Average 30-Year Fixed-rate Mortgage Unchanged From All-time Record Low for Third Consecutive Week

Freddie Mac released the results of their most recent Primary Mortgage Market Survey showing average fixed mortgage rates unchanged, and the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been at its all-time record-breaking low for the past 3 weeks.

What a great opportunity to buy a home!

Pending Home Sales Remain Above Year-Ago Level

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales eased in December after reaching a 19-month high, but remained above year-ago levels.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 3.5 percent in December when compared to November’s results, but is 5.6 percent above December 2010.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the trend line remains positive. “Even with a modest decline, the preceding two months of contract activity are the highest in the past four years outside of the homebuyer tax credit period,” he said.

Yun also recognized that contract failures are still an issue, but that many homebuyers are finding ways to complete their purchases. For example, some buyers successfully complete the sale after a contract delay, while others stay in the market after a contract failure and make another offer.

“Housing affordability conditions are too good to pass up,” he said. “Our hope is lending conditions will gradually improve with sustained increases in closed existing-home sales.”

3 Bedroom Quailbrook Patio Home for Rent-RENTED!

23 Nottingham Way is a 3 Bedroom Townhouse for rent in the Quailbrook Patio Homes community. It features a large eat-in kitchen, a living room/dining room combo with a wood-burning fireplace, and a master bedroom suite with a full bath and a walk-in closet.

This townhome is available immediately.  Sorry, this townhouse is rented.

To see this home, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

Listing Price: $1,800
Address: 23 Nottingham Way
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08873
Style: Townhouse, Interior Unit
MLS #: 2910553
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.1
Garage:
Basement:
Lot Size:

 

Lovely Charming Country Colonial for Rent, 18 Grouser Road, Somerset NJ

Listing Price: $2,000
Address: 18 Grouser Rd
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08873
Style: Colonial
MLS #: 2907824
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage: 1 car
Basement: Yes
Lot Size: .5 acre

Country Charm on a quiet street! This large, beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 full Bathroom home is available immediately. It features a large Living Room with a fireplace, a Family Room with a fireplace, a spacious eat-in Kitchen, formal Dining Room, and first-floor Laundry Room. Lots of parking, including a 1-car Garage. Landlord will remove snow and cut the lawn.

To see this home, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

Quailbrook Colonnade Condo for Sale, 119 Wycombe Place, Somerset NJ

Listing Price: $210,000
Address: 119 Wycombe Pl
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08873
Style: Condo, End Unit
MLS #: 2895496
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Garage:
Basement:
Lot Size:

119 Wycombe Place is an updated 2 BR, 2 Bath End-Unit Condo in the Quailbrook Colonnade development.  This condo is full of upgrades, including crown molding and updated light fixtures throughout.

The kitchen features stainless appliances, granite countertops, and a granite breakfast bar. The living room/dining combo is very spacious, with a wood-burning fireplace and sliders to the patio.

The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, and an updated full bath with shower stall. The second bedroom also has a walk-in closet. The main bath has also been updated, and includes a linen closet.

To see this condo, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

If you’re a fan of live music or stand-up comedy, you’ll always find something to enjoy at one of Central Jersey’s best entertainment venues, the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair.

Among the great headliners we’ve seen there are comedian Steven Wright, and rockers George Thorogood and the Destroyers. We’ve found the ticket prices to be generally pretty reasonable, considering the quality of the performers.

If you’re heading there, consider going earlier in the day. Montclair’s art galleries and restaurants will keep you busy all day.

Sold! 136 Winchester Way, Somerset NJ

Listing Price: $227,900
Address: 136 Winchester Way
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08873
Style: Townhome
MLS #: 2885874
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage: 1-car attached
Basement:
Lot Size:

136 Winchester Way is a 2 BR townhome for sale in the Quailbrook Cluster Homes development. This home is bright and freshly painted, with a fantastic open layout. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, a vanity alcove with sink, and a full bathroom with a stall shower.  The second bedroom also has its own full bathroom, with a tub and shower.

The living room features a wood-burning fireplace and sliders to the patio.  The dining room has lots of windows and a skylight. You will find a new stove in the kitchen.

The community has tennis courts available to the residents.  This is a great location for commuters, with easy access to Route 287, Rutgers, and much more.

To see this townhouse, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

Sorry, this townhome is sold!

Home for Sale, 174 Picadilly Place, Somerset NJ

Townhouse for Sale, 174 Picadilly Pl, Somerset NJ

Listing Price: $227,900
Address: 174 Picadilly Place
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08873
Style: Townhouse
MLS #: 2877979
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.1
Garage: 1-Car Attached
Basement:
Lot Size:

174 Picadilly Place is a 2 BR townhome for sale in the Quailbrook Cluster Homes development in Somerset NJ. It features many upgrades, including new granite counters and refaced cabinets in the kitchen, and new bathtubs, shower stalls and sinks in the bathrooms. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, a vanity alcove with sink, and a full bathroom with a stall shower.  The second bedroom also has its own full bathroom, with a tub and shower.

The spacious living room has a wood-burning fireplace, and sliders to the back yard. The dining room is bright and open, with a skylight and lots of windows. The kitchen features granite counters, and stainless steel appliances.

The community has tennis courts available to the residents.  This is a great location for commuters, with easy access to Route 287, Rutgers, and much more.

Shows like a model home! To see this townhouse, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

Home for Sale, 119 Almond Drive, Somerset NJ

Townhouse for Sale, 119 Almond Drive, Somerset NJ

Listing Price: $207,000
Address: 119 Almond Drive
City: Somerset
State: NJ
ZIP: 08807
Style: Townhouse
MLS #: 2848205
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.1
Garage:
Basement:
Lot Size: Common

119 Almond Drive is a 2 BR townhome for sale in the Quailbrook Garden Homes development in Somerset NJ. Featuring new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint, you will find this cozy townhouse to be very welcoming.

Community amenities in this development include a pool and tennis courts.

A commuter’s delight, convenient to Route 287, Rutgers, and much more.

To see this home, just email Jo Ann and Bob at joann@joannandbob.com.

The Stress Factory Comedy Club, New Brunswick, NJ

One of the best things about living in Bridgewater is the wide variety of entertainment options within easy driving distance. If you’re a fan of stand-up, one of the best comedy clubs in the country is in nearby New Brunswick, Vinnie Brand’s Stress Factory Comedy Club.

At the Stress Factory, you can find some of the best headliners working today. We’ve seen nationally known stars there such as Christopher Titus, Ralphie May, Jon Oliver from the Daily Show, Richard Belzer, Nick DiPaolo, and In Living Color veteran Damon Wayans.

Ticket prices vary depending on the headliner, but have always been reasonable. You’ll also have a 2-item minimum for food or drink, so you can have dinner at one of the great local New Brunswick restaurants and have drinks here at the show, or just have dinner here before the show, from their casual dining menu. Parking couldn’t be easier, as there is a parking deck right next to the club.

If you enjoy comedy, do yourself a favor and come out to the Stress Factory.