,000.  This is 26.9% above the revised February rate of 324,000 units, and 23.8% above the March 2009 estimate (332,000).

The median sales price of new homes nationwide sold in March was $214,000, and the average $258,600.  Inventory by the end of the month was 6.7 months, at the current sales rate.

These trends are certainly positive for new homes in New Jersey, and for builders in Mercer County.  Contact me to find out about our new construction developments here in Mercer and surrounding counties.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/

Singles Want New Jersey Suburbs

According to a recent survey of single home owners on the factors that motivated them to buy, more singles are buying homes in suburbia.

Here are some figures that reflect the reasoning behind their choices:

52 percent chose the suburbs over urban or rural areas.

53 percent of single home owners said they purchased a home because it was a better deal than renting.

68 percent chose a home priced lower than they could afford.

Of the 13 percent who own their home jointly with another person, 49 percent made the purchase with their parents.

55 percent have less than a 30-minute commute to work.

40 percent live within 30 minutes of their parents or extended family.

27 percent of women thought the number of bedrooms were important, while only 18 percent of men felt the same way.

38 percent of men would consider buying a foreclosure, while only 29 percent of women would consider one.
 
There are many New Jersey new home communities in our suburbs.  Contact me for information on where and who and how much for New Jersey new home developments.
 
Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/
 

Builder Confidence Index Jumps

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes improved significantly in April as consumers rushed to take advantage of home buyer tax credits set to expire at the end of the month, according to results of the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), just today. The HMI surged four points to 19 in April, its highest level since September of 2009.

"Home builders reported some real improvement in current sales activity and traffic of prospective buyers through their model homes over the past month," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones. "While we remain cautious about what future months will bring, it's great to have this positive momentum at the start of the spring home buying season."

"An expected surge in buyer activity leading up to the expiration of the home buyer tax credits and a gradually improving economy helped to brighten builders' view of the marketplace in April," confirmed NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Meanwhile, builders have a more neutral view of what may come in the next six months, and are very aware of the many factors that continue to drag on housing at this time - including the critical shortage of credit for new and existing projects, problems with inaccurate appraisals, and the ongoing flow of foreclosed properties on the market. Greater economic growth, particularly in the job market, and the abatement of these housing issues are needed to help move home building to a more sustained recovery."
 
The Midwest and South each registered substantial HMI gains in April, rising five points to 15 and four points to 21, respectively. Meanwhile, the Northeast posted no change at 22 and the West dipped two points to 13.
 
While the survey indicated no change in the Northeast, I have certainly been contacted by many buyers this past month who are interested in new construction.  To help this trend, builders are becoming aggressive about selling inventory, so they can concentrate on building as the season gets into full swing.
 
You may not have time now to use the tax credit (only 15 more days unless Congress extends it again) but you do have time to look at some new homes in Mercer County.  I know the builders and the developments - let's go preview some construction sites and plans.
 
Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
619-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/

Kitchen Trends for 2010 in New Jersey New Homes

The National Kitchen & Bath Association surveyed designers to reveal the top design trends for 2010, and has released results you might want to consider in your Mercer County new home.

Trends popular this year include

• Hiding your appliances in kitchen drawers, whether dishwashers-in-a-drawer or undercounter refrigeration (drawers being used as refrigerators). More home owners are opting to tuck their appliances away so they don’t interfere with the kitchen design.
• Dishwashers-in-a-drawer are convenient -you can wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, which saves water and electricity
• Shades of white and off-whites are the most common kitchen colors, followed by brown, beige, and bone hues.
• The most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry remains cherry, followed by maple. Declining in favor are painted cabinets, light natural finishes, and distressed finishes.
• Traditional is the most popular kitchen design with contemporary a close 2nd
• Ceramic and porcelain tile and natural stone remain the most popular kitchen flooring, but hardwoods will dominate kitchens this year in many parts of the country.
• Granite is the most popular option for countertops, but quartz is inching up to it in popularity, both in kitchens and baths.

The overall trends are toward more natural finishes, materials, and definitely toward green energy efficiency.

Interested in buying a new home this year in Mercer County or surrounding areas in central New Jersey?  I know the builders, the developments, and the process.  Give me a call or email for ideas on how to make your dream of owning a new construction home in Hamilton become reality.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/

(photos courtesy of ModernKitchenDesigns.)

New Jersey New Home Buyers - Time is Runnng Out on the Tax Credits

If you want to use your tax credit for a new home, now is the time to get started.  You have to be under contract by April 30, and then the builder has to build and turn over the keys to you by July 31.  Here are some ideas to speed up your process this last month:

1.  Know your market.  You don't have much time to look around, even online, but I know the new home communities here in Mercer County and surrounding counties.  Let's talk - pick my brain about where and what you want.
2.  Narrow your search. As soon as we talk about your best options, take a look online or by car and let me know what suits you best.
3.  Get preapproved.  This is your first job, but I can recommend reputable lenders.  Don't settle for a pre-qualification - you need an approval.
4. Know your needs and know your wants.  This is your 2nd job.  Needs and wants are different and will affect what you buy and how much you can afford. 
5.  Leave some time for contingencies.  The builder may not accept your offer immediately - he or she may counter, you may counter - leave a few days before the April 30 deadline.
6.  It probably is too late for a short sale as banks aren't known for their fast responses, but if you see a new home the builder is trying to "unload," let's give it a try.

Don't lose this opportunity to use your 1st Time Buyer or Trade Up Tax Credit in this 2010 tax year.  Contact me now to get started.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/