Team Donovan Realtors

You can make this house your home! Ask me for more info.

1611 Violet Lane Jackson, NJ 08527 THIS IS A COMING SOON AND SHOWINGS START JUNE 28, 2024 This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo in Jackson, NJ, offers a comfortable and convenient living experience. The condo features modern upgrades, providing a fresh and contemporary feel throughout. Residents can enjoy a range of amenities, includi...

What To Know About Closing Costs

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs?

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. Some of these are one-time expenses that are baked into your closing costs. Others, like homeowners’ insurance, are initial installment payments for ongoing responsibilities you’ll have once you take possession of the home.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Freddie Mac says: “Closing costs vary greatly depending on your location and the price of your home. Typically, you should be prepared to pay between 2% and 5% of the home purchase price in closing fees.”

Tips To...

What To Know About Closing Costs Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process.

Find out how a roofing inspection can benefit a .

What is a roofing inspection? Read on to learn more about roof inspections, why they’re important, and how they work so that you can be prepared for every season knowing your home is protected.

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your monthly payment. The pre-approval...



Give us a call, 732~216~5623

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market.

The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move.

Home Price Growth Is Slowing, but Prices Aren’t Falling Nationally

Throughout the country, home price appreciation is moderating. What that means is, prices are still going up, but they're not rising as quickly as they were in recent years.

What’s Next for Home Prices? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is going up, but there still aren’t enough of them to meet today’s buyer demand. That’s keeping upward pressure on prices – even though recent inventory growth has caused that home price appreciation to slow. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, said, “. . . today’s low but quickly improving for-sale inventory has ushered in more market...

The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one.

May this day be filled with remembrance and hope.

Patriot Day (9/11)

🎊Under Contract! We are so happy for our sellers and the soon to be new owners of this perfect adult community home! 🏡

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your monthly payment. The pre-approval process is the perfect time...

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market.

You've got to see this beautiful home! Message me for details or a showing!

911 Middletown Lincroft Road Middletown, NJ 07748 12 prime acres in the heart of Middletown with a breathtaking private entry way straight out of a movie flanked by 2 ponds with fountains. This is one of the last large parcels in the area for either redevelopment or to rent the current 5,400 sq. ft. home as a group home, retreat, camp, horse compou...

Local market update 🏡

Thinking about moving in 2025 and wondering what to expect?

In their early 2025 housing market forecasts, experts say mortgage rates will come down slightly. As that happens, more buyers will jump back into the market, so more homes will sell. And that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

Want to talk to an expert about what that really means for you? DM me.



Give us a call, 732~216~5623

The Surprising Amount of Home Equity You’ve Gained over the Years

There are a number of reasons you may be thinking about selling your house. And as you weigh your options, you may find you’re unsure how you’re going to deal with one thing about today’s housing market – and that’s affordability. If that’s your biggest concern, understanding how much equity you have in your house could help make your decision that much easier. Here are two key factors that have a big impact on your equity.

How Long You’ve Been in Your Home

First up is homeowner tenure. That’s how long homeowners live in a house, on average, before selling or choosing to move. From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time homeowners stayed put was roughly six years.

But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number has been climbing. Now, the average tenure is 10 years.

Here’s why that’s such a big deal. You gain equity as you pay...

The Surprising Amount of Home Equity You’ve Gained over the Years There are a number of reasons you may be thinking about selling your house.

✨New Price!✨

👉👉Now offering this gorgeous home for $749,900.😍

353 Grand Central Pkwy, Berkeley Township, NJ 08721 - For Sale Listed for sale at $759900. Discover your dream home in this brand-new Center Hall Colonial, where elegance meets modern living! Step into a grand 2...

What about this space's design impresses you most?

The Heart in Ikast / C.F. Møller Architects Completed in 2018 in Denmark.

Check out my listing in Whiting, NJ.

13 Kingfisher Way Whiting, NJ 08759 Experience elevated living in this better-than-new mobile home! With a spacious eat-in kitchen featuring a breakfast bar, meal prep becomes a joy. Enjoy privacy with 2 bedrooms, each separate for optimal privacy. Neutral hues throughout create a soothing atmosphere in the generous rooms. Convenience...

If you've been holding out for the perfect home, look no further.

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Even a slight drop in interest rates can save you thousands over the life of a 30-year mortgage! 🏡 Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these savings and get closer to owning your dream home. Ready to start your search? Contact me today!

Get in touch for more information

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later.

An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes.

If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to a real estate agent about selling your house. Your needs matter. That agent will walk you through your options and what you can expect from...



Give us a call, 732~216~5623

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

Give your life a fresh boost with a home upgrade. Is this the one?

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Learn how to save for a car with these expert tips.

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The courtyard of this features striking structural divisions.

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How To Avoid Today's Top Seller Mistakes

Want to know some of the top mistakes sellers are making today and how to make sure they don’t happen to you too? The biggest missteps are pricing a house too high, skipping repairs, not being objective, and not being willing to negotiate. And the best way to avoid falling into any of these traps is to partner with a trusted real estate agent who knows exactly what to do. Let’s connect so you have someone to lean on for advice.



Give us a call, 732~216~5623

How To Avoid Today's Top Seller Mistakes Want to know some of the top mistakes sellers are making today and how to make sure they don’t happen to you too?

Early Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market Infographic

Thinking about making a move in 2025 and wondering what you can expect? Here’s what expert forecasts say lies ahead. Mortgage rates will come down slightly. More homes will sell. And prices will rise more moderately. Let’s connect to go over what these forecasts mean for your move and what to expect from our local market in 2025.

Early Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market Infographic Thinking about making a move in 2025 and wondering what you can expect? Here’s what expert forecasts say lies ahead.

🚨 New Listing Alert! 🚨

Charming 2 bed, 1 bath home in Howell 🏡 featuring an updated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, and a full basement. All on 1.27 acres with potential to build a second home! 🌳✨

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👇Click the link below for more photos and information.

📞 Call 732-216-5623 to schedule your private tour today!

127 Locust Avenue, Howell, NJ, 07731 Welcome to this charming home that offers warmth and styl...

The Latest on the Luxury Home Market

Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle. And if you're in the market for a million-dollar home, now is an excellent time to explore the thriving luxury market. Here's why.

The Number of Luxury Homes Is Growing

The top of the market, or luxury homes, can mean different things depending on where you live. But in general, these are homes that are in the top 5% price range in any area. According to a recent report from Redfin, the average value of those homes has risen to over one million dollars: “The median sale price for U.S. luxury homes, defined as the top 5% of listings, rose 9% year-over-year to a record $1.18 million during the second quarter.”

That same report goes on to show the percentage of homes valued at a million dollars or more has risen to an all-time high.

Your Luxury Home Is an...

The Latest on the Luxury Home Market Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle.

I am looking for a buyer for 44 Brian Court Toms River, NJ.

44 Brian Court Toms River, NJ 08757 Welcome home! Beautiful adult community home with a spacious living room & gleaming hardwood floors. The nicely updated kitchen complements the two cozy bedrooms. Updated bathroom w/ walk in shower. Big ticket items include A/C, furnace, roof, well for outside water, & sprinkler system all new in 20...

with these effortless and eco-friendly kitchen tips and tricks.

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Want to know the top mistakes today’s homeowners are making when they sell? Here they are:

-Pricing your house too high
-Skipping necessary repairs
-Not being objective
-Not being willing to negotiate

DM me if you want to talk more about how an agent can help you avoid costly missteps like these.



Give us a call, 732~216~5623

How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market

Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, driven primarily by recent signs that inflation is cooling, and the job market is slowing down.

Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters

The Federal Funds Rate is one of the key factors that influences mortgage rates – things like the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and more also have an impact.

When the Fed cuts the Federal Funds Rate, it signals what’s happening in the broader economy, and mortgage rates tend to respond.

As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), points out: “Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.”

And any upcoming Federal Funds Rate cut likely won’t be a one-time...

How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed).