Featured Properties Archives - Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ

Lucky Find in This West Orange NJ Home

March 8, 2013 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Homes in the St. Cloud section of West Orange NJ are extremely desirable and rarely marketed to sell. If you have been searching for a West Orange NJ home, you are in luck (and St. Patrick’s Day is still a week away)!

Just on the market, is a lovely historic home, built in 1870 and yet featuring modern amenities through countless renovations. This gorgeous West Orange NJ home pays tribute to Victorian charm and styling while still maintaining an easy-flowing floor plan, spacious rooms, and abundant natural light. You’ll find custom touches and finished throughout the home, including shining hardwood floors, tongue & groove ceilings, wood paneled ceilings, granite counters and much more. This home also features elegant renovations and restorations in the kitchen and baths, complete with 200 AMP electricity, central air conditioning, and a security system, providing modern luxuries not seen in many historic homes.

Located close to a Jitney stop with service to NYC commuter trains, as well as near schools and shopping, recreation, entertainment, and major highways, this classic Victorian home offers convenience and comfort, as well. Call me at 973.202.7270 to get details on this and other West Orange NJ homes.

Searching for a Millburn-Short Hills NJ home – Try Mid-Century Modern!

March 1, 2013 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Searching for a Millburn-Short Hills NJ home will lead you to a variety of home styles, many of which are traditionally designed. However if you look in Millburn NJ, today, you will find a beautiful just listed Mid-Century Modern home!

This home, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, has been well-cared for and truly is a striking example of open design. Every detail was carefully and deliberately pondered and the home as a whole is simply stunning. You’ll see floor to ceiling windows with views of the New York skyline as well as views of the South Mountain Reservation, making it the perfect home for entertaining and just enjoying life.

This home is an art collector’s dream house with high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and abundant natural light. Nestled into the South Mountain landscape, it’s location is just minutes from Millburn’s downtown and walking distance from the Midtown Direct train station. This, combined with the concepts of modern sleek design, contributes to a feeling of privacy in this Historic Mid-Century Millburn-Short Hills NJ home.

Designed to be sustainable, this Mid-Century Modern home makes great use of natural sunshine and the overall home design is efficient, too! Intentionally designed to draw residents from bedrooms into main entertaining areas, you’ll find this style of home increases interaction and brings you and your family closer together. What more could you ask from a home?

Call me for more details! 973-202-7270

Walk Your Dog and Search for Homes in Millburn

October 17, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

As the weather cools near New Jersey homes with the introduction of Fall, pet owners and their four-legged friends may find themselves trying to eek out the last rays of sunshine. Once the opportunity of running through the park and jumping in the many leaves or maybe taking longer walks now that it’s not quite so hot out passes, it may be harder to entertain your pet.

In case you are are wondering what you are going to do for activity with your “best friend,” I wanted to clue you in to some “pet-friendly” establishments. Finding a place for you and your dog to watch the world go by can be almost as challenging as trying to search for homes in Millburn without an expert like me. 😉

So, while this list is short, it gives you a few places to visit that will have you and your pooch enjoying the sunshine near your Millburn/Short Hills home.

If you’re willing to chance the elements, the following outdoor trails are always worth exploring, too, if the weather is warm enough.

To learn more about my favorite places to take my pup and why or to search for a home in Millburn or Shorthills, give me a call at 973.202.7270

Living in Short Hills is Full of Adventure!

July 7, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Weekly activity can be found at the Downtown Millburn Farmers’ Market all month long as they celebrate 20 seasons of growing and living in Short Hills! On Essex Street, just behind Town Hall, you are sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fruits and vegetables that await you! The market is open Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., from now until October.

You’ll be supporting the local community surrounding your Short Hills home as all the produce is grown locally by NJ farmers, including Alstede Farms, Ort Farms, Vacchiano Farms and E & R Organic. You may even get to meet some of the farmers or vendors when you visit and shop, as featured sellers are usually on hand from Hoboken Farms, Gina’s Bakery, Paolos Kitchen, and Dr. Pickle. Between the colors and sights, smells and tastes, you’ll find your day at the Farmers’ Market is quite a treat and a huge benefit to living in Short Hills and Millburn. You’ll be surprised to know it is also one of the strongest and most successful markets in New Jersey!

Later in the month, plan a short drive or train ride to spend a day out with the kids at Family Fun Day, on July 14th. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., you can play at the at the Arts and Crafts Museum on Main Street in Madison. Call 973-377-2982 x10 or visit the museum online. Advance registration for the museum is recommended, so call soon! The admission is $5 for children and adults over six years old and seniors are $3. The maximum family charge is $13 and children under six are free.

As you can see, the area around your Millburn-Short Hills home is hopping with happenings, just waiting for you to join! And that’s not even all of them! Stay tuned to my blog on living in Millburn-Short Hills to learn more about how you can enjoy your community! I hope you come to see the area near your Short Hills home as friendly, fun, and part of the American dream.

Active Short Hills NJ Listings : $500,000-$1m

June 28, 2012 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

View all Millburn-Short Hills NJ properties on the MLS listed between $500,000-$1m. These are live updates with price reductions as well as days on the market. For my monthly Short Hills market statistics and Millburn Township school information, you can find that and more on Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ.

In Millburn/Short Hills:Codes and You – Scan One Now & See

June 20, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Have you noticed the odd bar code boxes showing up on Millburn /Short Hills real estate signage and flyers lately? Do you recognize them as QR codes? Are you shaking your head wondering what a QR code actually is and does? Do you have a smartphone?

A QR code is very similar to a UPC bar code that is used in pretty much every store, from where you buy your groceries to where you shop for clothes. It gives detailed product information. In a matter of seconds, using your smartphone, you can get all the information you desire on the item at no cost and with less hassle.

With a QR code, you can read about the product, including a home for sale, using your smart phone easily and fuss free. You can efficiently scan the “house for sale” flyer you found on your doorknob or the for sale sign of the home next door to your daughter and discover the details of the home without having to make a phone call. You can be directed to a real estate website that will show you more homes and other resources, too, if you desire.

As a real estate agent, I enjoy QR codes because they allow me to “show” you the house BEFORE we even talk. You can view pictures, videos, floorplans, community information and status – everything you want to know – instantly. I personally dislike having to wait for a call back when I want information, so I use QR codes to make sure you can find out what you need to know, when you want to know it!

So, please let me know what you think. I value your opinion and wanted to educate you on what and why those little fuzzy boxes exist. Do you love QR codes, too, or would you rather see my picture on a sign instead? Maybe both? 🙂

Open House Success in Millburn/Short Hills: Begins with Trust

June 12, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

When you are buying a home or listing your home for sale in the Millburn/Short Hills area , you have a lot to consider. If you are buying, you will no doubt be viewing and walking through many Open Houses in Millburn/Short Hills in search for the one that makes you feel “at home.” If you are selling your home, you will need to make your home feel less “yours” so that it can appeal to buyers.

Both of these situations can be emotionally challenging and so it really helps to have a trusted friend with experience in your area, namely a knowledgable Short Hills Real Estate Agent, at your side through the process.

A real estate agent has more experience than you when it comes to knowing how to market or discriminate between homes in your area. Trust your agent to have your best interests in mind so that you can utilize that knowledge. This is especially true when it comes to open houses!

Work with and listen to your agent’s suggestions to meet with the most success (and follow my advice in this post).

Staging A Successful Open House

First off, make sure the interior of your home is clean and de-cluttered! If it is in your budget, consider removing the bulk of your house contents to an alternate location. Your ultimate goal as a seller is to move, so start packing – it will help your home to sell more quickly! Consider the model home concept that new builders use and set that as the goal for your home – neutral, tasteful, open.

Make sure the outside looks great, both in regards to your property, and your neighbors’ homes. Does your street look safe, well-kept and friendly? If not, brainstorm about what you can do to achieve a friendly neighborhood feel. Maybe you can offer to help trim or mow your neighbor’s lawn or put away their trash cans, resulting in a more attractive canvas for your home. Check that your for sale sign is standing straight and tall and consider adding a few balloons (bright colors) to attract even more attention.

Speaking of neighbors, invite them! This is an opportunity to hand-pick a new neighbor, and they can have a say in it by inviting they’re interested friends. Plus it will create a buzz, increase positive energy, and make sure your open house is well attended. If you have a neighbor who has listed their home, be sure to visit their open house, too, so you can see what your home is being compared against. In including your neighbors you may actually find that they are more than willing to assist you with your open house with small favors like making sure there is ample street parking or repairing a broken brick planter. Ask your agent for the best way to handle this as it depends on the area – it might be better to host an early preview for neighbors for homes where a huge turn-out is expected.

Since you’ve invited your neighbors to stop by, make sure you have fresh-baked goods (and their accompanying aroma) present in your home as a thank you for visiting. Nothing says “home” better than the smell of vanilla and cinnamon. If you are unable to do this, do NOT resort to air fresheners as many people are allergic to them. Ask your real estate agent for advice on dealing with the odors in your home well before the open house occurs.

Please feel free to add your comments on what you feel makes your Millburn/Short Hills Open Houses more valuable to you as a home buyer and seller, too. I’d love to learn from you! Consult with me for other more specific suggestions on how to make YOUR open house more successful – as each home uses a different approach. You’ll be glad you did!

If you would like to learn more about my local community or discover the meaning behind A New Suburbanism click here or contact me at 973.202.7270

Swim Safely at The Millburn Pool & Securely This Summer

June 7, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Summer is here, bringing with it beautiful sunshine, warm weather and children with a lot of free time on their hands. Much of that time is likely to be spent swimming, whether at the beach or the Millburn Pool , and so some reminders on safety tips are in order.

Whether you own a swimming pool, are buying a home in Millburn with a pool, or may use a pool at a neighbor’s home, Millburn Town Pool or while on vacation, this post shares valuable information and questions to provoke thought to help you be more aware and prompt action where needed.

IF YOU OWN A POOL

Do you have a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa with self-closing and self-latching gates?
Do you have and use a door alarm and are your windows secure for any areas that access the pool?
Do the people living and visiting your home know how to swim?
Do the people living in your home know how to perform CPR on children and adults and are they current on certification?

IF YOU ARE USING A POOL (EVEN IF ITS YOUR OWN)

Is proper gating in place to discourage younger children from areas that are unsafe?
Do the people you are with know how to swim?
Are you or a trusted adult available to physically “watch” your children and respond quickly to an emergency?

75 percent of drowning accidents involve children younger than 5 years old and African American and Hispanic children are at greater risk, due to a lack of knowledge on how to swim and water safety, according to national studies. Reports also show that “residential locations dominated incidents involving victims younger than 5 years of age.” Children should NEVER be left unattended near a pool or spa.

As drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds for children and 60 seconds for an adult, never swim alone or allow others to use your pool without adequate supervision. Drowning makes no sound, so pay attention to all swimmers to avoid accidents and respond quickly if something is not right. If someone is missing, check the pool before other areas.

Is there a charged and working phone easily accessible?
Is someone with you who is certified and can perform CPR on children and adults?
Have the pool drains been replaced to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act? Ask the pool servicer if you cannot tell. Recently a lot of news have been published on pool drains, the suction part of the pool which coordinates suction on the pump and filter to keep the water clean. If a newer (last 5 years) drain is installed or the drain has a substantial cover, you shouldn’t have to worry, but older drains with too much suction can pose a serious drowning risk as bathing suits, hair and even small children can be pulled down and drown. Don’t be afraid to ask about this – too many accidents have already happened, and the National Swimming Pool Foundation, reported earlier this year that almost 80 percent of public pools are not in compliance!
Are safety rules posted in the pool area? Can you visibly see life rings and poles and is there a lifeguard on duty during the times you and/or your children will swim?
When was the last pool safety inspection and the last cleaning? Does the water look cloudy or smell too strong? Does the pool appear to be filtering?

You may feel that some of questions are not necessary, however pool safety is an international concern. Do your part to be aware by checking out PoolSafely.gov to find out how you can be more proactive in your pool safety and spread the knowledge you have. You could save a life!

In Millburn/Short Hills: If a Lender Pulls My Credit, Won’t it Lower My Credit Score?

June 1, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Are you pre-approved for your home purchase?

If not, you need to be, and no, it won’t affect your credit rating.

In today’s real estate market, serious Millburn/Short Hills buyers know that the home buying process cannot begin in earnest until they are pre-approved, not pre-qualified for a mortgage. Pre-qualification is based upon “stated” numbers regarding monthly revolving debt, income, and other general information whereas pre-approval is based on verified facts. In the verification process for pre-approval lenders must make inquiries on employment and even check your credit score.

Luckily the Fair Credit Reporting Act recognizes this as a permissible and valid reason for a company to access your credit and it will NOT affect your credit rating or score. Mortgage lenders can run a “soft” credit check, sometimes called a “quotation check” to verify your credit worthiness and pre-approve you for home purchase. It is also interesting to note that multiple lenders can do this (within a 14 day period) without it affecting your credit score, if you want to compare loans. You can also check your own credit report as many times as you would like without causing harm in the same manner. In fact, before meeting with a lender or considering purchasing a home, you should evaluate your credit report and make sure it is error free.

Other types of credit inquiries CAN affect your credit report, so refrain from opening lines of credit at clothing, furnishing stores or car dealerships and other installment retailers until your loan is funded. Credit inquiries account for less than 10% of your overall credit score, but it is still not worth the risk when purchasing a home is in your near future. To keep yourself credit-worthy, make your payments on time, continually strive to increase your income, and make sure the monthly amount accessed on each of your credit cards is less than 30%. These proactive measures will go a long way to helping you secure the loan you need and the home in Millburn/Short Hills that you want.

In A Hurry To Sell Your Millburn-Short Hills Home?

May 31, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

If you are considering listing your Millburn-Short Hills home for sale, recent market studies have indicated that we are entering a seller’s market, so your timing could be perfect! A decrease in inventory in the housing market is good news if you need or want to sell your home quickly.

As a home seller, there are three areas where you can have major impact when selling your home.

Of course the appeal of your home is a prime consideration, but did you realize that the marketing efforts and pricing are key as well?

Price to Sell and Expect Results!

When time is of the essence, be careful not to set your price too high. Even if your home is “worth” more than your neighbor’s or “seems” like it should bring a high price, be realistic and aggressive in your pricing. Remember that home searches are typically focused on price, and plan accordingly. Would you rather only appeal to the $500,000 buyer when your home is worth $505,000, or open your options to the buyer who has a search parameter set at $499,000? The key here is exposure – when time is short, you want as many buyers as possible viewing your property! Price your home to sell and look forward to a quick sale and multiple offers.

Harness the Power of the Internet to Sell Your Home Fast!

Recent surveys report that 86% of home buyers begin their search on the web. Your home needs to be there, as well. In addition to having a listing page with property details, consider resources such as Craigslist, Realtor.com, and other sources throughout the internet. Ask about syndicating your home listing to make sure it gets as much exposure as possible.

In your listing marketing efforts, don’t forget pictures – lots of them! Buyers in the Millburn-Short Hills area want to “see” what is available before comparing homes in person. Make sure your photos are attractive and will sell your home. In doing so, you create a connection with your buyer before the home has even been visited.

Clutter-free and Clean Make For a Speedy Sale!

Look through your home with a critical eye. Minor repairs and touch-ups should be done to create a well-maintained look and your home needs to be very clean. Remove furniture and clutter as necessary. An orderly home is a home that sells fast!