new: Beat the Housing Market Trends and Buy or Sell a Home
- 08/29/08 05:51 AM
Plan/Prepare The home-selling process typically starts several months before a property is made available for sale. It's necessary to look at a home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and determine what needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired and tossed out. Ask yourself: If you were buying this home what would you want to see? The goal is to show a home which looks good, maximizes space and attracts as many buyers - and as much demand - as possible. Get a Pre-listing Inspection Having your home inspected by a professional home inspector before you list is a recommendation (0 comments)
new: The Messy Artist
- 08/14/08 10:31 AM
The Messy Artist, an art studio for kids, focuses on sensory exploration and the process of art. All the art projects we do are open ended in nature, and the children can use the materials in any way they choose. We follow a "hands off" rule and request that adults not to touch their child's artwork and instead create their own projects alongside their children. The Messy Artist believes this approach encourages independence and success, and builds self-esteem. The Messy Artist program was created by Donna Bernstein, an early childhood educator and child development specialist with a Master of Arts degree (0 comments)
new: So Many Homes, So Few Buyers
- 07/28/08 10:02 AM
Today's market would be perfect for buyers if it were only a bit easier to get a mortgage. There are more empty homes now than at any other time in U.S. history; according the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation's empty homes rose to a record 18.6 million in the first quarter this year. This high vacancy rate tends to create price breaks for buyers. In addition, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) have contributed to rising foreclosures by causing unaffordable mortgage payments. Some people bought more than they could afford with little money down when the market was peaking, and now home prices (0 comments)
new: Pierro Gallery of South Orange
- 07/25/08 10:38 AM
The Pierro Gallery of South Orange (PGOSO) exhibits the work of diverse, established and emerging visual artists in a non-commercial, user-friendly venue. PGOSO also aims to foster community involvement with art, serve as a vital force in the arts community, create and conduct educational programs, and provide resources for artists. The Gallery has shown the work of over 800 visual artists and approximately 600 craftspeople and has also provided networking opportunities for artists to share ideas, resources and collaborations. Their current exhibition, "Wake Up, Are We Desensitized?" runs from June 1 to July 27, 2008, from 1:00-4:00pm. For more information, call (0 comments)
new: Why Buy Now?
- 07/23/08 08:40 AM
Why buy a house now? Reports from the media point the finger at housing and are contributing to paralyzing the nation into recession. However, financial advisors and buyers alike are beginning to question the indexes where the media gets its data, and whether the news is really accurate. Unfortunately, news consumers have not been getting the full story. Indexes can be misleading because of the locations, prices, types of housing, and rates of increase they track; the Index covers only 20 markets, heavily weighted to the most volatile metros in the nation! Currently, mortgage interest rates are three points below historical (5 comments)
new: The Baird Community Center
- 07/21/08 09:09 AM
The Baird Community Center--"The Baird"--is the center for the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The Baird is not only a recreational hub, but also a cultural arts destination for the entire family. The spacious century-old, Tudor-styled building is set in Meadowland Park and houses the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, The Theater on 3, the Main Room, the Side Room, the Loft Space, Arts Room, Baird Pre-School, Kinderenrichment, Senior Services Unit offices, and the administrative offices for the department. Most programs presented by The Baird are held in this classic building or in the lovely Meadowland Park surrounding (0 comments)
new: Chez Catherine
- 07/10/08 11:23 AM
Chez Catherine is one of New Jersey's finest classical French restaurants. Escargots, Fresh Sautéed Foie Gras, Duck Confit, Dover Sole Meuniere and more can be enjoyed in a unique, yet classic dining area. Warm peach tones combined with beautiful floral arrangements create an intimate and charming feel. Whether for a romantic dinner for two, or a group of friends or family, Chez Catherines' is a good choice. 431 North Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090(Next to the Best Western Westfield Inn)Tel: 908-654-4011 Fax: 908-654-4493 E-mail: chezcatherine@aol.com www.chezcatherine.com
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new: Top 5 Ways to Sell Your New Jersey Home Faster
- 07/09/08 12:03 PM
Most sellers want to sell their home fast. Here are some tips to help get your house moving: 1: Keep it clutter-free. Create an open and inviting living space by packing, storing, or donating all non-essential furniture, clutter, and personal knick knacks. Keep it open, airy, and alluring by remembering that less is more. 2: Let nature in. Open your curtains (after cleaning the windows), and bring in some cut flowers and houseplants. The natural light will highlight your home's assets, and the flowers and plants will clean the air and give the space a homey feel. 3: Remove all stains. (2 comments)
new: Power Your Home With Clean Energy
- 06/27/08 06:26 AM
Clean Power Choice is a new program that lets you switch your electric power to wind, solar, and other clean sources. It's a statewide initiative to support more clean energy, administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. This new statewide program lets New Jersey residents switch today! Because of our reliance on coal-generated electricity, our region produces significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a notorious greenhouse gas. Clean Power Choice gives us a quick, easy way to change that. Summit's Environmental Commission wants 500 Summit residents to sign-up, thus reducing global warming emissions and improving air quality in New Jersey. (0 comments)
new: Bad Recession News Improves Home-Buying Conditions
- 06/23/08 11:34 AM
The increase in "McMansions" is hurting the new home market because many people can't afford to buy them. In 2008, new homes were 25 percent higher in cost than existing homes, and the gap is widening. Existing homes are selling better than new homes because they are less expensive existing sellers are more negotiable. In addition, the median existing home was $195,900 in February, down 8.2 percent from last year. Home prices are dropping, interest rates are likely to drop further, and the housing inventories are saturated which offers the best selection to consumers. Buyers-could you ask for anything more? (3 comments)
new: Jersey Fresh Farmer's Market
- 06/17/08 10:49 AM
South Orange Farmer's Market is a seasonal open-air market featuring farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade crafts and other items, plants and flowers, prepared foods, live music, and more! Farmers and Vendors will set up booths in the circle outside of SOPAC (next to the South Orange Train Station) to offer the community fabulous Jersey Fresh produce and local music at the Main Street South Orange Farmers' Market in the circle in front of SOPAC (next to the South Orange Train Station) every Wednesday from 2-7 thru October 31. For more information, visit http://www.mainstreetsouthorange.org. (0 comments)