Today's Wall St. Journal features a great article on how to get the best jumbo mortgage rates.

In our zip code, jumbo mortgages are often the norm. While buying a home is exciting, applying for a mortgage can be very daunting. However, doing your homework, which includes improving your credit score, can make your dream home that much more affordable.

The article touches on quite a few points that should be intuitive. For example, the higher the down payment, the…

As a Realtor, I am often asked what the best school in this area is. Actually, choosing the right school for your child is a very personal decision. Ask me, or your friends and neighbors, and you will likely receive overwhelmingly positive feedback on their children’s school. In reality, there is no “best school in town,” only one that is the best fit for your child and your family.

Even though the school year starts after Labor Day, Open Houses for various schools start in…

Many years ago, I rented in Newport. My husband rented at Towers of America, and our first rental as a couple was in Avalon Cove. And like many of you who are currently renting, I did not know or care much about home improvement. More often than not, I swept minor issues under the rug, since contacting the building’s superintendent would mean taking time off work, and $20-50 in tips. I was also nervous that once he was in the apartment, he would find me guilty of breaking something or…

My real estate practice is focused in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ, where a large majority of properties are in condominium form. As such, one of the most common questions in buyers' minds is “How Much Cash Reserve Should a Condominium Association Have?” This number is important, since it indicates if the condominium association is in good financial health to make all necessary repairs to the common areas, which are crucial in preserving and increasing the value of the individual unit.…