Perri K. Feldman's Blog

Where are 2009 Millburn High School Graduates Going?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:16:41 -0500

99.4 percent of the approximately 330 Millburn High School 2009 Graduating Seniors are going on to college, with 95 percent of those going on to four-year institutions. One is returning to her native country, one to the US Army and one to the US Air Force Academy.

There are 34 graduates of the 2009 Millburn High School class going to Ivy League Universities next year.

Millburn High School Graduation 2009

11	Cornell
6	University of Pennsylvania
4	Princeton University
4	Yale University
3	Dartmouth College
2	Brown University
2	Columbia University
2	Harvard University

Full University List of 2009 Millburn High School Graduates

For more information about education in Millburn and Short Hills please contact Perri K. Feldman at 973.650.4727 or Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com

NJ First Time Home Buyers

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:03:17 -0500

NOW IS A GREAT TIME FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS
TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW JERSEY HOME OWNERSHIP!!!

First-time home buyers have until December 1, 2009 to purchase their principle residence
to take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has a very valuable website: http://www.housingmarketfacts.com/ with easy to understand question and answers for first-time New Jersey home buyers.

With historically low interest rates today (yes we are seeing them start to creep up!) and affordable housing prices in the key Midtown Direct communities of South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn/Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Montclair, Glen Ridge and Westfield, as well as Livingston, West Orange and Springfield...

New Jersey Homes for Sale

Contact Perri K. Feldman @ 973.650.4727 or email Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com for more information
about Homes for Sale Along and Adjacent to the Midtown Direct Train.

What are the prices of the homes selling in Summit, NJ?

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:39:03 -0500

Average list price of the 163 homes currently on the market in Summit, NJ is $1,187,509 (6% below 2008).

38 homes have gone Under Contract in the past 30 days...thus putting the Summit housing market about 19% behind 2008 in number of home sales pending.

8   Under $500,000
2   $501,000-$600,000
6   $601,000-$700,000
4   $701,000-$800,000
3   $801,000-$900,000
3   $901,000-$999,999
5   $1,000,000-$1,500,000
3   $1,500,001-$1,999,999
4   $2,000,000+

Why buy a home in Summit, NJ? NJ Magazine ranks Summit High School #20 in the state, the Midtown Direct Train Express puts you at Penn Station in twenty minutes and the vibrant downtown has shops/restaurants for your every need.

Contact Perri K. Feldman to learn more about living in Summit, NJ 973.650.4727 or Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com.

Are Homes Selling in Madison, NJ?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:13:40 -0500

There is Good News and Bad News about Madison, NJ Real Estate:

There are a lot more homes on the market in Madison, NJ than last year...22 more (90 vs 68)!

But the good news is...22 homes are under contract at an average list price of $895,342.

The even better news, is that homes are selling both under $600,000 and over $1,000,000+

6   Under $500,000
5   $501,000-$600,000
2   $601,000-$700,000
2   $701,000-$900,000
2   $901,000-$999,999
5   $1,000,000+

Madison, NJ is a wonderful community rich in history (Washington slept all over the town!), with an excellent school system and an easy commute to NYC.

Contact Perri K. Feldman at 973.650.4727 or via email Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com to learn more about Madison, NJ real estate and the community.

Are Homes Selling in Maplewood, NJ?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:32:55 -0500

You Betcha!!!

Thirty five homes went under contract in Maplewood NJ in the past 30 days and 11 have just entered attorney review.

Maplewood is HOT!

Is it the 30 minute commute into NYC via the Midtown Direct train or the vibrant downtown that is bringing buyers?

There are currently 140 homes for sale in Maplewood, NJ with an average list price of $526,605.

But what are the prices of the 35 homes that are now selling?

4   Under $200,000
6   $201,000-$300,000
5   $301,000-$400,000
7   $401,000-$500,000
8   $501,000-$600,000
3   $601,000-$700,000
1   $701,000-$999,999
1   Over $1,000,000+

Want to learn more about buying a home in Maplewood, NJ? Visit NJ Real Estate Wire

ARE HOMES SELLING IN LIVINGSTON, NJ?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:21:36 -0500

There are currently 158 homes for sale in Livingston, NJ and the average price of all of those homes is $870,195.

However, it is the lower price homes that are moving...and moving fast. With the bustling Towne Center, excellent highly rated schools and Express Buses into NYC, Livingston is a community in demand.

Forty homes have gone Under Contract in the past month.
The average list price of these homes is $611,694.

Ten Homes are in Attorney Review
with an average list price of $506,399.

Visit NJ Real Estate Wire to learn more about Livingston, NJ Real Estate or contact Perri K. Feldman via email Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com.

Are Homes Selling in South Orange, NJ?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:42:14 -0500

Twenty-Three homes went Under Contract
in South Orange, New Jersey this past month.

There are currently 134 homes for sale
at an average list price of $621,361.

So what priced homes are selling in South Orange, New Jersey?

3   Under $300,000
8   $301,000-$400,000
2   $401,000-$500,000
2   $501,000-$600,000
5   $601,000-$700,000
2   $701,000-$999,999
1   $1,000,000+

The average list price of those homes was $506,300 and they were only on the market for 69 days on average.

For the full story on the current South Orange Real Estate Trends visit NJ Real Estate Wire or give Perri K. Feldman a call @ 973.650.4727 or drop a line via email

Are Houses in Millburn & Short Hills NJ Selling?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:54:15 -0500

Houses in Millburn/Short Hills New Jersey are Selling.

In fact, over the past month, 35 homes have gone under contract at all different price points

5   Under $500,000
6   $501,000 to $750,000
4   $751,000 to $999,999
11 $1,000,000 to $1,499,999
5   $1,500,000-$1,999,999
4   $2,000,000+

Short Hills Median List Prices are falling whereas Millburn Median List Prices are holding pretty steady.

For the full story visit NJRealEstateWire. To learn more about real estate in Millburn and Short Hills New Jersey contact Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com.

Midtown Direct Communities Housing Market 2009

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:55:59 -0600

Just how is the housing market in the communities along and adjacent to the Midtown Direct Train Line?

Overall, New Jersey home sale prices have declined by an average of 15 to 20 percent in every county in the past three and a half years based on contract sales data.

However, towns along and adjacent to the Midtown Direct Train-line have actually seen average sale prices increase* in the same time period given their excellent school systems and accessibility to New York City, Hoboken and Jersey City.

While prices are in fact down from the peak, if you are a seller who purchased a home 5+ years ago, don't dismay...you should see a positive number on your sale.

The average days on market has increased in keeping with the current economic climate.

                              04/08                                   04/08
                              Avg Sales                              DOM
                              Price % +/-                           % +/-

ESSEX COUNTY
Glen Ridge:             +10%                                  +18%
Livingston               + 9%                                   + 7%
Maplewood              +13%                                  +48%
Millburn                   +10%                                  - 3%
Montclair                 +23%                                +38%
South Orange         + 9%                                   +16%
West Orange          + 9%                                   + 4%

MORRIS COUNTY
Chatham Boro         + 3%                                  +16%
Chatham Twp          +50%                                  +19%
Madison                  + 7%                                   +39%

UNION COUNTY
Springfield              + 4%                                    +23%
Summit                  + 5%                                   +51%
Westfield                +18%                                   +38%

*Based on GSMLS sales data

For the full story visit NJ Real Estate Wire and read Sunday's New York Times Article A Market Going Downhill Fast,

Want to learn more about current homes of value on the market today?

http://www.240ClarkenDrive.com/
http://www.30LocustAve.com/
http://www.345OldShortHillsRd.com/

Montclair Restaurant Week February 2-8, 2009

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:58:17 -0600

Montclair New Jersey is having its first ever Restaurant Week February 2-8, 2009.

There are forty-two restaurants participating and all will be serving special, three course, pre fix dinners during this event.

The details vary per each restaurant, so do call ahead.

Participating Montclair Restaurants

My favorite restaurants are on the list:

Allan
Corso 98
Fascino
Mexicali Rose
Osteria Giotto

If you've never been to Montclair, New Jersey...now is the time to visit. The downtown area and schools are terrific. Homes have kept their value and there is easy weekday access to Manhattan via the Midtown Direct Train.

Want to learn more about Montclair, NJ Real Estate?

Call Perri K. Feldman @ 973.650.4727

Are You Ready for Superbowl 2009?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:40:52 -0600

Top Five Media Room Must Haves!

1. A large enough TV so that everyone in the room will be able to immerse themselves in the image.

2. The TV screen must be properly situated (mounted or placed on stand).

3. Proper implementation of a quality audio system to accurately reproduce the surround sound experience.

4. Ambient light in the room must be controllable.

5. A one remote control system that will allow you to easily and reliably work all the features of your awesome AV system.

If you need help planning the perfect home theater give Saul Sutton of All Media Consultants a call (973.467.1103) for a free in home consultation...they can help create the media room of your dreams. Saul just updated a West Orange townhome currently on the market and did a wonderful job.

Want to learn more about West Orange Townhomes for sale? Call Perri K. Feldman at 973.650.4727

Enzzo's Trattoria: Dining Out in Short Hills

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:28:05 -0600

The New York Times reviewed our very own Enzzo's Trattoria yesterday and gave it a GOOD rating.

We have been going to Enzzo's since it first opened fifteen years ago. I will admit tho'...the fact the owner's name is Perri Urso is cool...can't say I meet many other Perri's spelled the same way.

The food is delicious and the restaurant is family friendly...always a plus.

Check out the review.

If you want to learn more about Short Hills call this Perri at 973.650.4727 or search on your own for Short Hills homes for sale

New Jitney Helps Millburn Commuters

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:24:11 -0600

Millburn residents living in the Wyoming section were thrilled to hear about the new jitney service provided by Maplewood Township that would take them to and from the station.

The Jitney costs only $1 each way and will help reduce the number of cars and greenhouse gase emissions.

Two stops were added, each with six pick-ups to coordinate with the Midtown Direct Train Schedule:

The stops are at Glen Avenue and Cypress Street and at Wyoming Avenue and Maple Street.

For the full story visit NJ Real Estate Wire and to learn more about commuting to NYC via the Midtown Direct Train line and parking rates visit 2009 Midtown Direct Parking Rates

Want to learn more about Millburn NJ? Call Perri at 973.650.4727 or Search for Homes in Millburn

Trends in Kitchen Design Millburn NJ

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:12:58 -0600

When looking for the hottest trends in Kitchens and Baths I always go to Kitchen Expressions in Millburn, NJ

The owner, Steven Nephtali told me:

"For the last year or so, the trend in kitchens has leaned further towards a clean, contemporary and/or transitional look.

The vast array of cabinetry materials and finishes that are available today sharply distinguishes the present "contemporary" from the contemporary look of yesteryear.

It is important that the selected materials are utilized properly and used appropriately."The Kitchen Expressions Team in Millburn carefully listens to their client's needs. They utilize their skills and products to create the perfect kitchen or bath for individual lifestyles. Existing spaces are transformed and are treasured by their clients for a lifetime.

Give Steven a call at 973.912.4440 or stop by the showroom for a visit at 325 Millburn Avenue, Millburn NJ www.kitchenexpressions.com.

For the full story visit NJ Real Estate Wire

Midtown Direct Commuters: 2009 Parking Rates

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:43:55 -0600

Now is the time to buy your 2009 Parking Passes for the Midtown Direct Parking Lots.

Do you live in South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham or Madison and need to commute to NYC, Hoboken or Jersey City in 2009?

Below are the 2009 Parking Rates for Commuters:

MIDTOWN DIRECT PARKING LOTS
South Orange: (Approx. 5 year waiting list)
     Village-NJ Transit $70/mo
     Village-Commuter lot (resident only) $35/mo
     Mountain Station $40/mo
Maplewood: $200 annual (no waiting list)
Millburn/Short Hills: $360/annual (no waiting list)
Summit: Resident Permit (first) $10/ vehicle, Daily $4 or $80/mo (lot)
Chatham: $350 annual (2.5 year waiting list)
Madison: $400 annual(no waiting list)

* These rates are for residents only and the waiting list is approx

For more towns and rates visit NJ Real Estate Wire

Thinking of living in a town along the Midtown Direct Train Line: South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, Madison or Montclair and Glen Ridge...or adjacent to the train in West Orange or Livingston, New Jersey? Contact Perri @ 973.650.4727 or email Perri

Great News For New Jersey Home Buyers

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:08:45 -0600

If you were considering a home purchase along the Midtown Direct Train line...now is the time to act!

In a move to increase credit availability, the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Banks announced that they would purchase up to $600 billion in Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS), exciting news that sent interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages plummeting below 6.00% and near the lows for the year!

Interest rates are extremely low and home prices in some areas are at 2003-2004 levels. Add to that recent declines in energy prices and lower consumer interest rates, and you have a great holiday recipe for success, but only if you give your favorite Midtown Direct realtor a call @ 973.650.4727.

Falling prices are bringing out home buyers that have been waiting to buy near the Midtown Direct Train for the past twenty-four months. They are scooping up both bargains and hot properties.

This is the time for Great Home Buying Opportunities in New Jersey's Essex, Morris & Union Counties.

Call Perri K. Feldman if you want to learn more about Midtown Direct real estate: South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Morristown, Livingston and West Orange 973.650.4727 or email Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com

Coat Drive in Millburn New Jersey

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:05:00 -0600

Thousands of New Jersey adults and children need a new, warm coat each winter. Many are forced to make a choice between buying a winter coat and putting food on the table, or meeting other basic survival needs. We can't ignore the headlines and wanted to create an event to teach our children the importance of sharing and lending a hand to those less fortunate than the residents of Millburn and Short Hills, NJ.

Four local professional women, Perri K. Feldman of Keller Williams Realty, KC Maloney of Merrill Lynch, Short Hills, Beth Naphtali of Kitchen Expressions and Alyssa Sutton of All Media Consultants, LLC, have joined together to sponsor a Winter Sweater & Coat Drive to benefit local New Jersey families in need.

SHARE THE WARMTH...
From Head to Toe

JOIN US
FOR AN EVENING OF GIVING & CAMARADERIE

WINTER SWEATER & COAT DRIVE
TO BENEFIT LOCAL NEW JERSEY FAMILIES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008
3 PM TO 7 PM

KITCHEN EXPRESSIONS
325 MILLBURN AVENUE
MILLBURN, NJ 07041

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

TIME TO CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS
GENTLY USED OR NEW ADULT AND CHILDREN

COATS
SWEATERS
SCARVES & MITTENS
SOCKS
BOOTS

COLLECTION BOXES WILL BE PLACED IN THE
KITCHEN EXPRESSION SHOWROOM FROM
MONDAY DECEMBER 1, 2008 TO FRIDAY DECEMBER 5, 2008

SPONSORED BY:

FOUR GALS FOR GOODNESS

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

PERRI K. FELDMAN - 973-650-4727
KC MALONEY - 973-255-7144
BETH NAPHTALI - 973-912-4440
ALYSSA SUTTON - 973-420-4106

Judy Collins at SOPAC South Orange NJ

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:22:23 -0600

We went to SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center) this evening for a memorable performance by Judy Collins. All of us were transported back in time. She still has a wonderful voice that moves you.

I have come to love SOPAC and all of the events they have to offer.

Upcoming events at SOPAC in South Orange, New Jersey:
December 5: The Roches
December 10: The Nutcracker New York Theatre Ballet
December 11: The Lettermen
December 12: Imani Winds
December 19: The Duprees
December 21: The Paper Bag Players

For more information visit SOPAC Now

If you want to learn more about South Orange, New Jersey call Perri @ 973.650.4727 or email Perri@MidtownDirectHomes.com.

Visit South Orange NJ Homes for current homes for sale.

Protect Your NJ Mortgage from Contract to Close

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:47:53 -0600

From Contract to Close: How NOT to Mess Up Your NJ Mortgage

First time home buyers in New Jersey need this list of do's and don'ts to protect their mortgage prior to closing. Sometimes what appears to be innocent can create havoc on the mortgage process.

Sellers will not accept an offer in NJ these days without a preapproval from a lender. Once an offer is accepted, follow this advice to Protect Your Mortgage.

In this environment, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines in New Jersey in order for your mortgage company to maintain your mortgage until closing:

Keep in Touch with your Mortgage Banker: Make them aware of any significant changes in income, assets or employment
Keep your Mortgage Banker informed:Let them know everything so they can preserve your transaction
Don't make any large deposits into the bank without telling your Mortgage Banker
Keep Your Job: Quitting your job or getting fired when you are trying to buy a house in NJ is a No-No
No Big Ticket Purchases That Will End Up on Your Credit Report
Sell Your Current Home Before Buying the Next One
Don't Move: If you are planning to move residences before you close on a mortgage you MUST tell your Mortgage Banker
Raises and Bonuses are OK
Do Not Apply Elsewhere: If you plan to apply for more than one mortgage you should tell your Mortgage Banker
Shop for Homeowner's Insurance: Getting a good rate on Homeowner's Insurance is a must

For the complete list of Do's and Don'ts visit NJRealEstateWire

24 Hours Before Closing: The House Went Up in Flames

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:27:55 -0600

Everything was in place. We were soooo close...

The house had been on the market for only two weeks. It was in disrepair and a wonderful investment opportunity for my buyer clients. The home was moments away from foreclosure in a transitioning neighborhood with growth potential.

The buyers were able to pay cash for the property. No need to worry about current mortgage concerns.

The offer was accepted.

And then it hit the fan...or so I thought.

There were two sets of owners. Each with their own lawyer. A judge had to get involved to resolve their individual rights. Needless to say it was messy. My buyers held their breath.

The judge agreed to the sale. The banks agreed to the sale. The title search was clean.

Mortgage payoffs were in place. Tax lien payoffs were in place.

Time of the essence was served. Time of the essence was extended. The seller found an apartment.

Final monies were transferred. All parties agreed on place and time of closing.

Twenty-four hours to go... The call came at 8am.

THE HOUSE BURNED DOWN

Fire engines took hours to get the house under control. Thankfully, noone was hurt.

There is nothing left.

You can't make this stuff up!!! Stay Tuned!!!

Has this ever happened to you? What did you do?

Five Easy Steps to Set Up NJ Home Network

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:27:47 -0600

One of the first questions I am asked after homeowners close on their new home along the Midtown Direct Train line is "How do we set up our home network?" and "Who do you know that can help us out?"

Here are five tips to consider when setting up a simple home network:

Here are five tips to consider when setting up a simple home network:

1) Get wired-wireless networks are convenient, reasonably priced, and fairly easy to set up for basic operation.

2) Stay cheap-if you have multiple PCs to network or a laptop to move around the house, wireless might be the best option.

3) Secure your Wireless - many wireless networks get shared with neighbors and strangers because homeowners don't make them secure. Secure your network, it's not worth the trouble.

4) Backup your data - There is nothing worse than knowing your pc was working one moment and not knowing what happened the next.

5) Lock it down-while a router can control who connects to a network, security software adds needed protection for any home network. Be sure your Virus Protection is running the current years software.

For the full story visit NJ Real Estate Wire or call Perri K. Feldman @ 973.650.4727

Short Hills Donate Eye Glasses to New Eyes for the Needy

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:11:19 -0600

New Eyes for the Needy in Short Hills, New Jersey celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. It is a wonderful non profit organization that purchases new prescription glasses for poor children and adults in the US and recycles donated glasses for distribution for people in need throughout the world.

ABC highlighted New Eyes for the Needy this past weekend with questions answered by Susan Dyckman, the executive director and Clelia Biamonti, the president of the Board of Trustees.

New Eyes for the Needy has provided nearly a half-million people with the glasses they so desperately need in the US as well as 56 Countries including Argentina, Cambodia, Ghanna, Morocco, Nigeria and Uganda.

You can help New Eyes for the Needy by making a cash donation, donating your used eyeglasses, hearing aids, jewelry and gift-ware. A gift of just $60 will buy the glasses that can turn someone's life around.

Donors can give right on New Eyes website, www.neweyesfortheneedy.org.

New Eyes for the Needy
549 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-376-4903

Want to learn more about Short Hills and the surrounding communities of Livingston, Summit and Chatham? Call Perri K. Feldman @ 973.650.4727

Stealth Sites...How Much Should You Pay?

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:12:21 -0600

Just how much should you pay for stealth sites?

Recently our team has been bombarded with quotes for multiple page stealth sites with the promise of Search Engine Optimization.

We are amazed at the price ranges...from $5000 to $50000 per year.

Would love some feedback on what has worked. And what hasn't.

And, just how much we should budget for this investment.

SHORT HILLS OPEN HOUSE

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:59:24 -0500

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY OCTOBER 26TH 1-4PM 345 OLD SHORT HILLS ROAD SHORT HILLS, NEW JERSEY

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to purchase a home in the Number One school district in New Jersey as reported by NJ Magazine.

Chatham New Jersey A GREAT Place to Live

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:30:28 -0500

Why do people love living in Chatham, New Jersey?

Here are my Top Five Reasons:

Chatham Township was named the #1 Place To Live in New Jersey by NJ Monthly in 2007.
Less than 40 minute commute into Manhattan via Midtown Direct Train Line and twenty minute drive to Newark/Liberty International Airport.
Small town feel in spite of its close proximity to NYC with its quiet, safe, and friendly community.
Exceptionally rated school district every year.
High property values with carefully planned neighborhoods & beautiful, tree lined streets

To see the full list please visit NJ Real Estate Wire

Looking for a Home in Chatham? See all Chatham NJ Homes currently for sale

Contact Perri @ 973.650.4727 for a personal tour of homes for sale in Chatham, New Jersey