All About Central New Jersey

Finding the right real estate agent to help you sell your home (or to help you buy one, in the case of a buyer’s agent  is everything. Real estate transactions are complicated, and if you’re like most home buyers, all your assets are on the line. But all real estate agents aren’t created equal. Some realtors get personally involved every step of the way, while some farm out a lot of the work to other brokers. The amount of formal education a realtor has, the knowledge they have about the neighborhoods you want to buy into and the real estate listings they have access to vary widely.

Before you get started, it’s important to understand exactly what (or who) you’re shopping for. Many people use the terms “realtor”, “real estate agent” and “real estate broker” interchangeably, but they aren’t mutually inclusive. A real estate agent is a person who has a real estate license from the state in which they practice (keep in mind, though, that the requirements for getting a real estate license in most states are pretty minimal). A realtor is a real estate agent who has earned additional certification from the National Association of Realtors. And a real estate broker is a realtor who has yet more training and a different license than either real estate agents or realtors.

Confused yet? For the most part, the exact title of the real estate professional you work with isn’t as important as the level of commitment, energy and local knowledge he or she may have. But trying to find the real estate agent who embodies all the above can still be a challenge. Read over the following tips for choosing a realtor (or real estate agent, or broker) and you’ll be ahead of the game:

• There are a few types of real estate agencies out there – small ones, large ones, franchises and independent agencies – but don’t get too hung up on the differences. The individual agent is more important than the real estate agency.
• Know what type of representation you’re looking for. Most real estate agents are seller’s agents, meaning they only represent sellers’ interests (to the disadvantage of buyers). This is great if you’re a seller, but if you’re looking to buy a home inquire about buyer’s agents – brokers who represent the buyer’s interests in real estate transactions – at any agency you look at.
• To find the right agency, do some legwork. There are lots of real estate agencies listed in the phonebook (and online). But if you pick one at random you’ll probably regret it. Explore the neighborhoods you’re interested in buying into and look for realtors / brokers nearby.
• Search for real estate agents, not individual homes or properties. You may be looking through your newspaper’s real estate section one day and fall in love with a home that a particular real estate agent is listing. However, the agent might tell you that property is taken, but they have others you’d love. Less reputable agencies will often use this bait and switch trick to lure in customers. Chances are you’re not going to get the first home you fall for anyway. The long-term relationship you have with your real estate agent is more important than any particular home.
• Look for experience. The real estate profession has a high rate of turnover, which means lots of untested agents are constantly moving in and out of agencies. If you’re considering working with a particular realtor or broker, ask how long they’ve been practicing. If it’s been less than two years, keep looking.
• Look for commitment. Many real estate agents only practice on a part-time basis and they might not have the time or drive to give you the attention you deserve. Also, many brokers are only interested in representing properties within a certain price range. If your home isn’t in it, they might not give it their all.
• Interview real estate agents you’re interested in working with. Experts suggest you sit down with at least three prospective realtors, so you can get a feel for them and what they can do for you. Don’t be afraid to ask them how well they know your neighborhood and exactly how often you’ll hear from them. Ask for references and check them. Evaluate prospective agents based on personality as well. Your relationship with your real estate agent will be a working one, and if you don’t think you’d work well with him or her, it won’t work out.
• Ask friends to refer you to real estate agents they’ve had good experiences with.
• Select a real estate agent who can work with your schedule. If you can only see homes on evenings and weekends, you won’t go very far with an agent who only works days.
• Ask any prospective real estate agent what they’ll do to sell your home. It sounds elementary, but not all agents work the same way. Some brokers will advertise your property and spread the word to other agents they know. Others will just add your property to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service, a directory of homes for sale) and wait for inquiries. The more proactive your realtor, the better.

Nestled on a private .82 acre lot, this impeccable 3300+ sq. ft. Center Hall Colonial, located at 2

Spacious Home with Fully Finished Basement, Backyard built for Entertaining and more!

Pembroke Terrace in Hillsborough Twp., New Jersey,  boasts several features which make it the perfect place to call home.

Relax all year round in your luxurious hot tub, located in the Sun Room. A roomy 23′ Kitchen offers ample sunshine, with a breakfast bar and seperate dining area. A sunken Family Room has a cozy wood burning fireplace and neutral carpeting. The 22′ Master Suite features a 3-season sitting room, private bath with cathedral ceiling and skylight, dressing area and dual closets. There’s even a bedroom/office on the first floor, too! Outside, the backyard is made for entertaining, featuring a 2-tier deck with retractable awning, bench seating, 40′ heated in-ground saltwater pool, large play area, exterior speakers and irrigation system, surrounded by mature landscaping.

In addition to it’s spacious layout, this gorgeous home features an additional 1000 sq. ft. of living space in the beautifully finished basement, featuring a Media Room, Game Room, wet bar, counter seating, home gym, guest room and full bath.

For the technical savvy, this home is equipped with surround sound, fiber optic cabling, RG6 cables, multimedia wiring & home automation.

This immaculate home is conveniently located to Princeton & Bridgewater, close to major highways, trains and shopping.  An award winning school district, including Amsterdam Grade School, completes the package.  This outstanding home is priced to sell at $569,000

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays for travel. Whether you’re leaving Central New Jersey and going to visit relatives and friends, or hosting your friends and relatives at home here in Central New Jersey, here are some tips for both guests and hosts on this wonderful holiday:

As a Guest:

• RSVP and let your host know as soon as possible when you’ll be coming and how long you’ll be staying so they can make arrangements and prepare a room for you. If you want to bring another guest, be sure to clear it with your host first
• Offer to contribute to the meal, and help clean up afterwards. With such a big menu (and so many dishes after), help is often appreciated
• Show up on time and dressed to impress – your host has spent countless hours cooking, cleaning, preparing their home and going all out. Your attire should reflect that.
• Avoid controversial topics at the dinner table. Thanksgiving is a day to be together and enjoy each others company.
• Leave on time and thank your hosts. If you have any questions about the rules in the house, where something is, etc., don’t hesitate to ask their hosts.

As a Host:

• Extend the invitation at least a month in advance. This gives guests time to make their travel arrangements. Also, attempt to be accommodating to additional guests, if space allows.
• Review the guest list with everyone in your household. This can help set the tone for the day, avoid certain touchy subjects, etc.
• Assign tasks – most guests would like to help. Assigning “bartenders”, servers and introducer will make everything run smoother.
• Relax and enjoy yourself – nobody likes a stressed out host! Unwind and enjoy the great celebration you’ve thrown.

Gorgeous Victorian Style Home

Imagine coming home to a stately, victorian-style home. Four bedrooms with plenty of space, a gorgeous living room and dining room with oak floors, a spacious kitchen with center island, and a large front porch and back patio for relaxing in perfect weather.

Our new listing at 317 3rd St. in the North Side section of Dunellen is the perfect combination of old and new, in a great location too – walking distance to the train station to NYC and Newark, and a few minutes from major highways Rt. 22 and I-1287.

This majestic home greets you with an expansive front porch. Outside, a brick patio offers space for entertaining and relaxing.

Inside, this home features gorgeous wood trim and flooring. The spacious kitchen is adjacent to a mud and laundry room. Stained glass windows highlight the stairs to the lower level, featuring a fully finished, spacious basement with plumbing. Upstairs on the 2nd level, 4 spacious bedrooms provide space and opportunities for an office. Listed at $339,900

Halloween is one of Central New Jersey’s favorite holidays – as noted by the millions of dollars in costumes, candy and decorations sold here and everywhere across the US in the weeks leading up to All Hallow’s Eve. Whether you’re having a spooky bash with your neighbors or handing out candy to little princesses, ghosts and ghouls, here are some tips to keep your home and your visitors safe:

• While dark and spooky may set the mood for Halloween, illumination is a key element of safety. Keep walkways clear and well illuminated, especially if you are expecting visitors. Leave your exterior lights on if you are welcoming to trick-or-treaters, conversely, if the thought of handing out candy spooks you (or you’re just not in the mood); leave your exterior lights off.
• If you’re on the road be mindful of the many children crossing the streets. It can be hard to see smaller residents, especially with dark costumes. If you’re a parent sending your child out on their own it’s a good idea to add reflective tape (which comes in black) to your child’s costume to make them more visible.
• Everyone knows Halloween is a night of mischief, but that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize it. Keeping a well lit exterior will deter possible vandals. If you’re throwing a part with your fellow ‘grown-up’ ghosts, hosts should make sure nobody is driving under the influence.
• Parents should know where their kids are in case of an emergency – which is much easier than in years past thanks to cell phones. Still, parents should stay with younger children and if their children go out on their own, it’s good to know who your child is with and where they’ll be. And, what seems like common sense – check your kids candy before they dig in.

We hope these tips make your Halloween fun as well as safe. Enjoy!