Spring & Summer in Millburn-Short Hills: The Perfect Time to Host a Neighborhood Sale

Yard Sale for your home for sale 300x221 Spring & Summer in Millburn Short Hills: The Perfect Time to Host a Neighborhood SaleAs the weather warms, so does the chance for a successful neighborhood sale in Millburn-Short Hills. No matter what you call it, be it a yard sale, garage sale, tag sale, or estate sale – the goal is the same – to sell unwanted items and in turn beautify your home and clear your space!

Whether you are trying to reduce your clutter or are using your yard sale as an opportunity prior to moving from your home, the following ideas may help you earn a bit more and increase the amount of items removed.

However, before you start sorting through your items, approach your local real estate agent and ask for help. Whether you need additional signage or specific advice on items that make for a great sale in your area, Short Hills real estate agents are a great resource, because they KNOW your area. If you are selling your home, your agent will likely be very involved as your yard sale can gain exposure for your home and let the neighborhood know you are placing it for sale.

Using the following ideas, you can plan for success in your neighborhood sale and have fun while doing it. Involve neighbors and your family and decide how you will devote the money raised at the sale to generate even more enthusiasm. Perhaps you are saving for a trip or need to pay bills or just want a new piece of furniture for your home, no matter the cause, uniting to meet it will energize your efforts to ensure your success.

Market Your Sale
Use advertising and colorful signs. Be clear on the address, day of sale and hours. Plan to set up items well ahead of your scheduled time, as many buyers will show up 15-20 minutes early and you want to be ready for them!

Set Your Prices Low
Price everything to sell with permanent black markers, using sticker tags or blankets where every item located in that area is the same price. If multiple families are involved make sure that is indicated with a letter or color to give proper credit.

Be Organized
Display items neatly and similar items together to give an organized feel on tables. Label sizes on clothing and place like items together. Dishes are often better sold as sets, such as 6 glasses or 10 plates for a set price, rather than individually. If your items are displayed as clutter, people will be less likely to want to bring them into their homes.

Pay Attention to the Season
In summer boogie boards, wetsuits and sunglasses will be a big hit, skis not so much. However in the fall, unopened items, warm clothing and snow gear will go fast!

Make Sure Items Work
Safely extend an electrical cord into your buying zone so buyers can test appliances and other items. You may also want to have test batteries available, if needed.

Plan to Package & Sell
Have bags and wrapping supplies available for securing breakables and allowing buyers to easy carry their purchased items. Also, make sure you have a petty cash center that has a full-time attendant. Small bills and lots of change are a must for any garage sale so plan accordingly.

Decide What You Are Selling
Fast selling items often include jars and bottles, clothing, collectibles and antiques, unopened puzzles, jewelry, dishes, camping items, books, toys and dolls, and homemade treasures.

Need Ideas For Your Kids?
If you have a child or teen who likes to sew, have them spend some time crafting dresses for dolls or aprons with spare material. If beads or stamps are rampant in your house, have your children make bracelets or cards to generate some extra money and get the thrill of entrepreneurship.

When The Sale Ends – Let It All Go.
Once your sale is over, pack remaining items into boxes and immediately take to your local donation center, unless you have scheduled an organization to pick up your items directly. That way, you can enjoy the money you’ve made AND the peace of mind knowing that the items will not return to your tidy home.

Ready Set Organize is a local company owned and operated by a friend of mine Pam Carson,that will get ALL of this done for you and MORE!

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

 

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

qrcode 235x300 In Millburn/Short Hills:Codes and You   Scan One Now & SeeHave 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

open house sign 300x212 Open House Success in Millburn/Short Hills: Begins with TrustWhen 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

 

In Chatham NJ: Deciding Between Buying a Home or Buying a Condo?

238257 1268112403505 o 300x225 In Chatham NJ: Deciding Between Buying a Home or Buying a Condo?In your search for the right home, you will likely be doing a lot of footwork and analysis. Before you begin looking at actual homes in Chatham NJ, it is wise to determine how much home you can afford and the level of maintenance you desire. In doing so, you may find that the new home that best fits you is not a traditional single family house, but instead a home in a planned community or a condominium.

Your location, city or suburbs, is largely determined by your lifestyle and occupational needs. Cost is always as factor, as well, since living in the city often means less space for the same amount of money. Less space may lead to you exploring the condominium home market and the benefits and challenges that condo life introduces to home ownership.

When buying a condo, you often need to consider Homeowner Association (HOA) fees as you will be sharing the costs of overall property maintenance, along with the decision making power to make any changes on the property. For this reason it is extremely important that you review all Homeowners Association bylaws before making a condominium or planned community purchase.

Ask yourself these questions – to determine what type of property you value most.

  • Proximity – Where do spend your time? Where do you want to live? What type of housing is available in that location in your price range?
  • Neighbors – Would you prefer them to share your walls or need more separation? Would you prefer more privacy than condo life can offer?
  • Control – Do you like to share control over home matters or be the final authority? Do you care if you need to ask permission before making a change to your deck or paint?
  • Upkeep – Do you like the idea of a garden or would you rather never weed again? Yard maintenance handled by an association is a prime benefit for many condo owners.
  • Price – Can you afford the home? If there are association fees, are they reasonable?

Whichever type of home you decide to pursue in Chatham NJ, asking these questions will help you feel secure in the knowledge that your new home is suited to you and your specific needs. Happy house hunting!

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

Can a credit check affect my score 291x300 In Millburn/Short Hills: If a Lender Pulls My Credit, Wont it Lower My Credit Score?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.

07078  NEWEST LISTINGS!

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 87. See more Real estate in the 07078 zip code.
(all data current as of 5/18/2013)

  1. 6 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths
    Home size: 5,542 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.50 ac
    Year built: 1907
    Parking spots: 4
    Days on market: 1
  2. 5 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths
    Home size: 7,500 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.28 ac
    Year built: 1936
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 3
  3. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Lot size: 7,405 sqft
    Year built: 1971
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 3
  4. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Lot size: 10,018 sqft
    Year built: 1940
    Parking spots: 1
    Days on market: 3
  5. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Lot size: 14,810 sqft
    Year built: 1936
    Parking spots: 1
    Days on market: 4

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright © year Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Notice: The dissemination of listings on this website does not constitute the consent required by N.J.A.C. 11:5.6.1 (n) for the advertisement of listings exclusively for sale by another broker. Any such consent must be obtained in writing from the listing broker.

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

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.sold home 300x199 In A Hurry To Sell Your Millburn Short Hills Home?

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!

Buying a Home In Millburn-Short Hills Still Considered a “Best” Investment in U.S.

keys to buying a home Buying a Home In Millburn Short Hills Still Considered a Best Investment in U.S.Buying a home in Millburn-Short Hills has several unique advantages when compared with renting. Aside from being able to decorate as you choose, receive additional tax benefits, enjoy stability in your housing payments, and increase your ability to make future investments, it just feels good to own your own home!

A survey conducted last month by the PEW Research Center, a non-profit, non-partisan organization considered a “fact tank” on social & demographic trends in America, determined that the majority of adult Americans (81%) still believe “that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make.” It is interesting to note that while the same study showed that 47% of those surveyed felt that current economic factors have resulted in a decrease in their current home value, those same home owners felt that their home investment was a safe one.

Even renters seem to agree with the idea of investing in a home, with 81% wishing to buy a home at some point, even if individual circumstances prevent it currently. In fact, when asked to rate long-term financial goals, homeownership and “being able to live comfortably in retirement” were rated the highest by 80% of those surveyed. Survey participants seemed to understand that owning a home provides more than an avenue for generating savings – it also is a place to live and provides an element of physical and emotional stability unlike other investment options.

Further pursuing this question, the survey compared investments – trying to determine which held fast in the long run – the stock market or the housing market. The answer was variable, depending on the year of investment, however, and unable to be determined overall. One item not considered in the survey is that owning a home provides income tax benefits that are not likely to be found in other investments, which could affect the dividend bottom line and how you choose to invest. Click here to view the survey in its entirety.

The Next Step In Buying A Home-

Buying a home in Millburn-Short Hills with the historically low interest rates and our Blue Ribbon Schools  is the perfect opportunity for the first time home buyer to take advantage of what our community has to offer. I post the market trends monthly and having lived in Short Hills and now Chatham for over 30 years, knowing this town and these homes is the easy part for me. Call me or text me.

Home Prices Show Strongest Gain in 6 Years: NAR

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 88. See more Real estate in the 07078 zip code.
(all data current as of 5/18/2013)

  1. 6 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths
    Home size: 5,542 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.50 ac
    Year built: 1907
    Parking spots: 4
    Days on market: 1
  2. 5 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths
    Home size: 7,500 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.28 ac
    Year built: 1936
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 3
  3. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Lot size: 7,405 sqft
    Year built: 1971
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 3

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright © year Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Notice: The dissemination of listings on this website does not constitute the consent required by N.J.A.C. 11:5.6.1 (n) for the advertisement of listings exclusively for sale by another broker. Any such consent must be obtained in writing from the listing broker.

Consider Bike Score When Buying Your Millburn NJ Home

bike score near your home 288x300 Consider Bike Score When Buying Your Millburn NJ HomeLocation, location,location. You’ve heard time and time again that when buying a home in Millburn NJ , location is what matters most…. and for good reason! For that purpose the concept of Walk Score was created. Dedicated to the idea that “less time in the car means more time for the things you love,” Walk Score, developed in 2008, has made it easier for home buyers to find a home that is closer to the activities and places they love.

Providing ratings from 0 to 100 to determine a neighborhood’s walkability, buyers can decide if the area they are considering is more Car-Dependent, Very Walkable, a Walker’s Paradise, or somewhere in-between. If you are searching for a home, you will also enjoy visiting tools such as Transit Score which helps in calculating the cost of your commute and the even newer Bike Score!

Bike Score was introduced this week in honor of Bike to Work Week and suggests areas that are best suited and not so desirable for bike riding. Considering such issues as hills and bike lanes, along with “road connectivity” and a town’s biking population, communities have been rated using the same type of scoring system, with 70-100 being named Very Bikeable. Topping that list were Minneapolis, Portland, and San Francisco.

The goal of Bike Score is to help cities measure and then improve their bicycling ridership. Check it out and see where your town rates by clicking here. If you would like more in-depth information about places where you can walk and ride in our local community, please contact me.

 

Real Housewives Of New Jersey Lists Her Massive Mansion : Homes In Short Hills

0508gorga01 Real Housewives Of New Jersey Lists Her Massive Mansion : Homes In Short HillsThe big news of the day around here  is that Melissa Gorga of the Real Housewives of New Jersey is selling her house! It’s amazing what makes the news. Personally, I’ve never seen the show but I’m sure I’m in the minority. So here’s the scoop…Melissa’s home sits on 2.24 acres, which was listed in November of 2009 for $4.1 million. It was taken off the market in 2010 but now is up for sale again for $3.8 million.  Melissa Gorga’s home is located in Montville Township which is in Morris County. With another record low for mortgage rates, it should be interesting seeing if that reduction will be enough to make the sale. Both Short Hills and Montville are  approximately 30 minutes from the city, but the homes in Short Hills  do not come with 2-3 acres of land in the same price range.

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

Short Hills NJ-Boxcar Bar & Grill: Location is Everything

 DSC 0299 Short Hills NJ Boxcar Bar & Grill: Location is EverythingLocation is everything and the The Boxcar Bar & Grill in Short Hills, NJ got it right. If you are from this area, you know that last Thursday night was Girls Night Out in Millburn; (My Office)..  The Keller Williams Premier Properties from Summit, NJ is about to open in another location in June – Short Hills at 518 Millburn Ave, and we all decided to go out first to the NEW- BoxCar Bar & Grill.  The bar/restaurant is located in the Short Hills train station; when you first come through the bar - which is a warm and open space with enough room for at least 40-50 people - it catches you off guard. This was originally a luggage room, and has been transformed into a room with 3 big screened TV’s; it brings in a local crowd right off the Midtown Direct. Lucky them! The location allows the restaurant ample amounts of parking.  Millburn-Short Hills Township acquired the train station in 1966 from the Erie Lackawanna, NJ Transit’s predecessor; several years ago Millburn issued an RFD for a small breakfast concession.

From there, the Boxcar has grown to be a full service restaurant DSC 0301 Short Hills NJ Boxcar Bar & Grill: Location is Everythingproviding a niche for weary commuters and for the local community.  The owners Jane and Jeff Tauber have done a stellar job keeping the integrity of the original station intact. As the weather permits, Marc Cooperman manager of the Boxcar has detailed plans for moving tables outside.  As explained by Lynn Ranieri, Curator of the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society, Stewart Hartshorn moved to Short Hills from NYC in the 1870’s. He loved the outdoors and sought “to entice nature loving people to move here.”

Hartshorn wanted to make it easy for people to get to and from New York City, so  he built a station which cost $2,500 and persuaded the Delaware Lackawanna Railroad to run tracks trough the area.

I personally think that Stewart Hartshorn would have approved of the Boxcar-DSC 0315 150x150 Short Hills NJ Boxcar Bar & Grill: Location is Everything

The crowd filled the former luggage room within an hour of arrival with all the Millburn-Short Hills locals. It was a sophisticated intimate crowd, the room was packed with friends and neighbors I’ve known for years, and the food was coming out quickly and everyone was happy. Food is my passion but selling real estate is my bread and butter - Location in Real Estate has always been what it’s about, and the location of the Boxcar is going to make my life in selling Short Hills Real Estate a much easier job!

I’m a Short Hills Real Estate Agent and 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

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright © year Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Notice: The dissemination of listings on this website does not constitute the consent required by N.J.A.C. 11:5.6.1 (n) for the advertisement of listings exclusively for sale by another broker. Any such consent must be obtained in writing from the listing broker.

This IDX solution is (c) Diverse Solutions 2013.