All Around Matawan Aberdeen - August 2023

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN

WELCOME TO SUMMER 2023!

With summer in full swing, we hope you are all doing well and taking a little time to relax and enjoy some summer ac tivities with your families and friends, I would like to thank everyone who joined us for Trivia night at A Salute, it was a great night of fun and network ing. I would also like to take a moment to welcome our newest members: Butterfly Effect Coun seling and Consulting: Tanya Jones Awolusi, Dawns Pet Care LLC: Dawn Torres, Richmond Physical Therapy: Niranjan Mulay and welcome back returning member Excel Urgent Care Old Bridge: Lisa Rosario. IT’S OFFICIAL! Matawan Day 2023 is on its way! Saturday, October 7th, 12 noon - 5 P.M. Rain date, Sunday, October 8th. We invite all local businesses to visit our website Macocnj.com to reserve your booth or become a sponsor for this great community event with 200+vendors and live music, entertainment and more! For information on Aberdeen Day being held on Sept. 23, please visit their website at aberdeennj.org. Have a great summer! Jeff Pantelas: President: Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

ABERDEEN DAY RETURNS SEPTEMBER 23RD AND IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST ABERDEEN DAY IN ITS 13-YEAR HISTORY

cars will be on display along with over 100 vendors from the surrounding community. To participate, visit AberdeenNJ.org.

Food Trucks and Vendors will play a bigger role in this year’s event and will include, Fire Stone Pizza, Kutz BBQ, Big John’s Burgers, Sweet Pepper’s Empanadas and more.

ship and the Aberdeen Recreation Department is condensing and yet expanding on their Annual Aberdeen Day, which is taking place from 11AM to 4PM

erdeen Day will be taking place at Matawan Regional High School, where this year Atlantic Ave will be shut down for a car show brought to you by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment. Over 80 exotic

Aberdeen Township debuted it’s “Family Fun Zone” last year and this year it will be even bigger and better. It will include transformer characters, face painting, sand art, foot darts, an inflatable corn maze, a mechanical shark, kid’s swings, a 24-foot rock wall, an inflatable slide, bungie tram-

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WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE

Celebrate the strength of community and the power of hope on September 10, 2023, at the 1st Annual Brady’s Walk & Mental Health Wellness Fair. This momentous event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, focusing on promoting mental health wellness and suicide prevention, especially among our youth.

The event, hosted by Brady’s Voice, is an essential gathering for families, providing valuable resources and tools to aid struggling children. Engage with local businesses showcasing mental health services designed to help kids manage their mental health challenges. Gain vital knowledge about resources and solutions previously unknown, enabling a better understanding of the available support network.

At the heart of this gathering is our mission - to help kids cope with their mental health. We strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health

issues, aiming to create an environment that encourages open dialogues and understanding.

In honoring Brady’s memory, we passionately work to raise suicide awareness and foster a community of support for those grappling with mental health challenges. We firmly believe in the value of each life, and our goal is to ensure that everyone can access help and support when they need it most.

Join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Lombardi Field, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, for a day filled with unity, learning, and hope.

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THE MATAWAN FOOTBALL ALUMNI FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 1ST ANNUAL HUSKIES KICKOFF BEEF AND

BREW

FUNDRAISER

Saturday, August 26th from 2-6 pm at Washington Engine Fire Company, located at 176 Jackson Street in Matawan. Please join us as we celebrate the start of the upcoming football season and raise money for our youth scholarships with an all you can eat dinner featuring delicious, sliced filet mignon, ice cold beer, sides, salads and ice cream sundaes.

Ticket info:

$45 per person

$10 for children 13 and under (hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream only)

Please visit our website for more information and to purchase tickets. www.matawanfootballalumni.com”

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE

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The event begins at 10:00 AM featuring a 3-mile walk, a Mental Health Wellness Fair, many food trucks and live music by The E Street Shuffle, a very popular Bruce Springsteen cover band. Most importantly, there will be over 40 businesses explaining how they are helping kids cope

with their mental health, like talk therapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, yoga, meditation, karate and many more. Let’s join hands in fostering mental health awareness and preventing suicide in our community. To find out more about Brady’s Voice, please visit www.BradysVoice.org.

MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

I hope your summer has been filled with joyful moments. Whether your kids are enjoying our summer recreation program, you’re renting canoes at Lake Lefferts, or participating in town events, I hope you’re having a fantastic summer so far. Our Fourth of July event was spectacular, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making it a success. Although we’re at the midpoint of summer, there are still plenty of exciting events to look forward to in August. Join us every Thursday for our Family Night Under the Stars Series, featuring music, movies, and fun for the whole family! Visit our website and social media for event details.

While many in our town are fortunate, we must remember the families in need within our community. Our food pantry, available once a month, is seeking donations of non-perishable, non-expired food items. Drop off your contributions

at Borough Hall, where you’ll find two outside bins. They particularly need cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, coffee, tuna, canned chicken, shelf-stable milk, canned meals like Spaghettios, peanut butter, jelly, cookies, snacks, juice, and toiletries. I deeply appreciate the generosity of our residents in helping those less fortunate. If you need assistance, know someone who does, or have something to share, please contact me at joseph.altomonte@ matawanborough.com.

Thank you for your support in building a stronger, more compassionate community. Wishing you a splendid summer!

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS LEADING BAYSHORE EMS: JOIN & SUPPORT OUR MISSION!

equipment and vehicles are purchased through donations. As we continue to ensure we provide high quality emergency medical care, we ask for your help. Any donations are appreciated!

Chief Joseph Koempel Jr

It is an honor to serve as the Chief of Bayshore Aberdeen-Matawan EMS. I am privileged to lead an extremely dedicated group of men and women; who go above and beyond to provide volunteer emergency medical services for our community. We have come a long way as an organization and are continuing to grow on a day to day basis. We cannot do what we do without the help of you, our neighbors. Being that we are completely volunteer, we do not have any source of revenue. All of our supplies,

If you are interested in volunteering, we are always accepting volunteers. Training is completely free, and we provide an endless amount. We take our training very seriously and a majority of it is provided in house. On top of training our members, we also offer training to the public. Each month we provide a friends and family CPR class to the community and it is completely free. Keeping our community healthy and safe is our number one goal. We cannot reach that goal without the help of you. If you have any questions, are interested in joining, or even just want to tour the building, feel free to reach out to me at any time. Please contact me via phone at (732)-675-3769 or email at chief@ bayshoreems.org . Follow us on social media or visit our website to stay up to date on all of our trainings and events.

MESSAGE FROM DEANA GUNN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

I hope the summer is treating you well and you enjoy time with your friends, families, and around Matawan. As liaison to the Economic Business Development Commission and the Police, I have a few updates to share. In September, we’ll be having events at Lake Lefferts in a continuing effort of our lakeside dining and entertainment program. Working with local businesses, we hope to bring you several occasions to enjoy the scenery while having a fun night out supporting some of our local businesses and eateries. Please look for the schedule on our website and Facebook pages. Although we want to take our time with the summer, looking ahead to the fall, planning is already underway for our Matawan Day Street festival. Please save the date for October 7th and a rain date of October 8th for our annual event. One of our most attended and exciting days of the year, join your neighbors on Main Street for local

artisans, music, food, and excitement! Interested vendors may reach out to the Chamber of Commerce at macocnj.com.

Unfortunately, at the end of June, we lost our annual 07747 softball battle between the Matawan and Aberdeen PBAs, 22-18. It was a night full of good fun, and the Mayor threw the first ceremonial pitch for Matawan, all in support of both towns’ PBAs. Since we placed a friendly wager with our friends in Aberdeen and lost, we’ll deliver pizzas to them at an upcoming council meeting. Well, there’s always next year!

MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE

the Fireworks were extraordinary. The NJ American Water Main project is completed and will increase water pressure to the I, C, F and W sections.

Our Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series is up and running. Stop by Veterans Park 7:00-9:00pm . Food and Ice Cream Trucks available.

Our Roads Program for 2023 has started and our Roads Committee has begun planning the 2024 roads. Thanks to all of you for making Aberdeen your home.

Best regards,

PICKLEBALL,PICKLEBALL , did younounce that 6 Pickleball Courts are coming to Aberdeen. The NEW Northland Park will have 6 Pickleball Courts, new playscapes, Basketball Courts and off street parking. Since 2013, we have we have renovated over 12 neighbor parks, investing over $9 million. The most recent renovated park is Cambridge Park with new playground equipment and two basketball courts. For those who attended our Fireworks Event, know that it was an incredible evening.

Fred Tagliarini Mayor, Aberdeen

Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

BBQ PACKAGES

Starting At (min. 25 People) $18.50 per person

Includes: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Sausages, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Watermelon. Grilling Chef Available. Wait Staff Available.

COLD BUFFET

$9.50 per person

Starting At (min. 15 People)

Beautifully arranged trays of the finest Cold Cuts and Cheeses. Choice of four Meats & one Cheese. Plus, Fresh Baked Rolls, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, & Macaroni Salad, Pickles & Olives, Mustard & Mayonnaise.

Starting At (min. 20 People)

$16.95 per person

Choice of Chicken Cacciatore, Sausage Peppers & Onions, Eggplant Rollatini, Stuffed Shells, Chicken Francaise, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Sliced Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, Barbeque Ribs, Pepper Steak, Tortellini with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce & Much More!

Choice of Homemade Italian Bread or Rolls, Green Tossed Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Package Includes: Sterno , Chafing Dishes And Free Cookie Tray

$339.99 Party Specials

(Feeds 18-20)

Choice of 1 (Full Tray)

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Francaise

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Modena

Choice of 3 (Full Tray)

Italian Meatballs

Cavatelli & Broccoli

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Tortellini & Broccoli

Chicken Meatballs

Penne Vodka • Lasagna

Sausage & Peppers

Broccoli & Garlic

Eggplant Parmigiana

Roasted Potatoes

Baked Ziti • Stuffed Shells

Roasted Vegetables

Choice of 1

Garden Salad

Caesar Salad

Mixed Baby Green

Italian Bread or Rolls, And Sternos included

A MESSAGE FROM RYAN L. MICHELSON, MPA

Business Administrator of Matawan

ABERDEEN PATROLMAN RECEIVES RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The success of the Borough of Matawan is contingent upon a strong foundation of dedicated departments that every day make it their mission to serve the community and improve its quality of life. In recent weeks, I am proud to share news of two significant milestones that demonstrate the dedication and commitment of our employees regarding the financial operations of the Borough and the very dedicated members of our Department of Public Works. 2022

trust and confidence of our citizens. Public Works Union Contract Settled! Finalizing the union negotiations contract with the Department of Public Works (DPW) is a significant accomplishment. I genuinely believe this contract promotes stability, ensures fair wages and working conditions, and hope will enhance job satisfaction amongst our talented and hardworking team. Essentially, this agreement brings mutual benefits for both the Borough and DPW administration and employees, as well as the broader community that depends on their essential services.

On June 22nd, 2023, Patrolman Hakim Bryant received the 2022 Recognition of Excellence Award, which was presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts in deterring

impaired driving on the roadways of Aberdeen Township. This award recognizes officers who are the most proactive enforcing the DUI/DWI laws. Congratulations!!!

Audit Complete!

The conclusion of the Borough of Matawan’s annual audit marks a significant milestone, with the auditors having submitted no findings. It is my belief this clean audit report underscores our commitment to financial transparency, accuracy, and adherence to established accounting principles. Furthermore, the audit reaffirms the Borough’s and its employees’ integrity and reliability, and I hope we will continue to earn the

ABERDEEN DAY RETURNS SEPTEMBER 23RD AND IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST ABERDEEN DAY IN ITS 13-YEAR HISTORY

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polines, a petting zoo, wildlife shows by Bwana Jim, pony rides, touch a truck and more. Also returning are our food eating contests, which was a messy but very entertaining time for the whole family.

Aberdeen Day historically includes a celebrity autographing session the MRHS gym and this year is no different! This year will include sports figures from

the Jets, Giants, WNBA and the Devils. Shuttles will run from the Matawan/ Aberdeen Train Station to and from the event all day. Check out Alternate Ending Brewery and the Court Jester for the official after party. For any questions or to take part as a vendor, please contact Aberdeen Recreation Department at (732)583-4200 x129.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE HIGHEST POINT IN MATAWAN IS?

By Steven Russell, Councilman for the Borough of Matawan

Try to guess before you read the answer. It’s on Ravine Drive. Got it yet? It’s at the top of the hill in Rose Hill Cemetery. The very peak sits at 131 feet above sea level. Many notable people are buried there. Among them are the two victims of the 1916 Matawan shark attack, Stanley Fisher and Lester Stilwell. These bits of trivia were some of the questions in a Jeopardy-style quiz I recently hosted at Brew Coffee Bar on Main Street. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of Matawan again in a similar game to be hosted by the Matawan Historical Society, to be announced in the near future. In the meantime, keep your eyes and your ears open for fun facts about our town and its amazing history. Check out the

Historical Society website. Better yet, take a tour of the Burrowes Mansion Museum, located at 94 Main Street. We continue to celebrate that house’s 300th anniversary. The museum is open to the public on the first and third Sundays of the month from March through December from 2 pm to 4 pm. Special tours for groups or school classes are possible by making advance arrangements. And while you’re there, fill out a form to join the Historical Society. It can only help you in the next Matawan trivia game!

DOG WALKS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH, TOO

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Exercise is important for your dog’s health as well as yours, but one must be responsible while walking a pet.

Keep your pet on a three to fourfoot leash, and keep your pet close to you. Dog walking on a leash teaches your pet many lessons: good behavior, control, as well as obedience. Owners and pets receive many benefits while walking together. It is a bonding experience as well as exercise and companionship. People who walk their dogs are 34 percent more likely to meet expected goals of exercise, with a recommended goal of 150 minutes of activity per week. Retractable leashes are not wise to use as there is lack of control of your pet, and they can get injured or injure others. Retractable leashes should be reserved for use when hiking or in parks. The length of the walks should take into account the dog’s age and health status, as well as weather conditions.

Long walks, over an hour, should not be undertaken for smaller breeds under 12 months of age and for larger breeds up to 18 months, to protect bones and joints while they are still growing.

In the hot summer months, it is best to exercise your pet in the early morning or evening after the heat of the day has dissipated. A good idea is to bring bottled water along for both you and your dog. Walking should be time for you and your pet without distractions. Safety first -- do not wear headphones or ear buds while walking, in order to be aware of other people, pets and cars. Use this time as a training session. Bring treats along to reinforce positive behavior. Enjoy your walks. The new sights, sounds and smells will be fun for your pet to explore.

WAS THE SAT MORE DIFFICULT IN MARCH?

After a parent posed the aforementioned question to me for the 100th time, I decided it was a good topic for this column. The answer is...maybe.

The March SAT may have also been “easier.” Each SAT, just like every other standardized test (the NJGPA, the ACT, the GRE, the LSAT, and the MCAT) is “equated.”

Unless you are a psychometrician, you may have heard that the SAT is “curved.” This is not exactly true. A 10 point curve, as we’ve always understood it in school, is what happens when the best score in the class is a 90. The SAT is scored out of 1600, but there are not 1600 questions on the test, nor is the score reflective of the percent of questions a student gets correct.

First, the SAT is centered, or scaled so that the mean (average) score is about 1060. In 2021, the average reading and writing and language score was 523 and the average math score was 528. The standard deviation (which is a calculation of the difference in scores) is about 100 points.

The SAT is scored comparatively, that is, each score represents a percentile. For

example, a 1400 is the 94th percentile. Although the College Board tries to make all tests of equal difficulty, inevitably, there is some variation. As a result, on some tests, getting 19 questions wrong is a 1400, while on others, getting 21 wrong is a 1400. Simply put, on a harder test a student could get more wrong and get the same score as a student who gets more right on an easier test. In the end, it is a wash.

It is poppycock that the SAT is more difficult in any given month. The March test is released to the public every year. It is equated differently every year…and I can tell you from personal experience that sometimes my students perform better on the March test, while other times they do not perform quite as well.

Special thanks to Aaron Golumbfskie of Prep Matters, Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning, and Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros for the information that made this article possible. Check out Aaron featured on Mike and Amy’s podcast, Tests and the Rest, at https://gettestbright. com/how-the-sat-is-actually-scored/ Suggestions for a topic? Contact Paul Pscolka at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters. com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE BUCKEL COUNCILWOMAN

Hello Matawan, Summer is in full swing in Matawan and I hope everyone is enjoying the season! Family Night Under the Stars begins this week at 201 Broad St. The series kicks off with a band 7th Realm on 8/3, a scary movie “Friday the 13th” on 8/10, Madison Ave plays on 8/17, “Back to the Future” on 8/24, and a teen dance band on 8/31. Movies start once it is dark and all Bands go on at 7pm. Bring your chair, some friends, and have a fun Thursday evening in Matawan!

Matawan Recycling/Clean Communities is busy working on projects to help better our community. We recently finished working with The Shade Tree Commission, creating a nature inspired graffiti painted room which doubles as a training/ educational center for residents to come in and learn about the environment. The room is located at the Matawan Municipal Center, keep an eye out for postings about classes that will be offered. Clean Communities is working on a Storm Water initiative. You can choose

to “Adopt a Catch Basin” which will keep local catch basins clean and free of debris. If you are interested or would like more information, please email stormwater@matawanborough.com.

Clean Communities also worked hard on the Fountain/Aerator project at Lake Lefferts which was fully funded with grant monies. Lake Lefferts suffers from eutrophication as a result of excessive nutrient enrichment from sources like lawn care fertilizers runoff which causes the growth of harmful algae and reduced water quality. This is why the lake seems murky and dark-colored at different times of the year. The fountain will help to mitigate the negative effects of eutrophication.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me at stephanie.buckel@matawanborough.com.

JAR OF HOPE & CRIMSONRISE UNITE FOR NJ/NYC AUTISTIC COMMUNITY

Asbury Park, NJ: July 13, 2023 - Jim Raffone, Founder/CEO of JAR of Hope, has announced that Barbara D’Amora has joined the Board of Directors. D’Amora is a founding member of The GRACE Foundation of New York and a board member of Staten Island-based CrimsonRise, both serving the autistic community.

In 2013, Jim and Karen Raffone were told their four-year-old son James Anthony (“Jamesy”) had an extremely-rare disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a fatal, muscle-wasting disease occurring only once in 3,500 live births. There is no cure. These kids are unable to walk by about 13. They’re unable to breathe on their own by the mid-teens. And they generally pass on in their early-twenties…from asphyxiation.

“Karen and I founded JAR of Hope (https://www.jarofhope.org/) to search for a cure,” Jim Raffone says, “and to create awareness of Duchenne md through events focused on fitness, lifestyle, and motor capabilities. When we discovered that many kids with Duchenne also have autism, we invited Barbara D’Amora to join our Board. She’s been a leading advocate for the autistic community in this region for many years.”

To raise funding to research a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Raffone has created signature events around the world, among them climbing Mount

Everest and launching the National Push-Up campaign. He’s participated in events like the “Alps to Ocean” in New Zealand, experiencing 50,000’ of altitude changes in seven days while carrying a heavy pack. And he holds six world records for his age group.

“Jar of Hope recently expanded our mission statement to include Autism,” Raffone says. “And we’re working hard to raise funding and awareness for both causes.”

Barbara D’Amora’s son Nick passed away in May at 25. He was a non-speaking autistic person who communicated by spelling, and a co-founder of Staten Island’s CrimsonRise (https://www. crimsonrise.org/). And his mother has been instrumental as an Advisor there.

“Autism is now being correctly understood as a motor and sensory disorder, rather than a cognitive one,” Barbara D’Amora says. “And we’re building an important partnership with JAR of Hope to get that message out.”

Their first joint effort, CrimsonRise’s inaugural “Waterfront Run/ Walk for Autism,” takes place at the scenic trails of Wolfe’s Pond on Staten Island, Sunday, September 10.

“There’s a trail running along the ocean and through the woods, and great picnic and barbecue facilities for afterwards,” Jim Raffone says. “We see this becoming a marquee event for autism.”

HAPPY SUMMER FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS!

Did you know that there are three seasons for apples? There are Summer apples, Fall apples and Winter apples. Summer apple varieties are generally in season from July to September. We have some delicious summer apple varieties that are also “must haves” like the Zestar and Molly Delicious.

We are in full swing here on the farm and happy to report that the “BIG THREE” are in: sweet corn, tomatoes and peaches!!! We are also picking zucchini, onions, cabbage, greens, cucumbers, plums, string beans, summer apples, blackberries and more.

Come visit us at our farm stand, 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge Tuesday – Sunday 9-5, or at any of the weekly farmers markets we attend: Thursdays – Keyport Firemen’s Memorial Park (across from the Fishery) 11am – 7pm, and Rahway Train Station, 12pm –7pm, Saturdays – Highlands, Huddy Park 9am – 2pm and Sundays – Red Bank in the Galleria parking lot 9am –2pm. Buy fresh, buy local! Thank you for your support of our family’s farm!

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

It’s hard to believe it’s already August, but there’s plenty of time for summer fun at the library! It’s not too late to sign up for our summer reading program for kids, teens, and adults – we’ll be accepting reading logs and raffle tickets until 8/19. Here are a sampling of our fantastic events that you won’t want to miss: For adults, we have Haunted Jersey Shore with Pat Heyer: Ghostly Fun in the Sand and Sun on 8/10, Refreshing Summer Dishes to Beat the Heat with Nick Mietkowski on 8/23, and Who Wrote That Song? Harry Warren, the Unknown Master of Melody: A Concert Lecture performed by Prof. Diane Cypkin, PhD on 8/25. For kids, we have Outdoor Story Time on 8/8 (weather permitting), Book Bunch with The Lizard Guys on 8/16 (registration is required), and our MAPL Carnival will mark the end of Summer Reading on 8/19. The carnival will feature games and prizes and tons of fun! No registration is required and kids of all ages are welcome. For tweens and teens, we are having

another Teen Lock-in on Friday, 8/11, from 6:30-9pm. (Registration and a signed permission slip at drop off are required.) Also, Teen Edible Cookie Dough on 8/16, and Teen Locker Décor Creation on 8/21. (Registration is required for these programs as well.) See our events calendar on our website for our full August calendar: www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com. Have a question? Give us a call at 732-583-9100, stop by, visit our website, or drop us an email at info@ matawanaberdeenlibrary.com. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!

Stay tuned for September – it’s Library Card Sign-up Month and we have some very special plans! Keep an eye on our website, social media, and this column in the September issue for details. Enjoy the rest of the summer! Kimberly

Matawan

Paone, Library Director

Aberdeen Public Library

WAITING TO BUYER A HOME COULD COST YOU

By Jeffrey Kagan, Broker-Owner, KP Edgestone Realty

Most of us groan when we hear where mortgage interest rates are these days, hovering close to 7%. Could be that we were spoiled when only a few years ago those rates were below 3%. The higher rate could make a buyer hesitant to get off of the fence from renting, but consider that paying 7% is nothing when you are renting and paying your landlord 100%. Many buyers struggle to save up for a down-payment thinking they need 20% down, but there are plenty of products out there that will work with as little as 3% down for a conventional loan, 3.5% for an FHA loan and no-money down for a VA loan for a buyer who has served in the military. The best way to know if you’re ready to buy a home, or if you’d just like to know what you need to do to prepare, is to speak with a trusted lender.

Mike Schwartz, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

Affinity has a great expression, “Marry the house; Date the rate.” Schwartz says, “Right now, a 30-year fixed rate is hanging around 6.75%, which historically, is very low. We believe that rates will find their natural level around the 5%

mark once the fed stops manipulating the cost money. Even with rates where they are, we have at most a 3 months supply of homes with the average days on market at about 16. When rates go down the demand side will only intensify driving prices and competition even higher.” The perfect time to buy a house is right now. Waiting will only cost you more. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, contact a real estate professional to guide and educate you through the process. Don’t wait! No time like the present!