Patti,

In today's market, you would be best to get your house sold before looking. In Asbury Park last year, the average days on market was 117, almost 4 months. Right pricing can get the job done much faster than that, but this year's statistics are even more grim! You can put your house on the market and your agent can specify that the sale is contingent upon your firm relocation. That way, if you don't find something you like, you will not be homeless!

Contact a few agents and find one you like to sell your home. An agent who specializes in Asbury Park is not going to be the same agent who will specialize in Jackson, by the way. The two towns are like night and day and unless you find an agent who lives in one and works in the other, it is very unlikely that one agent will be a specialist in both areas. You most certainly can have one agent list your house and refer you to a specialist in Jackson. Since you state that you don't have kids, you don't have to worry about which area has the better school system, per se', (it does affect resale value, though) but you will have concerns regarding properties with oil tanks and also with septic systems and not sewer. That's why you need an educated agent.

Good luck! If you have any other specific questions, feel free to contact me via trulia or my website below.

Hi Patricia,
I am located in the Jackson area. My office is on the Howell/Freehold border and I live in Howell myself. My advice would be to get to know different areas but not start your search until your home is sold. It is a good idea to learn about the schools, neighborhood and get an idea of what you can buy in a certain price range this way you know where you want to buy when it is time.
Here are a few reasons you should sell first:
1. It could take a few months to sell and if you see a home in the early stages it may be sold when you are ready to buy.
2. Once you get a buyer for your home then you will have a better idea of how much you want to spend on your next home.

I serve all of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ therefore if you would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at 732-580-5309 or heather@heatherdaccurso.com

Thanks,

Hi Patty,
I would advise you to start looking now. Even though your home is not SOLD to get an idea of the areas, pricing, amenities in the area etc. In the real estate market educating yourself on the market is your best bet. You should get an aquainted with a Real Estate professional who knows about the marketplace and make them your ally. My MLS has an automated update system that can send you emails on the listings in a specific area, that get listed or reduced in price based on your criteria and needs. You don't have to leave the comfort of your home until you get out there and start to look. IT IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOUSE. If you've been in your home for 12 years, it seems that most likely your a good position to buy, verses many others in the market today.

As far as your home, my office is virtually around the corner from you in Ocean Twp., if you haven't spoken to an agent about listing your home. I would be happy to come and discuss selling your home, we can discuss market analysis, how to show your home, what to expect in a sale, what buyers are looking for in your area, how to show you house, what you need to do, what your are responsible for in the sale, etc. I was just showing homes in your area yesterday afternoon.

You can contact me direct any time(732)684-1559, if you wish to talk some more about the market in our area.

Also don't hesitate to check out my website, it has a wealth of information about buying and selling in our area. Best of Luck in all you do.

Lucy