pamela stetson: Go Take a WALK --- MBWA Today - 04/07/09 01:42 AM
Take a Walk!
Get out of your seat. Push away from your desk. Put down the phone and...yes, stop hitting those keys on your phone or your computer.  I know. It is comfortable behind all that technology. It is all too easy to just send communications out and see where it lands later. It is easy to just leave a message either via text, email or via a phone message. It is easy to research, compile statistics and send reports via the internet often on deaf ears. Agents respond to email inquiries with text messages. Brokers send attachments to their agents blackberries … (17 comments)

pamela stetson: Good NEWS --- NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY --- From Headlines this week - 03/25/09 02:05 AM
Let's take a look at some of the headlines this week. We will hear a lot of the woulda, coulda, shoulda's next year when people wonder why they did not lock into that rate or buy that GREAT home in 2009.
I have recently witnessed multiple offer situations in the Bergen County area --- Oakland, for example --- on homes priced below $450,000. In Mahwah, several million dollar plus homes have gone into attorney review in the past 7 days. ( now we know a lot can happen between now and the closing date but that is a lot of activity … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: OPEN HOUSE / 16 Stone Fence Road, Oakland, New Jersey - 03/19/09 03:15 AM
JOIN US for our OPEN HOUSE!
or see
www.StoneFenceRd.com
 

JUST PACK & MOVE *THIS HOME IS CERTIFIED* 4 BD, 3.5 BTH COLONIAL ON ONE OF THE NICEST CUL-DE-SAC STREETS IN OAKLAND. VERY CLOSE TO THE FRANKLIN LAKES BORDER. THIS HOME OFFERS A RESORT-STYLE YARD WITH AN IN-GROUND POOL, FULL PAVER PATIO & WALKWAYS, MATURE LANDSCAPING & EXTREMELY PRIVATE YARD -- ALL ON A PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC. ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL IS EVIDENT. NEW KITCHEN W/ STAINLESS STEEL APPLAINCES & CUSTOM CABINETS. NEWER SLIDERS TO EXPANSIVE PATIOSCAPE. FAMILY ROOM FEATURES FPL AND SLIDERS TO NEWER PATIO. UPSTAIRS FEATURES NEWER LARGE MASTER … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: Warren Buffet Wishes he was 21 Again - Me, too. - 03/09/09 01:36 AM
Warren Buffet tells CNBC's Becky Quick --- " I wish I was 21 again! because the opportunity to make money is NOW. Yes, the  economy is 'gummed up' currently but once the stimulas takes hold and the bank's are sured up --- people will make money. The opportunity is now. "
As I listen to his commentary in a televised interview with Rebecca Quick  he answers questions sent in by viewers, I will try to capture some key points that will have a direct impact on buying and selling stocks and ultimately will help bolster consumer confidence.
He tells Becky, "Swift action was necessary last … (2 comments)

pamela stetson: First Time Homebuyers and the new TAX Credit - Explained - 03/04/09 05:22 AM
Believe it or not --- there is alot to be happy about in the real estate market.
First, real estate is local and in our area --- prices have adjusted and we are beginning to see signs of activity. Showings have increased over the same time last year. Second, interest rates are at an all time LOW. Buyer's that have good credit ( and I am working with a few ) are getting a terrific rate and they are getting loans. Next, first time home buyers can be happy about the newly crafted TAX CREDIT. With the help of our local … (2 comments)

pamela stetson: Mahwah Zoning Board // Pilot TRUCK Stop Hearing --- WE NEED YOUR HELP! - 03/03/09 10:52 PM
Why Mahwah residents are still opposed to Pilot's proposed expansion of the truck stop on Rt. 17:
 
Pilot's current application (their third) is really no different than the first application in its effects on the community.  It is still a truck stop where trucks fuel, rest and park.  Increased traffic means increased potential danger to drivers, students and residents and our environment.  The Bergen County Appellate Court upheld Mahwah's denial of Pilot's first application and cited "there would be a substantial detriment to the surrounding properties and to the general public as a result of the increase in traffic, congestion, … (1 comments)

pamela stetson: Recovery: 12 Steps to Help the Your Business and the Local Economy - 02/23/09 04:19 AM
I have learned that I can only control myself and within reason, I can control the habits of my immediate family members. I cannot control consumer perception, the media, the stock market or consumer behavior. I can control my positive attitude and I can surround myself with those that are not negative --- and that, in turn, will attract positive energy. Positive energy and a conscious effort to put those positive efforts into the local community will do wonders for you and your home town.
The road to our economic recovery may be long but here are 12 positive steps to help you … (7 comments)

pamela stetson: Learn as much as you can to help your customers - The Best Solution - 02/18/09 11:27 PM
 
 There is a lot of information about the much needed STIMULUS that we all have to read and absorb. The first, from President Obama's speech in Phoenix, Az, yesterday directly affects what we do --- each day. It is best to read for yourself in order to digest --- how you can help your buyers and sellers.
According to his plan there four key elements of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan:
refinancing help for four to five million homeowners who receive their mortgages through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac new incentives for lenders to modify the terms of sub-prime loans at risk … (2 comments)

pamela stetson: WOW --- Visit this terrific home in Oakland, NJ --- Tuesday, Feb 24 - 02/17/09 07:55 AM
 
 
You ARE INVITED TO PREVIEW THIS HOME!
Get ready for spring. This outstanding home is just waiting for it's new owner.
Stop by onTuesday, Feb 24 from 10:30 am to 2:30 PM
or visit www.StoneFenceRd.com .
 
(0 comments)

pamela stetson: Ramapo River Views in Oakland, New Jersey --- Absolutely Awesome! - 02/05/09 11:49 PM
**Absolutely AWESOME **This newly listed townhome offers the BEST of all worlds. It lives like a large luxury home with privacy and views of the Rampo River --- seen from walls of glass. AND, it offers the convenience of a townhome. The home is truly a find. A two story entrance, wonderful and meticulously cared for --- every amenity is offered in this home from a granite kitchen, large eat in loft area that overlooks the living room with more walls of glass. This is not just a home --- it is a lifestyle. Picture yourself sitting on your deck watching … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: Luxury and Security in Rio Vista's WALSH HALL - Mahwah, NJ - 02/04/09 12:36 AM
This beautiful brick building was once the home to the Newark Catholic Archdocese and Seton Hall Seminary features 92 condominium units set in the heart of the private enclave of Rio Vista Mahwah. The building is divided into 5 sections also known as towers and is aptly named Walsh Hall after the late Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh (1928-52), who spearheaded the expansion of Seton Hall's seminary campus to the former Darlington Estate between 1933-37. The Seminary remained active until 1982 when the Mahwah over 440 acre campus was sold to Darlington Associates.

 
After a total renovation, Walsh Hall is … (1 comments)

pamela stetson: FOR SALE BY OWNER? Is your home available 24/7 ... - 01/28/09 04:19 AM
I know...you want to save money in this market so you want to market your home for sale as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). Your thinking is that you will save the commission normally charged by an agent and the real estate broker. It does seem tempting to try to save money particularly in this crazy real estate climate BUT consider the following questions:
1. Do you really know what your property is worth in TODAY's market?
The reality of today's market is... that if you price your home too high, you will not sell your home. In addition, you may not … (1 comments)

pamela stetson: Starry Nights - Mahwah Schools Foundation Annual Dinner March 11, 2009 - 01/16/09 12:06 AM
Save the Date
 Wednesday
March 11, 2009
 
The Mahwah Schools Foundation
Board of Trustees
presents
The 10th Annual Trustee Dinner
Black & White Starry Night
Dinner  *   Dancing   *  Raffle Prizes
to be held at
Seasons
 Washington Township, New Jersey
6:30 ~ 11:30
Invitations to follow ... 

Dear Mahwah Parents, Guardians & Friends:
One of our big fundraising events, the Annual Trustee Dinner, is rapidly approaching! Details for this event can be found on the reverse side of this flyer. We hope you will plan to attend as each year has seen our numbers grow and it's … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: MAHWAH RESIDENTS -- Urgent Action Requested --- Upcoming Town Cuts to affect DARE program! - 01/14/09 07:37 AM
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL TO CUT DARE, JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY AND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PROGRAMS Budget cuts being considered by the Mayor and Township Council will cut 3 police officers, eliminating the staffing available for DARE, Junior Police Academy and Youth Leadership Academy.  Police support for the Kid Care Identification Program and Red Ribbon Safety Week will also be lost.  Over 6,000 police hours annually will be cut, forcing the police department to eliminate its instructional support for these three community programs which combined in 2008 to reach roughly 1,000 students.  This is Mahwah's largest community outreach program, and the only effort focused on developing … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: THE SPRING MARKET is Almost Here! Renewed interest since January... - 01/13/09 11:06 PM
In TODAY's news --- I have seen this myself in recent activity in the market. Since January, my listings have seen increased showings and activity. I have had more inquiries and my buyers --- who were dormant throughout the holidays --- have wanted to go out and see homes again. A couple of them have wanted to set days ( 2 times a week ) to agressively ramp up their home search. 
Once we get throught the refinancing surge --- the spring real estate market will kick in!
Is there anyone else seeing this uptick in interest recently?
-------------------------------------------------------------
 Mortgage Applications Rise as … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: 55 Plus Community in Kinnelon , NEW JERSEY - 01/04/09 10:27 PM
 
**GATED 55 PLUS COMMUNITY, NO STAIRS **

 THIS HOME IS JUST BEAUTIFUL AND SO PRACTICAL, TOO, WITH ONE FLOOR ENTRY/LIVING. GREAT LOCATION, NOT ON THE PARKING LOT SIDE SO IT IS AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. THE LIKE-NEW HOME OFFERS A NEUTRAL DECOR & MANY UPGRADES INCLUDING BUILT IN VACUUM, ALL WHITE APPLIANCES AND WOOD CABINETS, LAUNDRY IN UNIT, TOO. THE HOME HAS A FABULOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN - PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING - AND IT HAS PLENTY OF STORAGE W/WALKIN CLOSETS AND A DETACHED GARAGE W/OPENER. THE COMPLEX IS CLOSE TO 287, 23, 208, SHOPPING, AIRPORTS, PARKS AND MORE! 10 MINUTES … (2 comments)

pamela stetson: Refinancing Surge May Lead the Way to NEW MORTGAGES - 12/04/08 03:38 AM
In case you have not heard --- according to the Mortgage Banker's Association:
Applications to refinance home-mortgages jumped by a record amount, as borrowers flocked to take advantage of falling mortgage rates -- which were driven down by the government's announcement that it would step in to stabilize the mortgage market.
The number of applications tripled --- the largest increase since the poll data began back in the 90's.
Applications to purchase homes, which tend to be less sensitive to interest-rate movements, also increased, though by a smaller amount.
The surge in application volume comes as mortgage rates fell by more … (0 comments)

pamela stetson: The MILLION DOLLAR Question: What will the 2009 Real Estate Market Bring? - 12/02/08 04:05 AM
I recently interviewed Robert Abbott, Broker - C0-Owner of Abbott & Caserta Realtors, about what the crystal ball sees for the NEW JERSEY real estate market in 2009.
Robert, it is great to have direct access to one of the owners of the company. I do appreciate that you take the time to keep your hands on the pulse of the local Bergen & Passaic real estate market and that you are right in the trenches with us. Now for The Million Dollar Question?

What will happen to the real estate market in 2009? Some will say it is doom and gloom … (2 comments)

pamela stetson: Market Value of Your Home = What a Buyer is Willing to Pay - 12/02/08 03:25 AM
The good news is that today's market is a strong BUYERS market. What this means to you, the seller, is that if you are prepared to market your home in this climate --- you will sell your home.
What do I mean by "prepared to sell your home?"
One of the most effective ways to sell your home is to price your home according to today's current market. There are more homes available and more choices for buyers. You have to work with someone who is prepared to look hard at the sales data. This data will tell you --- by … (5 comments)

pamela stetson: Home for the Holidays --- 8 Reasons to Sell Your Home NOW! - 11/23/08 04:18 AM


Listing your home during the holidays is one of the best times of year to do so. Why?
Guests --- also known as buyers --- are welcomed into your home when it is fully dressed, so-to-speak. Buyers will be welcomed to festive decorations, warm smells, fresh baked goods on the table and many more special details not found at other times of the year. People tend to keep their home neat & ready for guests at this time year as well so, seller's are naturally prepared for showings. Tables are dressed in their finest table cloths or linens and the finest china and dinnerware … (8 comments)