Everyone knows how controversial lists can be. But then again, it does give you something to talk about. And it probably sells a bunch of magazines to boot.
Being a realtor, I certainly have opinions as well on some of the top spots to live but it becomes much more interesting when I discuss this with my clients and friends. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone has made a decision (since we all have to live somewhere). Here’s some interesting findings.
Post your thoughts in the comment section below.
2010  Notables of towns …

Who doesn’t love the Winter Olympics. This little widget….feel free to share with your friends so you know what’s on TV. And they have a few nice collectibles for sale too!
Enjoy….and Go USA! Just Click the X to close the AD window and a neat TV schedule shows.

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Ongoing series:
Before You Get Your House…Get Your House In Order
(BYGYH-GYHIO)
Understanding mortgage basics is critical.
As I advise my friends and clients, understanding the mortgage process is just one aspect of a real estate transaction. While I love showing you homes and doing the listing researches, it’ll make no sense to look at million dollar homes if you’re only going to be pre-approved for $500,000 (unless your putting the other half down).
Seriously, looking for a home is just one of the processes when buying a home. So while looking for a home is …

Just a quick note to share. Bernards Township is celebrating it’s 250th anniversary throughout 2010. There will be lots of activities. Go to www.bernards250.com or Click Here.
Sign up on the site to receive email alerts whenever something is posted. The site is also tied directly into Facebook and Twitter, so you can follow along there as well (yea!).
Happy Birthday Bernards Township!

FYI, I never knew this but the official Bernards Township flag has two oak leaves on it. One symbolizes Basking Ridge, and the other is for Liberty Corner. Who knew?
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So, we see that real estate mortgage rates trended down, then back up. Trulia, the online real estate site mentions that housing values in Basking Ridge were up 10% month over month. Gasoline is on the rise. Commodities are on the rise. Bernanke’s probably going to pull the trigger and raise interest rates. It’s certainly looking like inflation is creeping up on us.
Now I’m not an economist, but if you’re selling up (selling your home to buy a bigger home), then all the indicators tell a GREAT story to BUY. …

Attention Sellers:
If you haven’t seen this show….just take a quick glimpse and watch the teaser video below.
Tip to sellers: Don’t be a Hoarder!

Read the USA Today piece that was written on the series – Click Here.
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Homes Below the 37th Parallel Most Likely to Have “Underwater” Mortgages
January 8, 2010 (Neilsonwire)

Today’s presence of underwater mortgages, or homes with negative equity, seem to be correlated to two common regional U.S. population trends: 1) domestic immigration from the Northeastern region to the South and Southwestern regions of the U.S., and 2) migration from coastal California inland.
During housing’s recent boom/bust years, an association has developed between slow growth-positive home equity markets and high growth-negative equity markets. Those markets that are well established and that have reached a stable population tend …

Want to challenge city hall?

Think your tax assessment in Bernards Twp (Basking Ridge) is correct?
If you live in Basking Ridge (Bernards Twp), then you got your property tax postcard. Believe it’s right? Did your property value go down? Did your tax go down? You can fight city hall (actually it’s the Somerset County Tax Board), but you’ll have to do you homework. If you have the time, and do the research, why shouldn’t you challenge the assessment? Answer….you should!
I think it’s time to put plan to action and see if …