Title Wise
The New Jersey Real Estate News You Can Use
Greetings!

Finally, the temperature is starting to match the calendar. One thing is for sure, this spring brings with it a great deal of uncertainty. Is there a bust not too far ahead? Will prices continue to rise? Inventory still remains very sparse despite what interest rates do. Predicting markets is like predicting the weather, you know that it's coming, but it doesn't follow the rules.

The best thing is that this summer season does not appear to be one that will be impacted by any kind of health crisis.

Please feel free to email me at ralph@counsellorstitle.com if you have any questions or would like to follow up on any of this edition's articles.

Ralph Aponte
Founder & President
732.914.1400
Experts Don't Always Get It Right
A little over two years ago the market experts, especially in the real estate industry, could never have predicted the ridiculous appreciation of homes as a result of the pandemic. It wasn't the pandemic alone that created such a buyer frenzy, but it was a combination of low interest rates, lower inventory and pent-up demand. Right now some individuals are predicting that only 30% of individuals say it's a good time to buy a home. This is down over 23% from 2021, and it is the first time this metric has fallen below 50%. The Gallup polling people have been tracking the sentiment since 1978.

Some buyers may be put-off because the cost of owning a home has risen dramatically, first of all because of the rising mortgage rates, which have hit approximately 5-1/2% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and because of the concerns over the economy.

Inflation is clearly playing a hand in this analysis. The government has issued reports that inflation has risen to between 7-8%, but consumers have recognized that the government is downplaying the actual rates, which is probably closer to 20% if you factor into the configuration the supply chain problems, and the gross increase in fuel costs due to the shutdown of the pipeline.

This housing market is clearly being driven by inventory shortages and now by interest rates. But demand for workers and the recovery of a number of market sectors including the commercial real estate sector, which in New York City is reflecting record price increases for commercial space, may be pointing to an opportunity for buyers to step into the market when there isn't as much competition.
As a customer, or a potential customer, you know the importance and value that title services deliver to the overall customer experience.

The Counsellors Commitment
Counsellors Title services and products are designed to help you reach the next level in your business. Let Counsellors' team work to show you just how much more effective you can be. 

Reach out TODAY to speak with me to learn more.  
732.914.1400 
The Summer Declutter
After this terribly cold spring, I don't think anybody wants to move or to plan projects. But summer happens to be a great time to do some decluttering. Here's a short list of some things you might target for your summer purge:

■ Kids' toys that are no longer being used. 
■ Clothes that don't fit. 
■ Clothes that are out of style. 
■ Electronics that don't work. 
■ Electronics that you don't use. 
■ Expired food in the pantry. 
■ Magazines and papers.

Have a plan.
■ Target one area at a time. 
■ Know how you're going to dispose of the items. 
■ A good estimate for a purge when it comes to clothing: consider disposing of 20%. 
■ Take advantage of the downloadable list by saving the list below.
■ Also, those items that are still wearable and usable, try donating to Goodwill or some local charity.
Life Quotes
“Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.” – Anthony Robbins

Counsellors Title is initiating this feature of Title Wise called Life Quotes.
Oftentimes we are so busy doing that we forget the reason(s) why. Life Quotes are those mental speed bumps that we will occasionally come across and insert, just to rehearse the important things in life.
Avon Spring Sunrise
A.S.A.P. Attorney Settlement Assistance Program
Our real estate secretarial services are able to assist you in every aspect of the sale, purchase, refinance or loan closing process. We will directly communicate with all the parties involved in the transaction and coordinate and obtain all the items necessary to bring the matter to closing.

Our ASAP services can be individually customized to fit your needs. These services include:
  • Documentation Preparation
  • Disbursement of Funds
  • Attendance at Closing
  • HUD Preparation or
  • Post-Closing Matters
Our Commitment to Excellence
Counsellors Title Agency wants to thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your clients to grow your business. Please feel free to click the link above or here to leave us a review on Google. We appreciate your business.
Careers @ Counsellors
Sales: Leading NJ title insurance agency seeks experienced licensed salespersons to help expand its market share throughout the entire state. Benefits include health insurance, 401k with an employer match, flexible spending account, expense account, & marketing support. Send resumes by fax: 732-914-8898 or ralph@counsellorstitle.com
Free Online Title Insurance Calculator
Counsellors Title Agency announced its updated Title Calculator for New Jersey home purchases & refinances at: Title Calculator

Loan officers, real estate agents and home buyers can find out how much title insurance will cost for purchases made in New Jersey.

Easy-To-Use Functionality
This online tool includes many of the endorsements involved in calculating the cost of a title policy in New Jersey. CTA's Title Calculator is a great tool for real estate salespersons, loan officers, attorneys and those who are buying or refinancing their home.

It calculates the cost of title insurance based upon the purchase price of the home, the loan amount, and the various endorsements that can accompany the loan. The calculator provides the user the scalability of selecting the various endorsements involved in the transaction.
Handy Guide to Real Estate Sources
Here are some of the most widely used governmental websites for the real estate industry.


I look forward to being of service to you, providing you with outstanding real-time information and some humor to make doing business a pleasure.

Sincerely,
Ralph
Ralph Aponte
Counsellors Title
Counsellors Title Agency, Inc. specializes in providing title insurance, title search services and loan closing services serving attorneys, Realtors, banks and various mortgage companies throughout the State of New Jersey. CTA offers full search and insurance capabilities within all 21 counties of New Jersey for commercial, residential and new construction purchases in our Toms River, Freehold, Chatham, and Union locations.
CTA is equipped with the latest digital technologies to ensure a complete and timely transaction.
Mr. Ralph Aponte

Our Office: 504 Hooper Avenue,
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone Number: (732) 914-1400
Fax: 732-914-8898

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