Is My Equity Back?It depends of course on when you bought, what you bought, the foresight of your improvements, and how your property suits in the vogues in your town.  And let’s always remember-average sale prices are the average of the houses that are offered and sold that year.  So in our towns, where 3-4% of homes change hands each year, the selection offered is a huge variable in the averages. Town 2007 2012 2015 Delta 2007-2015 Cranford  $471,148 $400,697 $444,853 -6% Mountainside  $701,857 $544,413 $618,189 -12% Summit  $1,012,366 $885,612 $980,597 -3% Watchung $939,770 $673,294 $743,403 -21% Westfield  $832,096 $690,870 $744,485 -11% All figures=average closed prices, 12 months back from May. Click below for the market update of interest to you:Cranford    Fanwood/Scotch Plains ... 07/04/2015

The 2015 Downtown Westfield NJ 5K and Pizza Extravaganza is unlike any other 5K you have been to before.  Sure, its a race.  But have you ever been rewarded with pizza before?  Yeah, I didn't think so.What: 2015 Downtown Westfield NJ 5K  & Pizza Extravaganza Where: Downtown Westfield (of course) When: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 (Registration ends July 20th) Cost: $30 for USATF members, $33 for non-members Contact: On Your Mark Productions (908) 902-8587 or via emailWhat to Expect at the 2015 Downtown Westfield NJ 5K & Pizza ExtravaganzaIt's going to be a warm Wednesday night when the 2015 Downtown Westfield NJ 5K goes down.  I guarantee that the scenery along this downtown route will be spectacular.  The race itself will be over before you know it.The frenetic pace of the course may prove... 07/02/2015

Registration for the Westfield Library Summer 2015 Reading Program is set to launch on Monday, June 22nd.  There is a different program for everyone in our Westfield community.  Admission is absolutely free.Westfield Library Summer 2015 Reading ProgramDo you love books?  Would you like your children to acquire an affinity for them?  The Westfield Library Summer 2015 Reading Program is a great way to help them develop an appreciation for the written word.The "Every Hero Has a Story" program has been created especially for kids.  Are they new to reading?  Great!  This program will help strengthen their skills.  Too young to read yet?  Not a problem.  They can join the Listening Club.  Each grade has their very own reading  list to follow.  When they reach their set goals, they win fun pri... 06/25/2015

Buyers of a home in Westfield New Jersey being stalked by "The Watcher".  It almost sounds like an episode from Criminial Minds but unfortunately for the new owners of a $1.3 million home in Westfield New Jersey the stalking is for real!  Three days after closing was when the new owners were first contacted by the person identifying himself as "The Watcher". After the first letter more followed.  Contents of these letters were creepy..."Have they found what's in the walls yet"..."I am in charge of the house"..."bring me young blood"... "will the young bloods play in the basement. Who has the rooms facing the street? I'll know as soon as you move in.  It will help me to know who is in which bedroom then I can plan better." ...."All the windows and door in the house allow me to watch you ... 06/23/2015

Please consider joining our Gleason MS Bike Team ride around Manhattan.  There are two ways you can be a part of Team Guys and Dolls.  You can donate money.  That is always helpful.  Or, you can donate your time.  That means hopping on a seat and riding the New York Bike MS Ride with us.Gleason MS Bike Team Guys and DollsSince 1998, we have teamed up our friends to raise money for MS research.  To date, Team Guys and Dolls has raised more than $60,000.  We want to continue our efforts this year with the New York Bike MS ride this October.  But we need your help.You can make a monetary donation to the Guys and Dolls Team here.  You can also make a donation in support of my ride specifically here.  For the more adventurous out there, sign up to ride under the Team Guys and Dolls banner he... 06/18/2015

The 2015 Westfield Police Bike Auction and Rodeo will take place at the Westfield Memorial Pool Complex on June 13th.  Each year, the Police Department collects dozens of bicycles in the Westfield community that go unclaimed by their owners.  These bicycles need a good home.  Can their home be your home?What: 2015 Westfield Police Bike Auction and Rodeo Where: Westfield Memorial Pool Complex (713 Cumberland Dr) When: Saturday, June 13th 10am Admission: FREE Contact: Sgt Jason McErlean, Westfield Police Dept (908) 789-40002015 Westfield Police Bike AuctionCurrently, there are 40 bicycles scheduled to be put up for bid at the 2015 Westfield Police Bike Auction.  All of these bikes have been in the police department's possession for at least six months without anyone coming to claim them. ... 06/05/2015

It has been a while since you had to wait days to have your film developed just to find out that the shots you took of that once-in-a-lifetime vacation were all blurry.  Now it seems that everyone in the Westfield community has a smart phone with a built-in camera.  All you have to do is point and shoot.  The image instantly appears to let you know whether you got the shot or not.  While camera phones typically include photo editing software, you can now Photoshop at the Westfield Library for even better looking photos to share.If you don't want to spend the money on expensive photo editing programs, you don't have to now that you can use Photoshop at the Westfield Library (550 E Broad St).  Photoshop Basic Elements 13 is currently available on ten of the library's public computers loca... 05/28/2015

Now that Old Man Winter has settled into hibernation here in our Westfield community, it is time to head outside again.  And you won't need your snow boots to enjoy it either.  Saturday, May 2nd may be the perfect time to go eating and shopping for a cause in Westfield.What: First Congregational Church Tag SaleWhen: Saturday, May 2, 2015 9am to 3pmWhere: First Congregational Church of Westfield (125 Elmer St)Contact: First Congregational Church (908) 451-7492The church is hosting their annual tag sale to raise funds for their youth mission trip this summer to Chicago.  In previous years, the youth group has volunteered their time in New Orleans, West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont, Texas and Pittsburgh.  At the sale, you will find great deals on household items, bicycles, toys, tools, furnitur... 05/07/2015

Spring has finally sprung in the Westfield community.  Back in the 18th century, this was the real beginning of the year on the farm.  When Spring came, it meant it was time to turn the fields for planting.  Any repairs that were needed to the fences, the barn or anyplace else on the farm were tended to right away.  It also meant that the sheep would get a much needed shearing.  You can experience a taste of the past at the 2015 Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival.What: 2015 Westfield Sheep to Shawl FestivalWhere: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)When: Sunday, April 26th 1pm to 4pmAdmission: $3 for adults, $2 for kids ages 3-12 and FREE for children under 3Contact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via emailThe Miller-Cory House Museum will be hosting their 2015 Westfie... 04/30/2015

The magic of Preparation, Pricing and Promotion.Every house has strengths and weaknesses, and these have to be emphasized and downplayed, to get the best possible result for the seller.Recently I listed a house that had gone unsold for 500+ days with another broker.  The other broker, who is a respected friend, said “hopefully you will get it to a price that will sell it.”  The broker and the seller had come to believe it was the flood insurance and exotic architecture hanging up the sale.Instead of a price reduction, I worked with seller and stager for a charm augmentation.  I hooked him up with contractors to take out yicky carpet and polish the wood floors, update the room colors from the 50’s to current fashion, restore the scarred and chipped trim, replace 1930’s ceiling lights wit... 04/27/2015

Spring is a time for renewal and a fresh start.  Many people in the Westfield community will be cleaning out their homes, seeding their lawns and getting ready for some much needed warmer weather.  Help celebrate Earth Week 2015 in Westfield by cleaning up Mindowaskin Park on April 25th.What: Mindowaskin Park CleanupWhere: The Bandstand, Mindowaskin ParkWhen: Saturday, April 25, 2015 9am to 2pmContact: Friends of Mindowaskin Park (908) 233-0028 or via emailOfficially, April 22nd is Earth Day.  But you can help celebrate Earth Week 2015 in Westfield on the 25th at Mindowaskin Park.  The Friends of Mindowaskin Park are partnering up with the Westfield Town Council and the Green Team to keep the park beautiful.  After a long, snowy winter, things are beginning to thaw out.  That means that... 04/24/2015

Like, oh my gawd!  Gag me with a spoon!  The Westfield Area Y brings big hair back on Saturday, April 18th for their 80's-themed fundraiser.  Dust off that striped leotard, pull on your favorite fluorescent leggings, grab a bottle of Aqua Net and sign up for an evening of 80's exercising fun.What: Super 80's Spin and StrengthWhere: Main Westfield Area Y (220 Clark St, Westfield, NJ)When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 5:30pm to 8:30pmCost: $30 per personContact: Lynne Applebaum, Westfield Area Y (908) 233-2700 ext 239 or via emailThe Westfield Area Y brings big hair back to our Westfield NJ community for one night only.  Sign up for a one hour session of spinning and strength training (30 minutes each).  There will be three different sessions to choose from: 5:30pm to 6:30pm, 6:30pm to 7:30pm... 04/17/2015

Do you want to live in a beautiful Tudor-style home?  Does a lazy Saturday spent sipping coffee on the wrap around porch of your classic Colonial sound like heaven?  Then "The Gardens" in Westfield, NJ may be just the ticket.  The entire area is located in the northern section of our Westfield community, between Lawrence Ave to the southwest, Hillside Ave to the northwest, Priscilla Lane to the northeast and Mountain Ave to the east.  These $1+ million homes offer elegance and wonderful architectural detail with plenty of space for the kids and your pets to roam around.  Here is the March 2015 Market Update for "The Gardens" in Westfield, NJ.A total of 15 homes were sold in "The Gardens" between September 11, 2014 and March 11, 2015.  That was up slightly from the 14 sold during the sam... 04/08/2015

The Westfield NJ community has so much to offer its residents.  The Downtown Westfield area provides a mix of nation-wide retail establishments as well as boutique stores.  There are dozens of restaurants to satisfy just about anyone's appetite.  But when it comes to settling down, "The Gardens" remains the most desired neighborhood in the entire Westfield NJ market. "The Gardens" is situated on the north side of Westfield, extending to Lawrence Ave on the southwest, Hillside Ave on the northwest, Priscilla Lane on the northeast and Mountain Ave on the east.  While the total area of "The Gardens" may be small, it appeals to both first time and long time residents of Westfield. Between September 11, 2014 and March 11, 2015, a total of 15 homes in "The Gardens" were sold.  This was sligh... 03/25/2015

Military members sacrifice so much for the rest of us in the United States.  Thousands of members of our Westfield community have served in many wars throughout our nation's history.  When they come home, it can be difficult to adjust to civilian life again.  This can also put a lot of stress on their families.  Westfield offers counseling for vets and their families through their Youth and Family Counseling Services (YFCS). The YFCS has served Union County for over 100 years.  They have developed a new program especially for members of the military and their families called Bravest First.  This program offers counseling for mental health and substance abuse problems regardless of whether you can pay or not.  YFCS will submit the bill for their services to your insurance company.  Howe... 03/12/2015

823 Coolidge St, Westfield Town, NJ 07090Special Features MLS #: 3200120 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Year Built: 1952 Price: $650,000 DescriptionLight, Bright & Priced Right. Sunny colonial boasts roomy eat in kitchen, DR & family room proclaiming "lets party!" Updates all over, move in home, hop, skip & jump to Washington Grade School. New Roof and Siding-2001 Additional Insulation- 2003 Main Bath Renovation by Beauty Craft-2005 New Railing & Front Steps-2011 French drain and new sump pump-2014 Retaining Wall and Paver Patio Installed-1999 First Year Home Warranty Included. Taxes successfully appealed.Agent InformationScott Gleason RE/MAX Properties Unlimited Westfield NJ http://www.LuxuryHomesNJ.com 03/11/2015

Sports programs can be an integral part of a child's development.  They teach children how to work together as a team, what good sportsmanship is and help keep their bodies and minds healthy.  Unfortunately, there is not a lot of area for children to practice here in the Westfield community.  That's why the Westfield Soccer Association (WSA) is asking the Board of Education for permission to put up temporary lights at Kehler Stadium.  Where do you stand on Kehler Lights in Westfield: yea or nay? The WSA says that they would like to be able to use the field for their soccer and lacrosse teams to practice between 7pm and 9:30pm during the week from early March to the middle of May.  They say that lights will be turned off no later than 9:40pm when they are using the field.  Westfield Hig... 03/06/2015

Spring has sprung on our towns' real estate calendar.  Recently I helped a young couple from Brooklyn buy a charming 3 BR colonial currently crammed full of bunk beds, oversized furniture and a basement chock full of parent's and children's entertainment devices.  The sellers are moving a quarter mile away to the bigger house they will likely occupy as long as they use the schools.  Those sellers are likely moving away or downsizing nearby.  The real estate cycle is alive and well. Buyers' motivation is weatherproof and accelerated by the sense that mortgage rates have bounced off the bottom and will likely rise.  (As a rule of thumb, every 1% rise in rates pans out to 7% less affordability.)  Or maybe they just can't stand being cooped up in their Park Slope & Hoboken apartments anymo... 02/27/2015

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  This is especially true when the proceeds of sales of the breakfast benefit the Westfield community.  That is why you need to stop by Westfield High School on Saturday, March 7th for the 2015 Westfield Rotary Pancake Breakfast. What: 2015 Westfield Rotary Pancake BreakfastWhere: Westfield High School (550 Dorian Rd)When: Saturday, March 7, 2015 8am to 12pmCost: $10Contact: Rotary Club of Westfield NJ Pancakes aren't the only thing on the menu for the 2015 Westfield Rotary Pancake Breakfast.  Guests will enjoy other standard breakfast fare such as eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, milk and coffee.  All of this will be served with a smile by happy volunteers from the Rotary Club of Westfield.  You are going to come for the food b... 02/27/2015

If luxury is what you want, look no further than our beautiful Westfield community.  Whether it is a townhome or custom built property you desire, you are sure to find something to fit your tastes.  Here is a breakdown of Westfield NJ real estate market values for 1/30/15. According to the Garden State MLS*, four luxury Westfield NJ homes were sold recently and six are currently under contract.  Closing prices for the sold properties ranged from $1,080,000 to $1,475,000.  These luxury homes included: 5 bed/4.5 bath, 3200 sq ft Colonial built in 2014 - Listed at $1,099,000.  This home was snatched up the first day it was listed and closed the very next day for $1,080,000. 4 bed/4.5 bath, 3973 sq ft Fox & Foxx Colonial built in 2014 - Listed at $1,195,000.  This property went under contr... 01/30/2015