Burlington Township Homes And More

Please Help Someone Less Fortunate Than Yourself

I have been blessed in 2008.  I am not close to being a Donald Trump, but my heat works, my mortgage is paid and I have food on the table.  There are so many who are less fortunate.  I received the following email this morning from the Fortress For The Arts In Philadelphia.  If you are in the Philadelphia area and are able to donate ANY food, please call Kat at the number below.  I will be picking up  some extra chicken to donate.  Thanks everyone for your help.

Remember......Givers Get

Please everyone we are so near to Christmas and yet we have only one turkey and a few canned goods. i know that it is a real busy time of the year for all, but remember that there is a large number of familys that have nothing to put under the tree, but mostly nothing to put on the table. i will even come a pick up if you can't drop off. thanks again and happy holidays .
the team at the Fortress! 610.291.1020

My name is Leander McClain and I have a Real Estate practice in Burlington County, NJ.   Are you faced with trying to sell a home that did not sell in 2008?  Did your listing expire?  I am sure that your next question is, what should you do now?

Do not Fear

My friend and fellow real estate consultant Jennifer has done an excellent job of explaining some of your options.  After reading what she has written and you would like to condsider repositioning your home so that it will sell in 2009, please give me a call. 

Have a great day

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

The Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are wonderful places to visit with children.  I often suggest to my real estate clients in Burlington Township, Burlington County, New Jersey that a trip to these museums is something that you want to experience with your children.  A trip the museum may be out of reach for some families with limited income and several children. 

NOT TO FEAR

I am always excited to pass along a bargain that I come across and this is a biggie, especially for the Franklin Institute.  Free Admission to Franklin Institute will be offered from 5 to 8pm on the third Wednesday of every month.  The Please Touch Museum will remain open from 5 to 7 pm on the first Wednesday of each month charging $2 for Admission.  Costs of these programs will be covered by Target. 

Earlier this year, I attended a community night at the Franklin Institute.  It was great experience to see all of the children enjoying themselves.  I must say that I had a great time also.  There was a pirates exhibit and a great NASCAR IMAX movie (obtw, I am a HUGE Nascar...dating back to the days of The King, Richard Petty). 

So I urge everyone that has an interest to take advantage of these free events.  Don't just take your kids, share...take along a child from your neighborhood.   

Finally, my business is built on referrals. If you have someone that you care about that is looking to buy or sell real estate now or in the future, in or out of my area, please contact me and let me show you how I can can help them.

Have a Great Day

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

Step AWAY From The Christmas Tree and Come Out With Your Hands UP!

 

Every year, my sister and I relive some things from our past that are funny (to us at least).  You remember chrysta, you met her in my thanksgiving post about the Green Bean Casserole.  When we were growing up, there was never a whole lot of money in the budget for a christmas tree.  In fact some years, our trees kinda looked like the classic charlie brown tree.  My mom would send us out with a few bucks to buy a Christmas tree.  Well trees were expensive and a few bucks didn't go very far.

One year my sister and I decided that we had ENOUGH of this scraggly Christmas tree mess!  We also noted that at some point on Christmas eve, all of the lots closed.  There would be plenty of leftover trees that no one wanted. We didn't think they would mind if we borrowed one.

 

 

So we hop into my 1976 Toyota Corolla (mine was brown with black, red

 

and grey primer) and we head off to the nearest abandoned Christmas tree lot. 

 

 

 

 

We look around trying to find the perfect tree. 

We must have picked the tallest fullest tree on the lot.  Thank goodness they left some rope for us to tie it onto the top of the car . 

 

 As soon as we pull away from the lot (tires screeching, pine needels flying everywhere)  what do we see coming down the street????

 

 

You guessed it.  The police. 

We thought for sure that we were going to jail.  But as fate had it, they waved and rode on by us.   Pheww.  We went home and decorated the tree.  The next morning when my mother got up, she was shocked to see the tree and wondered where did it come from.  It is just recently that we shared with her the story of our Christmas Tree Caper. 

Life is short.  Say please and thank you.  Smile and enjoy yourself.

I hope everyone enjoys their Christmas

 

 

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

I WANT WHAT I HAVE!

This year has been more difficult than most recent years.  I personally faced personal and financial hardship.  However, as the year comes to a close, I am happier than I have been in many years.  You may think that I solved my problems or hit the lottery.  Well if you think that, you would be wrong.  I have learned to accept or want all that I have.  I could list all of the terrible things that have happened to me this year.  Why bother.   Out of each incident came an opportunity for me to expand my horizons.  Each tragedy gave me a brand new opportunity to figure out how to solve the problem.

 During this holiday season, many people are faced with economic difficulties.  This year, many will curtail the usual amount of holiday spending.  Many will tell you that they are having a hard time paying their bills.  Many people will feel down in the dumps or downright depressed.  When you start to feel down, think of those who are in a situation worse than yours.  If you are living in a home that is smaller than you like, think about the person that is sleeping in a shelter.  If you are living in a shelter, think about the person that is sleeping in a car.  If you are sleeping in a car, think about the person that is sleeping in a cardboard box.  If you are sleeping in a cardboard box, think about the person that is sleeping on a park bench with no shelter from the wind and the rain.   If you are sleeping on a park bench, think about the person who has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and only has a short time to live. 

 What I have learned in 2008 is a new definition of happiness.

Happiness is not having all that you want, but wanting all that you have.

If you expand that further, happiness is not wanting what you used to have, but wanting what you have now.  Throughout the year, I have posted many positive messages.  I have projected positivity to many people that I speak to on a daily basis.  Think about it, you can mope about your glass being half full, or you can be happy that you have a glass and that there is something in YOUR glass. 

 So as 2008 comes to a close, I accept all that I have and I want all that I have.  I accept all of those who I have touched with a positive message.  I accept the friends that send positive messages my way when I am feeling down.  I accept the economic slow down.  I accept the opportunities that the slow down has given me.  The lessons that it has taught me about saving and spending less and being more creative to get the job done with less money.  I accept my family.  I accept the family members I readily claim and those that I would rather remain hidden on some days.  Somewhere there is a child that has no family and would give anything to spend Christmas with a family that loves them.  I accept the car problems that I had this year.  I accept the job I was given of remodeling my bathroom because I could not afford to pay someone to do it.  I accept the lessons that I learned from cutting tile to mixing grout and soldering pipe.  I accept the difficulties I faced in the real estate market.  I accept the deals that I closed this year.  All over the country there are agents that are unable to close a single deal. 

 My list could go on and on.   I am happy and I accept my life as it is.  I want what I have.  I am looking forward to continuing this excitement in 2009.

 

Everyone have a Happy Holiday

 

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

To my clients looking to relocate to or withing Burlington Township, New Jersey:  This is a deal worth looking at.  The builder will pay the points on your mortgage so that you will have a 4.5% FHA or VA loan.  The down payment for a FHA is only $11,190.  In addition, a few weeks ago, these homes were priced about $20,000 higher.  The builder is looking to move these homes before year end.

 

Could This Be The Deal You Have Been Waiting For??

 

If interested in previewing these homes, give me a call today!

Dayton II – 3 Dudley Drive

Elevation B- Homesite #36                   Approx. 2650 Sq. Ft.                                                                       New Price: $373,000

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath, Stone Front Exterior, Full Basement with Finished Recreation Room,                 Original Price:  $475,840

Rough-In Plumbing, And 9’ Ceiling Height, 75 Gallon Hot Water Heater, Gas Fireplace                        Special Savings: $102,840                                                              

Gourmet Kitchen with Upgraded Cabinets, Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel                             

Appliances, Lavish Owner’s Suite with Superbath, Upgraded Electricals, Hardwood Flooring            Move in Before Year End!

in Kitchen, Foyer and Powder Room,  Upgraded Carpet Throughout!  More upgrades are included. 

 

Princeton II – 98 Shive Place

Elevation A- Homesite #53                   Approx. 2650 Sq. Ft.                                                                       New Price: $373,000

A True Center Hall Colonial, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath, Full Basement with Finished                                   Original Price:  $479,975

Recreation Room and Rough-In Plumbing, 75 Gallon Hot Water Heater, Gas Fireplace                          Special Savings: $106,975                                              

Kitchen with Upgraded Cabinets, Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances                       

Lavish Owner’s Suite with Superbath and Sitting Room, Upgraded Electricals, Upgraded                    Move in Before Year End!

Flooring and Electricals Throughout!  Upgrades Galore!   

 

 

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

My Brother

Tuesday and Wednesday, I attended the Triple Play Realtor Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  I attended with my real estate partner and brother from another mother Jonathan Palmore (see us in pic on right).  Jonathan is truly the brother that I never had.  From the first day that we met 3 years ago, we have have a strong bond that cannot be broken.  One of the things that I like about Jonathan is that he is truly a nice guy and he is REAL. 

I met Jonathan my first day at EXIT Realty of Cherry Hill.  He walked into the staff meeting with a huge jug of water, a big smile and much confidence.  He went around  the table and said hello to everyone.  I thought to myself, here is a guy with a really positive outlook on life.  Little did I know the personal issues that he was facing at the time. 

Since that day, we have attended conferences together, shared training lessons, traded war stories, etc.  But the one thing that keeps us together is that we are both positive people.  When Jonathan is down, I tend to be there saying "keep your head up brother, it's going to be ok".  When I was going through my personal trials, Jonathan did the same for me.  It is not unusual for me to get a call first thing in the morning from Jonathan.  A call that says nothing other than make today a great day.

Jonathan and I will both be wildly successful at this game called Real Estate.  Successful beyond our wildest dreams.   I would not have been able to make it this far without him.  Everyone needs to have at least one positive person in their corner.  In fact don't stop with just one.  Things have been tough for some real estate agents in 2008.  Ask Jonathan and I how's business and we will both tell you......FANTASTIC. 

Jonathan, I love you brother.

Everyone have a great day

 

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)

I'm Taking A Few Days Off

Well it's that time of year again.  Time for the Triple Play Realtor Convention and Trade Show in Atlantic City, NJ.  I look forward to this convention every year.  First, because the courses are very good, Secondly, it's close and thirdly, it's inexpensive ($60).  For $60, every Realtor in the state of new jersey (new and old) should attend this convention.  I attend every year and I always learn something that will help my real estate clients in Burlington Township, Burlington County, NJ.

This year the keynote speaker is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. He will be speaking on the topic, A Contract With Our Future.  I look forward to hearing him speak.  In addition, I will attempt to attend the following courses:

1. Survival of The Prepared: Adapting To Changing Markets
2. Stay on Top Tomorrow with Today's Top Trends
3. Lights, Camera, Action - creating & using videos online
4. Marketing To A Diverse Client Base
5. Seven Secrets to Getting Started in REO Market
6. The Number One Secret of Turning Panic Into Profit In This Complex Market
7. Using Today's Technology To Dominate Your Market
8. Short Sales: The Big Foreclosure Secret
9. Why Be Normal
10. Creative Strategies for a Slow Market: Helping Consumers Achieve Their Investment Goals

So as you see, the next couple of days will be chocked full of information.  Because I will be in learning mode, I will only return calls during my call back time after 6pm.  As a result of taking advantage of this educational opportunity, I will be able to serve my clients even better in 2009.  

I will talk with you all again in a couple days.

Have a great day

Leander 

I have had some of my Burlington County, New Jersey clients tell me that they have good credit, but can't get approved for a mortgage.  Maybe they have too much credit or in other words, too much debt for their level of income.  Below  Ken Cook explains Debt To Income Ratio.

Have a great day

Leander

I have pointed out these things before.  Nicole however boils it down to the top three ways not to sell your Burlington County, NJ Home.

Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)