NAR Releases June's Housing Market Report:The National Association of Realtors recently released their housing numbers for June 2008. Here's a brief synopsis: Nationally; sales were down 16.4% and prices were down 7.9% versus June 2007 Northeast; sales were down 19.9% and prices were down 3.0% " " South; sales were down 18.2% and prices were down 4.5% " " Midwest; sales were down 18.2% and prices were down 4.8% " " West; sales were down 10.1% and prices were down 17.2% " " What does all this information mean? Well, according to the "National Media Outlets", it's the beginning of the Apocalypse! Fortunately for us, there are a few reputable analysts who read the POSITIVE in all these negative numbers. "Overall, we've seen marked improvement in every region of the country over the previo... 07/30/2008

  The Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program is conducting research on Blue Claw Crabs Not only are these guys tasty, but you now have an opportunity to earn $5 and $20 rewards if you catch a crab with a pink or yellow metal tag and you report finds to the research program. Crabbers can call (609) 896-7755 to report the tag number, Sex, Reproductive status, Date, Depth and Location, Ideally GPS coordinates are ideal for the study as an alternitive you can visit the website for the NJbluecrabs to report your findings. Crabbing in the Barnegat bay is one of my family's favorite past time, I cant get them to go fishing with me, but they enjoy crabbing! Now we have to see if we can catch one that is Tagged! Have a great weekend, and CATCH SOME CRABS! Rob Robert Rauf www.RobertRaufHomeLoans.c... 07/25/2008

Toms River Fest is coming soon! Toms River Fest has a lot to offer the entire family with Midway attractions and games, BMX Demonstrations, Fireworks every night,  Exhibits, Food and MORE... This is all on top of an exciting line up of stars. Saturday August 2nd Carrie Underwood Lifehouse Gavin DeGraw Push Play The Lost Trailers Marie Digby And Hometown performances from: April Smith, Just Kait and Wiser Time Sunday August 3rd Daughtry Avril Lavigne Live Collective Soul mr RAY Day Of Fire And Hometown performances from: Matt O'ree, Status Green, Jerzy Jung and Linda Chorney Tickets available at the box office, ticketmaster or online at Toms River Fest's Website All the information you will need is on the website, The event will be held at the Ritacco Center and Toms River High School No... 07/25/2008

Disney in Toms River Since Monday Disney has had a crew of about 100 people setting up for this weekend at Toms River High School North for the inaugural stop of the Disney Music Block Party Tour. Starting Friday and Ending Sunday there will be a many musical acts including Choo Choo Soul Dan Zanes and Friends Ralph's World They Might Be Giants. Gates open at 2pm and close at 8pm. Tickets are $36 with a portion going towards the School Districts Technology Foundation.  Tickets can be obtained at the gate, at the school District office at 1144 Hooper Ave Toms River, or by visiting the Disney Music Block Party Tour Web site.  You can call (201) 507-8900 for more information. Free parking is available at both Toms River High School North and Intermediate North.   Next up for Toms River is ... 07/24/2008

  Saturday July 19th is the thirty first annual wooden boat festival. This is the largest wooden boat show in NJ and admission is FREE! Sponsored by the Toms River Seaport Societythe show will be held at Huddy park on July 19, 2008. For directions you can click on the link above.       There will be a lot to do at the festival, beyond looking at beautifully varnished works of art There will be a few "new" old boats at the show, one of them just arrived from Florida after an extensive restoration, Atlas, a 57 foot Trumpy Motor Yacht, that was originally built for Ralph Atlas, the president of Atlas Tire corp. here are a few shots from last years festival:       Sorry Tamara, they got your name wrong:                       Being the Sailor, I need to post a few Sail boats here too! This s... 07/17/2008

and so, misperception is fantasy?According to most of the major news sources; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are on life support and Indy Mac should be tried as a war criminal. Combined with the current price for a gallon of gasoline and the "weakness" of the U.S. dollar, one would be INSANE to buy a home today, right?"Buy Low, Sell High"That's how one makes money in the stock market. Well, that's also how one makes money in the real estate market! After all, real estate is a commodity, an investment and a tax shelter. But it's more: It's a dream (Home Ownership) It's a lifetime It's a family It's memories It's many different things to many different people. Can anyone place a price on a lifetime, or period, of memories? 20/20 Hind-sight: Remember the late seventies, early eighties? Rememb... 07/17/2008

This weeks Financial Calendar  The million dollar question when you are in the process of buying your home and put in your mortgage application: "should I lock or Should I float?"  Here is this weeks news to help you make that decision: This is a busy week on the financial calendar and it promises to have potential for a bumpy ride. Sunday the Fed Governors and the Treasury announced that they would lend money and buy stock to support Fannie and Freddie. These comments will insure a flow of capital in the mortgage market and makes it very clear that the Fed is supportive of both Fannie and Freddie and will protect their mission of providing financing for residential home purchases. What it all amounts to is the sky is NOT falling in the mortgage industry as the media would lead us to be... 07/14/2008

  If you are reading this you are probably aware that I spent last week With my sons Boy Scout Troop (I am one of the assistant Scout masters) The highlight of the trip had to be Rock Climbing.  I talked my son into Rock Climbing the first day and we were both glad I did, he walked away with a Merritt badge and I had a lot of fun. Our first climb (sorry no photos) was only about 40-50 feet, I did the easy route first, made it to the top with out much difficulty, then did the hard one, Which was actually easier for me than the first... maybe it is because I am taller and have a larger wing span than the average person???  either way it was easy...  We start each day climbing picking up our gear and hiking to the wall, crossing a wide stream hopping from rock to rock.  Friday's hike took ... 07/14/2008

Holiday City Silverton is an adult community of nearly 1600 residences including single family (some lakefront), duplex and quad homes that provide affordable living for any budget.  The community offers many activities throughout the year with a pool available during the Summer season.  A walk to the lake lets you enjoy the seasonal birds and wildlife that inhabit the area!  Located in Toms River near the Brick Township border, Holiday City Silverton is convenient to 3 area hosptials, medical facilities, numerous financial institutions, houses of worship, bay and ocean beaches, entertainment, restaurants, the Ocean County Mall and has easy access to the Garden State Parkway. For the baseball enthusiast, it is only a short ride to the Blue Claws stadium.  This area is about a 1 hour ri... 07/09/2008

MLS PROFILE YTD - SOLD Category - SingleFamily / Area: TOM - TOMS RIVER TWP / County: Ocean Sold Price Last Year This Year Last Yr Vs This Yr   01/01/2007-7/1/2007 01/01/2008-7/1/2008   $0                - $99,999 3 2 -33% $100,000    - $149,999 2 4 100% $150,000    - $199,999 9 28 211% $200,000    - $249,999 39 45 15% $250,000    - $299,999 85 70 -18% $300,000    - $349,999 89 64 -28% $350,000    - $399,999 68 43 -37% $400,000    - $449,999 28 31 11% $450,000    - $499,999 32 22 -31% $500,000    - $549,999 17 10 -41% $550,000    - $599,999 22 10 -55% $600,000    - $699,999 20 16 -20% $700,000    - $799,999 18 12 -33% $800,000    - $899,999 8 3 -62% $900,000    - $999,999 3 6 100% $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 5 2 -60% $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 3 1 -67% $2,000,000 - Above 2 3 50% Total 453 372 ... 07/01/2008

108 TARPON DR 4/15/2008 338000 51 2108 TAYLOR RD 1/17/2008 290000 225 1909 TEAKWOOD RD 3/6/2008 290000 22 2188 TIIU CT 5/9/2008 597500 68 889 TUDOR DR 1/28/2008 329000 48 908 TUDOR DR 4/25/2008 285000 31 954 TUNESBROOK DR 5/29/2008 455000 4 765 TUNNEY POINT DR 2/1/2008 288000 40 2 TURNBERRY CIR 1/25/2008 305000 44 47 TUYAHOV BLVD 1/29/2008 49900 157 301 TWIN OAKS DR 4/23/2008 470000 45 1226 TYLER DR 5/13/2008 222500 29 590 VAUGHN AVE 3/30/2008 280000 136 609 VAUGHN AVE 5/2/2008 220000 150 945 VAUGHN AVE 2/22/2008 250000 42 996 VAUGHN AVE 4/29/2008 265000 37 3138 VEEDER AVE 5/1/2008 830000 174 1106 VERDANT RD 3/25/2008 395000 76 2227 VERMONT AVE 3/7/2008 500000 27 133 VILLAGE RD 5/31/2008 290000 350 26 VINCENT ST 3/20/2008 272000 28 2126 WAINWRIGHT RD 3/31/2008 225000 50 111 WALCHEST DR... 06/15/2008

2054 NAKISKA CT 2/29/2008 360000 156 899 NEVILLE ST 2/14/2008 200000 107 2134 NIMITZ ST 3/17/2008 215000 10 59 NORWOOD DR 5/2/2008 285250 78 26 OAK GLEN RD 4/16/2008 300000 16 87 OAK GLEN RD 2/20/2008 335000 190 116 OAK GLEN RD 2/15/2008 350000 183 24 OAK HILL DR 4/30/2008 238000 38 3632 OCEAN FRONT TERR 5/6/2008 2900000 156 17 OLIVER ST 3/11/2008 220000 92 730 OPATUT CT 2/8/2008 488000 168 310 ORMOND DR 3/31/2008 762000 40 43 OSPREY DR 3/3/2008 450000 188 113 OSPREY WAY 4/6/2008 365000 122 1110 OVERLOOK DR 3/24/2008 197500 135 31 PELICAN WAY 2/25/2008 400000 535 856 PEPPERTREE DR 5/29/2008 340000 19 35 PINE BROOK DR 5/7/2008 223500 115 2314 PINE GROVE AVE 1/25/2008 261000 115 120 PINE NEEDLE DR 1/4/2008 449900 127 112 PINEWOOD RD 4/14/2008 302000 184 1940 PINTA CT 3/20/2008 375000 140... 06/15/2008

661 GARFIELD AVE 1/31/2008 268000 10 751 GARFIELD AVE 2/29/2008 185000 43 31 GATEWAY 5/1/2008 195000 20 37 GATEWAY 4/25/2008 273500 203 8 GERMANIA CT 5/16/2008 247000 140 55 GILFORD AVE 2/26/2008 210500 3 64 GRAND AVE 4/21/2008 352500 62 964 GREEN HILL BLVD 5/21/2008 276000 127 1810 GREENWOOD RD 4/10/2008 324000 126 1837 GREENWOOD RD 4/3/2008 286000 114 615 HAIFA CT 4/15/2008 315000 364 617 HAIFA CT 4/11/2008 354000 65 27 HAINES COVE DR 5/15/2008 1450000 107 146 HAMLET CT 5/29/2008 305000 113 1247 HANCOCK RD 4/18/2008 190200 307 243 HARDING AVE 5/12/2008 380000 48 409 HARDING AVE 2/14/2008 465000 108 23 HARLEY RD 1/31/2008 245200 61 6 HARPERS FERRY RD 2/1/2008 285000 153 233 HAYES CT 5/15/2008 971000 19 239 HAYES CT 4/18/2008 1675000 210 1038 HAZELWOOD RD 5/16/2008 267800 74 680 HILL R... 06/15/2008

A night that's sure to be an evening to remember. Carrie Underwood joins Avril Lavigne and Chris Daughtry in the lineup for this summer's Toms River Fest. The packed summer pop-rock festival schedule just got more crowded. The Toms River Fest, taking place Aug. 2 and 3 at the Toms River High School North campus, will feature two immensely popular "American Idol" alumni: Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry (fronting the band Daughtry). Underwood will perform Aug. 2, along with artists like Lifehouse, Push Play, the Lost Trailers and children's entertainer Mr. Ray. Daughtry heads the Aug. 3 lineup, which also includes Avril Lavigne, Live and Collective Soul. Tickets, priced at $35 per day ($50 for bleachers, $75 for premium floor seating), go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. Call (201) 507-89... 06/01/2008

Internet Advertising If you want to sell your home, a strong Internet presence is vital. This is because most buyers these days use the Internet to look for homes. Buyers can access more information on the Internet than from any other source. Multiple photos of homes' interiors and exteriors, virtual tours, interactive maps, easy property search options, automatic email updates of new listings, and other real estate information is available online, making the Internet an attractive place to search for homes. The use of the Internet by homebuyers has increased phenomenally over the years. An ample number of researches and surveys have been conducted which prove that an increasing number of consumers are using the Internet to buy, sell and invest in real estate. According to the study co... 05/03/2008

Marketing System The Marketing Upgrade System Our unique Upgrade System is the point of difference between our agency and all others. It includes: The BetterHomesUSA Home Merchandising System was designed in New Jersey and is now used nationally to enhance the value of a property through merchandising, before the actual marketing plan begins. The Merchandising System is comprised of videos and print material which guides the homeowner through a variety of inexpensive and free projects designed to make their home more presentable for showing. Merchandising Your Home 05/03/2008

 What is the Multiple Listing Service ?The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the key to Home-Sales Success. The MLS lists the vast majority of real estate listings which are listed "for sale" by real estate brokers and their agents. All types of real estate property is listed in the real estate multiple listing service; houses, townhomes, condominiums, commercial property, lots, acreage and even rental properties. Statistics show that homes listed on the MLS sell faster. "The MLS" is the secret to success of real estate sales, directly responsible for about 4 out of 5 sales nationwide. About 85% of home buyers use a REALTOR® to help them locate a property. When a potential buyer contacts a Real Estate Agent regarding a home purchase, the Agent will search the MLS for homes matching the ... 04/01/2008

And so ends the First Quarter of 2008!  Here are the Year to Date numbers for Single Family homes in Toms River, New Jersey: MLS PROFILE YTD - SOLDCategory - SingleFamily / Area: TOM - TOMS RIVER TWP / County: OceanSold PriceLast YearThis YearLast Yr Vs This Yr 01/01/2007-3/31/200701/01/2008-3/31/2008 $0                - $99,999110%$100,000    - $149,999220%$150,000    - $199,999511120%$200,000    - $249,9992118-14%$250,000    - $299,9993630-17%$300,000    - $349,9993827-29%$350,000    - $399,9992915-48%$400,000    - $449,99913148%$450,000    - $499,999137-46%$500,000    - $549,999550%$550,000    - $599,99961-83%$600,000    - $699,99954-20%$700,000    - $799,999103-70%$800,000    - $899,99961-83%$900,000    - $999,99921-50%$1,000,000 - $1,499,99910-100%$1,500,000 - $1,999,99910-100%$2,0... 03/31/2008

Here are the statistics for Single Family Homes in Toms River, NJ, for February 2008:    TotalTotal List / Closed $Avg List $Avg Closed $Avg DOMMedian Price $%SP/LPNew171$88,965,530 / n/a$520,266n/a14$399,000n/aUnder Contract81$33,925,884 / n/a$418,838n/a97$359,000n/aClosed38$15,643,998 / $14,897,030$411,684$392,02779$325,00095.23%Currently Active (as of today)768$390,517,692 / n/a$508,487n/a108$399,900n/a--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2008 by the Monmouth County Association of REALTORS� 02/29/2008

What a Crazy month!in the past 30 days we have had one of the most confused interest rate environments I have seen in the past 20 years.  About 4 weeks ago we bottomed out at levels we have not seen since July of 2003... Keep in mind that 2003 was a 40 year low in interest rates and one Wednesday morning it was the lowest I have ever seen for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.  It was short lived, and that low only lasted about 6 hours. Since then rates have been bouncing up and holding for a week, only to settle back down a bit and then bounce yet again.  Last week was the biggest weekly bounce the markets have seen in 10 years, but this week we have already seen the interest rate dust cloud begin to settle and rates are improving a bit. Keep things in perspective, Rates are still near the... 02/22/2008