tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20603909819693646482024-02-08T07:17:59.366-08:00Township TidBitsSouth Jersey's Premier Community -
Washington Township, Gloucester County, NJ........
A Realtor's InsightLisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-87613669542705743582016-02-25T11:34:00.001-08:002016-02-25T11:34:56.516-08:00What's happening in Birches West in the Spring Real Estate Market<div style="text-align: right;">
March 2016</div>
<br />
Hi Neighbors:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that we are coming into the "Spring" Real Estate market, I thought it might be helpful if you knew what was happening in the neighborhood. With mortgage rates being at a record low, now might be the time you might want to investigate the prospect of a change.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you click on one of the links below, you will have access to the currently available homes and those that have sold in the past 180 days and that should give you a ballpark idea of your home's value in the market. Remember, though, that this report also includes short sales and bank owned properties which will impact the "real" market value of your home, and does not take into the intimate details of your particular home, it will give you some insight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxQbUkKEmomyeVRIa3ZMUmtqYWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Birches West Twins/Townhouses</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxQbUkKEmomyTnJhSFFFbFcwNHc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Birches West - Singles</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at <a href="mailto:RealEstateQuestions@comcast.net" target="_blank">RealEstateQuestions@comcast.net</a>, or just give me a call - 609.221.2186.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, if you just want to investigate replacement homes, visit <a href="http://www.lisahanley.com/" target="_blank">Lisa's Home Finder Website</a>. There's tons of other useful information there as well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com182 Altair Dr, Turnersville, NJ 08012, USA39.731765 -75.07344990000001426.7671895 -95.727746900000014 52.696340500000005 -54.419152900000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-87416168208317715812012-05-02T11:37:00.000-07:002012-05-02T11:37:45.235-07:00Apartments - Tax Abatement - Township? Why?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I'm loosing my mind! Why, on God's green earth does Washington Township need to entice the development of a prime piece of real estate with a form of a 20 year Real Estate Tax Abatement! I know that these tough economic times has taken it's toll on construction, BUT, Washington Township still is a much sought after area. I know, I sell Real Estate - Township Sells! Look around, people, there IS new construction being built and sold throughout Gloucester County - put out there that this piece is available and test the waters before you give away the farm. Definitely, Township needs to do something to help lower taxes, but, I cannot see this project doing that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will give you a little history later, but here are my objections, so far, to this project:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tax abatement is in the form of revenue in lieu of real estate taxes. Essentially, the Township is going into a partnership with the Developer. The developer can offer the rents at a reduced rate since the taxes are 0 and potentially attract tenants. What is that going to do to the existing businesses and centers, already with so many vacancies. This subdivision is being built non-profit, but non-profit does not mean that the Board works for free or that anyone has oversight on the salaries/costs/expenses of the non-profit except the board itself. So essentially are we depending on the honesty of the Board of Directors of the Non-Profit? If this is the case, I do have a problem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The strain on the schools is obvious. The proposal was made with some study being quoted that the apartments would not burden the School District. Who needs a study? I will be calling the School Board and asking the transportation department how many kids come out of the condos and apartments (2) already in Township. If I'm pleasantly surprised, I will most definitely apologize.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The project is being built in stages with the most lucrative, my opinion, the apartments and strip center first. I say most lucrative because the apartments are going to rent in a snap and the strip center tenants, if able to get in cheaply, should go as well. What guarantees do we get that the remainder of the project, (the townhomes that do not get the abatement and the offices that will attract a desirable, job-creating professional location) will be built. What happens if the Developer pulls out, or at worst, declares bankruptcy. Township is left holding the bag in my opinion. Remember the subdivision down on Egg Harbor - the builder just disappeared before he completed the project and it was 10 years until the project was complete! If there are hardcore guarantees in the proposal, I'll consider changing my mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
Washington Township cannot afford to be duped. I hope to be able to see the details of the project before the public hearing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little history - There was a </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">small article in the Washington
Township Times last week, but there was a go forward to public hearing on a
Major Project to be built in the Township down by Virtua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The project includes 330, yes 330 apartments,
townhomes, Office Space and Strip stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The project is a variation of one that was put before powers to be several
years ago and shelved at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
project comes, as it is today, with a 20 year tax abatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tidbit was brought to Council's
attention by a concerned citizen about the strain it would put on schools,
police, and most municipal services, and it sparked a heated debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one end of the spectrum one very informed
gentleman defended the project as it stands offering that enrollment in schools
are declining and the multi-family housing does not actually add very much to
school rolls and it will bring jobs to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the other end of the spectrum, a gentleman absolutely refuted every
aspect of the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His opinion, and
he also has impeccable credentials, absolutely refutes that the project will
not affect strain on schools, is not a true "ratable" tax income
project and will mostly bring retail clerk type employment opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He questioned the footprint of the plan that
eliminated the open space that could be used by all residents of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt it was a poor use of this parcel of
ground and did not benefit the town either in the short or long term. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A third gentlemen questioned the builder's
status and it was reported that they qualify for the abatement because they had
filed as a non-profit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also
questioned how the project was scheduled - apartments and strip first
stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an aside, this is important
because the townhomes are not part of the abatement and the offices do generate
professional employment opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another point this gentleman brought up was that the newspaper article alluded
to the fact that the construction would bring jobs to town and he disputed that
the workforce would, in fact, be the developers construction crews.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few of us lingered after the meeting and spoke to Council
President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained that the
abatement is not total absolution of real estate taxes, but that under this
pilot program, the town would receive a percentage of the revenue in lieu of
real estate taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not know the
ratio of revenue to valorium real estate tax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When questioned about the potential not receiving anything on vacant
units, since the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>project has not been
presold, he did say that there was a factor in for that but did not know what that
percentage was off hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier we had
asked when the public hearing would be and it has not yet been scheduled and
when it is it will be reported in the newspaper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original lady was pretty vocal about how
little attention something this important received. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she “knew more about hoagie sales in
Town than this.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try to stay on top of that for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, finally, when asked if there was any way
we could see a copy of the proposal to be able to question from knowledge at
the public hearing, the President said he would check with the Township
Solicitor to see if it could be posted on the Township Website.</span></div>Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-59005517895258330702012-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:002012-03-20T07:50:04.424-07:00FHA Refinance - Can It Save You Money?In early March, FHA revised its guidelines for refinancing your current FHA backed mortgage with new FHA financing. Many people are trying to be financially responsible by reducing their mortgage interest rate to today's even lower rates, however, because of the way FHA has structured the new Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) rate which are based on WHEN your original mortgage was made, the reduction in your interest rate may not reduce your total savings significantly enough to make the costs associated with the refi worthwhile.<br />
<br />
The greatest benefit of the new guidelines seems to be for owners who placed their FHA mortgage prior to 5/31/09. It would be worth a phone call* to your current lender to make the inquiry or shop rates with reputable lenders. <br />
<br />
If your loan was placed between 6/1/09 and 10/3/10, the revised guidelines may not make it feasible to refi with an FHA backed product. Your lender can give you an estimate of your new monthly payment and compare your existing mortgage payment with the projected mortgage payment.<br />
<br />
In either case, and any time you are shopping for mortgage products, make sure your get the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from your prospective lender. The APR takes all miscellaneous costs associated with your loan into consideration, and will be higher than the rate of interest you will actually be paying on your loan, but allows you to compare apples to apples. If your lender will not give you an APR - move along.<br />
<br />
And, don't forget, if you are thinking about an all out move, give me a call!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*a word of warning, though, don't authorize a credit check until you have settled on a lender since every credit check has a detrimental affect on your credit score.Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-30223131988449817132012-03-05T14:11:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:29.540-08:00ASI's Appraiser's Pictures and Streets AssignedHi neighbors, just noticed that Appraisal Systems Inc has posted, as promised, the photos of the people assigned to reassess and the streets they are assigned. I scooted around on the site, it may be there (<a href="http://www.asinj.com/">www.asinj.com</a>) but didn't see any schedule, only the photos and streets. This is the link to the photo page: <a href="http://www.asinj.com/revaluation/docs/inspectorlocations/205/Wash%20Twp%20Inspector%20Locations.pdf" target="_blank">Appraiser's Photos and Streets assigned</a> Will keep checking and posting. Feel free to share with your friends.Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-86618460401214858842012-03-04T13:19:00.001-08:002012-03-04T13:19:53.234-08:00Great news coming out of Trenton - Jobs saved!Just got notice that 900 jobs in South Jersey are off the chopping block! It was announced that the United States Postal Services's (USPS) South Jersey Processing and Distribution Center, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the State, in Bellmawr, NJ<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>previously being considered for closure and/or consolidation, is staying<em> <strong>right where it is</strong>.</em> Thank you Trenton.Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-30724276717235878712012-03-02T09:10:00.004-08:002012-03-02T09:56:27.361-08:00Free Rabies Clinic in Washington Township<br />
<br />
<br />
Sorry, could not find this year's notice, but here is last year's. Called Township and they confirm it is tomorrow, 3/3/12 between <span style="background-color: yellow; color: red;">1:30 and 3:00 at the Municipal Garage. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">FREE RABIES CLINIC<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
1:00 PM TO 2:30 PM</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
MUNICIPAL GARAGE – McCLURE DRIVE<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ALL</b> dogs <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MUST</i></b>
be leashed, accompanied by an adult,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
and under owner’s control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Aggressive Dogs Will Be Refused<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Unless Muzzled!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
CATS must be in a carrier or</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
otherwise secured.</div>
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-44330033625086175372012-03-01T09:36:00.000-08:002012-03-01T09:37:30.539-08:00IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has been soooo much back and forth about the “Respect
Rally" that, at this point, let’s put our heads together to find a solution!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a measure of détente between the WTHS
students and the School Board President <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can it be proposed to the English Department (Sorry, but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the English Department
should make the proposal) at WTHS that they get in touch with the School Board President <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and offer him the opportunity to allow the
seniors, as an project for credit, to outline their perfect graduation speech and
pass those ideas along to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this would be a fantastic project for
this class and future classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither
the current President nor any future President would be obligated to use the ideas,
but he/she would have a grasp of what is important to that year’s seniors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, Graduation is to celebrate the achievements
and successes of children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any other constructive ideas?</span></div>Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060390981969364648.post-8398569267967482042012-02-28T06:15:00.000-08:002012-02-28T06:15:51.545-08:00Washington Twp Property Tax Deduction - Seniors, Disabled & Surviving Spouses<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><a href="http://townshipnj.com/filestorage/73/469/PropertyTaxDeductionofDwellingHouse.pdf" target="_blank">$250 REAL PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, DISABLED
PERSONS OR SURVIVING SPOUSES </a>N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.40 et seq</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Income Statement and Birth Certificate Required</strong>An annual
$250 deduction from real property taxes is provided for the dwelling of a
qualified senior citizen, disabled person or their surviving spouse. To qualify,
you must be age 65 or older, or a permanently and totally disabled individual or
the unmarried surviving spouse, age 55 or more, of such person. You must be a
legal resident of New Jersey for one year immediately prior to October 1 of the
year before the year for which the deduction is requested. You must be an owner
of and a permanent resident in the dwelling on October 1 of the year before the
year for which the deduction is requested. <br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Income may be no more than
$10,000 during the year for which the deduction is claimed, excluding with
restrictions, monies received from social security,</span> Federal and State pension,
disability and retirement programs. Claim Form PTD must be filed with your
municipal tax assessor or collector. Additionally, Form PD5, Annual Post-Tax
Year Income Statement must be filed with your tax collector. </span>Lisa Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10474291568978929142noreply@blogger.com0Sewell, NJ 08080, USA39.7622516 -75.119510739.6646041 -75.2774392 39.8598991 -74.961582200000009