Bordentown City

I work as a Realtor in all areas of Burlington and Mercer county.  But I call "The little city with a lot of charm", Bordentown City home.  City living might not be for everyone, but here is my personal top 10 things I love about living in Bordentown city.

10. The celebrations - Iris festival, Cranberry festival, The Green Fair, Downtown Festival, Bordentown Tradition car show and the Halloween Parade & celebration at Thompson Street.  We know how to celebrate in this town.

9. Restaurants - I love being able to walk a few blocks and get a great meal in town.  From a sandwich at The Corner Deli, to dining al fresco at Jester's, The Vault or Marcello's, and fine dining at Oliver's  - there is always a great place to go.

8. History.  Take a walk around the city and you will see American history at what seems to literally be every corner.  Being established in 1682, we've had a fair share of history. Thomas Paine, Clara Barton, Patience Wright, Joseph Bonaparte, and more all tie back to this city, want to know more? Check this article recently published in NJ.com

7. The weekly Farmer's Market.  If being located a few minutes from several Community Supported Agriculture farms hasn't got you thinking about eating local.  Every Wednesday starting in June a Farmer's market sets up at The Carlslake Community Center making it even easier to eat fresh while supporting your area farmers.

6. Tremendous diversity in the types of homes available.  While taking a walk the other evening, I could not help but comment on the amazing different home styles you can find in just a few short blocks.  Grand old Victorian homes, row homes, 200+ year old twin homes, condos and new construction are all on my evening dog walking route. Homes of all different size, style and price range can be found and this contributes to the diversity of people in the area too.

5. Many people walk their children to the elementary school. Bordentown city is part of the larger Bordentown Regional School district.  Both the Clara Barton Elementary school (K-3) and the MacFarland Intermediary School (4-5) are located within the city limits.  Between 8:15-8:30 AM during the school year you see many parents, myself included, walking their child to school. There is something blissfully old fashioned about walking to school in this fast paced modern age.

4. We have a beach and yacht club.  It may not be a sand bring your blanket and lay out kind of beach, but there is a new picnic area, a boat launch and a genuine dock & marina at the yacht club.  For the land-lubbers, it's a lovely place to walk around and watch the boats, too.

3. We have good beer. The Farnsworth House and The HOB both have a selection of craft beers on rotation. You can also get a really cool looking growler from the HOB for enjoying a fresh craft beer at home.

2. I can get everything done on foot.  I can walk to the bank, library, drug store, post office, and train station. Walk-ability and not having to rely on my car was a huge factor in me falling for Bordentown.  While I may not always walk to do my errands I like knowing that it is an option.

1. The best is yet to come.  Our city slogan is a little city with a lot of charm.  After living here I can testify that it is true. Right now, there are a lot of things going on to improve our town.  From new housing developments, to the shade tree commission, to the restoration of Old City Hall.  There are still tons of opportunities for more businesses to come into the city, for more homes to be restored.

It was hard to keep the list to just 10 items.  Friends and neighbors feel free to share some of the things you love about living in Bordentown.

I'll be ready in about a year

  In speaking with a lot of would be first time buyers I hear the phrase “I think I’ll be ready in about a year”. 

OK that is fine.  I am not in a rush, and I think it works best when you aren’t either.  A year gives you time to plan.  During that time, you may be able to increase your savings and reduce some debt thus improving your credit score and your buying power.  For more information on savings, credit scores & home buying check this article.  

You can also use the time to learn about different areas. There are a lot of small towns, historic districts and parts of town that vary greatly from one another.  Getting to know them will help you zero in on what is best for you when you are ready to buy.  Even each of the newer home developments has different characteristics and amenities.  Knowing what really appeals to you or is a deal breaker will be helpful when you begin the hunt for the dream home.  Talk with your Realtor (hopefully me) about different areas, give them feedback & ask for suggestions.  Drive neighborhoods at different times of the day to see what traffic looks like at 10 AM or at 5:30 PM. 

Also, use this time to familiarize yourself with different types of mortgage programs and what the terms mean.  Understanding what it means to pay points, PMI, and what an ARM is can help you understand the best financial tools for your situation.  If you are a moderate income earner you can also look into qualifying & applying for any of the free money programs that I talk about here in an earlier post. 

Twelve months will go by quickly.  Becoming a more educated consumer can bring you lasting benefits with your home search.  After all, buying a home is a big step.  Being able to step into this endeavor with confidence knowing what you want and can afford will reap great rewards. 

Check back for more articles on home buying.  Can't wait? ... check this top 10 list of mistakes first-time home buyers make from SmartMoney.  

Free Money

If you are a first time home buyer with moderate to low income, there are "free" money programs that you may qualify for.  The money can be used to help pay for closing costs and part of your down payment. In 2014, qualified applicants can get as much as $7000 in Mercer County and as much as $9000 in Burlington County.

What's the catch you say?

You must meet the income guidelines set by the county, the home you are purchasing must become your primary residence, and you must live in the home for a specified period of time or you will need to pay back the money.  More information on the programs & eligibility requirements can be found here for Burlington County and Mercer County.

I've worked with buyers who have successfully used these programs, and they can be tremendously helpful. It can take some time, but for those who qualify it can be a great tool towards home ownership.