FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR IN KEYPORT

Make your dreams of owning a home a reality!  Thursday May 10th, Better Homes Realty in Keyport will be hosting a FREE First Time Home Buyers Seminar here in town at a local coffee house called Esspresso Joe's. There will be a variety of speakers and Real Estate professionals on hand to answer all of your questions and concerns in todays very challenging market.  Information on Monmouth County Grant Funds and Short Sale advice will be available! Preview available properties for Keyport, Hazlet, Aberdeen and Middletown. The meeting will start at 6pm and for more information please contact the Keyport office directly at 732-264-9593!!!

New Rentals in Atlantic Highlands

[caption="12 Second Ave, Atlantic Highlands | Offered at $1,850/Month | (732) 291-0070"][/caption]

New Homes on the Market

[caption id="17 Hudson Ave, Atlantic Highlands - Offered at $339,000. Contact us at 732-291-0070."][/caption] [caption id="15 Hooper Ave, Atlantic Highlands - Offered at $1,575,000. Contact us at 732-291-0070"][/caption]

National Open House Weekend Tips!

ATTENTION BUYERS!! The time has come to get your comfortable shoes on, grab a water bottle and get the car keys, it's National Association of Realtor's Open House Weekend and in Monmouth County the balloons will be everywhere!!! Here are some handy tips that you may want to keep you from getting overwhelmed by it all. First, make it an occasion to spend some quality time with your significant other by getting a babysitter so you can see as many as possible and look forward to lunch or dinner after 4pm when most of them end. Second, have a plan! Know which areas you are most interested in based on school systems, access to work or family members, Hazlet, Middletown and Holmdel are among the most popular. Try to determine the exact style of house that you like such as a Colonial, Ranch, Split, Bi-Level or Cape. Research these different styles so you have an idea of what they look like from the street and try to resist the temptation to look at any that you know will not be your dream house so will have time to preview the right one.  Establish if you definitely want a garage, this will cut down on the amount of homes you would be tempted to preview on your drive by. Bring a pen and make notes on the print outs offered by the Realtors so you will be able to refresh your memory at the end of the day. And finally, remember to have fun and get excited about the prospect of buying your next home! Joanne Schiffres, http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty, Hazlet 732-757-5013    

Your Realtor Is A Valuable Resource

Realtors are more than just "door openers".  An experienced full time agent has established and maintained great industry relationships over the years in order to serve his or her clients when it comes to the largest purchase they will ever make. Your Realtor's sole purpose should be to make your transaction as seemless as possible. That is why they should be the first person you go to when you need an important referral such as an attorney, home inspector or most importantly, a mortgage representative. Real Estate transactions are only as good as the people involved in order to move things along in a timely fashion and open communication between those related industries are most important when difficulties arise. Why wouldn't you, the buyer or seller, want all parties involved in your transaction to have your best interests in mind and make this experience one of excitement and joy rather than something else entirely! Joanne Schiffres  http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty 732-757-5013

Best Kept Secret In The Area-Eastpointe Condominium

Only a 42 minute ferry ride to Manhattan. Close to Sandy Hook National Park and beaches. Award winning area restaurants! This fabulous luxury hi-rise offers 24 hour security, valet, heated pool, exercise w/sauna, and an incredible rooftop clubroom with panoramic views of the ocean and New York skyline for entertaining and parties!  Priced from only  $199,000.

Visit www.eastpointecondominium.com for further details

Help with Utility & Fuel bills is available

Eatontown LIHEAP emergency assistance may be the answer for households needing help to pay their utility/fuel bills. There are trained counselors on staff to help clients navigate quickly through the LIHEAP qualification and application process. Even those who have previously applied elsewhere can be quickly recertified by working with the alliance staff. Potential clients must be able to provide their most recent fuel bill or current pending shut-off notice as well as meet other qualifications. Required proof of income documentation includes utility bills, pay stub, social security, disability or unemployment insurance proof of address and proof of US citizenship. To apply for LIHEAP or learn more call: 732-389-2204 www.housingall.org Info by Indenpendent Newspaper. Posted by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451    www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Indulge & Relax Ladies Night

AsanaNJ.com is hosting a Fundraiser for One Small Wish, while enjoying an evening of relaxation and indulging in Dove Chocolate Discoveries. The evening will include a Basic Flow Yoga Class, along with a 10 minute massage. Refreshments will be offered. Registration for the fundraiser is required. Click the link to register: http://asananj.com/site/event/indulge-relax-ladies-night-fundraiser/ info by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885  x451

Waterfront Condos Point Pleasant NJ

2201 River Rd, Point Pleasant NJ Water's Edge  Point Pleasant's Premier Condominium Community Three units remain at Water's Edge, each with 2 bedrooms and 2.5  baths. Select condos offer furniture included in the sale, fireplace, butler's pantry, full kitchen with granite island, and state-of-the-art appliances. These beautiful mid-rise condominiums include units between 2,200 and 2,400 square feet. Balcony views with the Manasquan River or Point Pleasant Canal within eyeshot complete the beach-accessible dream this complex provides. For those just starting out, or those whose children are grown and are looking for a smaller home to retire to, or even those looking for a second home to enjoy, Water's Edge is a perfect location for all walks and stages of life. Come see why Money Magazine named Point Pleasant Borough one of the best places to live on the Jersey Shore, why not enjoy it with waterway views and ocean breezes? Three units remain and are available for a quick closing. Water/sewer fees are included in the association fee. Contact Anita Kazmierczak to schedule an appointment:  Email Anita@BetterHomesUS.com or call (732) 547-2710.

Updates from Atlantic Highlands Better Homes!

Homes In Atlantic Highlands Three New Homes For Sale in Atlantic Highlands Today!  To View or Discuss these or Any Available Homes in Atlantic Highlands call Better Homes Realty in Atlantic Highlands at 732-291-0070 . Two Homes Sold in Atlantic Highlands Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty in Atlantic Highlands at  732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area. Five New Homes For Sale in Highlands Today!  To View or Discuss these or Any Available Homes in Highlands call Better Homes Realty at  732-291-0070 One Home Sold in Highlands Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty  at 732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area. HomesinSeaBright.com Three New Homes For Sale in Sea Bright Today!  To View or Discuss these or Any Available Homes in Sea Bright call Better Homes Realty at  732-291-0070 . One Home Sold in Sea Bright Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty  at 732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area. HomesinNavesink.com Five New Homes For Sale in Navesink Today!  To View or Discuss these or Any Available Homes in Navesink call Better Homes Realty at  732-291-0070 . One Home Sold in Navesink Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty  at 732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area. HomesinLeonardo.com Two Homes Sold in the Leonardo Area of Middletown Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty  at  732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area. HomesinLocust.com One Home Sold in the Locust Area of Middletown Today!  Contact Better Homes Realty  at 732-291-0070 today to find out what Homes are selling for in Your Area.

Garden State Film Festival 3-22 thru 3/25 2012

The 10th Annual Garden State Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre and other area venues. See over 190 current independent films from around the globe. This fun-filled weekend includes a special FREE screening of Michael, open talent casting call, professional panel discussions, parties, and more. Special Screening:  "I want My Name Back" Sat March 24th 9PM Wonder Mike & Master Gee of Rappers Delight, followed by a historic reunion concert with special guests. GSFF Only happens once a year.. Get tickets at the venues or GSFF.ORG source: APP  posted by Lisa Alaimo Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Last New Construction Home At Cranbury Crossing

  LAST NEW HOME LEFT FOR SALE!! NEW CONSTRUCTION Renaissance at Cranbury Crossing Premier Adult Community Upon entering this home, you can't help but notice all the space! The kitchen and family room have tall cathedral ceilings. The living and dining room are joined and the dining room and a large kitchen. The owner's suite is enormous and features dual vanities and a spacious walk-in closet.Convenience, low-maintenance, and style! Located within minutes of Exits 8 and 8A of the NJ Turnpike.  This wonderful adult community combines a convenient and coveted address with a healthy and relaxing maintenance-free at-home resort lifestyle. Nestled on 60 acres of scenic woodlands and preserved green spaces, Renaissance at Cranbury Crossing is a private paradise of only 182 beautifully designed single-level single family homes, interspersed with glistening ponds, fountains and superb recreational amenities. The community's centerpiece is a lavish, 7,200 square foot clubhouse where you can go for a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, meet friends for a game of cards or billiards, read a book by the fireplace, or go online in the computer center. Our multi-purpose room with adjacent catering kitchen is perfect if you want to entertain on a more lavish scale than your home will allow. Step outdoors and you'll feel as if you're on vacation with amenities that include bocce, shuffleboard and tennis courts, a large swimming pool, sundecks and patios, barbecue grill stations, an outdoor whirlpool, a large putting green with sand traps, even a playground for visiting grandchildren. For more information contact Better Homes Realty, Marlboro NJ 800-350-6579

Reduced listing in Highlands!

38 Ocean Ave in Highlands was originally listed at $215,000, and has just been reduced to $199,000! For more info, please contact: Better Homes Atlantic Highlands Office 732-291-0070 .

Networking Wine Social

Join the OCBR housing opportunities committee on April 12th at the Bacchus Winery in Toms River from 530-7:00 p.m. for an evening of great food, wine and fun. Enjoy Hors D'oeuvres and fresh Panini's from Buccio's Gourmet Bistro!   click on the link to print out your invitation... Click here for the Invitation

Kaboom Fireworks on the Navesink?

The Kaboom Executive Committee announced on Feb. 15 that Red Bank's 2012 July 3 fireworks display would not take place due to soaring security costs and insurance premiums, coupled with the difficulty of monitoring public safety. A 50 year tradition which has become victim to its own success. It has become so large, it attracts 100,000-150,000 people to town and that does so much for local restuarants and retailers. Fore more info visit: www.gmnews.com details by Kristen Dalton of Independent newspaper. Posted by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesinNJ.com  

Help for Seniors

Click here for more info from my colleague Sandra RostekFebruary 29, 2012 by Wendy Trager Email: wendytrager@optonline.net.   It comes as no surprise that some of the hardest hit in this economy are seniors.  Homes seniors have been living in their whole adult life may now burdensome to pay for and upkeep.  Many seniors feel they have nowhere else to go.  Reverse Mortgages can be the solution for a variety of problems:

• To help seniors looking to downsize and finance the purchase of a smaller home.
• To help seniors facing foreclosure
• To help seniors suffering from job loss and unable to pay their mortgage
• To help with home repairs
• To help with sale of home
• To help a senior stay in their current home and pay for home healthcare

• The homeowners must 62 years old
• The home must be their principal residence (must live in the home more than half a year)
• The home must be a single family home, a 2-4 unit building or a federally approved condominium or planned unit development
• If there are debts against the home, then the homeowner must use the reverse mortgage to pay it off
• There are NO credit/income requirements

• Traditional mortgage or home equity loans require proof of sufficient income and credit history to qualify, and you will have to repay beginning within 30 days of closing.  With a reverse mortgage, there are no monthly payments to be made at any time during the loan for as long as you continue to occupy the home as a primary residence.  Since there is no monthly payment, the FHA does not require verification of your income and does not require a good credit rating. 

Let's Buy Something Together...

Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems Buying a home can be both exciting and stressful but, for those with past credit problems, the process may also seem intimidating.  The good news is that many lenders have adapted to the idea that many hopeful homeowners simply need a second chance, which means that past credit problems no longer have to define your future. Credit Blemishes When life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, it’s not always possible to come out without a few bumps and bruises. Every day, people are faced with late or missed credit card payments, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, auto repossessions and even civil judgments that will affect their credit reports for years to come.  Whether it’s from a job loss, injury or just a simple case of temporary hardship, credit blemishes are often a part of life.  The good news is that they no longer have to prevent you from becoming a homeowner. Give Yourself A Little Credit After experiencing a credit problem, most lenders will want to see an attempt to rebuild your credit through a steady payment history with a new account.  This can be accomplished by applying for a credit card and maintaining a responsible use of the account.  If you aren’t approved for an unsecured card, you can always apply for a secured credit card. Either will rebuild your credit over time and will help to show lenders that your past credit problems are just that - in the past. Clean Up Your Credit Report Before applying for a home loan, make sure that you check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Every 12 months, consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If anything is incorrect or found to be inaccurate, filing a dispute with the credit reporting agency can help to get the information corrected before speaking with a lender. When you apply for a home loan, the lender will access your credit report for the purpose of determining your creditworthiness. In an effort to ensure that you have the best possible chance at being approved for the loan at the best possible interest rates, making sure that your credit report is accurate is a must. Save Up For A Down Payment Some homebuyers often qualify for a mortgage with down payments as low as five percent (three and one half percent for FHA loans), but those with past credit problems may be required to shell out up to 35 percent or more for a down payment on their new home.  A buyer who pays a larger down payment obviously has more vested interest in the home and may, thereby, be less likely to default on a loan.  If you have past credit problems, check with your lender about specific down payment requirements and start saving! Creative Financing Options If you’ve exhausted all of your conventional efforts and are still turning up empty, don’t give up just yet. Alternative financing is an option that many homebuyers use to purchase a home.  Your REALTOR® can provide you with details regarding any lease purchase and/or owner financing properties, which may require no credit check, no bank qualifying, a low down payment and competitive interest rate options.

Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet selected as "2012 N.J. Five Star Real Estate Agent"!

Great News!!! Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet Branch is one of the recipents of the 2012 New Jersey Five Star Real Estate Agent award. She is among a group of fewer than 7% of real estate agents in the New Jersey area. New Jersey Monthly asked Five Star Professional to conduct research with clients, peers and industry experts to determine the r.e. agents in N.J. area who rated highest in overall satisfaction. Winners will be listed in the March 2012 issue of New Jersey Monthly. Congradulations Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet, N.J. 800-531-2885 x 451    www.SearchHomesinNJ.com

Mark the Date!!! Your Residential Real Estate Questions Answered.

Live Chat on Ustream.tv  by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty.  Present will be Michael J. Weber of Weber Law Offices in Howell, NJ.  Chat live and ask you real estate questions.  All Residential real estate questions and RE Legal Quesions. Re-sale, short sales, bank owned, foreclosure, condo's, town homes & rentals. Mark the date... March 1, 2012 at 7:PM You can email your request prior, we will respond on live chat and email you back with answers. Email to : LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com See you there... Channel Name:  BHRLisaalaimo or search on ustream.tv  NJrealestateagent   or just click the link below and save to your favorites. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njrealestateagent Lisa Alaimo.. . .www.SearchHomesinNJ.com     for Michael Weber of Weber Law offices...  www.WeberLawOffices.com

Avoiding Foreclosure (Government information)

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure Call me with any questions. 800-531-2885 x 451 or email me at:  LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com  Better Homes Realty   Lisa Alaimo

Hazlet Recreation Programs

Preschool Open House Feb. 23rd 9:30-11:30 at the Cullen Center. Accepting Registrations for the Fall 2012-2013 school year.  Childrens Programs: Beginner Karate: Starts March 17th starts Sat. 8 one hour sessions, 10-11am, $45. for ages 4-12 yrs, held at Amatos on Palmer Ave. $30. uniform purchase at Amatos prior to start. Gymnastics Begins March 5th Mon & Wed- 8 weeks, 16 sessions, $68. Grades k-8, Session times are 5:40, for boys and girls kindergarden to 8 years, and 6:50 girls only K-8 years, and 8pm for ages 9 & up girls only. Chinese classes April 1st, 10 classes, Sundays, 3-5 pm $150. Adult Programs: Art Monday, 7-8:30pm, $45/5 weeks begins Feb 27th-----  T'ai Chi Feb 22nd. Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, $135./8weeks Cardio Kickboxing- March 12th, Mon-Wed, 7-8pm $90./8weeks, 16 sessions Body Conditioning March 13th, Tues &Thurs 9:30-10-30, 8 weeks, 16 classes $90. Zumba Tuesdays March 27th  7-8 pm, 10 classes $80. Bus Trips Lion King  Sunday April 22nd, $110 pp, rear mezz, bus leaves @ 12pm, 3 pm show Call Hazlet Recreation Programs for more details: 732-739-0653  info from Community Messenger/entered by Lisa Alaimo Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451 or 732-241-4588

Pricing your home to sell.

How to use comparable sales to sell your home.. Click the link from houselogic..  http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/how-use-comparable-sales-price-your-home/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty   800-531-2885 x451  www.LISAALAIMO.com   email me at: LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com

How much Mortgage can you afford?

4 good tips.. Click the link for info: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/4-tips-determine-how-much-mortgage-you-can-afford/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty:   www.LisaAlaimo.com   email me: Lalaimo@BetterHomesUS.com   or call me at: 800-531-2885  x451

The Costume Shop in Keyport is Closing it's doors!!! Everything MUST GO!

Sad to say but.... The Costume Shop in Keyport is closing its doors..  Everything MUST GO!!!!  Feb. 29th 2012 it's gone! 50% off all Retail Costumes, Masks, Wigs, Make-up. Fixtures etc. also for sale.. Maybe early for Halloween, but not early for a great deal... Stop by: 41 Division St. Keyport, NJ 07735   PH: 732-264-5115   Hours: Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri 10-6  & Sat 10-2 information provided by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty... Call Lisa for a complimentary Market analysis. 732-241-4588 * 800-531-2885 x 451

Avoid Foreclosure!!! Call Lisa Alaimo 800-531-2885 x451

Avoid Foreclosure!  For a Confidential consultation please contact: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty at:   732-241-4588   or     800-531-2885  x 451 email at: LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com December 2012 is the EXPIRATION of the " Forgiveness Act"..  Know your rights.. call for info. NJ Real Estate Attorney can be present at consultation. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act was introduced in Congress on September 25, 2007, and became law on December 20, 2007. This act offered relief to homeowners who would formerly owe taxes on forgiven mortgage debt after facing foreclosure. The act extends such relief for three years, applying to debts discharged in calendar year 2007 through 2009. (With the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, this tax relief was extended another three years, covering debts discharged through calendar year 2012.) info: wikipedia.. Contact Lisa Alaimo now!  732-241-4588  or 800-531-2885 ext. 451 Better Homes Realty..

Looking for Middletown Parking Permit

Middletown's main parking lot on Church St. next to the train station no longer has a wait list. At the half year mark, parking permits for the main lot are on sale now for $200. for residents and $225. for non residents. Permits are good through June 30. Contact the office of the Township Clerk at 732-615-2015 from 9am -5pm. Monday through Friday for more information. information courtesy of Independent news entered by Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty

Atlantic Highlands Events!

Visit http://www.atlantichighlands.org to obtain information about upcoming local events and details about this wonderful community. Call Valerie & David Mintzer for more information 732-872-2878

Just Rented! 4-Bedroom Stately Victorian in Atlantic Highlands

Stately Victorian proudly sits up high on 4th Avenue. Boasting spacious room and in beautiful condition, this charming Victorian has four bedrooms with 3-1/2 bathrooms. Waterviews from several places including the magnificent porches on two levels. Private, fenced yard on manageable property. Easy stroll to NYC fast ferry and downtown Atlantic Highlands. This is a fabulous winter/short-term rental!Stately Victorian proudly sits up high on 4th Avenue. Boasting spacious room and in beautiful condition, this charming Victorian has four bedrooms with 3-1/2 bathrooms. Waterviews from several places including the magnificent porches on two levels. Private, fenced yard on manageable property. Easy stroll to NYC fast ferry and downtown Atlantic Highlands. This is a fabulous winter/short-term rental! Listing Price: 2500 Address: 34 4th Avenue City: Atlantic Highlands State: NJ MLS # (if any): 21132825 Square Feet: Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Status: RENTED View this slideshow for more great Atlantic Highlands, NJ Rental properties

Anthony J. Gonzalez Michael Faiella Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com Mike@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

When one conjures an image of Independence Day, they gravitate to thoughts of beautiful weather, hot dogs, family friends, bar-b-cues, and FIREWORKS. As the annual celebration of America, grilling, and pyrotechnics descends upon us one would be wise to celebrate in Monmouth County, NJ. Here in the quintessential shore community towns are gearing up for their salute to America, everyday this weekend one can sample something from the veritable smorgasboard of all things Americana. My first stop of the weekend will actually begin tomorrow night In Atlantic Highlands. The Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair is this week; running from Tuesday to Saturday. The highlights are Wednesday night's Fire Fighter night and Friday Nights Fireworks. All festivities are located at the Atlantic Highlands harbor found at the end of First Ave. KaBoom Fest in Red Bank will encompass the 1-3rd culminating is undoubtedly the finest fireworks spectacle in New Jersey. I love these fireworks, it gets crowded so get there early. I recommend taking the train in, parking gets to be an issue (price/availability/traffic). Contact the rivercenter for dining and shopping specials. Finally we have Oceanfest in Long Branch, this celebration of America and the Atlantic is celebrating its 21st year of existence. For those who prefer fireworks actually happening on the 4th, this is the place to go. I would stop in Sea Bright this evening and catch both the Long Branch and the Sea Bright Fireworks simultaneously. Sea Bright provides the musical stylings of the Tim McLoone Band, plus great beachfront restaurants and moderately better parking that the beach at Long Branch. Come on down the shore and celebrate your independence!

WELCOME TO ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

Atlantic Highlands - On the water, in the hills...

On the bay, close to the Ocean, with easy access to NYC.

If you want to live and work on the water, with easy access to the city, we can't think of a better place.

Atlantic Highlands

Great place to live