Category: Monmouth County Real Estate

November 21, 2023

Homes for Sale in Monmouth County NJ are Attractive to Buyers

View the beach through sea grass near homes for sale in Monmouth County NJ

Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a diverse and appealing destination. It is popular among both residents and visitors for its unique blend of attractions. The coastline boasts a range of beautiful beaches, each offering distinctive experiences from bustling boardwalks to tranquil shores. The county is also a favored residential area for New York City commuters. The area is a suburban retreat with efficient transport links to the city. Beyond the well-known attractions, Monmouth County is rich in history, featuring lesser-known Revolutionary War sites and historic villages like Allaire. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to its varied landscape including numerous parks. Additionally, the county’s culinary scene, local wineries, and craft breweries offer diverse dining and tasting experiences. With its strong local communities and gorgeous scenery, homes for sale in Monmouth County NJ are attractive to buyers.

The Beaches are the top Attractant

As with many towns that line New Jersey’s coast, the beaches are a top attractant for residents and visitors. This also makes them the number one reason why buyers begin their search for a new home among homes for sale in Monmouth County NJ. A few of the top beaches in the area are:

Sandy Hook: Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook is known for its wide, sandy beaches and spectacular views of the New York City skyline.
Asbury Park Beach: Famous for its lively boardwalk and rich musical history, Asbury Park Beach is a vibrant destination.
Long Branch: Long Branch’s beaches, including Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, offer a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
Belmar Beach: Known for its pristine sands and excellent surf conditions, Belmar is a favorite among both families and surf enthusiasts.
Spring Lake: Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake features two miles of a non-commercial boardwalk, serene beaches, and the largest non-commercial lake in New Jersey.
Manasquan Beach: This beach is popular for its surfing area, which is among the best in New Jersey
Sea Girt: Sea Girt is known for its peaceful environment and well-kept beaches.
Ocean Grove Beach: Part of a historic Victorian town, Ocean Grove Beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting.

Homes for Sale in Monmouth County are Located in a Gorgeous Setting

Picture of a park near homes for sale in Monmouth County NJ

In addition to the beautiful coastline, if you move west through the county, you’ll experience gorgeous green spaces. There are just as many, if not more, parks as there are beaches in Monmouth County. One of the resident favorites is Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. There are over 2,000 acres for visitors to explore and enjoy fishing, hiking, archery, camping and more. Similarly, Allaire State Park is extremely popular. A few favorite activities are bird watching, camping, and hiking, but this location is also a favorite for history buffs. Historic Allaire Village was a bustling industrial town in the 19^th century and many of the buildings remain there today. Thompson Park is yet another large green space the anyone close to Monmouth County is aware of. This park offers a variety of recreational activities like hiking, a playground, a lake for kayaking, and even a dog park.

Lesser-Known Attractions in Monmouth County

Aside from all the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Monmouth County, there are many other attractions. In addition to Historic Allaire Village, Monmouth County is home to numerous historical sites and landmarks that are less frequented but deeply significant. These include Revolutionary War sites, historic homes, and centuries-old churches. Plus, there is a thriving arts scene in the area including small galleries, local theaters, and live music venues. Residents in Monmouth County also get to enjoy various community events and festivals. These events, ranging from street fairs to cultural festivals, offer a glimpse into the local community spirit. Lastly, the county has a strong equestrian culture, with numerous horse farms and the opportunity to attend horse shows and equestrian events.

Homes for Sale in Monmouth County NJ Have a Lot to Offer

If you want to learn more about the terrific townships as well as get direct access to agents for homes for sale in Monmouth County NJ, check out The Real New Jersey. You’ll find much more information about each town. Plus, you can search a wide variety of the homes for sale in the area. If you love the beach, the woods, and everything in between, search for a new home in Monmouth County today.

August 22, 2023

Top 5 Home Design Mistakes According to Custom Builder in Westfield

Couple looking out over a field of grass where there is a line drawing of a home design by a top custom builder in Westfield

Designing a dream home is an exciting endeavor, but it’s not without its challenges. As a prospective homeowner, you want every aspect of your new house to reflect your personal style and meet your unique needs. It can be difficult to fit everything you want into a design without running into issues. To ensure that your vision becomes a reality, it’s crucial to avoid common design mistakes that can lead to regrets down the road. We’ve consulted with a reputable custom builder in Westfield to bring you the top 5 home design mistakes you should steer clear of when crafting your ideal living space.

Ignoring Your Lifestyle and Needs

One of the most significant mistakes you can make when designing your home is ignoring your lifestyle and needs. A custom builder in Westfield emphasizes the importance of understanding how you and your family live day-to-day. Consider factors like family size, hobbies, and daily routines when planning the layout and functionality of your home. Failing to do so can result in wasted spaces or insufficient room for activities that matter most to you. In addition to taking your current lifestyle into consideration, thinking about future needs is important also.

Disregarding Future Expansion is an Expensive Mistake

Your current needs may not encompass your future requirements. Neglecting the potential for expansion can lead to costly renovations or the need to relocate. The custom builder advises leaving room for growth, whether it’s an additional bedroom, a home office, or a larger living area. Thoughtful planning now can save you from the hassle and expense of major modifications later. In addition to planning extra spaces, it is important to design rooms that can be easily converted for another use. For instance, built-in desks sound like a great idea for kids in school. However, once they leave the home, updating these rooms will involve major demolition and reconstruction.

Neglecting Natural Light and Ventilation is a Mistake per Top Custom Builder in Westfield

Natural light and proper ventilation contribute significantly to the comfort and ambiance of your home. Overlooking these elements can lead to a gloomy or stuffy atmosphere. The custom builder suggests strategically placing windows and doors to maximize sunlight exposure and facilitate proper air circulation. This design decision not only enhances your living experience but also saves energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting and excessive air conditioning.

Landscaping choices also have a lot to do with natural light. Planting deciduous trees where they will shade the home in the summer, but allow the sunlight through in winter. This cuts down on energy usage by decreasing the temperature inside the home in summer and increases it in the colder months reducing the strain on the HVAC system.

Overlooking Storage Solutions

Ample storage is a hallmark of a well-designed home. Underestimating your storage needs can lead to clutter and a lack of organization. The custom builder advises incorporating built-in storage solutions during the design phase, such as spacious closets, well-designed kitchen cabinets, and functional furniture with hidden compartments. These additions ensure that your home remains tidy and clutter-free, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Experienced custom home builders in Westfield have seen all types of storage solutions. They are experts in what works and what doesn’t, making them an excellent resource for homeowners.

Sacrificing Quality for Trends

While incorporating trendy elements can make your home feel contemporary, it’s essential to strike a balance between current styles and timeless quality. Following fleeting design trends without considering their long-term viability can result in a home that quickly looks outdated. The custom builder recommends focusing on durable, high-quality materials and classic design principles that can stand the test of time. You can then incorporate trends through easily changeable elements like decor and accessories.

Listen to Your Custom Builder in Westfield

Designing your dream home should be an exciting and fulfilling journey, not one fraught with design regrets. By avoiding these top 5 home design mistakes highlighted by a trusted custom builder in Westfield, you can ensure that your new abode perfectly aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and long-term vision. Remember, a well-thought-out design enhances comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, making your home a true haven for years to come.

May 18, 2021

Ortley Beach Real Estate One of Top 3 Markets at Jersey Shore

When it comes to Jersey Shore real estate, Ortley Beach is one of the most popular towns. There are many reasons, but the main one is probably the variety in size, type, and location of homes that offers something for anyone. Add in beaches, entertainment, and great restaurants and it’s easy to see why people flock to Ortley Beach every summer. This popularity makes the real estate market here very competitive. Whether you are looking to purchase a rental property, buy a new home, or rent a home for your summer vacation, the best thing you can do is partner with a real estate office that has extensive experience in the Ortley Beach real estate market. They have the most advanced knowledge of new homes on the market and their familiarity of the area is invaluable.

Ortley Beach Real Estate is For Water Enthusiasts

Located on the Barnegat Peninsula means Ortley Beach has access to water from both sides of town. One side has the allure of the ocean and beaches within walking distance from many homes. On the other side is the Barnegat Bay. Here, boating, crabbing, and fishing top the list of activities. No matter what you enjoy doing on or by the water, you can do it in Ortley Beach. There are plenty of places to park for free along the streets in town as well as a few paid lots. Access to the beach and the water is always convenient. Beach badges are required for anyone between the ages of 12 years 62. What is great is that most, if not all, rental homes offer the use of beach badges during vacationers stay. Ocean beaches are guarded on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend. Then, daily from mid-June through Labor Day.

This Market Has Something for Everyone

Some real estate markets are fairly narrow in what they offer. Consider any town and think about the size and variety of homes. Many places, while the homes may appear different on the outside, are all relatively the same size and offer very similar amenities. Ortley Beach real estate, however, offers all sizes and shapes of homes that fit just about anyone’s criteria. From beach shacks to multi-million multiple family homes, waterfront to mid-block, the variety of size and location provides a wide array of purchase prices as well. Whether you are looking to purchase a new home for yourself or if you are searching for a rental property as an investment, Ortley Beach presents homes for just about anyone. Plus, if you’re looking for a great town to vacation in, Ortley Beach is it. From romantic weekends away to vacations with other families, there is a house for you.

Ortley Beach Real Estate Comes with Easy Access to Activities

One of the greatest things about Ortley Beach is its size. It’s less than one square mile in area. This can be a negative to some people, but for a beach town in New Jersey, it’s great. This means everything in town is easily accessible for everyone. A great place to eat is never far away. Casual dining, formal dining, and everything in between is always available. In addition to all the wonderful places to eat are fun, family-friendly activities like miniature golf and movies on the beach. Plus, bicycle rental shops, playgrounds, and tons of sports courts exist all within walking distance to everyone in Ortley Beach. And for those days when you want something different, a short drive away are the amusements included on the Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant boardwalks. Just like the Ortley Beach real estate market, the entertainment and activities are very diverse as well.

Ortley Beach Real Estate is Competitive for a Reason

Ortley Beach real estate is booming because of beautiful homes like the one pictured. Ortley Beach is written in teal in a script-font

As you can see, Ortley Beach is a great little town. With lots of fun, a mixed selection of homes, and easy access to everything, it isn’t hard to figure out why the real estate market here is so competitive. If you are searching for a home to purchase for year-round living, it is always best to get in touch with a seasoned Ortley Beach real estate agent. They always have the best information available about the town, especially if you are new to the area. Vacationers will also benefit from dealing with a realtor. This can ensure both the owner and the renter that the transaction will be valid and remove the possibility of scams of any type.

After you’ve purchased your home, be sure to check out our Home Maintenance articles for tips on how to keep your new home looking great!

September 3, 2018

Getting The Most From Your Home Architect

If you are one of the many people interested in having Monmouth County custom homes constructed for them, you already know that the road ahead of you will be filled with hard work and meetings, meetings, meetings. You’ll be meeting with your attorney to discuss property issues. You’ll be meeting with your bank people to discuss money issues. You’ll be meeting with township officials to discuss permits and all the other red tape that goes with new construction.

But in the long term, the most important meetings you’ll have will be those you have with your architect. After all, it will be his or her work that dictates the final design of the home you and your family will live in. That’s something that will last a lifetime – or at the very least until you sell your new Monmouth County custom homes for a handy profit!

So with that in mind, these are some key things you should keep in mind when talking to the architect of your custom home in Monmouth County.

Figure Out Your Budget In Advance – Home architecture is not a simple matter of A plus B equals C, and the budget to build a home is not a simple equation. The cost for 1,600 square feet in one configuration is not the same as 1,600 square feet in another configuration. That’s why it’s important for you to have a good idea of your budget BEFORE you sit with your architect and begin to flesh out the details of your custom Jersey Shore home.

Have Some Ideas Before Your First Meeting – You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t have a rough idea of the sort of house you wanted, so the good news is this: You SHOULD come equipped with your own ideas when it comes to designing your own custom homes in New Jersey. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert in design. A good architect’s job is to bring your vague ideas into reality, turning your various wants, needs and daydreams into a structure that you will love.

Meet With Several Architects First – Unless your architect is your brother-in-law John who also happened to design the luxury home of Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, you’re not going to want to go with the first person who comes your way. It’s important to meet with a few architects to get a sense for who understands your style, who understands your desires, and who can best bring them into reality.

Understand Your Architect Has Good Design Intentions – If your chosen architect doesn’t seem thrilled about a certain want or demand on your part, perhaps you should listen. The fact is, architects are trained professionals. They understand what will and will not work with building design, both for aesthetic and structural reasons. You may not always like what they have to say, but once they are hired they have your best intentions in mind.

Ask Questions – This is a simple one. Never, ever be shy about asking questions. If someone is going to be designing the custom home at the Jersey Shore you plan to live in or flip for profit, you’ll want to be sure you understand everything they tell you and show you. So if you’re not sure of something, don’t be silent. Ask questions!

September 1, 2016

11 Ways To Lower Your Home Oil Bills

When the winters get cold, it’s time to turn up the heat.

But that can cost you money. It doesn’t have to, though. There are ways you can cut your energy bills while still keeping warm. Here are some of the best:

Get Your System Looked At – Getting a “tune up” for your heating system can be a good way to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency, which will in turn ensure that your wallet isn’t being drained each month.
Let The Sun Do The Work – On sunny days, open your shades and drapes in order to let the sun help heat your home. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold outside, the sun is still going to help take a little of the burden off your heating system. Even a difference of a few degrees can make a big difference!
Replace Your Old System – If it’s in your budget, consider replacing heating systems that are more than 20 years old. Newer systems can be 25 percent more efficient or more. If necessary, have a NJ Oil Tank Removal done alongside it to get rid of your old tank.
Use A Smart Thermostat – A “smart” thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home at various parts of the day, automatically turning itself down when you are at work and at night, and up when you’re home and awake. This can make a huge difference on your bill.
Have Good Insulation – If your outer walls do not have good insulation, you’re losing money right through your walls! Good insulation means your heating system doesn’t have to work hard, and that saves you money.
Don’t Block the Radiators – If your home has radiators, ensure they are free and clear to do their job. Blocking them doesn’t just block heat, it saps money from your wallet.
Use Bioheat – If you don’t need Oil tank removal NJ done and are still using oil heat, ask your dealer about Bioheat, an environmentally friendly product that helps your oil burn more efficiently.
Seal Up The Leaks – Before the onset of winter, check the outside of your home. Recaulk any spots around your windows they may cause leaks. Close big gaps in your doors. Use weather stripping. Check where pipes and wiring enter/exit your home and ensure there are no openings. And so on. If necessary, ensure this coincides with NJ Oil Tank Removal.
Insulate The Attic – You may have insulation between your downstairs ceiling and the attic, but a little more insulation can still help. Insulation is cheap; the energy savings will pay for the cost pretty quickly, plus your house will be better protected from the elements.
Use Insulation Blankets – Insulation blankets for your piping and hot water tank can be a lifesaver, allowing them to operate more efficiently (and in turn saving you money).
Close Your Fireplace Damper – When you don’t have a fire burning, be sure to close your fireplace damper. You lose more heat from there than you realize, and during the winter that’s akin to money floating out of your chimney.

Have any other tips on saving money on your energy bills or Oil tank removal NJ? Leave them in the comments below!

January 7, 2015

Home Buyers: How To Make The Most of An Open House

If you are in the market for a home at or near the New Jersey coast, chances are good that you will come across many open house events. An open house is when a seller and/or real estate agent literally opens the doors to a home and invites visitors – prospective buyers and the like – to come take a personal tour of the home. It’s an opportunity to see a house up close, ask questions, sometimes meet the neighbors, and more.

Many of those on the hunt for a new home, however, do not use open house events to their full advantage.

This article is here to help you avoid their mistakes. If you plan to attend open houses while searching for luxury waterfront properties in Rumson, Deal, and other Monmouth County communities, take heed of this advice:

Treat It As A Learning Experience

Remember, you’re not just there to get a look at the interior of a home you like. You’re there to learn about the market in which you’re now looking. This is your chance to get a feel for prices in the region, the mood of both the buying and selling public, how aggressively people are looking to sell, and more. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the communities in which you are looking. Remember that you’re not just buying a home, you’re buying into a community. Getting a feel for it is vital to ensuring you are happy after your purchase.

Watch The Other Guests

Even if you don’t feel in direct competition with them, even if you’re not gunning for this particular home, you can learn a lot about the market for Monmouth County luxury waterfront properties by observing the others there. Are they asking a lot of questions? Are they lingering for a long time? Are they vying for time with the realtor? If the answer is yes, this may be a desirable property. What sort of questions are they asking? Is there a lot of discussion about the local schools? Do the other guests look as if they have families or are they older and potentially retired? You can tell a lot about what sort of neighbors you might have by observing these details.

Ask Questions – Lots Of Them

An open house is no place for someone who suffers from shyness. You are there to learn, and potentially to spend a lot of money on a waterfront property in Sea Bright, Manalapan, or other Monmouth County real estate. The wise thing to do, then, is to ask questions. Ask about the neighborhood and its access to the amenities you most desire – restaurants, schools, shopping, the beach, access to the Garden State Parkway, and so on. Get to know what sort of people live in the neighborhood. Is it a conservative community with strict Sunday blue laws, or is it a community with a thriving night life? Do a lot of families live here? Commuting professionals? Retirees? The answers to these questions will play a vital part in ensuring you are happy and comfortable in your new neighborhood – so ask away!

The bottom line is to remember that an open house is more than a home tour. It’s an important tool in ensuring you are equipped to make the most educated purchase you can.