[COMMUNICATED] The long awaited H2 expo Is tonight! If you are thinking of buying or renovating your home, you need to be there. With over 60 vendors from all industries across the Lakewood real estate market, you are sure to pick up some valuable information and contacts. Home buying and maintenance is definitely a confusing saga with so many products and services to choose from. The expo is your chance to discover them all under one roof. The kind of clarity that takes months of research can be yours in just one night! Join us tonight in Lake terrace from 7-11PM.

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H2 expo – Lakewood’s night of house and home

This year’s H2 expo is a week away! If you are thinking of buying or renovating your home, you need to be there. With over 60 vendors from all industries across the Lakewood real estate market, you are sure to pick up some valuable information and contacts. Home buying and maintenance is definitely a confusing saga with so many products and services to choose from. The expo is your chance to discover them all under one roof. The kind of clarity that takes months of research can be yours in just one night! The H2 expo is February 14th in Lake terrace from 7-11PM.

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You already know the pros and cons of Lakewood versus surrounding townships… or do you?

The Lakewood housing market has exploded, experiencing massive growth in the past several years. With the township struggling to keep up – snarled traffic, dwindling open space, rapidly rising costs – it’s no small wonder that the community has breached its borders to find refuge in surrounding townships.

But what does the future of Lakewood – and that of Toms River and Jackson – really look like?

To help the community navigate its unprecedented growth, the H2 Expo – originally founded in response to the housing boom, and a rousing success due to Lakewood’s continual growth – continues to adapt to the changing needs of Ocean County residents.

Nearly every Lakewood local considering a move has seriously contemplated buying a home in a neighboring town. Prices are lower, quality of life is improved in several ways, and they’re close enough to the established conveniences of Lakewood. But living outside of Lakewood has its cons – and living in Lakewood has its own unique advantages.

This year, the H2 Expo – as always – is determined to help potential buyers (and current residents) make an informed decision about where to live.

A highlight of the evening will be a panel discussion addressing the pros and cons of living in and out of Lakewood, with viewpoints from both the private and public sectors. The panelists will discuss current and future issues of both options, providing frank and valuable information to anyone considering a move within or outside of town.

The panel will feature Isaac Akerman, Lakewood Township committeeman; Abe Halberstam, zoning board chairman; Justin Flancbaum, planning board chairman; Gerald Klein, Esq., specializing in real estate law; Shlomo Friedman of Imperial Real Estate, the agency that’s collectively made the most local sales this year; and Yonason Reichenberg of MR Capital Group, an expert mortgage broker.

The panelists will answer your most pressing questions – plus the questions you didn’t realize you needed to ask!

Make your decision significantly easier – come to the H2 Expo on February 14, 2017.

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H2 Expo: Lakewood Versus Jackson

Lakewood’s bursting at the seams! Newsflash? Not quite. Virtually anyone who’s buying a home in Lakewood has seriously considered Toms River, Jackson, or even Howell.

Sure, it sounds great. Nice homes, massive lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, swimming pools and meticulously landscaped yards…. all at – or lower than! – the price of a new-construction townhouse with no land in the congested heart of Lakewood.

No-brainer, right?

Not exactly.

Ponder these factors, for starters:

• Older vs. newer homes. Buying an older home (this goes for Lakewood homes too) presents a set of issues not found in new construction. The “surprises” that may crop up (think leaky roof, broken boiler, underground oil tank, inadequate insulation, insect damage, structural issues) can cost far more than you’d anticipated shelling out. On the upside, these homes tend to have character and architecture not found in newer houses.

Newer homes have their own advantages and disadvantages: they’re less likely to need large repairs in the near future, but mass construction may mean poorer quality or cookie-cutter houses without much room for expansion or improvement.

• Large lots. Fresh air, privacy, space for your children to run around… these are huge selling points not found in most Lakewood developments or even many non-development neighborhoods. These lots do come with an unexpected price tag though; maintenance is required – especially when your neighbors expect your exterior to look like theirs. Those pools and perfect hedges won’t care for themselves!
• Lifestyle differences. Lakewood new construction is often tailored to the needs of a Jewish family. Homes in other towns are not; think fewer bedrooms, no shul, eruv or mikvah, small kitchens, and dim lighting. Being part of a growing community though, definitely has a nice feel.
• Township differences. No, you can’t rent out your basement. Yes, you may need a permit for your sukkah. Property taxes may be higher than you expect; your utility provider may change. You may have to pay for trash pickup. Bussing is even more of a nightmare than it is in Lakewood proper. The list goes on… but you may be pleasantly surprised by the perks of living in a different township (for one, your car insurance will likely be less expensive!)

If you’re considering a move to another township, you need to be at the H2 Expo.

This year’s Expo will not only educate you about the ins and outs of home ownership and decorating in general; an entire panel discussion will be dedicated to the pros and cons of living in surrounding towns, providing you with an in-depth picture of life in different neighborhoods. You’ll hear from professionals and current residents and walk away with the security of knowing that you’ve become an educated consumer.

Join us at the H2 Expo on February 14, 2017.