Burlington Township Homes And More

Cherry Hill, NJ Important Phone Numbers

Sometimes it is hard to find the one phone number you are looking for. I decided to post these important phone numbers to help out my fellow Cherry Hill, NJ Residents.

The most important number to remember is 9-1-1.  If you have a police or fire emergency, diall 9-1-1

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

Free Veterans Day Meal

Applebees will be serving a free meal on Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 to anyone who served in the military. If you did not serve in the military and know someone who did serve in the military please pass the message on, thanks in advance. The menu for the free meal is on Applebees website, http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx 

 Available during business hours on November 11, 2009 at participating Applebee's only. Dine-in from limited menu only. Beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service.  Proof of Military serice include

To all my fellow Veterans;

Thank You For Your Service

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

When: 22 October 2009 ( Don't worry if you missed the first sessions, you can catch up)

Where: Keller Williams, 1814 Route 70E, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (No this is not for KW agents only, in fact our group includes agents from several well know firms.)

Time:  Thursday Evenings 7-8pm

Why:  Keep Reading 

If you are willing to ask the question, “How do I take my real estate business to the highest point possible?” ...

THIS SERIES OF ENERGIZING WORKSHOPS IS FOR YOU!

The focus of each sixty minute session is how to apply the life-changing concepts of Gary Keller’s book, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, to achieve the business and personal results you want.

Join us this Thursday, October 22, 2009 in the Keller Williams Realty Cherry Hill Training Room from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and continuing for 10 weeks.

Please call Dan Magee at 856-321-1212 or email danmagee@kw.com to reserve a spot (space is still available and the book club will be repeated when we get to the end of the 10 weeks).

Required Text: The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. *Copies will be onn hand for purchase.

If you missed the first week and plan on joining us, the required reading is pages 1-46.  I hope to see you next week.

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

Can You Please Sell My House For $65,000 More Than My Neighbors?

 This weekend, I decided to preview homes for sale in the Point of Woods neighborhood in Cherry Hill, NJ.  In order to not be biased, I made appointments without viewing the listing price.   Here are some of my general observations of one of the homes I previewed.

The front yard was landscaped with tall grasses.  The right side of the yard had a tree stump that was 5 feet in diameter.   I later read in the listing that this was "unique" landscaping.  The landscaping hid the house and decreased its curb appeal.  Many buyers will not get of the car if they don't like the house from the car (trust me; I have had more than my share of buyers in this category).  My advice to sellers:

Tone Down Your Landscaping. 

Simple and clean is better.  What is unique to you may be considered a disaster to buyers. 

 As I toured the home (circa 1970), it had some wonderful features.  The home featured new windows, a remodeled kitchen, 2^nd story deck, 5 bedrooms and a dry basement.  However, what struck me in a negative way was the amount and placement of the furniture.  The formal living room was packed with furniture. It was very difficult to move around the room. The dining room had a very large table (with 2 leaves inserted).  The family room also had a lot of furniture plus a treadmill and several other pieces of exercise equipment.  Two of the bedrooms on the second floor were being used as offices.  The offices were stuffed to the gills with professional journals, the desk was messy and again there was a lot of "stuff" in the rooms.  The bedrooms were clean and neat. 

 My advice to home sellers;

If You Are Moving, Then Move Already. 

What I mean is this.  The home you are selling is no longer your home.  You are showcasing this home in order to find its new owners.  The best thing sellers can do is rent a storage unit and move 25-40% of the items out of the home.  The formal living room does not need a sofa, loveseat and two chairs.  Put the couch in storage.  Use only the love seat and maybe 1-2 chairs.  You want the room to feel open and spacious.  Take the leaves out of the dining room table.  Again, you don't want the room to feel cramped.   Exercise equipment - In most homes I visit, the exercise equipment is covered with 6 layers of dust.  So for the sake of selling your home, put it in storage.  The same thing goes for magazines, books, knick knacks, your kid's trophies, pet toys and miscellaneous stuff. 

When I walked around this house, I noticed that it had been painted badly. If you are going to sell your home, fresh paint goes a long way towards finding a buyer. 

If You Can't Paint, Hire Someone Who Can. 

There are plenty of unemployed painters on craigslist looking for a couple of days work. 

Now, let's get to the point of this whole story.  The listing price of this home was $65,000 more than comparable homes in the neighborhood.  Did you hear me?? $65,000 more than comparable homes in the same neighborhood. This home was in one of the worst locations (backed up to a main street and it was noisy).  Even though the condition was decent, homes in much better condition were listed for $65,000 less.

 Sellers, in today's market, your home will probably not sell above market value.  If homes in your neighborhood are selling for $300,000, you will not get $400,000 for your home (I don't care how much you spent in improvements).  First of all, buyers will go around the corner and look at the less expensive homes (everybody wants a bargain).  Secondly, $400,000 buyers will be shopping in a $400,000 neighborhood. 

Finally, as your Realtor and Real Estate consultant, I would refuse to list your house at $65,000 above similar homes.  What would that accomplish? How would I be looking out for your best interest?  Several months later you home will more than likely not be sold.  You will be frustrated and certainly will not want to entertain a $65,000+ price drop.  My job as a Realtor is to explain to you the current market.  We will get in the car and go look at our competition before we decide at which price to list your home.

Good Luck to all home sellers during this unique market.  If you are looking to sell in Burlington or Camden County, NJ, call me and let me explain how I as your Realtor can help make your dreams come true.

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

Truila.com Workshop

Learn the In's & Out's of Trulia to help your business and enhance your social media skills.  Rudy Bachraty III is the public face and voice of Trulia.  If you have followed @trulia on Twitter, you are following Rudy.  He is the social media guru at Trulia.com.  He also manages Trulia's corporate blog (Social Real Estate Chicago)

Hot buffet & drink specials.  Networking & socializing (bring business cards).

All Realtors Welcome

Free workshop ending with Q&A and Neworking Opportunities

$5.00 donations accepted at the door for Chapter With A Heart

RSVP to reserve your seat:  njcrschapter@gmail.com

When: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Where: Cafe Aldo Lamberti's, Route 70,  Cherry Hill, NJ

Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

 Now Wait Just One Minute!

I would like to thank Joseph Welusz for the inspiration of this post.  Joe responded to my September 2009 Cherry Hill Real Estate Market report with the following comment

"I also live here in the Cherry Hill area and lower end homes are selling they always have.  That isn't the problem. It's the homes over $350,000 in the area (Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Marlton, Medford) that are the problem and more home fall within $50,000 of that range then any others."

Since I also live and work in Cherry Hill, I thought I should address Joe's concerns.  When assessing anything, you have to look at the facts.  In addition to the facts, you must understand that there are always exceptions to the rule. 

As of 107/2009 there were 498 single family homes listed for sale in Cherry Hill.  73% of those homes are listed for under $350,000.   Within the last month 118 homes have either sold or gone under contract to be sold.  82% of those homes were sold for under $350,000.

Now let's take a look at the Cherry Hill housing supply. Simply stated, if every month, the same number of homes that sold last month is sold, how long would it take to sell every home listed for sale.

 As Joe stated, the homes under $350K are selling well.  I know from personal experience that many owners of homes that would have sold for $500K 4 years ago cannot fathom the idea that the same home today is selling for $350K.  They feel that they have lost $150K in profit and they want their Realtor to get it back for them.   Many of these homeowners have been in their homes for more than 8 years and paid less than $250K.  Instead of seeing $100K profit, they focus on the loss.  In many cases, the profit from the sale of your home could help you move on to their next stage in your life.

Why hold onto hold onto the past? The housing market will not be what it was in the near future.   Selling is not in every homeowner's best interest.  However, if you are waiting for prices to go back up before you sell; you may be in for a bit of a wait.  Most experts believe that homes prices will rise over the next 5 years.  Will they rise to the level of 5 years ago?  I highly doubt it. 

If you are interested in exploring your options, call me today and we can set up an appointment.  

Have a great day

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Cherry Hill Home Sales Report

September 2009

by Leander McClain.

Whoever said that real estate was not selling, forgot to tell the buyers in Cherry Hill, NJ.  Over the past month, 71 homes have sold.  I've had people tell me that Cherry Hill is an expensive town.  However, 17 of the houses that sold were under $200,000.  The average price of the homes sold was $271.000.  I  think those prices are excellent. 

 A very important thing to notice is that the average property in Cherry Hill sold for 95% of the asking price.  This means that homes are begining to be priced correctly.  Buyers should be aware that homes in Cherry Hill will most likely not be available for rock bottom prices of 50% of the asking price (of course there are exceptions).  Sellers should be aware that homes that are priced correctly are selling quickly.  the average time it took to sell a home in September was 83 days. 

If you are ready to start looking for your dream home or you are ready for your current home to become someone else's dream home, Call Me Today.  We will set up a mutually convenient time to meet and discuss your plans for the future.  I will let you know if I can help you make your dreams come true.

Have a great day

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Every one loves a bargain and there is no better price than FREE.

Good Hope Baptist Church

1306 Washington Avenue

Asbury Park

will be having a FREE Give-A-Way, Saturday, 10 October from 9:00am to approximately 1:00pm.  Clothes, reading material, and household items will be available.

The event will be held in the parking lot that is on Ridge Avenue.  However, if it rains, the location will be moved into the church (first floor).

Please note, the church will not issue income tax credit receipts.  Anything left over will be donated to several local charities.

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Now Is NOT the Time to Buy a Home in Evesham Township, NJ

You do not want to Call Me TODAY to discuss your home buying options.

I am sure that many of you are surprised to hear these words coming from me....Leander McClain, Realtor & Real estate consultant.  According to a study cited by the National Association of Realtors, "8 out of 10 economists agree that home prices will rise in the next 5 years".  Last week, the National Association of Realtors said the number of signed sales contracts rose for the seventh straight month in August, as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit for first-time owners that expire in November.

According to Freddie Mac, rates on 30-year home loans dropped below 5 percent for the first time in four months, but still remained above this year's record low.  The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.94 percent, down from 5.04 percent last week.  The last time the 30-year home loan averaged less than 5 percent was the week ending May 28, when it was 4.91 percent.

"Low mortgage rates are helping to stabilize home sales," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist.  Borrowers may want to consider the Federal Reserve's announcement last week that it is slowing down a program intended to lower mortgage rates and boost the housing market. Analysts say mortgage rates should remain low for now but could eventually move higher, and homeowners who want to refinance mortgages shouldn't delay.  You may not Call Me Today, but according Mr. Nothaft, if you call me next month, there is a good chance that  you will pay more for your mortgage.

With all of that said, maybe now is the time to consider purchasing your new Evesham Township home.  Five years from now, will you be the person who looks back on the decision you could have made today and say

I should have purchased a house when the prices were low!

Call Me TODAY!

Don't let this opportunity pass you by without giving it your best shot. 
I look forward to hearing from you today.

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Now Is NOT the Time to Buy a Home in Cherry Hill, NJ

 You do not want to Call Me TODAY to discuss your home buying options.

I am sure that many of you are surprised to hear these words coming from me....Leander McClain, Realtor & Real estate consultant.  According to a study cited by the National Association of Realtors, "8 out of 10 economists agree that home prices will rise in the next 5 years".  Last week, the National Association of Realtors said the number of signed sales contracts rose for the seventh straight month in August, as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit for first-time owners that expire in November.

According to Freddie Mac, rates on 30-year home loans dropped below 5 percent for the first time in four months, but still remained above this year's record low.  The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.94 percent, down from 5.04 percent last week.  The last time the 30-year home loan averaged less than 5 percent was the week ending May 28, when it was 4.91 percent.

"Low mortgage rates are helping to stabilize home sales," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist.  Borrowers may want to consider the Federal Reserve's announcement last week that it is slowing down a program intended to lower mortgage rates and boost the housing market. Analysts say mortgage rates should remain low for now but could eventually move higher, and homeowners who want to refinance mortgages shouldn't delay.  You may not Call Me Today, but according Mr. Nothaft, if you call me next month, there is a good chance that  you will pay more for your mortgage.

With all of that said, maybe now is the time to consider purchasing your new Cherry Hill, NJ home.  Five years from now, will you be the person who looks back on the decision you could have made today and say

I should have purchased a house when the prices were low!

 Call Me TODAY!

Don't let this opportunity pass you by without giving it your best shot. 
I look forward to hearing from you today.

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale