I recently read an excellent piece about five important things you should do if you're getting ready to buy a home:

1.  Get you finances in order
2.  Practice good credit behavior
3.  Shop around for the best loan
4.  Enter the market early
5.  Find a real estate agent now.

Read the full article at www.NorthJerseyAbode.com.

If you're thinking about buying a home this year, give me a call and let's talk about how you can prepare for it.  Start your search here:  

The county’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Demonstration is happening Sunday, March 9, at the James A. McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff, Bergen County officials announced Tuesday.

The breakfast will feature pancakes, sausage, and of course, ‘Ramapo Gold’ maple syrup. Guests will also be treated to a free public demonstration on the maple sugaring process, from tree to table.

No reservations are needed for the demonstration, but they are required for the breakfast, which will cost visitors $5 a piece. Get more info in the attached flyer.

Source: Wyckoff Patch

View HOMES FOR SALE IN WYCKOFF

Have you downloaded the KW real estate app for you phone or tablet yet?  It's very cool, and the only app you'll ever need when house hunting.  It's GPS enabled, so it gives you the latest information -- wherever you're looking.  Check out this video, and click on the link below to download it today:

Happy New Year!  I hope your 2014 is filled with peace, happiness and good health.

What will happen in the real estate market this year?  Many pundits are predicting slightly better sales in 2014 than in 2013.  But the KCM Blog‘s recent headline took a different view:  Housing Predictions for 2014: Sales Will Surge

Among the reasons cited are (1) the number of first time home buyers are expected to rise, and (2) many move-up buyers, who have been trapped in their homes because of negative equity, will finally be able to make that move because of rising property values.

In addition, they are predicting that mortgage rates will increase significantly.  See the story here: Predictions for 2014: Interest Rates Will Increase Significantly.

What does this mean?  If you are a buyer who's been sitting on the fence, the longer you wait will diminish your buying power as interest rates increase.  If you're a seller, now is a good time to get your home on the market:  buyers are out there looking, inventory is low and you'll stand out rather than having to compete against so many more homes when the inventory spikes in the spring market.  

If this is the year you plan to buy or sell your home, give me a call.  Let's talk about your options.