OPEN HOUSE AT 52 ASBURY AVENUE

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS NJ 07716

SUNDAY, JULY 28TH FROM 1 – 4 PM

Old World Charm with modern updates – come visit this wonderful colonial style home with rocking chair front porch; featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, formal dining room, 3-season solarium, beautiful outdoor patio and much much more.

If you are looking to sell or buy contact your NJ Shore Realtor, Diane B Kaplan, .…register on my website to see what I see every day click here and see what I see everyday.  Contact me for a tour of this Atlantic Highlands NJ house for sale or if you want a tour of the area you are interested in Call or text me today at 732-672-0409.

Are you handy??? Are you a builder??? Are you a boater??? Are you looking for a house that needs your personal finishes??? This unique house situated on the Navesink River with Floating Dock is the perfect place for you to call home. Spectacular water views from almost every window with unbelievable sunrises and sunsets.

House needs finishing touches ……

This unique Rumson NJ waterfront house for sale with floating dock on the Navesink River in magical Rumson is welcoming you with spectacular water views, minutes from prestigious schools ranked among the best in NJ, beautiful parks and nature areas, charming restaurants and coffee shops, the Oceanic Library (on the same Avenue), two iconic bridges (Oceanic and Rumson) which connect Rumson with nearby towns. If you are working in or visiting NYC, the Seastreak Ferry is 10 minutes away….. this is truly a rare find! Fantastic location! Contact your New Jersey Shore Realtor, Diane B Kaplan, for a tour of this unique waterfront property or other properties throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ.

You’ll love this townhouse located in a wooded setting with much privacy backing up to the woods. Close to NYC commuter ferry and ocean beaches. This much sought after townhouse features open floor plan on first level; gorgeous full wall stone wood burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen with cathedral ceiling and hardwood flooring; and living and dining room combo leading to a large outdoor deck for easy entertaining. Master bedroom and master bath with private deck located on second level with a second bedroom and another full bath. Basement is finished with a bonus room and full bathroom. One car attached garage; newer A/C. Very private and serene location but close to major highway, Sandy Hook, Atlantic Ocean and great restaurants.

Contact your New Jersey Shore Realtor, Diane B Kaplan, at 732-672-0409 – call or text – get all pertinent information on this property – Click here to see what I see everyday in my MLS.

What’s the Difference? Condos, PUDs, Co-ops

Condominiums –  Owning a condo is similar to owning a house. You have a deed and mortgage and pay property taxes, but what you really own is “airspace.” Walls, floors, and ceilings are owned in common among all residents. You join the homeowners association (HOA) and pay monthly dues to cover management, hazard insurance, maintenance, garbage collection, landscaping, etc. Maintenance is shared with neighboring condo owners; your property value depends on the condition and desirability of the entire development. Condo owners usually can remodel only within the guidelines provided by covenants, conditions, and restrictions, which may specify everything from how maintenance is handled to what color curtains you can hang. It’s a smart idea to read them before buying a condo. Current Listings of Condos in the Highlands NJ

Planned Unit Development (PUD) –  PUD owners individually own the residential structure and a small parcel of land surrounding it. As with condo ownership, PUDs require membership in the HOA, but the land around each unit is maintained by that unit’s owner. If you’re interested in having a bit of a yard, this is the way to go.

Co-op –  This is a housing complex owned by a corporation made up of all the tenants — you become a shareholder in the corporation that owns the property. The number of shares you are issued depends upon the size of the unit you own. Larger units’ owners have more power in deciding how the building is run. You also pay fees to cover your portion of the building’s property taxes, mortgage, and the costs of repairs and improvements for the common areas. Co-op owners depend on each other financially, so expect heavy scrutiny of both your financial history and personal life.  Check out my website to see what I see everyday in my MLS!

Townhome –  This is an architectural term commonly used to describe an attached row house and not actually a form of ownership.

 Advantages of Common Interest Ownership –  Considering all the options, what are the advantages of buying a condo, PUD, or co-op? First, prices are typically much lower than for single family homes, and landscaping and maintenance are minimal or nonexistent. Some people feel safer in a “cluster” environment, while enjoy having a common maintenance service.

The disadvantages? Homeowners’ dues are not tax-deductible. The dues are an ongoing expense that will lower the amount of mortgage you can qualify for. Documents may be long and complex; you may want to hire a real estate attorney to review them for you.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a condo, single family or multi-family home, call your New Jersey Shore Realtor, Diane B Kaplan, at 732-672-0409 for all your real estate needs.

Old or New — always have a home inspection…..

Atop the long list of items to do when buying or selling a house is the home inspection. But what is involved? How much does it cost? Why is it done in the first place? It’s important to understand what a home inspection entails and how it affects the sale of your home or the purchase of a new one. The more you know, the less likely you are to get ripped off or taken by surprise. 

What is a Home Inspection?

First of all, let’s clear up a commonly misunderstood point: a home inspection is not the same as an appraisal. An appraisal is an estimate of a property’s overall market value. A home inspection is much more detailed and practical. It is also not a code inspection and therefore does not report on building code compliance or give a “passing” or “failing” grade. It is defined as an objective visual examination of the structure and systems of a home by an impartial, neutral third party not related to the buyer or seller. In layman’s terms, it shows you what’s wrong with the property you want to buy or sell and if it is serious enough to prevent a sale.

The three main points of the inspection are to evaluate the physical condition of the home, including structure, construction and mechanical systems; identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; and estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes. Bottom line: a home inspection is to inform the buyer of any readily visible major defects in the mechanical and structural components, and to disclose any significant health or safety issues.

What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

A home inspection includes a visual examination of the house from top to bottom. There are hundred of items a home inspection covers, including general structure, flashings, basement or lower level, framing, central cooling and heating, chimneys, plumbing and electrical systems, drainage, bathrooms and laundry facilities, foundation, common safety devices, fireplaces and wood stoves, kitchen and kitchen appliances, general interior, attic, insulation. ventilation, roof, and exterior.

An inspector cannot report on defects that are not visible. For instance, defects hidden behind finished walls, beneath carpeting, behind storage items and in inaccessible areas, and even those that have been intentionally concealed. Systems that are seasonally inoperable (swamp coolers, air conditioning, furnaces) will not be turned on during the inspection.

How Do I Find an Inspector?

To hire an inspector, get recommendations from your Realtor, or from friends and family. If you don’t know anyone who has hired a home inspector, you can find home inspectors in the Yellow Pages category “Home Inspection Services.” When interviewing inspectors, be sure to ask for references and any memberships in professional associations. Find out about the inspector’s professional training, length of time in the business, and experience.

It’s a good idea to be present during the inspection for a couple of reasons: First, you can ask the inspector questions during the inspection. Also, the inspector will have the opportunity to point out areas of potential trouble, which will mean more to you if you see it with your own eyes than read it in the inspector’s report later. Many inspectors also will offer maintenance tips as the inspection progresses.

Is the Seller Obligated to Make Suggested Repairs?

The seller is not required to make any repairs, replacements or maintenance since this is not a code inspection. However, the buyer can use the inspection report as a negotiating tool. For instance, if certain repairs or replacements are made, the buyer might offer to pay more, or if they’re not, the buyer can bid lower.

Also, never allow an inspector to contract with you to make repairs he/she has suggested — this is a major conflict of interest, not to mention unethical. However, some inspectors do offer a guarantee or warranty on their service for an additional fee, although it is not a standard practice and not required.

How Much Does it Cost and How Long Will it Take?

Remember that a thorough, accurate home inspection takes time. The last thing you want to do is to try to hurry the inspector along. The inspector’s most important priority is accuracy, and accuracy takes time. The chances of mistakes and missed conditions are much more likely the more the inspector rushes through. Expect your home inspection to take anywhere between two and five hours (allowing about one hour for each 1,500 square feet of living space over 3,500 square feet). Of course, older homes will take longer than newer ones.

Expect your inspection to cost anywhere from $200-$500 depending on size. The cost is worth it and may be one of the most important investments you make when buying a home. Contact Diane B Kaplan, your New Jersey Shore Realtor for all your real estate needs.