News - Page 3 of 3 - Discovering New Jersey

May 19, 2016

Real Estate

The 4 Best Home Remodeling Returns In Investment

Whether or not you plan to put your house on the market, it’s always a good idea to know what kind of project is going to give you the best return on investment. After all, if you’re going to spend $15,000 redoing your home, you want to know your money is being well spent.

And if you do plan to sell your home, then you absolutely want to know that the money you spend on remodeling will come back to you in resale value.

With that in mind, these are the four projects that will give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to resale value.

Bathroom Remodeling – Remodeling the bathroom provides one of the best returns on investment when it comes to home remodeling projects. Experts say you can do a fairly complete remodel, including replacing the tub, toilet, tile, and other fixes, can run you about $10,000 (cheaper if you are skilled enough to do most of the work yourself). The return on investment when it comes to resale value is 100 percent. In other words, if you want to get the most for your remodeling dollar, the bathroom should be your first target.

Landscaping – The average cost for new landscaping on Lavallette real estate is about $3,500. The good news is that not only can a new landscaping project make your house look great, you will get a 100 percent return on your investment when it comes to resale value. That means it’s safe to indulge in a project like this. And in fact, it’s encouraged. Nice new landscaping will make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Tips: use a free design service, and using flowers to add color to your home.

Kitchen Remodeling – One of the most useful remodeling projects you can do is a kitchen remodel. Provided you’re not redoing the floor plan or layout, you can expect a kitchen remodel to run you about $15,000 on average. The good news is, your return on investment will be close to 100 percent when it comes to resale value. That makes a kitchen remodel a great investment for anyone planning to sell their Lavallette real estate. Just be sure to watch your budget, because a major kitchen remodel can run between $30,000 and $40,000.

Exterior Home Improvements – This is a project that will not only give you a good return on your investment, but that will also improve the look of your home. New siding, paint, replaced awnings, and so on can update the look of your home and take years off the way it looks. Projects of this nature also have a return on investment of about 95 percent, making them a sound way to spend your money.

Other home improvement projects can offer a decent return on investment, between 80 and 95 percent, but the above four are the best values for your home remodeling dollar. If you have a piece of Lavallette real estate that you plan to put on the market, these are the four places you should look first when it comes to deciding where to invest your money.

May 19, 2016

Recreation

10 Cool Facts About The Early History Of Paddle Boarding

These days, paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world, with the sport beginning to reach into every corner of the globe. From fierce competitive races in California to paddle board rentals in LBI, if you’re anywhere near the water, chances are that people are going to paddle board rentals in LBI be boarding.

But that wasn’t always the case. Though board-related activities are fairly ancient and date back centuries in Polynesia, modern paddle boarding is actually relatively new. Essentially invented in the 1930s, it enjoyed a brief time of popularity, faded for a time, and then surged to popularity again in the late 1990s.

If you enjoy paddle boarding and are interested in knowing how it got its start, these 10 cool facts will walk you through the early days of the sport. Keep them in mind the next time you’re looking for paddle board rentals in Long Beach Island!

The pioneer of modern paddle board construction is widely considered to be Thomas Edward Blake, who modernized the ancient sport in the 1930s.
Blake may have made the first modern paddle board in 1926, when he was restoring historic Hawaiian boards for the Bernice P. Bishop Museum. While working on the project, Blake created a replica of the so-called olo surfboard ridden by ancient Hawaiian kings, a style of board that had long been ignored by historians and enthusiasts alike.
Blake is the inventor of the hollow board, which he created by first making a board from redwood in the style of the olo, drilling holes throughout, then filling in those holes.
In 1928, Blake won the Pacific Coast Surfriding Championship using the board he had created two years earlier, a landmark victory that changed the face of the sport forever.
The Pacific Coast Surfriding Championship was the first mainland event that combined both traditional surfing with paddling, edging us closer to what we today consider to be modern paddle boarding.
In the years that followed, Blake went on to break almost every single established paddling record, many of which would not be broken until well into the 1950s.
Blake initially promoted his hollow paddle board design as a lifeguard rescue tool.
One of Blake’s great victories came against Pete Peterson and Wally Burton, two of the best watermen in California. In the first every Mainland to Catalina crossing race, a rigorous 29-mile journey, Blake dominated, making the crossing in under six hours.
Before he started winning so often, Blake’s boards were derided by many, with surfers calling them “kook boxes.” (Reporters instead referred to them as “cigar boards.”).
Surfboards continued to evolve over the years, but in the world of paddle boarding, Blake’s initial 1926 design is still very close to what is used today.

And that’s it, as far as the early days of modern paddle boarding go. The next time you’re boarding on the west coast or looking for paddle board rentals in LBI, remember how this all got its start. It will give you a better appreciation for how far we’ve come!

May 19, 2016

Recreation

The Three Types of In-ground Pools

It probably does not come as a shock to say that not all pools are created alike. After all, you’ve seen big pools and small pools, square pools and round pools, symmetrical pools and curvy pools, and so on. It’s safe to say that you have seen in-ground pools of all shapes and sizes.

What you may not realize is that there is more to an in-ground pool than its shape, size and depth. These pools can be made of very different materials, and those materials can have a huge impact on everything from maintenance to customization options to cost.

In the market for a new in-ground pool in Toms River? Then you should know each type of pool, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know:

Concrete or Gunite In-Ground Pools

We put these in the same category since they are essentially the same thing. You already know what concrete is. Gunite is a type of “shotcrete,” which is concrete delivered at high velocity through a hose, in this case in a dry mix form.

These pools offer tremendous design flexibility. Concrete pools can be shaped in a limitless number of ways, and can even be designed to fit into unusual or irregular spaces. You name the spot, your Toms River pool installation can probably be made to accommodate the space.

In the case of gunite, this customize even extends to things like textures and unusual special features. If you want to mimic the look and feel of rock, for instance, you can do it with gunite.

The downside is that you have to have patience, as these pools take longer to install than any other.

Vinyl In-Ground Pools

One of the most common types of in-ground pool you’ll encounter is vinyl, and there is a good reason for that. Vinyl pools tend to be pre-engineered and installation is not labor intensive, making them one of the least expensive options. Vinyl pools come in an array of pre-designed shapes and sizes, from the traditional rectangle or oval to more creative, curvy shapes that can really enhance the look of your yard.

Vinyl pools usually have very durable liners than can even come in an array of colors. Also, because they are pre-engineers, your Toms River pool installation probably won’t take long: just a few weeks.

Fiberglass In-Ground Pools

A good choice if you hope your pool installation in Toms River will go fast, fiberglass pools come in one pre-formed piece, allowing them to be installed in a mere matter of days. They come in a variety of shapes and styles.

A big advantage to fiberglass is that their fiberglass surface is difficult for algae to cling to, making them the easiest type of in-ground pool to maintain. You’ll need fewer chemicals and not as much labor, both positives if you do not have the time or ability to keep up with your pool.

The great thing about modern in-ground pools is that you can’t go wrong with any of these options. All have their pluses, and all will enhance your life. So make a phone call to your local New Jersey pool installer and enjoy yourself!

May 19, 2016

Business

Facts and Figures: The Statistics Behind Child Support in the United States

To better understand child support payments and the impact they have on the lives of people in the United States, it’s important to take a look at the statistics outlining how many people have to make payments, how much those payments are, and how many people actually make them.

The U.S. Census Bureau released a report in December 2011 that outlined the extent of child support agreements in the United States. The report, called Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2009 includes the following data:

There are 13.7 million custodial parents in the United States.
As of 2009, just over 50 percent of those custodial parents had a child support agreement in place.
Of those child support agreements, 90 percent were formal agreements ordered in a court of law or by a government agency.
Under 10 percent of child support agreements were informally established between the two parents.
As of 2010, over a quarter of all the custodial parents in the United States – 26.8 percent in all – had gone to the government for assistance in collecting child support.
Just under 55 percent of custodial single mothers were granted child support payments by the courts.
By contrast, 30.4 percent of custodial single fathers were awarded payments.

As any child support lawyer in New Jersey will tell you, for many the most important data regarding child support is the data concerning money. When it comes to dollars and cents, the Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2009 report outlines some illuminating numbers.

As of 2009, some $35.1 billion was owed in child support annually.
For non-custodial parents mandated to pay child support, the average amount due was $5,960 annually.
Of the $5,960 owed each year, only 60.9 percent of that money, or $3,630, was actually received by the custodial parent.
Based on the numbers above, custodial parents receive about $300 per month in child support payments.

Despite these agreements being in place, most non-custodial parents who were ordered to pay child support failed to make full payments, and nearly 30 percent of them did not make payments at all. According to the Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2009 report, some of those details include:

Among custodial single parents in the United States in 2009, 6.9 million of them in all, just over 41 percent of them got all the child support money they were due.
Among those 6.9 million custodial single parents, just under 30 percent of them received at least some of the money they were due.
Just under 30 percent of those custodial parents did not receive any child support money at all, despite court orders mandating its payment.
Child support is not always cash-based: of the 6.9 million custodial parents in the U.S. in 2009, just over 60 percent of them received some kind of non-cash support.

For more detailed information on child support payments in New Jersey and what they mean for you, consult a New Jersey child support attorney.

May 19, 2016

Health

4 Things You Can Get Treated At A New Jersey Sinus Center

Patients who think that a sinus center is strictly about treating their sinus issues may be surprised to learn that not only are many ailments that seem unrelated to the sinuses actually directly impacted by them – hearing and balance issues, for instance – but that some sinus centers in New Jersey have treatments that extend far beyond that, including cosmetic skin treatments.

To illustrate that point, here are 4 services offered by the New Jersey Sinus Center:

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring is often more than just a noisy, somewhat disruptive habit that annoys your partner at night. It can be a sign of more troubling issues like sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can be a serious health complication. Snoring can actually be a serious issue, and sleep apnea is a truly serious issue that can exacerbate other health issues and cause medical complications. Both, thankfully, can be addressed by people at NJ Sinus Center. Seek out sinus experts to begin a sleep study and get yourself on the road to a cure.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Patients who repeatedly suffer from sinus issues and issues that spring from them (such as chronic chest sickness and congestion) can have instant relief that actually lasts with Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that opens up the sinus pathways to restore drainage and returns you to a normal way of life. Many patients find lasting relief with this procedure, which is why it’s one of the mainstays at New Jersey Sinus Center.

Hearing & Balance Treatment

Many people do not realize that their sinuses are closely tied in with their hearing, balance, and related areas. These systems are all tied together inside our heads, so a place like the New Jersey Sinus Center can help address ailments related to them even if they don’t seem to be a specifically sinus-related issue. Examples include conductive hearing loss, Sensorineural (damage to the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve), and dizziness and balance issues that may be caused by inner ear disorders.

Skin & Cosmetic Care

You may think that the NJ Sinus Center is devoted to solely to issues related to your sinuses, but in fact, they are licensed and trained in most of today’s most popular and effective facial injectables. These simple, affordable treatments can correct wrinkles, smooth skin, and bring back your youthful appearance – and at a cost far less than surgery, with minimal invasiveness. These services include popular treatments like BOTOX®, the most popular cosmetic procedure on the market, Restylane®, JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus, JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC, and JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC.

Some of this may be surprising to you, but that’s probably because you only really think of your sinuses when you have a serious problem. The fact is, however, your sinuses are intimately connected with everything that happens with your hearing, breathing, taste, mouth, ears, lungs, and more.

If you suffer from any of the above issues and need treatment, we urge you to reach out to the NJ Sinus Center today for a consultation. Your health may depend on it!

May 19, 2016

Recreation

6 Things To Do During Your Manahawkin Vacation at the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to spend a week or a long weekend. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are excellent. It’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!

Sunbathing – Yes, this one is simple. It’s what most people want to do when they visit the shore, anyway! And it’s easy. When you’re staying at a Manahawkin Hotel, the beach is just minutes away. Spread out a blanket, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the water if you need to cool off. There is a reason why our beaches are so popular!

Fishing – The Long Beach Island region has a thriving fishing scene that goes back centuries, with deep ties to fishing and trade that date back hundreds of years. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The region has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, and charter boats are plentiful. It’s as easy to spend a day out on the ocean as it is fishing in the surf or casting into the bay.

Paddleboarding – One of the fastest growing water sports is stand-up paddleboarding in Long Beach Island, and for good reason. It’s a fun, relaxing, easy way to get in the water and enjoy the shore. Unlike surfing, paddleboarding doesn’t require years of practice and amazing agility. As long as you can stand, you can use a SUP, or Stand-up Paddleboard. You can rent paddleboards in Manahawkin, so consider taking some time out on the water after you leave your Manahawkin hotel in the morning!

Local History – The Long Beach Island and Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the famed Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that showcase the area’s rich ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. We urge you to pay them a visit!

Restaurants – You don’t have to travel far from your Manahawkin hotel to find some fantastic places to eat in the area. It should go without saying that seafood is a specialty around here, with fresh catches coming in multiple times a day, but we also have a wealth of Italian eateries, amazing delis, classic diners, a wide array of ethnic food, excellent steakhouses, and much more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!

Cocktails – There is nothing quite like a cocktail in the sun, and the Manahawkin and Long Beach Island region offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy exactly that. Have a few cold ones, sip on a margarita, and just enjoy a little bit of the beach life before you return to the daily grind. You’ve earned it!

As you can see, there is plenty to do nearby your Manahawkin hotel, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. From watersports to hiking to nature to shopping and much more, you will love your time away at the Jersey Shore!

May 19, 2016

Business

Important Facts To Know If You’re Considering A Modular Home in Union Beach NJ

Years ago, modular homes were a mystery to many people. They were not that common and myths were common.

These days, modular construction is mainstream and commonplace. There are probably homes right in your neighborhood that are modulars, even if you don’t realize it.

If you want to learn more about Union Beach modular homes, consider these interesting facts:

You Can’t Tell Them Apart From Other Homes – If you think you can tell a modular home from any other, think again. These days, modular homes are practically invisible. They will have all the same features as any other home. Dormers, front porches, awnings, adornments, architectural flair – a modular home is just like any other.
They Can Be More Affordable – On average, modular homes in Union Beach costs about 10 to 20% less than a similar home built in a traditional fashion. Those savings are significant. Yes, the numbers can differ depending on the options chose, the lot, and many other factors, but as a general rule of thumb expect to save about that much.
They Can Be Built In Just A Few Weeks – Depending on the design and the manufacturer, some Union Beach modular homes can be built in the factory in just two weeks or so. Most take a little longer, but not much. Once work begins, it progresses fast, especially with no weather to delay things.
On-Site Finishing Takes A Few More Weeks – Once your home has arrived on site and is assembled, all the finishing touches on average about two to four weeks, depending on a host of factors. That includes finishing up the electric and a load of other small but important items. When things go smoothly, however, they go very quick.
They Don’t All Look Alike – This is one of those pernicious myths that won’t seem to go away. The fact is that no, all modular homes in Union Beach NJ do not look alike. They can differ wildly from one another, and are often built based on designs and specifications you come up with together with your planners. While it’s true that some modular homes have that “permanent double wide” look, that’s the choice of the homeowner. In the vast majority of cases, you cannot tell a modular home from a traditionally built home, and modulars themselves look quite different from one another, just like any other house.
You’ll Pay More Than Just The Base Price – Beware of getting lulled by a low base price. The base price may be for a basic, prefabbed home with no customizations. Even then there will be additional on-site fees for site work and other items. When you start to customize, the price adjusts, too. Modular homes remain a more affordable option than a stick built, but just remember that base prices are starting points, not final prices.

As you can see, the modular home has come a long way since they first appeared on the scene. Now they are one of the most affordable, desirable ways to build a new home. Thousands of happy New Jersey homeowners can’t be wrong!

May 19, 2016

Business

How The RREM Contractor Process Works in NJ

A RREM Contractor Shakes a Homeowner’s Hand

If you are a New Jersey homeowner who has been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, chances are you’ve considered taking part in the RREM Program, which provides funding for repairs or upgrades to prevent future damage.

If you have talked with a RREM Contactor and are considering your options, you may want to know how the process works. It’s a six-step process that unfolds like this.

The RREM Contractor Process Revealed

1) Notice of Funding

After submitting your application to the RREM Program, the State will begin reviewing your application to ensure you meet the requirements. At some point, you will receive a Notice of Funding letter. This is not a guarantee of approval! The State still needs to confirm your eligibility, get federal clearance to improve your property, and assess the damage done to your home.

Not that homeowners CAN apply for funding even after they have completed repair or improvement work with their RREM Contactor. This may impact the grant they received, but regardless, they may be eligible for money.

2) Site Inspection & Environmental Review

Next comes inspection and site review. An inspector from the RREM Program will help determine the approximate cost of rehabbing or elevating your home. Note that there may be more than one inspector assigned to your case.

Environmental review will also take place, as per federal law, which mandates that whenever CDBG Disaster Recovery funds are used, they are used in strict compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In the case of your RREM grant, these reviews will be conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

3) Verify Eligibility

Your Housing Advisor will work with you to guide you through the RREM application process. This will include gathering the appropriate documents and meeting deadlines. Eligibility requirements include the home being your primary residence at the time of Hurricane Sandy, the home being located in Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, or Union counties, and the residence having Sandy damage with a Full Verified Loss (FVL) of at least $8,000 or had more than one foot of water on the first floor.

4) Meet With Housing Advisor

After your eligibility for a RREM contractor is confirmed, you’ll have a meeting with your Housing Advisor. This meeting is mandatory and is designed to go over your grant award, sign documents (such as the Declaration of Covenants, which says you agree to meet RREM Program requirements), and so on. Your Housing Advisor will assist you with submitting the proper paperwork so payment can be issued.

During this time, you can request an Advance Payment Request. If you are already are under contract with a builder, an Advance Payment Request can be issued to help your RREM Contactor get construction started. The advance payment can be up to 50 percent of your total reward. You will need to have an signed legal contract between you and your contractor in order to qualify for advance payment.

5) Meet With RREM Project Manager

Your next meeting will be with your RREM Project Manager, who will ensure your project meets federal standards. He or she will also review and approve payment requests, timelines, estimated costs, and other factors.

6) Construction

During this important step, you’ll remain in contact with your RREM Project Manager, who will make sure the construction work being done by your RREM Contactor is in compliance with RREM Program requirements. You’ll submit construction payment requests to the project manager. When construction is completed, they will perform a final inspection. When inspection is passed, the Restrictive Covenant placed on your property will be released.

For more information, reach out to the NJ Department of Community Affairs or your local RREM Contactor.