Morris County NJ Homes Blog

A Financial Plan for Your Home

2010-03-08T12:03:00.001-05:00

Article From HouseLogic.com By: Richard Koreto Published: August 28, 2009

Your home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. Create a financial plan that takes into account repairs, upgrades, mortgages, insurance, and taxes.

You probably already have a financial plan for yourself in place. Most likely you sat down with an adviser at some point to set up a budget and diversify your investments. Or maybe you did it yourself online or at the dining room table.

But what about your home specifically, probably the biggest investment you'll ever make? Did you really take everything into account: repairs and upgrades, the mortgage, insurance, and taxes? Probably not.

You need a separate financial plan for your home. Spend a weekend creating one. Once you have a handle on your home's expenses, you can devise a long-term strategy that'll let you live there for years with maximum enjoyment and minimum anxiety.

The mortgage: Paying it-and then some

Yes, you already shell out a lot for your mortgage, but can you pay more? Even a little extra each month can add up. Let's say you have $200,000 outstanding principal and a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%. Your monthly payment is $1,319.91. But if you can manage to pay another $100 a month, you'll save $14,887 in interest. Run the numbers (http://realestate-calc.com/Mortgage_Calculators/Mortgage_Calculator_Input_Add_Payment.asp) for yourself.

Alan D. Kahn, a financial planner in Syosset, N.Y., likes the idea of early payoff because lowering debt leaves you free to spend money elsewhere later on. There's an emotional benefit as well. It can feel awfully good to own your house outright as soon as possible. And don't fret too much about losing the mortgage interest deduction come tax time. Toward the tail end of the life of a loan most of your payment is going to the principal, not the interest.

Nevertheless, the same extra $100 might also go into a retirement plan every month, or be put aside for the inevitable home repairs (more on those later). Michael Kay, a financial planner in Livingston, N.J., says while a debt-free life may be enormously important to your peace of mind, an extra $1,200 toward your child's college fund every year may feel even better. It's about what's ultimately important to you, both emotionally and financially.

Insurance: Protecting your property

You'll want homeowners insurance with full replacement coverage (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homeowners-insurance-time-for-annual-check-up/) in case your house is burned to the ground. This sounds simple, but be careful on the calculation. Remember that you own a house as well as the land on which it sits. So even though you bought your home for $300,000, it may cost only $100,000 to rebuild it. Your policy limits should reflect this.

The differences are regional. Where land is at a premium, like much of Southern California, a higher percentage of the purchase cost is for the property rather than the structure. Where land is cheap, like much of North Dakota, most of the value of a new house is the house itself. Don't be deceived by shifts in market values. You may have bought a $1.2 million townhouse in Florida during the boom that now may only sell for $600,000. But the replacement cost of the townhouse hasn't changed much, so you can't cut insurance costs that way.

Do, however, try to cut costs by asking your insurance agent about discounts. Making structural improvements, such as adding storm shutters, can lead to lower rates. Membership is certain groups, such as AARP or veterans' organizations, entitles some policyholders to breaks on premiums as well.

Repairs and renovations: By choice or necessity

Throughout the life of your house, you'll be making two kinds of changes. The first is the fun kind, like a marble floor for the living room. The second is the essential, behind-the-scenes change: a new water heater. You don't have a choice about when you'll do the latter, but you can prepare for it financially.

It's a good idea to have a rainy-day fund. Start with the inspection report you received when you bought the house. Did the inspector indicate that you would need a new roof in five years? A new furnace in 10? Get estimates on what these repairs will cost and start saving. Consider ongoing non-emergency maintenance too. Do you live in New England? Price a snow blower and get bids from plow services. Resist the temptation to take care of everything with home equity loans (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/a-guide-to-equity-loan-options/), which defeat efforts to pay off the mortgage early.

As for the discretionary upgrades, act prudently. Matthew P. Havens, a financial planner in Hingham, Mass., has seen too many people rationalizing lavish upgrades as an investment when they really were lifestyle decisions. According to Remodeling magazine (http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/national.aspx), an upscale major kitchen upgrade, for example, could cost nearly $112,000, but only about 63% of that will be recouped in the home's resale value. This isn't to say you shouldn't upgrade. If you can afford to redo your bathrooms, go ahead. Just don't confuse your necessary repairs (new oil furnace-about $4,000) with your discretionary upgrades (Viking range-$6,000 and up).

Taxes: (Almost) no way around them

Taxes are an essential part of your home's financial plan. The bank that holds your mortgage may already handle your real estate taxes with an escrow account. If so the expense is built into your monthly mortgage payment. Check your statements or call the lender. Otherwise create a dedicated fund for property taxes, which can run into the thousands of dollars annually.

You may be able to reduce your tax burden by getting a reassessment. Do your homework first. Are comparable houses taxed less than yours? Ask the local assessor what formula is used to set tax rates. Kay, the New Jersey financial planner, researched and then challenged the assessed value (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/appeal-your-property-tax-bill/) of his own home and got a 15% rollback.

If you're in a special group, you might get some help from state or local programs. Check around to see what's available in your area. New York State, for example, has its Star Program (http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star/index.cfm) for giving senior citizens some relief from school-related property taxes.

Richard J. Koreto is a freelance writer. He has been editor of several professional financial magazines and is the author of "Run It Like a Business," a practice management book for financial planners. He and his wife own a pre-Civil War house in Rockland County, N.Y.

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown West, New Jersey. She is a Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha and her team online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.ChathamMoves.com or http://www.EastHanoverMoves.com or http://www.FlorhamParkMoves.com or http://www.MontvilleMoves.com or http://www.DenvilleMoves.com or http://www.ParsippanyMoves.com

Are you getting the Home Buyer Tax Credit You Deserve?

2010-01-14T12:39:00.001-05:00

The Home Buyer Tax Credit has been Extended and Expanded.

Now Both First-Time Home Buyers and Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyers who qualify can take advantage of the New Tax Credit.

Along with today’s historically low mortgage rates, it creates a Unique Opportunity for Buyers

Key Details:

The $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers has been extended through April 30, 2010.
Current homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit, provided you have lived in the home you are selling as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight years.
Income limits for eligible buyers were increased from $75,000 to $125,000 for single buyers and from $150,000 to $225,000 for married couples.
Time has been added to allow for closing the home purchase. As long as you have a binding sales contract by April 30, you will then have until June 30, 2010, to close the purchase transaction.
To qualify, the home must be your primary residence and have a purchase price of $800,000 or less.

How it works:

The amount of your credit will be first credited toward any tax liability for the year of purchase. Then the remainder will be refunded to you. (For example a first-time buyer with a $2,000 tax liability would receive a check for $6,000).
Any single-family residence purchased to be used as a principal residence (including condos, co-ops) will qualify if it is purchased by April 30, 2010 for $800,000 or less and closed by June 30, 2010.
The full amount of the credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $125,000 or $225,000 on a joint return. Above those incomes, the amount of the tax credit decreases until the maximum limit is reached – $145,000 for an individual or $245,000 in joint income.

For More Details visit Extended and Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown West, New Jersey. She is a Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha and her team online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.ChathamMoves.com or http://www.EastHanoverMoves.com or http://www.FlorhamParkMoves.com or http://www.MontvilleMoves.com

December 2009 Condo and Townhome Sales Report- Morris County New Jersey Real Estate Recent Townhome/Condo Sales

2010-01-04T10:11:00.001-05:00

December 2009 Condominium and Townhouse Sales Report - Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Denville, Randolph, Parsippany, Rockaway, Hanover, East Hanover, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Florham Park, Roxbury, Butler, Lincoln Park, Morris Twp., Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Riverdale, Whippany, Washington Twp., New Jersey Real Estate

Town	Address	List Price	Style	Beds	Baths	Garages	Sold Price
Butler Boro	47 HAMBURG TPKE	$249,000	Multi Floor Unit	1	2	0	$244,000
Butler Boro	476 Cambridge Drive	$256,000	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$240,000
Butler Boro	207 TERRACE LAKE DR	$374,900	Multi Floor Unit	2	2.1	1	$357,500
Chatham Twp.	11G SENTINEL CT	$247,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$233,000
Chatham Twp.	20 LEXINGTON CT	$349,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$337,450
Denville Twp.	33 DIAMOND SPRING RD	$319,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	0	$302,500
Denville Twp.	64 GLATTLY DR	$579,000	Multi Floor Unit	3	2.1	2	$560,000
East Hanover Twp.	127 CASTLE RIDGE DR	$435,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$418,000
East Hanover Twp.	53 CASTLE RIDGE DR	$499,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$461,000
Florham Park Boro	58 Brooklake Road	$359,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	1	1	$355,000
Florham Park Boro	250 Ridgedale Ave. A-3	$420,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	2	$385,000
Hanover Twp.	132 SUNRISE DRIVE	$309,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$297,500
Hanover Twp.	64 SUNRISE DR	$325,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$320,000
Hanover Twp.	1204 FOX CHASE LN	$474,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	2	$445,000
Hanover Twp.	503 Spring Hollow Drive	$499,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	2	$508,861
Hanover Twp.	702 Spring Hollow Drive	$525,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$525,121
Harding Twp.	3 POPLAR LN	$459,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$420,000
Jefferson Twp.	34 PINE HOLLOW CT	$205,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$217,300
Jefferson Twp.	18 Petersburg Ct	$215,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$210,000
Jefferson Twp.	12 Old Fourth	$385,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$370,000
Lincoln Park Boro	65 HOMESTEAD LN	$299,900	First Floor Unit	2	2	0	$295,000
Madison Boro	318 Main St	$444,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$439,900
Madison Boro	95 GREENWICH CT	$499,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$480,000
Montville Twp.	26 EUGENE DR	$495,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	3.1	1	$485,000
Montville Twp.	49 LENOX CT	$549,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$525,000
Montville Twp.	11 Duryea Place	$998,800	Colonial	5	4.1	2	$980,000
Morris Plains Boro	3D FOXWOOD DR	$246,900	First Floor Unit	1	1	0	$225,000
Morris Twp.	212 Pitney Place	$229,000	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$215,000
Morris Twp.	37 PIPPINS WAY	$675,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$650,000
Morris Twp.	5 CARRIAGE HILL DR	$1,225,000	Townhouse-End Unit	4	4.1	2	$1,400,000
Morristown Town	12-E DORADO Drive, Unit 12-E	$319,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	0	$330,000
Morristown Town	12-B DORADO DR	$350,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	0	$345,000
Morristown Town	7 Thomas Trail	$356,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$330,000
Morristown Town	7 PROSPECT STreet 709	$389,900	Hi-Rise, One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$330,000
Morristown Town	13 TAFT LN	$405,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$377,500
Morristown Town	36 TWOMBLY CT UNIT B	$409,500	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$345,000
Morristown Town	89 TAFT LN	$425,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$410,000
Mount Arlington Boro	68 Zachary Way	$426,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$426,900
Mount Arlington Boro	28 LAKESHORE DRIVE	$498,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	2	$490,000
Parsippany	201 N BEVERWYCK RD APT 5	$164,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$139,999
Parsippany	189-59 LITTLETON RD	$169,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$155,000
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10	$179,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$170,000
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10 E Bldg 2 / 3A	$188,335	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$183,475
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10 29-7B	$189,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$192,000
Parsippany	2350 STATE ROUTE 10-E26	$194,900	Development Home, One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$190,000
Parsippany	74 STOCKTON CT	$369,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$353,000
Parsippany	83 PATRIOTS RD	$379,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$377,000
Parsippany	75 PATRIOTS RD	$382,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$373,000
Parsippany	63 ALBERT CT	$419,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$405,000
Parsippany	5 SUMMERHILL DR	$449,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$422,000
Pequannock Twp.	4101 Tudor Drive	$309,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	0	$285,000
Pequannock Twp.	3305 TUDOR DR	$316,575	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	0	$308,000
Randolph Twp.	207 BOULDER RIDGE DR	$337,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$318,000
Randolph Twp.	149 ARROWGATE DR	$400,000	Detached, Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$400,000
Riverdale Boro	5102 SANCTUARY BLVD	$199,990	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$199,990
Riverdale Boro	5119 SANCTUARY BLVD	$199,990	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$199,990
Riverdale Boro	5118 SANCTUARY BLVD	$209,990	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$199,990
Riverdale Boro	5201 SANCTUARY BLVD	$214,990	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$214,990
Riverdale Boro	5220 SANCTUARY BLVD	$219,990	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$219,990
Riverdale Boro	5115 SANCTUARY BLVD	$239,990	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	1	$239,990
Riverdale Boro	5420 SANCTUARY	$244,990	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$244,990
Riverdale Boro	80 MOUNTAINVIEW CT	$259,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$255,000
Riverdale Boro	6204 BROOKHAVEN COURT	$334,990	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$300,000
Riverdale Boro	1210 WHARTON CT	$339,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$320,000
Rockaway Twp.	2208 FRANKLIN LN	$159,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$150,000
Rockaway Twp.	322 RICHARD MINE RD C8	$199,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	1	1	$175,000
Rockaway Twp.	16 HILLSBOROUGH CT	$285,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	0	$270,000
Rockaway Twp.	66 WOODLEDGE CT	$319,999	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	0	$310,000
Rockaway Twp.	3311 CLEVELAND LN	$339,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	2	$310,000
Roxbury Twp.	62 DRAKE LN	$274,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$268,000
Roxbury Twp.	127 DRAKE LANE	$284,500	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	3	2	1	$275,000
Roxbury Twp.	119 Autumn Court	$295,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$280,000
Washington Twp.	2 SCHINDLER SQ	$239,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$231,000
Washington Twp.	72 Schindler Square	$239,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$225,000
Washington Twp.	13 Trafalgar Ct.	$275,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$260,000
Wharton Boro	23157 WESTVIEW	$265,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$242,500

Technorati Tags: December 2009 Morris County Real Estate Sales

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown West, New Jersey. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.ChathamMoves.com or http://www.EastHanoverMoves.com or http://www.FlorhamParkMoves.com or http://www.MontvilleMoves.com

November 2009 Condo and Townhome Sales Report- Morris County New Jersey Real Estate Recent Townhome/Condo Sales

2009-12-22T06:10:00.001-05:00

November 2009 Condominium and Townhouse Sales Report - Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Denville, Randolph, Parsippany, Rockaway, Hanover, East Hanover, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Florham Park, Roxbury, Butler, Lincoln Park, Morris Twp., Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Riverdale, Whippany, Washington Twp., New Jersey Real Estate

Town	Address	List Price	Style	Beds	Baths	Garages	Sold Price
Boonton Town	189 N MAIN ST	$399,850	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$385,000
Butler Boro	102 BARRISTER DR	$279,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$275,000
Butler Boro	139 DECKER RD	$294,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$287,500
Butler Boro	226 TERRACE LAKE DRIVE	$327,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$307,500
Chatham Twp.	3C AVON CT	$227,500	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$225,000
Chatham Twp.	273 RIVEREDGE DR	$250,000	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	1	$250,000
Chatham Twp.	14A Kensington Rd	$255,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$250,000
Chatham Twp.	19G HERITAGE DR	$260,000	One Floor Unit, Tudor	1	1	1	$252,000
Chatham Twp.	2F AVON CT	$269,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	1	$265,000
Chatham Twp.	10A Heritage Drive	$269,500	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit, Tudor	1	1	1	$259,000
Chatham Twp.	1G HERITAGE DRIVE	$349,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$350,000
Denville Twp.	124 E MAIN ST - UNIT 308	$179,000	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$170,000
Denville Twp.	105 SHEFFIELD COURT	$299,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$300,000
Denville Twp.	3501 SCENIC CT	$315,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$300,000
Denville Twp.	817 BUCKLAND CT	$319,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$310,000
Denville Twp.	14 Joanne Drive	$349,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$342,000
East Hanover Twp.	20 SHARON DR	$330,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2	0	$320,000
East Hanover Twp.	32 DONNA DRIVE	$339,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	3	2	0	$325,000
East Hanover Twp.	105 CASTLE RIDGE DR	$424,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$420,000
Florham Park Boro	58 BRANDYWYNE DR	$305,000	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1.1	1	$285,000
Florham Park Boro	1 Trevino Court	$899,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	4.2	2	$820,000
Hanover Twp.	106 STONE CREEK COURT	$299,990	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1.1	1	$299,990
Hanover Twp.	102 STONECREEK COURT	$349,990	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$349,990
Hanover Twp.	110 STONE CREEK COURT	$359,990	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$359,990
Hanover Twp.	2802 CORTLAND LN	$365,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$356,000
Hanover Twp.	1201 Appleton Way	$429,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$429,900
Harding Twp.	8 CYPRESS CIR	$545,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$520,000
Jefferson Twp.	9 Petersburg Ct	$229,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$218,000
Kinnelon Boro	34 Breckenridge Terr.	$269,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$240,000
Lincoln Park Boro	372 GETTYSBURG WAY	$224,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$215,000
Lincoln Park Boro	48 TOMS POINT LN	$244,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$242,500
Lincoln Park Boro	112 GETTYSBURG WAY	$264,900	Multi Floor Unit	2	2.1	0	$255,000
Lincoln Park Boro	53 HOMESTEAD LANE	$272,500	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$256,000
Lincoln Park Boro	17 Homestead Lane	$275,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$260,000
Lincoln Park Boro	83 Robertson Way	$277,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$260,000
Lincoln Park Boro	375 GETTYSBURG WAY	$279,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	0	$275,000
Lincoln Park Boro	101 HARVEST LN	$295,000	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$275,000
Lincoln Park Boro	162 ROBERTSON WAY	$299,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$288,168
Lincoln Park Boro	351 GETTYSBURG WAY	$308,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	0	$300,000
Lincoln Park Boro	18 BRISTOL CT	$309,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$296,000
Lincoln Park Boro	8 NOELLE CT	$379,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$360,000
Lincoln Park Boro	28 ALPINE DR	$385,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	3.1	1	$370,000
Lincoln Park Boro	2 LINDA CT	$385,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	3.1	1	$375,000
Long Hill Twp.	84 SUNRISE DR	$439,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$427,000
Madison Boro	252 Plymouth Court	$479,500	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$451,154
Mendham Boro	42 WEXFORD DR	$350,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$340,000
Mendham Boro	54 WEXFORD DR	$359,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	0	$355,000
Montville Twp.	136 Changebridge Road A5	$199,900	First Floor Unit	1	1	0	$192,500
Montville Twp.	26 Springbrook Rd East	$342,000	One Floor Unit	3	2	0	$340,000
Montville Twp.	59 GENOBLE RD	$343,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	0	$320,000
Montville Twp.	58 VILLAGE DR	$439,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$410,000
Montville Twp.	13 WASHINGTON CT	$454,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$440,000
Montville Twp.	5 Cable Ct.	$479,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$435,000
Montville Twp.	55 WEDGEWOOD DR	$524,800	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	2	$518,000
Montville Twp.	110 Ridge Drive	$594,800	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$557,000
Montville Twp.	37 WATERFORD DR	$619,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$585,000
Morris Plains Boro	9J Foxwood Drive	$247,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$236,500
Morris Plains Boro	16 A-D FOXWOOD DR	$279,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$257,500
Morris Twp.	52 VILLAGE DR	$227,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$217,000
Morris Twp.	16C LEVA DR unit C	$345,000	Multi Floor Unit	2	2	2	$336,000
Morris Twp.	14B Leva Drive	$349,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$330,000
Morris Twp.	12C LEVA DR	$359,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	2	$330,000
Morris Twp.	18 CADENCE CT	$425,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	3	1	$425,000
Morris Twp.	66 Pippins	$449,999	Townhouse-Interior	3	3	1	$405,000
Morris Twp.	17 Cadence Court	$495,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	3	1	$485,000
Morris Twp.	14 Raven Drive	$523,500	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$492,000
Morristown Town	2 COTTAGE PL	$149,500	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$127,500
Morristown Town	51 Mt. Kemble Ave.Unit 212	$279,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$250,000
Morristown Town	44 Ridgedale Av Unit6 RDUCD	$299,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1.1	0	$290,000
Morristown Town	51 Mt Kemble Ave	$299,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	2	$290,000
Morristown Town	54C RIDGEDALE AVE	$335,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	0	$317,500
Morristown Town	51 MT KEMBLE AVE 401	$339,990	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	1	1	$320,000
Morristown Town	44 Ridgedale Avenue Unit 5	$349,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$325,000
Morristown Town	44 Ridgedale Ave	$379,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$350,000
Morristown Town	7 PROSPECT STreet 609	$399,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$340,000
Morristown Town	13 ROBERTSON CT	$417,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$383,000
Morristown Town	110 South Apt. 204	$645,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	2	$624,000
Mount Arlington Boro	12 MAGNOLIA LN	$309,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$299,900
Parsippany	2350 ROUTE 10-B25	$165,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$157,500
Parsippany	2467 Route 10	$175,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$175,000
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10 BLDG1/UNIT4B	$179,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$172,000
Parsippany	2467 Rt 10 Bldg 16 Apt 6A	$185,000	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$178,000
Parsippany	201 N BEVERWYCK RD APT 2	$185,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$180,000
Parsippany	2467 Route 10, Bldg 26 ,1-B	$189,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$180,000
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10 EAST	$199,900	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$184,000
Parsippany	2467 ROUTE 10	$199,900	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$196,500
Parsippany	86 Patriots Rd	$394,990	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$385,000
Parsippany	101 STOCKTON CT	$399,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$387,500
Parsippany	81 CONTINENTAL RD	$424,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$410,000
Parsippany	37 MONETT CT	$435,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$425,000
Parsippany	188 Crown Point Road	$450,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$430,000
Parsippany	183 AUTUMN RIDGE RD	$469,800	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$447,500
Parsippany	158 GLADSTONE DR	$474,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$468,500
Parsippany	12 Gordon Circle	$484,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.2	1	$468,000
Parsippany	84 CROWN POINT RD	$495,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$484,000
Parsippany	113 Cardigan Ct	$496,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$480,000
Parsippany	120 EMILY PL	$499,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$490,500
Pequannock Twp.	5809 TUDOR DR	$315,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	0	$305,000
Pequannock Twp.	2301 WENDOVER DR	$324,946	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	0	$307,500
Pequannock Twp.	3204 TUDOR DRIVE	$374,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$360,000
Pequannock Twp.	29 ELIZABETH AVE	$399,900	Cape Cod	3	1	1	$379,000
Pequannock Twp.	1 BURNHAM DRIVE	$475,000	Colonial	4	2.1	1	$460,000
Randolph Twp.	1005 WENDOVER CT	$359,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$338,000
Randolph Twp.	10 SYCAMORE LN	$385,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$365,000
Randolph Twp.	160 ARROWGATE DRIVE	$398,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$376,000
Randolph Twp.	78 ARROWGATE DRIVE	$399,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$385,000
Randolph Twp.	157 ARROWGATE DRIVE	$399,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$375,000
Randolph Twp.	47 WOODMONT DRIVE	$415,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$385,000
Riverdale Boro	111 CANNELLA WAY	$249,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$247,000
Riverdale Boro	411 CANNELLA WAY	$249,900	First Floor Unit	2	2	0	$230,000
Riverdale Boro	42 MOUNTAIN VIEW COURT	$269,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$255,000
Riverdale Boro	76 MOUNTAIN VIEW CT	$289,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	1	0	$272,500
Riverdale Boro	6210 Brookhaven	$329,990	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$319,990
Riverdale Boro	6409 BROOKHAVEN COURT	$344,990	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$320,000
Riverdale Boro	10 TIMBER RIDGE RD	$388,800	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$375,000
Rockaway Boro	13 OAK STREET	$160,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$154,000
Rockaway Twp.	1207 HAMILTON DR	$139,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	1	$130,000
Rockaway Twp.	322 RICHARD MINE RD W-4	$189,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$180,000
Rockaway Twp.	322 RICHARD MINE ROAD G1	$209,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$182,000
Rockaway Twp.	2308 PIERCE LN	$252,950	One Floor Unit	1	1.1	1	$192,950
Rockaway Twp.	10 HEATHERWOOD CT	$289,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	0	$295,000
Rockaway Twp.	34 FLINTLOCK TER	$390,000	Townhouse	3	2.1	2	$382,000
Roxbury Twp.	100 E WHISPER WAY	$214,000	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	1	$204,000
Roxbury Twp.	27 Whisper Way East	$219,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	1	$213,000
Roxbury Twp.	38 E WHISPER WAY	$228,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	1	$222,000
Roxbury Twp.	160 DRAKE LANE	$258,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$246,000
Roxbury Twp.	41 DRAKE LN	$279,500	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2	1	$270,000
Roxbury Twp.	7 E WHISPER WAY	$289,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$290,000
Roxbury Twp.	102 E WHISPER WAY	$290,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$286,000
Roxbury Twp.	43 AUTUMN CT	$292,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$290,000
Roxbury Twp.	21 PONDSIDE DRIVE	$399,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$375,000
Wharton Boro	740 UPPER WAY	$239,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$239,900
Wharton Boro	25166 WEST VIEW	$279,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$268,500

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown, New Jersey. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.TheTownhouseExpert.com or http://www.MorrisCountyTownhouses.com or http://www.MorrisCountyTownhomes.com

Technorati Tags: Morris County NJ Condominium and Townhome Townhouse Recent Sales and Market Activity for November 2009

October 2009 Condo and Townhome Sales Report- Morris County New Jersey Real Estate Recent Townhome/Condo Sales

2009-12-16T10:05:00.001-05:00

October 2009 Condominium and Townhouse Sales Report - Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Denville, Randolph, Parsippany, Rockaway, Hanover, East Hanover, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Florham Park, Roxbury, Butler, Lincoln Park, Morris Twp., Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Riverdale, Whippany, Washington Twp., New Jersey Real Estate.

Town	Address	List Price	Style	Beds	Baths	Gar	Sold Price
Boonton Town	410 CORNELIA ST	$239,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$225,000
Boonton Town	721 William Street	$469,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$458,500
Boonton Twp.	39 BRADFORD TER	$478,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$455,000
Boonton Twp.	6 Ashwood Trail	$498,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$520,000
Butler Boro	263 WINTHROP DR	$259,000	First Floor Unit	2	2	0	$255,000
Butler Boro	113 BARRISTER DR	$269,900	One Floor Unit, See Remarks	2	2	0	$270,000
Butler Boro	156 Barrister Dr	$274,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$272,500
Butler Boro	160 Barrister Drive	$299,000	Multi Floor Unit	2	2	0	$275,000
Butler Boro	454 CAMBRIDGE	$309,000	Multi Floor Unit	2	2	0	$290,000
Butler Boro	223 TERRACE LAKE DR	$379,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$357,500
Chatham Boro	380 Main Street	$299,000	First Floor Unit	2	1	0	$291,000
Chatham Twp.	22G Canterbury Rd	$249,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$249,900
Chatham Twp.	172 RIVEREDGE DR	$299,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1	1	$305,000
Chatham Twp.	20 I KENSINGTON RD	$315,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$295,000
Chatham Twp.	27 Canterbury Road	$439,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$425,000
Chatham Twp.	56 Sterling Drive	$899,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	3.1	2	$924,366
Denville Twp.	15 Henning Terrace	$499,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	3	2	$479,000
Denville Twp.	62 HENNING TER	$629,500	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$610,000
Denville Twp.	54 N MACKENZIE LN	$639,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$650,000
Florham Park Boro	18 LYNN CT	$219,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1.1	1	$229,000
Florham Park Boro	58 BROOKLAKE RD	$359,900	One Floor Unit	2	1	1	$359,900
Florham Park Boro	58 Brooklake Road	$409,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$400,000
Florham Park Boro	38 PARK ST 14-B	$449,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$423,750
Florham Park Boro	15 Sarazen Court	$519,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2	2	$519,000
Hanover Twp.	3105 APPLETON WAY	$288,500	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1.1	0	$284,000
Hanover Twp.	206 STONE CREEK COURT	$299,990	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1.1	1	$299,990
Hanover Twp.	3205 Appleton Way	$319,000	Multi Floor Unit	1	1.1	0	$295,500
Hanover Twp.	110 SUNRISE DR	$324,777	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$310,000
Hanover Twp.	205 STONE CREEK COURT	$339,990	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$339,900
Hanover Twp.	3403 APPLETON WAY	$349,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$335,000
Hanover Twp.	702 APPLETON WAY	$410,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$394,500
Jefferson Twp.	58 RED OAK TER	$229,800	Multi Floor Unit	2	2	1	$229,800
Lincoln Park Boro	341 GETTYSBURG WAY	$219,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$217,000
Lincoln Park Boro	46 ROBERTSON WAY	$267,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$266,000
Lincoln Park Boro	266 ROBERTSON WAY	$269,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$260,000
Lincoln Park Boro	257 ROBERTSON WAY	$276,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$267,000
Lincoln Park Boro	42 HOMESTEAD LN	$284,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$285,000
Lincoln Park Boro	198 Robertson Way	$309,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$292,000
Lincoln Park Boro	24 ALLISTER CT	$394,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$377,500
Lincoln Park Boro	9 Allister Court	$399,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$385,000
Lincoln Park Boro	53 Alpine Drive	$409,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$385,000
Madison Boro	208 Mayfield Court	$498,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$485,000
Mendham Boro	83 Hampshire Drive	$375,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$367,500
Mendham Boro	52 N ABERDEEN DR	$530,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$445,000
Montville Twp.	136 CHANGEBRIDGE RD	$245,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$235,000
Montville Twp.	136 ChangeBridge Rd Unit O-3	$259,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1	0	$255,000
Montville Twp.	47 Genoble Road	$299,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$270,000
Montville Twp.	17 TIFFANY CT	$479,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$465,000
Montville Twp.	36 Eugene Drive	$494,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$480,000
Montville Twp.	1 Aynsley Court	$648,800	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$610,000
Morris Twp.	75 HANCOCK DR	$377,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$368,500
Morris Twp.	76 HANCOCK DRIVE	$399,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	3.1	1	$390,000
Morristown Town	320 South 9A	$239,000	First Floor Unit	1	1	0	$227,000
Morristown Town	51 MT KEMBLE AVE 404	$365,000	Multi Floor Unit	3	2	0	$342,500
Morristown Town	44 Ridgedale UNIT 8	$369,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$345,000
Morristown Town	5 LYNN CT	$379,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	3.1	1	$379,900
Morristown Town	44 CHESTNUT ST 3	$400,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$375,000
Mount Arlington Boro	28 SUNSET TER UNIT 3	$189,900	First Floor Unit	1	1	0	$173,000
Mount Arlington Boro	28 SUNSET TER UNIT 2	$259,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$240,000
Mount Arlington Boro	29 CRESTVIEW LN	$287,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$270,000
Mount Arlington Boro	114 RIDGEVIEW LN	$309,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$305,000
Mount Arlington Boro	30 LAKESHORE DR	$506,625	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	2	$475,000
Mount Olive Twp.	185 WINDING HILL DR	$325,000	Colonial	4	2.1	2	$326,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 ROUTE 10 Bldg 25 3B	$159,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$155,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 Rt 10 Apt 19-8B	$161,913	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$170,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 Route 10E Blg 25 unit5A	$172,300	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$180,200
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 Route 10 East 15-4A	$172,500	First Floor Unit	1	1	0	$175,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 ROUTE 10 BLDG3/UNIT6B	$172,500	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$172,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 ROUTE 10 bld 48 3B	$205,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1	1	$199,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	68 PATRIOTS RD	$399,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$385,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	19 AVERELL DR	$412,500	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$390,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	95 SCHINDLER COURT	$459,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$440,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	137 RAYMOUND BLVD	$477,500	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$471,000
Pequannock Twp.	1604 HAZELTON DRIVE	$338,500	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	0	$330,000
Randolph Twp.	44 Arrowgate Drive	$365,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$350,000
Randolph Twp.	57 WOODMONT DR	$399,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$408,000
Riverdale Boro	8406 SANCTUARY BLVD	$249,900	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	1	1	1	$242,000
Riverdale Boro	6208 BROOKHAVEN COURT	$369,990	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$349,990
Rockaway Boro	10 OAK ST	$185,000	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	0	$182,000
Rockaway Boro	2 WOODS EDGE RD	$239,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	1	1.1	1	$220,000
Rockaway Twp.	1317 Hamilton Drive	$159,000	Townhouse-Interior	1	1	1	$153,000
Rockaway Twp.	2209 Clinton Lane	$164,500	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$158,000
Rockaway Twp.	2109 FRANKLIN LN	$169,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$162,000
Rockaway Twp.	3201 CLEVELAND LN	$174,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$161,500
Rockaway Twp.	2101 JOHNSON DR	$179,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1.1	1	$173,000
Rockaway Twp.	3218 FRANKLIN LN	$223,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$204,000
Rockaway Twp.	1300 FRANKLIN LN	$268,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$235,000
Rockaway Twp.	69 Fallen Timbers Trail	$308,800	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$290,000
Rockaway Twp.	68 LAURELWOOD CT	$310,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	0	$314,000
Rockaway Twp.	8 HERITAGE WAY	$349,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$349,000
Rockaway Twp.	23 HILLSBOROUGH CT	$359,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	0	$349,000
Roxbury Twp.	219 Woods Edge Drive	$235,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$230,000
Roxbury Twp.	64 DRAKE LN	$239,000	One Floor Unit	1	2	1	$228,000
Roxbury Twp.	137 DRAKE LN	$249,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$235,000
Roxbury Twp.	36 E WHISPER WAY	$292,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$290,000
Roxbury Twp.	46 Pasture Court	$295,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$282,000
Washington Twp.	1401 MOONLIGHT CT	$334,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$322,000

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown West, New Jersey. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.TheTownhouseExpert.com or http://www.MorrisCountyTownhouses.com or http://www.MorrisCountyTownhomes.com

8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House

2009-12-16T09:51:00.001-05:00

Article From HouseLogic.com

By: Jeanne Huber, Published: September 16, 2009

For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks--about $350--you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home.

A typical family spends about a third of its annual heating and cooling budget-roughly $350-on air that leaks into or out of the house through unintended gaps and cracks. With the money you waste in just one year, you can plug many of those leaks yourself. It's among the most cost-effective things you can do to conserve energy and increase comfort, according to Energy Star. Start in the attic, since that's where you'll find some of the biggest energy drains. Then tackle the basement, to prevent cold air that enters there from being sucked into upstairs rooms. Finally, seal leaks in the rest of the house. Here are eight places to start.

1. Insulate around recessed lights

Most recessed lights have vents that open into the attic, a direct route for heated or cooled air to escape. When you consider that many homes have 30 or 40 of these fixtures, it's easy to see why researchers at the Pennsylvania Housing Research/Resource Center pinpointed them as a leading cause of household air leaks. Lights labeled ICAT, for "insulation contact and air tight," are already sealed; look for the label next to the bulb. If you don't see it, assume yours leaks. An airtight baffle ($8-$30 at the home center) is a quick fix. Remove the bulb, push the baffle up into the housing, then replace the bulb.

2. Plug open stud cavities

Most of your house probably has an inner skin of drywall or plaster between living space and unheated areas. But builders in the past often skipped this cover behind knee walls (partial-height walls where the roof angles down into the top floor), above dropped ceilings or soffits, and above angled ceilings over stairs.

Up in the attic, you may need to push insulation away to see if the stud cavities are open. If they are, seal them with unfaced fiberglass insulation ($1.30 a square foot) stuffed into plastic garbage bags; the bag is key to blocking air flow. Close large gaps with scraps of drywall or pieces of reflective foil insulation ($2 a square foot). Once you've covered the openings, smooth the insulation back into place. To see these repairs in action, consult Energy Star's DIY guide to air sealing (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/DIY_Guide_May_2008.pdf).

3. Close gaps around flues and chimneys

Building codes require that wood framing be kept at least one inch from metal flues and two inches from brick chimneys. But that creates gaps where air can flow through. Cover the gaps with aluminum flashing ($12) cut to fit and sealed into place with high-temperature silicone caulk ($20). To keep insulation away from the hot flue pipe, form a barrier by wrapping a cylinder of flashing around the flue, leaving a one-inch space in between. To maintain the spacing, cut and bend a series of inch-deep tabs in the cylinder's top and bottom edges.

4. Weatherstrip the attic access door

A quarter-inch gap around pull-down attic stairs or an attic hatch lets through the same amount of air as a bedroom heating duct. Seal it by caulking between the stair frame and the rough opening, or by installing foam weatherstripping around the perimeter of the hatch opening. Or you can buy a pre-insulated hatch cover kit, such as the Energy Guardian from ESS Energy Products ($150).

5. Squirt foam in the medium-size gaps

Once the biggest attic gaps are plugged, move on to the medium-size ones. Low-expansion polyurethane foam in a can is great for plugging openings 1/4-inch to three inches wide, such as those around plumbing pipes and vents. A standard 12-ounce can ($5) is good for 250 feet of bead about half an inch thick. The plastic straw applicator seals shut within two hours of the first use, so to get the most mileage out of a can, squirt a lubricant such as WD-40 onto a pipe cleaner and stuff that into the applicator tube between uses.

6. Caulk the skinny gaps

Caulk makes the best gap-filler for openings less than 1/4-inch wide, such as those cut around electrical boxes. Silicone costs the most ($8 a tube) but works better next to nonporous materials, such as metal flashing, or where there are temperature extremes, as in attics. Acrylic latex caulk ($2 a tube) is less messy to work with and cleans up with water.

7. Plug gaps in the basement

Gaps low on a foundation wall matter if you're trying to fix a wet basement, but only those above the outside soil level let air in. Seal those with the same materials you'd use in an attic: caulk for gaps up to 1/4-inch wide and spray foam for wider ones. Use high-temperature caulk around vent pipes that get hot, such as those for the furnace or water heater. Shoot foam around wider holes for wires, pipes, and ducts that pass through basement walls to the outside.

In most older houses with basements, air seeps in where the house framing sits on the foundation. Spread a bead of caulk between the foundation and the sill plate (the wood immediately above the foundation), and along the top and bottom edges of the rim joist (the piece that sits atop the sill plate).

8. Tighten up around windows and doors

In the main living areas of your home, the most significant drafts tend to occur around windows and doors. If you have old windows, caulking and adding new weatherstripping goes a long way toward tightening them up. Bronze weatherstripping ($12 for 17 feet) lasts for decades but is time-consuming to install, while some self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but don't last very long. Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) is a good compromise, rated to last at least 10 years. Nifty gadgets called pulley seals ($9 a pair) block air from streaming though the holes where cords disappear into the frames.

Weatherstripping also works wonders on doors. If a draft comes in at the bottom, install a new door sweep ($9).

Before working in the attic, take some precautions

Try to do attic work on a cool day. Wear protective gear: disposable clothes, gloves, and a double-elastic mask or half-face respirator. Bring along a droplight with a fluorescent bulb, plus at least two pieces of plywood big enough to span two or three joists to support you as you work. To save trips up and down a ladder, try to move up all of the materials you need before you get started. One warning: If you find vermiculite insulation, hold off until you've had it checked for asbestos; your health department or air-quality agency can recommend a lab.

Jeanne Huber writes a home-repair column for the Washington Post and has commissioned three new roofs on various houses over the years.

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson in Morristown West, New Jersey. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.TheTownhouseExpert.com or http://www.MorrisCountyTownhouses.com

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Repair or Replace Appliances

2009-11-18T15:11:00.003-05:00

There's nothing worse than having a major appliance break, especially since most people depend heavily on their dish washer and laundry machines. Then, there is the inevitable choice that must be made: whether to repair it or just get a new one.

Of course, the primary factor to consider when making a decision is the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacing the appliance, factoring in such things as tax, installation, and removal and disposal of the broken unit. According to Angie's List, a national consumer ratings company, these things should also be considered:

Age/History - Older appliances may require ongoing service, which could cost more over time than simply buying something new. On the other hand, if you have not had trouble with the appliance in the past, it might be worth fixing it.

Energy Efficiency - New appliances could save you considerably when it comes to energy costs. Determine if the energy savings will offset the cost of a new appliance. In addition, tax credits may be available on energy-efficient units.

Features/Performance - As technology advances, appliances have more and more features and can do more things. Putting cost aside, purchasing a new appliance might be the right choice simply because it improves your quality of life.

If the decision is to purchase a new appliance, remember that quality products tend to last longer, and that proper care will help prevent problems and reduce the need for repairs.

Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson with Weichert Realtors' Morristown West, New Jersey office. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha at: 973-953-7777 Mobile or 973-455-1900 Extension 122 (Office) or online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.TheTownhouseExpert.com or http://www.MorristownMoves.com or http://www.ParsippanyMoves.com or http://www.DenvilleMoves.com or http://www.HanoverMoves.com or http://www.RandolphMoves.com.

Technorati Tags: Repair or Replace Appliances

Repair or Replace Appliances

2009-11-18T15:11:00.001-05:00

Age/History - Older appliances may require ongoing service, which could cost more over time than simply buying something new. On the other hand, if you have not had trouble with the appliance in the past, it might be worth fixing it.

Energy Efficiency - New appliances could save you considerably when it comes to energy costs. Determine if the energy savings will offset the cost of a new appliance. In addition, tax credits may be available on energy-efficient units.

Features/Performance - As technology advances, appliances have more and more features and can do more things. Putting cost aside, purchasing a new appliance might be the right choice simply because it improves your quality of life.

If the decision is to purchase a new appliance, remember that quality products tend to last longer, and that proper care will help prevent problems and reduce the need for repairs.

Technorati Tags: Repair or Replace Appliances

Morris County New Jersey Real Estate Recent Townhome/Condo Sales- September 2009 Condo and Townhome Sales Report

2009-10-19T15:37:00.001-04:00

September 2009 Condominium and Townhouse Sales Report - Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Denville, Randolph, Parsippany, Rockaway, Hanover, East Hanover, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Florham Park, Roxbury, Butler, Lincoln Park, Morris Twp., Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Riverdale, Whippany, Washington Twp., New Jersey Real Estate.

Town	Address	List Price	Style	Beds	Baths	Gar	Sold Price
Chatham Twp.	6D Heritage Drive	$265,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$255,000
Chatham Twp.	143 TERRACE DR	$523,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$505,000
Denville Twp.	506 KNOLLWOOD CT	$329,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$329,900
Dover Town	88-B EAST BLACKWELL STREET	$180,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	0	$181,800
East Hanover Twp.	3 QUEENS BRIDGE DR	$389,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$365,000
East Hanover Twp.	167 Castle Ridge Dr	$390,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$342,000
East Hanover Twp.	13 Frankie Ln	$398,000	First Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2	0	$380,000
Florham Park Boro	250 RIDGEDALE AVE C-1	$435,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$420,000
Florham Park Boro	250 RIDGEDALE AVE E-5	$459,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$450,000
Florham Park Boro	250 RIDGEDALE AVENUE X-4	$514,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$505,000
Hanover Twp.	104 Vista Drive	$349,900	One Floor Unit	3	2.1	0	$335,000
Hanover Twp.	601 BROOK HOLLOW DR	$399,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$375,000
Hanover Twp.	603 Viera Drive	$499,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	2	$506,897
Harding Twp.	8 BIRCH LN	$465,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$455,000
Harding Twp.	5 FOREST DALE DR	$525,000	Colonial, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$510,000
Jefferson Twp.	76 RED OAK TER	$220,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$210,000
Jefferson Twp.	10 HERITAGE CT	$238,800	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$230,400
Jefferson Twp.	10 RIDGE VIEW TER	$244,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$240,000
Lincoln Park Boro	190 ROBERTSON WAY	$269,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$255,000
Lincoln Park Boro	334 GETTYSBURG WAY	$299,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	0	$288,000
Lincoln Park Boro	84 GETTYSBURG WAY	$334,900	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	0	$317,500
Lincoln Park Boro	17 CREFELD CT	$369,000	1/2 Duplex, Multi Floor Unit	3	2.1	1	$354,000
Lincoln Park Boro	6 ERIN WAY	$369,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$355,000
Long Hill Twp.	3 COOPER LN	$410,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$395,000
Madison Boro	318 MAIN ST, Unit 2	$425,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$410,000
Mendham Boro	28 HAMPSHIRE DR	$410,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	1	$390,000
Mendham Boro	25 HAMPSHIRE DR	$449,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$430,000
Mine Hill Twp.	606 DAREN LANE	$314,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$287,000
Montville Twp.	14 GENOBLE RD	$340,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	0	$333,000
Montville Twp.	3 WASHINGTON CT	$399,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$385,000
Montville Twp.	95 Heritage Ct	$459,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$435,000
Montville Twp.	22 LALIQUE DR	$550,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	1	$550,000
Montville Twp.	40 RIDGE DR	$609,800	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$585,000
Montville Twp.	84 Louis Drive	$619,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	2	$567,500
Morris Twp.	227 PITNEY PLACE	$237,000	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$220,000
Morris Twp.	22 Byron Ave	$400,000	Custom Home, Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$385,000
Morristown Town	320 South Street	$214,900	One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$200,000
Morristown Town	27-B Cobb Place	$335,000	Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	0	$310,000
Morristown Town	2 LYNN CT	$375,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$354,500
Morristown Town	13-19 FRANKLIN PLACE	$484,900	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	1	$470,000
Morristown Town	31 Community Place	$984,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.2	2	$920,000
Mount Arlington Boro	27 Zachary Way	$247,000	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$242,000
Mount Arlington Boro	18 RIDGEVIEW LN	$267,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$267,000
Mount Arlington Boro	140 RIDGEVIEW LN	$305,000	One Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior	2	2	1	$280,000
Mount Arlington Boro	8 MAPLE LN	$309,500	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	1	$302,000
Mount Olive Twp.	31 BROCK LN	$314,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$320,000
Mountain Lakes Boro	39 Sherwood Drive	$699,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	3.1	2	$675,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	189-27 LITTLETON RD	$169,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$157,500
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	2467 ROUTE 10 50-6A	$180,613	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$172,500
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	168 Patriots RD	$345,000	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$335,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	24 EDGEFIELD DR	$392,500	Townhouse-Interior	2	2.1	1	$380,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	286 EMILY PL	$484,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$480,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	127 JILLIAN BLVD.	$489,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$480,000
Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.	23 HOPKINS CT	$529,900	Townhouse-End Unit	4	2.1	2	$490,000
Pequannock Twp.	4607 Tudor Drive	$249,900	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	1	1	0	$235,000
Pequannock Twp.	5514 TUDOR DR	$278,900	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$268,500
Pequannock Twp.	5813 TUDOR	$279,900	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$263,000
Pequannock Twp.	23 BURNHAM DR	$419,900	Duplex, 1/2 Duplex	3	2.1	1	$419,900
Randolph Twp.	98 Arrowgate Drive	$375,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$362,500
Randolph Twp.	64 Arrowgate	$395,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	2	$378,000
Randolph Twp.	16 KENSINGTON DR	$399,900	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$387,500
Randolph Twp.	7 Ridgewood Drive	$405,000	Townhouse-Interior	3	2.1	2	$383,000
Riverdale Boro	2211 Ramapo Court	$223,500	Hi-Rise, One Floor Unit	1	1	1	$210,000
Riverdale Boro	6103 BROOKHAVEN CT	$299,990	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$294,990
Riverdale Boro	8307 SANCTUARY BLVD	$334,900	One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$308,000
Riverdale Boro	6310 Brookhaven	$364,640	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2	1	$315,990
Rockaway Boro	29 WOODS EDGE RD	$299,900	Townhouse-Interior	2	1.1	1	$280,500
Rockaway Twp.	322 RICHARD MINE RD	$180,000	One Floor Unit	2	1	0	$191,000
Rockaway Twp.	1100 CARTER DR	$199,900	First Floor Unit	1	1.1	1	$194,000
Rockaway Twp.	1106 FRANKLIN LN	$235,000	First Floor Unit, One Floor Unit	2	2	1	$225,000
Rockaway Twp.	11 Faesch Court	$345,000	Townhouse-End Unit	2	2.1	2	$335,000
Rockaway Twp.	22 HILLSBOROUGH CT	$349,990	Townhouse-Interior	3	3.1	0	$345,500
Rockaway Twp.	35 INDEPENDENCE WAY	$355,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	3	2	$350,000
Roxbury Twp.	8 DRAKE LN	$239,900	Townhouse-End Unit	1	2	1	$231,750
Roxbury Twp.	137 WOODS EDGE DR	$255,900	Townhouse-End Unit	2	1.1	1	$245,000
Roxbury Twp.	38 PONDSIDE DRIVE	$355,000	Townhouse-End Unit	3	2.1	1	$355,000

Technorati Tags: Morris County NJ Condominium and Townhome Townhouse Recent Sales and Market Activity for September 2009