House a House Mover NJ Can Save You Money

A House Mover NJ Driving Down the Highway
 

After Superstorm Sandy, thousands of NJ residents began to consider something they probably had never considered before: raising their homes onto a taller foundation.

Flood insurance is issued through the federal government, and rates are based on flood elevation maps created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. These maps play a huge role in what you pay for insurance and act as the document that around which the entire flood insurance process is built. (Consult your nearest house mover NJ for details.)

Also known as house lifting or house raising in NJ, the idea is simple: It is the process of literally lifting a house up and constructing a higher foundation beneath it. The home is then put back onto the new foundation. The idea is to put the house above flood waters, protecting you from future storms and cutting down your flood insurance premiums.

Previously a little known home improvement, it’s now widespread throughout the Jersey coastal region. The initial expense may seem daunting to some, but these projects can save homeowners money in the long term not just in preventing the home repairs and renovations that comes from surviving a storm, but through lowered flood insurance premiums.

Basically, if you are below the suggested elevation, you will pay a high premium. If you are at the elevation suggested by FEMA, you will pay standard flood insurance rates. If you are well above that elevation, your rates will see deep cuts.

That’s part of why house raising in NJ can be so advantageous. It can actually cut down on your living expenses.

To get a sense for where your home falls on the flood elevation map, you have to understand the codes FEMA uses. They use a letter and number coding system, the letter code signifying the type of area you are in and the nature of the flooding you might experience in a bad storm – heavy wave action, tidal area, etc. – and the number code indicates the suggested height your home should be at in order to weather the so-called 100-year storm.

Other benefits of house raising in NJ including adding more space to your home. That space could come in the form of storage, where outdoor furniture, garden items, and so on can be stored. Some even go tall enough to create a car port.

A house lift, often provided by a house mover NJ, may even provide enough extra space that it can be turned into actual living space. Homeowners create dens, play rooms, laundry rooms and more from the added space a lift provides (just be sure to check with your township to ensure you are legally allowed to expand in this way, as the rules differ from town to town).

And lastly, a lift can increase the value of your home, meaning your investment goes right back into your house. In the long term, that means it’s a good investment.

7 Things You Should Know About Modular Homes in Keansburg NJ

Modular homes tend to be a misunderstood part of the world of construction. Some people think they aren’t “real” homes, and misconceptions about.

If you are looking for custom modular homes in Keansburg NJ, here are 7 things you should know about modular homes:

1. They Are Not A Manufactured Home – Despite misconceptions to the contrary, a modular home and manufactured home are not the same thing. Manufactured homes are not placed on permanent foundations. Modular homes are.
2. They Are Built Indoors – Modular homes are unique and stand out from “traditional” homes in part because they are actually built indoors, protected from the elements. That also means they do not see the delays often caused by weather when building a home the traditional way. Everything is constructed in a protected environment.
3. Appraisals Are No Different – A modular home does not appraise at a different value as a similar “stick built” home. They are valued the same and are treated the same. Modular homes do not depreciate at an accelerated rate, either. They are, in every way, just like any other home.
4. They Are Customizable – Despite what you may have heard, Keansburg NJ modular homes are in fact customizable. You can work with your planners to create your own floor plans, switch around rooms, create custom designs, and much more. Deluxe kitchens, walk-in closets, expanded windows, an indoor hot tub – if you can imagine the customization, it can be done with a modular home, just like a stick built house.
5. Most Finishing Is Already Done – Unlike building a home on-site, with most modular homes craftsmen handle floor treatments, drywall, roofing, plumbing, cabinets, and a host of other finishes before the home ever leaves the factory floor. When a modular home arrives at its lot, it is already 90 percent finished.
6. Not All Manufacturers Are Created Alike – The process of creating a modular home in Keansburg may be similar from manufacturer to manufacturer, but that doesn’t mean the results are. Though there are regulations in place dictating how such homes must be built and regulating quality standards, the quality of the work you receive can different from one company to the next. That’s why it’s important to do your research and seek references.
7. They Are Not Trailers – Trailers are not modular homes, they are something completely different. Trailers are so-called “manufactured” homes, which are usually set on blocks or a portable frame. They can be moved from place to place, and may even be intended to be temporary. Modular homes are not. They are put on permanent foundations and are intended to remain where they are, just like any other home.

Do you still have an interest in modular homes in Keansburg? Then we urge you to continue reading more so you can learn what so many other happy homeowners already know: that modular building is a fantastic alternative to the traditional method. Good luck!

Finding the Perfect Toms River Realtor

Hiring a Toms River Realtor

If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you’re going to want to put yourself in the best possible position not only to sell, but to sell quickly and to sell for maximum dollars. That means doing your research, hiring a good Toms River Realtor, and following these 4 essential secrets for selling your home:

1) The Little Touches Matter

You may not think the small stuff matters, but it does. Things like worn out welcome mats, cluttered rooms, dirty windows and more DO have an impact on how potential buyers see your property. Take the time to address all that small, affordable stuff and buyers will walk away with a much more positive impression of your home. Clean up dog droppings in your yard, pull weeds up from the driveway, and all that little stuff you used to skip. You’ll be glad you did!

2) Selling Is A Year-Round Process

You’ll often read about the ups and downs of the real estate market and the best times of year to sell, but the fact is, selling is a year-round thing. If you want buyers to feel a greater connection to your house, use seasonal accents to make it more attractive and inviting. Bright linens in the spring, flowers in the summer, pine and wreath displays during the winter – all of these things make your house seem more like a HOME, which is exactly what you and your Toms River Realtor want to do in order to entice buyers.

3) It’s Better To Be Up Front About Problems

Naturally you’re going to do a pre-sale inspection. That inspection might turn up a few issues, too. While you can remain quiet about them, assuming that a potential buyer will likely discover them on their own when they have their own independent inspection done, you can create a lot of good will and trust by being up front about your inspection’s findings. Tell the buyer what was found, let them know what has been done to address some of the items, and tell them you’ve made adjustments to the price based on them. Your candor will be appreciated.

4) Choose Your Words Wisely

The wording you use in your listings really does make a difference – sometimes a huge one! Using words like “potential” and “TLC” can actually lower sales prices by five percent or more. You may be trying to find a fancy way of saying your home is not brand new, but buyers see words like that as code for “I’m going to have to sink a lot of money into this place.” Also avoid the word “unique,” and any word that is code for “small,” such as “cute,” “charming,” or “quaint.” On the other hand, words like “captivating” and “luxurious” entice people, as do words that show you’ve put work into the house, like “remodeled,” resulting in higher sales prices. Also, more information in your listing is better than less, so ask your Toms River Realtor to be thorough. Write wisely!

Following these tips, and stick with your expert REALTOR, and you’re likely to have a successful sale. Good luck!

Child Support in New Jersey: Understanding the Basics

The complex legal web that makes up the rules governing child support can be difficult to untangle, but by understanding these basic facts you can have a better understanding of how the system works and what your role in it is, whether you are paying child support or receiving it.

First, it is important to understand that New Jersey law recognizes the following basic facts:

• It is the duty of both parents to support their children, even if they were never married
• A child has a right to benefit from the income of both parents
• Children should be protected from the economic ramifications of divorce or out-of-wedlock birth

Child support orders generally come from the courts. In such cases, the non-custodial parent will be ordered to make child support payments to the custodial parent. These payments are based on the income of the non-custodial parent.

Child support facts many judges won’t tell you include:

• The income of the custodial parent does not matter. Child support is based on the non-custodial parent’s income regardless of how much the custodial parent makes.
• A parent cannot decline child support on behalf of their child. Technically, those child support payments belong to the child and are intended to assist in providing for them.
• Child support is not taxable, nor is it tax deductible.
• Missing child support payments is technically a criminal act, if a child support court order is in place.

For more details, it is best to consult with a child support lawyer in New Jersey.

Child support payments are enforced under the law. When it comes to enforcement, enforcement agencies and/or personnel are obligated to:

• Ensure that child support is paid
• Collect past due child support
• Collecting spousal support (if applicable)

Whether you are paying support payments or are the custodial parent, you might consider consulting with a NJ child support lawyer to better understand your rights. Remember, a custodial parent has a legal right to court ordered child support payments, and a non-custodial parent has a legal obligation to make those payments.

Important facts regarding the non-payment of child support include:

• Lottery winnings over $600 can be withheld in order to clear up child support payments that are in arrears.
• Child support payments can be taken from your unemployment or disability payments.
• Failure to pay child support can be reported to credit bureaus, and therefore can impact your credit.
• Homestead rebates and tax returns can also be used to pay late child support payments.
• If a non-custodial parent who owes child support has money in the bank or owns stocks and bonds, those assets can be seized to pay the child support.
• A person’s drivers license can be suspended for non-payment of child support.
• A person’s passport application or renewal can be denied for non-payment of child support.

For complete information on Child Support laws in New Jersey, visit http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/csguide/

The 3 Things You May Not Consider When You Get Bedbugs

Bedbug Removal in Ocean County, NJ

Bedbugs! At this point you’ve probably seen so many news stories about them you’re wondering if they’re a plague that will take over the world.

While things aren’t THAT bad, the fact is they are a genuine problem right now. Getting bedbugs in your home is a huge nuisance. If you’re unlucky enough to have it happen to you, you should keep these three things in mind:

1) There Is No Foolproof Way To Keep Some Bugs Away

Not all pest control specialists and exterminators will be willing to tell you this, but it’s important to know the truth: when it comes to some bugs, there just isn’t any surefire way to keep them away. You can bet RID of them if they show up in your home, but keeping them away is another matter. The best example is probably bedbugs. It doesn’t matter how clean you keep yourself or your home, if you come into contact with bedbugs chances are good you can bring the infestation home. They aren’t looking for food or waste or moisture, they want YOU. Bedbugs bite in order to get little bits of your blood. That means unless you take precautions when traveling, getting bedbugs is a real possibility no matter how well maintained your home is. That means there is no shame if you have to call an Ocean County bedbugs removal contractor!

6) Most Modern Treatments Are Now Safe

In the past, pest control treatments may have gotten the job done, but they came with a host of side issues that could be of concern. They were toxic and often unsafe, leading to major health concerns if used improperly – and in some cases even if used properly! The good news is, those days are long gone. Any reputable Ocean County bedbugs expert is going to be using modern treatments that are safer while still achieving the same results. In addition, modern techniques require fewer chemicals before modern pest control experts are just plain better at their jobs. They’ve learned new techniques that make the whole process more effective AND safer – and that’s good news for everyone!

8) If You Have A Major Problem, Consider Altering Your Neighbors

You might be embarrassed to have a load of field mice or a cockroach infestation in your home, but the first thing you need to understand is that it’s not your fault. Infestations can happen in the cleanest of households! Once you understand that, the next step is to consider altering your neighbors that critters are in the neighborhood. These problems tend to not be contained to just one home. They spread to entire neighborhoods. That means you’re not only doing your neighbors a favor by alerting them to the problems, you’re doing YOURSELF a favor by ensure the problem doesn’t return a few months later, because you may chase the pests out of your home, but they’ll be back if all they did was run next door. And you don’t want to have to call the Ocean County bedbugs removal expert again, do you?

Safe traveling, and don’t let the bedbugs bite!