No matter how good the credit rating, today's homebuyer no longer has the luxury of buying with little or zero down. Unless you are low-income with good credit, or a veteran, no-down loans are also a thing of the past.
Most lenders today want at least 20 percent of the loan amount as a down payment on a house. For a home priced between $168,300 and $287,500, a homebuyer would need to come up with between $33,660 and $57,500 just for a down payment. Then, there are closing costs to consider. These vary by state, but figure you'll pay over $2,000 on a $200,000 loan. Saving up this money takes time and careful planning. The best way to start is by coming up with a budget that is realistic enough for you to stick with and by using other tips to help you get ahead financially. The BudgetThe only thing more challenging than setting up the budget is sticking with it over the long run. Using personal finance software will help you set it up, but only self-discipline and the desire for a new house will motivate you to stick with it. First, you need to determine your total income from all sources. The second step is to list all the money that goes out every month, beginning with your fixed expenses. These include anything that has a fixed payment due every month, including: Rent or mortgage (if you have a fixed rate). Car payment. Insurance. Child support and alimony. Installment loan payments. Next, list your variable expenses. These may be a little more difficult to track, so you may want to document them over the course of a week or two on a chart such as the spreadsheet offered for free by a Canadian credit counseling service. Common variable expenses include: Utilities. Telephone. Cable or satellite TV. Anything you purchase on a daily basis (morning coffee, etc.). Amy Fontinelle, writing at Investopedia, suggests that you track and update your budget daily so that nothing falls through the cracks. Make ChangesOnce you've used the budget for a month or two you'll be able to see where your money goes every week. This snapshot shows you where it's being wasted and, thus, where to make cuts. Any items cut from the budget mean more money to set aside for your house. Some of these cutbacks might include bringing a lunch from home rather than hitting the café every day, riding your bike to work instead of driving or taking a cab, and using coupons to save money. Make More MoneyCutting your budget expenditures and paying down debt aren't the only ways to move more quickly down the road toward homeownership. Finding ways to bring in more money gives your plan a turbo boost. If you can take on overtime hours at work, do it. Consider holding a garage sale or selling unused items online. Sock away that extra cash for your down payment. SavingsIf you're like a lot of us, you may be tempted to use the money you're saving for something else that comes along. To avoid the temptation, put it in an online savings account that makes it difficult to withdraw. If you have to wait a few days for the money, you may think twice about withdrawing it. As you build your savings, avoid the urge to add to your debt. There will be plenty of time after you buy the house to buy furniture, a car or whatever else you might be thinking of purchasing. Keep that house you want top-of-mind to motivate yourself to stay out of debt and continue saving.
0 Comments
Happy Monday! Here are the lastest listings to hit the Wyckoff market in the last 7 days.
Check out the new listings to hit the market in Wyckoff in the last 7 days.
Do you have a home to sell in Wyckoff? It may be worth more than you think. Call me for a Complimentary Market Analysis, or simply fill out this form. ![]() Bergen County Allendale Farmers' Market 500 W. Crescent Ave., Allendale Directions: Rt. 17 to Allendale Ave. West Exit, Follow w. allendale to bear right on Myrtle, left on W. Crescent. Market will be on the right about 1/2 down Phone:(201) 825-0500 or (201) 638-6765/ Nickie Lisella or Adrienne Tenbekjian, Fax: (201) 825-0515 Email:allendalefarmersmarket@gmail.com Web site:www.allendalechamber.com Open: June 6th - Oct. 24th, 2015, Saturdays, 9:30 am- 2:30 pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fresh fruits and vegetables Also Available: Plants, olive oil, honey breads baked goods, cheese, eggs ----- Englewood Farmers' Market Corner of North Van Brunt St. & Demarest Ave. , Englewood Directions: Grand Ave., make left onto Demarest Ave., cross over RR tracks. Market is on left in the park. Phone: (201) 871-6645 - Tina Evans mail:tevans@cityofenglewood.org Open: June 6th - October 31st, 2014, Fridays, 11am - 6pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fruits and vegetables Also Available: Baked goods, pickles, honey, flowers, and so much more WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- Fort Lee Farmers Market 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee Community Center , Fort Lee Directions:See our website for directions Phone:(201) 693-2763/ Tom Meyers, Fax: (201) 944-3429 Email:ftleefilm@aol.com Web site:www.fortleenj.org Open: June 28th - Nov. 22nd, 2015, Sundays, 8 am - 2 pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fruits & vegetables Also Available: Bread, pies, pickles, coffee, eggs, and dairy WIC & Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- Hasbrouck Heights Farmers' Market Central Avenue & The Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights Directions: On the corner Phone:(201) 288-5464 - Ray Vorisek Email:heightsflowershoppe@verizon.net Open: June 17th - Oct. 28th, 2014, Tuesdays, 12 pm - 6 pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fruits and vegetables Also Available: Bread, cheese, cookies, sauces, jewelry, handcrafts WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- Paramus Farmers Market 475 Farview Ave., Paramus Directions:Located on Farview Ave., 1/4 mile North of the Midland Ave. Exit of of Route 17 in Paramus. Phone: Email:sunone52@yahoo.com Web site:www.paramusborough.org Open: June 18th-Sept. 24th, 2014, Wednesday 2:00pm-6:30pm Community Farmers Market: Jersey Fresh fruits & vegetables. Also Available: Eggs, jams, jelly, vegetables, Bakery, Italian items, pickles, Mediterranean items, fresh made guacamole, dog & pet items, Farm to Table take home meals, olive oils, spices, balsamic vinegars, Italian ice, nuts, functional pottery, soaps and salves, empanadas WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers. ----- Ramsey Farmer's Market Summer/Fall Main St. Train Station (outdoors), Ramsey Directions: See our website for directions Phone:(201) 675-6866/ Nancy Boone Email:amorfeti@aol.com Web site:www.ramseyfarmersmarket.org Open: June 6th - Nov. 29th, 2015, Sundays, 9am - 2pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fruits and vegetables Also Available: Artisan breads and cheese, fresh fish directly from the Hampton Bays, local honey and organic maple syrup, homemade chili, pasta, sauces and mozzarella, stuffed breads, pickles, gourmet nuts and dried fruits, kombucha, kimchi, artisanal ice pops, gluten free baked products, and gourmet coffee and tea, alpaca wear and yak meat, goat meat, exotic mushrooms, gourmet olive oils and vinegars, made on site guacamole, freshly cut flowers and perennial plants, free range eggs, and much more and over 40 vendors! WIC & Senior FMNP Vouchers accepted by some farmers. ----- Ramsey Winter Farmer's Market 73 Monroe St., Eric Smith School (indoors), Ramsey Directions:See our website for directions Phone:(201) 675-6866/ Nancy Boone Email: amorfeti@aol.com Web site:www.ramseyfarmersmarket.org Open: Dec.-March, 2015, Sundays, 10am-2pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fresh fruits & vegetables Also Available: Artisan bread and cheese, fresh fish directly from the Hampton Bays, local honey and maple syrup, homemade chili, pasta sauces and mozzarella, stuffed breads, pickles, gourmet nuts and dried fruits, kombucha, kimchi, artisanal ice pops, gluten free baked products and prepared foods, gourmet coffee and tea, alpaca wear and yak meat, goat meat, exotic mushrooms, gourmet olive oils and vinegars, made on site guacamole, freshly cut flowers and perennial plants, free range eggs, and much more. Over 25 vendors inside! ----- Ridgewood Farmers' Market NJ Transit Railroad Station (Garber Square), Ridgewood Phone:(201) 445-2600 - Joan Groom, Fax: (201) 251-1958 Email:info@ridgewoodchamber.com Web site:www.ridgewoodchamber.com Open: June 21st-Nov. 1st, 2015, Sundays, 9:00am - 3:00pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fruits & vegetables WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- River Vale Farmers Market 406 Rivervale , River Vale Directions: See our website for directions Phone:(201) 664-2346/Anne Catalano Email:wellness@rivervalenj.org Web site:www.rivervalenj.org Open: June 18th - Oct. 29th, 2015, Thursdays, 12 pm - 6 pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also Available: Amish baked goods, artisan breads, cheese, sauces, gluten free products, nuts & dried fruits, fresh made pickles & olives, gourmet olive oils & vinegars, homemade chili, empanadas, pizza & soups, artisan soaps & body care products. WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- Rutherford Farmers Market Williams Plaza between Spring Deli and Glen Rd., off of Park Ave., Rutherford Directions:FROM: Route 3 to Park Ave. exits - follow Park Ave.to Spring Dell or Glen Rd. FROM: Rt. 17 to Meadow Rd. exit. Meadow Rd. westbound to traffic circle at trainstation. Head South on Park Ave. 1 block. Market is on left. Phone:(201) 939-1670/ Cori Verdino Email:office@downtownrutherfordnj.com Web site:www.downtownrutherfordnj.com Open: June 18th - Oct. 29th, 2014, Wed. 11am - 6pm; July - Oct., open Sat., 8am-2pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables. Also Available: Pickles, pasta, Italian Bread, olive oil, cheeses, baked goods WIC & Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ----- Teaneck Farmers' Market Beverly Rd. & Garrison Ave. , Teaneck Phone:(201) 907-0493 / Margaret Aaker, Fax: (201) 907-0870 Email:staff@cedarlane.net Web site:www.cedarlane.net Open: June - Oct., 2015, Thursdays, 12:00pm-6:00pm Community Farmers Market: Variety of farm fresh fruits and vegetables Also Available: Plants, flowers, herbs, pickles, olives, freshly baked goods, gourmet prepared foods, honey jams, cheese, meats, poultry, seafood, gourmet nuts & dried fruits WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by some farmers ![]() From BergenMama.com ... It’s time to ditch the all black getup and don your red, white and blue. Check out our roundup of the top spots to throw a blanket down and watch July 4th Fireworks this Independence Day in Bergen County, NJ. Where:105th Annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Where: Veterans Field, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood When: Saturday, July 4th, flag raising at 9am, parade at 10am then gates open at 6:00 p.m. for musical performances and skydivers, Gates close at 9pm followed by a firework celebration Chow at: Raymond’s for a little pre-festive eeeeeeats. Where: Hudson River Fireworks (viewable from Alpine Boat Basin) Where: Palisades Interstate Park Alpine Boat Basin, see parking details here (hint: get there early) When: Saturday, July 4th, 9:15pm over the Hudson Chow at: Baumgart’s in Englewood with the kids is always a sure bet. Where:Ramsey Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration Where: Finch Park When: Friday, July 3rd, 6:30pm, will host a concert with U2 Nation band, followed by the Ramsey Wind Symphony and fireworks at Dusk (raindate: Sunday, July 5th) Chow at: Varka for family style greek dining and festive fun. What: Leonia Sports Booster Carnival and Fireworks Why: Carnival fun plus fireworks on the 4th. When: Wednesday, July st through Sunday, July 5th (Fireworks on July 4th) Where: Overpeck Park, Leonia Chow at: Dante’s Place for a cozy meal with great Italian food. What: Paramus 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Celebration Sponsored by Westfield Garden State Plaza Where: Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex, Paramus Road & Plaza Way, Westfield Garden State Plaza - West Lot When: Sunday, July 5th, 6:30-10pm Rain Date:TBA Chow at: Shake Shack for a burger and something frosty What: Hackensack Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration When: Friday, July 4th 7:15pm Where: Games, Rides, an All Day Flea Market, plus, a show from the Time Machine Band and the “works” Chow at: Rosa Mexicano for house made guacamole and their new Tacos Menu. What: Tenafly’s Annual Fireworks Display When: Thursday, July 2nd at 9pm (Rain date is Sunday, July 5th) Where: Behind the Tenafly High School, 19 Columbus Drive, Tenafly Chow at: Zestt for easy Mediterranean fare. What: Allendale’s Fireworks Celebration When: Saturday, July 4th 7:30pm Where: Band Concert & Fireworks at Crestwood Lake Chow at: Mezza Luna for classic homemade pasta and other Italian fare What: Nyack: A dazzling fireworks show at one of our favorite Hudson River Towns When: Saturday, July 4th, 8:00 pm festivities, 9:00 fireworks Where: Memorial Park, 53 Piermont Ave, Nyack, New York Chow at:Temptations Café or Gypsy Donut for treats and sweats. This article makes sense! If you’ve been putting off your home purchase, now may be the right time to make your move. Start your home search here: www.searchnorthjerseyrealestate.com
———– 4 Reasons to Buy NOW! by The KCM Crew on June 22, 2015 in First Time Homebuyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers Summer is here! The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up right now, so too is the housing market! Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to RiseThe Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report projects appreciation in home values over the next five years to be between 11.8% (most pessimistic) and 26.7% (most optimistic). The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense. 2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to IncreaseFreddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have started to inch up, most experts predict that they will begin to rise even more over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up approximately three quarters of a percentage point over the next 12 months. An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. Your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home. 3. Either Way You are Paying a MortgageAs a recent paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.” 4. It’s Time to Move On with Your LifeThe ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But, what if they weren’t? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe it is time to buy. Bottom LineIf the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings. I am pleased to present the Ryerson House, offered for sale for the first time in over a decade. This 4BR Colonial farmhouse was built in 1849 by Rev. Abram Ryerson, pastor of Wyckoff Reformed Church from 1846-1864 and an army chaplain during the Civil War. Many of the home's charming features remain intact. A winning combination of historic charm and 21st century amenities, the home can be viewed by appointment only. More informaton at The Ryerson House. For an exclusive showing, call for an appointment.
![]() 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: Download the KW Real Estate App |
Candace Larson
Sales Associate 257 E. Ridgewood Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4300 x 222 (office) 201-579-3009 (vmail) Email me at: candacelarson@kw.com Categories
All
Archives
August 2015
|