Jim Mazzerina's Blog Posts

“The first step toward change is awareness. If you want to get from where you are to where you want to be, you have to start by becoming aware of the choices that lead you away from your

Public Speaking Is All About YOUR Preparation!The worst thing you can do when speaking publicly is get up there and wing it. Although it is not best to be completely scripted, you should be

We want to believe our homes are as safe as they can be, and for the most part they are. But there are items we use every day that are in fact hazardous. Knowing what products are hazardous, and

Are you thinking about putting your home on the market for sale? It doesn't matter if you've been living there for 50 years or five, you want to do everything you can to

With autumn upon us, now is the perfect time for homeowners to get their property in shape and help avoid problems in the months ahead. Here are six key jobs to tackle before cold weather sets in

1. Ignoring Curb AppealYou shouldn’t host an open house or snap your listing photos before addressing your landscape. If your yard doesn’t cut it, buyers may reject your property from their

St. Francis Parish annual Festival of the Sea will be taking place on August 6-10.Everyone enjoys the excitement of a summer carnival. It brings out the child in all of us. Since,

You can probably hear it already: the kids fighting over the radio and asking "Are we there yet?" Sometimes a picnic is no picnic. If you're planning a family road trip this summer, you must plan

Want to invest in a rental property, but don’t know how to choose the right location for the property? If you’re investing in real estate, then you should realize that the entire success of

Front Load Versus Top Load Top-loading washers are the ones you grew up with (if you were lucky enough to have a washer and dryer in the house). You can still get new models of top-loading

Do you want to pay off your mortgage sooner? Whether you've bought a home recently or you've been paying your mortgage for a while, making extra mortgage payments is a smart way to save money over

Moving is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary. If you think you may be on the verge of a move, take a look at these telltale signs it's time to put your home on the market and move to a new

Millennials Search for Unconventional Down Payment Funds, but at What Cost? Rising home prices are standing in the way of millennials who want to buy their first home;

Your credit scores usually determine the price you pay for your money (your mortgages, your auto loans and leases, your credit cards, business loans, etc.). Perhaps the most significant part of

4 Big Wins for Small Business OwnersAs you may have heard, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the biggest change to tax laws in 31 years. Big business is thrilled to see their corporate tax rate

Failure to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months can have dire consequences on your wallet, as well as pose a safety hazard for others. Even those in warmer climates will want to be

Homeowners are faced with numerous decisions throughout the years when it comes to their homes and how to manage them. A home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so decision

          Here's my checklist to keep all your autumn home maintenance projects on schedule. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts Trim

   You've got your buyer, you've entered into a contract and you're well on your way to selling your home. Then, all of a sudden, things take a turn. The momentum is broken and it all

Conventional Loan ProfileConventional loans are not backed by the government. As such, lenders require certain fiscal standards to ensure that you are financially stable enough to make monthly

Here's a link to find out what entertainment is showing within 100 miles of Manahawkin. You can also choose a date. Just copy and paste this link into your address bar -- enjoy!  ;

After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start reimagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project

When buying a home, most people will need to obtain a mortgage. Part of the process of getting a mortgage will be to provide your mortgage representative with all of the financial records and

Are you thinking of selling your home?  here are some helpful tips if you have children and pets.http://blog.jamesmazzerinaauthor.com/article/dealing-with-animals-or-children-when-staging/Jim

Moving can be a stressful time in anyone's life, from planning, to packing to the actual move.   Click on the list below for some helpful tips on how to make Moving Day less 

To see a list of all my latest books for Buyers and Sellers click on the link:   http://blog.jamesmazzerinaauthor.com/article/how-buyers-search-for-homes/How Buyers Search for

Whether you're buying or selling a home (or both), pay special attention to how a home inspection can serve your interests. A professional home inspection protects both buyers and sellers from

The secret to a successful relocation is timing. Good timing takes some advanced planning to put you in control. Here are 7 more relocation secrets to make your move a little less stressful.1.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner many people think it’s best to wait until after the holidays to list their homes or they want to temporarily take their homes off the market.

You can keep your home in tip top shape with some simple tasks throughout the year. Here are some tips for the month of September. Clean gaps between the deck boards, especially above the joists

As a former auto tech I put together some helpful hints as to how you can save a few bucks and keep your car in tip top shapeSlow and steady. Gas mileage decreases at speeds over 50 mph. In fact,

The FBI reports that email phishing accounts for 95 percent of cybersecurity threats. That’s why client communications are a key component of “cyber hygiene,” legal and law enforcement

When was the last time you painted the interior or exterior of your house?  Did you put a lot of thought into the color?  Well interesting enough the right color will actually add value to

Summertime is around the corner and now is a great time to add a little curb appeal to your home without breaking the bank.  The front door is the focal point of the home.  Add a pop

Here’s a couple of sites that can help you spruce up your home for the spring time sales market.Home Design 3D.net     is a highly rated app (and noted by theNew York Times) that

Summer is a popular time to shop for a home, which coupled with the current shortage of housing inventory, has made the home buying process extra competitive. Once you find a house and are serious

Maintain your property. Know your neighbors. Assess your home’s vulnerability Respect the power of lighting. Use technology to make your home look occupied. Yes, it has to be said:

The heading of this blog might give you the wrong idea of what it's about. You might think I'm going to tell you all about mortgages, but in reality it's about the Ocean County Library. The OC

Fixer-uppers can be diamonds in the rough, or they can be huge money pits that swallow up all your hard-earned dollars. You will have a better chance of making a success of it if you follow these

If you have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, check out these tips that can help you pay off your loan in less than 30 years:Round your payment up each monthRounding up your payment to the next

Often, flipped homes have cosmetic changes doneinorder to attract buyers and ultimatelyget the property sold. You might fall in love with fresh paint and brand new appliances, and generally,

Whether you’re vacationing on Long Beach Island or even if you just live near Southern Ocean County, during the second week of August, you should make a point of visiting the Festival of the Sea

Certain home inspection fails can stop a home sale dead in its tracks. If you are trying to sell your home, it's important that you identify and fix any major issues in your home before putting

One of the biggest misconceptions of home buying? The 20% down payment. Here’s how to buy with a lot less down. Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions:

Bogus links can find their way into the Web search results that Google delivers to your inbox. By Bob Niedt, Kiplinger.com Google Alerts are designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest

Join the Festivities at the Manahawkin Lake on Saturday April 30th  2016  -- 11am  - 4pm  This is a great way to support your community and have fun at the same time. There

Here’s how to tell if one of your trees is in danger of falling over, and what you can do about it.How to Inspect Your Trees No one knows your trees as well as you. So after they leaf out in

Even though we haven't experianced a real heavy freeze yet,  we are just starting February and there is a long winter to get through. Wicked winter weather can cause plumbing pipes to freeze

Getting ready for Super Bowl Sunday.  Best part of it for me are the commercials.  Can't.

Important Things You Can Do Right NowIt's important to note that repairing bad credit is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score. In fact, out of

While it is known that home inventory is largest during the spring and summer months, the MLS always has homes and properties listed on it. Fall and winter will have properties available, but the

43nd Annual Long Beach Island Commemorative 18 Mile Run Sunday, October 11 Race Starts At 10:30 AM in Holgate, NJ.Entry Fees: $40 per runner by 8/31/15; $45 per runner by 9/30/15; $55 per

Every year at this same time we get into the heart of the hurricane season. For me Hurricane/Super Strom Sandy is still fresh in my mind. So I wanted to pass along this warning system info to

School Bus Safety If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. If your child’s school bus does not have

It's that time again. The Festival of the Sea Carnival is back at the St Francis Parish on Long Beach Island.Here's all the details for the week of fun!Wednesday, August 5 through Sunday, August 96

Vacations are a time to relax and escape from regular life. When you're miles from home, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home. If you plan on taking a vacation this

This is a report put out by Debora Hosiptal on the effects of sleep apnea if left untreated. In addition to its effects on your heart, a new study links heavy snoring and sleep apnea—a

Planning to Work From Home? Working from home can be much simpler than renting a separate office space, but it might put you in violation of

This article was put out by Deborah Heart and Lung CenterEvery year in the United States, 1 in 4 deaths results from heart disease. One recommended way to help prevent heart disease: Eat nuts. As

MY LBI Life at the AP StoreThe Official LBI Mobile App, My LBI Life features real-time information about local events, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and other activities in the region of Long

If you installed energy-efficient home improvements in 2014, you may be eligible for a $500 tax credit. Among the home improvements that might qualify for the tax credit: Doors

Sometimes we think of everything that stresses us out but maybe we don't consider where we live as something that can create stress. Think about this:If you often hear the beeping of car horns or

 Do your tablemates affect your eating habits?In a recent study of human behavior, scientists found that the heavier your fellow diners, the more likely you are to overeat. You're also more

 Your tablemates affect your eating habits.In a recent study of human behavior, scientists found that the heavier your fellow diners, the more likely you are to overeat. You're also more likely

Just want to remind everyone to come out and help us celebrate “Rocking Through the Years” as the Borough of Ship Bottom hosts the 35th Annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade, Saturday,

In 1983 the New Jersey Bar Association entered into a consent judgment with the NJ Association of Realtors to allow licensed real estate brokers and sales persons to prepare contracts for the

There's still time to sign up for the St Francis/ LBI 18 Mile Run.  The 42nd Annual Long Beach Island Commemorative 18 Mile Runwill take place on Sunday, October, 12 at 10:30 AM

Deciding where you want to live, both in terms of general areas and specific geographic requirements is very important. This is as important as the actual house you buy, it will affect your

This fun event will take place on Wednesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 106:00 to 10:00 nightly (weather permitting)St. Francis Parish and Center Grounds4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant,

Few places in the country are considered free from flooding, but if you live in a high risk area, like I do you should consider doing some things that will help protect your home and.

I’ve always been interested in figuring out how things worked and building stuff, even when I was a little kid. Once I got married, my father-in-law was in the construction business so he taught

Attic cleaning probably isn’t your idea of a good time. But the dust, dander, and mold in that often-neglected room could be irritating your family’s lungs and kicking up allergies.;

Having pet odors inside your home can turn off potential home buyers and keep your home from selling. Ask your real estate agent for an honest opinion about whether your home has a pet smell.

On Friday, December 6th, Calloway’s is hosting a benefit night for the Toy Run Foundation from 7:00pm-10:00pm. It includes all you can eat wings from 7:00-8:00 pm as well as all you can eat/

If you love craft and vendor fairs as much as I do, you’d be glad to hear that Barnegat High School is hosting a Craft & Vendor fair on Saturday, November 23rd. The “Craft Mall” will be

Lost Deposits.  Anyone who has rented more than a couple of apartments is well aware of the chances of losing some or all of your security deposit, no matter how well you care for the home.

 There has been chatter that Fannie and Freddie will be required to reduce their maximum loan amount in the near future and this is the latest.  The FHFA announced that Fannie/Freddie

The Cranberry Festival is celebrating it's 30th year! The 30th Annual Cranberry Festival will be held onOctober 19th & 20th, 2013 in Chattsworth, NJFrom 9:00am-4:00pmThis festival is

Here are some additional facts about the new flood maps in Manahawkin - Beach Haven West and Village Harbor.   1.  The odd numbered properties on Mill Creek Road from 1707 to 2147 

The church in Brant Beach, St Francis of Assisi, will be re-opening on this Friday 06/14/13. It's been a long and hard process to rebuilt our wonderful church, but certainly well worth the wait from

Just wanted everyone to know that there is very much activity in Beach Haven West. That activity includes people repairing their homes, people raising (elevating) their homes, some people have

Elevated buildings in V zones that do not have obstructions or enclosures below the BFE are subject to less flood damage and thus lower rates are used to determine premiums for NFIP flood.

How to Boost Weight Loss With Cold Showers   With worldwide obesity levels growing--and reaching epidemic levels here in the U.S.--fad diets often come and go. Most of these diets are

This time of year brings out many tax--scam artists who prey on  low-income consumers and unknowing seniors. Here are few tips that can hopefully keep you aware of the scams. The "IRS" sends

The Christie administration is drawing up plans to quickly distribute what could be billions in Sandy aid to New Jersey homeowners and small businesses, the governor said Wednesday, a day after an

Imagine you’re underwater on your mortgage, but you’re trying to sell your home. Your REALTOR® has a buyer lined up. Everything looks good to go. Except there’s one small

Americans Want Smaller, More Flexible Homes. The size of the American dream shrinks, while value reigns. Despite continuing economic uncertainty, eight out of 10 consumers think home ownership is

When it’s time to clean, have your trusty green cleaner at the ready — baking soda, vinegar, castile soap — plus another ultra-cheap gem: hydrogen peroxide. You can use it

Your home’s heating and cooling systems should give you many years of service with proper maintenance. Preventive maintenance will lower your energy costs, prevent costly repairs and prolong

Fact or Fiction:  It costs more to buy than to rent your home. Well that may very well depend on where you live more then anything else. Just today, Trulia released its latest Rent vs. Buy

The following list of the top 10 home safety tips is from the Home Safety Council. Visit their website [www.MySafeHome.org] for for home safety essentials and a virtual home safety tour  1.

Once spring has sprung, take some time to give your home a check-up along with its annual spring-cleaning. Adding these home maintenance tips to your routine can help your house operate more

UPDATED Johnson's Corner Farm's Egg Hunt Hayrides - Easter egg hunts for children, Visits and photos with the Easter Rabbit, Cancelled in inclement weather (call if the weather looks bad),

          Newly Updated (3/26/2012) Belmar Children's Easter Egg Hunt Come join us on the beach for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, 2012.;

The Parade and After Party have been rescheduled! The  Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday March 31, 2012 in Downtown Mount Holly. The Parade Route

To continue on the path of my last blog post and you’re looking for restaurants that are a little bit less expensive, try Sojo’s Restaurant in Surf City on LBI. This place seems that it

I’m always looking for good places to eat. But not always the high end places. So here’s a local establishment that we love. It’s the Horizon Diner on Bay Ave in Manahawkin. I

CoCo Key Mt. Laurel Marriott, 915 Route 73, Mount Laurel NJ 856-234-7300CoCo Key Water Resort, New Jersey’s ultimate indoor water park, is your key to worry free, weather-proof

Breakfast with Santa     Calloway’s is having Breakfast with Santa on Christmas Eve December 24 at 9:30.   Family Style Breakfast serving:  french toast, scrambled eggs,

Well this weekend we went to another great place for dinner. This was quite different and a bit out of the area. It’s was our time of the year to enjoy some time with our close friends. We

November 26 through December 18, 2011     12:00pm-4:00pmPictures with SantaSaturdays and Sunday from November 26 through December 18.The GalleriaBridge Avenue, Red Bank(732)

Well I’m back. Sorry for the big gap between articles, but we had some family issues to work through. My father-in-law passed away so I was in North Jersey for a bit and then we had to attend

November 25 & 26, 2011     see website for timesHoliday Arts & Crafts Show at Monmouth Park RacetrackOver 120 artists and crafters.Monmouth Park

Well this weekend we went to another great little restaurant. As you can see by reading my blog, I’m always telling you about Italian eateries. That’s because I love Italian food! I

The Optimist Club of Barnegat will conduct its annual Optimist Spaghetti Dinner and Chinese Auction on Friday, October 21, 2011. The dinner will be served from 5:00pm—7:30pm, in the Barnegat

Last weekend I was pleasantly surprised. It was Friday evening and as we usually do, we decided to go out for dinner. Again, as we usually do, we wanted to go somewhere different or at least some

October 8, 2011 (Rain Date: 10/9)     Spring Lake Columbus Day Festival/Art WalkFestival celebrating Columbus Day and Art Walk in Spring Lake. Sponsored by the Spring Lake

I decided that since I am going to continue writing a blog, maybe I should write about something I love and enjoy. No, not real estate! I'm going to write about food!  I love food and I

The American Humane Association is encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog during the month of October. An estimated 3.7 million animal are euthanized in shelters every year. Here are some great

With the cooler weather approaching, it's a great time to enjoy nature. Here's a listing of trails in Ocean County: Cattus Island Park Fischer Boulevard off of Route 549 Toms River, NJ 732-270

The tax benefits of real estate ownership are something every buyer should understand. When it comes to the tax benefits of renting vs. buying, the benefits of buying are many, while there are few

Our Gang Players Manahawkin, NJ: Oliver Aug. 11, 12 13, and 15th @7:00 pm Aug. 14th @ 2:00 pm Surflight Theatre Beach Haven, NJ: The Odd Couple Aug. 4-21; I Do! I Do! Aug. 24-Sept. 4

Whether you’re vacationing on Long Beach Island or even if you just live near Southern Ocean County, during the second week of August, you should make a point of visiting the Festival of the Sea

Fantasy Island 320 Seventh Street Beach Haven NJ 609-492-4000 Pay one Price Day Fridays $17 per Person for all rides 2:00pm-7:00pm Regular prices in effect after 7:00pm until closing Funtown

Thinking about remodeling? If you’re think of remodeling your home, you might want to consider which projects will give you the most bang for your buck! Here are the results of a Cost vs.Value

Share history with us! You are invited to join us at the Tuckerton Seaport to meet many wonderful people, make new friends and have a good time! Volunteers have been the backbone of our organization

The Following is a listing of Farmer's Markets in Monmouth County: Atlantic Highlands Farmer's Market Every Friday from May 6-October 7, 2011 12:00pm-6:00pm Veterans Park 100 First Ave.

Below is a list of a few events happening in Stafford Township for the month of June. One of the events which is at the end of June is a very valuable source of information for those people living

Like many Americans, Bob and Jean purchased a home when times were good. Then the recession hit. Jean lost her job after ten years, along with their family medical benefits. Bob had to take about a

Get in the summertime groove at Tuckerton Seaport this Saturday! Garvey Restoration Workshop, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 10 am - 4 pm. Join boat builder Ron Spodofora and staff