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About Me
Building relationships is really at the core of what I do. Developing a relationship based upon honesty and trust with you is paramount. Whether buying or selling central New Jersey real estate, my ability to create relationships with other real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and various other professionals serves to benefit you.
My mission is to make your real estate transaction as stress free for you as possible and to exceed your expectations with exceptional service and communication throughout our relationship.
I have successfully completed all requirements established by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR)to become a certified e-PRO REALTOR®. Know the REALTOR® you've choosen has the knowledge and skills to put the power of the Internet behind your real estate transaction. An e-Pro certified real estate professional provides buyers and sellers quality and timely information using the resources of the Internet. This achievement identifies me as a leader in the paractice of Online Real Estate.
What you can expect from me:
Customer Service
Professionalism
Problem Resolution
Cultural Sensitivity
Leadership
Empathy
Teamwork
The Strenth of Century 21 and Our Town Realty
CENTURY 21 is the most recognizable name in real estate.
Our Town Realty is a local, Franklin Township, Agency
Our Town Realty opened its doors in Somerset, Franklin Township on November 1, 1978 and officially began operating as a CENTURY 21 Office on January 1, 1979. And, in one year captured the major portion of real estate transactions in its marketing area.
The Company's objective for the Our Town team is to give you, our clients and customers, the most professional real estate service available in our marketplace.
CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty is the recipient of many professional awards, including the 2004 and 2005 GOLD MEDALLION and the 2006 PINNACLE QUALITY SERVICE AWARD, two of the most prestigious awards in the CENTURY 21 system. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty and their staff. Our commitment to excellence and quality service exemplifies the professionalism that is a hallmark of the Century 21 system. The real estate firm is also a member of the Employee Relocation Council (ERC). In 1988 CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty was accepted for membership in the CENTURY 21 Global Corporate Relocation Network.
What buyers can expect from me and CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty:
Buyer Service Pledge
Exclusive Buyer Service Pledge
What sellers can expect from me and CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty:
Seller Service Pledge
Testimonials
"Michael is extremely "connected" and is always tuned in to new innovations and ideas. He always has the latest "hot" items on the Internet and is constantly finding new ways to market his skills. For example, his blog is very interesting with pertinent and interestig information! He is dedicated and dependable, as I worked with him on our union hotel committee for over 10 years. He has left official union work to develop himself in his real estate ventures, where I'm sure he will be vey successful."
Julie Miller, United Airlines, The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, January 9, 2008
.
My mission is to make your real estate transaction as stress free for you as possible and to exceed your expectations with exceptional service and communication throughout our relationship.
I have successfully completed all requirements established by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR)to become a certified e-PRO REALTOR®. Know the REALTOR® you've choosen has the knowledge and skills to put the power of the Internet behind your real estate transaction. An e-Pro certified real estate professional provides buyers and sellers quality and timely information using the resources of the Internet. This achievement identifies me as a leader in the paractice of Online Real Estate.
What you can expect from me:
Customer Service
Professionalism
Problem Resolution
Cultural Sensitivity
Leadership
Empathy
Teamwork
The Strenth of Century 21 and Our Town Realty
CENTURY 21 is the most recognizable name in real estate.
Our Town Realty is a local, Franklin Township, Agency
Our Town Realty opened its doors in Somerset, Franklin Township on November 1, 1978 and officially began operating as a CENTURY 21 Office on January 1, 1979. And, in one year captured the major portion of real estate transactions in its marketing area.
The Company's objective for the Our Town team is to give you, our clients and customers, the most professional real estate service available in our marketplace.
CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty is the recipient of many professional awards, including the 2004 and 2005 GOLD MEDALLION and the 2006 PINNACLE QUALITY SERVICE AWARD, two of the most prestigious awards in the CENTURY 21 system. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty and their staff. Our commitment to excellence and quality service exemplifies the professionalism that is a hallmark of the Century 21 system. The real estate firm is also a member of the Employee Relocation Council (ERC). In 1988 CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty was accepted for membership in the CENTURY 21 Global Corporate Relocation Network.
What buyers can expect from me and CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty:
Buyer Service Pledge
Exclusive Buyer Service Pledge
What sellers can expect from me and CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty:
Seller Service Pledge
Testimonials
"Michael is extremely "connected" and is always tuned in to new innovations and ideas. He always has the latest "hot" items on the Internet and is constantly finding new ways to market his skills. For example, his blog is very interesting with pertinent and interestig information! He is dedicated and dependable, as I worked with him on our union hotel committee for over 10 years. He has left official union work to develop himself in his real estate ventures, where I'm sure he will be vey successful."
Julie Miller, United Airlines, The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, January 9, 2008
.
My Q&A
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Michael Adams's Questions (0)
Michael Adams's Answers (10)
Michael Adams answered:
Hello Christopher,
To build upon William's reply, when shopping for a home what you must fully understand is Agency. Here is why you might not want to venture out on your own...
Understanding Buyer Agency
Many home buyers believe that the Agent with whom they are working--sometimes on a daily basis--represents them and their interests. Without certain disclosures, this definitely is not the case.
The agent, unless specifically disclosed otherwise, represents the seller in any transaction for the sale of a home. It is that Agent's fiduciary duty (where their loyalty lies) to protect the seller's position at all times.
Buyer's Agency, however, may be an option available to you. Simply put, it allows the Agent with whom you are working to be your representative and to put your interests above all others.
Example 1: You see a house advertised in the newspaper, a home magazine, or the Internet. You contact the Listing Agent (this is who will be advertising the home) and make an appointment to see the house. The Agent is friendly, informative, and tells you what you believe to be everything about the house. The Agent represents the seller, not you.
Example 2: You are working with an Agent, who shows you 25 different homes over 3 weekends. The Agent buys you lunch twice, knows all 4 of your children by name as well as all of your personal likes and dislikes, but does not offer Buyer Agency. You feel comfortable with the Agent, revealing important personal information. Without Buyer Agency, "your" Agent represents, and owes loyalty to, each and every one of those 25 sellers--not you. Any information you reveal to the Agent must be relayed to the sellers.
"Okay," many buyers say, "so the Agent represents the seller and not me. Is that a big deal?" Maybe not, but it is important to understand that if the Agent represents the seller, they cannot reveal certain things to you, as the buyer:
* The reason for selling (unless the seller specifically authorizes it)
* Any concessions, in price or otherwise, that the seller may be willing to give up.
* Any conversations that the seller and the Agent may have had.
* Any information that could be detrimental to the seller, or give you, the buyer, an advantage. This would include a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) that could put the seller at a disadvantage.
Buyer Agency turns the tables. If a Buyer's Agency agreement is struck between you and the Agent, it is you, rather than the seller, who has the representation from the Agent with whom you are working. If you are represented by a Buyer's Agent, some of the potential benefits include:
* The Agent can develop a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), revealing what price similar properties in the area have been listed and sold for.
* The Agent can reveal to you any information about the seller that the Agent has been able to ascertain. This may include reasons for selling, potential concessions, or other information that may be to your advantage.
* Information about property value trends that may influence your decision about a certain area can be relayed to you.
Summary. Is it necessary to have a Buyer's Agent? No. Thousands of home buyer's have been well served dealing with the seller's Agent. (For years, it was the only way it was done). The important thing is to understand your options, so that you don't unintentionally accept less representation than you want.
Contact me for more information regarding the benefits of retaining a Buyer's Agent.
Regarding your other questions:
Flooding: http://tinyurl.com/4vj3vg
Schools: http://www.franklinboe.org/ftboe/site/default.asp
Area: http://tinyurl.com/652eg7
Best of luck to you,
Michael Adams
To build upon William's reply, when shopping for a home what you must fully understand is Agency. Here is why you might not want to venture out on your own...
Understanding Buyer Agency
Many home buyers believe that the Agent with whom they are working--sometimes on a daily basis--represents them and their interests. Without certain disclosures, this definitely is not the case.
The agent, unless specifically disclosed otherwise, represents the seller in any transaction for the sale of a home. It is that Agent's fiduciary duty (where their loyalty lies) to protect the seller's position at all times.
Buyer's Agency, however, may be an option available to you. Simply put, it allows the Agent with whom you are working to be your representative and to put your interests above all others.
Example 1: You see a house advertised in the newspaper, a home magazine, or the Internet. You contact the Listing Agent (this is who will be advertising the home) and make an appointment to see the house. The Agent is friendly, informative, and tells you what you believe to be everything about the house. The Agent represents the seller, not you.
Example 2: You are working with an Agent, who shows you 25 different homes over 3 weekends. The Agent buys you lunch twice, knows all 4 of your children by name as well as all of your personal likes and dislikes, but does not offer Buyer Agency. You feel comfortable with the Agent, revealing important personal information. Without Buyer Agency, "your" Agent represents, and owes loyalty to, each and every one of those 25 sellers--not you. Any information you reveal to the Agent must be relayed to the sellers.
"Okay," many buyers say, "so the Agent represents the seller and not me. Is that a big deal?" Maybe not, but it is important to understand that if the Agent represents the seller, they cannot reveal certain things to you, as the buyer:
* The reason for selling (unless the seller specifically authorizes it)
* Any concessions, in price or otherwise, that the seller may be willing to give up.
* Any conversations that the seller and the Agent may have had.
* Any information that could be detrimental to the seller, or give you, the buyer, an advantage. This would include a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) that could put the seller at a disadvantage.
Buyer Agency turns the tables. If a Buyer's Agency agreement is struck between you and the Agent, it is you, rather than the seller, who has the representation from the Agent with whom you are working. If you are represented by a Buyer's Agent, some of the potential benefits include:
* The Agent can develop a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), revealing what price similar properties in the area have been listed and sold for.
* The Agent can reveal to you any information about the seller that the Agent has been able to ascertain. This may include reasons for selling, potential concessions, or other information that may be to your advantage.
* Information about property value trends that may influence your decision about a certain area can be relayed to you.
Summary. Is it necessary to have a Buyer's Agent? No. Thousands of home buyer's have been well served dealing with the seller's Agent. (For years, it was the only way it was done). The important thing is to understand your options, so that you don't unintentionally accept less representation than you want.
Contact me for more information regarding the benefits of retaining a Buyer's Agent.
Regarding your other questions:
Flooding: http://tinyurl.com/4vj3vg
Schools: http://www.franklinboe.org/ftboe/site/default.asp
Area: http://tinyurl.com/652eg7
Best of luck to you,
Michael Adams
Michael Adams answered:
Hello P,
You didn't state a specific location within Franklin Township to begin your journey. Along Rt 27 there is Suburban Transit with three bus lines into Manhattan.
Line 500 (Suburban Transit) - Weekday express rush hour bus service between New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Midtown Manhattan (42nd Street), Grand Central and the United Nations.
Line 100 (Suburban Transit) - Daily express and local bus service operates throughout the day between Princeton, Kendall Park, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, East Brunswick and the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Line 600 (Suburban Transit) - Weekday express and local bus service operating throughout the day between, Princeton, Kendall Park, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, East Brunswick and Downtown Manhattan (Wall Street).
There is a Park & Ride located in New Brunswick on Rt 27 between Chester Avenue and High Street. The link to the schedule is below. For other locations around town, you can check NJ Transit online or call (973) 275-5555. Their automated service is available 24/7 and operators are available from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hope this helps,
Michael Adams
Century21 Our Town Realty
852 Easton Ave
Somerset, NJ 08873
732.828.3700 ext 306
You didn't state a specific location within Franklin Township to begin your journey. Along Rt 27 there is Suburban Transit with three bus lines into Manhattan.
Line 500 (Suburban Transit) - Weekday express rush hour bus service between New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Midtown Manhattan (42nd Street), Grand Central and the United Nations.
Line 100 (Suburban Transit) - Daily express and local bus service operates throughout the day between Princeton, Kendall Park, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, East Brunswick and the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Line 600 (Suburban Transit) - Weekday express and local bus service operating throughout the day between, Princeton, Kendall Park, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, East Brunswick and Downtown Manhattan (Wall Street).
There is a Park & Ride located in New Brunswick on Rt 27 between Chester Avenue and High Street. The link to the schedule is below. For other locations around town, you can check NJ Transit online or call (973) 275-5555. Their automated service is available 24/7 and operators are available from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hope this helps,
Michael Adams
Century21 Our Town Realty
852 Easton Ave
Somerset, NJ 08873
732.828.3700 ext 306
Michael Adams answered:
Hi Rg,
Only the seller can answer how much s/he is willing to come down on price, if s/he is serious about selling. The market, ultimately, dictates what a home is worth.
I must agree with Denise that the pricing also depends upon the condition of the home and the model. Has the home been updated with a new kitchen and appliances, floors, windows and or HVAC? Is the home freshly painted? These things matter. Regency townhomes are among the most upscale in the Quailbrook area. Some include basements as well as garages. The price might be high or right on target. Only months ago, another Quailbrook home sold for $335,000.
If you are not already working with a REALTOR, I would be happy to provide you with a comparative market analysis or CMA. If you are working with a REALTOR, ask him/her to provide one for you.
I don't know where you found assumptions of a 15% decline in local market values. There is a saying that all real estate is local. It's true. The New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) has produced "Get The Real Story" on NJ real estate that's available online at: http://www.realstorynj.com
I also provide regular monthly stats on our local real estate market on my Blog, Somerset 08873. Talk with your REALTOR about your concerns. And, again, if you are not working with a real estate agent, I would be happy to assist you in your search for a Somerset home.
Best of luck to you,
Michael Adams
E-Mail mjadams@century21.com
Only the seller can answer how much s/he is willing to come down on price, if s/he is serious about selling. The market, ultimately, dictates what a home is worth.
I must agree with Denise that the pricing also depends upon the condition of the home and the model. Has the home been updated with a new kitchen and appliances, floors, windows and or HVAC? Is the home freshly painted? These things matter. Regency townhomes are among the most upscale in the Quailbrook area. Some include basements as well as garages. The price might be high or right on target. Only months ago, another Quailbrook home sold for $335,000.
If you are not already working with a REALTOR, I would be happy to provide you with a comparative market analysis or CMA. If you are working with a REALTOR, ask him/her to provide one for you.
I don't know where you found assumptions of a 15% decline in local market values. There is a saying that all real estate is local. It's true. The New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) has produced "Get The Real Story" on NJ real estate that's available online at: http://www.realstorynj.com
I also provide regular monthly stats on our local real estate market on my Blog, Somerset 08873. Talk with your REALTOR about your concerns. And, again, if you are not working with a real estate agent, I would be happy to assist you in your search for a Somerset home.
Best of luck to you,
Michael Adams
E-Mail mjadams@century21.com
Michael Adams answered:
Hello Lori,
I assume you are referring to Franklin Township's Somerset area. If so, you have a wide choice of pricing and features. The entry level is in the low $200,000's for a 2 Bdrm, 2.5 bath 2-story townhouse. You didn't state what features you are looking for. Do you need a garage or basement? Do you prefer loft style living or a one floor unit? Again, there are many choices.
Once you move up to the mid $200,000 range, you may find townhomes with garages, but they may also require updating. Generally speaking, as you approach the $300,000 range, you begin to find larger, updated and newer homes with some including garages and/or basements.
When you are ready, I invite you to contact me for information regarding specific properties. I also invite you to visit my local Blog, Somerset 08873. There you will find local stats on what homes have sold with pictiures. And if you are interested in Carriage Homes at Quailbrook, you will find detailed information on recent sales and what is actively on the market. Of course you will find buyer tips and what's happening in town too.
Best of luck to you in your home search. If I can assist you, contact me at:
Michael J. Adams
CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty, Inc
852 Easton Ave
Office: 732-828-3700 ext 306
Direct: 908-583-0409
Website: http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com
e-mail: mjadams@century21.com
BTW- I am a long-time resident of Somerset.
I assume you are referring to Franklin Township's Somerset area. If so, you have a wide choice of pricing and features. The entry level is in the low $200,000's for a 2 Bdrm, 2.5 bath 2-story townhouse. You didn't state what features you are looking for. Do you need a garage or basement? Do you prefer loft style living or a one floor unit? Again, there are many choices.
Once you move up to the mid $200,000 range, you may find townhomes with garages, but they may also require updating. Generally speaking, as you approach the $300,000 range, you begin to find larger, updated and newer homes with some including garages and/or basements.
When you are ready, I invite you to contact me for information regarding specific properties. I also invite you to visit my local Blog, Somerset 08873. There you will find local stats on what homes have sold with pictiures. And if you are interested in Carriage Homes at Quailbrook, you will find detailed information on recent sales and what is actively on the market. Of course you will find buyer tips and what's happening in town too.
Best of luck to you in your home search. If I can assist you, contact me at:
Michael J. Adams
CENTURY 21 Our Town Realty, Inc
852 Easton Ave
Office: 732-828-3700 ext 306
Direct: 908-583-0409
Website: http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com
e-mail: mjadams@century21.com
BTW- I am a long-time resident of Somerset.
Michael Adams answered:
Hello Ambrose,
I'm happy to pass this information along to you. I don't know if you have seen CNN/Money's results for "Best Places to Live" for 2008. Somerset's Franklin Township ranked #5 out of the top 100.
In your price range, you can find homes of seven (7) to thirteen (13) rooms on lots up to and in excess of 3 acres. Your current choices also includes new construction.
Here's what CNN/Money has to say about our town:
"There are plenty of high-tech, pharmaceutical and research and development firms in the area, not to mention Princeton just to the south and Rutgers and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to the north. And housing is a relative deal for the region. Starter homes go for less than $250,000 in the Somerset area. And the solid school system has a 95% graduation rate."
For more information about Somerset, I invite you to visit my local Blog at:
http://www.realtown.com/mjadamssellshomes/blog
If I can, personally, be of assistance to you please contact me at: http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com or mjadams@century21.com
Michael Adams, Realtor®, e-PRO certified
CENTURY21 Our Town Realty
852 Easton Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873
Office: 732.828.3700 ext306 Fax: 732.828.3913
I'm happy to pass this information along to you. I don't know if you have seen CNN/Money's results for "Best Places to Live" for 2008. Somerset's Franklin Township ranked #5 out of the top 100.
In your price range, you can find homes of seven (7) to thirteen (13) rooms on lots up to and in excess of 3 acres. Your current choices also includes new construction.
Here's what CNN/Money has to say about our town:
"There are plenty of high-tech, pharmaceutical and research and development firms in the area, not to mention Princeton just to the south and Rutgers and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to the north. And housing is a relative deal for the region. Starter homes go for less than $250,000 in the Somerset area. And the solid school system has a 95% graduation rate."
For more information about Somerset, I invite you to visit my local Blog at:
http://www.realtown.com/mjadamssellshomes/blog
If I can, personally, be of assistance to you please contact me at: http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com or mjadams@century21.com
Michael Adams, Realtor®, e-PRO certified
CENTURY21 Our Town Realty
852 Easton Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873
Office: 732.828.3700 ext306 Fax: 732.828.3913
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