Jersey Shore Views...

Politics has always been considered sport in New Jersey.  From our locally elected Boards of Chosen Freeholders to our off year gubernatorial elections, New Jersey voters seem to relish our down and dirty campaigns.

But this year, our gubernatorial election scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd, will have to vie for voter attention.  You see as much as we love a good political fight, we also love battling among ourselves in a north-south showdown of Philadelphia and New York teams!

So lining up on one side you have South Jersey (roughly Trenton and south) cheering their Phillies, and our neighbors to the north doing the same for their Yankees!

Me, I'm not paying much attention to either!  I plan to vote Independent and I'm a Mets fan!  

Little Egg Harbor, NJ has received help to preserve what's left of its maritime forest.  

At one time most of the Ocean County shore area  was covered with maritime forest.  But development in Manahawkin and Little Egg Harbor, NJ started fast and furious in the 60's and much of this integral part of the Jersey Shore ecosystem was lost.  These forests are an important stop for migratory birds, and a natural barrier during storms and hurricanes.  

Perhaps the largest preserved maritime forest in Ocean County, NJ is found at Island Beach State Park.  On Long Beach Island, the protected area around the Barnegat Light House has a 1/5 mile walk through what's left of the maritime forest there.  

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Now, through the efforts of the Little Egg Harbor Natural Lands Trust Advisory Committee, the Ocean County Freeholders and the Trust for Public Land, these 46 pristine acres, which were once slated for 73 new homes, are protected.

It's located  off Radio Road on the southern tip of Ocean County and surrounded by both residential development and thousands of acres of protected tidal wetlands in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and the Great Bay Wildlife Management Area.

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The total purchase price for this 46 acre tract on Osborn Island in Little Egg Harbor was $3.5 million.

New Jersey home buyers, you’re running out of time! 

Whether New Jersey home buyers are moved by low interest rates, declining home prices, a large inventory or the promise of an $8,000 tax credit, they’re taking action! 

Homes under contract in Ocean County’s southern communities of Barnegat, Waretown, Little Egg Harbor and Manahawkin have increased substantially.

That’s the good news. 

The bad news for New Jersey home buyers is part of that equation will be disappearing on November 30, 2009.

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There is talk in Washington about extending that deadline, but you know what they say about a bird in the hand!

If you need an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) to help you take advantage of this great home ownership opportunity, give me a call!

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta, ABR, e-Pro
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

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A Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey – Factor in the cost when bidding on bank owned property in NJ.

A Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey or CO is issued by the municipality and is required to live in a home.  In a traditional sale the costs associated with obtaining a CO are borne by the seller.  However, if you’re purchasing a short sale or bank owned property this is usually the buyer’s responsibility.

The requirements to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey for a single family home vary from town to town.  However there are several state mandated requirements.  Those are carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as a requirement that a fire extinguisher be mounted in the kitchen.

Another more costly requirement for a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey is well testing and certification.  Depending on the county, this can cost more than $600.  If treatment or additional equipment is required, the costs can escalate significantly.  Well testing and certification is not an option, it’s required by the state. 

Requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey vary greatly.  The municipal building office in each community has the municipal requirements. That office will also let you know the cost of a Certificate of Occupancy inspection since it also varies from town to town.

In some municipalities in Ocean and Atlantic counties only the state mandated detectors, fire extinguisher and well test/certification are required.  However other communities require documentation from licensed contractors that the heating systems and chimneys are in good working order.  Some municipalities even check the seals on windows, or ask for a survey of the property.

Familiarity with the requirements to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy is an important reason to find a qualified local REALTOR®.  If you have questions about obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey, particularly Ocean or Atlantic counties, feel free to contact me.

Keller Williams Realty – Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com

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