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…
6 Sustainability Swaps for Your Home
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…
NJ Architecture
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…
Choose New Jersey!
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…
Homeownership Myths Debunked
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…
Curb Appeal Tips and Tricks
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…
Take A Hike
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…
First-time Buyer Financing Tips and Tricks
For most first-time buyers, financing their purchase is the biggest hurdle. Share theses financing tips with your buyers to help smooth their path to homeownership. 1. Do a personal financial review. Create a financial plan with a preferred monthly housing payment, available cash for down payment and closing costs, income and spending. 2. Start with an early loan preapproval. Buyers should obtain preapproval for…
Staging Do’s and Don’ts
It’s no secret home staging is a huge component of selling a house. A properly staged home helps buyers picture themselves in it, inspires them, and can help make the house look more attractive. “Other than pricing the home properly, home staging may be the second most important factor for creating buyer urgency,” says Denise Petti, a Realtor® from Ship Bottom who specializes in staging…
Hope Township
As one of the earliest planned communities in the United States, a visit to Hope Township in rural Warren County is like getting a glimpse back into history. There is a lot that hasn’t changed from the time the area was established by German Moravians in 1769. This evangelical sect was said to have traveled to New Jersey from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in order to spread…