Category: Sentinel-EBS Business

On the heels of a recession that saw home values drop, many would-be investors have shied away from buying investment properties. But real estate has historically remained a sound investment, boasting a long-term appreciation rate that makes it a worthwhile investment for those who can withstand temporary setbacks in housing prices and hold on to… Continue reading Real estate investing for beginners

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features Your next car could apply the brakes on its own to help avoid a collision Perhaps as the first step toward driverless cars, expect advanced safety systems that can help drivers avoid, or at least lessen the effects of a crash to become widespread in the not-too-distant future. Ten automakers… Continue reading Automakers accelerating on auto-braking

Q&A with Sharon Peters Q: My nephew has been picked up for driving impaired at least four times. Very little in the way of punishment ever happens. And still he drives. In my part of the country, he would have lost his license years ago, and probably would have done time. He lives in Pennsylvania.… Continue reading Unequal DUI laws

Hope Yoga will hold a special yoga workshop, “Yoga and Healthy Aging,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the studio, 220 Forsgate Drive, Suite 2A, Jamesburg. A donation class will be held in January for the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church food pantry. Those who want to practice may bring non-perishable food and enjoy… Continue reading BUSINESS BRIEFS

Lenders put increased scrutiny on borrowers with fluctuating incomes Fifth-grade math skills come in handy when you’re home shopping. Lenders usually don’t want to see a monthly mortgage payment — plus all other regularly occurring debts — exceed more than about 36 to 43 percent of a borrower’s gross monthly income. No matter how adept… Continue reading Paying steady with unsteady income

Jack Waters, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that the Edison office was recognized for outstanding performance in November. The office led the region, which is comprised of locations throughout Middlesex County, for resales. In addition, sales associate Francis “Frank” Connor of the Edison office was recognized for his exceptional industry success. Connor led… Continue reading REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features Renters want to buy, but new buying challenges are keeping the transition to homeownership a lengthy process It’s the time of year when people start saying, “We’re going to buy a home next year.” But, one study suggests that the majority of renters planning to buy within a year… Continue reading Buying resolutions require determination

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features Some states treat its motorists better than others in terms of ownership costs, commute times and other factors Though much of America is more or less homogenous, some states are inherently more hospitable to motorists than others. Ownership costs, including gas prices, insurance premiums and repair costs vary from one… Continue reading Most and least driver-friendly states

A Monmouth County dealership is among the first Ford dealers in the country to sell a 2016 F-150 truck. Joe Jarock Jr., an auto body shop employee and street rod enthusiast, purchased a new 2016 F-150 XLT from Tom’s Ford in Keyport. An employee of Al’s Auto Body in South Amboy for nearly four decades,… Continue reading Keyport dealership among the first Ford dealers in the nation to sell new F-150

By Lindsey Romain CTW Features A homebuyer doesn’t just buy four walls and roof— they buy into a whole new world. Keep these intangibles in mind as you look into a future home purchase A first-time homebuyer usually has a big-item checklist: a master bathroom; an open kitchen with no obnoxiously colored tile in the… Continue reading Thinking outside the home