Guide Me Home to North Jersey

A year ago, I wrote a blog about the Harding Township summer camp. As I sit here on this cold, snowy March day, it is a pleasant thought to be thinking about the summer! The kids will be out of school and parents will want to keep them entertained and busy for those long, hot weeks! If you live in or around Harding Township, consider this great suggestion–Harding Township Day Camp, which is conveniently located at the Harding School in New Vernon.

The camp runs for four weeks from June 27th to July 22nd from 9-3pm, and you can sign your child up for all four weeks or for one-week intervals. This will give you plenty of time to take that August vacation and also start back-to-school shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc.
 

Children ages 3-12 are eligible to enroll. The Polliwog program is available for 3-4 year- olds which runs from 9am to 12pm or an extended program which runs from 9am to 3pm.
 

There are lots of available activities, including, but not limited to, sports, computers, drama, arts and crafts, and drama productions. Swimming lessons and science classes may be taken at a nominal additional cost. This year, campers will bring their own lunch and mid-morning snack, except on special days when it will be provided.
 

For more information and registration forms, check out their website link above.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

The bi-annual Art in Bloom event will be held on May 6 and 7 at Christ the King Church in New Vernon, Harding Township. Proceeds from this art show benefit the Kemmerer Library.

Come and enjoy the Preview Party on Friday night from 6 to 9pm. Saturday will feature additional opportunities to purchase art and bid on silent auction items from 10 to 2pm.

Volunteers are being sought to help run the event as well as artists who would like to participate. It’s anticipated there will be over 60 artists this year! You can also donate silent auction items or place an ad by clicking on the above link.

Have great time!

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Last year at this time I wrote a blog about interest rates and home prices and the effect on monthly payments. At that time, it was projected that interest rates would rise. That projection appears to be taking hold. According to Freddie Mac’s website, the Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey indicates that interest rates for February 10, 2011 are now at 5.05%! The following chart is from the Wall Street Journal February 10, 2011.

It’s time to revisit this subject.

Home prices have not risen and may fall further, so the buyer who feels that waiting was a wise financial decision may want to rethink the decision to buy (or not to buy). Why? The key issue when buying a home for most people is how much it will cost them on a monthly basis. Home prices are not projected to rise until mid-2011 (according to Macro Market Home Price Expectations Survey 12/20/2010). But the rise in interest rates will negate the good news for buyers, not sellers, about stagnant prices this spring. Recently the Wall Street Journal said, “If prices come down another 10% but interest rates increase by 1 percentage point, that would mean the same monthly payment today vs. waiting.”

There is a definite relationship between mortgage rates and home price fluctuations. For every point the mortgage rates increase, the value of the house you can buy is reduced 10% if the buyer wants to stick with a predetermined monthly payment. According to Keeping Current Matters, the difference in monthly payments on a $360,000 loan with a 5.0% interest rate ($1932) vs. a 6.0% interest rate ($2158) is $226.00. That works out to an annual difference of $2712! For the full term of the 30 year mortgage, that’s $81,360 more. If you only want to spend $1932 per month that means that you must reduce the value of the home you are buying by 10%.

As with all future financial trends, no one can accurately predict what will happen over the next 6-12 months. However, based on trends as noted above, it would certainly make sense to take a long, hard look at buying now while the monthly financial outlay remains low.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift every day!

The 12th gift is Harding’s Community Spirit. There is much to bring its residents together year round.

Many residents start their day at the New Vernon post office. Not only do you say hello to everyone getting and sending mail or packages, there is always a need to catch up with those wonderful USPS men and women behind the counter!

Then it’s off to school at Harding Township School–parents can meet at sports, the school play, or in the carpool. If you don’t have lower or middle school kids, there is always membership in one of the four houses of worship, volunteering at the library, or participation in one of the preservation or environmental groups.

The Harding Township Volunteer Fire Department hosts a myriad of events all year long. The summer kickoff steak and lobster event has been in existence since 1921. Meet your neighbors as well as the great volunteers who serve us. The annual auction of used and unwanted furniture, lawn equipment, etc. brings families together for fun and interesting purchases.

Now that you’ve received Harding’s 12 gifts, it’s easy to see why Harding is such a special place. If you are thinking of moving to Harding, give me a call and I’ll show you the rest of Harding’s gifts - beautiful homes and land waiting for new owners!

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

The 10th gift is Harding’s annual Santa visit. Each year the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department sends out a letter to the residents notifying the date of Santa’s visit to the children of New Vernon. Parents must fill out the card requesting a visit and indicating where they live. The fire department then follows the routes indicated and hands out small gifts! All have such fun and great memories to cherish from year to year.

The 11th “gift” will be Harding’s Jockey Hollow. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift every day!

The 11th gift is Jockey Hollow. Several months ago, I wrote a short blog about the park concentrating on its history. As noted in the earlier “gift” blogs, the area of Harding Township and its surroundings are filled with history.

But the park is also a changing, current place. Some of the events taking place this December are as follows: Visitors can see the Continental Army reliving their time in the huts, courtesy of the 2nd NJ Helms’ Company. As it was one of the coldest winters on record back in 1779-1780. Mother Nature has been cooperating for the exhibit this year with cold conditions! Also in keeping with fighting the elements, visitors can see exhibits about how families kept themselves warm and clothed. And finally, listen to storytellers entertain you with stories that the soldiers and families might have listened to while enduring the brutal winter.

The 12th “gift” will be Community Spirit. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift every day!

The 9th gift is Harding’s low taxes. This is particularly important when considering the cost of the house you want to purchase (as differentiated from the price of the house). Harding rates are 1.031 per $100 valuation. Compare this to similar surrounding areas such as Mendham Borough at 1.899, Mendham Township at 1.887, Bernards Township at 1.676 (2009). This translates to $5,155 per year on a $500,000 home in Harding vs. $9,495 per year in Mendham Borough.

A large portion of a municipality’s tax burden can be found in the cost of high schools. Harding does not have its own high school and uses nearby Madison High School for its students. This relieves its residents of huge maintenance, building, and educational fees.

Tax rates for all of NJ (2009) can be found by clicking here.

The 10th “gift” will be Harding’s annual Santa visit. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift every day!

The 8th gift is Harding’s proximity to NYC. For any urban family, making the move to rural New Jersey comes with some lifestyle changes. One of the biggest is the commute to NYC. Part of Harding’s huge appeal is that it offers the closest country living to NYC without sacrificing acreage or beauty.

By train, residents can use the Morristown, Convent Station, Basking Ridge or Lyons train station, depending on which side of Harding they live. The NJ Transit Mid-town Direct goes to Penn Station and the train time ranges from 56 minutes to under 90. This, of course, depends on your departure station.

If the train is not for you, driving to the Park and Ride or non-stop through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels is an option, as is bus service via Lakeland Bus Lines.

Happy commuting!

The 9th “gift” will be Harding’s low taxes. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

The 7th gift is Harding’s H istorical Society. It is located in the Tunis-Ellicks house on Village Road. Built in 1795, the Tunis-Ellicks house was originally owned by George Mitchell. In 1938 it was sold to Silas D. Tunis and then in 1978 the house and gardens were rejuvenated by the citizens of Harding. Today, it is the headquarters for the Historical Society and the gardens are maintained by the New Vernon Garden Club.

The house museum boasts an 18th century open-hearth kitchen. Outside is an 18th century parlor garden with 120 types of herbs, perennials, and shrubs. The second floor is a museum that showcases historical aspects of the area on a rotating basis. The home was recently the site of the 27th annual antique show preview party. 

The 8th “gift” will be Harding’s proximity to NYC. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

The 6th gift (and the first time it is on the list) is Harding’s new library which is called The Kemmerer Library Harding Township. It is a privately funded library and Harding residents have been instrumental in building and supporting it. At a cost of approximately $6 million dollars, the library is named after John L. Kemmerer 3rd whose family foundation donated close to $1 million dollars for its construction.

The library supports and caters to all age groups. Children can find activities and reading groups on the main floor, adults can borrow books, attend reading groups, or participate in Yoga classes, and teens can find a quiet place to read and write a paper. There is wireless throughout the building.

The 7th “gift” will be Harding’s Historical Society. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

Harding Township’s beautiful Bayne Park is the fifth gift. Located at the corner of Blue Mill Road and Glen Alpin in the center of New Vernon, it offers beautiful vistas every day and season to passersby, as well as great fun for park visitors.

At this time of year, residents eagerly anticipate ice skating. Harding creates two large rectangular ponds and then floods them. (No danger of thin ice here.) Spur of the moment hockey games can be seen when the temperature is low enough to freeze the water. Look for the “ice skating today” sign, lace up, and enjoy old-fashioned fun with the family.

The spring brings fishing, blankets on the grass, and beautiful scenery. Truly one of the most special gifts!

The 6th “gift” will be Harding’s new library. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

Harding Township’s beautiful bridle paths are the fourth gift. Look anywhere in Harding and see beautiful horses and riders in the fields and crossing or traveling down a road. Barns, paddocks, and trails all contribute to making Harding a wonderful place to ride.

The Harding Township/Green Village Bridle Path Association is active in Harding Township. The organization is committed to trail maintenance, horse safety and health, and the rural character of the area. There are family fun shows, an annual Dressage show, and picnics for all.

The 5th “gift” will be Harding’s Bayne Park. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Continuing in the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

Harding Township’s commitment to the land is the third gift. Carrying on the original vision of the Harding founders in keeping Harding Township open and bucolic, the Harding Land Trust has worked to preserve almost 303 acres of land and streams since 1990. The first project was 56 acres of open field, now known as Margett’s Field, on Blue Mill Road. The work continues preserving and saving land every year.
 

Take a ride through Harding and delight in the spectacular seasonal views and vistas. You will want to come home to this special place every night!
 

The fourth “gift” will be Harding’s bridle paths. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Still in the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

Harding Township’s rich history is the second gift. Tens of thousands of years ago, the area was covered by a glacial lake. When it finally drained, the area now known as the Great Swamp remained. In the early 1700s, the rich soil sustained the growth of a strong agricultural community, along with fishing and hunting. Tracts of woods near Jockey Hollow were later bought by Morristown residents for wood supply, and as recently as 15 years ago still existed.

New York City residents, desirous of cooler areas in the summer, bought large expanses of land and set up farms and beautiful estates. The next step was to preserve the area’s rural feeling and character, and so in 1922 the town’s residents created Harding Township, named after President Warren G. Harding. To this day, residents still conserve the rural character of Harding’s streams and land through the Harding Land Trust.

The third “gift” will be Harding’s Glen Alpin. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

In the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

The first gift is Harding’s beauty. Located between Jockey Hollow Park and the Great Swamp in Morris County, Harding boasts beautiful rolling hills, meadows, and bucolic settings that can easily out vie the most beautiful areas in New Jersey. New York City commuters come home to peace and quiet, usually in about an hour.

Below is a classic winter scene in Bayne Park, located in the center of the township and open to the public. Gorgeous!

The second “gift” will be Harding’s rich history. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Kids love Halloween–the mystery, the costumes, the freedom outside at night, and most of all the candy! But if you are a parent, like me, who tries hard to balance all that fun with safety you need some quick tips that you and your kids can follow to make it the best Halloween ever! If you can arrange an evening with some of their friends whose parents all subscribe to your rules, everyone is happier!

I divide these tips into 3 sections, as it’s easier to focus on them this way: candy, trick-or-treating, and costumes.

Again, trick-or-treating with friends is always best. It leaves someone home to hand out candy, someone with whom to switch off responsibility, and someone to help with the discipline and control.

Here’s hoping your Halloween is a fun and unique experience for all! If you have any more tips, please email me! Trick or Treat!

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

If you were one of the many homebuyers who took advantage of the Homebuyers Tax Credit this spring, there isn’t much time left to get it all done! The time between April 30th (when you had to be under contract) and June 30th (when you have to close) seemed like a very long time, but it’s not! There has been talk (and some defeated legislation) to extend the closing date for two months-but don’t count on this.

Contact your lawyer and real estate agent to develop a plan for the completion of the following steps towards closing:

Most importantly, you must obtain a mortgage. There has been a flood of applications, and although banks are prioritizing Homebuyer Tax Credit applications, make sure you are on top of the process every step of the way. As with everything, communication is crucial. Ask your lender ahead of time what is needed, get it to them swiftly, and then follow up to make sure all is received. Double check the checklist!

Next, follow up on inspections. By now you should have scheduled one and received the analysis back. If there is remediation, make sure the seller is addressing the issues on a timely basis.

Hand in hand with inspections are the smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide certifications. Each town requires something different, so verify what the rules are and that these are also being done. If there are other outstanding issues, such as missing documentation for oil tanks, permits for work done on the house, Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) if the town requires, or other contingencies, etc., follow up!

Finally, create an artificial close date with the seller. This will be the goal date for completion of all issues, and will give you a little wiggle room in case something goes awry.

Good luck and congratulations!

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

In spite of all the forecasts about higher mortgage rates happening in the latter part of 2010 (up to 6%), the unexpected strengthening of the dollar against the Euro has pushed rates down to a new low as investors are now investing in US bonds. Once yields on treasury bonds lowered, this triggered a decline in mortgage rates.

According to the Wall Street Journal article by Nick Timiraos on May 24, 2010, rates averaged 4.84% last week ending May 20, 2010. Rates were around 5.27% in April.
 

Why is this important?

Remember my previous blogs? I explained that for every one point in increase or decline of a mortgage rate, there is a corresponding 10% increase or decline in the cost of the home. If you are a seller, you may not be forced to lower the price of your home as the monthly cost to the buyer will be less with a lower rate. (This assumes, of course, that you priced the house properly at the outset of the listing.) If you are a buyer, you can buy more house for the same monthly cost!
 

So, if you are in the real estate market either as a buyer or seller (or know someone who is), timing is of the essence! Lock in a low rate and let’s start looking at houses!

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

If you are thinking of buying or building a home in Morris, Somerset, or Hunterdon Counties, you may find that you will not have access to public water. This means that your property will require a well for drinking water. Before you close on the house (whether buying or building) the well must be tested. The primary purpose is to verify that the water is potable. Testing also tracks any changes in the status of the seven largest aquifers in New Jersey.

The following is a brief explanation of the well testing process that is in no way meant to be all you need to know!

When you buy a home, the contract will include the requirement that the well water be tested for contaminants by a state-certified water testing laboratory. This is usually at the seller’s expense. The test must be done on untreated water. This means the test must be done before the water goes through any water softener, filter, etc. The parameters covered are for contaminants such as iron, manganese, pH, nitrate, lead, etc. In addition, there is a second part of the test that focuses on bacteria, specifically total coliform bacteria. The first test is usually valid for a year and the second test for 6 months. Check with both the county and the state as you must follow all laws for both.

Once the results come back, both buyer and seller review the report. Testing and results don’t take long, but in the event remedial work or treatment needs to be done, the test should be done as soon as you go under contract. According to the law, a test in which one or more drinking standards are not met doesn’t mean the sale can’t go through. In some cases local health departments may require remediation of the water. Check with your county or township!

For more information, click on this link NJDEP Private Well Testing Act.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Aside from location, number of bedrooms, and schools, the most important criteria for a buyer is usually the price of the house. Many say right up front in the search process, “I want to spend between X and Y dollars.” Usually, the buyer prefers the more expensive home as it has more features than they are looking for!

But in this market, it’s important to understand that rising interest rates can have a huge effect on the monthly expense of mortgage and taxes. Right now, conventional wisdom says that interest rates will go up after March 31st causing higher monthly payments and the tax credit expiration will end April 30th causing buying activity to slow down. This will result in more inventory on the market. Good old-fashioned supply and demand in play here! Both buyers and sellers must be acutely aware of the cost of the house vs. the price of the house in this time period.

Let’s look at the consequences of an interest rate increase. The general rule of thumb is that for every 1 percentage point interest rate increase, the mortgage costs approximately 10% more. That means the buyer must lower the top price he is able to pay, put more money down, or resign himself to a higher monthly payment (sellers must be willing to lower the price of the home quickly to remain a viable and competitive player in the market). Now let’s look at the consequences of increased inventory. Unless a house is priced sharply and correctly, it will not sell in a glutted marketplace. Buyers have an opportunity to make an educated lower offer, maintain the projected monthly payments they can afford, and buy the house they want (hopefully, sellers will react, with the help of their agent, to meet this problem head on and lower the price of the home).

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

It’s hard to believe, but summer is almost upon us! The kids will be out of school and parents will want to keep them entertained and busy for those long, hot weeks! If you live in or around Harding Township, consider this great suggestion– Harding Township Day Camp, which is conveniently located at the Harding School in New Vernon.

The camp runs for a 4-week period in June/July, and you can sign your child up for all 4 weeks or 1-week intervals. This will give you plenty of time to take that August vacation and also start Back-to-School shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc.

Children in grades K through six are eligible to enroll. (Younger campers can be part of the Polliwog program which runs from 9AM to 12AM or an extended Polliwog program which runs from 9AM to 3PM.)

There are lots of available activities, including, but not limited to, sports, computers, swimming, arts and crafts, and drama productions. Swimming lessons and science classes may be taken at a nominal additional cost. My favorite part (having sent my child to camp for many years) is the three times per week lunch that the camp offers, included in the fee.

For more information, check out their website link above.

Have a great summer!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Just the other day, someone asked me what the difference is between a short sale and foreclosure. I thought that I should write a brief blog about the difference and some advantages and disadvantages about the two. As usual, please consult your lawyer or lending agency for all the facts pertaining to your situation as New Jersey rules and laws can vary from other states.

Briefly, a short sale is a sale of your home for less money than you owe your lender. This is also known as being “underwater.” However, you can not undertake a short sale without the permission of your bank or mortgage company. Permission to sell is granted based on many factors, such as hardship, and this must be clearly demonstrated to the mortgagee. Prior to this spring, short sales took a long time to complete, but new guidelines require that any offer must be accepted or rejected within 10 days by the banks. Conducting a short sale is much like a regular offering-your home is listed by an agent on MLS, potential buyers come and look at it and offers come in.

The biggest disadvantage is that your credit score will be affected, although not as badly as in a foreclosure. An advantage is that you will be able to purchase another home more quickly, often after 2 years. And, depending on your particular circumstances, the lender may require payback of the shortfall amount.

A foreclosure procedure is caused by an inability to keep up with mortgage payments. In this case, the borrower/homeowner gives up rights to the home through a complicated legal process that varies from state to state, and ultimately, the mortgagee owns the property. At that point they are able to sell it and try to regain whatever losses that occurred.

Dramatic drops in credit scores as a result of foreclosure are the biggest disadvantage. This could remain on your credit report for many years. The ability to buy another house could be severely postponed for many years as well.

Certainly, the best piece of advice for anyone is to consult a lawyer about your options and possible results. If you are in a short sale, a real estate agent experienced in dealing with short sales will be a major help in guiding you and getting all the paperwork done correctly and in a timely manner.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Last week I described what a septic system is and how it works. This week I’ll discuss proper care and management which should extend the life and function of a system. Regular maintenance requires pumping the system to remove the sludge. This is recommended to be done on a regular basis. How you use and treat the system, the number of people in your household, and other factors can result in a range of maintenance time frames. Some companies recommend that if the sludge and scum is equal to one third of the tank capacity, it’s time to pump.

Remember: The goal is to maintain the organic organisms in the system that break down and absorb the waste. Excessive use of caustic cleaners can compromise your system. Warning signs of potential problems can be excessive water around your system or sinks and toilets backing up. The system ultimately disperses the treated water into the soil, so it’s crucial that it is in proper working order from a health and safety standpoint.

Here’s a short list of what not to do:

• Don’t use a garbage disposal.
• Don’t dump oil and grease down the sink drain.
• Don’t flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet. This includes disposable diapers, cat sand, and paper towels.
• Don’t take long showers or do many loads of laundry each day.
• Don’t pour paint, pesticides, and other toxic or hazardous substances down the drain.

Some other things to watch out for are:

• Drainage of surface water over the system area.
• Landscaping or planting trees over the system as the roots can grow in and clog or rupture the field or tank.
• Leaky faucets or sinks.
• Improper design or installation of the system in addition to poor soil that doesn’t allow proper drainage.
• Creation of an impermeable cover (such as a parking area) over the system area.

An extensive explanation of the entire process can be found at www.nj.gov or www.state.nj.us.

Always work with a reputable professional whether doing maintenance as a homeowner or conducting an inspection of the system as a potential buyer. Whether buying or selling, an efficient and safe system goes a long way towards maintaining your home’s value!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

If you are looking to buy a home in areas within Somerset, Morris or Hunterdon County you may find that the home you love uses a septic system instead of a sewer line. If you are selling in these areas, your buyer has the right to conduct an inspection of the system and the results can have an impact on the sale.

A septic system is located on your property and you are responsible for it. The rules concerning allowable size, design, and construction are governed by the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, N.J.A.C. 7:9A (aka Chapter 199). The Department of Health is responsible for enforcement of this in each township.

The typical septic system is made up of 4 main components: the pipe from the home, a septic tank, a distribution box and the drainage field. Its design and positioning will depend on your property’s characteristics.

The tank can range between 1000 and 2000 gallons, and is typically made up of 1 or 2 chambers with1 or 2 manhole covers. Townships and municipalities will have specific regulations regarding the size and layouts. The overall size is mandated by the number of bedrooms in the house.

The initial reduction of waste happens in the tank. The solids settle and should be anaerobically digested creating sludge, and the liquid ferments flowing out of baffles into the distribution box. This box evenly distributes the flow of the liquid throughout the drainage field.

The next component is the leach or drainage field. The liquid flowing to the field passes through pipes that are perforated and then is eliminated by physical, chemical and biological processes into the soil.  At that point, the water is purified.

An extensive explanation of the entire process can be found at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/dwq/pdf/septicmn.pdf or http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dwq/owm_home.htm#works.

Whether you are buying or selling, it’s best to know about the components and their importance to the overall function of the system. Next time, we will talk about the maintenance of your system and why it’s important.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

It’s always easy to find a formal restaurant in which to eat dinner. Just make a reservation, invite some other people and dress up! But what if you live in Harding Township and want an easy, quick meal? In my previous blog of October 6th, I discussed casual lunch spots around Harding Township. Here, I will talk about dinner options, both sit down and take-out. Remember, the three restaurants I discussed in my first blog also serve dinner!

Again, full disclosure: I like food with taste and creativity and I am not a restaurant critic, just a resident.

Great take-out is always a challenge! La Famiglia Gourmet on Main Street in Mendham offers a unique way to enjoy true Italian food. Tony and Clara Grande of Il Capriccio in Whippany own and manage the store. Click on the hyperlink and explore the mouth-watering menus, or visit them in person and make a selection to take home for lunch or dinner.

For casual dining, try the Bamboo Grille in Basking Ridge. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Basking Ridge Country Club year round, and eat lunch or dinner outside on the patio in the summertime. The menu is filled with great appetizers, salads, entrees, and of course, burgers–don’t forget to check out the specials!

The Black Horse Tavern in Mendham has been serving its guests since 1740. The Pub, located next door, now serves lunch, dinner and brunch and has a sit down menu as well as a to-go menu! Popular offerings such as the Oyster or Clam Bar and an extensive menu can be found there every night!

You can find me at mjbenedetto@turpinrealtors.com.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

On November 6, 2009, Congress passed an extension of the law that gives an $8,000 tax credit to first time home buyers. It was set to expire on November 30, 2009. But this is more than an extension. The new law changes income limits, allows homeowners to receive a credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a new principle residence, restricts home price, and changes deadlines among other things.

Below is a brief summary and explanation of this news. This writing does not pretend to discuss all qualifications, specifics, and provisions of the law and should not be used as any type of legal or tax advice. (As with all legal and tax related issues, you should consult your tax preparer or lawyer before doing anything).

Income limits: The new limits, which apply to both first-time and repeat buyers who purchase after Nov. 6, are $125,000 to $145,000 for singles and $225,000 to $245,000 for joint filers as reported by the New Jersey Association of Realtors.

Credits: The $8,000 credit for first-time buyers remains, but the law now gives repeat buyers up to $6,500. It requires that they have lived in their home for at least 5 years in a row in an 8 year period.

Home price: There is an $800,000 ceiling on the sale price of the house in order to be eligible.

Deadlines: The house must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and be closed by June 30, 2010.

If you are planning to purchase a new home in the next 6-8 months, I invite you to call me and discuss your options. You may email me at mjbenedetto@turpinrealtors.com or call me at 908-234-9100, x203. The time to buy equals a large inventory plus low mortgage rates plus the tax credit extension!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Thinking of living in Harding Township? You have probably asked about the ease and accessibility of NYC transportation, the low taxes, and the country lifestyle. You may have even asked where the closest grocery store is for that bottle of milk. However, one important question remains: Where can I get a really good, quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner? Are there places I can pick up take-out that isn’t pizza or fried food?

Full disclosure: I like food with taste and creativity and I am not a restaurant critic, just a resident.

Let’s start with lunch, but keep in mind that dinner is also available at the restaurants mentioned below.

Dukes Café and Grill and the Wild Goose Market just opened in the heart of New Vernon next to the Post Office on Village Road. This is not a new enterprise having recently been relocated from Basking Ridge. The menu is great for people who want to grab a quick bite between appointments, school pickup, as well as anyone who wants a convenient place to eat on lunch hour. There are lots of salads, several burgers, paninis, and of course, pizza!

Just down the road on Rte. 202 is the Olde Mill Inn and Grain House Restaurant. There are three areas in which to enjoy your food: the main dining room, the bar, and weather permitting, outside on the patio. The menu is filled with interesting sandwiches, entrees, and salads.

Tsuki is a Japanese restaurant that prides itself on culinary invention and great taste. Zagat rates it a 22! Don’t miss the specials by the door when you come in! Tsuki takes reservations, but be sure to ask for a booth if you want one. Tsuki is located a few minutes away in Bernardsville, across from the railroad tracks.

I will talk about dinner opportunities, including takeout, next week. You can find me at mjbenedetto@turpinrealtors.com.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Last week I discussed how to prepare the exterior of your home for selling this fall. Now, let’s move into the interior.

I know you are comfortable with the way your house looks- after all, you live there! However, not all potential buyers may feel as you do. They will know immediately if your open floor plan or main-floor master is wrong for them. But, if the great layout or number of bedrooms, etc. is overshadowed by your possessions or decorating style, they may not be able to envision themselves living in your house. The idea of walking through the house should make them feel comfortable.

First, remove all clutter. Your collections, knick knacks, and magazines are important to you, but may only distract the buyer whether he or she likes them or not. This is the most effective and least expensive way to prepare the inside! Pack them up; don’t shove them into drawers and cabinets, as the buyer will open them!

Second, clean out your closets, shelves, and drawers and then organize them. For example, line up the clothes by color in their category (i.e. skirts, pants, etc.) or arrange non-clothes closets by category (i.e. all napkins on one shelf.) The simple appearance of organized neatness implies a well-maintained home.

Third, re-arrange the furniture. Make sure that it’s positioned so that the buyers can easily walk into or through a room. Proper placement will ensure greater space within the room. Remove excess pieces that take up space or pieces that are not well-kept and store them in the basement. Use each room for its original use, a pool table in the living room implies that the living room is wasted space and you had to find something to do with it. Make sure the lighting is adequate to see the room.

Fourth, spruce up. Take one room at a time and carefully evaluate items that look worn, in a state of disrepair, or dated. This will take the most time, and possibly require some expense. Remember, it’s crucial that your buyer feel that you have maintained your home. Broken blinds, cracked tiles, or worn upholstery won’t convey that feeling. Keep the interior neutral; remove wallpaper or flashy paint colors that may prove too busy.

Throughout your preparation process, use your agent as a sounding board; ask her or him to be honest with you about what needs to be done or what you have done. You have hired a professional- experience is the best teacher!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

First of all, I hope you have had a great summer!

Real estate sales have risen for six straight months in the State of New Jersey, which is stronger than the national increase, according to Jeff Otteau of the Otteau Valuation Group in his June 2009 “The Otteau Report.” This has been spurred by a rise in new home sales, low interest rates, and the $8,000 first-time home buyer credit.

While we are surely not out of the real estate woods, potential buyers and sellers are showing more optimism than this time last year. If you are one of those potential buyers or sellers, this may be the time to put your house on the market or to start seriously looking. The spring market is historically the biggest market, but there is a lot to be said for the fall market, smaller only due to the shorter time period.

If you are a buyer, homes that were listed in the spring at a high price might be negotiated down successfully to a price you are happy with. If you are a seller, fresh, well-priced inventory is always welcome to the serious buyer.

As a sales associate with Turpin, I invite you to call me and discuss your options, whether buyer or seller. I can show you what has happened in your community in 2008 vs. 2009, as well as provide you with information on active and sold inventory. This type of factual information will help you make the right buying or listing decision. You may email me at mjbenedetto@turpinrealtors.com or call me at 908-234-9100, x203.

Looking forward to meeting with you!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Deciding to sell your home is the beginning of a process that consists of many steps. One of the most crucial is preparing your home for prospective buyers to see. As we are in a “buyer’s market” cycle, the smallest negative can completely turn your buyer’s head in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, those are the items that never make it to the feedback level!

There are two stages to this preparation process. In this blog, I will talk about the “big picture” items that will need to be addressed so that potential buyers don’t feel that they will have to fix your problems. Next week, I will talk about the more cosmetic issues that help, so please check back!

While walking around your house, buyers will ask questions that pertain to the general upkeep and maintenance of your home. It is very helpful if the agent has your Seller’s Disclosure in hand and can report immediately about an item’s age or when a system was serviced or repaired. Unless you want to list your house “as is” and price it accordingly, a little up-front elbow grease always pays off.

Let’s start at the beginning. When the buyer drives up to your home, make sure that there is no peeling paint, shutters are firmly affixed, and the grass and shrubs are well trimmed and healthy looking. Kill the weeds! The driveway and walkway to the front door are the second impression. Repair potholes and broken cement. Is the front door and surrounding entryway freshly painted and swept clean? If you are using a lock box, does the key turn easily, or will the agent have to struggle to get in?

Once the buyer is in the house, the questions will start. It’s the answers that will keep them focused on your wonderful home instead of potential problems. Make a checklist of all the inspections and repairs that have been performed as well as possible concerns that your house may currently have. The list should include chimney and septic cleaning, inspections, repair of furnaces, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, radon systems, pools and wells. Don’t forget your kitchen appliances! Decide if that old hot water heater should be replaced, the electrical box needs repair, or the automatic garage doors need servicing. Remember, anything not working will appear on the inspection report, and you may have to negotiate the repair or the price of the repair.

Next week, I’ll discuss the cosmetic portion of preparing your home. Check back!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto