A real estate agent wears many hats: friend, confidant, marketing expert. Every agent is unique and many have specialties. There are a few common elements you should be able to expect from an agent.

An agent’s primary duty is to get the terms his client has set, whether that client is buying Montclair NJ real estate or selling a property in the Glen Ridge NJ real estate market. A buyer’s agent should find and show properties that suit the client’s desires and negotiate a fair price. A seller’s agent should aggressively seek out qualified buyers for his client’s home and do everything in his power to sell at or near asking price.

Your real estate agent should help you set the price, asking or offering, for a home. He will do this with a number of tools including a search of recent sales of comparable properties, the features of the home and his knowledge of the area and market. However, an agent should not be expected to sell a sow’s ear for the price of a silk purse. Be willing to listen to his advice.

A good agent should be knowledgeable of their neighborhoods and how to market in their area. Some townships limit or prohibit signage or open houses so a realtor should have more than one weapon in his arsenal. MLS listings alone may not be adequate to sell a piece of West Orange NJ real estate; photos, brochures and a visible web presence may be required for a quick sale.

Buyers should expect their agent to perform a thorough property search. For example, imagine you find a South Orange NJ real estate property. Your agent will help you find out if it has been sold and relisted recently, indicating a “flipped” property. He will help you find out if the home has been sitting long on the market, which may mean the seller is motivated.

Your agent must disclose pertinent facts known about the property like a failing roof or antiquated plumbing. He cannot give out personal information, like a pending divorce motivating a sale, without permission. He can help you find out if changes have been made without permits or inspections. Though your agent may set up an inspection or accompany the inspector, your agent is not a home inspector. He should not speak outside of his area of expertise.

Above all else, a good agent should be accessible. Neither buyer nor seller wants to talk to a machine over a person. Just remember that your agent is a person and not a marketing machine. Demand the best work from your agent but know when the best work has been done.

The stars of the real estate market have finally aligned for a once in a lifetime deal. It’s rare that the market looks this amazing for new home buyers, but if you’ve been shopping the Montclair NJ real estate market lately, now is the time to buy. Fortunately, it’s not just Montclair, but West Orange NJ real estate, Glen Ridge, and South Orange too. Wondering what makes now the ideal time for new homebuyers to grab a piece of the homeownership cake? There are three factors working in their favor.

• 1.    The recent stimulus package includes a credit for new homebuyers of up to $8000. For most, that’s almost the cost of the down payment necessary to get a loan.
• 2.    Because the Glen Ridge NJ real estate market and those around it have lots of homes for sale, it’s a buyer’s market these days, and while you may not see prices go as low as some of those huge homes in California, you’re still likely to get a fantastic price on an amazing property.
• 3.    Interest rates on mortgages are amazing right now. You can expect to get a lower interest rate than you would have just a few years ago, and that can spell great loan payments on many of the properties in the South Orange real estate market.

The great part of this equation is that even if you don’t qualify for the new homebuyer credit, you’re still going to get a phenomenal deal if you’re ready to purchase a home. It’s rare that the stars align in the real estate market quite this well, and the chances that you’ll see something like this happen again in the next fifty years are almost none. Ready to start your search? Contact me today.

Keeping up with technology is necessary to maintain a successful business. That is why as a real estate specialist serving Montclair and Glen Ridge I have a Web site and a blog. I couldn’t serve you well if I didn’t browse a number of different sites to gather information that is helpful to my clients.

Town Presence Through Web Presence

Most municipalities have a web site. They contain standard, useful information such as recycling days and how to obtain a license for your pet. However, what impressed me about Glen Ridge’s web site is its virtual tour. As a real estate specialist serving Montclair and Glen Ridge, I stay ahead of current marketing techniques and trends. Simple and straightforward, the borough’s virtual tour does a fabulous job of selling Glen Ridge through a slide show of photos. I recommend anyone thinking of purchasing a home in Glen Ridge visit the town’s web site.

The virtual tour promotes local businesses and town services such as the senior center and schools. Glen Ridge is lush and leafy with beautiful brick houses and municipal buildings. Some have exquisite turrets and Glen Ridge is one of the few towns in the state that have old-fashioned gaslights that capture a different time in the borough’s history. The photo of Glen Ridge Avenue and Highland is a snapshot stored in my memory with a reminder to take clients past that intersection. In addition, if these were not enough selling points, this real estate specialist serving Montclair and Glen Ridge would be remiss if I did not tell you it is only a 20-minute train ride to Manhattan.

As a real estate specialist serving Montclair and Glen Ridge, I have to admit, I have become used to wonderful everyday things that make a town a town. It was wonderfully refreshing to see Glen Ridge through the web site. As a real estate specialist serving Montclair and Glen Ridge, I would be delighted to accompany you on a personal tour of Glen Ridge and its real estate listings.

You can shop around for nearly anything on-line these days, from a new outfit to a new car to a date for your cousin’s wedding!  Doing your research on-line convenient, informative and a big time-saver.  Why not start your search for a house in the West Orange NJ real estate market on-line?

It’s Convenient.
Beginning your search for real estate on-line is the height of convenience.  You can browse properties and time of the day or night.  You can house-shop in your PJ’s if you want!  You can snoop around for just a minute or two in between chores or spend hours delving into the details of the Glen Ridge NJ real estate listings.  The Internet is open 24/7 and gives the same service no matter the hour.

It’s Economical.
Searching on-line saves both time and money.  You don’t have to waste gas or your valuable time driving from property to property.  Looking on-line lets you decide what properties you most want to see and map the best routes.  Internet house-hunting is a must if you are relocating from a bit further afield, thinking about finding a vacation home or picking out a “pied-a-terre” in the city.  It allows you to pick a few favorites and check the pricing in a neighborhood without booking a flight or missing work.  You can also stay up-to-date on new listings with e-mail alerts so you don’t waste time getting to that hot new property.

It’s Informative.
All the information you need is right at your fingertips when you look at Montclair NJ real estate on-line.  The number of bedrooms and baths, square footage, acreage and asking price are all provided in an on-line listing.  By searching these listings, you can get a good feel for what you can expect to get for your dollar and set an appropriate budget.
 
It’s Easy.
Most real estate websites are very easy to understand and user-friendly.  There are simple tools where you fill in your criteria for size, price, neighborhood, etc. and the site returns all listings matching your requests.  Most sites prominently display contact information for the agent in case you have more questions or want to make an appointment.

It’s Pressure-Free.
There’s no commitment when you’re looking on-line.  You can fall in love with one South Orange NJ real estate property and change your mind as soon as you see the next one.  You can be as fickle as you want without feeling like you’re wasting a realtor’s time.  You can look at everything you like, whether it’s in your price range or not, and not feel pressured to actually buy outside of your comfort zone.   All this browsing helps you narrow the list of things you must have and things you can maybe live without.  On the other side of the coin, you also shop around with less emotion.  You can restrict yourself to certain criteria and not worry about falling for a house that doesn’t fit your needs.

The real question now is this:  what reason could you possibly have for not starting your search on-line?

When house hunting, one must strive to see the beauty of each home. With homes as well as people, it is always so much more than skin deep. I know it’s hard to see past ghastly wall paper, dated furnishings and dusty old drapes to the real beauty of a space, especially when we’re talking about million dollar homes. When paying top dollar we expect perfection. Perhaps we should be more concerned with the potential of the luxury home listings of the Glen Ridge NJ real estate market.

I once listed a home that was, literally, struck by lightning. The home was so large the owner simply did not realize it was on fire at first. It had fire and water damage in the upper reaches and some smoke damage as well. Suffice it to say that this home was more than a little homely. The home was listed and shown in that condition, flouting every rule of staging in a most flagrant manner. That house also had some amazing features, grand rooms and so much closet space you could get lost in it. It took a very special, not to mention smart, buyer to see past the soot to the gem underneath.

The reality is that no home in the Montclair NJ real estate listings will be perfect. Most of our luxury homes are either completely custom-built or customized to a great degree. You may not find complete perfection but you will find potential in each and every home. If you look at the flow of the overall space, you may find that the home has the makings to become exactly what you want. You may want to bring your designer or contractor to help you better see a home’s potential. Think about what you want in each of the home’s major spaces to see if a South Orange NJ real estate property might suit your needs.

Kitchen

You may not find the Aga range that you cannot live without, but can you find a kitchen where one might fit? Check the square footage and look at where the kitchen is located in regard to the view and the other rooms.

Family Room

You may favor a family room that is centrally located in the floor plan or you might want a lower level room that you can make a screening room. Think about your intended use of the room and see if features like window placement will suit it.

Master Bedroom

Many home buyers in the West Orange NJ real estate market have been looking exclusively for first floor master bedrooms and rejecting anything without this feature. But there could be room for a stunning addition, built to your specifications, in another property.

Don’t dismiss a property just because it’s not perfect. Look for its potential.

There are some home improvement projects you can do that will automatically increase the value of your home. If you are putting your home on the market within the immediate you will use a different strategy then if you plan to put it for sale in the future. For example, if you have a bedroom that is dull and showing wear and tare, you can inexpensively purchase some paint and change the color in a short period of time. The improvement will most likely impress any future buyer.
You might reconsider completely remodeling your kitchen, if you plan for an immediate listing, as this can be a very expensive project. It might be a project that you will not get a return for your money immediately. However, if you plan to keep your home for several years then the remodel will increase the value of your home and pay you rewards in the future.
One inexpensive way to improve the value of your home is by using wall paneling. You can panel most any room in your house. If you install quality, real wood paneling this will cause an immediate increased value of your home. Another home improvement is to add an indoor wall fountain. This adds to the rooms decor. The moment a future buyer walks into the room they will be impressed when their eyes focus on the fountain.
If you have a screen door at your point of entry that is showing signs of wear replacing it can be a great investment while also adding value. Instead of a prospective buyer first being discouraged by an ugly screen door they will be impressed with a new door. You should also check your front yard. You might want to add rock, a tree, some shrubs, all inexpensively, that will add some great curb appeal to your home. You should also remove any plant that is near death. This detracts from the landscape. Add some flowers around the front yard. You can put some inexpensive pots, full of bright, colorful plants, on your front porch. You might also consider adding some hanging plants. First impressions are very important when you want to sale your home.

If your house is for sale the chances are good that your realtor discussed curb appeal with you when placing the listing. This basically means how a person reacts to your property when they are driving by your home. The driver will assess the curb appeal your home offers. This includes all of the aesthetic qualities. The driver might like the landscaping, the painting scheme, and the structural integrity. The curb appeal might be so great it will cause the driver to make an appointment to see the inside of the home.
If your lawn needs mowing or, if there are weeds spread throughout the lawn, growing wild in planters, along with bushes that have not been pruned for ages then these will all distract from the curb appeal. If the paint on your house is peeling in a number of places, if the screen on your window is hanging half on-half off, or if there are electrical wires dangling from the roof to the ground then chances are the curb appeal of your home is greatly diminished. A homeowner must assess these distractions and realize how cheaply and quickly these problems can be remedied. Once remedied the curb appeal on your own will increase a great deal.
The initial curb appeal starts the moment the buyer begins to look at your home. Usually the landscaping is the first thing to catch someones eye. This is why a regular mowing of the lawn should be done. The lawn should look green and healthy. Any bare spot or discolored area should be re-sodded. The edges should be trimmed. Weed control should be in place. If the homeowner is not interested in doing this work then s/he should hire a professional lawn care person to make certain the landscaping is always looking at its best.
Also, try to make certain you maintain a symmetrical look. This means the door and windows appear balanced. Two identical light fixtures should frame the front door. Shutters around the windows should seem even and well-maintained. If you have decorative pieces they should be tasteful and selective. The curb appeal your home offers can possibly get an offer on your home.

5 Common Questions: Selling

Even if you’ve bought and sold many South Orange NJ real estate properties, you’ll always have a few questions when it comes time to start the process.  It’s only natural to need answers and a good real estate agent will help you get through each one.  As a realtor, a few questions seem to stand out among the crowd.

Where do I start?
You actually need to start the selling process before you start selling.  Your Montclair NJ real estate property needs to be in showroom shape from the moment it hits the listings.  Take some time to do a little packing and some sprucing up before you list your home.  The sooner you start to declutter and freshen up, the sooner you’ll be able to show it off to potential buyers.

Should I sell now?
This is not a simple question.  The market conditions will have some sway over the timing of your sale but your own personal situation will have more.  Ask yourself if you are ready to leave your current home.  If you aren’t, then ask yourself why you want to sell.  If the reasons are not convincing, perhaps it’s not yet time for you to sell.

Can I sell my property myself?
Of course, any homeowner can put his home up for sale by owner, without the aid of an agent.  In fact, many homeowners choose this option.  Many also find that their agent’s commission was well-earned; marketing and selling a home is hard work.  If you do choose to sell “FSBO”, do your homework and learn the ropes so you don’t end up costing yourself more n mistakes than you would have paid in commissions.

What price should I ask?
Pricing is a delicate matter for any Glen Ridge NJ real estate agent.  This is one area where using an agent can really pay off.  An agent will check the recently sold properties in your area and compare them feature for feature to your home.  He will be able to give you a number that will reflect the current market and your home’s place in it.  He should give a figure he is fairly confident that he can actually get for your home, not a pie-in-the-sky dream number.

How do I choose a realtor?
The three most important ways to judge a realtor are references, references and references.  Ask around; people are more than willing to give their opinions on their agents.  Find a friend or co-worker who has recently sold a piece of West Orange NJ real estate similar to your own and see what their experiences were.  Check an agent’s track record and his specialties and set up an in-person interview.  Your property is unique and your realtor should be, too.  Make sure you find one who is up to the challenge.

5 Common Questions: Buying

Everyone has question when it come to buying a home.  Even the most seasoned Glen Ridge NJ real estate maven will find he has a few questions with each purchase.  There are asking price and appraisal questions, queries about closing costs and inspections and issues with financing or mortgages. 

Realtors field many, many different questions every day but a few seem to crop up a little more frequently than others.  Some are on the practical side; others are a little more emotional in nature.  A good West Orange NJ real estate will treat each one with respect and answer it completely.

When is the best time to buy?
I’m sure you are expecting me, as an agent, to shout “NOW!” but it’s not always the best response for every potential buyer.  Of course, the market will influence the timing of a purchase, but it’s not everything.  The best time to buy has less to do with the market’s condition and more to do with your financial condition.  When you have a solid down payment in hand, enough cash to cover closing costs and a stable income, that’s the best time to start looking.

How do I know when I’ve found the right one?
This is rather like choosing a spouse, isn’t it?  There’s no way anyone else can tell if it’s just the right home.  An agent can help you figure out whether or not it’s a good fit for you and your family, if it’s well-priced and if it’s in good shape but ultimately you will decide if you love it enough to buy.  Luckily you can always sell Montclair NJ real estate, unlike your spouse!

How much should I pay?
This is a question a realtor can really help you muddle through.  The rule of thumb for a suitable purchase price is about 1 ½ to 2 ½ times your annual income but that will vary a little from market to market.  An agent will help you look at competing properties and properties recently sold to determine if the home is well-priced. 

Do I really need my own agent?
In all honesty, you certainly can proceed with a sale using only the seller’s agent.  The South Orange NJ real estate you buy will be just as legally yours after closing whether you employ a buyer’s agent or not.  However, the seller’s agent will not be representing you or your interests in any way.  While you can go without a buyer’s agent, it’s probably not something you should do.

Where do I start?
One of best starting points is to make an appointment with an agent.  He can give you some pointers on a number of areas like financing and neighborhoods.  Another great way to start is to find a lender and get pre-approved for a loan.  This step will help you set your budget range and give you strong footing for making an offer.

Making Your Home Smarter

These days, the words “smart home” are being bandied about by some Montclair NJ real estate area contractors and builders as marks of a luxury home.  That may or may not be the case.  There’s no real definition for this term so it could mean anything from a programmable thermostat to a fully automated home.  Smart home technologies are wonderful additions to include if you’re building or renovating.  Most will increase your resale value while making your life a little easier.

There are several categories of smart home technologies that can help boost your resale value.  You might want to have a chat with your West Orange NJ real estate agent to see which ones buyers in your area expect to see. 

Security

This is one of the best smart features to include for resale value, especially in the luxury price range.  There are sensors that will alert the owner to open doors and windows, miniscule cameras that record wirelessly and digitally and video displays that can be viewed from any TV in your home.  You can even set your alarm system from your phone now.  Glen Ridge NJ real estate buyers like features that will help them protect their belongings and their family.

Entertainment

This is another popular category of smart technology.  Your contractor can install systems that integrate the audio, video and Internet systems into your whole house.  You can plug your iPod into one room and listen to it in any other.  You can have wireless Internet access throughout your home.  Your movies can be stored on your computer and displayed on any TV.  Much of this technology will stay with your home, like hard-wired speakers and cables, increasing its value and its appeal to your future buyers.

Comfort

If you want South Orange NJ real estate buyers to go crazy for your home, install smart technology for comfort.  Programmable thermostats, lights and window treatments make the home’s environment customized to its inhabitant, whether that’s you or the next owner.  That fact will resonate with buyers, particularly luxury buyers. 

There are plenty of other ways to make your home smarter.  If you are building a new home, many are easy to install during construction.  Renovators, however, should be careful in adding certain features as they might be unsightly if not retrofitted properly.  Installation can also cause a significant disruption to daily life.  As with reno, don’t overinvest in technology – smart or otherwise.  Technology advances so rapidly that you may soon have a white elephant instead of a hot property and that is decidedly not smart.