Red Bank Named One of 20 Best Towns!

Look no further than the charm of our riverfront Red Bank, NJ for entertainment, community, and possibly your new home! Read more about historic and scenic Red Bank here: http://bit.ly/RedBank_BestLittleTown

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR IN KEYPORT

Make your dreams of owning a home a reality!  Thursday May 10th, Better Homes Realty in Keyport will be hosting a FREE First Time Home Buyers Seminar here in town at a local coffee house called Esspresso Joe's. There will be a variety of speakers and Real Estate professionals on hand to answer all of your questions and concerns in todays very challenging market.  Information on Monmouth County Grant Funds and Short Sale advice will be available! Preview available properties for Keyport, Hazlet, Aberdeen and Middletown. The meeting will start at 6pm and for more information please contact the Keyport office directly at 732-264-9593!!!

National Open House Weekend Tips!

ATTENTION BUYERS!! The time has come to get your comfortable shoes on, grab a water bottle and get the car keys, it's National Association of Realtor's Open House Weekend and in Monmouth County the balloons will be everywhere!!! Here are some handy tips that you may want to keep you from getting overwhelmed by it all. First, make it an occasion to spend some quality time with your significant other by getting a babysitter so you can see as many as possible and look forward to lunch or dinner after 4pm when most of them end. Second, have a plan! Know which areas you are most interested in based on school systems, access to work or family members, Hazlet, Middletown and Holmdel are among the most popular. Try to determine the exact style of house that you like such as a Colonial, Ranch, Split, Bi-Level or Cape. Research these different styles so you have an idea of what they look like from the street and try to resist the temptation to look at any that you know will not be your dream house so will have time to preview the right one.  Establish if you definitely want a garage, this will cut down on the amount of homes you would be tempted to preview on your drive by. Bring a pen and make notes on the print outs offered by the Realtors so you will be able to refresh your memory at the end of the day. And finally, remember to have fun and get excited about the prospect of buying your next home! Joanne Schiffres, http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty, Hazlet 732-757-5013    

Your Realtor Is A Valuable Resource

Realtors are more than just "door openers".  An experienced full time agent has established and maintained great industry relationships over the years in order to serve his or her clients when it comes to the largest purchase they will ever make. Your Realtor's sole purpose should be to make your transaction as seemless as possible. That is why they should be the first person you go to when you need an important referral such as an attorney, home inspector or most importantly, a mortgage representative. Real Estate transactions are only as good as the people involved in order to move things along in a timely fashion and open communication between those related industries are most important when difficulties arise. Why wouldn't you, the buyer or seller, want all parties involved in your transaction to have your best interests in mind and make this experience one of excitement and joy rather than something else entirely! Joanne Schiffres  http://joannes.betterhomesus.com Better Homes Realty 732-757-5013

HIREAVETERAN Career Fair

Tuesday April 24th 11am - 4pm Merri Makers Reception Center  PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel All Branches of military service are invited to attend. bring resumes and meet with representatives from  the following organizations: (just to name a few) Centenary College, Open Road Auto Group, Magyar Bank, Creative Financial Group of NJ, Dr. Rotem, Merri-Makers, Prudential Financial, Riva Networks Inc. Primerica Financial Serv., Patuxent Enginerring LLC, USBGC, Rutgers University, Sysco Metro New York, Set Focus, Greenway Mortgage, Earle Asphalt Company, MetLife/Bridge Financial Group and many other. Info by: Independent Newspaper: Posted by Lisa Alaimo Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451   www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Help with Utility & Fuel bills is available

Eatontown LIHEAP emergency assistance may be the answer for households needing help to pay their utility/fuel bills. There are trained counselors on staff to help clients navigate quickly through the LIHEAP qualification and application process. Even those who have previously applied elsewhere can be quickly recertified by working with the alliance staff. Potential clients must be able to provide their most recent fuel bill or current pending shut-off notice as well as meet other qualifications. Required proof of income documentation includes utility bills, pay stub, social security, disability or unemployment insurance proof of address and proof of US citizenship. To apply for LIHEAP or learn more call: 732-389-2204 www.housingall.org Info by Indenpendent Newspaper. Posted by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451    www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Treasure hunting n the Navesink

Red Bank Public Library are organizing the fifth annual Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 5, 9am -3pm. Registration information available at the Red Bank Public Library 84 West Front St. or  www.Imxac.org/redbank All proceeds from the yard sale registration will benefit the Friends of the Red Bank Public Library. Info by Independent Newspaper. Posted by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty  800-531-2885 x 451  www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Indulge & Relax Ladies Night

AsanaNJ.com is hosting a Fundraiser for One Small Wish, while enjoying an evening of relaxation and indulging in Dove Chocolate Discoveries. The evening will include a Basic Flow Yoga Class, along with a 10 minute massage. Refreshments will be offered. Registration for the fundraiser is required. Click the link to register: http://asananj.com/site/event/indulge-relax-ladies-night-fundraiser/ info by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885  x451

Garden State Film Festival 3-22 thru 3/25 2012

The 10th Annual Garden State Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre and other area venues. See over 190 current independent films from around the globe. This fun-filled weekend includes a special FREE screening of Michael, open talent casting call, professional panel discussions, parties, and more. Special Screening:  "I want My Name Back" Sat March 24th 9PM Wonder Mike & Master Gee of Rappers Delight, followed by a historic reunion concert with special guests. GSFF Only happens once a year.. Get tickets at the venues or GSFF.ORG source: APP  posted by Lisa Alaimo Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesInNJ.com  

Better Homes Red Bank Agent Hits the 10 Year Mark!

This year marks Jenine Ford’s 10^th anniversary as a real estate agent—the last three, happily at Better Homes Realty in Red Bank “I chose Better Homes because of their unbeatable internet presence,” she said. Ford resides in Eatontown, NJ and is a mother of two. She not only enjoys serving the community in their search for the perfect home, but also being part of the community as a mother, an agent, and a friend: “I pride myself on being not just a neighbor, but an agent who cares about my town and community.” Ford’s aforementioned commitment to the community is mirrored through nine years of Circle of Excellence status—quite an achievement! Although Ford’s domain extends throughout Monmouth County, she enjoys professional relationships and mutual goals with buyers and sellers from her area and beyond. Congratulations Jenine, we are proud to have you!

Monmouth County--JUST SOLD--2/29-3/5

2/29/2012 Aberdeen: 4 bedroom/3 bath Ranch 370 Fairfield Way$140,000 6 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 882 Malden Dr. $190,000 Atlantic Highlands: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Dutch Colonial 60 Fourth Ave $375,000 Colts Neck: 14 bedroom/7 bath Villa 187 Heyers Mill Rd. $4,450,000 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath brick front Colonial 121 Nottingham Dr. $539,000 Freehold: 4 bedroom/1 bath Colonial 27 Parker St. $105,000 4 bedroom/1 ½ bath split level  98 Wynnewood Ct. $230,000 4 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 132 Townsend Dr. $340,000 6 bedroom/6 ½ bath Colonial 311 Brandon Blvd. $1,150,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 16 High Point Rd. $517,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 12 Morse Way $653, 500 Howell: 2 bedroom/2 bath mobile home 5 Kay Lane $26,500 Long Branch: 4 bedroom/3 bathroom Victorian 470 Harrison St. $220,000 Manalapan: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 51 Winged Foot Dr. $455,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ Colonial 16 Millay Rd. $365,000 Middletown: 2 bedroom/1 bath Cape 364 Port Monmouth Rd. 87,500 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 141 Iler Dr. $405,000 Neptune: 3 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 53 Heck Ave. $363,000 Millstone: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath 1 Red Owl Court $475,000 Red Bank: 3 bedroom/ 1 ½ bath Cape 84 John Street $363,000 Sea Girt: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 201 Boston Blvd. $2,000,000 Union Beach: 4 bedroom/3 bedroom Ranch 514 Central Ave. $225,000   3/1/2012 Eatontown: 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Mother/Daughter 1 Woodmere Dr. $275,000 Fair Haven: 5 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 166 fair Haven Rd. $689,000 Highlands: 2 bedroom/2 bath RaisRan 8 Bay St. $195,000 Holmdel: 4 bedroom/2½ bath Center Hall Colonial 12 Cindy Lane $640,000 Howell: 3 bedroom/2 bath Custom Home 117 Casino Dr. $230,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Weymouth Dr. $280,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Kinglet Ave. $335,000 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 9 Damascus Dr. $485,000 Middletown: 3 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 502 Mackey Ave. $290,000 5 bedroom/2 bath Colonial 782 Clinton Pl. $380,000 Neptune: 2 bedroom/1 bath Ranch 3406 W bangs Ave. $44,000 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 6 Provincial Pl. $232,500 Rumson: 3 bedroom/3 bath Colonial 3 Wood Lane $1,385,000 Tinton Falls: 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 107 Annapolis St.$330,000 West Long Branch: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 4 Primrose Lane $324,000   3/2/2012 Asbury Park: 3 bedroom/1 ½ bath Colonial 1513 3rd Ave. $268,000 Holmdel: 3 bedroom/ 2 bath split level 17 Deerfield Rd.$400,000 4 bedroom/ 2 ½ bath Colonial 7 Sweet Briar Lane $477,500 Howell: 4 bedroom/3 bath Bi-level 43 Forrest Hill Dr. $290,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Split-level 9 Silversmith Ct.$296,000 Manalapan: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 40 Symmes Rd. $282,500 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath Colonial 99 N Parsonage Way $750,000 Marlboro: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Ranch 36 Longfellow Terr. $310,000 3 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 40 Hummingbird Ct. $361,000 Ocean: 4 bedroom/2 ½ bath Colonial 17 Conaskonk Dr. $405,000 Oceanport: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 97 Monmouth Blvd. $365,000 Roosevelt: 6 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 35 Lake Dr. $305,000 Rumson: 3 bedroom/2 bath Victorian 94 Bingham Ave.$460,000 4 bedroom/5 bath Colonial 4 Bellevue Ave. $1,425,000 Sea Bright: 4 bedroom/4 ½ bath Custom 8 Tradewinds Lane $1,750,000 Wall: 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch 1204 Laurel Ave. $387,500

Networking Wine Social

Join the OCBR housing opportunities committee on April 12th at the Bacchus Winery in Toms River from 530-7:00 p.m. for an evening of great food, wine and fun. Enjoy Hors D'oeuvres and fresh Panini's from Buccio's Gourmet Bistro!   click on the link to print out your invitation... Click here for the Invitation

Kaboom Fireworks on the Navesink?

The Kaboom Executive Committee announced on Feb. 15 that Red Bank's 2012 July 3 fireworks display would not take place due to soaring security costs and insurance premiums, coupled with the difficulty of monitoring public safety. A 50 year tradition which has become victim to its own success. It has become so large, it attracts 100,000-150,000 people to town and that does so much for local restuarants and retailers. Fore more info visit: www.gmnews.com details by Kristen Dalton of Independent newspaper. Posted by: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  www.SearchHomesinNJ.com  

Help for Seniors

Click here for more info from my colleague Sandra RostekFebruary 29, 2012 by Wendy Trager Email: wendytrager@optonline.net.   It comes as no surprise that some of the hardest hit in this economy are seniors.  Homes seniors have been living in their whole adult life may now burdensome to pay for and upkeep.  Many seniors feel they have nowhere else to go.  Reverse Mortgages can be the solution for a variety of problems:

• To help seniors looking to downsize and finance the purchase of a smaller home.
• To help seniors facing foreclosure
• To help seniors suffering from job loss and unable to pay their mortgage
• To help with home repairs
• To help with sale of home
• To help a senior stay in their current home and pay for home healthcare

• The homeowners must 62 years old
• The home must be their principal residence (must live in the home more than half a year)
• The home must be a single family home, a 2-4 unit building or a federally approved condominium or planned unit development
• If there are debts against the home, then the homeowner must use the reverse mortgage to pay it off
• There are NO credit/income requirements

• Traditional mortgage or home equity loans require proof of sufficient income and credit history to qualify, and you will have to repay beginning within 30 days of closing.  With a reverse mortgage, there are no monthly payments to be made at any time during the loan for as long as you continue to occupy the home as a primary residence.  Since there is no monthly payment, the FHA does not require verification of your income and does not require a good credit rating. 

Let's Buy Something Together...

Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems Buying a home can be both exciting and stressful but, for those with past credit problems, the process may also seem intimidating.  The good news is that many lenders have adapted to the idea that many hopeful homeowners simply need a second chance, which means that past credit problems no longer have to define your future. Credit Blemishes When life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, it’s not always possible to come out without a few bumps and bruises. Every day, people are faced with late or missed credit card payments, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, auto repossessions and even civil judgments that will affect their credit reports for years to come.  Whether it’s from a job loss, injury or just a simple case of temporary hardship, credit blemishes are often a part of life.  The good news is that they no longer have to prevent you from becoming a homeowner. Give Yourself A Little Credit After experiencing a credit problem, most lenders will want to see an attempt to rebuild your credit through a steady payment history with a new account.  This can be accomplished by applying for a credit card and maintaining a responsible use of the account.  If you aren’t approved for an unsecured card, you can always apply for a secured credit card. Either will rebuild your credit over time and will help to show lenders that your past credit problems are just that - in the past. Clean Up Your Credit Report Before applying for a home loan, make sure that you check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Every 12 months, consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If anything is incorrect or found to be inaccurate, filing a dispute with the credit reporting agency can help to get the information corrected before speaking with a lender. When you apply for a home loan, the lender will access your credit report for the purpose of determining your creditworthiness. In an effort to ensure that you have the best possible chance at being approved for the loan at the best possible interest rates, making sure that your credit report is accurate is a must. Save Up For A Down Payment Some homebuyers often qualify for a mortgage with down payments as low as five percent (three and one half percent for FHA loans), but those with past credit problems may be required to shell out up to 35 percent or more for a down payment on their new home.  A buyer who pays a larger down payment obviously has more vested interest in the home and may, thereby, be less likely to default on a loan.  If you have past credit problems, check with your lender about specific down payment requirements and start saving! Creative Financing Options If you’ve exhausted all of your conventional efforts and are still turning up empty, don’t give up just yet. Alternative financing is an option that many homebuyers use to purchase a home.  Your REALTOR® can provide you with details regarding any lease purchase and/or owner financing properties, which may require no credit check, no bank qualifying, a low down payment and competitive interest rate options.

Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet selected as "2012 N.J. Five Star Real Estate Agent"!

Great News!!! Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet Branch is one of the recipents of the 2012 New Jersey Five Star Real Estate Agent award. She is among a group of fewer than 7% of real estate agents in the New Jersey area. New Jersey Monthly asked Five Star Professional to conduct research with clients, peers and industry experts to determine the r.e. agents in N.J. area who rated highest in overall satisfaction. Winners will be listed in the March 2012 issue of New Jersey Monthly. Congradulations Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty Hazlet, N.J. 800-531-2885 x 451    www.SearchHomesinNJ.com

Luxury Waterfront Properties Offer Discounted Closing Prices!

Mark the Date!!! Your Residential Real Estate Questions Answered.

Live Chat on Ustream.tv  by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty.  Present will be Michael J. Weber of Weber Law Offices in Howell, NJ.  Chat live and ask you real estate questions.  All Residential real estate questions and RE Legal Quesions. Re-sale, short sales, bank owned, foreclosure, condo's, town homes & rentals. Mark the date... March 1, 2012 at 7:PM You can email your request prior, we will respond on live chat and email you back with answers. Email to : LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com See you there... Channel Name:  BHRLisaalaimo or search on ustream.tv  NJrealestateagent   or just click the link below and save to your favorites. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njrealestateagent Lisa Alaimo.. . .www.SearchHomesinNJ.com     for Michael Weber of Weber Law offices...  www.WeberLawOffices.com

Avoiding Foreclosure (Government information)

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure Call me with any questions. 800-531-2885 x 451 or email me at:  LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com  Better Homes Realty   Lisa Alaimo

HUD AWARDS NEW JERSEY HOUSING AUTHORITIES $62 MILLION TO IMPROVE, PRESERVE NATION'S PUBLIC HOUSING STOCK

Asbury Park Housing Authority receiving: $ 899,164./ Belmar Housing Authority receiving: $ 42,496./ Brick Housing Authority receiving: $ $244,053./ Edison Housing Authority $ $180,659./ Freehold Housing Authority $ $81,609./  Highlands Housing Authority $ $114,446./ Keansburg Housing Authority $ $62,350. Long Branch Housing Authority $$987,915./ Middletown Housing Authority $78,245./ Neptune Housing Authority $364,030./ New Brunswick Housing Authority $568,072./ Perth Amboy Housing Authority $980,463./  Red Bank Housing Authority $88,248./  South Amboy Housing Authority $155,898./  Woodbridge Housing Authority $719,382. For a complete list of cities and awarded amounts please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/new_jersey/news/HUDNo.2012-02-10 entered by Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty 800-531-2885 x451  visit: www.LisaAlaimo.com

Pricing your home to sell.

How to use comparable sales to sell your home.. Click the link from houselogic..  http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/how-use-comparable-sales-price-your-home/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty   800-531-2885 x451  www.LISAALAIMO.com   email me at: LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com

How much Mortgage can you afford?

4 good tips.. Click the link for info: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/4-tips-determine-how-much-mortgage-you-can-afford/ Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty:   www.LisaAlaimo.com   email me: Lalaimo@BetterHomesUS.com   or call me at: 800-531-2885  x451

The Costume Shop in Keyport is Closing it's doors!!! Everything MUST GO!

Sad to say but.... The Costume Shop in Keyport is closing its doors..  Everything MUST GO!!!!  Feb. 29th 2012 it's gone! 50% off all Retail Costumes, Masks, Wigs, Make-up. Fixtures etc. also for sale.. Maybe early for Halloween, but not early for a great deal... Stop by: 41 Division St. Keyport, NJ 07735   PH: 732-264-5115   Hours: Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri 10-6  & Sat 10-2 information provided by Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty... Call Lisa for a complimentary Market analysis. 732-241-4588 * 800-531-2885 x 451

Avoid Foreclosure!!! Call Lisa Alaimo 800-531-2885 x451

Avoid Foreclosure!  For a Confidential consultation please contact: Lisa Alaimo of Better Homes Realty at:   732-241-4588   or     800-531-2885  x 451 email at: LAlaimo@BetterHomesUS.com December 2012 is the EXPIRATION of the " Forgiveness Act"..  Know your rights.. call for info. NJ Real Estate Attorney can be present at consultation. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act was introduced in Congress on September 25, 2007, and became law on December 20, 2007. This act offered relief to homeowners who would formerly owe taxes on forgiven mortgage debt after facing foreclosure. The act extends such relief for three years, applying to debts discharged in calendar year 2007 through 2009. (With the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, this tax relief was extended another three years, covering debts discharged through calendar year 2012.) info: wikipedia.. Contact Lisa Alaimo now!  732-241-4588  or 800-531-2885 ext. 451 Better Homes Realty..

Looking for Middletown Parking Permit

Middletown's main parking lot on Church St. next to the train station no longer has a wait list. At the half year mark, parking permits for the main lot are on sale now for $200. for residents and $225. for non residents. Permits are good through June 30. Contact the office of the Township Clerk at 732-615-2015 from 9am -5pm. Monday through Friday for more information. information courtesy of Independent news entered by Lisa Alaimo/Better Homes Realty

Hampton Inn proposed in Red Bank hints at river access

RED BANK — Debate on plans to build a six-story Hampton Inn on a triangular property between Route 35, Rector Place and the river focused on the river at Monday night’s Planning Board meeting. The question and answers back and forth went between attorney Ronald Gasorowski, representing resident Steven Mitchell who opposes the project, other residents and objectors and planner Roy DeBoer. The next hearing by the borough Planning Board on the application is Dec. 21. DeBoer made several arguments on behalf of the project, including that at six stories the hotel fits in with other nearby tall buildings, including several apartment complexes, the Molly Pitcher Inn and Oyster Point Hotel and an office building. He said at 80 feet it wasn’t the highest out of all those structures, because the Grandview apartment building is 100 feet high. Mitchell cited height as one of his reasons for opposing the project early in the hearing process. “It falls in to the parameters of smart growth; it’s an adaptive reuse of the property,” he said. The developer, RBank Capital LLC, would build the first section of the “river walk” envisioned by the borough’s waterfront plan, which called for a promenade at the river’s edge along the Navesink and Swimming rivers. A deteriorating bulkhead on the river also would be replaced, he said. “The goal of the town is to build a river walk and they will get a piece of it,” DeBoer said. Opponents argued that it would be a walk to nowhere and a Middletown woman argued that there was no nearby parking for people to drive to the river walk. Mayor Pasquale “Pat” Menna said the river walk would be used by residents of the borough’s west side. DeBoer said that the triangle-shaped property presented challenges and resulted in application for waivers from some design standards where a corner of the proposed structure came closer to property lines than zoning standards permitted. “If it’s so hard to put a square peg in a round hole, why are you trying?” asked resident Conner Walby of Campbell Street, who questioned the applicant’s contention that the hotel will provide a better view of the river for neighbors than the existing gasoline station on the property. DeBoer said instead of building a solid slab, the proposed hotel has a central core and a deck on stilts which allows people to “see through” to the river. “At least one third of the site is open,” he said. “You can see under the deck and get some views that way.” Gasorowski challenged that contention, because plans call for allowing about 20 to 30 cars to park in the front of the property. “How will 20 to 30 cars parked in the front contribute to people being able to see the river?” he asked. DeBoer said people would have a “filtered view” of the river.  

Written by Larry Higgs | Staff Writer

When one conjures an image of Independence Day, they gravitate to thoughts of beautiful weather, hot dogs, family friends, bar-b-cues, and FIREWORKS. As the annual celebration of America, grilling, and pyrotechnics descends upon us one would be wise to celebrate in Monmouth County, NJ. Here in the quintessential shore community towns are gearing up for their salute to America, everyday this weekend one can sample something from the veritable smorgasboard of all things Americana. My first stop of the weekend will actually begin tomorrow night In Atlantic Highlands. The Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair is this week; running from Tuesday to Saturday. The highlights are Wednesday night's Fire Fighter night and Friday Nights Fireworks. All festivities are located at the Atlantic Highlands harbor found at the end of First Ave. KaBoom Fest in Red Bank will encompass the 1-3rd culminating is undoubtedly the finest fireworks spectacle in New Jersey. I love these fireworks, it gets crowded so get there early. I recommend taking the train in, parking gets to be an issue (price/availability/traffic). Contact the rivercenter for dining and shopping specials. Finally we have Oceanfest in Long Branch, this celebration of America and the Atlantic is celebrating its 21st year of existence. For those who prefer fireworks actually happening on the 4th, this is the place to go. I would stop in Sea Bright this evening and catch both the Long Branch and the Sea Bright Fireworks simultaneously. Sea Bright provides the musical stylings of the Tim McLoone Band, plus great beachfront restaurants and moderately better parking that the beach at Long Branch. Come on down the shore and celebrate your independence!

Red Bank restaurants band together to market town’s culinary attractions

Tips on getting Red Bank’s groove back

Bistro owner cites factors that keep shoppers out of town

Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

ART SHOW DISPLAYS FOR THE SNOW DAYS

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI The iceberg-sized snowmounds are still here. The temps are near arctic. It's the winter blahs, perhaps the slowest time of year for action, especially in the arts world. And in the Red Bank sector, not much is doing now. Or at all, really, in the way of grassroots endeavors to showcase local talent, says Mellisa Pickering, one of the town's more recognizable faces - and voices, with her Irish brogue - on the coffee scene. Take those elements and it's precisely the right time to get something going, said Pickering, who has a graphic design background and a passion for art. "Red Bank is so quiet right now. I'm sick of waiting for something to happen," she said. "So we decided to make something happen ourselves." The result is a winterlong, and perhaps yearlong, biweekly arts show at Broad Street's Zebu Forno, where Pickering works. The show kicked off Saturday and continued Sunday. About a dozen artists showed off their wares, ranging from original paintings, photographs and handcrafted jewelry to niche crafts such as medieval chain armor and trinkets made from recycled materials. You'd be hard-pressed to find an assembly of artists like this one anywhere else. "The different talents they do have here is pretty good," said Krista McCaffery, of Perth Amboy, who was selling jewelry she makes out of sea glass. "It has potential." Pickering, with the help of a Craigslist ad, culled a mix of artists both locally and from all over the state to fill Zebu's recently-completed back room. The show gave the artists a chance to expose their work at a time when opportunities are few. "A venue like this, and Mellisa, who wants to support local artists at a very low price, is very helpful, especially in the winter months. " said Michelle Renee Bernard, an Ocean Grove artist who uses recycled materials to make jewelry and assorted crafts. "This is perfect." While the venue may have been perfect, it posed a small problem for Ryan Dougherty, who takes stainless steel and recreates medieval body armor. "I'm a little worried about the food over there," he said. "The profits may go right back in." Still, like most of the other artists, Southerland said he'd likely be back for the show, which is on a fluid schedule right now, Pickering said. Originally intended to be a weekly event, held on Saturdays and Sundays, Pickering said coordination may push it to be held every other weekend. But there's lot of interest, she said, leading her to believe that rather than running the shows through the winter, she may make it year-round. "I've got three hundred emails," she said. "We'll just have to see." Anyone interested in learning more of getting involved can email Pickering here.

Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

COURTYARDS of MONMOUTH PLAN GETS CLOSER ONCE-OVER

  Red Bank zoners held the first of what is expected to be a series of hearings on the details of a proposed 57-unit housing development on a neglected stretch of Monmouth Street Thursday night. GS Realty, the unit of Amboy Bank that owns the site, is seeking a long list of variances, from building heights and setbacks from the street, in order to clear the way for the so-called Courtyards at Monmouth project. Last July, byt a 5-2 vote, the zoning board granted a use variance for what members called “a very dense project” in new train station zone formed to attract high-density housing and retailing, though the plan calls for no stores. At the time, those in favor cited a desire to jump-start construction on the 1.24-acre property, which is also bounded by West and Oakland streets. The current hearings are aimed at establishing whether and how the project might deviate from zoning laws. An attorney for the project said that since last summer, the bank had gotten “considerable input” from neighbors, including the Red Bank Charter School, resulting in a plan that would feature solar power of common areas, a rain garden and the introduction of the borough’s first car-share program. The bulk of the Thursday’s testimony by experts for GS served to outline elements such as driveway access, sewer connections and the solar panels to be installed in canopies above parking spaces. An engineer testified that the project would provide 67 parking spaces, including two reserved for the car-share program – which would be run by a nonprofit organization – and six for use by the charter school and the community when school is out. Oakland Street’s Mandy Hanigan asked about garbage enclosures and the planting of taller trees to provide better privacy to adjoining homes. Engineer Gregory Valesi said the bank would look into providing the largest possible plantings in the buffer area. Resident James Hulsizer praised the architecture of the project’s two proposed buildings, but expressed concern that the 12-unit structure along Oakland Street would be “right up against sidewalk.” “There’s a pretty common setback along Oakland Street that’s not being matched,” he said, and asked if it could be. Lawyer Kenneth Pate replied that “there is no other location where the building can be placed” and still allow for adequate parking. “That building has a special purpose, it is an affordable housing building,” he said. Former Mayor Ed McKenna was present in the audience to pull for the plan. “This is huge,” he told redbankgreen. “It’s a huge plus for the town.” Bank officials pledged in July to provide an overall mortgage to a developer of the site, or to joint venture with one, to ensure the project gets built. They also said they would offer mortgages on every unit sold. http://www.redbankgreen.com/2011/01/courtyards-plan-gets-closer-once-over.html#more-36587

Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

Sugarush: A New Kind of Sweet Experience in Red Bank

Part of the reason I started this blog site was not only to build my business, but to show what makes the Jersey Shore so great.  The locals that live and work in towns like Red Bank, Long Branch, and Asbury Park are bringing life, diversity, and culture.  Spotlighting new local businesses, to me, is a great way to learn a lot about a town as you try and make a decision as to relocate there or not.  Below is an article written about a new bakery coming to Red Bank. RED BANK’S LATEST RUSH: CUPCAKES By DUSTIN RACIOPPI For years, it was a joke among friends that Jesse Bello-Paseka and his partner, Chris Paseka, should take their hobby out of their Manhattan kitchen and to the public. The couple, who, until recently did marketing and design work on Broadway, were known for their planning, decorating and baking prowess for private events and parties. But they grew tired of the daily grind in the city, and decided to make a change in lifestyle shortly after they were married this summer. “A few years ago, we joked that we’d quit our lives, quit the rat race and go to a small town and live our lives kind of stress-free,” Paseka said. “After the wedding, we were like, why don’t we entertain it?” It’s not quite the stress-free life they imagined — not yet, at least — but the pair is perfectly happy with their reincarnation as a baking and business duo and owners of Sugarush, a new specialty cupcake shop and bakery in Red Bank. The Pasekas opened the doors at 37 East Front, in the space formerly occupied by Take A Bow, on December 28, and already they’re getting used to seeing the same faces across the counter. “It’s been a wonderful response. We’ve had three repeat customers in two days,” Paseka said earlier this week. “I had one woman on New Year’s Eve, after we closed, banging on the window, going, ‘please, please let me buy something.” The Pasekas consider themselves fortunate for the immediate enthusiastic response. For more than a year, another cupcake business, Cake Red Bank, was rumored to be opening up on West Front, but hasn’t. So the excitement has been a bit of a double-edged sword, Bello-Paseka said. “People have waited so long for something to happen, to get on this cupcake train,” said Bello-Paseka, who grew up in Middletown. “And it’s like, man, we better do good.” A lot of that depends on Bello-Paseka, who’s commanding the kitchen duties while his husband handles the front end of the shop. These guys have a tall order. In addition to offering candy buffets, catering services, customized t-shirts, plus all the fixings for a sure trip to the dentist — soda, candy, brownies, cake pops — there’s the main focus of the store: the cupcakes. There’ll be six staples available each day, plus daily specials, along with a cupcake bar, where there may be anywhere from 20 to 30 different toppings, “because everybody’s sweet tooth is different,” Paseka said. “And we want to be able to satisfy every sweet tooth,” he said. The Pasekas are charitable, too. Each month they’re donating a portion of proceeds from sales of their signature Sugarush cupcake to select non-profits and good causes. This month it’s the Red Bank Fire Department. “It was important to us to give back. We have a volunteer fire department, we have a soup kitchen, we have all these things in town,” Paseka said. “I want to be able to contribute because they’re helping us survive.” It’s taken a bit of getting used to, being away from the big city and adjusting to life as small business owners, but Paseka said each day, with every new customer, he and his partner are slowly weaning themselves from the “office mentality” and saying, “New York what?” “We get to do what we want to now. That’s the great thing about it, but also the scary thing about it, because we have to do everything,” Bello-Paseka said. “But isn’t life scary?” The Pasekas are still figuring out Sugarush’s hours, but they’ve been open most of the day since opening the doors. The official grand opening is set for 4p on January 28.  

Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

EMPTY WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY?

With all the empty storefronts and ‘for sale or lease’ signs downtown, it might be hard to see a silver lining for Red Bank’s economy. Scattered along on Broad and Front streets, windows show reflections and hollowed-out stores, not merchandise. Or they’re plastered with contact information, like one downtown cornerstone, Ashes Cigar Club, which was abruptly shut down during the height of the summer bustle. But there’s still hope for Red Bank, says Nancy Adams, executive director of RiverCenter, and things aren’t all that bad when you look at the larger economic picture. Those empty storefronts have opened the door for new ventures in town, she said. And there’s lots of interest in Red Bank, she said. “There are people looking,” Adams said. “Some of these vacancies have given an opportunity to people who have wanted to come here.” Behind the scenes, she said, deals are being negotiated and leases signed. At the forefront of curiosity is Ashes, which was shut down by a court-appointed official in July. Neither Adams nor building owner Jack Anderson was willing to speak to it yet, but Anderson is working with a prospective tenant for the large space at the corner of Broad and Mechanic streets. “It’s a big, bad spot to be vacant,” Adams said. Another gap on Broad is near the corner of Wallace Street, where Nevada Exchange recently cleared out its stock of D’Angelico guitars. Last year, the business — there’s another location in Shrewsbury — switched from an antique shop and guitar dealer to strictly sell the esoteric axes. Why the business left town isn’t clear. But while exits have been made, Adams said there are positive things happening, be it new businesses coming or existing businesses holding their own, or in some cases, exceeding expectations. For example, the Front Street space that has, twice now, been home to Zuleyka’s Kitchen — which slipped out of town as quickly and quietly as it re-entered — is close to being occupied by another food establishment, although Adams won’t attach a name to it. At 88 Broad, a new beauty store is set to open within the next couple weeks. The spot, formerly Eye Candy shoes, is the perfect location for Lux, said owner Linda Martino. “It’s a trendy town and we were hoping for the foot traffic,” said Martino, of Oceanport. “We’ve always liked Red Bank. It just seemed like a nice community where not only people from the area come, but people from other places come, too.” That was a draw for Martino, but Adams said there are other reasons prospective tenants are looking at Red Bank. A big one: the longtime businesses and the ones that are thriving, like Urban Outfitters. Adams said Urban is outperforming most, if not all, of its New Jersey stores — certainly its mall-based ones. “At the very least they’re doing awesome,” she said. Also doing awesome is the enviro-friendly pizza chain Pizza Fusion. “We’re the No.1 store in the chain,” owner Paul Finkler said. “So, yeah, so far, so good.” Pizza Fusion, along with three new stores on Broad — Scottrade, Staples and the soon-to-be-opened consignment shop Double Take — show that there’s heavy interest in making downtown Red Bank a home, says Geoff Brothers, a 30-year real estate veteran in town. “These are four good leases within, what, the last nine months on Broad?” he said. “It’s not all that bad. Yes, there are vacancies, but do we really think that we’re so special that we’re not going to feel the impact of the economy?” Rental rates, an object of complaint among business owners who say they are too high, have been reduced in some places to make downtown more attractive to prospective tenants, he said. But the rates fluctuate from owner to owner, he said, and aren’t always the key factor in closing a deal. In one spot, you can pay $30 per square-foot — a “significant” compromise for the area, Brothers said — and next to it, pay $18 per square-foot. Often it’s the location’s characteristics that play a major factor, he said; pricier spaces can sell while the cheaper ones sit vacant for months, or even years at a time. “So a lot of it has to do with the type of structure, the amount of space,” he said. Adams, who is aggressively recruiting businesses to either start up or expand in Red Bank, says she has a lot of ways to sell the town even though the economy is still shaky at best. And when stacked up against other comparable downtowns, Adams says Red Bank is holding its own. “The economic climate is bad just like everywhere else,” she said, but, “a lot of the businesses that have been here for a long time are working hard to hold on. And they’re doing that.” Brothers recently drove through downtown Lorain, Ohio, a place he said is comparable to Red Bank, and there were only two stores open. The level of activity downtown, which he said still is the vibrant economic center of the area, is an accomplishment given the reality of the national real estate market. “It’s staggering out there,” Brothers said. “The fact that (Red Bank) is doing as well as it is is the story.” Economic development officials from across the state will get to compare how their towns are faring when Downtown New Jersey holds its annual meeting at the Molly Pitcher Inn on September 28. Information provided by By DUSTIN RACIOPPI of redbankgreen.com.

Let’s Bring some Good Karma to Red Bank

What makes the tri-cities (Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Red Bank) places for the alternative and creative types are the businesses that are moving to these areas. Mentioning new small businesses opening in the tri-cities, I feel, allows outsiders to see the development and rehibilitation and ignite the desire to relocate here. I would like to talk about a new small business in Red Bank. The Good Karma Cafe has opened on Front Street. The owners, Gail Doherty and Tiffany Betts, two veterans of the Hip City alternative and natural food scene, are running an all-vegan cafe. Gail Doherty once co-owned Down to Earth vegan restaurant on Broad Street and Tiffany Betts worked for Doherty almost the entire time the restaurant was open. Red Bank has attracted and retained a large community of creative and alternative types and the natural foods sector plays an important role for progressive communities. Good Karma Cafe is now in a highly visible location on Front Street in Red Bank, a very accessible locale! Good Karma Cafe will be open Monday through Saturday from 12-9pm. The menu consists of lunch and dinner selections and will be available at all times. You can enjoy your all-vegan meal in the cafe or take it out, while accompanying it with fresh juices and smoothies. The menu is 90 percent organic, 100% vegan, and you can view the menu at www.goodkarmacafenj.com. “We live the life so it’s very important to us that we don’t make food that we wouldn’t eat,” Doherty says. “We’re basically creating a place for people to eat natural foods, and build a community. I feel we had our own community of like-minded people at Down to Earth. But now people have become even more educated so we believe the demand will be here.” As for opening a business in the worst economy in 70 years. Betts says, “I don’t really care. I’m not afraid. I think people want to eat good food.” Betts also states that she likes Red Bank. “You can walk around the streets at ngiht. You feel safe here… And, it has a lot of creative people. There is also some money here which helps support the economy. Asbury Park or Red Bank to me are the only places that really feel like a city where I’d want to do something like this, and where it would go over. And, we are close enough to Asbury Park and Long Branch and other creative places where everyone just kind of melds together.”