The national median home price rose for the third straight month in April, indicating that a housing recovery is strengthening in 2012. In the 53 metropolitan areas surveyed by the RE/MAX National Housing Report, median home prices were 3.2% higher than March and a solid 5.9% higher than April 2011.

After 18 consecutive months of year-over-year price declines, February was the first month home prices experienced an increase. Now, March and April have followed suit creating a positive trend. The market continues to show strength with home sales 4.1% higher than April 2011. April becomes the 10th month sales have pushed higher than the same month a year earlier. Inventory, Months Supply and Days on Market are all trending lower. With current levels of sales and inventory, an expected up-tick in foreclosure properties could be absorbed if they come to market over a reasonable time frame.

“It’s encouraging to see several improving economic and housing indicators, which are pointing to a continuing real estate recovery,” said Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX, LLC.    “While home prices are still low and interest rates remain at historically low levels, it’s likely that many more potential homebuyers will leave the sidelines and jump into this market.”

For more information, visit www.remax.com.

RE/MAX brokerages claimed a dominant 44 of the Top 50 brokerages when ranked by transaction sides per agent in the REAL Trends 500. The survey also showed that RE/MAX agents averaged 15.1 transaction sides in 2011, an improvement of 4% from the previous survey and a level two times greater than the average of agents with most other national franchises.

“Since 1997 it’s been true that nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX. Some may brag about their numbers, but quality and performance is what consumers are looking for,” said RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “RE/MAX agents are performing well at a critical time when housing is starting to improve, making them the best choice to help homebuyers and sellers in today’s market.”

RE/MAX increased its rankings by 5%, to 116 brokerages in the 2012 REAL Trends 500; no other organization had more brokerages recognized. RE/MAX agents also led all national franchises in total sales volume with $3 million, 60% more than the average of all other agents in the survey.

Another annual industry ranking, the RIS Media Power Broker Report confirmed that RE/MAX agents outperform agents with the other national franchise companies, with an average sides per agent of 15.1 and average sales volume of $3.2 million. RE/MAX sides per agent in the Power Broker Report were 21% higher than the closest national competitor. The average of all other agents in the report was 7.2.

“We are so proud of our agents because we know they are the choice of millions of American families who may be facing a difficult situation or searching for the home of their dreams,” added Kelly.

Year after year, RE/MAX agents are among the country’s top performers because of the education they receive through RE/MAX University. The award winning, 24/7, on-demand service includes over 1,000 individual titles and can be accessed on the Internet, on television, in classrooms, or on personal mobile devices.

For more information, about the REAL Trends 500, visit www.realtrends.com. For more information about the Power Broker Report, visit www.rismedia.com.

Bravo’s Real Houswives of New Jersey power couple Joe & Melissa Gorga  have listed their Montville Township, NJ mansion for $3.8 million with Jerome Salhman, a nearby agent from the RE/MAX Village Square Office in Upper Montclair.

The Gorga’s are packing up the family  Joey, 2, Gino, 4, and Antonia, 6, and moving out!

Built in 2009 this European -inspired custom home is being marketed as a home fit for royalty.

This 6-bedroom, 7-bathroom estate sits on over 2 acres,  features four fireplaces and a three car garage. The interior showcases rich, dramatic details such as Italian marble staircases, custom tray ceilings and circular wrought iron banisters. Would you expect anything less from a Real Housewife from Jersey?

“I’m a builder. I custom-built the houses we have lived in and will do the same with our next one,” Joe tells Us Weekly exclusively. “We want to go back to Franklin Lakes, which is closer to where I work, and we’re looking at a couple of properties now.”

Melissa added, “I absolutely love our current house and will be sad to leave, but Joe is an incredible builder, so I have no doubt that I’ll love the next house just as much. Although this is the last time he is getting me to pack-up!”

The Gorga’s Exquisite  $3.8 Million Mansion is Apart of The RE/MAX Collection. The Collection Only Lists The Most Elegant Homes in The Luxury Market.

Click Here  To View More Photos Of Melissa Gorga’s Montville Mansion Listed By RE/MAX of New Jersey!

Beautiful Original Victorian

Hillside Avenue in Glen Ridge

This beautiful original Victorian home has all the charm you are looking for. Located in the Glen Ridge school district, this house has 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Some amenities include high ceilings, stained glass windows and beautiful hardwood floors. Enjoy the original details and built-ins of this Victorian home. This original Victorian is listed on the market at $799,000.

Courtesy of: Sam Joseph. For more information, visit www.sjoseph-remax-nj.com.

Pristine Colonial

Durham Road in Montgomery Township

This move-in ready home located in the Montgomery Township School District is well maintained with neutral décor and numerous updates. Equipped with stainless steel appliances, refinished hardwood floors, new furnace, central air, and finished basement with rec room, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath home sits on 1.29 acres. Outside, lush landscaping and a pergola help highlight the 20×40 in-ground, heated pool with new liner, and paver patio. This pristine colonial is on the market for $714,900.

Courtesy of: Elizabeth “Betty Jo” Brechka. For more information, visit www.ebrechka.remax-nj.com.

Commuter’s Dream

Vine Street in Chatham Boro

Located only a few short blocks to NYC transportation, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath home is located in the Chatham school district. This beautifully maintained colonial was built in 2002 and features a gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and large center island, dual-room fireplace, and generously sized rooms. A walkout basement opens to a patio and private backyard. There are also two rear decks, plenty of attic storage and a two-car garage. This home is on the market for $799,900.

Courtesy of: Brenda Garcia. For more information, visit www.brendagarcia.remax-nj.com.

Antique Chic

Hilton Place in Montvale

Located within walking distance to both the middle and high schools in the Montvale school district, this “antique chic” home sits on nearly one acre of rolling lawns and perennial gardens lined with slate and stone patios. This 3 bed, 2.5 bath home includes formal living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen with peninsula/wet bar and breakfast area, family room with fireplace, atrium room, and a loft overlooking the family room. The true master suite is complete with a study, alcove, walk-in closet, and uncommon bath. The “west bedroom wing,” with a separate staircase ideal for guests or multi-generational families, features two family guest bedrooms, a walk-in closet and bath. This home is on the market for $532,500.

Courtesy of: Kevin Clark. For more information, visit www.kclark.remax-nj.com.

Spacious Ranch

Ronarm Drive in Mountain Lakes Boro

This spacious, well-maintained 3 bed, 2.5 bath ranch is located in the Mountain Lakes School District. Many upgrades to the home include custom cherry wood kitchen with granite-topped island, furnace, windows, and outdoor deck and porch. Throughout the home are hardwood floors, generous closet space and a full finished basement with rec room, office, and laundry room. The two car garage and adjacent space can easily transform into a three car garage. This ranch is on the market f0r $595,900.

Courtesy of: Sally Vreeland Novak. For more information, visit www.sallynovak.com.

Quaint, Convenient Single Family House

Forest Road in Allendale

This single-family home in the Allendale school district is conveniently located just blocks to all schools and Crestwood Lake. The property has wonderful curb appeal leading to a covered front porch and marble entry foyer. Features include newer marble master bath with oversized shower stall; newer marble hall bath with whirlpool tub and twin vanity sinks; gleaming refinished hardwood floors and a tiled rec room with a large wet bar. This is a great opportunity to enjoy Allendale’s top-rated schools as well as to be only minutes to the town center and transportation. This home is on the market for $699, 500.

Courtesy of: Colin Somerville. For more information, visit www.csomerville.remax-nj.com.

Charming Carriage Home

Earl Place in New Providence

Situated on a quiet dead-end street in New Providence, this charming carriage house is move-in ready. Located in the New Providence school district, this 3 bedroom and 1.5 bath home is over 1,500 square feet and sits on 0.33 acres. Some features include an upgraded kitchen with gorgeous wood floors, stainless steel appliances and much more. This property is listed on the  market for $450,000.

Courtesy of: Gordon Crawford. For more information, visit www.gordoncrawford.com.

Luxurious, Architectural Masterpiece

Winthrop Road in Millburn

An architectural masterpiece inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright scholars, this ranch custom home located in the Millburn School District meets your modern day demands. This property provides easy one floor living, an easy commute as well as easy maintenance. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 2 half baths, enjoy the unique amenities this home offers. Amenities include a luxurious steam shower and sauna, heated driveway, central vacuum, alarm system, custom wood inlays, marble and granite throughout, a home gym and an office. You can’t forget the 2 beautiful built-in bars, 2 Jacuzzis, a screened porch and nanny’s quarters also! This home is on the market for $2,095,000.

Courtesy of: Amy Burakovsky. For more information, visit www.aburakovsky.remax-nj.com.

Stunning and Sophisticated

West End Avenue in Haddonfield

This historic home, newly renovated throughout, is located in the Haddonfield school district. The more than 6,500 square feet of this 6 bed, 4.5 bath home includes a light-filled foyer and open staircase, top of the line appliances, custom cherry wood kitchen and granite countertops, custom tile, stone and marble work throughout, and generous open spaces. The over-sized corner lot also boasts a finished basement with tall ceilings and a bonus third floor work or play area. This stunning home is on the market for $999,000.

Courtesy of: Yvette Veideman. For more information, visit www.yveideman.remax-nj.com.

Elegant Brick Colonial

Engle Street in Tenafly

This updated brick colonial is nestled in the East Hill location in the Tenafly school district. This charming home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 3 optional bedrooms on the 3^rd floor. Some features include hardwood floors throughout, a large living room with a fireplace, a renovated eat-in kitchen, an elegant formal dining room and a huge 2-car detached garage. The property is in walking distance from the heart of town. This house is listed on the market for $749,000.

Courtesy of: Orly Chen. For more information, visit www.ochen.remax-nj.com.

Melissa Baumgartner, Office Administrator of RE/MAX Achievers, is active in The Seeing Eye [TSE] and has been since 2003. She is currently raising her seventh dog named Granite. Granite has been raised in the RE/MAX Achievers office and will return to TSE in late July to begin formal training.

“Most will agree he has the life and being exposed to the office setting at such a young age has only added to his professional disposition,” says Baumgartner. “The ability to come into contact with so many people on a daily basis has created a path to success.”

Baumgartner will be participating in the Gran Fondo NJ, a bike tour to raise money for the TSE, from September 7^th to September 9^th. She will be biking 18 miles and hopes to raise between $2000 to $5000 for TSE. Oquist is encouraging all who would like to help her meet her goal to click on the link below.

“Since being involved with TSE, I have seen just how wonderful the organization is and I’m amazed by the dogs every day. Just the fact that they charge only $150 for your first dog, $50.00 for every additional dog and $1 if you’re military, speaks volumes,” says Baumgartner.

To make a donation, log on to her fundraising page at https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/MelissaBaumgartner.

In addition, RE/MAX Achievers is also a proud sponsor of a AA Division Team for Madison Little League. The office has been a sponsor for 11 years.

“In keeping with the RE/MAX International’s commitment to Little League, sponsoring a team just shows one more way of being proud of RE/MAX and the commitment of the Agents to their respective community,” says Carmela Vitale, Manager of RE/MAX Achievers.

Great job RE/MAX Achievers!

“To active real estate agents, this market is definitely heating up,” said Margaret Kelly, RE/MAX CEO.  “They are witnessing a recovery across the country fueled by home buyers and sellers taking advantage of a significant market opportunity.”

 Agent opinions are documented in the quarterly RE/MAX Market Insights, an online survey of 1,022 residential experts. Collectively, RE/MAX agents sell more real estate than any other real estate network in the U.S.

Key findings include:

• Price rebound: 68% say prices will be higher by the end of 2012.

• Today’s prices: 29% below the peak reached during the housing bubble.

• Demand for lower-priced properties: 80% of agents say it’s good or very good.

• Demand for homes in the middle-price ranges: 71% rate it as fair to good.

• Demand for high-priced homes: 58% call it poor to fair.

A snapshot of today’s homebuyers served by RE/MAX agents:

•         Roughly one third are first-time buyers. Another third are homeowners looking to sell so they can move up or downsize. The remainder are mostly investors, who believe the market has hit bottom.

•         One in five buyers pays cash, receiving an average discount of 15%.

The most significant challenges facing first-time homebuyers are having an acceptable credit score, posting a down payment, and facing a shortage of homes for sale. Repeat buyers have the added burden of selling their current home. They, too, are facing a scarcity of homes to purchase in the lower and middle price ranges.

Nearly half of the agents say lower priced homes in their markets are selling for slightly less than the asking price, while 17% say buyers are paying full price and 11% say buyers are paying slightly more than the asking price.

For homes in the middle-price ranges, 49% report sale prices are slightly less than the asking price, while 8% say full-price is being paid. For the high-priced homes, 43% report that sale prices are moderately less than asking prices, with another 25% saying it is slightly less.

With bank-owned homes making up a significant portion of the current inventory, agents report that 62% of their non-investor buyers have a favorable attitude toward foreclosures, while only 27% have a favorable attitude toward short sales.

“With distressed properties still making up a sizeable portion of homes on the market, this inventory is being cleared effectively by buyers, who don’t mind investing a little to fix up a property in return for an attractive bargain,” Kelly added.

Among buyers’ highest priorities were quality of schools, and condition and size of the home. The lowest priorities included public transportation, walkability and energy efficiency.

Most RE/MAX agents advise their buyers to hire a professional home inspector and to attend the inspection. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage, not merely pre-qualified, also is recommended.

Online survey of 1,022 U.S. RE/MAX agents specializing in residential real estate, conducted in March 2012. For more information, visit www.remax.com.

For the second month in a row, home prices have risen higher than a year ago. Median prices in March were an impressive 5.8% higher than March 2011 in the 53 metro areas surveyed for the RE/MAX National Housing Report. February marked the first time in 18 months that home prices rose higher than the previous year, and year-to-year price increases haven’t occurred in two consecutive months since August 2010. Home sales in March were 25.4% higher than February and 1.5% higher than March last year.

For the last 9 months, sales have reached a level higher than the same month in the previous year. Following these trends, the spring and summer months should experience increased activity. With falling inventory and many markets witnessing multiple offers with bidding competitions, prices are likely to continue to rise in many areas.

“With buyers starting to jump into this market, this year’s selling season is shaping up to be the strongest we’ve seen in years,” said Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX, LLC.    “Although we don’t expect home prices to rise in every market at the same rate, the worst is definitely behind us, and a slow, steady recovery is taking hold.”

There are many ways to brighten your home for the changing seasons, and if there is ever a time to add pops of color, this is it! A big spring trend in home decorating this year is color. A lot of our color inspiration comes straight from Pinterest, where we can find enough color palettes to suite anyone’s taste. A Design Seeds favorite of ours is the “fruit star” palette, a perfect match of deep blues and vivid, bright greens that could work as a color pop on anything from a throw pillow to new drapes or even place settings! We also love seeing energetic orange, yellow or pink hues throughout the home as accent colors this spring. And remember, neon is making a comeback; don’t be afraid to try something new this spring – the season is all about change!

Aside from adding color, you can accessorize your home for the season. HGTV suggests trying playful wall decals, whimsy place settings for get-togethers, and floral patterns in items like area rugs or drapes. Even a simple swap to new lampshades or shower curtains can do the trick! They also suggest bringing some nature into the house. Having a simple bouquet of flowers for the table or keeping your fruits and salad greens on display in the kitchen will bring you a constant reminder that spring is here…and it can be beautiful!

Don’t forget about the outside of your NJ home, either. Even though we had a mild winter in Jersey, many gardens still need some TLC before the warm summer months hit us. For those of you with long-standing gardens, and a green thumb, make sure you test your soil to make sure your plants will get what they need throughout the season, clean your garden area and make sure you water! If you don’t have the best luck with perennials or you just enjoy having a new landscape each year, head to the market for some colorful annuals to brighten the yard and make your home more inviting.

It’s all about color, change and making an inviting and invigorating space for yourself and your guests this spring! Let us know what your favorite decorating ideas are and feel free to send us your photos!

The Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index by Trulia indicates that out of the 100 Major Metropolitan areas in the country, 98 of those areas prove it is more affordable to buy a home as opposed to rent. The two areas that prove more affordable to rent is Honolulu, Hawaii and San Francisco, California, according to the report.

Depending on your current situation, that might dictate what you can personally do: buy or rent. There is a lot to take into consideration that might hinder your decision. With the rising costs of rent as well as other expenses a buyer might have, it could prove to be difficult to save the necessary amount to invest in a property, according to Jed Kolko, Chief Economist of Trulia in the Winter 2012 Rent vs Buying Index. Another factor to be considered is the duration of time in which you plan on staying in the same location. If you do not plan on being in the same place for a long period of time, buying might not be cost effective for you.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. There are obvious benefits to buying as opposed to renting. According to “Buying vs. Renting” by Yahoo Real Estate on realestate.yahoo.com, one advantage to buying is the fact that you are able to make the home just that “a home”. If you rent, you do not have the ability to put your own stamp on a house. Another advantage is that you are able to gain equity in your home, which in turn increases the value of the property. That is something you can’t do if you are a renter since your monthly payments are going to a landlord. The most obvious reason of all is the satisfaction of being a homeowner in general. Nothing can take away that feeling!

As the country slowly transitions into recovery mode and the market begins to bounce back to what it once was, it is reassuring to think that it a great time to invest in your future. It’s true what they say, the time is now!

Zumba Instructor Carolina Brearley will take participants through the fun and exhilarating dance steps while raising money for a good cause. One hundred percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. This event is open to all ages. Tickets for the event are $15.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children 12 and under and $20.00 to purchase at the door the day of the fundraiser. Those interested in making a donation to the Zumbathon Fundraiser can log on to https://www.wepay.com/events/zumbathon.

For reservations and additional ticket information, call RE/MAX Gateway in Ocean Township at 732-695-1600. RE/MAX Gateway is located at 1500 Allaire Avenue, Suite 103 in Ocean Township.