SO- you want to either
BUY or SELL your home- but you don't have an agent? It makes sense to begin your search online like so many entering the real estate world do. But do me a favor? Do your research, ask some questions, because this transaction is WAY TOO IMPORTANT to leave with just anyone!
I have a few funny stories to tell you-
1) I received an email from someone who needed an agent to help service them in the Verona/Cedar Grove, NJ area. So I immediately contacted them to see what it was I could do. (Isn't that what all good agents do- is respond immediately?!?) Whenever I get a call from a new client, one of the first things I ask is, "Where did you get my name from?" He told me he got it off the REBAC website. For those of you who don't know, REBAC stands for Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council. It is a website dedicated to BUYERS in the market and lists agents who have had SPECIALIZED BUYER'S TRAINING and also gives you important information you should have as a buyer!. And yes- as an Accredited Buyer's Agent, you will find me there! We had a very nice conversation and after going through the preliminary work, the buyer heeded to my suggestion that he begin the entire process with a pre approval. Not only does it tell me that this is a serious buyer, it tells them what they can afford and we can focus in that price point or below and not set them up for disappointment. From there we began our search. Over the course of the next few weeks, we searched for homes in his price point, I educated them all the way on what to look for, how to buy a home and what process comes next. Within 2 months, he had his first home and I had a happy client. The funny thing is that during the course of these few weeks, it came out that not only had he found me on the REBAC website, he googled me to learn more about me, read through my website and even Facebook Stalked me! We laugh now about his pre-buy research, but what I can tell you- he was very pleased with the outcome. He researched just enough to find himself a great agent, ME!2) I was JUST meeting with a potential seller. And again, I asked how he found me and he replied, "Your ad in the newspaper". Yes- I run ads every 2 weeks in the local paper. I show new homes for sale, show homes that have closed, or just offer some information. He then interjected- well- if I were buying- I would just call any agent because it isn't as important as marketing and selling. WHAT!?!?! I know I am trying to impress him with my ability to market a home- but I had to stop and say- WAIT- it is JUST as important- would you want to leave a half a million dollar or MORE transaction up to ANYONE???? I mean really, a poor agent can not only give you bad advice when preparing to purchase, it can actually ruin a deal! By using an experienced agent, you are enlisting the help from a professional that knows the market place, has been trained in negotiating ( hopefully) and can assist you every step of the way. You don't want figure out what to do next do you? He sat back, and said, oh I guess you are right! Phew- if I am chosen to market the listing- I think I may be able to SAVE him from just hiring ANYONE to find a new home! UGHThe point of this blog is- REAL ESTATE is WAY TOO IMPORTANT to allow just anyone to handle it! Do your research. Find out what agents believe in continuing education to serve you- what agent goes to the cutting edge of current trends and technology- what agent has the expertise and knowledge to assist you! If you can't find one in your area, let me help you- I wouldn't want your MOST IMPORTANT TRANSACTION TO GO TO JUST ANYONE!!!

When a celebrity moves into your neighborhood- it certainly causes a buzz!
West Orange, NJ can now take pride that they have a new resident- Whoopie Goldberg. Opting for the secluded, private oasis of Llewellyn Park, Whoopie will be close to her daily stint at
The View in NYC, and yet come home to an estate fit for a queen.
Here is a little information about this unique, private community of
Llewellyn Park. After learning about this wonderful community- steal a peek and take a tour of
Whoopies's new digs and let me know what you think.
If you or you rknow someone interested in moving to Llewellyn Park, West Orange, NJ- please call me on my cell phone and I can assist you!
Lauren Orsini, Sales Respresentative, Prudential NJ Properties, 538 Bloomfield Ave, Verona,NJ 973-650-1683
If you are getting ready to put your home in the Verona NJ Real Estate market on the market- then keep these tips in mind.
I
1) Declutter- Declutter- Declutter- Make it look like a builder's model home. Make it look clean and fresh.
2) Take care of small maintenance issues NOW! If you don't, the buyer will perceive the property as not being maintained on a regular basis.
3) Plant some mums. Curb appeal is so important. It'll make your home warm and cozy if the feel from the curb is a positive one.
For other tips- email me at Lauren.Orsini@PrudentialNewJersey.com
If you are in or near the Verona NJ Real Estate market, then I'd be happy to give you a personal consultation and tips to make your home appealing to the most buyers!
This is a great trivia question. NJ proudly holds the number one ranking community on Forbe's List. Not California, Connecticut or NY- but NEW JERSEY!!!!
Before you click- take a guess... Do you know which community it is???
Click here for the answer!
http://www.nj.com/business/nj-real-estate/
We’ll put today’s real estate market in perspective, explain your
unique options as a first-time homebuyer and empower you with the
information you need to buy your first home and take advantage of
today’s opportunities.
Stop Renting. Start LIVING Your Dream of Home Ownership!
Space is LIMITED. To reserve your seat at Prudential New Jersey
Properties’ First-Time Homebuyers Seminar on Tuesday, Sept. 15, contact
the office nearest you for complete details and host locations. If you
are unable to attend a seminar, or you would like to get a head start
on determining your financing options, contact Bill Oetinger at
800-332-1506 or via e-mail.
You may also download an overview of current incentives available to first-time buyers on the state and federal levels, along with links to government websites that provide detailed information.