Union County, NJ Real Estate News

By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Anyone who knows me knows how much I like cycling. In fact, I put those skills to use every October for the MS NYC charity ride. For many bicycle enthusiasts, the Tour de France is the highlight of their year. But you don't have to fly to Europe, wait until July, or even traverse the 2000-mile course to enjoy an epic bike ride. Instead, sign up for the Tour de Westfield 2023.What: Tour de Westfield 2023Where: Starts at North Side Train StationWhen: Sunday, June 11th, 10 am to 12 pmContact: Westfield Recreation Department via emailTour de Westfield 2023Unlike its French counterpart, our little bicycle tour is open to the entire family. In fact, the Tour de Tots allows kids ages 9 and under to compete against each other. Kids ages 9 to 15 can learn how to perform fun tricks on their bikes...
Comments 0
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The absolute best time to sell a Westfield area home is in June, according to data compiled by HomeLight. So if you plan on putting your property on the market, you need to start preparing your home to sell right now. Follow this handy guide to make the process a little easier.Preparing Your Home to SellClean it UpThat includes both the inside and the outside. Vacuum and/or mop. Make sure you dust everything, including the baseboards, the window sills, and those hard-to-reach areas. Buyers use all of their senses when looking at a home. So, a property that both looks and smells clean tends to sell quicker and for a higher dollar amount.As for the outside, you want your curb appeal to stand out. First impressions last. You do not want your home's first impression to be a dud. Mow the law...
Comments 4
By Paul F. Stillwaggon Warren NJ, NJ Estates Real Estate Group, Weichert Realtors
(Weichert Realtors)
Coming Soon In Westfield NJ In 2024 425 & 445 South Avenue East Westfield, New Jersey 150+ Luxury New Residences & 17,000 sq ft of Retail Space. Info Call Andy Weissman at 917-885-3792 or Paul Stillwaggon at 908-310-1358 Walk to Train Station, 1 & 2 Bedroom floorplans available, Optional Den/Study (in select units) Pet Friendly (household pets up to 35 lbs) Balconies or Terraces (in select units) Washer/Dryer in each apartment.     Stone countertops, Independent heating and air conditioning, Building Features & Amenities. Pool Deck, Courtyard putting green, Outdoor grilling stations, Private fitness center, Business center. Indoor, heated parking, EV charging available, Storage units available, Bike room.            
Comments 1
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
You wouldn't know if by the crazy cold weather we've experienced lately, but it is actually spring in the Westfield area right now. In fact, the weatherman says we should expect to see cloudy and wet weather for the foreseeable future. But whether the sun shines bright or clouds bring rain, the Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023 takes place on the first Sunday in May.What: Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023Where: Central Ave, Downtown WestfieldWhen: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Gene Jannotti with the GWACC Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via emailWestfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Spring Fling every year. And each year it gets better and better. This year, they cater to all age...
Comments 4
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Each year, Earth Day falls on April 22nd. It is the one day of the year that we are asked to stop and think about how our lives and lifestyles affect our planet. Also, you should consider what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. This year, the Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 Celebration includes a community clean-up, a free seedling giveaway, and a freecycle market.What: Scotch Plains Earth Day 2023 CelebrationWhere: Various Areas Around Scotch PlainsWhen: Saturday, April 22nd, from 8 am to 11 amScotch Plains Earth Day Community Clean-UpWhether individually or as part of a group, volunteers from the age of six and up are asked to participate in the Scotch Plains Earth Day community clean-up. The clean-up happens on Saturday, April 22nd from 8 am to 10 am. Simply register online (yo...
Comments 3
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The weather outside may give you pause. But it really is springtime here in Westfield. And springtime means renewal and rebirth. For local sheep, it also means that it's time for shearing. If you've never seen this done, you're in for a treat. The Miller-Cory House hosts their annual Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival next weekend.What: Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023Where: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)When: Saturday, April 15th, 1 pm to 4 pmAdmission: $4 to $5 per personContact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via emailWestfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023The Sheep to Shawl Festival has become a favorite tradition for visitors to the Miller-Cory House. A master shearer takes center stage with these lovely sheep to hand shear just like they used to do in ...
Comments 4
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men's Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pmWhere: Westfield Area YMCA - Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any g...
Comments 4
By Paul F. Stillwaggon Warren NJ, NJ Estates Real Estate Group, Weichert Realtors
(Weichert Realtors)
Heritage Square Shopping Center Berkeley Hts NJ Town Center.515 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights NJ. (Sorted Space Available)Call Bill Gazi at 908-507-1954 https://bit.ly/3ePdyiq orPaul F Stillwaggon 908-310-1358 http://bit.ly/3lKA13G 
Comments 0
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
This year, Passover (Pesach) takes place from sunset on April 5th to sunset April 13th. Passover is the Jewish celebration of the escape of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Perrotti's wanted to do something special to commemorate this holy time of year. So, they helped organize the Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive.What: Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (N Union Ave)When: Sunday, April 2nd, 12:30 pm to 2 pmCranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023All they ask is that you bring a canned or boxed food item to Eastman Clock Plaza between 12:30 pm and 2 pm on Sunday, April 2nd. When you donate, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a $180 Perotti's gift card. All food collection goes to the Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey. JFS...
Comments 3
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. And our fair city is one of the places on the Easter Bunny's list to visit. In fact, he is scheduled to be a special guest at the Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023.What: Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023Where: Mindowaskin Park (385 E Broad St)When: Saturday, April 8th, 12 pm to 2 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Westfield Police Department Community Policing Bureau (908) 789-6078Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023The Westfield Police Department partnered up with our local Kiwanis Club to put together this beloved annual Easter event. In fact, all of the spots for every age division of the Easter egg hunt itself have already been filled up. However, there are still some spots available for children with special needs. If your differently-abled ...
Comments 4
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The weather outside still feels a little frightful. So, it might feel premature to think about swimming. But the first day of spring falls on Monday, March 20th. So, it's not too early to remind you about the upcoming Westfield Memorial Pool season.Westfield Memorial Pool 2023 SeasonThe Westfield Memorial Pool and Aquatic Center features a 50-meter pool as well as an 8-lane competitive lap pool. Additionally, you will find a dive pool, two water slides, a kids' training pool (only two feet deep), and a zero-entry kids pool with an attached splash pad. The snack bar allows guests to keep up their energy for pool play. The grounds also offer a nice picnic area, playground, and grassy area.Swimming provides an excellent form of exercise. Not only does it tone and strengthen your muscles, b...
Comments 2
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. But the Easter Bunny's schedule gets pretty full around that time. Fortunately, he agreed with city officials to show up the weekend before to host the Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt.What: Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023Where: Brookside Park (1225 Hetfield Ave)When: Saturday, April 1st, 2023, 10:15 amAdmission: FREEContact: Scotch Plains Dept of Parks & Recreation (908) 322-6700 x223Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023No. This is not a joke. The Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt falls on April Fool's Day this year. This Easter egg hunt is made especially for the little ones to enjoy. In this case, "little ones" means kids ages eight and under. Dress up in your Easter finest and head out to Brookside Park. (Don't forget to bring a basket.) Festivit...
Comments 3
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Easter falls on Sunday, April 9th, this year. What is your favorite Easter candy? Jelly beans? Cadbury cream eggs? Reeses peanut butter eggs? (The Reeses peanut butter egg came in as America's favorite Easter candy, by the way.) How about marshmallow Peeps? Well, Peeps seem to polarize the Easter candy people. Some love them. Others hate them with a passion. But at the Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023, it doesn't matter because whether you like them or not. Why? Because you don't actually have to eat them. Instead, they get turned into fun works of art in celebration of the Easter holiday.What: Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023Where: Downtown CranfordWhen: April 1st to April 9thContact: DMC via email or phone at (908) 709-7208Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023If you are interes...
Comments 2
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
You probably have heard that real estate is all about location, location, location. But, honestly, sometimes it really depends on your timing, timing, timing. So, when selling your home, what is the best time to list it on the market and when should you think about waiting?Selling Your HomeBest Time to Sell Your HomeWhile home sales declined throughout the state last month, the Westfield area (including Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and Cranford) still favors the seller. We live in a highly desirable area. Buyer demand remains relatively high compared to other areas of the state. However, many cities and towns in the Westfield area are seeing a shift to a more balanced market. That means a healthy buyer demand as well as good inventory levels.Also, springtime tends to be a busy time for re...
Comments 2
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Moving into a new Westfield area home is an exciting time. You’re probably daydreaming about decor, paint schemes, and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basic priority tasks for your move-in that you should cover first.Priority Tasks for Your Move-InChange the LocksEven if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your Westfield area home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your property. Changing the locks can be a DIY project or, for a little extra money, you can call in a locksmith to do the job for you.Steam Clean the CarpetsIt’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, ...
Comments 2
By Paul F. Stillwaggon Warren NJ, NJ Estates Real Estate Group, Weichert Realtors
(Weichert Realtors)
Mountainside NJ. (Union County) Luxury New Home Custom Built on a 2.7-acre cul-de-sac lot by Rica Builders. http://bit.ly/3RJ6HWE Call Don Rica at 908-797-1764 #NJLuxuryNewHomes.       
Comments 1
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
We are very proud of our lovely downtown area here in Cranford. To encourage citizens and visitors to support our local businesses, officials enjoy putting on fun events. In October, there was the Scarecrow Stroll. Next week, they host a Galentine's Chocolate Walk. As a Valentine's nod to the cute woodland creatures, they are currently hosting their Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023.What: Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023Where: Throughout Downtown CranfordWhen: Now through February 14thContact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via emailCranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023Downtown Cranford partnered up with the Green Thumb Garden Club to create this fun Valentine's Day event. But you don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to participate. This gnome-hunt can happen any time you visit the d...
Comments 2
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
November brings single friends together for a Friendsgiving feast. Why not grab your single gal pals for an alternative to the lovey-dovey Valentine's Day festivities? That's what the Cranford Galentine's Chocolate Walk 2023 is for.What: Cranford Galentine's Chocolate Walk 2023Where: Downtown CranfordWhen: Thursday, February 9th, 4 pm to 7 pmCost: $20 per personCranford Galentine's Chocolate Walk 2023Chocolate. Shopping. Bargains. What more could you ask for? For the first time, Downtown Cranford offers up a special Galentine's Chocolate Walk. Several downtown area boutiques offer discounts specifically for guests of the walk. Your $20 fee includes a shopping tote, a candy box, and a passport filled with discounts galore for participating local shops. First, talk to your girlfriends abo...
Comments 2
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Over the past couple of years, mortgage rates hit their all-time lowest point. At that time, financial experts encouraged buyers to get a fixed-rate mortgage loan to purchase their properties. However, with interest rates on the rise these last few months, many buyers began looking at adjustable-rate loans instead. Which one should you consider for your next mortgage loan? It depends.Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate MortgageFixed-Rate MortgageA fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it says: one set rate for the life of the loan. Even so, your monthly payment could change depending on current property taxes and insurance rates. But the actual monthly mortgage payment remains the same the entire time. However, lenders charge more interest for fixed-rate loans than they do for adjustab...
Comments 1
By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. With the new year upon us, you may want to start planning for your 2023 taxes. I know. Not the most fun topic. But Uncle Sam rests for no one. If you have questions about your property taxes, please sign up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar hosted by Coldwell Banker Realty.What: 2023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarWhere: Coldwell Banker Realty (209 Central Ave)When: 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9th, 2023Admission: FREEContact: Scott Gleason (908) 698-26302023 Property Tax Appeal SeminarHave you been in your Westfield area home for a while? Have you seen your property taxes skyrocket over the past couple of years? Moving soon? Then your property taxes may hit you even harder. The lower the property taxes, the more that buyers can afford in m...
Comments 0