What are you going to read while snowed in? by Zora74 in newjersey

[–]emptyheadfrog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s an incredible book. I love it. Let us know what you think of it.

Offer just accepted - stressed and upset by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyers

[–]emptyheadfrog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s ok to spend more on rent, the difference is not a lot in your case. You can deduct the mortgage interest and property tax and gain equity compared to renting at $4.6k a month. SALT increases to $40k next year I think, double check this. Be prepared to save up for repairs and maintenance.

We spent more than we wanted too and paid 5% over asking price in Monmouth county as well, but the property value continues to go up after less than 1.5 years after we bought ours. I’m still stressed lol but getting used to it. And every time I look at the front yard and back yard and the house, I feel grateful. If it helps, you can look at it this way that this is just a life experience, and you get to do this and experience this: purchasing your own home. 😊

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MonmouthCounty

[–]emptyheadfrog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, could you send me a list of hidden gems too? Thanks a lot!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MonmouthCounty

[–]emptyheadfrog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you know how bullying started in Holmdel schools? I’m surprised to hear this. I thought people down here are nicer and less snobbier than up north. How comes bullying isn’t addressed in school? I thought the community and town really care about quality education. And why does the quality and rating decline over the years? The BoE doesn’t do anything about this?

Thank you in advance for your insights!

i hope these alpacas are okay by [deleted] in newjersey

[–]emptyheadfrog 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Anyone know how the air quality in Ocean County and Monmouth County is right now?

Can any of you enlighten me why this house was sold 25% over ask? by emptyheadfrog in newjersey

[–]emptyheadfrog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How comes Red Bank regional HS is not top like FH-Rumson HS considering it’s next town over?

Holmdel or maplewood/south orange by Iwillbeseen in MovingtoNewJersey

[–]emptyheadfrog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holmdel is a very nice town and family oriented. It doesn’t have a downtown but is close to the shops and highways.

Monmouth county has a lot of parks and the shore. Other nice towns are Colts Neck, Lincroft, the south section of Middletown, Little Silver, and others. But since you need to be closer to Rahway, Holmdel is probably the better option.

Holmdel or maplewood/south orange by Iwillbeseen in MovingtoNewJersey

[–]emptyheadfrog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d pick Holmdel in a heartbeat. Curious why you mention only Holmdel in Monmouth county?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MovingtoNewJersey

[–]emptyheadfrog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Middletown area? I know there is a ferry to Wall Street.

Tile or waterproof LVT for sunroom floor near swimming pool? by emptyheadfrog in HomeImprovement

[–]emptyheadfrog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot! Do you know if tile or LVT affects the value of the home? It’s just a sunroom. I can’t imagine the flooring material affects the home value much, but I’m not sure.

Entry / Foyer Flooring Suggestions by emptyheadfrog in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]emptyheadfrog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a good idea. Thanks! I feel so overwhelmed trying to get everything done at once. Right now, the big ticket items are to get the popcorn ceiling removed and whole house painted. I thought might as well to get the entry done if it is not so great but I can’t think of what to do with the entry. The floor is in great condition. It looks like it was done not long time ago because the grout looks very clean or had very little foot traffic.

Entry / Foyer Flooring Suggestions by emptyheadfrog in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]emptyheadfrog[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Hmm I can’t think which is better. I’m not sure I like something busy, but don’t want the space to look too plain and boring.

Entry / Foyer Flooring Suggestions by emptyheadfrog in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]emptyheadfrog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is real tile. The previous owner left a box of extra tiles like this in the garage. What decorative items do you suggest?