Southern New Jersey Overlook

Area Agent Is Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:06:11 -0400

LAWRENCE YERKES EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Lawrence Yerkes, of RE/MAX Preferred in South Jersey, has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Delaware Valley area, many more homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said Yerkes. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Lawrence Yerkes with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

For more details about Lawrence Yerkes and his distressed property services, visit: Certified Distressed Property Expert

Dickens Festival at Historic Medford Village: December 5th, 6 - 9:30 p.m. 2009

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:30:47 -0500

The township of Medford will celebrate it's 20th annual Dickens Festival, Saturday, Dec. 5th.

LOCATION: MAIN STREET (ROUTE 541) MEDFORD, NJ
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2008, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 7, 2008, 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Sponsored by the , it's the official Medford start to the Holiday season!

Kicking off the festival will be a tree lighting ceremony in the Main Street Gazebo at 18 North Main Street at 6:15 p.m. with events taking place continously throughout the evening.

Area residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll through Medford's historic village and into the past to experience an 18^th Century Dickens' Village lined with dimly lit lampposts, quaint shops trimmed with twinkling lights and dressed for the holidays. Plus, a live Nativity at Tomlinson Park and the town's ever famous Town Crier will ring in the season with the ever anticipated arrival of Santa.

Come and take a complimentary carriage ride through the back streets of Medford's historic village. Trolley will be available to shuttle you to and from designated parking lots.

There is something to enjoy for all ages.

(Source: Medford Twp PR, HMVA)

Rail Service From Philadelphia to New York City Through Trenton

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:11:20 -0400

Rail and subway service is available from Philadelphia and surrounding areas with connection in Trenton for service on through to New York City (Pennsylvania "Penn" Station) and it's subway system. Here are the links you need for stations, schedules, maps and fares...

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) - Subways, Trolleys, Bus and Rail services

NJTRANSIT (New Jersey Transit Authority) - Bus and Rail services

See also our web article: Getting Around New Jersey - Travel Information

as well as our blog article: Delaware Valley - Transportation

For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com

and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).

Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Fort Dix Hosting July 4th Fun and Firework - 2009

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:52:15 -0400

It's still time to join Fort Dix and the nation in observance of Independence Day on Sunday July 4th with fun, fireworks and entertainment at Doughboy Field. The event, 6 to 11 p.m., is open to the public.

The festivities kick off at 6pm and be prepared to be entertained by radio station Power 99 on-air personality; the up and coming singer Anthony Hall, the Silver Wings and R&B artist, Keyshia Cole.

A spectacular fireworks display begins around 9:30 p.m.

To enter the installation for the event photo identification will be required for all adults and children over the age of 12.

As a result of installations post-911 security requirements, no picnic baskets or coolers will be permitted, but blankets and chairs will be allowed. Vendors will be on site providing food and refreshments available for purchase.

Individuals with a military ID card/Civilian Government ID Card and appropriate DOD Decal on their vehicles will be admitted access at all gates. There will be restricted parking and buses will be provided to Doughboy Field, the site for the festivities starting at 5 p.m. (Click here for more information)

Click here for a list of other fireworks scheduled through the Delaware Valley.

Dickens Festival at Historic Medford Village: December 6th, 6 - 9:30 p.m. 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:41:39 -0500

The township of Medford will celebrate it's 19th annual Dickens Festival, Saturday, Dec. 6th.

LOCATION: MAIN STREET (ROUTE 541) MEDFORD, NJ
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2008, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
RAIN DATE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 7, 2008, 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Sponsored by the Historic Medford Village Association, it's the official Medford start to the Holiday season!

Kicking off the festival will be a tree lighting ceremony in the Main Street Gazebo at 18 North Main Street at 6:15 p.m. with events taking place continously throughout the evening.

Area residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll through Medford's historic village and into the past to experience an 18^th Century Dickens' Village lined with dimly lit lampposts, quaint shops trimmed with twinkling lights and dressed for the holidays. Plus, a live Nativity at Tomlinson Park and the town's ever famous Town Crier will ring in the season with the ever anticipated arrival of Santa.

Come and take a complimentary carriage ride through the back streets of Medford's historic village. Trolley will be available to shuttle you to and from designated parking lots.

There is something to enjoy for all ages.

For more information, call 609-714-8811 or email info@HMVA.org.

TEEN DICKENS FEST:

In conjunction with the Dickens Festival, the Medford Township Municipal Alliance is pleased to announce that the popular Teen Dickens Fest FREE special event for area teens is again being offered.

A must for every teen's social calendar. Plan to join in this event held during the annual Dickens Festival. Features live music, dancing, coffeehouses and other special activities especially for teens. Special drawings held throughout the evening with many great prizes, donated by area businesses. Co-sponsored by the Medford Municipal Alliance and Fellowship Alliance Chapel (FAC). To participate as a band, call (609) 654-2512 or e-mail recreation@medfordtownship.com

Scheduled from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Allen School, festivities will include live music, dancing and activities especially for local teens in grades 6 through 12.

(Source: Medford Twp PR, HMVA)

Medford, NJ Blast from the Past Classic Car Show - May 16, 2009

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:18:46 -0400

Medford will be hosting it's annual "Blast from the Past" on Saturday, May 16th. It was a great success last year.

This event provides everyone a chance to shop and eat in Medford and enjoy live entertainment ... and, of course, enjoy the fabulous custom cars and trucks that will be lining Main Street.

If you have a classic car and would like to participate, click here for the registration form to enter your vehicle.

Time: 10:00am - 4:00 pm

For some pictorial highlights from last year's event:

Blast from the Past - Classic Car Show - 2008

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:55:44 -0500

Underground storage tanks (UST) are an issue effecting all states in the Delaware Valley. They can be found in commercial as well as residential property. Though they share a lot of commonalities in their regulations and remediation, there are differences. Here are links detailing the policies and procedures regarding underground storage tank installation, testing, removal and remediation when necessary.

NEW JERSEY
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/srp/bust/
The definition of an UST, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 7:14B-1.6: is any one or combination of tanks, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 7:14B-1.4, including appurtenant pipes, lines, fixtures, and other related equipment, used to contain an accumulation of hazardous substances, the volume of which, including the volume of the appurtenant pipes, lines, fixtures and other related equipment, is 10 percent or more beneath the surface of the ground. A 'Tank' is a stationary device designed to contain an accumulation of hazardous substance which is constructed of non-earthen materials (for example, concrete, steel, plastic) that provide structural support.

For more details (including other Delaware Valley states and Federal resources): Underground Storage Tanks in the Delaware Valley

Visit my web site for additional resources and services: LawrenceYerkes.com

and visit BestHomes-NJ.com for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (residential, commercial, multi-family, farm, land)

Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Underground Storage Tank Legislation Signed into Law

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 22:50:48 -0400

On August 2, 2006, the New Jersey Governor signed into law S482- Sweeney (D-3)/McNamara (R-40). According to the NJAR, this proactive legislation will provide grants and loans to homeowners and business owners from the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Remediation, Upgrade and Closure Fund to finance closure and associated remediation of unregulated underground storage tanks (UST) before they become an environmental hazard.

For more information click here to visit the NJDEP SRWM (Site Remediation and Waste Management - Underground Storage Tanks (UST) - page

Visit my web site for additional resources and services: http://www.LawrenceYerkes.com

and visit BestHomes-NJ.com for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (residential, commercial, multi-family, farm, land)

Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Oil Tank Removal Grants Available

Tue, 13 May 2008 23:03:41 -0400

A recent article in the Colony News announced that the Medford Lakes Environmental Commission hosted an underground oil storage tank information session at Cathedral in the Woods on March 11, 2008, where subject matter experts served on panel to present information and answer questions of residents. Since the community consists primarily of older houses, the environmental commission is concerned about the many older tanks buried in the town, especially in a lake and well-water community. Bear steel tanks placed directly in the soil can begin to corrode in as little as 15 years, according to a study by the U.S. EPA.

The information session was organized to ensure that residents are aware of state assistance to cover some of the costs of removing these underground tanks through the NJEDA. A homeowner can receive up to $1,200 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and up to $3,000 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and the installation of a new aboveground oil tank.

Forms are available on the njeda.com web site. Once the tank has been removed and it is confirmed that it has not leaked, the application package can be submitted along with the $250 application fee to the NJEDA. Reimbursement checks are usually received in 4-6 weeks.

In the event that the oil tank has leaked, the same fund at the NJEDA can pay for the cleanup costs that are not covered by a tank protection plan and homeowners insurance policy. The NJEDA Fund can even cover any insurance deductible that the homeowner my have to pay.

In order to qualify for a grant the applicant has to have an annual taxable income of less than $250,000 and a net worth of less that $500,000, not including the value of the applicant's primary residence and retirement savings (401K/IRA/Pension). The applicant can be the owner or in certain cases the occupant of the residence. These grants are also available to estates, depending on the equity in the estate.

Source: Medford Lakes Colony News

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Wishing You A Better Year In 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:43:27 -0500

Wishing all of you a ...

... and a Prosperous and Healthy 2009!

We are thankful and feel blessed that, despite it's many challenges, we have survived 2008.

We now look forward in 2009 as we have made many significant adjustments for the changing market are in the process of implementing many enhancements and upgrades to continue expanding our effective market coverage and our ability to provide the best service to you!

We're we are excited about the benefits these changes will provide in 2009!

Come along with us!

Consumer ALERT: New Variations of Phishing Email Being Sent -- Beware!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:43:13 -0500

The "phishing" industry is morphing their tactics as people are becoming wise to their past methods. These criminals learn quickly and are becoming more sophisticated in ways to fool you.

I just received the following message from a bank. I immediately knew that it was bogus, since I did not have an account with it... but as I read the mail, I first started to think that is was legit, just sent to me by mistake.

I then looked it over more closely... valid return address, valid contact information about the bank, no suspicious links (just plain text), a warning about the dangers of "phishing", low-key suggestion to write a letter, email or call the included phone number. I thought, "Okay, it appears legitimate," and if I was the average account holder I would probably be seriously considering calling the phone number "immediately" as directed.

After checking the bank's web site (which I located independently, never use the supplied links/addresses as they may be pointing to a fake site), the only difference I noted was that the bank's phone numbers where in XX state and the phone number provided was in Illinois. (Which did not necessary mean it was fake, as many organizations have support numbers in different locations.)

However, by this time I was certain it was bogus for reasons I don't want to publish here, so out of curiosity I dialed the number included several times in the email, so they obviously were intending to drive responses to it.

On the phone, I encountered an automatic, official sounding message that said, "Welcome To XXXXX State Bank's Account Reactivation System... to start, please have your credit card information available and press 1 when ready..."

Here is an actual text of the email and actual phone number, the only change I made was to conceal the bank, as it was in no way their fault. (I did report the incident to them.)

--------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Alert: Increase in Fraudulent e-mails
--------------------------------------------------------------

XXXXX State Bank has confirmed that a small number of people were recently phished. "Phishing" is when a criminal replicates a legitimate web site to deceive individuals into providing personal financial, or other confidential information.

An unknown number of people recently received an email that appeared to be sent from XXXXX State Bank. We currently working to shut down the phishing site, and determining the extent to which our clients may have been affected.

Due to this attempts we have had to temporary suspend any future authorizations being conducted with your Credit Card. Please call us immediately at 1-309-807-0946

We will review the activity on your account with you and upon verification, we will remove any restrictions placed on your account. Please disregard this notice if you already re-activate your card.

XXXXX State Bank cares about you and we want to ensure the highest level of protection for you.

Sincerely,
XXXXX State Bank Fraud Department

You can contact us by phone, U.S. mail, or email. We look forward to hearing from you.

By phone:
1-309-807-0946
Or contact Customer Care at 1-309-807-0946

By U.S. mail:
XXXXX State Bank
Box 1234
1234 Main St.
XXXXX, XX 12345

Bottomline: You can never be too careful when it comes to protection against criminals gaining access to your personal information.

Click here for additional Security related articles

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2008!

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:04:15 -0500

Hoping you and your family have a warm, wonderful, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The Christmas season holds special meaning unique to each one of us.

Here are links to resources we have provided in previous articles celebrating from different persepctives the meanings, traditions, literature, music, food, fun, faith and family gatherings associated with this time of the year. Enjoy!

Christmas Holiday Music On The Internet
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Celebrate: The Christmas Holiday Season
The Holiday Season - Christmas Carols and Songs
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 1 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 2 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 3 of 3
Christmas Holiday Fun

Group Welcome to Commercial Real Estate and Posting Guidelines

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:54:50 -0500

Welcome to the ActiveRain Commercial Real Estate Group!

The intended purpose of this group is to provide a forum to share information and resources that are of specific interest to those of us involved with commercial real estate brokerage. It is also a way for us to network and build relationships, share experiences, exchange ideas and to develop referral sources.

Please feel free to contribute and to make any comments and suggestions about the direction this group should take and the topics for discussion.

POSTING CRITERIA FOR GROUP

While most of the posting criteria for this group is based on general ActiveRain guidelines, there are a few specific to this group (although most groups have similar ones):

1. No spamming... this includes personal advertisements, advertisements disgused as announcements, etc.

If you want people to get to know you, we have provided almost unlimited means for you to do so...

First, submit your information to the Real Estate or Lender Directory that should always be at the top of the Commercial group posts. David Abernathy does a great job of maintaining them and quickly adding submissions to the list.

Second, start posting comments to group posts that are of interest to you and where you can contribute your expertise for the benefit of the rest of us.

Third, submit your own posts to the group, sharing your knowledge, incite, experience and ideas that will benefit the rest of us.

Depending on your situation/needs, you may want to check out the Commercial Property Haves/Wants Group.

2. Stay on focus.

Just because you write a great post for which everyone may be interested, does not mean it should also be included in this group.

For those that have the tendency or urge to do this, allow me to make a suggestion...
It will probably be better to post the majority of your posts in the [*** make appropriate substitution here ***] group which are more generic with respect to readers and not this group, unless you want to specifically apply it to this group as a tutorial.

If you are discussing a fairly involved topic, unless it is a practical application that the majority can quickly grasp, it is my suggestion to post to "[** substitute appropriate group here ***]" and similar areas, then submit "practical application" and/or "tutorial" posts to groups like this (incorporating links to the more detailed posts as references) with specific examples oriented to this group.

I believe you will have more readership for those situations. (And extra AR points for the posts :-)

Otherwise, most people will see it as "noise" within the group and I am being "encouraged" to filter out as much "noise" as possible that does not deal specifically and directly focus on the objectives of this group.

3. Avoid ALL CAPS in titles.

While you think you are getting more attention that way, it actually does the reverse as most people view ALL CAPS in titles as either flaming, inexperienced poster, spam, immaturity or a combination of them. ALL CAPS in the heading, while it may make you stand out, are actually harder to read and most people tend to ignore associating with advertising. In order to avoid the "spamming" look of other blogs, we will remove automatically (do not have the time to notify poster) any entries that are ALL CAPS in the title. (If that happens to your entry, all you have to do is correct the title using upper/lower case and then resubmit.)

4. Properties for Sale or Desiring to Buy.

Most of us want others to know about our properties and we need a venue for other members to quickly find out about available properties.

However, we already have a great facility via Localism.com whereby we can posts listings by location. Posting listings to the Commercial Real Estate group can result in the group posts looking like spam and often interest to none but a very few members for each occurance.

For those that want to be able to have a place for posting and identifying commercial listings, listing their commercial real estate related needs, announcing their property needs for purchase, here's a group created just for that purpose:
Commercial Properties Haves / Wants

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions on how to continue to improve the group.

New Year's Day: Watch The Philadelphia Mummers Parade Live Or On TV

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:36:15 -0500

If you have lived in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area (or Delaware Valley region) for any length of time, you know that every New Year's Day, the City of Philadelphia is host to the Philadelphia Mummers New Year's Day Parade, celebrating it's 102nd year.

This tradition involving Mummers is unique to the area.   I know of nothing like it anywhere else.   It is considered by some to be the most authentic folk festival in the United States. Their sight and sound are distinctive. Adults in elaborate customes march and strut through Philadelphia streets, many while playing instruments, to entertain us and welcome in the new year.

If you don't know about Mummers, then you owe it to yourself to check out the resources included below.

If you can not be one of the hundreds of thousands that regularly make it into the city each year to watch the parade, you can catch it on local TV 17 (MyPhl17). Their coverage begins at 8am. Also check out the MyPhl17 web site as they have a section dedicated to the history of the Mummers and videos from past parades and Mummer events.

In addition to local coverage provided by MyPhl17, four hour coverage of the Mummers Parade can also be seen nationally on Superstation WGN (Direct TV channel 307 and Dish Network channel 239) beginning at 2pm EST on New Year's Day MyPhl17's sister station, Boston's WLVI.

Here are resources to learn more about the Mummers:
Mummers.com - information about the parade, history, FAQ's, links to more resources.
Philly17 (MyPhl17) - special section dedicated history and information about the Mummers with videos.
PhillyMummers.com - history overview of the Mummers.
MummersTime Magazine - Mummer News (you will also hear a short music clip of the traditional sound)
String Band Archives - historical records, photos, music, videos.
Mummer Museum - paraphernalia and memorabilia.
RiverFront Mummers NYA - web site of one of the mummers brigades, FAQ's, learn what a "wench" is.
Strut! The Movie - It's a parade, but you've never seen a parade like this before!
Kings For A Day! - National Geographic feature story about the Mummers

Click here for related blog articles about the Mummers.

Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com

and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).

Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Lien Relief for Homeowners Trying to Refinance or Sell from the IRS

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:23:42 -0500

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an expedited process that will make it easier for financially distressed homeowners to avoid having a federal tax lien block refinancing of mortgages or the sale of a home.

If taxpayers are looking to refinance or sell a home and there is a federal tax lien filed, there are options. Taxpayers or their representatives, such as their lenders, may request that the IRS make a tax lien secondary to the lien by the lending institution that is refinancing or restructuring a loan. Taxpayers or their representatives may request that the IRS discharge its claim if the home is being sold for less than the amount of the mortgage lien under certain circumstances.

The process to request a discharge or a subordination of a tax lien takes approximately 30 days after the submission of the completed application, but the IRS will work to speed those requests in wake of the economic downturn. (Source: IR-2008-141)

For the complete IRS press release about Lien Relief from the IRS, click here.