Paula's Blog

Bergen County: New Jersey Real Estate Podcast - November 2008

2008-11-21T15:15:32Z

Paula Clark of Coldwell Banker of Bergen County presents:

The New Jersey Real Estate Podcast

November 2008: This month's edition covers New Jersey & Bergen County real estate market activity and then we discuss four proven strategies for getting the most out of today's market!
Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 7 minutes

download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed

Search all Bergen County NJ homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Home Buyer Benefits Improve For Veterans

2008-11-14T07:54:40Z

Bergen County NJ Home Buyer Benefits Improve For Veterans

Bergen County NJ Veterans now have expanded homeownership opportunities, thanks to the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.

Three provisions in the legislation are critical to help Huntsville veterans during the current housing turmoil. The law will make it easier for veterans who have fallen victim to risky subprime loans to refinance their loans into a safer, more affordable loans backed by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation also extends the VA loan limit increases through 2011, which will help veterans living in high-cost areas.

In addition, the VA can now offer adjustable-rate mortgages to veterans. That would make Bergen County NJ home ownership more attainable for military families and personnel who often have to move more frequently than their civilian counterparts.

If you are a Veteran thinking about buying a Bergen County NJ home, please get in touch and we can give you some information on how you can take advantage of the great home purchase opportunities that exist right now.

Learn more about Bergen County home ownership by visiting PaulaClarkRealtor.com.

Search all Bergen County NJ homes for sale.

Home Sold in River Vale, Bergen County NJ

2008-11-13T20:24:51Z

Being a Realtor can be challenging at times. But sometimes a family comes along that touches you in so many ways, that makes your job so fulfilling, and so worthwhile. This family is The Henry family.

They are kind, warm, and so trully honest, and sincere. Moving from another country had to be a huge adjustment for this family. When I first met them, I picked them up at the hotel where they were staying in Paramus. There was an instant connection. Two beautiful children, so beautiful, and so smart. We set off to see many homes, and they were so patient, and well behaved. For a 5, and 6 year old this is not easy. I had a bag of snacks for them, and gave them a pad, and pencils so they could draw the special things about each home we were about to see.

Parker was so excited, and as soon as he walked into one of the homes in Oradell, he said "Dad, I love this house!" We went to another home in Hillsdale, and he said "Mom, I love this house!" We then went to a home in River Vale, and he said "Mom, Dad, I love this house. I want to live here!" After about 3 hours of house hunting, I think that the children had reached their limit, and it was time to go home. We said our good byes, and planned our day for tomorrow.

I met The Henry's at the hotel in Paramus, and House Hunting we went. Back to The Pascack Valley, The Northern Valley, and other homes in the surrounding areas of New Jersey, such as River Edge, Oradell, and Paramus. After many hours of searching The Henry's decided on River Vale. We had done our homework on the town. I provided the Henry's with School information for The Woodside School, The Roberge School, and Holdrum. The demographics for River Vale, transportation, and where all of the dance programs were, as well as other Activities in The Westwood, and River Vale area where the children would have their interests. We went back to the home on Dale Ct. in River Vale. This home had it all! Tree lined quiet street. Many beautiful homes, and on a cul de sac. This home was built by the owner, and only the best of everything went into this home. Custom moldings throughout, hardwood floors, and a Gourmet kitchen with gorgeous cabinetry, and a stone top, that is a better quality than granite. Full finished basement, and a Master bedroom with 2 walk in closets, and magnificent master bath. When Parker walked in, His mouth was opened, and the words that came out of his mouth were..."Mom, Dad I LOVE THIS HOUSE! CAN WE LIVE HERE?" This was the perfect home for them. We made an offer, and there was another offer on the home. We did what we had to do, and We got the house. We close last week, and The Henry's are living happily ever after. Monday was Parker's, and Alicia's first day of school. They were welcomed with open arms. They love The Woodside School, The teachers, and everyone they have met so far. Yes... I love my Job!!!

Does Buying A Bergen County NJ Home Make Sense In Today's Market

2008-11-11T12:11:52Z

Does Buying A Bergen County NJ Home Make Sense In Today's Market

The housing market has never been better for many potential Bergen County NJ home buyers. In fact, more often than not, it is less expensive to own your own home rather than rent.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that in 57 out of the 100 most populated metro areas, renting a three-bedroom home is more expensive than monthly costs on a six percent mortgage for a typical low-priced house in the same area.

With all the news these days concerning the economic crunch and these tumultuous economic times, you might think I'm crazy saying it is a good time to buy a Bergen County NJ home. Of course, buyers with strong credit are best positioned to take advantage of today's opportunities. A high credit score will yield a lower interest rate and increase the likelihood that a loan application will be approved.

For example, a buyer with a 6 percent mortgage will pay a third less per month than a buyer who has a loan at 8 percent. This difference can be hundreds of dollars per month.

FHA loans, VA loans and government backed first-time buyer loans are all available to qualified buyers. With the current low interest rates and affordable housing prices, it is a great time to buy your Bergen County NJ home.

It is also a time to keep in mind that buying a home is a long term investment...and an investment you and your family can enjoy for many years!

Search all Bergen County NJ homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2008

2008-11-07T07:39:19Z

Pending home sales activity surged as buyers took advantage of low home prices and affordable interest rates, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 7.4 percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87.0 in July, and is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home buyers were responding to improved affordability. "What we're seeing is the momentum of people taking advantage of low home prices, with pending home sales up strongly in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island and the Washington, D.C., region," he said. "It's unclear how much contract activity may be impacted by the credit disruptions on Wall Street, but we're hopeful most of the increase will translate into closed existing-home sales."

Bergen County NJ Real Estate Sales Statistics

Let's take a look at the real estate sales statistics for September 2008 to see how the market is looking locally:

Residential sales in Bergen County dropped by 4 percent in September compared to September 2007. The average market time increased 10 percent or 8 days, while the average sale price decreased 11 percent to $584,248. The median sales price also decreased 11 percent.

Bergen County	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Days On Market
Sept 2008	397	$584,248	$460,000	90
Sept 2007	415	$683,595	$515,000	82

Sales in the Pascack Valley dropped 4 percent this September compared to September 2007. Market times decreased by 3 percent, with selling times of 71 days vs 73 days. Selling prices decreased 5 percent to $566,346 and the median sales price increased 1 percent.

Pascack Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Days On Market
Sept 2008	48	$566,346	$530,000	71
Sept 2007	50	$597056	$523,500	73

Northern Valley selling prices decreased 54 percent compared to September 2007. This number is significantly higher than the pervious month. With only 11 homes sold, this could be caused be an extremely unusual property selling. In comparison, the median sales price increased 4 percnet. Market increased by 3 percent. The number of homes sold decreased 15 percent.

Northern Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Days On Market
Sept 2008	11	$956,091	$668,000	91
Sept 2007	13	$619,346	$640,000	89

To learn more about Bergen County NJ real estate, please contact me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com.

To begin searching for Bergen County NJ real estate and homes for sale, please use our complimentary MLS search.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: New Jersey Real Estate Podcast

2008-10-28T15:31:27Z

The New Jersey Real Estate Podcast

October 2008:

This month's edition covers Bergen County NJ real estate market activity and then we will talk about how with every change, there are hidden opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning.

Program length: approximately 7 1/2 minutes

download podcast mp3 file | subscribe to podcast feed

Learn how you can take advantage of the great home purchase opportunities that exist right now by visiting PaulaClarkRealtor.com or giving us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate and homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2008-10-27T08:15:04Z

MoneyMattersNJ.com has an excellent explanation of the tax credit for Bergen County NJ first time home buyers provided for in the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Here's what they have to say:

Must Be Repaid Over 15 Years

Available for a limited time only, the credit:

Applies to home purchases after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.

Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.

Is fully refundable, meaning that the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax that they owe.
However, the credit operates much like an interest-free loan, because it must be repaid over a 15-year period. So, for example, an eligible taxpayer who buys a home today and properly claims the maximum available credit of $7,500 on his or her 2008 federal income tax return must begin repaying the credit by including one-fifteenth of this amount, or $500, as an additional tax on his or her 2010 return.

Eligible taxpayers will claim the credit on new IRS Form 5405. This form, along with further instructions on claiming the first-time homebuyer credit, will be included in 2008 tax forms and instructions and be available later this year on IRS.gov, the IRS Web site.

If you bought a home recently, or are considering buying one, the following questions and answers may help you determine whether you qualify for the credit.

Which home purchases qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit?
Only the purchase of a main home located in the United States qualifies and only for a limited time. Vacation homes and rental property are not eligible. You must buy the home after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009. For a home that you construct, the purchase date is the first date you occupy the home.

Taxpayers who owned a main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase are not eligible for the credit. This means that first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase can qualify for the credit.

If you make an eligible purchase in 2008, you claim the first-time homebuyer credit on your 2008 tax return. For an eligible purchase in 2009, you can choose to claim the credit on either your 2008 (or amended 2008 return) or 2009 return.

How much is the credit?
The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. The limit is $3,750 for a married person filing a separate return. In most cases, the full credit will be available for homes costing $75,000 or more. Whatever the size of the credit a taxpayer receives, the credit must be repaid over a 15-year period.

Are there income limits?
Yes. The credit is reduced or eliminated for higher-income taxpayers.

The credit is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). MAGI is your adjusted gross income plus various amounts excluded from income-for example, certain foreign income. For a married couple filing a joint return, the phase-out range is $150,000 to $170,000. For other taxpayers, the phase-out range is $75,000 to $95,000.

This means the full credit is available for married couples filing a joint return whose MAGI is $150,000 or less and for other taxpayers whose MAGI is $75,000 or less.

Who cannot take the credit?
If any of the following describe you, you cannot take the credit, even if you buy a main home:
Your income exceeds the phase-out range. This means joint filers with MAGI of $170,000 and above and other taxpayers with MAGI of $95,000 and above.

You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.

You stop using your home as your main home.

You sell your home before the end of the year.

You are a nonresident alien.

You are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year.

Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds.

You owned another main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2008, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another main home at any time from July 2, 2005, through July 1, 2008.
How and when is the credit repaid?
The first-time homebuyer credit is similar to a 15-year interest-free loan. Normally, it is repaid in 15 equal annual installments beginning with the second tax year after the year the credit is claimed. The repayment amount is included as an additional tax on the taxpayer's income tax return for that year. For example, if you properly claim a $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit on your 2008 return, you will begin paying it back on your 2010 tax return. Normally, $500 will be due each year from 2010 to 2024.

You may need to adjust your withholding or make quarterly estimated tax payments to ensure you are not under-withheld.

However, some exceptions apply to the repayment rule. They include:
If you die, any remaining annual installments are not due. If you filed a joint return and then you die, your surviving spouse would be required to repay his or her half of the remaining repayment amount.

If you stop using the home as your main home, all remaining annual installments become due on the return for the year that happens. This includes situations where the main home becomes a vacation home or is converted to business or rental property. There are special rules for involuntary conversions. Taxpayers are urged to consult a professional to determine the tax consequences of an involuntary conversion.

If you sell your home, all remaining annual installments become due on the return for the year of sale. The repayment is limited to the amount of gain on the sale, if the home is sold to an unrelated taxpayer. If there is no gain or if there is a loss on the sale, the remaining annual installments may be reduced or even eliminated. Taxpayers are urged to consult a professional to determine the tax consequences of a sale.

If you transfer your home to your spouse, or, as part of a divorce settlement, to your former spouse, that person is responsible for making all subsequent installment payments.

To learn more about Bergen County NJ first time home buyer tax credit, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County NJ homes for sale.

Bergen County Real Estate: 201 River Road For Sale

2008-10-21T05:37:21Z

Bergen County real estate for sale.

201 River Road, New Milford NJ 07646

Great opportunity for entrepreneur! Start a new business and live on the premises. One bedroom apartment that could use TLC, but not a problem if you have vision. Older construction with solid walls.

Business presently a barber shop that has been there for over 14 years with rental income of $1,000 month. On month-to-month lease. Apartment is currently vacant.

Near Oradell border, abutting usable municipal lot for shoppers and clients parking. Sale includes architectural plans with planning and zoning board approval for up to 5 units. 3 residential and 2 commercial.

Center of town, near all shopping and transportation to the city right at your door.

For more informaiton on 201 River Road or other Bergen County real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County real estate and homes for sale.

Bergen County Homes For Sale: 214 Campora Drive

2008-10-18T08:20:22Z

Bergen County Homes for Sale:

214 Campora Drive, Northvale NJ 07647

The perfect family home in Northvale on a very quiet street at the end near a cul-de-sac. Sugar Maple split...a most desirable layout! Very spacious throughout. What curb appeal!! WOW!

Custom stone front with maintenance free siding and newer architectural roof.

Beautiful entrance with custom tile floor and French doors leading to the family room with surround sound.

Fabulous finished basement with high ceilings and sheet rock...even on the ceiling. You don't feel like you are in a basement. Adds much square footage to this home. Bright with built-ins and totally tiled floor. You'll love it.

Award winning schools. Close to transportation to New York shopping, parks and ball fields. Great opportunity to live in the Northern Valley!

Want to add central air? Not a problem, we have an estimate and because of the existing system is isn't that difficult or expensive.

For more information on 214 Campora Drive or other Bergen County real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County homes for sale.

Bergen County Real Estate: All About Hillsdale

2008-10-14T08:32:02Z

Hillsdale is a historic town in Bergen County with ample picturesque charm. Home to about 10,500 residents, the town has a sensitively restored downtown of Victorian buildings, cobble sidewalks, gas-lamp style streetlamps, an expansive green, and a pretty Victorian gazebo. The slate blue train station was built in 1869 and is now on both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places; commuters to Manhattan appreciate the fact that they can get to work in less than 40 minutes. A Victorian clock tower presides over all and numerous raised flower beds only add to the overall appeal.

No doubt due to its charm, Hillsdale's downtown shopping district is always popular, despite the major malls five miles away in neighboring Paramus, and there is always plenty to see and do, from fine dining to picnicking in one of the many parks. Residents enjoy community events together like the popular "Music in the Park" concerts in summer and the fall fun at Demarest Farms.

The Hillsdale public school system is top ranking and the Pascack Valley High School is known for its academic excellence. Students consistently average well above state-wide levels in SATs and 87 percent of last year's graduates went on to four-year colleges.

A thriving local economy and ease of commute to surrounding cities (including New York City) makes Hillsdale a great place to live and only adds to its appeal for families seeking the character of a small town and the amenities of a larger center.

Location
Hillsdale is in Bergen County, New Jersey, about 8 miles east of the Hudson River and 23 miles north of New York City.

Hillsdale has an agreeably central location to New Jersey towns and cities. Paterson, NJ is just over 10 miles south and Jersey City is just under 20 miles away. New York City is 23 miles south of Hillsdale.

Geography
Located in Bergen County and in the heart of New Jersey's pretty Pascack Valley, Hillsdale sits between the shores of Woodcliff Lake to the north and the town of Westwood to the south, with River Vale and Old Tappan directly to the east and Woodcliff Lake Township to the west. Wood Dale County Park, Hillsdale's largest, is in the eastern part of town. The southernmost part of Hillsdale is low lying; Pascack Brook meanders through it. The westernmost part of Hillsdale, on or near Wierimus Road, is hilly and tree-lined.

Jobs
Business is booming in New Jersey thanks to the state's sophisticated and diverse economic climate. The Bergen County Economic Development Corporation supports local business owners, offering helpful resources and economic incentives. A well educated local workforce is on hand and New Jersey's sophisticated highway and transport systems provide further supportive infrastructure.

While the educational, health and social service sectors make up most of Hillsdale's local employment, the professional, management, and administrative sectors also provide work. Hillsdale has a large waste transfer station and a thriving retail sector. Manufacturing provides further diversity.

Housing
Hillsdale's residential real estate market is on fire at the present time, with housing prices continuing to rise steadily, and somewhat dramatically, over the last five years. The market is fairly diverse, with affordable housing in low lying southern Hillsdale and prestigious real estate in the hilly western part of the city. Homes on or near Wierimus Road are particularly large and elegant, and sections are lush; streets are tree lined. Typically, prices for single family homes in Hillsdale range from about $450,000 to $1,200,000.

About two thirds of Hillsdale homes were built before 1970, and the majority of these during the post-WWII building boom. Charming colonial homes are generally found closest to the center of town, sturdy 1950s homes encircle those, and new estate homes and modern town houses and single family homes surround these.

Hillsdale has two condominium complexes, Stony Brook Manor on the town's eastern border, and the stucco and brick Colonial Village just east of the railroad tracks. Currently a typical 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo sells for about $335,000. Many of the homes in Hillsdale's west side are lovely 1950s split-level and ranch homes, known locally as "Tandy-Allens" after the developers who originally had them built. Updated or expanded four-bedroom, two-bath Tandy-Allens sell for around $525,000 to $750,000.

Property taxes are relatively low (about $200 less than surrounding boroughs) thanks to Hillsdale's refuse transfer station, (where waste from surrounding communities is compacted and transferred out of state) which pays a tax to the city for its contract.

Recreation
Hillsdale has a lovely downtown green and many attractive parks. Beechwood Park has a nice picnic area, a playground and ball fields, and residents enjoy open air concerts performed in the band shell there in summer.

Demarest Farms in West Hillsdale is a great place to take the kids apple picking in the fall, with hayrides and other fun events.

Residents may enjoy boating on Woodcliffe Lake in summer and skating in winter, and the lower Hudson River is just 8 miles east, offering kayaking and canoeing in summer and skating in winter. The green areas along its banks may be hiked or biked, and skied in winter, and there are several historic sites in the vicinity that are worth a visit.

The Pascack Brook County Park in neighboring Westwood has baseball and softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a good playground and bike path, and fishing in the lake in season.

Wood Dale County Park, on Hillsdale's eastern border, has tennis courts, a children's playground, a bike path, and lake fishing.

Hillsdale is known for the excellence of its recreational facilities. Revenue from Hillsdale's refuse transfer station helps pay for the wealth of local parks and athletic and ball fields in the city, including Centennial Field, a 12-acre park with two lighted baseball diamonds and soccer fields, a tot lot and a field house. The city offers a wide range of recreational events for all ages and summer camps for children, and Hillsdale has baseball, softball, wrestling, figure and ice skating, lacrosse and athletics teams.

The Stony Brook Swim Club is a fantastic facility, with an Olympic sized swimming pool, intermediate and diving pools, a fun toddler pool with an elephant shaped fountain and a snack bar.

Bergen County has several excellent golfing facilities, the Orchard Hills County course in Paramus being the closest to Hillsdale residents. Orchard Hills has a challenging par 35 9-hole course that can also be played as 18 holes, set among lush groves of trees.

Special Attractions/Events
One of Hillsdale's primary attractions is its not inconsiderable charm. Chosen as the site to film the small-town television drama series "Ed", the pretty downtown has an historic gazebo, a quaint green with park benches, gas-lamp style street lighting, lovely stone sidewalks, historic Dutch colonial homes and a picturesque train station.

Hillsdale also has a top school district and the local high school sees many of its graduates leave to attend some of the wider region's superb universities and colleges.

An excellent bus and rail system affords an easy commute to New York City, bringing the economic and cultural opportunities of this world-class city within easy reach.

The Bergen Museum of Arts and Science in nearby Paramus exhibits works by local and national artists, hosts performance artists and has an engaging natural science section.The Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood hosts top musical and dance acts, including the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and music can be enjoyed close to home during summer when the city hosts a fantastic free "Music in the Park" festival.

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
Hillsdale is a picturesque town with plenty of historic charm. It was first settled by pioneers from Holland, and many of the town's older colonial homes show a Dutch architectural influence. Sensitive restoration has preserved the character of downtown Hillsdale, which still has cobble sidewalks and gas-lamp style streetlights. Many Victorian buildings house one of a kind shops.

The pretty slate blue 1869 train station has white gingerbread trim and a mansard roof and is on both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. The station is a stop on New Jersey Transit's Pascack Valley Line, which carries commuters into Secaucus for transfer to Penn Station and into Hoboken for transfer to the PATH train to Lower Manhattan.

Between 1869 and the nineteen-thirties there was a railroad roundhouse at Hillsdale, where steam locomotives were serviced and routed to various tracks. Most of Hillsdale's pre-war housing was built for railroad employees.

The post-WWII building boom saw the majority of Hillsdale's present-day housing built; the wider town is one of split-level and ranch homes built in the open and elegant style of the day.

Learn more about Bergen County and Hillsdale real estate at PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Hillsdale and Bergen County real estate for sale.

Bergen County Real Estate: Pascack and Northern Valley 2008 Sales Statistics

2008-10-13T15:14:27Z

As a follow-up to opur previous blog post, Bergen County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2008, below are graphs showing 2008 sales for Pascack Valley and Northern Valley:

Pascack Valley 2008 Sales Statistics

Northern Valley 2008 Sales Statistics

Learn more about Pascack Valley and Northern Valley real estate by visiting, PaulaClarkRealtor.com or giving us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County real estate and homes for sale.

Bergen County Homes For Sale: 214 Campora Drive

2008-10-07T07:57:09Z

Bergen County Homes for Sale:

214 Campora Drive, Northvale NJ 07647

The perfect family home in Northvale on a very quiet street at the end near a cul-de-sac. Sugar Maple split...a most desirable layout! Very spacious throughout. What curb appeal!! WOW!

Custom stone front with maintenance free siding and newer architectural roof.

Beautiful entrance with custom tile floor and French doors leading to the family room with surround sound.

Award winning schools. Close to transportation to New York shopping, parks and ball fields. Great opportunity to live in the Northern Valley!

Want to add central air? Not a problem, we have an estimate and because of the existing system is isn't that difficult or expensive.

For more information on 214 Campora Drive or other Bergen County real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County homes for sale.

Bergen County Real Estate: 31 Fairmount Ave 2A

2008-09-27T10:20:34Z

Bergen County real estate for sale.

Welcome to Fairmount Courts!

Well known and best area of Hackensack. 31 Fairmount Ave 2A is the best priced 2 bedroom unit with spacious and open floor plan. Wood burning fireplace and generous sized rooms.

This unit offers 2 terraces...one off the living room and one off the main bedroom.

Brand new carpeting throughout. Laundry in unit for your convenience.

Great location on a quiet street and yet close to transportation to New York and all major highways. 2 covered parking spaces included.

Home Warranty included At the current price...you better hurry!!

For more informaiton on 31 Farimount Ave 2A, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call, 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County real estate and homes for sale.

Reasons to Own Your Bergen County Home

2008-09-23T16:59:05Z

You've probably seen lots of financial arguments about why you should invest in Bergen County real estate and own your own home rather than rent. This includes budgeting (no rent increases) and the tax savings you'll most likely have. Now we're going to give you some reasons you probably haven't heard.

1. Freedom to pursue other goals in life once the major goal of Bergen County home ownership is achieved.

Strange as it sounds, many of our first-time buyers have told us that once they bought the house, other things in their life started to fall into place. It's as if not owning took so much of their mental energy that other goals were not worked on until that big goal was reached. So buy a home and get on with your life!

2. A greater sense of belonging to the Bergen county community.

Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the city in which you live. You're more interested in what happens in Bergen County, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas. Some people even become involved in local politics.

3. A commitment to something, a sense of stability.

Home ownership is an anchor, something that cannot be pulled out from under you. You'll never get a notice that you have to move. You're kids will never have to change schools. It gives you freedom to plan years ahead.

4. You can change things, a feeling of being in control.

It's your home. You can add to it, remodel it, change the landscaping, do whatever projects you want. You have a feeling of being in control of something in your life. At work we don't always have control of what happens, but your home is your castle and you have dominion over it. You can see what you're building take shape before your eyes.

5. More control over the children than in an apartment complex.

In a neighborhood, kids usually play in the yards or go to friend's houses a few doors away. Our clients have told us that in an apartment complex they never knew where the kids were. They could be in any of hundreds of apartments, doing who knows what. In a home you get to know the neighbors and watch out for each other's kids.

6. Children do better in school and feel more secure.

This one surprised us, but buyers have reported to us that their kids calmed down in school after they bought a house. We don't know why, but it seems to work that way. We remember a single mom watching her son play in the yard, making steps in the slope and building things. She didn't have to tell him to leave everything alone, like she did at the apartment complex. I guess kids feel the same need for control we adults do.

7. Time and money saved by not going to the Laundromat.

A small point, but if you have kids, you know the value of this one. You gain a whole evening a week when you buy a house! The wash gets done in between other things, or while you're at work. What would you do with the extra evening you'll have? How about going out for dessert with your spouse with all those quarters?

We've been in a home of our own for so long; we take these benefits for granted. We forgot what it's like to be renters! If you have anything you can add to the list, please let us know via email. We would love to hear from you!

Start your Bergen County home search.

Realty Times September 2008 Newsletter for Bergen County

2008-09-07T07:39:08Z

The September edition of my Realty Times newsletter is available for your pleasure.

This month's edition includes the following:

September Real Estate Update

What the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Means for You

How To Find A Solar System Contractor

Moving Away From Heavy Gasoline Use

New Fed Rules To Prevent Future Runs on Bad Loans

Open The Doors And Buyers Shall Come - But Prepare First!

Investor Report: Hidden Tax Pitfall

Don't Overlook The Garage When Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

For more information on Bergen County real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give me a call at 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County real estate and homes for sale.

How much is your Bergen County home worth?

Bergen County Real Estate Sales Statistics-July 2008

2008-08-28T08:35:54Z

Existing-home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, largely from buyers responding to discounted home prices, according to the latest quarterly survey by the National Association of Realtors®. Nearly one-quarter of metropolitan areas showed rising home prices in the second quarter from a year ago, with greatly mixed conditions continuing around the country.

NAR President Richard Gaylord, a broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, Calif., said foreclosures are distorting the price data. "In many areas with large concentrations of foreclosure sales, homes are being purchased below replacement cost values," Gaylord said. "Many buyers with long-term expectations are getting exceptional value in the current market. Once the inventory is drawn down, price pressure will return because the costs of construction are rising - today's buyers are very well positioned to build wealth over time." National Association of Realtors®

Let's take a look at the real estate sales statistics for July 2008 to see how the market is looking locally:

Residential sales in Bergen County dropped by 24 percent in July compared to July 2007. The average market time increased 9 percent, while the average sale price decreased 4 percent to $680,850. The SP to LP ratio decreased by 2.03%.

Bergen County	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
July 2008	497	$680,850	90.323%	86
July 2007	652	$711,181	94.169%	79

Sales in the Pascack Valley dropped 5 percent this July compared to July 2007. Market times decreased by 5 percent or 3 days. Selling prices decreased 2 percent to $665,462 and SP/LP ratios decreased 2.432%.

Pascack Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
July 2008	52	$665,462	93.291%	63
July 2007	55	$696,018	95.723%	66

Northern Valley selling prices decreased 1 percent compared to July 2007. Market times decreased 32 percent, while the SP/LP ratio dropped 4.848%. The number of homes sold increased 20 percent.

Northern Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
July 2008	18	$968,639	89.351%	56
July 2007	15	$973,600	94.199%	82

To learn more about Bergen County real estate, please contact me at 201-930-3070 or visit my website, PaulaClarkRealtor.com or my Blog, Bergen County NJ Real Estate.

To begin searching for Bergen County homes, please use our complimentary MLS search.

Is Bergen County Homeownership A Good Investment In Today’s Economy?

2008-08-19T12:19:33Z

As a long-term investment, Bergen County homeownership is still one of the best investments for individual households.

Everywhere you look, headlines say the housing market is in a free-fall, foreclosures are rising at an alarming rate, and mortgage money is so tight that buyers can't get a home loan at any price.

In today's economy, is buying a home and investing in Bergen County real estate a good idea? As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of the best investments you can make. And the operative word here is "long-term."

Why is Bergen County real estate a good investment, you ask. The housing market, like all markets, is cyclical and will inevitably have ups and downs. But, homeownership has a track record that is virtually unmatched by any other investment of stocks, bonds or mutual funds.

Despite the current unrest in the mortgage industry, if you have good credit, a job and steady income, you will find there is still plenty of mortgage money to be had at decent interest rates. For well-qualified buyers, rates close to historical lows and the new Housing Recovery Act is offering first-time home buyers a $7,500 tax credit.

Homeownership's Real Value

Homeownership is a solid stepping stone to financial security and the single largest creator of wealth for many Americans. Despite cyclical ups and downs, real estate has consistently appreciated over the long-term. The National Association of Home Builders reports home appreciation has, historically, increased 5-6 percent annually.

This may not seem like much, but let's look at some figures that will put it into perspective. If you were to put down the 3.5 percent required by FHA on a $200,000 house, you would put down $7,000. At a 5 percent annual appreciation rate, that $200,000 home would increase in value $10,000 during the first year. Earning $10,000 on an investment of $7,000 is an extraordinary annual return.

In contrast, putting that $7,000 down payment into the stock market and getting a 5 percent gain would only yield a $350 profit.

Compared to Stocks

Looking at it another way, over a longer period of time, if someone put $10,000 into the stock market in 1996, the average annual S&P return would make that investment worth $21,500 today-an increase of $11,500. The median home price in 1996 was $140,000.

Today, that same home would have gained nearly $100,000 in value.

Don't miss out on the benefits of Bergen County homeownership.

For more information on Bergen County real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give us a call at 201-930-3070.

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Bergen County Real Estate: All the World’s a Stage

2008-08-12T14:14:31Z

Does your Bergen County home have a façade only a homeowner could love? Selling a home can be an emotional experience, and people can lack objectivity when it comes to their own abode. Presenting a home in its best light is always important, but it's imperative in our current competitive real estate market.

Professional advice and assistance can make the difference between "Wow!" and "Whaaa?" - a recent industry study found that staged homes sold for 6.9 percent more than homes that were not staged. Another study compared listing times before and after staging.

Homes that had first been offered for sale without staging were on the market an average of 4.5 months; the same homes sold within a week, on average, after being staged.

Below are 7 tips to ‘setting the stage' and making your Bergen County home more appealing to buyers:

1. Thoroughly clean from top to bottom, especially kitchens and baths.
A dirty house an immediate buyer turn-off. The two most important areas are the kitchen and the bathrooms. If you have not deep cleaned all counter and tile surfaces to a spotless condition, you stand the chance of having the buyers walk right back out the door.

2. De-clutter the entire house.
Clutter makes it extremely hard for the buyers to visualize moving into your home. The disorganization affects the buyer's ability to focus on your home and they will most likely overlook your key selling features. In addition, clutter has the affect of making your home appear smaller than it is as the "open" feeling is gone.

3. Remove the personal memorabilia.
People are generally curious and when you want them to notice the beautiful entryway they may be focused on all the family pictures on the piano or all the "stuff" stuck to the front of your refrigerator. Your objective is to change the view of your home from "lived in" to "ready to move in."

4. Neutralize inside and out.
best way to present a home is for the wall colors to be painted a neutral color. This goes for the outside as well - a loud or non-neutral color may just keep the buyers from even stopping to see the inside.

5. Let the sun shine in with spotless windows.
Nothing is more distracting to a buyer than to be looking at a view through a dirty window. What you don't see is often more important that what you do see.

6. Make your pets go away.
While your pets are a loving member of your family, for the buyers their presence, food and boxes are generally a turn-off. Every trace of their presence should be removed so, once again, the buyers are not distracted from the prime objective - viewing your home in the best possible light.

7. Add curb appeal.
A healthy, neat, trimmed and well maintained yard and flower beds are the keys to getting the buyers up to the front door. A well-maintained exterior translates to a well maintained home in the mind of the buyer.

Need help setting the stage and showing off your Bergen County home in its best light? Give us a call, we are glad to help.

Get the current market value of your Bergen County home.

Bergen County Real Estate: Second-Home Sellers Pay For Tax Credits

2008-08-08T04:07:24Z

Second-home Sellers Pay For Tax Credits

You have probably heard, last week President signed into law the Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act. This is the most comprehensive housing bill to be enacted in over a decade. The bill is designed to help more buyers of Bergen County NJ real estate realize their dreams, as well as, boast the struggling housing and mortgage markets.

One of the biggest benefits, and probably one of the most talked about provisions in this legislation, is the $7,500 tax credit to first time home buyers. Tax breaks are all well and good, but they have to be paid for somehow. While first time hoe buyers are getting a break, second home sellers will be paying for the $15.1 million dollars in tax cuts.

Up until the new legislation went into effect last week, homeowners could exclude up to $250,000 taxable profit on the sale of their home if they're single taxpayers and $500,000 if married filing joint returns. The catch being, they had to live the in house as their primary residence for two of the five years before it is sold.

Many second home owners took advantage of this by moving into a property that was once a rental or vacation home, live there for two years prior to selling and benefiting from the tax-free profit.

With the new legislation, owners selling on or after January 1, 2009 will have to factor out the period when the property was still a rental or vacation home and pay taxes on that portion of the profit.

Here's an example courtesy of BankRate.com:

Jim and Joan are in their 50s and next January buy a vacation home for $200,000. Ten years later, they retire, sell their old principal residence and make the vacation home their new principal residence. Fifteen years after that, Jim and Joan, now in their 80s, move to an assisted-living community and sell the vacation-turned-primary-residence for $700,000. That nets them a gain of $500,000.Under pre-housing bill statute, Jim and Joan wouldn't face any tax on the entire $500,000 gain.

As you can see, the new legislation significantly affects second home owners and their retirement strategies. The second home market has remained strong in the last few years, but this may change dramatically in the near future....something congress may not have intended.

The new law, however, means that Jim and Joan can exclude only 15/25, or 60 percent, of the gain. That would give them $300,000 of nontaxable property sale profit and $200,000 upon which they would owe long-term gain taxes.

If you own Bergen County NJ real estate and are in the middle of converting your second home to your main residence, you could be out of luck. If you don't have enough time left in 2008 to meet the two year lived-in rule and sell the property, when you do sell next year, you will pay.

If your need to sell your Bergen County NJ home before January 1, 2008, give me a call at 201-930-3070. I will help you get the highest price for your Bergen County NJ real estate before the end of the year!

Get the current market value of your Bergen County NJ home.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate Market Trends June 2008

2008-08-05T13:58:06Z

Modest near-term movement is expected in Bergen County NJ real estate sales, with a recovery in sales seen during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said some pullback after a sharp increase in the previous month was expected. "The overall decline in contract signings suggests we are not out of the woods by any means. The housing stimulus bill that is still being considered in the Senate is critical to assure a healthy recovery in the housing market, jobs and the economy," he said.

Furthermore, Yun said location has never mattered more than in the current market. "Some markets have seen a doubling in home sales from a year ago, while others are seeing contract signings cut in half. Price conditions vary tremendously, even within a locality, depending upon a neighborhood's exposure to subprime loans.

"Let's take a look at the real estate sales statistics for June 2008 to see how the market is looking locally:

Residential sales in Bergen County dropped by 19 percent in June compared to June 2007. The average market time increased 15 percent, while the average sale price decreased 1 percent to $679,399. The SP to LP ratio decreased by 2.03%.

Bergen County	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
June 2008	524	$679,399	91.655%	86
June 2007	646	$670,405	93.680%	75

Sales in the Pascack Valley dropped 2 percent this June compared to June 2007. Market times increased by 39 percent or 22 days. Selling prices decreased 4 percent to $615,038 and SP/LP ratios decreased 2.935%.

Pascack Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
June 2008	56	$615,038	92.654%	79
June 2007	55	$638,404	95.589%	57

Northern Valley selling prices decreased 1 percent compared to June 2007. Market times decreased 19 percent, while the SP/LP ratio dropped .4.62%. The number of homes sold remained the same.

Northern Valley	Sold Listings	Average Sales Price	SP/LP	Days On Market
June 2008	20	$737,623	97.694%	91
June 2007	20	$732,970	93.077%	112

With moderatiing prices, Now is a GREAT time to be buying a home in Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Northern Valley.

To learn more about Bergen County real estate, please contact me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. To begin searching for Bergen County homes, please use our complimentary Bergen County MLS search.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: Short Sale Tips

2008-07-29T08:41:32Z

In the current Bergen County NJ real estate market, there has been a lot of buzz around "short sales." What is a short sale, exactly? A short sale is when a lender agrees to accept a mortgage payoff amount less than what is owed in order to facilitate a sale of a property by a financially distressed owner - in essence, the lender forgives the outstanding balance of the loan.

There are pro's and con's to short sales on both sides of the deal. For the seller, credit history is seriously damaged, but not as badly as it would be by foreclosure. Sellers also walk away with no profit, which makes it difficult to purchase another home. For the buyer, the property comes at a reduced price, but it also generally comes with its fair share of problems, and there is a considerable amount of "red tape" to get through to complete the purchase.

The short sale buying process can be a confusing one, especially for a first-time short sale buyer. Check out this helpful article from BankRate.com and see 10 Steps for Short Sale Buying below:

1. Identify potential short sales
2. View the property
3. Do your research
4. Find all liens and mortgages
5. Figure out the financing
6. Contact the lender
7. Complete the lender's short sale application
8. Assemble the proposal
9. Negotiate
10. Close the deal

To learn more about investing in Bergen County NJ real estate, please visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. For more personalized service, please call me today at 201-930-3070
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How To Sell Your Bergen County NJ Real Estate – In a Hurry!

2008-07-25T12:21:32Z

If you have been trying to sell your Bergen County NJ real estate recently, you probably have realized that this is not the ideal time to try to sell a house. With a struggling economy and negative media surrounding the housing market, homes are staying on the market for longer and longer as fewer buyers are making offers on them. So - what do you do if you find yourself in a situation that requires you to sell your home in a hurry? The Wall Street Journal offers the following tips that I hope you'll find helpful:

1. DON'T WAIT AROUND. Even in the better housing areas, it's taking a long time to sell houses; so, don't try to sit out the market. That's what hundreds of other timid sellers are doing, each of them hoping - somehow, some way - that hanging on the sidelines will improve prices and, ultimately improve the chances of a successful sale. It won't. If you want your place sold, the best way to make sure that happens is to put it up for sale.
2. FIX IT UP AND CLEAN IT UP. Buyers are taking your house out on a date. It has to make a good impression.You don't have to (and shouldn't!) spend a lot of money, but ensure everything is in good working order. As you get closer to the date that the house is actually on the market, start moving out by decluttering - buyers don't want to see a house filled to the rafters with other people's things.
3. PRICE IT CHEAPLY. Don't fight the market by trying to price your house at bubble-era levels or by factoring in all those improvements you made. In today's market, your best bet is to set a realistic, salable price on day one. Don't let the house hang around on the market as you gradually lower the price. Forget what you think the house should be worth or what it was worth three years ago. That's not what it's worth today.
4. HIRE A TOP REAL-ESTATE AGENT. Get the best listing agent you can find. When everything was selling before it even hit the market, of course, you didn't need the best. Sellers of higher-end properties may be able to negotiate a lower commission percentage, but this is no time to quibble over a couple of percentage points. Also, offer the agent a big bonus if he or she sells the house in 30 days or at your asking price. Offer other agents bonuses if they bring in the ultimate buyer.
5. PROMOTE. PROMOTE. PROMOTE. The agent should pay the usual marketing costs, but you should be prepared to pony up for extras, especially if you insist on more expensive or untraditional promotions. Make sure your house is on the leading real-estate Web sites; Trulia, Zillow, Cyberhomes, Eppraisal and Realtor.com are some of the top ones. Beyond that, get really creative. Advertise in corporate newsletters and intranet listings. Check in with local relocation firms that help transferring corporate executives find new homes. List the house on eBay. Put it on Craigslist. Put it in your church bulletin.
6. PLAY THE BANKER. As bad as things are, there's one big factor in your favor: the tight credit market. If you have no mortgage you have to pay off, your strongest selling point might be your ability to finance all or a substantial part of a buyer's purchase. You're a lot more flexible than a bank that has the Federal Reserve looking over its shoulders, so you might even be able to charge a higher interest rate than a commercial lender as well as command a higher sale price.
7. TAKE THE OFFER. If any qualified buyer comes in with a reasonable offer, be prepared to accept it. Negotiate, of course, but recognize that the buyer has a lot more clout than you do. Your house, as wonderful as you think it is, is worth only as much as someone is willing to pay for it.

If you are considering selling your Bergen County NJ real estate, let my experience work for you! Please call me at 201-930-3070, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com, or request a complimentary comparative market analysis of your home.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: Home Sweet Condo?

2008-07-22T12:50:00Z

One of the most fundamental questions when considering purchasing Bergen County NJ real estate is whether to purchase a single family home or a condo. Although there are many factors to consider, the answer really lies in the buyer's preference and lifestyle.

A condo might be a good fit for those in search of a more urban, low-maintenance lifestyle. Condos typically resemble apartments with several units in the same building or complex sharing amenities (although they can also be duplexes, free-standing buildings, etc.). Although there are monthly maintenance fees involved with condo ownership, that also means that the owners are not responsible for any maintenance outside their own four walls. Because condos are a shared community, ownership is often limited to a specific space.

For many home-buyers, single-family homes offer more privacy and control. When purchasing a single-family home, the buyer owns the entire building as well as the land on which it sits. Likewise, this means the maintenance of the structure and the land is the owner's sole responsibility.

If you would like to learn more about owning Bergen County NJ real estate, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. Visit My Bergen County NJ Real Estate Blog!

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: Is That Price Too Good To Be True?

2008-07-17T16:02:27Z

If you are in the market for Bergen County NJ real estate, you probably have a good idea of the general range you can expect to spend on a home. So you might be surprised when a great-looking home shows up on the MLS with what seems like a shockingly low price tag attached. The extra-low price seems too good to be true and - most of the time - it is.

It is likely that the price you are seeing does not represent the actual asking price of the property; rather, in most cases it is likely a property that is in "pre-foreclosure" and the amount listed actually represents the balance of the defaulted loan, or the amount the current owner is in arrears. Below is an excerpt from an article I found at Inman News that does a great job explaining how these properties end up on MLS search engines, and what you can do to spot them:

Real estate agents, investors and sophisticated buyers will know that it's impossible to buy a house in Hermosa Beach for $4,712. But first-time home buyers may miss the fine print on sites like Yahoo and Trulia that explains that this is not the home's listing price - and that the property may not even be for sale.

The practice of mixing pre-foreclosure properties with listings of for-sale properties by major listings sites like Yahoo Real Estate and Trulia is misleading to consumers and damages the credibility of the sites that allow it, according to a company that's in the business of supplying similar information itself.

Brad Geisen, founder and CEO of Foreclosures.com, singled out Yahoo Real Estate and Trulia - which have partnerships with Foreclosure.com's rival, RealtyTrac - as sites that are presenting pre-foreclosure data to consumers in a potentially confusing way.

Property searches conducted by Inman News show both sites provide information that could help consumers understand that the pre-foreclosure properties are not "listings," and that the dollar figures displayed with each are not asking prices. But there does appear to be potential for confusion.

Checking "foreclosures" under "listing type" and entering a maximum value of $100,000 in the "price" field, a Yahoo Real Estate search for properties in Hermosa Beach, Calif., turned up seven properties, accompanied by dollar figures ranging from $4,712 to $100,000. According to Yahoo, the median asking price for 34 homes on the market in Hermosa Beach is $1.29 million.

But click on any of the properties for more details, and you are given a "property description" that reveals - for the first time - that the dollar figures associated with each property in the search results is not the asking price. Although "price" was specified in the query, the numbers may represent "estimated loan balance" or another figure related to the borrower's indebtedness.

The moral of this story is two-fold; first, be sure to always read the fine print and don't trust everything you see on the Internet and, second, always consult with an experienced Realtor who can help you determine the legitimate value of a property and assist you in finding the home of your dreams.

If you are ready to learn more about Bergen County NJ real estate, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. Check out the Bergen County NJ Real Estate Blog!

Bergen County NJ Real Estate Tip: What Is Universal Design?

2008-07-15T08:25:43Z

You may have heard buzz around the term "universal design" in recent years, but do you know what it is or how it affects the Bergen County NJ real estate and construction markets?

According to Lowes.com, universal design is the creation of products and environments meant to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities.

Think this is some "far out" theory just now working its way into the "modern" world? Think again: if you've ever walked through an automatic door, you've experienced a version of Universal Design. Likewise, a ramp or curb cut is just as welcome to someone with a baby stroller as it is to someone in a wheelchair.
Universal Design has become a hot topic in the Bergen County NJ real estate market as more residents are retiring and making the decision to "age in place," as opposed to moving into assisted living facilities. As we discussed previously, this aging generation is already driving the design of new products for the home that will affect real estate in the future. Even if you are not part of the "mature" population, however, Universal Design should be important to you. If you are planning to build or renovate, keep in mind the principles of Universal Design and know that it's more cost effective to add many Universal Design features during the planning stage. There are a number of design features that can be built for little or no cost. Their addition at the beginning saves the need for future retrofits.

Some examples of Universal Design features include:

Lighting
Additional task lighting is needed for "older" eyes.
Added lighting is also advised in areas to increase safety, such as for stairs.
Kitchens
Push/pull lever faucets for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Side-by-side refrigerators.
Doors
Leverset entry or interior door hardware.
Wide swing hinges allow use of the entire doorway.
Baths
Roll-in showers.
Add reinforcement into the wall substructure now in the event the addition of grab bars is needed later.

To learn more about trends in the Bergen County NJ real estate market, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. Visit my blog: BergenCountyNJRealEstateBlog.com!