5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home By Lisa Fant When you finally decide it’s time to buy a home, your finances should be one of your first considerations. But before diving into your home search, you may want to consider double checking your credit score. While this is general financial advice, it’s always a best practice to talk to an…
Pros and Cons of Smart Home Technology By Lisa Fant Many new homebuyers, or long-time homeowners, have opted for tech solutions in their homes for added convenience and security. With busy lives and full to-do lists, many of these smart tools can optimize our time, work for our benefit and have become more comprehensive than ever before. Despite the seemingly simplistic use of modernistic devices…
August 22, 2022
By Erin McFeeters Obstacle: Lack of Inventory Potential home buyers around the state are experiencing a lack of inventory almost everywhere and the home buying process will likely take more time than it has in the past two years. According to NJ Realtors® February housing market reports, there were just 12,295 single-family homes for sale, an inventory decline of 30.5% over February 2021. Realtors® in New…
By Erin McFeeters Climate change and global warming aren’t going away, and the ecosystem in our state must be protected. It may seem like a daunting task, but there are simple swaps you can make in your home that can help. 1. Always have a reusable bag on hand As of May 4, 2022, plastic bags are banned in New Jersey. The NJ Department of…
Cape Code Most known for its steep pitched roofs, Cape Cod architecture was introduced to the U.S. by English colonists to combat New England winters, according to The Spruce. The low ceilings and central chimney helped keep the inside warm, and the roof style keeps snow from piling up. The original version of these homes had two bedrooms on the second floor and one bathroom…
No matter what town you end up in, New Jersey is a smart choice. While the Garden State boasts an active residential market, it’s accompanied by a diverse, unique commercial and industrial market—making NJ a great place for businesses to thrive. Choose: New Jersey is the economic development arm of the state, which helps to provide resources to businesses that are interested in settling in…
You’re considering buying your first home. Congratulations! It’s a big step and an investment that will hopefully bring you happiness and help you build equity for years to come. Before you start perusing listings, however, it pays to understand a few home buying misconceptions: Owning isn’t always better than renting Consider how long you plan to live in the home and whether you’re prepared to…
What is Curb Appeal and Why is It Important? “Curb appeal is that front yard shot that is the first impression people see,” said Eric Cording, who is in charge of sales and design work for his family’s business, CLC Landscape Design in Ringwood. He also earned his real estate license in 2020 and works out of the Terrie O’Connor Realtor® office in Kinnelon. “It…
New Jersey is known for many things: fresh fruits and vegetables, easy commutes to Philly and NYC, beautiful beaches. Hiking may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of the Garden State, but here are 14 trails that can’t be beat. Stairway to Heaven—Sussex County A moderate difficulty trail in Vernon Township along part of the Appalachian Trail. This…