There are some very interesting facts in this report and you might just be surprised by a few.  Here are some highlights from the New Jersey Association of Realtors profile of home buyers:

• The median age of New Jersey home buyers is 36
• First time home buyers had a median age of 30
• 56% were married couples
• 21% were single females
• 10% were single males
• 49% of home buyers were first time buyers
• 64% had no children under 18 living with them
• The #1 reason to buy a home – a desire to own your own home
• The #1 reason for deciding when to do it – it was the right time in their life
• Top reason to choose the location – quality of the neighborhood
• 2nd reason to choose the location – convient to their job
• 68% of all purchases were detached single family homes
• 89% used a fixed rate mortgage
• 72% used the internet frequently to search for a home; 17% occasionally

There are two key items here ito note - 49% of all buyers in 2008 were first time home buyers and they decided to buy a home because the time was right for them.

First time home buyers are crucial to keep a market moving – without them, a real estate market will collapse because they are the first cog in the wheel that drives the real estate engine forward.  It’s also interesting to see that no matter the external factors at work (economy, interest rates, etc), it still comes down to when it’s the right time for me.  If you want a copy of the full report, just email me.

There’s all sorts of fun here and it’s also a learning center with group and private lessons for you and your family - here’s some children at a Skiwee session:      

For the more adventurous, however, there’s the thrill of snowboarding and those glorious jumps. 

If you’re more “down to earth, there’s also the fun of sliding down the mountain on a snow tube.

But if you’re a traditionalist, you can ski downhill with abandon!

Campgaw Mountain Reservation is open year round and in warmer weather is a favorite hiking and camping retreat.  But, in the winter, it becomes a snow park where you and your family can come for “in your backyard” winter sports.  Campgaw is just another reason why it’s fun to live in Bergen County and why our Bergen County homes are so valued.  I bet you didn’t expect a ski resort only 30 minutes from Manhattan!