Hey Folks, 


Steven Lartiga-My Awesome Realtor here, with a new way to communicate to you all. I was going to wait until the new year but why wait when we can do it now. Well it's already December, and it feels like this year went by so fast. We have seen many phases of the market over the last 5 years, from not so much demand, to unrealistic levels. Homes have appreciated much faster and higher than ever before and they're only continuing to get higher. The real estate market has been great to those who have bought before 2020, as many got their homes with not only a great market price at the time, but also a low interest rate. We have seen interest rates go from 4 percent to 2.5 percent back in 2020, to now 7.5-8% in 2023. So when they say real…

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If you are ready, waiting might cost you 

I am going to discuss this topic with a few assumptions.

  1.        You want to buy a home  home buying guide
  2.        You are ready to buy, meaning this is the next step
  3.        Financially, you are ready to buy  get a pre-approval
  4.        Again, you want to by a home

My answer to that question is “what are you waiting for?”, obviously you are asking because you are concerned about either interest rates or home values, most likely both.  

So, if it is interest rates that are you concern, this is where you would tell me that (insert number here) months/years ago the interest rates were (insert number here) and that is true. I could play the game and do the same and tell you what they were blank…

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I really like my town

I moved to Kearny in 2006. Five years later, after getting married, we moved to Lyndhurst, NJ and stayed there till we bought our house in Kearny in 2018.

Here are some of the things that I really like about Kearny, NJ

Location: Kearny's location offers many benefits for travelers and commuters. The town is conveniently located near major transportation hubs, making it easy to get around the area and beyond. The airport is just a short 30-minute taxi ride away, making it a great option for those traveling by air. Additionally, the Harrison Path Station and NJ Transit train stop in nearby Lyndhurst( offers free parking), providing a quick and easy 20-30 minute train ride into New York City. Kearny is also conveniently located…

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The mistakes I have seen.

Home buying is a significant investment and a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can derail your plans. Here are Five common mistakes to avoid when buying a home and offer advice to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals.


Not getting pre-approval: Before you start your house hunt, it's essential to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval lets you know how much you can afford and helps you understand the mortgage options available to you. It also gives you a better idea of the additional costs you will incur, such as closing costs. This information is critical to help…

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In recent months, the media has been filled with stories of a struggling real estate market. Headlines blare about declining home sales and plummeting prices, painting a dire picture for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. But don't believe the hype. The reality is that the real estate market is thriving, and now is a great time to make a move.

Just this past Saturday I did an open house for a 2 family home.  The house had just come back on the market a few days earlier and since we did not have a lot of time to promote the open house my colleague and I were not sure about the turnout.  We were so busy that we had to extend the open house by 45 mins.  More than 30 sets of buyers came through and these were not the same buyers you would find during…

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Congratulations on taking the first step towards owning your own home! The process of buying a home can seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a smooth and exciting experience.

First and foremost, it’s important to determine your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much home you can afford and also make you a more attractive candidate to sellers.

Next, do your research and make a list of the must-have features you want in a home. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you find a home that meets your needs and preferences.

When you find a home you’re interested in, it’s important to have a professional home inspector take a look. This will help…

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Be the best buyer you can be!

The importance of speaking with a mortgage rep or broker, and getting a pre-approval cannot be stressed enough.

In fact, it should be one on the 1st things you do, if not the very 1st thing.  This is assuming that you have a general Idea on where you want to buy.  Your desired location’s property taxes are a factor when it comes to pre-approvals.

I do meet buyers every now and then that want to find their house first, then get a pre-approval. This usually does not work out. Learning that a house that you like is not in your price range can be demotivating and delay you in accomplishing what you want. 

Even worse is finding a house, getting pre-approved for the price but since you needed a day or two to get…

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Life of a realtor

Being a Realtor means that people always ask you if NOW is a good time to buy or sell. This is not just at the obvious places such as my office or a listing appointment, but everywhere. I mean everywhere. Weddings, BBQs, in line at the post office, even in my own house from the guy fixing my fridge. I do not mind it at all. Especially since I enjoy talking about Real Estate.

Usually, they are expecting me to bring up some statistics demonstrating the strength or weakness of the current market. I don’t, at least I don’t START with that.  Why?  If someone is thinking of buying or selling THEIR home, their reason almost always has nothing to do with the market, and I rather discuss that.  

Here are some reasons why 

Why you want…

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Sellers shouldn't be overly swayed when they read that home prices have gone up a declared percentage in their areas. That doesn't necessarily mean that their homes increased in value by that stated amount. The fact is that reports of increases and decreases in home prices are typically quoted as changes in the "median home price", which is the price that is midway between the most expensive home and the least expensive home in the area during a specified period of time. During that time, half the buyers bought homes that cost more than the median price, while another half purchased houses below the median price. When buyers purchase more expensive homes than less expensive ones, the median price rises.

HINT: Each home for sale should be realistically…

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Because most people are focused on the holidays, there are usually fewer home sales between Thanksgiving and New Year's than at other times of the year. Conversely, the months of April, May and June are particularly strong months in the real estate market. Historically speaking, up to 35 percent of all home sales occur during these three months, as families with children time their moves to coincide with the end of the school year. However, not every buyer or seller has the luxury of timing the sale/purchase of a home. When circumstances dictate timing, seasonal trends matter little, and success largely hinges on personal circumstances, which can often be exceedingly compelling. A sale only takes one seller and one buyer.

If you are looking to sell…

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