Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ

and the surrounding areas

(973) 202-7270

Live in South Orange and See Zoo Light Up With Cheer

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Lights live in South Orange NJWere you aware of the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular? Until January 1st, if you live in South Orange NJ, you can visit the zoo animals and also be treated to some holiday cheer. The holiday lights shine from 5 to 9 p.m. using more than 100,000 bulbs in a variety of displays! With free admission, it’s worth the drive to take in the sights, even if you don’t have a home in South Orange. You can also warm your heart by donating non-perishable food and/or unwrapped new toys at the zoo. They will be disbursed to local children and families in need. Find out more by visiting the zoo online.

If you appreciate the lights and are in search of more displays, you may enjoy a walk around the Livingston Oval (in front of the high school) or a trip over to the Paper Mill Playhouse Holiday Village, located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn NJ. The Holiday Village show includes more than 70,000 animated lights, that are timed to music and light up daily every twenty minutes between 6 and 9 p.m. The show only is available through Monday, December 24th and is sure to draw a crowd, so be prepared for lots of traffic!

Most Recent Local NJ Midtown Direct Statistics

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Every week the market along the NJ Midtown Direct has been changing. Keeping up with all the inventory and homes going under contract has been overwhelming. I’m grateful to have this week a bit slower ( public school vacation)  to catch up on what’s still available and making sure my clients get in the door fast! I’m    posting a comprehensive spreadsheet covering pending contracts and active inventory along the 12 local NJ Midtown Direct towns. Take a look and compare your local real estate in 2011 to 2012. If you would like to be updated on a weekly bases with theses statitsics , please contact me and I will add you to my list. Search the MLS for all active listings.

 

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

 

Keeping Your New Home Secure in MidTown Direct Area

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Spring is in the air and vacation plans may not be far behind!  Whether you are embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended trip, it’s critical that you make arrangements to ensure the safety of your new home in the MidTown Direct Area.  Implement the following suggestions and enjoy increased peace of mind on your get-away!

  • Befriend a  neighbor.  A formal Neighborhood Watch program may not be instituted on your block, but you are bound to have a neighbor willing to watch over your home while you are away.  Request that they notify you or the police if something alarming occurs.
  • Do not tell the world about your vacation plans until after they are complete.  Your voice mail, Facebook, Twitter, & other social networking websites provide information to sources that may not be your “friend.”  Do not leave notes on your front door, trashcans or mailbox, either.
  •  It’s always best when your home appears to be occupied while you are away. Timers and volunteer police patrols can be utilized, and newspapers and mail can be placed on hold, unless you have a large, locking mailbox. You could also ask a friend to visually check-in on your home.
  •  Try using a deadbolt or locking mechanism on your garage door while you are away for long periods of time and secure any pet entrances.
  • Remember that a well-maintained and well-lit home with timed lights and motion detectors can be a deterrent, as can loud dogs.  Please take note that if you have a pet, you will also need to  plan for its care while vacationing.

When you return, be sure to begin all suspended services again. You will also want to  thank those who watched over your new home so they will feel so inclined when your next vacation comes up.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Sending Camp Care Packages From Your Short Hills Homes

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Chances are if you live near Short Hills Homes, and you have kids, then they are probably attending an overnight camp this summer. Do you have your care packages ready to send? If not, consider these top three companies when deciding what to send to your kids this summer at camp!

There are many companies to choose from that service Short Hills Homes, but when it comes to your kids, only the best will do!  If you are lacking time or creative energy, these companies will make it so easy for you!

Sealed With A Kiss, is the “original” camp care package company and has been around since 1984. Their packages range from $25 – $55.  They feature many different themed packages including:  “Teen’s Cool Pamper Caddy”, “Stretchy, Slimy & Strange” or “Groovy Girl”.  Visit their website here.

Camp Pacs gives you the ability to personalize your pack – starting at just $10 for the Cabin Mate Pac, which contains 2-3 personally selected items for your camper.  They have tons of items to choose from so your child will feel like you picked it out yourself! Visit their website here.

Gourmet Gift Baskets offer packages from $34.99 – $59.99, and they are packed to the rim with activities for your kids!  Featuring a “Glow In The Dark Care Package” and an “Arts & Crafts Care Package”- your child will definitely feel special receiving a package like this! Visit their website here.

Here’s to wishing you parents a week of peacefulness and relaxation as your little munchkins enjoy the great outdoors!

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

Livingston Home to Annual Music Festival

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Do you have an aspiring young musician living in your Livingston home?  Well if so, you may just want to be the cool adult in their life and treat them to an evening of musical inspiration! Don’t miss the 2nd annual Music Festival “Love – in Livingston” taking place this Thursday, May 26 at the Livingston Town Center located at 4260 Town Center Way.  The performances start at 4pm and end at 10pm, admission is free.  There will be food available for purchase and exciting activities for younger children including face painting! The event premiered last year as part of Livingston’s Youth Appreciation Week.  An added bonus is that the teens are learning about giving back to their community.

The music festival will feature 16 up and coming bands.  One local NJ boy who calls Livingston home, partnered with another young lad who calls Summit home, together they formed the band “Beyond The Summit.” Also included in the night’s line up is “Radio Silence NYC” – who were just featured in People magazine! These youth are extremely talented  – show your “Love – for Livingston” and check it out Thursday night!

Speaking of “Love” there’s just nothing like music to get you in the mood for a smooch…hey, where’s my Bailey?

Click here for a list of FREE summer concerts in New Jersey.

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

About Robin Benjamin

Understanding the nuances of pricing requires local knowledge that isn't always available to buyers and sellers. This is particularly true in a location like Millburn-Short Hills, Chatham, and Summit.
Robin Benjamin

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