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Dear TZ - Which home improvements give me the most return on my investment? - 03/31/12 04:27 PM
Dear TZ,
I'm going to be selling my house in about a year and I have some cash to spend to get it ready to sell. Which home improvements get me the best improvement in selling price?
Fix It Up Freddy
Dear Freddy,
Lots of Union County residents are thinking about getting their homes ready to sell. The truth is, some home improvements are worth more than others.
Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors produce a collaborative report on improving a home before sale every year. This report is called the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report and it compares construction costs … (2 comments)
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April Fools Day Gags - Please vote! - 03/31/12 03:58 PM
Please vote for which of these April Fools’ Day gags we should play on our 16 year old son who absolutely deserves worse and has the best sense of humor in the family.
1. Sprinkle mashed potato flakes on the lawn, car, or driveway and tell him that it snowed last night.
2. Replace the pull string on his bedroom fan with a fake one and attach it to a cup of confetti on the fan so it sprinkles confetti on him when he tries to turn on his fan.
3. The old predictable tape on the … (10 comments)
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Egg-Citing Hunts in Union County this weekend! - 03/30/12 03:47 PM
Get ready for some Spring Time Fun in Union County! The Easter Bunny will be around this weekend for the first Easter Egg hunts of the year. New Providence Lions Club will hold its Easter Egg Hunt at Oakwood Park Easter on Saturday, March 31st, at 9:30 am with the Easter Bunny arriving at 9:15 am. Balloons, lollipops, and viewing of EMS vehicles will start at 9:00. All age groups are invited but the egg hunt is limited to Pre-K to 2nd grade.
Garwood’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 31st, and 12 pm, with … (0 comments)
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Dear TZ - Is this a good time to buy in Union County? - 03/30/12 05:24 AM
Dear TZ,
My neighbor told me it's a great time to buy a house as an investment. Then my cousin said the same thing. I don't believe them because there are all kinds of "For Sale" signs everywhere. Is it a good time to invest in real estate? Why?
- Irwin Investor
Dear Irwin,
Now is absolutely a GREAT time to buy! Here are just a few of the reasons why we think now is a great time to buy:
· Recently Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest men ever, appeared on CNBC's Squawkbox. When he was asked … (3 comments)
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Life Has Now Been Explained To You... - 03/29/12 08:48 AM
Thomas J. Nelson has one of the more interesting and eclectic blogs. I subscribed because of a beautiful and inspiring post called No Guarantees and then spent my entire lunch time reading all of his older posts. This one is my favorite :)
Via Thomas J. Nelson (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
ENJOY!
On the first day, God created the dog and said:
‘Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past.. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.’
The dog said: ‘That’s a long time to be barking. … (1 comments)
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5 steps to a sparkling clean kitchen - 03/28/12 03:49 AM
Nothing beats a kitchen so clean that it sparkles. Here's everything you need to get your kitchen looking Open House ready!
1. Declutter your cabinets. Donate unopened food that you don't eat and doubles of pots/pans/baking dishes. Discard food you opened six months ago and haven't touched since. Clear your countertops of everything except items you use daily.
2. Clean all surfaces. Countertops, shelves, fronts of appliances.
3. Clean your smelly sink drain. Pour in a quarter-cup of baking soda followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Leave it overnight, then flush with boiling water.
4.Clean your oven. Make a paste of baking soda … (5 comments)
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3 Simple Steps To Selling Your Home Fast - 03/26/12 03:46 PM
Sell Your Home Fast with these 3 Simple Steps:
1. Price it right. Get a pre-appraisal (about $300 from a certified appraiser) or get a CMA (free from a REALTOR) and price your home 1-2% lower than they recommend. Offer a competetive commission to the buyers' agent to get them in there.
2. Clean it up. Get rid of all clutter. Polish until it shines - inside and out. Arrange your furniture in a way that has appeal to the most potential buyers - hire a professional home stager to be sure you're doing it right.
3. Market it all over … (4 comments)
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What to do in the Garden this week - 03/26/12 03:45 AM
Every spring, my thoughts turn to the garden. This is the year my flowers beds will be immaculate and my vegetables will be abundant! Here's what to do in NJ:
Perennials:
This week, I divided up all of my hostas. Hostas can be split right down the middle with a spade and then half can be removed and planted somewhere else. They're so hardy, and fantastic in shady areas. Just keep the newly planted half well watered for at least the first few weeks. It's also time to divide the tubers of irises. Before the stems get too big and leafy, dig … (2 comments)
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An Honest Mechanic - 03/25/12 04:04 PM
A couple of weeks ago while driving my 2007 Chrysler Sebring, I noticed a noise that was new. Not being an expert on cars, I took my vehicle in to Livingston Sunoco for an oil change and to have them look into the noise. As I was waiting for them to diagnose the issue, the owner's father Ronnie, happily chatted with me, offering me coffee, tea or water. They were made me feel welcome and comfortable. It was very nice.
A half hour later, Michael (the owner) came out and said that he thinks the problem is with the Air Conditioner Compressor … (2 comments)
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Summit, NJ, Housing Trends - 03/25/12 03:53 PM
Summit, New Jersey is in north western Union County and had the 16th-highest per capita income in the state as of the 2000 Census. As of the 2010 Census, Summit had a population of 21,457 and 36% of all households in Summit had school-age children.
Schools in Summit include 2 Pre-K to Kindergarten schools - Jefferson Primary School and Wilson Primary School, There are also five schools serving grades 1-5 - Brayton School, Franklin School, Jefferson School, Lincoln-Hubbard School, and Washington School, Students in grades 6-8 attend Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and high school students attend Summit High School which was … (0 comments)
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Rahway Market Trends - 03/25/12 12:27 PM
Rahway, NJ, is a city in southern Union County, about a 15 mile commute from Manhattan. New Jersey Transit provides a direct train line from Rahway to New York on the North East Corridor Line. 26,000 people live in Rahway. 30% of all households in Rahway have one or more children in school. Rahway Public Schools consist of four PreK-5 elementary schools — Grover Cleveland School, Franklin School, Madison School, and Roosevelt School. Grades 6-8 attend Rahway Middle School and grades 9-12 attend Rahway High School.
The area was once the home of the Lenni Lenape Native Americans and the city of Rahway itself … (3 comments)
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Dear TZ - My uncle told me I can save the commission if I sell on my own. - 03/24/12 04:08 AM
Dear TZ,
I have a home in Union County that's probably worth $400,000. If I use a REALTOR (R), I have to pay 6% commission, right? That's $24,000! I'm going to try to sell it on my own first. What's the harm, right?
- FSBO Freddy
Dear Freddy,
First let me congratulate you on reaching out to ask this question. As a Real Estate Professional it's my job to stay up to date on what's happening in the market, keeping track of all the different processes that take place during a real estate transaction, and as a licensed REALTOR(R) in … (7 comments)
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Incredibly Beautiful Townhome in Lincoln Park - 03/22/12 05:43 AM
Picture yourself in this beautiful townhome in Lincoln Park! Beautifully laid out with stunning hardwood floors, large open living room with a wood burning fireplace. Spacious kitchen with a large, bright breakfast nook.
Well kept end unit in move-in condition.
2 bedrooms 2.1 baths cathedral ceilings skylights family room in basement deck and so much more
Offered by Hallmark Realtors for $379,000.
Email Wayne@HallmarkRealtors.net for more information or to schedule a showing!
… (2 comments)
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Real Estate Traps To Avoid - 03/21/12 08:45 AM
A home is an emotional investment - a house is a financial investment. Joel Hall's post below is a pretty convincing argument that your home and your house have to be handled differently. We fill our homes with memories, we measure our house by its market value.
Via Joel Hall (RE/MAX Real Estate Services):
Real estate is supposed to rival gold as one of the safest investments you can make. As the late rancher (and multimillionaire) Roy Rogers put it, "Buy land. They ain't making any more of the stuff."
So why does a brief observation of the housing market tell us otherwise? … (0 comments)
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How to Create a Blog Post for Customers and Search Engines - 03/20/12 03:03 PM
It never hurts to be reminded how to get your blog posts to be seen by the most people. Here's an oldie but a goodie - improve your SEO in 5 easy steps :)
Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):
How to Create a Blog Post for Customers and Search Engines. There are three important audiences to be writing for: 1. Other members and friends of your Social Networks. 2. Consumers, Subscribers, and a Target Audience of readers. 3. Search Engines. I'm sure this is preaching to the choir, but this is important information to be shared if you want to … (1 comments)
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Just Reduced! 2167 Kay Ave., Union, NJ - 03/20/12 02:29 PM
Just Reduced to $349,900! Come check out all that 2167 Kay Avenue in Union, NJ has to offer!
4 bedrooms fireplace in living room full formal dining room 3 kitchens 3 bathrooms .15 acres 2 level deck And now with a price reduction, you could be enjoying the deck and pool and this gorgeous custom home by summer!
Call us 908-917-4189 to take a tour of this home!
… (1 comments)
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Crossing the Celestial Equator - 03/20/12 01:27 PM
Happy First Day of Spring! This beautiful hyacinth on the left appeared in my front yard a few days ago.
Astronomically speaking, today is the day that the Sun crosses the celestial equator (an imaginary line directly above the equator) heading north. This diagram to the right is the analemma it traces the path of the Sun in its annual migration to the northern and southern hemispheres. In other words, for the next 6 months, the Sun is in the northern hemisphere! Of course, any fifth grader can tell you that the cause of this is the tilt of the Earth on … (1 comments)
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Dear TZ - I owe more than my home is worth! What should I do? - 03/20/12 03:55 AM
Dear TZ -
When I bought my house five years ago, it cost me $250,000 and I borrowed $210,000. Since then, my wife lost her job so we're having a tough time paying the mortgage. The problem is that we still owe $202,000 but the last realtor that we called said the house is only worth $175,000. What can we do?
- Umberto Underwater
Dear Umberto,
Unfortunately you're not the only one facing this very problem. It's an issue that many homeowners are dealing with. The good thing is not only are you not alone, there is are ways to help … (17 comments)
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Dear TZ - I'm thinking about buying a house..... - 03/19/12 01:31 PM
Dear TZ,
I've been renting my apartment for a few years and I think it's time for me to buy my first house. What are the first steps for me to take?
Thanks,
Rita Renter
Dear Rita,
What a great question! You'd be happy to know that I get asked this question a lot!
The first thing you need to do is to find a REALTOR(R) that you're comfortable working with. You'll want to sit down with them and explain your wants and needs in a home. Then you'll have to find a mortgage rep (your REALTOR(R) can recommend one) … (1 comments)
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Union NJ Marketing Trends - 03/18/12 05:00 PM
Union, NJ occupies northern Union County in the area that was called Connecticut Farms in the 18th Century. Nearly 57,000 people live in Union.
There are six primary (PreK-4) schools:
Battle Hill School Hannah Caldwell School Connecticut Farms Elementary School Franklin School Livingston School Washington School Central Five-Jefferson School serves grade 5, and Burnet Middle School and Kawameeh Middle School serve grades 6 though 8. Union High School serves 2400 students in grades 9-12.
While the data shows that total inventory is down in Union, the rate of sales has remained about the same as has the days on market with only minor variations. The … (0 comments)
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Mountainside, NJ Housing Market Trends - 03/18/12 04:42 PM
Mountainside, NJ, is a beautiful town in Western Union County, NJ, and is home to almost 6700 people. New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Mountainside as its 8th best place to live in NJ in 2010 and it's 16th best place to live in its 2008 rankings.
In comparing the real estate market for the last six February's, we discovered that the slow market that Mountainside has experienced for the past two years appears to be over! Great news if you're planning to sell your home!
For instance, there were more active listings in Mountainside this past February than there were … (0 comments)
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First Rainmaker Post! - 03/17/12 03:35 AM
All week, we’ve been highlighting the wonderful people who encouraged us and advised us to upgrade as a result of our February 24th post “Should we upgrade to Rainmaker?” After much debate, we welcome you to our very first Rainmaker post!
11 years ago today was our very first date. We have two children from Jean’s first marriage – Liz is a college sophomore majoring in food science and Paul is a high school junior aspiring to be an agricultural scientist.
Liz and Paul were the maid of honor and best man at our wedding in 2004. Samantha the wonder … (30 comments)
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Beware the Ides of March! - 03/15/12 03:53 AM
In 9th grade English class, Mrs. Jackson made us read Julius Caesar. I can very clearly hear her dramatic reading Caesar’s famous lines as he realizes that one of the men who stabbed him was his best friend Brutus. “Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar.” Of course, today is the anniversary of the assassination of Caesar, who had been warned by a soothsayer that he should “Beware the Ides of March.”
The Ides of March is a great time to evaluate your own achievements. According to Dylan Jovine, Caesar had his own doubts about his successes and thought himself a failure, … (7 comments)
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Pi makes the world go ‘round’ - 03/14/12 05:21 AM
Happy Pi Day! Pi, of course, is the Greek letter Л, the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and is an infinite number beginning with the digits 3.14. Today is 3/14, so we celebrate Pi Day! Larry Shaw created Pi Day in 1988 and it was approved by the US House of Representatives in 2009.
Princeton, NJ, hosts an annual celebration today to commemorate the birthday of one of its most famous citizens – Albert Einstein. Einstein lived in Princeton for over twenty years while working at the Institute for Advanced Study. Princeton hosts events … (3 comments)
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100 years of Girl Scouting - 03/12/12 07:56 AM
One hundred years ago today, Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low assembled 18 girls for the very first Girl Scout meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Juliette had met Sir Robert Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, the prior year and had modeled her program after his, with the intention of building a program to help girls be self-reliant, resourceful leaders. Today, there are 3.7 million Girl Scouts and has influenced more than 50 million girls over 100 years.
Girl Scout Day recognizes and celebrates the Girls Scouts of the USA. At the right is a uniform of a 1927 Girl Scout.
Have you bought … (1 comments)
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Time to Sell in Linden! - 03/11/12 09:34 AM
Great news for all the homeowners in Linden. Homes are selling faster than they have for the past three years, almost as fast as they were back in 2008. This chart represents the days each sold house spent on the market between listing and selling.
Not only are homes selling faster, there's less competition. Check this out:
Fewer homes are actively listed in Linden this February than any other February for the past 6 years! That's great news for sellers who've been waiting out the market!
Not enough good news for you? Here's some more - home prices have … (1 comments)
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Scotch Plains Market Trends - 03/11/12 08:47 AM
Good news if you're thinking about buying a home in Scotch Plains! The low inventory of the past few years seems to be breaking. Check out this graph:
More houses are actively on the market this February than have been since 2009!
More good news - prices of homes in Scotch Plains dropped this February compared to the past few years and are nearly as low as they were in February 2009. There's a lot of opportunity to be had by purchasing in Scotch Plains right now!
If you're interested in seeing any of the 180 homes currently … (0 comments)
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Biannual Tasks to do this Weekend! - 03/10/12 04:10 PM
Don’t forget to change your batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend!
Other tasks you should schedule twice a year and isn’t this weekend a great time to do them:
Review and practice fire escape plans from your home. Reprogram your thermostat. Check your fire extinguisher in your kitchen - does it need to be inspected? … (1 comments)
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Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in NJ is today! - 03/10/12 04:28 AM
Come see Grand Marshal Bill Dugan, Chairman Michael J. Panella, and Adjutant Kerry Ricci in this year's Union County St Patrick's Day Parade!
Today marks the fifteeth year of this annual parade which was founded in 1995 by a group of Irish American and Fraternal Organizations in Union County and represents the cooperative efforts of a parade committee, the Township of Union, the County of Union, and corporate sponsors and advertisers. It is now the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Jersey.
At 9AM this morning, a Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Elizabeth and a welcoming … (2 comments)
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Is DST bad for us? - 03/10/12 04:01 AM
Here's a graphic representation of the shift in time and daylight when daylight saving time begins at 3:00 AM on Sunday morning. Why do we have DST?
The great part about Daylight Saving Time is that the evenings are longer – extra time to bike ride with the family or weed your garden. People who suffer with the winter blues (often called Seasonal Affective Disorder) can put away their blue lights. But that first few weeks create some health and safety concerns that may not get the attention they deserve.
Is DST bad for us? The first few days, and … (3 comments)
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Dentist Day 3/6 - 03/06/12 03:35 AM
March 6th is Dentist's Day - is everyone smiling?
One of our favorite dentists is Dr. Alice Brittain of Smiles On Stiles in Linden, NJ. A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Brittain began her dental career in the US Air Force, serving ten years on active duty, and then served part time in the NY Air National Guard until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Since moving to Linden in 1992, Dr. Brittain has maintained a private family dental practice. She also possesses a Certificate in Electrology and is a Certified Professional Electrologist.
Do you take care of your teeth? Dr. Brittain says, "Do … (3 comments)
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Open House tomorrow - 2167 Kay Avenue in Union - 03/03/12 04:26 PM
If you're looking for a beautiful custom home in Union, this is the home for you!
Offered at $359,900, this home features:
4 bedrooms fireplace in living room full formal dining room 3 kitchens 3 bathrooms .15 acres 2 level deck Check out this home during our Open House tomorrow from 1:00-4:00 OR call 732-499-0030 x 244 for your private showing!
… (3 comments)
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Busy vs. Productive - 03/03/12 04:21 PM
The busy-ness of business
We've all had days when we don't know what to do so we walk around in circles not accomplishing anything. Maybe our broker is in the office so we shuffle some folders and click around on the MLS, but mostly it's non-productive time.
Looking busy is more work than actually working.
Don't just keep yourself busy to kill time. Putting a day in at the office is a waste of your time if you're not doing anything productive. Make some phone calls - prospect, follow up, or ask for referrals, whatever you're in the mood for. Organize … (6 comments)
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Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl
Clark,
NJ
More about me…
Hallmark Realtors
Address: 112 Westfield Avenue, Clark, NJ, 07066
Office Phone: (732) 499-0030 x 244
Cell Phone: (908) 917-4189
Email Me
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