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Title Wise
The New Jersey Real Estate News You Can Use

Dear Ralph,


There are still exciting places you and your family can visit before the summer ends. Yes, it's already August and Labor Day is just a few weeks away! So here are some day trip destinations that can still make the Summer of '24 a winner. Also, as business investors, not every market is created equal. There are still some hot pockets for real estate investors. One is Hartford, Connecticut, according to the Cocoran agency. We also did some quick research to identify where you might find the best food supermarkets in Monmouth County.


And finally, please consider joining me to support Ocean County College's Foundation. Start planning now for SUP the River 2024, September 14th.


Please feel free to email me at ralph@counsellorstitle.com if you have any questions or would like to follow up on any of this edition's articles.


Ralph Aponte

Founder & President

732.914.1400


Feel free to book a call to discover how we can serve your needs.



Some Market Pockets Are HOT!

by: Anthony DiMaio


Real estate is all about location. So, tell me something I don't know! Well, it may be about location, but the dynamics and the market demands of the way we look at various market niches is going to change. Granted, the low inventory, the high prices and the high interest rates are reconfiguring what's affordable, what is reasonable and what is realistic.


As Manhattan rents cross the $4,100-a-month threshold, and demand continues to support higher levels, renters are being forced to look elsewhere, now that Brooklyn is almost as out of reach as Manhattan.


Corcoran, the real estate agency, reported that the median rent in Brooklyn was now $4,100 in June 2024. This reflects an 8% increase year-over-year. So, what is the future for renters and homeowners?


Everyone has to live somewhere, and, since the hybrid business model is now a reality, those employees who are able to move further away from the classic urban business centers are doing so.


The website realtor.com reported recently that one of the hottest markets in the Northeast was Hartford, Connecticut. Its unique proximity to both Boston and New York City makes it an ideal midpoint for first-time home buyers to dip their toe into the real estate market. In Hartford, according to realtor.com the median home price is now $450,000. Whereas in New York City, the median home price is $825,000, almost double of Hartford.


These shadow urban markets are coming alive: since New Haven - Milford, Connecticut came in at #9 and the Worcester- Massachusetts, Connecticut region at #12, and Bridgeport-Stafford-Norwalk, Connecticut came in #13 and Norwich-New London came in #19. So out of the five hottest real estate markets in the country, the state of Connecticut claimed five.


It has been noted that another element to these markets that makes them attractive is their quality education systems and also the green space element for all of these markets.


Talk about freaky pricing: realtor.com noted that Manchester, New Hampshire, which is just an hour from Boston, reported median home prices of $598,000 - that's over $100,000 more than the median price of a home in the nation.


As long as prices continue to remain out of reach for most buyers, the Midwest and the Northeast Metro surrounding areas will continue to dominate the hottest markets.



Here are some of the other findings:

■ An interesting finding was that 2024 sellers were 87% more likely to sell below asking price than sellers in 2022.

■ About 64% of sellers made money on their sale.

■ The median profit resulting from each sale totaled $100,000.

■ More than half of sellers (58%) had to reduce their asking price.

■ Approximately one-third (34%) of home sellers were not satisfied with the final sale price of their home.

■ About 89% of sellers have regrets about their sale. The most common regrets include selling too quickly (30%), missing their old home (29%), and not selling for enough money (28%). 

■ Another 89% of sellers had to compromise on their priorities.

■ The most-compromised priority was selling above asking price. One-third of sellers (33%) said it was a priority, but of those, 13% had to settle for asking price or below.


Average cost of selling a home depends on a number of factors. Here are some of the categories and breakdowns for the costs for homeowners to sell their homes:

  • Listing agent commission on the median-priced home: $11,136 
  • Buyer's agent commission on the median-priced home: $10,467 
  • Pre- and post-listing repairs, improvements, and renovations: $10,000
  • Closing costs: $8,000
  • Concessions to the buyer: $7,200
  • Moving costs: $3,250
  • Marketing: $2,300
  • Staging: $2,263

 


# # #

SUP the River is back again! 


Join the OCC Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River on September 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Toms River Yacht Club.


This competition is open to all levels.


Not a paddler? Join us as a spectator at the beautiful Toms River Yacht Club for a Networking Breakfast!


SUP the River is back again!! This annual event is co-hosted by the Ocean County College Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River and is open to all levels of competition. Race day is a great way to come out and support our community and local water resource.   



This year's race will start and finish at the spectator-friendly Toms River Yacht Club, where racers and fans will have a great view of the course and paddlers. 


Awards will be given to top three finishers in each category and gender, and a kid-friendly short course to wrap up the races! 


Board Rental available through Jersey Shore Mermaids: 


https://jerseyshoremermaids.com/

The Ocean County College Foundation invites you to tee off with us at Pine Barrens Golf Club on Tuesday, October 15th. This event is held annually to assist the Foundation in its mission to make higher education more accessible to Ocean County residents through scholarships and awards. We are offering various levels of sponsorship and participation, and we hope you will join us!


When: Tuesday, October 15

Where: Pine Barrens Golf Club, Jackson

Schedule of Events:

  • Registration & Brunch – 9:30 a.m.
  • Driving Range – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Shotgun Start – 11:00 a.m.
  • Awards/Cocktail Reception – 4:00 p.m.


*The event will be held rain or shine.


To Sign Up or Find Out More Information Click HERE!


Best Supermarkets in Monmouth County

by: Anthony DiMaio


Based on the available information and trends in Monmouth County, New Jersey, here are some of the best places to food shop that offer good value without compromising on quality:


1. ShopRite

ShopRite is consistently ranked as one of the most popular grocery stores in New Jersey, including Monmouth County. It offers competitive prices while maintaining good quality products. With around 176 locations in New Jersey, there's likely to be a ShopRite conveniently located near you.


2. Aldi

Aldi is known for its low prices and no-frills shopping experience. While it may have a smaller selection compared to larger supermarkets, it offers good quality products at very competitive prices. Aldi's prices are often comparable to or slightly lower than Trader Joe's.


3. Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's offers unique, high-quality products at reasonable prices. While not always the cheapest option, it provides good value for money, especially for specialty items. Trader Joe's prices are generally comparable to Aldi's.


4. Lidl

Similar to Aldi, Lidl is a German discount supermarket chain that offers low prices without sacrificing quality. While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, it's worth considering if there's a location in your area.


5. Wegmans

Wegmans is a great store. They have some of the highest quality food and produce, but they are also often 20-30% more expensive than the other markets. Stop and Shop is also more expensive but its quality for me is below that of Wegmans.


# # #

Best Day Trip Destinations

by: Anthony DiMaio


Here are 7 exciting day trip destinations for families to consider this summer in New Jersey:


1 American Dream Mall, East Rutherford

This massive entertainment complex offers multiple attractions perfect for a family day out:

  • Nickelodeon Universe: The Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park with 35 rides and attractions
  • DreamWorks Water Park: North America’s largest indoor water park featuring slides, pools, and a wave pool
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium: Home to over 3,000 sea creatures with an ocean tunnel
  • Legoland Discovery Center: Interactive Lego experiences and builds


2 Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson

New Jersey’s largest theme park offers thrills for all ages:

  • Roller coasters like Jersey Devil, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest single-rail coaster
  • Family rides and attractions for younger children
  • Safari Off Road Adventure to see exotic animals
  • Hurricane Harbor water park (separate admission) for cooling off


3 Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach

This classic Jersey Shore boardwalk provides seaside fun:

  • Jenkinson’s Aquarium with marine life exhibits
  • Amusement park rides for all ages
  • Arcades and games
  • Beach access for swimming and sunbathing


4 Adventure Aquarium, Camden

Located on the Delaware River waterfront, this aquarium features:

  • Over 15,000 aquatic species
  • Shark Bridge, where visitors can walk over a shark-filled tank
  • Hippo Haven exhibit with two Nile hippos
  • Touch tanks for hands-on experiences with sea life


5 Cape May

This charming coastal town offers diverse activities:

  • Beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing
  • Cape May Lighthouse with panoramic views
  • Cape May County Park & Zoo (free admission)
  • Whale and dolphin watching cruises


6 Liberty Science Center, Jersey City

This interactive science museum provides educational fun:

  • Largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere
  • Live science demonstrations
  • Touch tank with local marine life
  • Rotating special exhibits on various science topics


7 Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township

This fairy tale-themed amusement park is perfect for younger children:

  • Gentle rides based on nursery rhymes and children’s stories
  • Live shows and character meet-and-greets
  • Shaded picnic areas for family lunches
  • Holiday events like Christmas light displays



# # #

About Counsellors Title Agency

We are an award-winning agency and one of New Jersey's leading title insurance businesses, based in Toms River. Counsellors is known for its team of knowledgeable service professionals recognized for its exceptional title, settlement and escrow services, for all 21 New Jersey counties. Its glitch-free signature service provides confidence to home buyers, sellers, and industry professionals. The knowledge base of its staff has processed over $17 billion in orders and established itself as a pillar of trust and benchmark of excellence within the real estate community.

NJ Scenes
Life Quotes
Counsellors Title is initiating this feature of Title Wise called Life Quotes.
Oftentimes we are so busy doing that we forget the reason(s) why. Life Quotes are those mental speed bumps that we will occasionally come across and insert, just to rehearse the important things in life.
 
A.S.A.P. Attorney Settlement Assistance Program
Our real estate secretarial services are able to assist you in every aspect of the sale, purchase, refinance or loan closing process. We will directly communicate with all the parties involved in the transaction and coordinate and obtain all the items necessary to bring the matter to closing.

Our A.S.A.P. services can be individually customized to fit your needs. These services include:
  • Documentation Preparation
  • Disbursement of Funds
  • Attendance at Closing
  • HUD Preparation
  • Post-Closing Matters
Our Commitment to Excellence
Counsellors Title Agency wants to thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your clients to grow your business. Please feel free to click the link above or here to leave us a review on Google. We appreciate your business.
Careers @ Counsellors
Sales: Leading NJ title insurance agency seeks experienced licensed salespersons to help expand its market share throughout the entire state. Benefits include health insurance, 401k with an employer match, flexible spending account, expense account, & marketing support. Send resumes by fax: 732-914-8898 or ralph@counsellorstitle.com
Free Online Title Insurance Calculator
Counsellors Title Agency announced its updated Title Calculator for New Jersey home purchases & refinances at: Title Calculator

Loan officers, real estate agents and home buyers can find out how much title insurance will cost for purchases made in New Jersey.

Easy-To-Use Functionality
This online tool includes many of the endorsements involved in calculating the cost of a title policy in New Jersey. CTA's Title Calculator is a great tool for real estate salespersons, loan officers, attorneys and those who are buying or refinancing their home.

It calculates the cost of title insurance based upon the purchase price of the home, the loan amount, and the various endorsements that can accompany the loan. The calculator provides the user the scalability of selecting the various endorsements involved in the transaction.
Handy Guide to Real Estate Sources
Here are some of the most widely used governmental websites for the real estate industry.


I look forward to being of service to you, providing you with outstanding real-time information and some humor to make doing business a pleasure.

Sincerely,
Ralph
Ralph Aponte
Counsellors Title
 
Counsellors Title Agency, Inc. specializes in providing title insurance, title search services and loan closing services serving attorneys, Realtors, banks and various mortgage companies throughout the State of New Jersey. CTA offers full search and insurance capabilities within all 21 counties of New Jersey for commercial, residential and new construction purchases in our Toms River, Freehold, Chatham, and Union locations.
CTA is equipped with the latest digital technologies to ensure a complete and timely transaction.
 
Mr. Ralph Aponte

Our Office: 504 Hooper Avenue,
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone Number: (732) 914-1400
Fax: 732-914-8898

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