The Mortgage Professor's Web Site "For both buyers and sellers, the purchase or sale of real estate should not be viewed as a do-it-yourself venture, it is most likely the largest investment of their life.."   I deal with all types of real estate and related issues, including: co-ops, condos, townhouses, taxes, foreclosures, leases, residential and commercial properties. Did you ever need a quick reference? If you haven't seen this site before go on it and have a look around. I have found it to be very user friendly. http://www.mtgprofessor.com/mistakes_to_avoid.htm Mistakes in Buying, Selling, Financing or Refinancing real estate could be devistating which could follow you for a very long time.  Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey EstatesReal Estate Grou... 10/19/2009

      Scotch PlainsThe native people living in this area were the Raritans, of the Leni Lenape branch of the Delaware indians. They lived in a large village near what is now Shackamaxon Golf Course and in the Ashbrook golf course area. The land was first claimed by the Dutch in 1609 as a result of Henry Hudson's explorations.The heartland of Scotch Plains was first owned by a Dutchman, Peter Sonmans, until the English conquest in 1664. Capt. John Baker bought the region from the Indians before 1684 paying one cent for every ten acres. In 1684 and 1685 the village was settled by Scotch immigrants under the leadership of George Scot - thus, the name Scot's Plains.   Early on Scot's Plains was part of West Fields (later Westfield) which in turn was part of Elizabethtown. At this time peop... 10/02/2009

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.36 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.46 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.78 percent. This is the lowest the 15-year FRM has been since Freddie Mac started tracking it in 1991. NJ EstatesReal Estate Group Paul Stillwaggon October 2009 LINKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGYTO OLD FASHIONED SERVICE Copyright © 2009 Realty TimesAll Rights Reserved. McLEAN, VA -- Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.94 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending October 1, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 5.04 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.10 percent.... 10/02/2009

By popular demand, we are pleased to release the market data for Scotch Plains and Fanwood, NJ. Remember that each real estate market is highly localized, and so as we expected, the data varied quite a bit from neighboring towns. To view detailed numbers click the link below: Scotch Plains and Fanwood Real Estate Report Check back frequently for more local real estate information about YOUR town! Sean Carroll, Realtor RE/MAX Classic Group www.TeamCarrollNJ.com   09/28/2009

Here are the raw numbers for Scotch Plains and Fanwood NJ for the 2 month period from December 1 through January 31. Later this week, I will be posting the 4th quarter numbers and comparing that quarter to the 3rd quarter and the 4th quarter from a year ago, so you can see where are market is, and maybe even where it is going. Here is the data for those 2 months: Closed Sales: 30 Avg. Sales Price: $498,959 Avg. Final List Price: $535,560 List to Sale Price Ratio: 93.1% (this is as low as I've seen this number in a while, indicating a very sharp decline in home prices in the 4th quarter, like I shared in prior blogs) Avg. Days on Market: 105 Check back for more numbers soon for other towns, and for the quarterly reports and comparisons! Thanks for reading. www.TeamCarrollNJ.com 02/05/2009

The first "Harvest Celebration" lasted for three days. Pilgrims and Native American Indians gathered together to rejoice for their gift of food and friendship. Certainly not easy days but they had the fortitude to move on and be thankful for what they did have. Now we know the first Harvest Celebration as " Thanksgiving Day ". A day to be reminded of the gifts we have of family and friends. Let's carry that feeling of warmth each day of the year. Everyday let's reach out to all the people around us and lend support when needed. Times will change and when that sunnier day comes we will embrace it, be stronger and very "Thankful". COMPLETE INFO UPDATED DAILYCurrent Listings Info Luxury New Homes Custom Build A New Home Land & Building LotsNew Jersey EstatesOur Luxury Pre-Owned HomesNewsl... 11/25/2008

Tonight, I will be attending another fabulous networking night presented by the Scotch Plains Business and Professionals Association. The event is sponsored and hosted by CJS (Credit Joint Solutions) and it will be focusing on identity theft, and how to protect yourself from many of the fraudulent acts attacking consumers' credit. I look forward to posting more about this event in tomorrow's blog. Thanks for reading, and happy networking! Sean Carroll www.TeamCarrollNJ.com 11/19/2008

Here are the raw numbers for Scotch Plains, NJ Real Estate for the Month Ending October 31, 2008. Average Sales Price: $506,551 Average Days on Market: 75 Average List to Sale Price Ratio: 94.8% Closed Transactions: 12 The sales activity declined sharply from prior months, as the financial news in September caused buyer activity to also decline sharply due to uncertainty, and a further tightening of the credit market. There were still a good number of closings for the fall, but I anticipate this 4th quarter total to be much less than a year ago. Check back for year over year comparisons, as well as quarterly comparisons, so we can see where we are in the market trends. Buyers: Opportunities to buy into this great town of Scotch Plainsare many. But you have to act quickly on the well pri... 11/18/2008

Scotch Plains residential listings were down by 13% by comparison to August 2007, with an average list price of $689,648, representing an increase in price by 3%. However, new listings during the month were down by9% with an average price of $520,490, representing a decrease in price by 16.4%. August 2008 saw an increase in properties scheduled to close by 6% with an average price of $532,389, representing an increase in price over August 2007 by 1%. In the end, sales were down by 51.43%, although the average price was $515,765, up by 3%. 11/15/2008

Last night I have the privelige of attending another networking event of the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association (SPBPA). The event was held at the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. Dan Sullivan, the president of the Rescue Squad gave an informative, and eye opening presentation on workplace safety, and provided valuable tips and checklists to ensure that we have a workplace that is safe for our employees, and for ourselves. I know I, personally, will be using many of his suggestions in my home as well. I was particularly moved by the You Tube videos he showed from Canada of possible workplace accidents that can not only be financially devastating, but also fatal. I look forward to attending future SPBPA events. For more information about the Scotch Plain... 10/23/2008

I had the opportunity to attend the SPBPA Networking "Open Mike" night on Wednesday, and I was very impressed by the group's commitment to making Scotch Plains a great place, and their commitment to promote local business and help with community service. I am looking forward to future events, and hope to become more active. Check out the SPBPA website at: www.visitscotchplains.com Thanks for reading, and I will see you around town! www.TeamCarrollNJ.com   09/26/2008

I am excited to make my first appearance at the "Open Mike" night at the Rescue Squad tonight in Scotch Plains, NJ for the Scotch Plains Business and Professionals Association. This will be a great opportunity for me to get to meet some other local businesses, as we build our referral directory, and also a chance for us to share with the business community how we can help homeowners in this uncertain real estate market. Thanks to Jeff Stein at Incentives USA for inviting me into this group. Thanks for Reading! Sean www.TeamCarrollNJ.com 09/24/2008

The July 2007 average volume of residential listings was 238 with an average price of $666,834 . The July 2008 volume was 203 with an average price of $696,472. The Change in volume was a 1% decrease. Equally interesting was the similarities in the new listings activity. July 2007 saw 40 listings averaging $554,493 and July 2008 had 40 new listings averaging $539,016. Now we come to the numbers reflecting the sales activity. July 2007 had 24 properties go under contract averaging $533,725 versus July 2008 with 15 properties averaging $564,053. Finally, the month of July 2007 closed out with 26 homes sold averaging $598,659, while July 2008 saw 24 homes sold averaging $600,042. In summary, the market remains robust for listings. Sales on the other hand are down, while prices are up sligh... 09/13/2008

Here are the raw numbers for Scotch Plains, NJ Real Estate for the Month Ending August 31, 2008. Average Sales Price: $515,764 Average Days on Market: 67 Average List to Sale Price Ratio: 95.9% Closed Transactions: 17 The sales activity remained consistent with July's numbers, as this has been overall a healthy summer for Scotch Plains, NJ real estate sales in terms of closed transactions. Check back for year over year comparisons, as well as quarterly comparisons, so we can see where we are in the market trends. Buyers: Opportunities to buy into this great town of Scotch Plains are many. But you have to act quickly on the well priced homes, as motivated sellers are already building in the market correction to their list prices!!! Sellers: Get good, honest pricing advice from your Realt... 09/13/2008

Today the Township of Scotch Plains retains its small town image. It has been moving forward in providing diversified services and activities to meet the needs of its residents. Surrounding the Borough of Fanwood where there is a Train Station sending commuters and pleasure seekers to New York City, Scotch Plains offers easy accessibility to major State Highways, including Routes 22, 78 and 287, the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.         Scotch PlainsThe native people living in this area were the Raritans, of the Leni Lenape branch of the Delaware indians. They lived in a large village near what is now Shackamaxon Golf Course and in the Ashbrook golf course area. The land was first claimed by the Dutch in 1609 as a result of Henry Hudson's explorations.The heartland o... 07/11/2008

In todays market buyers and sellers are much more savy then years ago, today's client with the help of the internet does their homework before the first phone call is made to an agent. Using mailers are still some what effective but with so many agents in any given area doing the same thing what makes you stand out in the crowd. This year I tried a new method that really gave me some great leads I sent out planting seeds to home owners that carried my businees card with picture on the packet, they are fast becoming a big hit in my farm area in drawing listings. learn to go that extra mile to make you stand out of the crowd it will pay major rewards in the long run.             ERA Sellers Security® Plan     'We Will Sell Your House, Or ERA Will Buy It!'®         05/07/2008

Wonderful Scotch Plains Colonial!!Location: Scotch Plains, NJWonderful Colonial features 3 BRs, 1.1 Baths, new maple kitchen with Corian counters, beautifully refinished hardwood floors throughout, freshly painted interior, formal LR & DR & bright sunroom which overlooks level backyard. The basement features a recreation room, laundry area and work room.Photo GalleryInformationContact InformationBarbara Mulcahy908.376-1600PricingAsking Price: $375,000Property Location2080 Mountain AvenueScotch Plains, NJ 07076LinksMore DetailsFeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1.1Garage Size: 1 car attachedAgent Name: Barbara MulcahyBroker: RE/MAX Classic GroupMLS #: 2499833AttributesAppliancesRange/OvenMicrowaveNew Maple Kitchen CabinetsCorian Counters in KitchenBright SunroomInterior AmenitiesBasementAttic... 03/22/2008

    Scotch PlainsThe native people living in this area were the Raritans, of the Leni Lenape branch of the Delaware indians. They lived in a large village near what is now Shackamaxon Golf Course and in the Ashbrook golf course area. The land was first claimed by the Dutch in 1609 as a result of Henry Hudson's explorations.The heartland of Scotch Plains was first owned by a Dutchman, Peter Sonmans, until the English conquest in 1664. Capt. John Baker bought the region from the Indians before 1684 paying one cent for every ten acres. In 1684 and 1685 the village was settled by Scotch immigrants under the leadership of George Scot - thus, the name Scot's Plains. General Information Incorporated:Population:Area:County:Websites:1877 (Established 1684)21,1259.6 Sq.Mi.Unionhttp://www.scotchpl... 02/10/2008

Here is the market snapshot for Scotch Plains NJ Real Estate for the month ending January 2008.Number of Active Listings: 174 (down from 212 a year ago)Number of New Listings: 40 (down from 62 a year ago)Under Contract: 12 (down from 19 a year ago)Closed Sales: 12 (down from 17 a year ago)Average Sales Price: $400,000 (down from $405,000 in 2007Average Days on Market: 100 up from 94 a year agoWhat does this mean?? Well, unlike Cranford  and Westfield , Scotch Plains really has an over supply of inventory. Around 12 months of inventory to be exact (12 closed sales and 12 pending, with over 174 listings)This varies from price range to price range, and differs in various neighborhoods throughout the town, of course, but the overall picture would indicate that prices in Scotch Plains may co... 02/07/2008

For the month ending November 30, 2007, there were 24 closed sales in Scotch Plains with an average sales price of $532,229. The average days on the market was 67. Scotch Plains remains a viable option for buyers, especially those purchasing for the first time. This is supported by the lower median price of the sold homes in November Check back after the holidays for another Scotch Plains NJ Real Estate Market Update.Sean Carroll - Realtor, Team Leader"Team Carroll" - Real Estate ProfessionalsServing Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, New Providence, Cranford, Westfield and Surrounding Areashttp://www.gocarrollteam.com/ 12/07/2007