You’ve most likely heard the rule "save for a 20% down payment before you buy a home". The logic behind saving 20% is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders. But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as 3%—rather than parting with so much cash upfront, even if you have the money available.Pros and Cons of a Small Down PaymentThe DownsideThe downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20% down payment, which will eliminate some homes from ... 01/28/2022

This weekend's storm is just the latest of many that the Westfield area experiences this time of year. Most likely, it will not be the last. So, when the weather eases up, you might want to follow these winter storm safety tips for your home to survive during the next big weather event we see.Winter Storm Safety Tips for Your HomeCarbon Monoxide - The Silent KillerSome Union County homeowners keep a generator on hand for rough winter weather. That is smart. However, do not run these generators in your home. These generators emit carbon monoxide gases. Since they are both odorless and nearly invisible, they may easily fill up a room before anyone notices. Even generators placed directly outside of the home may allow dangerous gases to invade inside. Follow the directions from the manufac... 01/21/2022

New year. New home? If you plan on selling your Westfield area home in 2022, you should start focusing on the tasks required to make it happen. The sooner you create a plan of attack, the easier selling your home becomes in the new year.Selling Your Home in 2022Set a Target DateMarch through May tend to be the best times to list your home on the Westfield market. That is when more buyers go out looking for a new home. Why? Nice weather makes it easier to navigate their way to a showing. Plus, this allows families time to close and move during the summer, when school closes. Once you set your target listing date, create your list of tasks that must be completed beforehand. Then, set deadlines for which each task must be finished.Interview REALTORS®Next, you need to find a REALTOR®. You n... 01/07/2022

Most people busy themselves with last-minute Christmas shopping and getting ready for New Year's Eve parties right now. However, some are thinking about buying a new Westfield area home. These homebuyers include Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). Buying a home in your 60s or 70s may seem even more overwhelming than usual with retirement knocking on your door. If you are a senior home buyer, let me offer you a few tips to help make this transition a little easier.Tips for the Senior Home BuyerPut Future Needs at Top of ListRight now, navigating stairs and cleaning up a large home may still seem manageable. But down the road, you might find it much less so. The National Association of REALTORS® 2021 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report found that Boomer buyers planne... 12/31/2021

Christmas Eve takes place exactly one week from tonight. Meanwhile, the holiday spirit fills the air. For instance, Scotch Plains put their tree on display in Alan Augustine Village Green. Westfield and Fanwood's official trees are set up at their respective North Ave train stations. And you absolutely must see the Fanwood Christmas House. But after the celebration dies down and your guests go home, you are left with the clean-up. That includes your Christmas tree. Unfortunately, these trees cannot be disposed of with your weekly trash collection. What do you do? Contact our local high school band and schedule a Westfield Christmas tree pick-up after the holidays.What: Christmas Tree Pick-up in WestfieldWhere: Curbside Outside Your HomeWhen: Saturday, January 9thCost: $20 per treeDeadli... 12/24/2021

The Christmas holiday season is in full swing in the Westfield area. For most of us, this means spending time with family and exchanging gifts with those we love. Unfortunately, some people dread the holidays. Either they spend it alone or they struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table already. This time of year puts extra pressure on them to make it special for their children. You can help by donating to the Westfield Toy Drive.Westfield Toy Drive 2021Two Downtown Westfield companies (Allstate Insurance at 502 E. Broad St. and Kinderprep at 80 South Ave. W) partnered up with Springfield charity Furniture Assist to host a Westfield Toy Drive this year. Furniture Assist provides everything from clothing to household goods to people in need. Right now, both businesses accept d... 12/17/2021

The calendar says "October". In Westfield, that means just one thing: AddamsFest! COVID tempered last year's AddamsFest event. But this year's event promises to be as big and bold as ever. Earlier this month, the Mask-erade Ball kicked off the 2021 AddamsFest festivities. This weekend belongs to Addams Family Fun Day 2021.What: Addams Family Fun Day 2021Where: Quimby St, Downtown WestfieldWhen: Sunday, October 17th, 10 am to 5 pmAddams Family Fun Day 2021Organizers outdid themselves this year. First, do some pumpkin decorating with the docs at Atlantic Medical on Central from 10 am to 12 pm. Then, once an hour (starting at 10:30 am), local author Peter Lyons provides a live reading of his illustrated children's book "Tonight, Tonight is Halloween" on Quimby St. The Maniacs Pumpkin Carve... 10/22/2021

We are back. Team Guys and Dolls has been participating in Bike MS NYC for two decades now. In the past, we did so in support of my sister-in-law, Diane, who valiantly fought Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for years. Unfortunately, she also fought a battle against COVID last year and lost. So, now we ride to honor her memory. But the good news is that events like this raise much-needed funds to find medication to help treat this debilitating disease. In fact, the medications have been successful enough to warrant advertising on TV. But we need your help to reach our Bike MS NYC 2021 fundraising goal.Bike MS NYC 2021The RideThis ride provides one of the most incredible routes any cyclist could ever experience. For one day a year, some of the streets around Manhattan completely shut down to moto... 10/06/2021

The global pandemic left so much of our lives up in the air last year. We had to adapt to a new "normal". Fortunately, some things returned for 2021. Outdoor events like Sweet Sounds Downtown and Cranford's own Summer Sounds series made summer that much better here in Union County. Alas, summer is over. Fall is in the air. Now, it is time to bring back Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out.What: Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021Where: Downtown Westfield Shops and RestaurantsWhen: Thursday, September 23rd, 10 am to 2 pm & 5 pm to 9 pmContact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444Downtown Westfield Girls Night Out 2021It's true. Girls Night Out is back in Downtown Westfield. That means more boutique specials, more refreshments, and more relaxation just for you. Dozens of the shops and... 09/24/2021

Back in 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit our neighborhood. Just last week, Hurricane Ida struck. (Reminder: Regular curbside pickup will not allow for bulky storm waste and debris. You must dispose of it at the Conservation Center.) When a natural disaster strikes, many homeowners rely on their insurance to take care of damages to their property. But when was the last time you checked on your homeowners insurance? You need to do that sooner rather than later.Homeowners Insurance Check-UpTornados. Floods. Hurricanes. Severe cold weather. They may all affect our lives here in the Westfield area at one point or another. If that happens, you want to be prepared.FloodsYes, homeowners insurance typically covers damage from a plumbing issue on your property. However, most of these policies do not co... 09/17/2021

After canceling last year due to COVID concerns, the Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K is back for 2021. This fundraiser helps aid local families struck by tragedy. Whether you run, walk, skip, or saunter your way through the 5K, it does not matter. Enjoying yourself along the journey is the goal.What: Westfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021Start/Finish: Tamaques ParkWhen: Sunday, September 12th, 6:30 pmAdmission: $30 per person through Aug 31st, $35 Sept 1st to 13thContact: Sam Tooley, The Tooley Legacy Foundation, via emailWestfield Area Night of Lights 5K 2021When Sam Tooley's brother Jake died in a house fire back in 2017, his family was overwhelmed by the love and support they received from their community. To pay it forward (and to honor his brother's memory), Sam created the Toole... 08/28/2021

Now is a great time to sell your Westfield home. Prices continue to rise. Interest rates remain low. And Westfield made the Top 10 List of Best Suburbs to Live in New Jersey. We keep seeing more and more buyers looking to move here. But even in a seller's market, you need to make sure your property is in tip-top condition. That is why home sellers can benefit from a pre-list inspection.Home Sellers Advice: Pre-List Home InspectionNo SurprisesOne of the best reasons why home sellers should perform a pre-list inspection is because it eliminates the element of surprise. Your buyer will most likely have an inspection performed during the escrow period. If you get one done before you even list your Westfield home, you know the condition of your home as it stands today. Inspections uncover is... 08/13/2021

We love our first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, etc.). They are the ones that run to help us when we need them. But they work better with the community's assistance to report and solve crimes. This keeps us safe. Therefore, it benefits us to get to know our first responders, including our police force. That is why they are hosting Westfield National Night Out 2021 on August 3rd at the North Side train lot.What: Westfield National Night Out 2021Where: North Side Train LotWhen: Tuesday, August 3rd, 6 pm to 9 pmAdmission: FREEContact: City of Westfield (908) 789-4040Westfield National Night Out 2021In the BeginningNational Night Out originated back in 1984 as a way to bring law enforcement, neighborhood watch programs, and the community at large together. When we know one another... 07/30/2021

Westfield is currently under a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service. Make sure you stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and stick to air-conditioned rooms to help keep you cool. Also, check on your elderly family, friends, and neighbors. But the temps outside are not the only thing that heats up during the summer. Our Westfield real estate market is on fire. Keep these tips in mind if you plan on buying a home during the summertime.Tips for Buying a Home in the SummertimeFewer Choices/More CompetitionIn the past, sellers occasionally found themselves in the enviable position of fielding multiple offers. But in today's market, we see this happening more and more. Less inventory means that home buyers may find themselves in a bidding war against other buyers for properties. It h... 07/23/2021

Many of our annual events went "virtual" last year. Girl's Night Out, clothing drives, and even beloved holiday events like Santa Claus Lane included severe restrictions to allow them to take place. Fortunately, we see life returning somewhat back to normal thanks to the percentage of people receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. Our local small businesses bared the brunt of economic hardship last year. It is time to show them some love again. So, grab your checkbooks and head out to the Downtown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021 next week.What: Downtown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021Where: Various Shops DowntownWhen: July 15th to 18th, 2921Contact: Westfield Town Hall (908) 789-4040 or via emailDowntown Westfield Sidewalk Sale 2021It is time to shop 'til you drop, people. Between July 15th an... 07/16/2021

Summertime means that there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Westfield right now. The New Jersey Festival Orchestra performed for a live sold-out crowd last weekend. The Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival starts up next week. And this weekend, we celebrate our nation's independence. Here are some of the places you can see Westfield area fireworks this 4th of July weekend.Westfield Area Fireworks and 4th of July CelebrationsCranfordIf you find yourself in Cranford tonight (July 2nd), they plan on an early Independence Day fireworks show at Nomahegan Park (1107 Springfield Ave). On July 4th, they host their annual Firecracker 4-Miler and Fun Run at Nomahegan Park. Find out more about the 4-Miler and how you can participate by visiting the Cranford Jaycees' website here.Scotch ... 07/09/2021

This weekend, the New Jersey Festival Orchestra brings Broadway to Westfield. But that marks just the beginning of a summer filled with beautiful melodies. Because in July, the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021 begins. Three different concerts. One cool location. All summer long.What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021Where: Downtown WestfieldWhen: Every Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm in July and AugustAdmission: FreeSweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2021Make Tuesday night your date night and downtown Westfield your destination every week this summer. Not only do you get to enjoy a lovely evening with your special someone, but you also get to listen to live concerts as well. Each week brings new musical acts to three separate stages set up around the downtown area. In case ... 07/02/2021

Back in March of 2020, Broadway shut its doors amid COVID concerns. Originally, theater owners believed this would only last a few short weeks. However, the shutdown turned out to be several months long. Finally, after over a year of going dark, Governor Cuomo announced that the Great White Way will officially come back to life in mid-September of 2021. But who wants to wait that long? With how successful Glo Downtown turned out to be earlier this year, Westfield residents are itching for more artistic entertainment. Thankfully, the NJ Festival Orchestra brings its take on classic Broadway music to Westfield on Saturday, June 26th.What: NJ Festival Orchestra Performs "Back to Broadway"Where: Hertell Rear Gardens (241 E Dudley Ave)When: Saturday, June 26th, 2021 7:30 pmAdmission: $35 (Ge... 06/25/2021

At the end of April, we saw a return of weekend activities on Quimby Street. With COVID-19 cases dwindling in New Jersey, Governor Murphy relaxed mask mandates late last month. So, we should see even more fun summertime events taking place in our fair city. Unfortunately, the weatherman predicts a bit of a soggy weekend. But that will not hinder the very first Westfield Mini Grand Prix. Why? Because they set up tents to protect you from the elements.What: Westfield Mini Grand PrixWhere: Quimby StreetWhen: Saturday, June 12th, 1 pm to 5 pmAdmission: FreeContact: Extreme Party Racing (609) 458-6143 or via emailWestfield Mini Grand Prix 2021Enjoy all of the high-octane, adrenaline-inducing fun of a NASCAR racetrack but on a 1/18th scale. Extreme Party Racing invites all ages to participate... 06/18/2021

The real estate market is an ever-changing landscape. Currently, sellers wield the upper hand. But that does not mean that buyers will pay an astronomical amount simply because you asked for it. For a successful transaction, you must list your Westfield home at a price appropriate for the current market. Fair market value (FMV) helps sellers determine this price.Fair Market ValueHow to Calculate Fair Market ValueYou must take into account several factors to come to a proper FMV. They change from month to month and sometimes even from week to week. Talk to your Westfield REALTOR® about how the market is behaving right now. Look at how much buyers paid for recently sold homes in your neighborhood recently. Look at the price-per-square-foot of homes similar to your own to provide you with ... 06/11/2021