Real Estate - Now and Then

Open House Today --- 232 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ --- 1 to 4 PM

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 09:27:12 -0500

Welcome to your Ole' Home!

The owner is motivated to see all reasonable offers!

www.HistoricAllendale.com

Great town and GREAT Price!

Sought after NORTHERN HIGHLANDS school system.

Close to NYC transportation, shopping, area golf, lakes and more!

This would make a wonderful family home...

it is zoned for professional - residential use.

Live and work at home.

www.HistoricAllendale.com

Home for the Holidays ! Ho-Ho-Ho ;)

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:11:50 -0500

Listing your home during the holidays is one of the best times of year to do so. Why?

Guests --- also known as buyers --- are welcomed into your home when it is fully dressed, so-to-speak. Buyers will be welcomed to festive decorations, warm smells, fresh baked goods on the table and many more special details not found at other times of the year. People tend to keep their home neat & ready for guests at this time year as well so, seller's are naturally prepared for showings. Tables are dressed in their finest table cloths or linens and the finest china and dinnerware is set out for all to see. Fireplaces are roaring. Lights are sparkling. People touring the home will get a warm and festive feel for the home.

Okay, they may get that warm-fuzzy feeling but will they buy?

The answer is a resounding, YES!

Buyers looking for homes at this time of year are motivated to BUY. They tend to be relocating; they are pre-qualified and they know exactly what they are looking for. So, you may not have as many "sight-seerers" but those that do make appointments to see your home will be true buyers.

And, if you are marketing your home during the the winter or holiday period, make sure you make the time to show your home. Have your agent set pre-determined weekend times on Saturday and Sunday so that your home will be available. It does not have to be every weekend. Plan ahead with your realtor so everyone knows what to expect; how to advertise; and when buyers call they will know -- in advance --- that the home can be shown. What a pleasure!

If you are thinking of selling your home --- why wait for the spring market?

1. There is less competition amongst sellers for buyers.

2. Winter prospects ARE serious buyers.

3. Your home looks, feels and smells TERRIFIC during the holidays.

4. You may receive more money for your home because there are LESS homes on the market.

5. You control the showing hours and times. You will know, based on advanced schedules, when

your home can or cannot be shown. And, schedule advance "by appointment only" showing times.

6. January is traditionally the biggest transfer month & you must be listed in order to capture

this selling opportunity.

7. You may have LESS showings but these buyers tend to be more qualified and motivated to buy.

8. Your home is dressed-up and ready to welcome the new owner.

• Price your home properly. When it comes to selling a home, it's important to keep in mind that value depends on what the buyer is willing to pay for your property and many factors contribute to their perceptions. Prices depend on local characteristics such as job opportunities, housing supply, school systems and more. Sellers should stay realistic and set the price with a REALTOR® who can help determine which factors are at work in a given marketplace. Also, the time the owner "must" sell or the amount of repairs the home needs can play a large role in setting a fair price. Overpricing property is a common mistake that can turn off potential buyers immediately, make competing homes look like better values and have buyers make false perceptions about your willingness to work with them. For more great tips www.realstorynj.com

Look for a future blog that will share tips for decorating your home during the holiday season! And, remember, if you are thinking of selling your home, there is no need to wait for the spring --- your home may be in "best in show" this winter.

For more information about selling your largest financial asset, contact me at 201.675.1618. Or via email at CupaT@aol.com.

Can We Talk? About Me ....

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:31:19 -0500

I thought I would take a moment to introduce myself.

You see, I write a lot about real estate. I write about things that happen in and around the town of Mahwah, Bergen County and New Jersey. I write about blogging, kids, dogs, events. But, it dawned on me... I rarely write about me.

Advertising, branding and marketing are my strengths. It is what I love to do. I love to develop a strategy that will help buyers and seller's come together. I have been doing that for quite some time and for many a well-known brand.

As a former PR/AD and Brand marketer for Lipton, I lead the team that designed the global tea & health strategy for the company's worldwide communications --- about all things tea. And, my "meet the tea-tasters" public relations program called, "What is HOT and COOL" about Lipton Tea featured tea-tasters from around the globe eventually blossomed into the Lipton Tea Institute featured today on Lipton Tea's current web page www.Lipton.com . Click on the button for Lipton Institute for Tea. I spent many a night on the road with our spokepeople pitching major media media about the benefits of drinking tea. (I still keep in touch with tea-tasters around world via eMail and social networks!)

The awardwinning - "Build a Better Salad" program helped promote the health and nutrition aspects of what you put in or on your salad. This nutritional ad/pr media blitz helped educate writers and their readers so they would get a better understanding of a person's daily healthy eating habits. This brand platform is still used today by Wish-Bone. See www.WishBone.com .

These are just two examples of major consumer brands that I have work on in my career as a marketing and branding strategist.

Today, over 84 % of buyers find a new home on the internet or via social networking.

I pride myself on my ability to market a property through great photography and personalized internet presence and relationship for each of my listings. I blog, I tweet, I am on facebook and TheBestofNJ --- to name a few. I am a "technology junkie" and "early adapter." I do this as a creative outlet for me - the closet marketer - as well as for my listings.

All the while, I have been designing, selling and buying real estate for as long as I can remember. I used to sit in the office of my grandparents real estate company and greet buyers or sellers as they entered the door. "How can I help you?" I would ask. Funny, I still can remember sitting at the typewriter ( yes, typewriter) banging on the keys. All jibberish on the paper but, it seemed real to me. And, I marveled at the hundreds of keys hanging on key hooks. I loved the sound of the keys clanging and dangling together with their paper ring tags. I was 3 or 4 years old.

In high school, I bucked a trend and took mechanical drawing and architectural design. I was one of the few women in my high school school to do so. A New Jersey high school, I might add. Are you smiling Mr. Restaino? My teachers helped cultivate a passion for art, design and architecture that I still use each and every day.

In college, necessity was the mother of invention. Not overjoyed with the housing options in New Brunswick. Yes, in the 80's. I pooled several students together and had them rent a house off campus. Ads in the student paper and student center, collecting and paying rent, etc. Thus my real-world real estate career was born.

Through the years with my husband, Gary Wong, we have been fortunate to design, renovate, build, rent and sell many properties. We have built two of our own homes in Mahwah and one at the Jersey Shore. Our daughter is currently studing architecture at Rensselar. And, our son who just entered high school wants to be a technology engineer or builder. They say the apples don't fall far from the tree...

Gary Wong and Pamela Stetson

Hopefully, you have learned alittle more about me.

I not only love a challenge and love marketing, I believe real estate is still an excellent long-term investment. And, I love to share that hands-on experience with my sellers and buyers.

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Know the sales value of your next home * based on actual market comps.

Allow me to present a Comparative Market Analysis to you that is customized to your home, finances and your specific needs. This will give you detailed information about pricing and selling your home in the current market.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com. Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Lipton is a trademark of the Thomas J. Lipton Company and Unilever.

Wish-Bone is a trademark of Unilever

What to do when the Homeowner wants to see all OFFERS!

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:25:08 -0500

The OWNER SAYS --- Present all reasonable OFFERS !

What next? Does this really mean... all offers?

Currently in our area, we are in a state of virtual limbo. Seller's are motivated. They have adjusted their prices and they are ready, willing and able to see ALL OFFERS. And, buyers are looking. They come back, once, twice, even three times. But, no offers on paper.

What's an agent to do?

1. Look at the sales comps --- weekly.

Make sure that the pricing of the home is current with the weekly market adjustments. Yes, weekly. It seems to be alittle more work but it will be worth it. Continue to communicate the activity to your seller. This will help them realize that you are...doing homework and that you are on top of the activity.

2. Visit other are homes.

It never ceases to amaze me...when realtors don't actively preview homes for sale in the market. This is a MUST in any market. Agents must be able to get inside what is available for sale and add a reality check to the listings on area MLS'. If you have not been inside the home or condo for sale that is a comp for your listing --- you are not doing your job.

3. Social Media Blitz.

Add more chatter about the home to your social networks twitter, facebook, eZines, web blasts, and more. Have you thought about your blog? Add a different blog topic --- featuring your listing. If you don't know or don't use these fantastic virtual marketing tools --- you are not marketing your listing and that is...a subject for another blog!

4. Flag every media possible.

Get the words "Motivated", "Owner says sell" and other call to action words in your print, virtual and personal media ( when you are talking to other agents --- mention your listing . ) Write copy that is exciting and relevant to your target buyer --- Is this an opportunity to move up? A chance to renovate?

Move beyond the more static sales copy. Get creative!

5. Face-to-Face.

Get "face" time with other agents in your area. Talk to them. Call them. Go to Realtor Tours and Previews. Visit Open Houses. Ask the agents what their buyers are looking for....Tell them about the fantastic listing you have and tell them that your seller is motivated to see all offers. Put a tickler in your own broker office's mailboxes. Try to give some personality to the listing beyond --- the sell sheet.

Don't forget to get out of your office and into the local area. Have you visited the library? Gone to the Senior Center? Dropped a few house for sale cards off at the local pre-school?

6. Embrace Change.

Change the look and feel of the listing OFTEN. Move photos around. Write seasonal messages on your web pages, tours, etc. Make sure the photos are always "FRESH" to the potential buyer. Nothing creates more lackluster interest than photos that are the same since the first day of the listing. ( especially those snow photos!) Change them around. Put sparkle in the copy.

Put holiday bows on the sign posts. Get into the spirit of what ever season it is...Your seller will notice your interest in their home and buyers will be welcomed into the home. Once they are inside --- you will be able to motivate them to buy.

This could be your next home!

The seller's loved this home --- you will, too. Beautiful tree-lined cul-de-sac located on the Wyckoff border. The street is adjacent to the Wyckoff Preserve. What a wonderful neighborhood to call home. This large 4 bedroom splilt is just waiting for it's new owner. 1 Bath plus 1 half bath ( 1.5 bths ) in the lower level Recreation room. This home affords the buyer the chance to make their own updates --- get creative! You have the fabulous location and the LARGE 4 bedroom home with hardwood floors, large Master Bedroom and a finished walk-out level and huge two car garage in a great location. Best of all --- Waldwick is so close to New York City, too. --- The homeowner is willing to talk. Call me today to see this wonderful home.

www.AnthonyPlace.com

Last, but not least, educate your seller that all offers means just that....offers. They may see a range of good, the bad and the ugly but...the opportunity to see what is reasonable is there. And, they always have the chance to negotiate what the see on paper. Nothing on paper, nothing to negotiate.

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Know the sales value of your next home in WALDWICK * based on actual market comps. Allow me to present a Comparative Market Analysis to you that is customized to your home, finances and your specific needs. This will give you detailed information about pricing and selling your home in the current market.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

SOLD SOLD SOLD --- One of the last lots in RIO VISTA!

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:40:21 -0500

Listed, marketed, SOLD and closed --- this one acre lot in the heart of beautiful Rio Vista Estates. ONE OF THE LAST LOTS IN RIO VISTA ESTATES. YOU CANNOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS !!!

This is the cleared lot located on the corner of GREAT HALL ROAD and BRAMS HILL DRIVE in the newest section of the community. I listed this lot and it was under contract within 6 weeks. Most lots have been sold BUT I do have access to several lots that are considered to be RESALE. Contact me for more information the available lots in Rio Vista, Fardale, Cragmere, Deerhaven and other areas of MAHWAH.

Mahwah was VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN NEW JERSEY BY NJMONTHLY MAGAZINE SEVERAL YEARS IN A ROW.... A few of the offerings in Rio Vista are:

www.29SurreyLane.com

www.21GreatHallRoad.com

www.GreatHallRoad.com

www.PamelaStetson.com

www.RioVistaMahwah.com

Rio Vista is a very unique sub-division of over 300 million dollar plus homes. It features it's own community pool; tennis, basketball and bocce courts; full service gym and many wonderful open spaces --- all reserved for it's own residents.

In order to EFFECTIVELY market this private enclave one must be intimately familiar with it's history, it's pedigrees, legend and lore as well as know the developers and the many custom home builders --- in addition to the town, schools and neighborhoods. All these details make Rio Vista and Mahwwah --- a community of choice.

Living in Rio Vista Mahwah offers a sense of community not found in many locations. The active homeowners association offers many opportunities to mingle amongst neighbors and firends with events such as block parties, bbq's, golf outings, reading clubs, fitness programs & more. You chose the level of activity that suits your personal needs.

Call me for your personal tour!

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Know the sales value of your next home in RIO VISTA MAHWAH * based on actual market comps. Allow me to present a Comparative Market Analysis to you that is customized to your home, finances and your specific needs. This will give you detailed information about pricing and selling your home in the current market.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Dancing in the RAIN !!! An Active Rain Success Story ...

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:33:22 -0400

I LOVE Blogging in the Rain !

I thought I would take a moment to share a short success story.

Go Team Go !!!

A buyer was reading my blog and was interested in the CLUB soccer program in my area. They contacted me ... because I had been a travel coach for some time (and I often blogged about the sport, the kids and the games ). We discussed the level(s) of soccer at the club level and at our local the High School. We exchanged game "war stories" and bemused about our full time job(s) as volunteer coaches at the club level and for the local town recreation teams.

As our correspondance continued, I invited them to a game. Then I introduced them to a principal of one of our local elementary schools. We had formed a bond based on our mutual interestes. Soon, they came to one of my open houses ... and not long after that ... we made an offer on a FOR SALE BY OWNER home in my home town!

Now, their two children go to the local public school (one has since become good friends with my son) and they are very active in our town and high school sports programs. I not only gained a customer --- our family made longtime friends --- and our town benefitted from new residents that became volunteers in our town!

All in all --- a terffic success story on many levels! So, Keep dancing in the RAIN!

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Remember ---Your agent is part of your team. You must take time to research and pick a qualified full time real estate agent. Once you are comfortable with them as a member of your team --- you must let them do their job. They are state licensed professionals in the real estate business. They are there to give you advise and counsel based on their training and experience. Afterall, that is why you hired them, right?

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Do you LOVE Old Houses? This "OLE" House in Allendale is the ONE !

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:02:15 -0400

Abbott & Caserta Realtors

Pamela Stetson
Multi-Million Dollar Club '04,'05,'06,'07, '09

Office:
201.447.6600 x 007
Mobile:
201.675.1618
Email:
CupaT@aol.com
Website:
Click to open

www.HistoricAllendale.com

232 Franklin Turnpike
Allendale, NJ 07401

GRACIOUS & STATELY APPROX CIRCA 185O'S HOME. SET IN THE HEART OF ALLENDALE. THIS IS TRULY A SPECIAL HOME. SET ON A LARGE .70 ACRE FENCED LOT W/ A CIRCULAR DRIVE & FEATURES A LARGE FRONT PORCH. DOUBLE ENTRY DOORS BECKONS YOU INTO THE HOME WITH HIGH CEILINGS, LARGE WINDOWS SOME LEADED GLASS, MOULDINGS, WOOD FLOORS AND LARGE ELEGANT ROOMS. 1ST FL BATH NEWR. CENTER STAIRWAY LEADS TO 3 LARGE BEDROOMS EACH W/WALKIN CLOSETS. THE MASTER BEDROOM IS HUGE & FEATURES IT'S OWN FULL BATH. A WALK UP STAIRWAY LEADS TO ENORMOUS ATTIC SPACE W/ FLOORS, WINDOWS & HIGH CEILINGS - COULD EASILY BE FINISHED. A DETACHED OVERSIZED TWO CAR GARAGE AND FULLY FENCED YARD --- OFFERS PERFECT FAMILY LIVING SPACE. MAY ALSO BE A GREAT LOCATION FOR A HOME OFFICE ZONED RESIDENTIAL 2. FANTASTIC NORTHERN HIGHLANDS SCHOOLS AND CLOSE TO TOWN, PARKS, RECREATION & NYC TRANS MAKE THIS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY. THIS HOME NEEDS TLC & IS SOLD AS IS & THE NEW HOMEOWNER WOULD BE REWARDED WITH A WONDERFUL HOME RICH IN HISTORY.

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$798,888

WONDERFUL TOWN... NYC transportation nearby and FANTASTIC Northern Highlands High School ! Walk to our favorite restaurants including the Allendale Bar & Grill, Mezza Luna, and FLIRT Sushi !!!

This home may be used for a home office ---- perfect for a doctor, lawyer, accountant and more!

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Know the sales value of your home and your neighborhood * based on actual market comps. Allow me to present a Comparative Market Analysis to you that is customized to your home, finances and your specific needs. This will give you detailed information about pricing and selling your home in the current market.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Wonderfully FRENCH in the Heart of Rio Vista Mahwah

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:07:26 -0400

Abbott & Caserta Realtors

Pamela Stetson
Multi-Million Dollar Club '04,'05,'06,'07, '09

Office:
201.447.6600 x 007
Mobile:
201.675.1618
Email:
CupaT@aol.com
Website:
Click to open

www.21GreatHallRoad.com

21 Great Hall Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Step into Provence ....

$1,749,000

TRES MAGNIFIQUE! PREMIER BUILDERS OWN HOME IN A GORGEOUS RIO VISTA SETTING. THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL HOME. NEVER BEFORE SEEN DESIGN IN RIO VISTA --- DECORATOR DETAILS ARE THROUGHOUT THE HOME. FIREPLACE WARMS THE CHEF'S KITCHEN W/COMMERCIAL APPLIANCES AND GRANITE. ORANGERIE OR SUN ROOM FOR PEACEFUL DAYS, 2 FAMILY ROOMS, HUGE DINING ROOM, CHERRY LIBRARY, 2 STAIRWAYS --- TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST. PRIVATE STREET AND BACKYARD. YOU CANNOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS! SALT WATER GUNITE POOL. PRO-PUTTING GREEN, INDOOR HOCKEY & MORE. ALL RIO VISTA FEES APPLY.

Rio Vista Mahwah is an upscale enclave set on over 466 acres of private wooded land and it is surrounded by literally thousands of acres of Bergen County parkland. The original developers of the community, Darlington Associates, designed a series of one, two and even three acre homesites that surround the over 50,000 square foot Crocker Mansion. The property was once owned by the Newark Archdiocese and was once a Jesuit Seminary and college.

FEATURING a community Pool, Tennis, Basketball and Handball courts, Gym with saunas and Childrens play area ---

all for Residents of Rio Vista Estates.

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

NY Style LUXURY TOWNHOME --- Vista View Drive in Mahwah

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:49:15 -0400

Abbott & Caserta Realtors

Pamela Stetson
Multi-Million Dollar Club '04,'05,'06,'07, '09

Office:
201.447.6600 x 007
Mobile:
201.675.1618
Email:
CupaT@aol.com
Website:
Click to open

www.VistaViewDrive.com

329 Vista View Drive
Mahwah, NJ 07430

OUTSTANDING NEW YORK CITY LUXURY TOWNHOME --- RIGHT HERE IN MAHWAH! INTERNATIONALLY REKNOWNED DESIGNERS OWN HOME OFFERS PEACE, SERENITY, STYLE AND EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY. STONE, MARBLE, MOULDINGS AND SPECIAL WINDOW AND PAINT TREATMENTS MAKE THIS HOME --- A SHOWSTOPPER. JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SPACE INCLUDING GOURMET KITCHEN W/STAINLESS, STONE,MEILE AND SUB-ZERO. HARDWOOD FLOORS. SOARING GREAT ROOM CEILING WITH 18 FT SLATE FIREPLACE W/ZEN BALL GAS FP. HAND FORGED IRON RAILINGS LEAD TO SUMPTIOUS MASTER SUITE W/TREY CEILINGS W/2 WALKINS & WHIRLPOOL. 2 MORE BDRMS AND FULL BATH, LAUNDRY W/MEILE W/D. CALIFORNIA CLOSETS & CUSTOM HUNTER DOUGLASS BLINDS THROUGHOUT HOME. HUGE FINISHED WALKOUT BASEMENT WITH FULL BATH AND BEDROOM W/ ENTERTAINER'S KIT, LRM AND MORE STORAGE. TOO MANY AMENITIES TO LIST. COMPLEX OFFERS POOL, TENNIS, XCERCISE FACILITY. MAHWAH OFFERS GOLF, SKIING, SHOPPING --- ALL W/IN WALKING DISTANCE. LOW TAXES AND GREAT SCHOOLS TOO!

$699,000

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Real Estate Market Snapshot /// Allendale, New Jersey

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:32:44 -0400

It is that time of year again --- back-to-school and back to reviewing the sales and market data in order to sharpen the pencil for better pricing. The summer market was slow particularly in August but...still ... about 26 homes sold in Allendale in the last 3 months. This data is gleened from the NJMLS sales stats.

Hopefully, the sales trend in this town will continue to show strength this fall --- if homes are priced well. Homes in the upper end are still showing some signs of a struggle.

www.HistoricAllendale.com

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$983,488

$534,900

$1,780,000

107

Under Contract

$734,753

$279,900

$1,099,000

Sold

$812,091

$405,000

$1,375,000

Total Listings

Sold properties closed averaging (96.95%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (3.05%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$812,091
Data Indicated List Price:**	$836,860

PLEASE REMEMBER --- The most common reason for a home not selling is that the asking price has been set too high. You must price your home according to RECENT sales data. (3 months ) Then, if you have NOT had a offer within 30 days from the listing start --- you need to make a price adjustment. The fact is, your home is competing against those other homes, and what buyers are willing to pay is what will determine final sales prices.

Your agent is part of your team. You must take time to research and pick a qualified full time real estate agent. Once you are comfortable with them as a member of your team --- you must let them do their job. They are state licensed professionals in the real estate business. They are there to give you advise and counsel based on their training and experience. Afterall, that is why you hired them, right?

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Market Snapshot /// Mahwah, New Jersey

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:12:09 -0400

Mahwah has 106 single family homes for sale. Of those, 14 have come under contract in the last 3 months and 19 have sold in during the same time perion ( 3 months ).

Now, that said, this snapshot is for the TOTAL market of ALL single family homes available for sale. The luxury portion of the market is slower --- as it is for other markets in Northern Bergen County.

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$1,114,071

$499,900

$2,700,000

132

Under Contract

$845,709

$549,000

$1,390,000

142

Sold

$610,442

$129,500

$1,300,000

Total Listings

121

Sold properties closed averaging (96.17%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (3.83%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$610,442
Data Indicated List Price:**	$633,822

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***Know the sales value of your home and your neighborhood *** based on actual market comps. Allow me to present a Comparative Market Analysis to you that is customized to your home, finances and your specific needs. This will give you detailed information about pricing and selling your home in the current market.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Market Snapshot /// Upper Saddle River, NJ

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:53:21 -0400

I was researching the data for a client today and I took a look at all the availables, under contract and SOLDS for the last 3 months in Upper Saddle River. This town would be considered --- a luxury zip code --- and the data for this market that includes homes/properties over the $850,000 price point. There are a few residential homes below this price level, however, most of those would need to be totally renovated or is still considered a "knock down" --- yes, even in this market

This gives you a picture of the "luxury market" activity in the town of USR over the last 3 months.

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$1,824,458

$999,000

$3,295,000

122

Under Contract

$1,808,680

$849,900

$2,999,900

110

Sold

$1,296,600

$820,000

$2,695,000

Total Listings

Sold properties closed averaging (95.38%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (4.62%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.

	Amount
Avg. Price Sold Comps:	$1,296,600
Data Indicated List Price:**	$1,356,503

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Opportunity KNOCKS in Bergen County ... Home in Waldwick, NJ

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:19:23 -0400

Live in Bergen County!

188 Anthony Place Waldwick NJ 07463

Great Location on a Cul-De-Sac
Hardwood Floors
4 Bedrooms and 1.5 Baths
Two Car Garage with Openers
Fantastic Award Winning Schools
Beautifully maintained !

Offered At: $ 489,000

Click Here for the Full Flyer

Pamela Stetson
Abbott & Caserta Realtors
201.675.1618

This Ole' House in Allendale, NJ

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:00:20 -0400

Visit This Ole' House

232 Franklin Turnpike Allendale NJ 07401

Offered At: $ 849,000

Click Here for the Full Flyer

Pamela Stetson
Abbott & Caserta Realtors
201.675.1618

Running SALES Numbers for RAMSEY, New Jersey

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:10:58 -0400

As we know from the recent release from the National Association of Realtors --- area real estate sales for Bergen County and the surrounding towns are UP! This may be contrary to some area of the country but once we draw down into the real data on a town by town basis --- we can see where the numbers are.

Ramsey, for example, has over 81 active listings currently on the market for sale. This is based on single family residences only. And, over the last 6 months --- over 35 homes have either come under contract (25) or actual SOLDS (35). These homes have sold within 4.58% of their asking price.

The current average home price in the town of Ramsey is $ 551,877.

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$670,674

$259,000

$2,100,000

Under Contract

$601,131

$299,999

$969,000

Sold

$551,877

$385,000

$985,000

Total Listings

141

Sold properties closed averaging (95.42%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (4.58%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$551,877
Data Indicated List Price:**	$577,153

Real Estate is LOCAL --- Home sales in a local area, or market, are slow. There may be too many homes for sale and not enough active buyers. You may have to be patient and wait out the current market trend in your area. If you have done many of the above --- you will sell.

In addition, I have added a link to my other blog --- HOW NOT TO SELL YOUR HOME --- an edited version is below.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/748930/how-not-to-sell-your-home-top-ten-list

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Current Home Sales Statistics for MAHWAH, New Jersey

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:41:23 -0400

Real Estate is MOVING in Mahwah, New Jersey!

www.29SurreyLane.com

Mahwah, for example, has ove 95 active listings currently on the market for sale. This is based on single family residences only. And, over the last 6 months --- over 53 homes have either come under contract (16) or actual SOLDS (37). These homes have sold within 9.17% of their asking price.

The average price of a single family home in Mahwah is way above the national average, too, at over $1,000,000. ( There was one property that recently sold in the Highlands section of Mahwah near Deerhaven and across the Ramapo River for $19,000,000. This property is zoned as a working horse farm and is protected by the state)

All in all, with proper pricing --- homes in Mahwah are selling!

www.29SurreyLane.com

www.GreatHallRoad.com

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$1,001,861

$320,000

$2,699,000

120

Under Contract

$787,351

$249,900

$1,949,000

103

Sold

$1,228,959

$310,000

$19,000,000

117

Total Listings

150

Sold properties closed averaging (90.83%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (9.17%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$1,228,959
Data Indicated List Price:**	$1,341,655

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Copyright - Pamela Stetson 2010, www.PamelaStetson.com

Current Home SALES Statistics for WALDWICK, New Jersey

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:24:19 -0400

While giving each of my sellers a market update --- for sales in their particular town --- I researched the overall statistics for several popular towns in Northern Bergen County. I researched the NJMLS data base for actives, under contract and SOLD for the past 6 months.

As we have read recently, The National Association of Realtors has stated that sales of previously owned homes rose 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million. That was the best showing in five months and better than the 5.63 million units economists had expected.

We can see from the numbers in Waldwick, NJ, that inventory is still maintaining. Recently many properties have come under contract (12) and over (35) have actual SOLD in the last six months. So inventory is moving! That said, pricing is key and in the town of Waldick the average SOLD price of a home is $ 401,391. This is much higher that the national average sales price for homes BUT it is low for Bergen County.

Waldwick looks like it offers GREAT value for the money --- particularly given it's fantastic location in Bergen County. For example, see one of my listings in Waldwick www.ANTHONYPLACE.com .

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$488,120

$279,900

$1,199,000

Under Contract

$389,562

$319,000

$439,795

Sold

$401,391

$205,000

$595,000

Total Listings

119

Sold properties closed averaging (96.07%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (3.93%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$401,391
Data Indicated List Price:**	$417,166

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Current Home Sales Statistics for Oradell

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:09:17 -0400

The National Association of Realtors has stated that sales of previously owned homes rose 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million. That was the best showing in five months and better than the 5.63 million units economists had expected.

The federal government provided a big boost to home sales this spring by offering first-time buyers a tax credit of up to $8,000. Homeowners looking to upgrade could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500. The deadline for getting a signed sales contract was April 30.

Now all that said, in the town of Oradell, New Jersey....home sales are progressing but are still alittle slow at the upper end of the spectrum. I ran the data detail below for the town based on availables, under contract and actual solds --- for the past 6 MONTHS. I researched and compiled the data from the NJMLS database. Total active inventory --- is 58 --- and actual solds are --- 25.

Status

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Avg DOM

Active

$687,957

$329,000

$1,499,000

160

Under Contract

$610,607

$388,000

$755,000

Sold

$554,972

$375,000

$982,000

103

Total Listings

Sold properties closed averaging (95.95%) of their final list price (FLP). This reflects a (4.05%) difference between property sale prices and their *FLP's.


	Amount
Average Price Sold Comps:	$554,972
Data Indicated List Price:**	$577,448

--- Your agent is part of your team. You must take time to research and pick a qualified full time real estate agent. Once you are comfortable with them as a member of your team --- you must let them do their job. They are state licensed professionals in the real estate business. They are there to give you advise and counsel based on their training and experience. Afterall, that is why you hired them, right?

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

www.96MERRITTDRIVE.COM

SLUGGISH HOME SALES ? Look at what you CAN do

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:21:32 -0400

There are many reasons why a GOOD home will not sell.

I have written about this subject before ...but ... it is always a good time to take a look at --- Why a home will not sell. If you have had your home on the market for several months and haven't seen much activity or any offers, chances are that one or more of the reasons below are to blame.

Your price is too high --- The most common reason for a home not selling is that the asking price has been set too high. You must price your home according to RECENT sales data. (3 months ) Then, if you have NOT had a offer within 30 days from the listing start --- you need to make a price adjustment. The fact is, your home is competing against those other homes, and what buyers are willing to pay is what will determine final sales prices.

The condition of your home --- We are in the most competitive market EVER! There is alot of inventory in many area towns. Have your home PREINSPECTED. Fix any outstanding problems or issues. The more you can do to make your home look appealing to a buyer, the better your chances for a quick sale. Look at your home with a critical eye - put yourself in the buyers position. A buyer doesn't want to have to do anything except move in. Clean, clean, clean --- then clean again.

Location, location, location --- I hate to say it...because it seems so overused. BUT, when it comes to real estate, it's all about location! Buyers buy a home BUT --- MORE IMPORTANTLY --- they buy neighborhood and location. AREA schools and visual appeal of the beighborhood are two of the most important factors in making a home purchase selection. A fantastic house in a bad school district --- may have trouble selling unless priced accordingly.

What is the PULSE OF YOUR MARKETING? --- IF YOUR HOME CANNOT BE SEEN ON THE INTERNET --- IT IS NOT BEING SEEN!!! OVER 84 PERCENT OF THE HOME PURCHASE DECISIONS ARE MADE BY GOING TO THE INTERNET FIRST!

A great listing agent will BLOG, ADVERTISE on multiple internet channels, Facebook, Twitter, create your own web site, have ads created that hit cell phones AND more...If all your agent has done is put a sign in your front yard and add your home to the local MLS, then that agent isn't coming close to doing all that can be done to effectively market your home

In addition, I have added a link to my other blog --- HOW NOT TO SELL YOUR HOME --- an edited version is below.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/748930/how-not-to-sell-your-home-top-ten-list

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How NOT TO SELL YOUR HOME - Top 10 Tips

In this market --- and this one IS DIFFERENT than the recent past --- we all have to have that frank conversation with our sellers (and ourselves) about what it takes to market and SELL real estate. Some sellers are not really interested in selling their property.

Top 10 Ways --- NOT to Sell Your Home

1. Don't put a LOCKBOX on your home ---Your home must be convenient to preview, market and sell to buyers. Buyers need to get into a home when it is convenient for them...not when it is convenient for you.

2. Don't put a SIGN on the Lawn --- Listing agents rely on signs on the lawn of the home for sale for a variety of reasons...but...most important is the ability for them to put their name & contact information right out front of the home.

3. Limit Showing Days and Times ---Too many limitations on showing availability severly limits the agents ability to market the home at the right time --- when it is convenient to the buyer.

4. Require the Listing Agent to be at all Showings ---Now this is important. In some cases, it is necessary to have the listing agent at all showings, however, if the agent does not have a clear schedule it is more than difficult to be available at a moments notice to show the home AND unless you are paying the a full commission to do so, it puts limits on their ability to generate income.

5. Require 24 Hour Notice to Show---You can only sell a home --- if you can show the home. And, only when it is convenient for the buyer!

6. Put Contingencies on the Home Sale --- The kiss of death, it seems, is to have the seller (yes, seller) put contingencies to selling the home in the listing.

7. Don't Price your Home according to the Comps --- This is critical NOW. DATA should only be 3 months old. This CURRENT DATA is key to pricing your home for sale. You see...numbers don't lie. The banks see it that way, too. They don't rely on gut instinct, emotions or what the seller want the home to sell for (sellers usually want at least 15 % over the comps or suggested asking price)....

8. Don't Listen to the Market --- The seller prices their home, above the market comps then they let it languish on the market for weeks. No one has made an offer. Yet, they refuse to adjust the price. The market and the buyers are going to determine the market value --- not wishful thinking. If you do not have an offer in 30 days, reduce the price.

9. Listen to Your Friend, Neighbor or Brother-in-Law --- Unfortunately, everyone considers themselves an expert in real estate. They readily give their opinion about what they think the homes listing price or offer on the home should be. No analysis. No Data. No research. Just a frank opinion about what they think the home is worth. Unless your friend, relative or brother-in-law is a FULL time real estate agent --- their opinion is just that --- an opinion. After all, you would not want them giving you advice on your tax returns --- if they were not full time accountants. Or, representing you in a court of law, unless they are a licensed attorney.

10. Don't TRUST your Agent --- Your agent is part of your team. You must take time to research and pick a qualified full time real estate agent. Once you are comfortable with them as a member of your team --- you must let them do their job. They are state licensed professionals in the real estate business. They are there to give you advise and counsel based on their training and experience. Afterall, that is why you hired them, right?

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Waldwick has award winning schools !

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:21:40 -0400

www.AnthonyPlace.com

188 Anthony Place
Waldwick, NJ 07463

FANTASTIC Opportunity ! Move to one of the best streets in Waldwick . Beautiful tree-lined cul-de-sac on the Wyckoff border. The street is adjacent to the Wyckoff Preserve. What a wonderful family neighborhood. This large 4 bedroom splilt is just waiting for it's new owner. This homes affords the buyer the chance to make their own updates --- get creative! You have the fabulous location and the LARGE 4 bedroom home with hardwood floors, large Master Bedroom and a finished walk-out level and huge two car garage. Best of all --- Waldwick is so close to New York City --- and yet, offers quiet small town charm. The schools are award winning, too. Ranked *** by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. You MUST see this home --- a few updates and this home will last your family a lifetime.

$529,900

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

April 2010 SALES are UP 26.7% in Bergen County, NJ

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:47:04 -0400

According to a new report just released by the New Jersey MLS single family home sales are UP over 26% for the month of April '10 over April '09. The median price for all homes sold in this area is UP 5.9 percent to $360,000. Up to $420,000 for single family homes alone.

Open Houses have increased significantly as well. In April of 2009 there were 3,388 open houses and in April of 2010 there were 5,455! That is an increase of over 61%. This may have been influenced by the real estate boards in New Jersey --- having a full court press with the OPEN HOUSE weekend on April 21 and 22. And, it shows a significant uptick in real estate business and activity around the market area.

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Pricing Your Home is KEY in this Market - Or any other...

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:19:03 -0400

Pricing your home may very well be the single most important tool in your marketing plan. Proper pricing in the marketing mix may mean the difference between selling your home quickly and at the HIGHEST PRICE possible.

Many sellers and realtors, alike, make the mistake of pricing their home too high. It is easy to get lulled into the belief that your home ( and your emotional attachment to it ) is worth more --- than your neighbors. Well, it isn't.

Today's market is based on price AND today's lending practices are very conservative. Banks and lenders will look at the COMPARABLES. Not the asking price --- the SOLD prices.

Good real estate agents establish proper pricing after they assemble all of the information regarding the property, the house and its improvements. This will result in developing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This in-depth report will help determine the proper price and position in the marketplace. It is important to challenge the price in the market when selling your home. To challenge the market means to price it at what other homes have SOLD or slightly under those recent sold comps. A range of similar homes where the property is located, and the recent selling prices in the area, will help determine the proper asking price. This CMA not only takes a considerable amount of time to develop, but also encompasses years of experience ( by the agent and broker ) in dealing with the LOCAL marketplace to properly evaluate and complete the report.

www.96MerrittDrive.com

When compiling the information for the CMA, I, first take note of properties recently SOLD that are both comparable in style, size and location to your home. In today's economic climate that means SOLD within the past 3 to 6 MONTHS ( not 12 to 18 months ) In a fast-moving market, we will include only properties that have been sold or available for less than one year of your CMA. We also include properties currently under contract between 0-90 days. Properties currently on the market are used to gain a true picture of the competition. A graphic analysis will also be formulated to compare the relationship between the asking price, the selling price, and the number of days on the market for sold properties. These graphics will help you visualize how very important proper pricing is to a successful sale. The faster the property sells, the higher the price you will receive. Once the analysis is complete, senior management will review the CMA before it is presented to you, the seller. I consider myself a marketing specialist and I will present the CMA to you, reviewing all aspects of the analysis including pricing and answer any questions that you may have.

Feature: Establishing proper pricing after assembling all of the information regarding the property, the house and its improvements will result in developing a strong Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

REMEMBER: The faster the property sells, the higher the price you will receive.

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Mahwah HOUSING Report - Inventory down 17%, Prices UP

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:34:47 -0400

I have put together the numbers for Bergen County and frankly, we are better off than most areas of the country as far as real estate sales are concerned. And, for the township of Mahwah, we have faired pretty well --- inventory is DOWN --- 17% compared to first quarter of last year.

Less inventory means that home prices have actually gone UP. Yes, UP. Prices of single famiy homes that SOLD averaged $721,940 last year. And, first Q this year equalled $823,987. Up 14% for the same time period last year.

I have attached a graphic that outlines the details --- so --- you can see that Real Estate is local. And, for Mahwah inventory is down and prices are UP!

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

BERGEN HOUSING REPORT - 1st Qtr 2009 vs. 2010

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:04:01 -0400

Well the numbers are in AND as they say, "numbers don't lie."

Considering what is happening all around the country, Bergen County has faired relatively well year over year. Now, they are not going gangbusters as in years past - but - it is clear that homes are selling. And, pricing is not that far off.

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.

Rio Vista Home Tour --- National Open House Weekend

Pamela STETSON (Abbott & Caserta Realtors) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:40:24 -0400

Nationwide Open House Weekend on April 10-11, 2010.

REALTORS® everywhere will be holding open houses for potential home buyers who may want to try to take advantage of the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit before it expires on April 30, 2010. Through the Get the REAL Story® campaign, NJAR® will be promoting the weekend to prospective buyers in hopes to start generating buzz for a successful spring buying season. REALTORS® can access helpful tips and download advertising graphics and web banners on the REALTOR® Resources webpage at www.REALstoryNJ.com.

I will be featuring two of my listings in fabulous Rio Vista Estates Mahwah!

FEATURING these exciting properties...

www.29SurreyLane.com

Sunday, April 11, 1 to 4 PM

www.GreatHallRoad.com

Sunday, April 11, 1 to 4 PM

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For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at CupaT@aol.com.