Changing Brokers ~ Lessons Learned the Hard Way - 05/21/10 10:54 PM
You know when something just happens.....you weren't looking for it; you weren't expecting it; and bang it just happens....
That's what happened to me last week.  I wasn't thinking about changing brokers but it just happened and needless to say during my transfer from Prudential New Jersey Properties to Fairfield, New Jersey's Lattimer Realty, I've learned some lessons the hard way.
I've read numerous posts and comments here on AR listing the benefits of maintaining your own website (not a company based one).  The reasons why you should have your own email address and not a company assigned one.  As I read them … (11 comments)

Creating Curb Appeal for your Whitestone Gardens Condo - 05/13/10 09:12 AM
Sales of condominiums and co-ops accounted for nearly 13% of all home sales in 2009, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, and in many markets that number is much higher.  Sales in Whitestone Gardens Condominium Complex accounted for 4.5% of sales  in Bloomfield, New Jersey in 2009 (not including multi-family or FSBO).  Whitestone Gardens units accounted for nearly 50% of all condominium sales in Bloomfield, New Jersey in 2009.
Just like when buying a single family home, buyers have a tough time making a decision on which condo unit to purchase.  Especially if within the same complex, such as Whitestone Gardens, some units … (2 comments)

Stepping Ridge Townhouse Complex ~ The BEST of TWO Towns (Fairfield and North Caldwell, NJ) - 05/11/10 09:41 AM
Neatly but conveniently tucked between Fairfield Road and Grandview Avenue sits 90 brick-faced townhouse units known as Stepping Ridge.  What's unique about Essex County's Stepping Ridge Townhouse Complex is that 70 of its 90 units are located in North Caldwell, New Jersey, with the remaining 20 units located in Fairfield, New Jersey.  ONE townhouse complex, offering the BEST of TWO West Essex Towns, North Caldwell and Fairfield, New Jersey.








Stepping Ridge Townhouse Complex consists of four streets, Stepping Ridge Drive, Andrea Drive, Drew Court and Jennifer Court.  Stepping Ridge and Andrea Drive addresses are shared between the … (1 comments)

For Every Mother Who Has a Daughter and For Every Daughter Who Has A Mother..... - 05/08/10 10:27 PM
With tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought this was the perfect time to share this song and lyrics to Martina Mcbride's "In My Daughter's Eyes". 
It doesn't matter if you were blessed with all boys, I was blessed with two boys and one girl, or if you don't have any children, the beautiful lyrics in this song, in my opinion, is a true reflection of every mother who has a daughter and every daughter who has a mother.......
 
In my daughter's eyes I am a heroI am strong and wise and I know no fearBut the truth is plain to seeShe … (4 comments)

Bloomfield New Jersey Real Estate Market Report for Whitestone Gardens Condo Complex for April 2010 - 05/08/10 09:54 PM
Bloomfield New Jersey Real Estate Market Report for
Whitestone Gardens Condominium Complex for April 2010

During the month of April, 2010 the 188 unit Bloomfield New Jersey Condominium Complex, the Whitestone Gardens  had 7 units for sale and 1 unit that went under contract. 
Compared to last month's Bloomfield New Jersey Real Estate Market Report for Whitestone Gardens Condominium Complex, the pendings were 2 out of 4 active properties.  That ratio indicated that it may very well be a seller's market for Whitestone Gardens owners looking to sell their unit in today's real estate market for Bloomfield, New Jersey. 
Read more information about Bloomfield, New Jersey's Condominium Complex, the Whitestone … (0 comments)

Who Says You Can't Go Home? ~ Belleville, New Jersey Real Estate Market Report and Absorption Ratio for March and April 2010 - 05/07/10 11:28 PM
Belleville New Jersey
Real Estate Market Report and Absorption Ratio for
March and April 2010
THE CHERRY BLOSSOM CAPITAL OF AMERICA

BELLEVILLE, NEW JERSEY Single Family and Condo Real Estate Market Report and Stats for the months of March and April, 2010:   
MARCH, 2010                                                                    APRIL, 2010
Active Inventory: 140                                                  Active Inventory: 179
Pending Inventory (U/C): 9                                        Pending Inventory (U/C): 27
Absorption ratio: 7%                                                   Absorption Ratio: 15%
The number of single family homes and condos for sale in Belleville New Jersey from March to April increased by approximately 25%, the pending contracts tripled from month to month, doubling the absorption ratio.  Perhaps the tax credit expiring peaked April's numbers.   
… (0 comments)

New Construction in Fairfield, New Jersey ~ Tuscany Village Townhouse Complex - 05/07/10 04:37 PM
Fairfield, New Jersey Real Estate introduces its newest Townhouse Complex,  Tuscany Village.   This new Fairfield townhouse complex, still under construction, sits right off of Plymouth Street, on what will soon be Christina Court in Fairfield, New Jersey. 
The 19 unit Tuscany Village Complexwill consist of 4 buildings with 8 end units and 11 interior units.  Each unit will boast 3 bedrooms, 2.2 baths (including a full bath in the master bedroom), eat-in-kitchen, living room, dining room, family room, laundry room and 1 car attached garage. 
Tuscany Village offers an easy and practical three floor layout:  
Ground Level - Family Room, Powder Room, Utility Room First Level - … (0 comments)

The Right to Rent Act of 2010 ~ Allowing homeowners to remain in their house as renters - 05/04/10 10:25 PM
The Right to Rent Act 2010 recently introduced on Tax Day and making its way to the House of Representatives, will allow homeowners of moderate-value homes who are subject to foreclosure proceeding remain in their homes as renters for up to five years.   
Right to Rent Act of 2010 would basically prevent the homeowner from having to move out of the house they already live. The homeowners would remain in their house as renters paying fair market rent.  Here's how would work:  An owner-occupant, within a week of getting a foreclosure letter, can agree to pay "fair market rent," as determined by an appraiser under … (3 comments)

Whitestone Gardens, Bloomfield NJ Condominium Complex ~ Simplicity Living for the Empty Nester - 05/03/10 11:44 AM
for You knew it was coming but somehow never got around to deciding your next move.   Sometimes its because the kids are all grown up and moved out or you are faced with the death of a spouse but your lifestyle has changed and decisions on where to live are important.  The Whitestone Gardens, a Bloomfield New Jersey Condominium Complex, offers the simplicity of easy one floor living, living where maintenance and landscaping chores are greatly reduced. 
Bloomfield, New Jersey's Whitestone Gardens is ideal for the empty nester or the individual looking to downsize. 
Comprised of first or second floor one and two bedroom units, each Whitestone Gardens unit … (2 comments)

Want to know how to get your New Jersey home shown and SOLD? Make sure its easy to show! - 05/02/10 08:55 PM
I've tried since yesterday to set up showing appointments for today in Belleville.  All four listings were either 24 hour notice or agent to accompany.  You know how many of the four listings I showed today?  NONE!!!
Six months later these sellers will sit and wonder why their house didn't sell!  Ummmm -- let's see -- your house expired off the market because you didn't make time for agents to show it.  Don't let that happen to you....New Jersey Sellers want to know how to get your New Jersey home SOLD?   Make sure its easy to show!   
 
I'm ok with a … (0 comments)

Fairfield New Jersey homeowners can expect an 11% property tax increase - 05/02/10 10:45 AM
This past week The Township of Fairfield, New Jersey's officials introduced a $17.2 million budget therefore Fairfield New Jersey homeowners can expect an 11% tax increase.
Unfortunately with the recent flooding, rejected school budget and all around economy conditions, the last thing many Fairfield New Jersey homeowners wanted to hear was an 11% increase in property taxes.   According to Fairfield's business administrator, the tax increase translates into $40 for every $100,000 of assessed property value.  Fairfield properties were re-assessed in November 2008. 
 
As a resident, homeowner and taxpayer in Fairfield, New Jersey, I understand their concern.  On the other hand, I honestly feel that compared … (0 comments)