Optimism Blooms As New Jersey Real Estate Market Enters Spring Share by Judy Speicher

May 10, 2011 — brianjannone

Optimism Blooms As New Jersey Real Estate Market Enters Spring Share by Judy Speicher

SUMMIT, NJ – Warm weather is finally arriving in the Garden State. Along with daffodils and crocuses, is another sign of spring, For Sale signs in front yards. This year New Jersey realtors are seeing something they haven’t seen for a few years: Optimism. “I’m very optimistic for 2011 because I see a lot of listings and listings being sold,” said Zelda Greenwald, an agent with Weichert Realtors in Summit and a realtor for over 20 years. “I think the sellers this year are much more realistic about the market, and the pricing of the listings have been more realistic this year,“ she added. Professor Robert W. Burchell, director of the Center For Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University, likened the Spring 2011 market to the old adage in real estate “If it’s priced right it will sell and if it’s priced wrong it will not sell.” The question Burchell asked is, “What is the normal price?” Is it from the period between the 1980s up until around 2002 when growth in New Jersey was “somewhere on the order of 4-percent”? Or, as many homeowners prefer, the 4-5 years leading up to roughly 2008, when real estate was going up 15-20 percent a year? Of course this was followed by the recession when prices started going downhill. Burchell said at the time of soaring prices, people knew it was a “ridiculous amount they were being offered for their home”, but now they are unwilling to accept the reality that their home is worth less. Realtor David Cooper with Coldwell Banker in Millburn, said prices are off, but echoed a common theme, “If you have priced your house reasonably, it will sell. Maybe not right away, or for what you assume it’s worth, but it will sell.” Cooper added “Unlike other areas around the country, we have an artificial desire of people to move to Millburn. This is for a myriad of reasons, but to a large extent, the schools, and the train commute of the Midtown Direct, are the major movers.” Cooper said, “You are not hearing the horror stories that are on the nightly news, because all real estate is local, not national. Las Vegas and Florida have nothing to do with Short Hills. There certainly are trends, but as far as I can see, it ends there.” Burchell explained that in this state, home prices will always be expensive. “New Jersey vies with Connecticut and Maryland for the highest household income in the country. So, your housing is going to be expensive because your people essentially can pay for it.” Even with roughly 10-percent unemployment rate in New Jersey, Burchell said housing remains pricey “because all of the people that are employed are making very healthy incomes.” He said when you factor in higher house prices on the coasts of the U.S., plus the salaries that are paid within a commuting distance of New York City and Philadelphia, then housing will be expensive. Despite new optimism in the real estate market, New Jersey has been hit. Burchell said “New Jersey is much more reflective of the average of what’s happening in the U.S. It’s not an Arizona, Florida, Nevada, California, it’s at the average.” He said we’re only at about half the housing starts we would normally expect in the year. While there’s not a lot of activity going on, housing starts in New Jersey are only off by about 25 percent, compared to rates of 60-80 percent elsewhere. In its March 21st report, the National Association of Realtors said February existing home sales in the country dropped 9.6 percent, and were 2.8 percent below the pace in February of 2010. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said he expects an uneven recovery. “Housing affordability conditions have been at record levels and the economy has been improving, but home sales are being constrained by the twin problems of unnecessarily tight credit, and a measurable level of contract cancellations from some appraisals not supporting prices negotiated between buyers and sellers,” he said. Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 7.2 percent in February and are 8.3 percent below February 2010. The median price in the Northeast was down 9.5 percent from a year ago. Greenwald called the market “still very fragile”. “It’s not the market we saw 3-4 years ago, the banks are not giving mortgages like they did years ago. They’re very cautious and the appraisals are coming in low.” “There’s not a tremendous amount of sales, don’t get me wrong,” said Greenwald, “But if a house is priced precisely right and in good condition there could be multiple offers. The days where the seller would see 10 and 20 percent appreciation, those days — they’re non-existent.” The only area of the housing market that Greenwald has seen go down in value is townhouses. She sees the most activity in houses in the $400,000-$800,000 range. “Most definitely the million-plus range is not that solid,” she said. Greenwald said, “I’m very optimistic about the market. For the past few years it’s been very trying for the realtors and the buyers. Buyers are very savvy today. They’re not going to overpay for a home. They’re very cautious.” Related Content Photos Optimism Blooms As New Jersey Real Estate Market Enters Spring Credit: Judy Speicher

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The Jannone Team – Recently Ranked #1 Sales Team

March 28, 2011 — brianjannone
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Getting Ready For Spring

March 5, 2011 — brianjannone

Get inspired by the nice weather and the promise of summer. Prepare your home for spring by using the following checklist. 

  • Roof – Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Inspect flashing, eaves, and soffits.
  • Gutters and downspouts – Clean out gutters; inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage.
  • Paint – What areas need painting? How about a new color trim?
  • Siding and trim – Inspect and clean siding. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. Check for loose nails.
  • Exterior caulking – Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.
  • Windows – Label and store removable storm windows and doors.
  • Security – Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly.
  • Window and door screens – Wash windows, put up screens and patch any holes. Clean screening and repair or replace; repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
  • Window sills, door sills, and thresholds – Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if necessary.
  • Yard cleanup – Remove all debris from the yard. Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from flowerbeds and lawn. Cut back and trim vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Begin spring landscaping projects.
  • Organize – Create storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, and garden tools in your garage.
  • Outdoor furniture – Inspect, clean and repair.
  • Check for termites and insects – Call exterminator if needed.
  • Open windows to ventilate.
  • Give entire house overall cleaning.
  • Deck and porches – Check decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and eterioration.
  • Drain waste and vent system – Flush out system.
  • Hot-water heating system – Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
  • Evaporative air conditioner – Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust; replace cracked or worn belt.
  • Heat pump – Lubricate blower motor.
  • Foundation – Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
  • Flashing – Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
  • Antenna – Check antenna and satellite dish supports.
  • Sprinkler – Check sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
  • Water well – Have well water tested for safety.
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Is your trusted real estate agent using the latest technology tools to sell your home?

February 25, 2011 — brianjannone

The Internet, Google, hits, clicks, social media.  These are no longer cool tech terms, they are mainstream terms.  NAR reports that 87% of home buyers begin their search on the internet, normally six months or more prior to buying.  If your home isn’t being highlighted and found in these spaces, you are missing out the largest possible audience of home buyers.  Yet the internet is only one of the tools a tech-savvy realtor uses.  They also use apps, text services, email and more to market your home to the largest possible audience of ready, willing and able buyers.

A tech-savvy listing agent knows that your listing needs to be marketed to three distinct groups:

  1. Buyers not working with other agents
  2. Buyers who are working with other agents
  3. Real Estate agents directly
  • Tech-savvy agents know how to blanket the internet with your listing, reaching groups 1 and 2.  They know how to use photos and video to highlight the best features of your home and community.
  • Tech-savvy agents know where buyers are looking and make sure that your listing is on those sites.  They create a website just for your listing alone!
  • Tech-savvy agents don’t neglect other agents, they know to reach out to fellow agents, especially ones who are known to work with buyers in your area, to let them know about your great new listing.
  • Tech-savvy agents have a data base of buyers and agents who are interested in your area and they email them about your hot new listing and they hold open houses to show off your listing to consumers and fellow brokers.
  • Tech-savvy agents use the power of video, social media and networking to expose your home to potential buyers.
  • Tech-savvy agents know how to research the market and work with you to price the home to sell at the highest price the market will bear.
  • Tech-savvy agents know how to consistently market for buyers so that they always have a steady supply of buyers to whom they can expose your listing.
  • Tech-savvy agents know how to get your listing on google, google maps and many more sites and portals.
  • Tech-savvy agents are connected, both on and off-line, with the people in your area and have a credible real estate marketing background.
  • Tech-savvy agents have systems in place to keep you updated on the marketing of your listing, the competition (what’s selling) and the feedback from showing agents, so you are always fully informed about your listing and the market.

We see the value in technology and understand why it is crucial to sell your home.  The Jannone Team is one of the most tech-savvy and successful real estate teams in the area. We pride ourselves on perfection. The Jannone team will meet your needs using the latest technology tools available.  Our team will use the latest and greatest tools available to ensure your home is sold quickly and at the best possible price available.

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Getting Ready to Sell Your Home Spring 2011

February 10, 2011 — brianjannone

As we enter spring 2011, here are some helpful tips to improve the odds that your home will stand out.

1) Wash those windows inside and out / polish all mirrors Sparkle is free, and sparkle sells homes. A potential buyer may not realize why your home seems so inviting but will feel drawn to it if the windows are spotless and your mirrors reflect sunlight. Cleaning is the first step to

2) Rake your yard / trim back any bushes Clean out dead leaves and debris in your lawn. Don’t let overgrown vegetation block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home.

3) Mow diagonally and edge lawn along driveway / sidewalks Artfully manicured lawns are edged and tell buyers you pay attention to small details. Diagonally mowed lawns make your yard appear larger.

4) Transplant tulips and daffodils or buy flowers in containers Yellow flowers stimulate buying urges. After a long winter, everybody is anxious to see the first signs of spring. Yellow tulips and daffodils induce feelings of happiness and contentment. Arrange containers in groups of three or five near the entrance.

5) Clean drapes, curtains & blinds and open every window Send your window coverings to the dry cleaners or wash, dry and press. Toss blinds into a soapy bathtub for a quick wash. Get rid of all accumulated dust and spider webs. Crisp linens and a spring-time breeze through the windows invites the season inside.

6) Set out fresh-smelling flowers such as just-clipped lilacs branches or peonies Why not flatter your neighbors and ask if you can borrow flowers from their yards? Natural scents are more appealing than artificial and trigger fewer allergies among those susceptible. Peony vases are designed to hold peonies upright, but wash the flowers first to avoid carrying ants inside. brings color and fragrance indoors.

7) Polish floors to a high gloss Your hardwood floors should be refinished, if necessary. Make your ceramic and linoleum floors twinkle and shine. Bleach dull grout. Thoroughly clean all area rugs.

8) Utilize towels, throws, pillows in light colors – yellows, pinks, pale blues, lavenders Even if it means replacing items, towels, linens, throws and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents you can buy. In soft spring colors, they will light up a room. Layer towels on bathroom towel racks and place rolled wash cloths on the counters in a fashionable pyramid.

9) Offer an outside mat for cleaning shoes & put umbrella stand at entrance No matter where you live, spring weather is often unpredictable. In some states, it can be 72 degrees one day and snowing the next. If it’s raining, give buyers a place to stash umbrellas and wipe their feet before entering your home. Some sellers lay down plastic runners across floors for protection, but that tends to ruin the effect of a glittering polish job.

10) Set out four-color flyers & financing options Don’t skimp on your marketing materials. You want home buyers to select your flyer among the dozens they pick up. Color sells better than black and white. Show home buyers how easily they can afford to buy your home by giving them two or three financing options. The first thing on buyer’s minds when considering a home purchase is the monthly mortgage payment. Don’t make them guess.

11) Use a color photo for display advertising Spend a little more on newspaper and online advertising by including a color photograph in your ad. Remember: a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Look through your photo galleries for a seasonal photograph that flaunts your home to its best advantage.

12) Mail four-color postcards with UV coating Call a local title company to obtain a free direct-mail list of your surrounding neighbors. Print four-color oversized postcards and include a UV coating to give the marketing oomph. Use first-class postage.

13) Fill sink with ice to chill bottled water for guests Put a couple dozen bottles of water in a sink of ice for buyers. You can also tape labels to the bottles, printed from your computer, with your phone number, a photograph and address of your home.

14) Set out treats, individually wrapped in cellophane & tied w/ribbon Touring homes makes buyers hungry. Give them a snack. It will give buyers an opportunity to linger in your kitchen and marvel at its elegant appointments, which might otherwise be overlooked.

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What To Look For In a Home Inspection

January 18, 2011 — brianjannone

Home Inspection Checklist

 

Home Inspection Essentials

Although architectural details, wall and floor coverings, modern conveniences and many other factors are important in the buying decision, the focus of this inspection is on the structural, mechanical, electrical condition of the property.

The inspection is designed to give the real estate agent or prospective purchaser a system to detect some of the readily accessible major flaws or deficiencies in the significant components and systems of a home. It is not designed to, nor does it profess to facilitate detection of all flaws, problems or occurrences that might exist in any given home.

To maximize time efficiency and to ensure all of the major sections of the home are take into consideration, we have developed a systematized approach to the inspection. This is a simplified overview of systems that professional home inspectors use when they are inspecting a home.

To assist you in following the system, we have provided a checklist that will guide you through your own inspection.

Home Inspection Items Not Inspected

A home inspector’s standard practice typically does not include the following, for which a specific license to inspect and identify is required:

  • Asbestos
  • Radon Gas
  • Lead Paint
  • Toxic Mold
  • Pest Control

Home Inspectors may suggest some important Environmental Testing for your property.

THE INSPECTION SYSTEM

THE BIG PICTURE

The first step in inspecting a home is to examine the big picture for the home. Notice the area the home is located in. Are there other homes of similar age and construction details relative to the home you are inspecting? A comparison will give you a general idea of the up keep of the home. Have there been significant modifications to the exterior of the building and if so, how is the workmanship?

EXTERIOR

Start at the exterior front of the house and work your way around the house (clockwise or counter-clockwise) at a distance which allows you to view a complete face comfortably. On each face (front, sides, rear) start your visual inspection at the top of the structure and work your way down to the ground and lot area. As an example, you would start at the front and note the roof and chimneys, the gutters, fascia and soffit’s. Then, moving down the exterior wall coverings (brick, wood, aluminum), noting windows, doors, etc. Examine any porches or decks down to the foundation, then the grade or slope of the lot area, followed by any coverings, such as flower beds, walkway’s, interlocking brick, driveways, etc. Move closer to the house, to examine more closely any details which may have attracted your attention, without skipping any items. Having completed the front, move to the side of the house and start the same procedure (roof to ground).

INTERIOR

On the interior, begin your inspection in the basement and then follow the system throughout each floor in the house. The system for inspecting the interior is to begin with the floor, go to the walls and then the ceiling, and then consider any appliances or other items in the room. Move from room to room, always in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not miss any areas. If you see a door, open it!
In the utility room in the basement, first notice the floor, the walls (possibly the foundation walls are visible here), then the ceiling (floor joists may be visible), then go to the furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, plumbing system, etc. When inspecting the floors, walls and ceilings, scan the entire areathat is visible, not just one section.
In a finished room you would notice the floors, walls (including windows) and ceiling. Next look for the heat sources, electrical outlets and switches, fireplaces, closets etc. In bathroom or kitchen, notice the floor, walls and ceiling, then the plumbing fixtures.

CONDITION

While performing the inspection, whether at the exterior, the interior or one of the mechanical systems, note the system first, then its relative condition. For example, if you were inspecting a wall on the interior of the home you would first note that the wall is plaster, and then examine the wall for cracks and irregularities.

PROBLEMS

The following are some typical problems or occurrences to look for in the major components and systems of the home.

ROOF
Is the ridge (peak) showing a sag, or is it straight and level?
Is the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses?
Are there any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles, such as curling, warping, broken edges, rounded corners or key holes(slits) becoming wider that normal?
Any loose flashing’s, at the chimney, roof-to-wall connection or elsewhere?
Does the wooden roof deck appear rotten or delaminate under the last row of shingles?
Are there any roof vents visible?

CHIMNEYS
Is the masonry cap cracked or broken?
Are any bricks flaking or missing? Mortar missing?
Is the chimney leaning?

SOFFITS AND FASCIA
Note whether the soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic.
Any loose or missing sections?
If wood, are there any paint problems? Any visible rot?

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Ensure gutters slope down toward downspouts.
Any rust or peeling paint?
Apparent leaks or loose/sagging sections?
Are the downspouts extended away from the foundations?

WALL COVERINGS
Look for missing mortar
Are the bricks flaking or cracking?
Look for loose, missing or rotten siding, deteriorated paint.>
Does the siding appear new? Does it hide the foundation wall?
Exterior walls bowed, bulged or leaning?

WINDOWS AND DOORS
Look for problems with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components.
Are the windows new or older? Are they the original windows? How old are they?

PORCHES AND DECKS
Cracking or flaking masonry?
Check for paint problems, rotted wood, and wood-earth contact.
Note any settlement or separation from the house.
Inspect the underside, if accessible.

FOUNDATIONS
Check for cracks, flaking or damaged masonry.
Note any water markings and efflorescence (whitish, chalky substance)
Any bowing, bulging or other irregularities?
Soft mortar?

LOT AREA
Does the grade slope away from the house?
Any settled/low areas next to the foundation, or cracked walks/driveway?
Is the property lower than the street or neighboring properties?

BASEMENT
Note any evidence of water penetration (stains, mildew/odors, efflorescence, loose tiles etc.)

FLOORS
Check for deteriorated coverings or cracked ceramics.
Any water staining or other damage?
Sloping or sagging?

WALLS
Randomly sample to check that the windows and doors work.
Are the walls straight vertically and horizontally?
Look for cracked or loose plaster.
Look for stains, physical damage or previous repair evidence.
Any drywall seams or nails showing?

CEILINGS
Check for cracks in the plaster or loose, sagging plaster.
Look for stains, mechanical damage or evidence of previous repair.
Seams or nails showing?

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS
Check that all fixtures are secure.
Are there any cracks in the fixtures?
Note the condition of the tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area.
Are the faucets working? Do they leak? Sufficient water pressure?
Look for staining and rot under the counter-tops
Randomly sample the operation of the cabinet doors and drawers.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Type, style and age of heating & cooling systems. When were they last inspected or serviced?
Type of water supply piping and drains – any visible rust and corrosion?
Size and age of electrical service – are the outlets grounded? Visible wiring in good condition?
Have there been any upgrades?

WALK-THROUGH
HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Address:___________________________________________________

Style__________ Construction__________Reno?__________ #BR_____ #Bath _____

ITEM NOTES Good Avg. Suspect Poor
ROOF          
CHIMNEY          
SOFFIT/FASCIA          
GUTTERS          
CLADDING BRICK        
  WOOD        
  VINYL        
WINDOWS WOOD        
  METAL        
  PLASTIC        
DOORS WOOD        
  METAL        
DECKS          
PORCHES          
LOT AREA          
HEATING FAG FAO FAE AGE        
AC/HEAT PUMP Y N AGE        
  WATER G O E        
  EBB        
PLUMBING COPPER        
  GALVANIZED        
  LEAD        
  HWT G O E AGE        
ELECTRICAL CO AL        
  60 100 200        
  PLUGS        
  FIXTURES        
FLOORS CARPET        
  HARDWOOD        
  VINYL        
  CERAMIC        
WALLS DRYWALL        
  PLASTER        
  WOOD/PANELING        
CEILINGS DRYWALL        
  PLASTER        
  WOOD/PANELING        
BATHROOMS FIXTURES        
  TUB AREA        
KITCHEN FIXTURES        
  APPLIANCES        
  CABINETS        
  COUNTERS        
FIREPLACES          
SKYLIGHTS          
FOUNDATIONS          
BASEMENT FINISHED        
  DAMPNESS        
ATTIC          
OTHER          
           
           
           
           
           

This home inspection checklist is provided by the American Home Inspector Directory as a guideline only, to provide an overview/example of the structural and mechanical components involved in the inspection of a home, and is not intended to constitute a detailed, systematic thorough inspection or report on the condition of a home.

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Finding the right real estate agent

January 13, 2011 — brianjannone

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.
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Somerville’s Mayor Enters New Year With High Hopes

January 5, 2011 — brianjannone

As reported by NJ.com, Somerville mayor Brian Gallagher approached the issues facing Somerville Borough in his state of the borough address this past week. The mayor remains optimistic about the future of the borough. Here are some highlights from his speech:

• “Today Somerville makes history by embracing a better library. As part of the county system, we can now provide our citizens with better services, better technology, better materials, better support, better programming, and we accomplish all of this at a reduced cost to the taxpayer. To those that have and continue to oppose this, look at who you are trying to hurt. It is every neighbor you meet, it is every child in the schools and it is every taxpayer in this borough, and to what gain? Moving forward, I have appointed an advisory board, which I ask to convene on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. to begin their work with the county board to ensure the programming and services provided are right for the citizens of Somerville.”

• “I look forward to working with Dr. Tim Purnell, the new superintendent of schools, on a new approach to our relationship between borough and schools, including the shared use of facilities, recreation, maintenance and many other areas. Some of these discussions have already begun.”

• The Somerville portion of the Peters Brook Greenway will be completed in the spring and will span from the Raritan River to Clarks Woods, including a pedestrian overpass across Route 202-206 and across Peters Brook behind the skate park. In addition, with a Regional Center Challenge grant we will be installing fitness stations along the length of the path in the spring. I will create a Peters Brook Greenway Advisory Committee to ensure this wonderful asset continues to grow and be maintained in the manner it should.”

• “Somerville’s Transit Village designation identifies the borough state-wide and nationally as a well planned transit and pedestrian friendly community. This gives the borough greater ability for funding of transportation related projects, which are critical to the success of all our redevelopment plans. With our Transit Village designation in 2010, we received a $100,000 grant for Division Street to increase pedestrian access by widening sidewalks and to promote larger circulation improvements in the area, and this work will begin this year.”

• “Since 2005 we have received $3.1 million in grants from the state DEP to investigate and define the contamination in and on the properties around the landfill and plan their cleanup. This past year NJ Transit with the borough interviewed six developers interested in redeveloping NJ Transit-owned property next to the train station. Formal requests for proposals for the redevelopment of these areas will be released this year.”

• County dispatching for our Police Department is on the horizon.

• We have completed the updated Kirby Avenue Redevelopment Plan and we look forward to the interest of developers in the neighborhood-crafted plan.

• The train station will see completion in the spring with a $16 million overhaul.

• We will be moving to online tax payments in 2011.

• In 2010 I had sent a letter to all hired professionals requesting a voluntarily 5% fee reduction and all the professionals have complied.

• The borough is moving to pay stations in Lots 1 & 2 and Veterans Memorial Drive, removing hundreds of meters that require significant labor.

• We all look forward to a food store open and operating downtown in 2011!

• And finally, to our partners in the Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority, the days of the assured minimum are over. The assured minimum is a holdover from the 1950s wherein the larger municipalities at that time, like Somerville, guaranteed a certain minimum flow payment to entice the smaller municipalities to join. The roles have now flipped and the larger municipalities are now benefitting from a subsidy in low flow quarters from the smaller municipalities, like Somerville. This is generating an extra $100,000 in cost to our taxpayers this quarter. I will not allow this to continue and have instructed Borough Hall to not pay this amount. Either the partners agree to amend the agreement immediately, or Somerville will bring suit. All we ask is that each municipality pay for their respective flow — nothing more, nothing less.

“I do not look at the challenges Somerville faces as hurdles to overcome, but as the potential and catalyst for further success. We must view these as steps to making a better Somerville community for all of her citizens, and a better place for all of our families. For some, Somerville has been a part of their families for many generations, for others it has been only for a few years, but to those who stay, we share a common vision of a wonderful place we all call home, that is Somerville. Thank you and God bless.”

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Stunning Colonial with Stunning Views

December 23, 2010 — brianjannone

Come home to a paver driveway with a three-car garage, a home with stunning architecture throughout, impeccable details and distant mountain views. Relax with a jetted tub in the master bath and a gas fireplace. Sound too good to be true?

1950 Mountain Top Rd. Bridgewater, NJ

1950 Mountain Top Rd. Bridgewater, NJ

 

Our listing at 1950 Mountain Top Rd. in Bridgewater, NJ is truly an oasis and a treat to come home to. Enter into a stunning foyer with cathedral ceilings that welcomes you inside. A gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, eat-in area and gorgeous hardwood cabinets makes a perfect place for entertaining and creating gourmet meals. A spacious living room with gas fireplace makes the perfect spot for relaxing. The finished, walkout basement adds even more living space that’s perfect for a media or game room.

5 Bedrooms offers plenty of space for family and guests. The master bedroom features a sitting room, walk-in closet, and master bath with jetted bathtub. An in-law suite with a bath and living room is great for the holidays. The backyard with a resort-like pool and deck offers even more living space and is great for summer entertaining. This perfect home, in Bridgewater, New Jersey – close to shopping, great schools and major roadways, while still being imitate and tucked away – can be yours for $1,599,000

Posted in Bridgewater, Somerset County NJ. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Keeping Track of Santa Claus

December 23, 2010 — brianjannone

As we all know, every Christmas Eve, Santa hits the skies to deliver presents to waiting boys and girls here, and throughout the world. With technology, it’s easier than ever to track Santa’s flight across New Jersey, the United States, and the world.

Since 1955, NORAD – the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa on his flight on their website, noradsanta.com, featuring satellite, radar and high-speed digital camera giving up to date information on exactly where he’ll be.

Chief of Combat Operations William Platt explained how the tracking works. “As Santa Claus departs from the North Pole on Christmas Eve, we monitor his travels with our radar systems,” Platt said. “Once we have St. Nick on radar, we will use satellites with infrared sensors to detect Rudolph’s glowing nose. The last way we track the Man in the Big Red Suit is with Santa Cams. NORAD has placed high-speed cameras throughout the world to capture images of Santa and his reindeer as they deliver toys.” While Santa remains in U.S. airspace, he is accompanied by a fighter pilot escort to make his trip safe and smooth. Some 1,250 NORAD and Department of Defense employees volunteer their time to make Santa’s trip a smooth one and track him as he moves across the globe.

Of course, there’s other ways of keeping up with the big man in red with social networking and more. NORAD maintains a Facebook page with updates on Santa’s location every hour. You can also call NORAD’s Santa Operations Center at 877-HI-NORAD. Using your smartphone you can track Santa with Google Earth; the 3D Santa Tracker app for iPhone or the Countdown to Christmas app for Android phones. You can even send him a tweet (@noradsanta), or send him a video message via smilebox.com, and even check into the North Pole on Foursquare. Be sure to keep an eye out tomorrow night in the sky as Santa makes his flight!

 

Posted in Bridgewater, NJ, Somerset County NJ. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »
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