FINDING MY FIRST HOME 

In September of 1999 I was living with a friend in a rental property in Fanwood, NJ. There was a creek that ran alongside the house and the first floor of the home, which included my bedroom, was flooded during a big storm. I lost my childhood albums/music collection. Everything else could be replaced.

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Although I had thought about buying my own home at that point this was the event that really pushed me over the hump to become a homeowner. I knew I wanted to live ‘down the shore’ but I didn't know exactly where. What I did know was that every summer I spent as much time in that area as I possibly could. I also knew that real estate was much more affordable there in comparison to most of northern New Jersey.

 

Honestly I don't remember much about my home search process (did Zillow or Realtor.com even exist??) but what I do remember is coming upon what would eventually be my home for over 20 years. 

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I was made aware of a new construction home that was being built in Ocean Township. It was located just east of Route 35 close to Asbury Park, which at the time was not such a good thing. After grabbing a copy of the sale sheet and looking at the empty lot I turned the corner to head to another home. When I did I saw a sign on the yard of what would be my first home. Today I look back and laugh because the sign said ‘For Sale by Owner’. Yes. I bought my first and only home up to this point ‘For Sale by Owner.’ The world works in mysterious ways.

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I called the number on the sign and the homeowner answered. He told me he’d let me check out the home because I was in the area but that he’d already accepted another offer. They hadn’t started attorney review yet but he was hopeful the transaction would move forward soon because the prospective buyer wasn’t being responsive. What I later heard when I started in real estate was personal experience as well, buyers are 90% sure if a home is right for them the minute they walk through the front door. I loved the place.

 

As a single guy with, maybe, a roommate, it offered more than enough space. It was located close to the areas that I loved, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Manasquan (Asbury Park wasn’t on my radar at that time). I didn’t mind that it was on a somewhat busy street because I grew up on a double yellow lined street.  I made a full price offer ($179k) and got it quickly accepted because the other potential buyer was still dragging his feet and the seller wanted to move forward. 

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Looking back this was the best investment I have ever made. This week, 22-½ years later, my wife and I listed the home for sale at $600,000.