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Month: September 2016

5 Interesting NJ Events Happening In October 2016

If you are new in New Jersey and looking to enjoy some quality time with your friends, you are in the right place. Throughout the year, there are interesting NJ events planned that will keep your days in the Garden State exciting. The month of October 2016 will be a fun filled month and has NJ events planned that can be enjoyed by the whole family. This article will highlight some of the key events coming up in the following categories: Arts & crafts, food, beer & wine tasting, children’s events and concerts & music events.

Ventnor Coffee Jam Night

This is a music event which is perfect for all you music lovers. The event will take place on October 25th where folks will enjoy the sounds of classic hit songs, R&B, and funky jazz. Music will be played by some of the notable artists like Bob Sterling, Robin Van, and Ken Joniec. This is the best place to enjoy music and meet new friends. There are enough drinks to go around including lattes, coffee, tea and some desserts.

The Ultimate Wine and Dine Tour

The title of the event itself is enough to get you nodding! The wine and dine tour will take place in the Renault Winery located in the Brighton Park on 1st of October 2016. You should book ahead to make your reservations to avoid last minute cancellations. This is a premier tour where lovers of wine enjoy a wine tour while sipping on a complimentary glass of wine. A 3-course dinner is provided before taking a round trip from Brighton Park to Atlantic City.

The Mine Train

This is a children’s event that will take place at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions on 30th October 2016. This is an event that children of all age groups will enjoy. This is a real mine shaft where children learn interactive history and they get to pan for real minerals like emeralds, rose quartz and rubies which they are allowed to take home. They experience a mine shaft explosion from a safe distance. These memories will stick to your young one’s mind.

Chocolate Lover’s Feast

Do you plan to take your loved one out for a romantic night? You can surprise him or her on a night out in the famous Blue Rose Inn on 15th October. As the name suggests, it will be a night filled with bountiful feasts for chocolate.  Lovers get to enjoy a seven plated course of chocolate dessert as they hear narrations from their favorite chef about how each came into creation. If this does not spell ‘romance’ then we don’t know what else does!

Oktoberfest

This is an event that celebrates the love of beer, food, and music that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It will take place on 1st and 2nd October at the Historic Smithville & Village Greene. There will also be over 100 arts and craft traders displaying their work. If you are looking for authentic autumnal food, here’s the place to be too!

With so many NJ events happening each month, it’s no wonder many people are choosing to stay in the Garden State for a fulfilling lifestyle. If you are looking to get a property in NJ, look for a local real estate agent to help you get one of the amazing properties on the NJ market.

Neighborhood Guide: Cresskill, NJ

Cresskill was established as a borough in Bergen County in 1894, and it borders Tenafly, Alpine, Dumont, Demarest, and Bergenfield. The zip code for Cresskill is 07626. This borough is set in a tranquil setting with many recreational facilities available for its residents to enjoy. If you are thinking of exploring Cresskill, you will love the fact that it’s small and cozy for you to discover the region in a single day. Let’s take a closer at Cresskill as a neighborhood:

Living in Cresskill, NJ

Property prices in Cresskill are above the national average so you can expect many wealthy individuals and their families to be residing here. There are both charming historic homes and new, modern properties located in this borough – a feature which has attracted many of its residents. Recreational amenities here include a youth center, golf course, swimming pools, and more. If you choose to reside in Cresskill, you will immediately notice the strong bond that the neighbors have with each other, and find Cresskill to be an ideal place to socialize within your community. It’s also easy to commute to nearby New York for work so for those who work in NY, Cresskill is often a top place to consider living in.

Dining Spots

Farmhouse Café & Eatery

Featuring antiques, exposed wood beams, and the menu written on numerous chalkboards, Farmhouse Café & Eatery serves up light fare that reminds you of Mom’s cooking, well, in a good way! Many dishes at this restaurant reign from recipes passed down through generations so if you are thinking of a hearty meal, try Farmhouse in Cresskill today!

Delvina Restaurant

Located on Piermont Street, Delvina is the go-to restaurant when you want to get a taste of Northern Italy. It’s a classy restaurant that serves up authentic Northern Italian dishes that use only the freshest ingredients. The locals here will never leave the restaurant without ordering their delightful Tiramisu so that’s a must-try. By the way, the wine list here is going to keep you coming back for more too.

Umeya

Longing for Sushi in Cresskill? Then you have to head to Umeya where you can sample freshly made sushi by the chef owner, Kenji Umeda. Umeya is a no-frills Japanese restaurant that will wow you with precision-made sushi rolls and other delectable Japanese items on the menu. The Sake sorbet here is always a cooling welcome on those hot summer days.

Points of Interest

The Circle Monument

This is a somewhat somber obelisk that commemorates Camp Merritt, which was a key debarkation point for American troops during the world war one period. You can find this monument at the middle of the Camp Merritt Memorial Circle.

Bricks for Kidz

Located on Madison Avenue, this is a great place for you to let your kids engage in fun activities, such as building structures with LEGO®. They also throw birthday parties for kids here so if you are thinking of holding a special party for your son or daughter, why not visit Bricks for Kidz and see what they can come up for you?

If you are thinking of living in Cresskill, we have the best luxury properties available here in this borough for your consideration. Check out these Cresskill listings now.

What Causes Your House Insurance Rates To Hike?

Do you own a house or planning to buy one? It is a mystery to many how insurance companies get to determine home insurance rates and minimum liability. The minute you add a new amenity in your home, that seems to be enough to jack up your premium or at worst scenarios get your sweet deal canceled. It helps to have an idea of what triggers these changes and predict changes that can affect your monthly payouts. This article will highlight a few pointers on what can cause your house insurance rates to hike.

Swimming Pool

You have been dreaming of getting a pool in your home for the longest time and you can’t wait for summer to enjoy your new amenity. But suddenly your insurance company calls and informs you that this new addition to your family will have to cost you more. You need to understand that as much as you are excited about your new swimming pool; your insurer does not share your sentiments. All he sees are liabilities and lawsuits waiting to happen. You may be required to take any responsibility that may arise from any accident that may take place in the swimming pool. That is why it is advisable to purchase additional liability coverage for your swimming pool.

Trampoline

Trampolines are viewed by insurance companies as accidents waiting to happen. There have been cases of clients who refused to reveal that they own a trampoline in their home and when an accident happened, it led to their claims being denied. Accidents are not predictable and as much you may think your household is safe, you can never be too sure. A neighbor’s kid can decide to sneak in your backyard only to sustain a fatal injury from the trampoline covered in your back. Talk to your insurer and find out if they are willing to cover you with this addition or not.

Home Exterior Upgrades

You should never upgrade your home’s exterior without contacting your homeowner’s insurance agent first. An upgrade usually means that you intend to install more expensive materials than the existing ones. This affects the amount of liability you may need in case a disaster occurs. Be careful to use materials that are fire resistant to avoid the insurance company canceling your policy.

Vacation Homes

You are probably wondering why your insurance agent would want to hike premiums on your vacation home which you don’t spend much time in. well, look at it this way. A home is prone to wear and tear whether someone resides in it or not. As long as it has all amenities required in a home chances are that repairs may be required once in a while. Imagine having a pipe leak and you are not around to notice it and it takes months before the problem can be addressed. That would mean extensive damage to the house which might cost thousands of dollars. These are some of the issues your insurance agent foresees and hike premiums.

These are just but a few examples why your premiums may suddenly hike. Bottom line, you should always talk to your agent about any major changes that you need to undertake in your home to avoid huge costs or even policy cancellations.

How To Make Your House Into The Hottest Property On The Market

Are you planning to sell your house? To get the best offer on your house, you need to get buyers into a bidding war. This can only happen if you employ certain strategies to grab the buyers’ attention. In this post, we will provide you with tips on how to make your house the hottest property that every buyer wants.

Set a Slightly Lower Price to Kick-Start the Bidding War

Talk to a reputable realtor and discuss the current property value of your house as well as compare the offers in the market. To get a bidding war going, you need to set a low price for your house; preferably one that is lower than its true value. How can you get the best offer if you set your prices low, you ask? This is a strategy to get buyers’ attention and get the offers coming in. This is a risk that you have to take to make your house sell like a hot cake. It is best to set a price preferably 5 percent lower than the house value. This will send buyers your way to start the bidding war.

Determine Deadlines for Offers

Setting a deadline on your house offers makes interested buyers know that they cannot procrastinate on their decisions to place an offer. However, you need to think about when to place a deadline. Preferably, you can wait until you have a few offers coming in before asking your agents to give a deadline. They can mention that they already have a few offers on the table and that an interested buyer has to submit his offer before a certain date. This strategy has helped to push properties off the market quite well, with some getting offers that are way above the asking price.

Showcase Your House Photos Creatively

Over the years, most property sellers still use the same old boring way to showcase their house photos. Simply taking a photo of the front part of your house just won’t cut it. You can try taking photos from a corner angle so that the front and sides of the house are in view. Make sure to capture the best features in your house to get the buyers’ attention. If you have a fabulous kitchen, make sure to set it up in a way it that will make a buyer fantasize on preparing meals for her family. Don’t upload too many photos since buyers don’t have the time to scroll through tons of pictures. Stick to the most attractive photos and you are well covered.

Capture the Interest of Buyers Ahead of Time

You can use your social media platform and listing services to create awareness that you will be soon selling your house. Set an open house date and let the buyers know that they can only get more details during the house opening. This puts buyers in a frenzy and makes them curious to want to know what the house is all about. As you know, people want something they can’t have at the very moment.

Go Big on the Open House

Never shy away from throwing a lavish open house. Go an extra mile and hire caterers or party features like the open bar with DJs. You can have face painting for the young ones. Let this be a party that will stick into your buyers’ minds. Those who have tried this strategy have reported of getting multiple offers after the open house.

Bergen County Parks That We Love

Do you sometimes feel like there is nothing much you can do during autumn? Well, all that is about to change and you don’t have to sit in all day curled up wishing autumn be cut short. Bergen County has amazing parks that are just breathtaking to discover during autumn. Put on your autumn outfit and let the whole family get in touch with nature at a local park. Here are some of the top parks that you can visit in Bergen County:

Ramapo Mountain State Park

If you love nature walks, Ramapo Mountain State Park is the place you should definitely visit this autumn. It has beautiful trails that are perfect for cross country skiing, hiking and mountain biking. There are trails that cover up to 30 miles, so there’s more ground to cover if need be. This park is also great for birdwatchers since it contains streams, marshes and ponds that create a perfect habitat for birds.

Palisades Interstate Park

The park is located in New Jersey over the George Washington Bridge. It is a 100,000 plus acre park that is situated on the Hudson River’s western bank. The most popular landmarks in the park include the tumbling waterfalls. If you love quiet spaces, you can also visit the park and have quality alone moments to meditate. Once there, you should make a point to visit the Women’s Federation Monument and learn more about the role women played in the protection and creation of the park.

Saddle River County Park

This park is great for a family outing. The park covers 577 acre of land which parallels the Saddle River. If you love fishing, you would be interested to know that the park offers a license to fish along the saddle River. Your kids can enjoy roller skating and bike riding along the trails. There are few historic sites that you can visit to get to know more about the park and the surrounding area.

Van Saun County Park

Do you love picnicking? Then this is the right park for you. The park covers a vast area of 146 acres and offers numerous amenities so that families and friends can enjoy time together. There are secluded areas for fishing. If you have children, they will have the time of their lives since they can enjoy pony rides, Carousel, miniature train rides among other things. Adults can enjoy walking around the park as they enjoy the cool breeze. The biggest draw in the park is definitely the Zoological Park which is a home to a variety of domestic and wild animals.

Fort Lee Historic Park

Are you aware that Fort Lee played a vital role during the American Revolution? This park is rich in American history and there is a lot that kids can learn about history apart from what they learn in school. The park hosts a 150-seat auditorium and a water fountain which makes it stand out from other county parks in Bergen. There are plenty of gift shops so you can carry some souvenirs back home.

With these parks, Bergen County provides a nice touch to balance your lifestyle, especially if you lead hectic work schedules. If you are looking to settle in the area, you can always seek a local real estate agent who will help you get the best properties in Bergen County.

The Art Of Marketing Luxury Real Estate

Marketing a luxury home has its challenges, especially when the audience has a diverse mindset. Oftentimes, the right buyer looks at a piece of luxury estate and they fall in love with it immediately. However, getting such a buyer is a challenge especially when you factor in the market value of the estate. You should work with a real estate expert who understands both the local and national market for luxury real estate. They will help you accentuate the unique characteristics of your luxury home and present the best attributes to the right buyers. Here are some tips on what to keep in mind as you market your luxury home estate:

Powerful first impression

Never underestimate the power of the first impression. Your house can be surrounded with breathtaking features but if it lacks a strong overall appeal, then nobody really wants to take a second look. It is advisable to paint the exteriors of your luxury house to make it stand out from the crowd. You can hire services from a professional photographer to take photos for your listing from different angles, highlighting all the distinct features.

Deliver a compelling narrative

Most people want to be associated with elements that have a compelling story behind it. Do a bit of research on the property like the former inhabitants dating generations back. Sit down with your trusted realtor and come up with a story gathered from real facts about the property. You should always make sure to include these stories in your marketing campaign to attract attention to your property. You can also add stories of famous people visiting the estate, if any.

Make short videos about your estate

You should consider making a short video highlighting the history behind your unique estate. Take potential buyers to a short tour around your property making sure that you highlight special features that make the house special. The reason behind this strategy is to highlight features in your luxury house that cannot be communicated well via text or static images. Make the videos in a format that can be viewed on a smartphone to also allow viral sharing.

Cross promotion

You need to understand that it is counterproductive to rely solely on traditional methods of advertising to market luxury estate. For example, you can showcase your house in a cultural event that draws people who can be potential buyers. At that event, you can also encourage your targeted audience to take a photo with a mini model of your house and share on social media to win certain prizes, like a bottle of prized wine. There have been cases where luxury homeowners got buyers just because they interacted with the right people with cross marketing techniques.

Hold an exclusive open house

There is no substitute for open houses and you will need to plan an onsite visit for potential buyers. Make it an event that will leave everyone astounded and will be the talk of the town. Plan your event and send invites to people for an exclusive open house. Make sure that your luxury home is well staged and that all the remarkable features are accentuated for your guests to take notice. Since it’s an invite-only event, this will escalate the desirability of your property. You should not forget to invite renowned real estate agents who will market your luxury home to their own network.

How To "Luxurize" Your Bathroom

Most people enjoy taking baths, especially after a long day. You don’t need to have the latest bathroom facilities installed for you to enjoy a good bath. If you are living in New Jersey and looking to buy a house that has the bathroom amenities you wish to have, contact a real estate agent to help you locate one that will suit your needs. The following tips will help you transform your bathroom into a luxurious haven that you will look forward to spending time in.

Learn organizational skills

Are you a pack rat who makes excuses of why you can’t throw anything away even though it’s clear you don’t need it? If yes, then that means your bathroom is cluttered. This is one of the reasons you don’t seem to enjoy your baths since everything in the bathroom is a huge mess. Learn to organize your bathroom and start going through your drawers and dispose of what you don’t need. Go to the medicine cabinets and check any medication that is past expiry date and dispose of. You need to do this regularly to ensure that your bathroom is not cluttered.

Unpack items from wrappers

Avoid storing bathroom items in their wrappers if necessary. The sight of packaging everywhere can be an eyesore and makes the bathroom look disorganized. Get organizers which allow you to place items neatly after removing them from their package. Examples are face wipes and cotton balls. You can get small attractive containers to place these. Doing this also reduces chances of having empty packages lying around.

Have your bathroom remodeled

If you feel that your current bathroom needs to be changed, then you need to plan ahead for the renovations. Contact a local plumber and get estimates on how much the project will cost you. You can also ask your agent to recommend good contractors who are qualified to handle bathroom renovations. The amount of time the renovation takes depends on how much work needs to be done. If you need a total overhaul in your bathroom, then that affects the plumbing too. This may take a while before the project is done.

Keep it simple with new items

If you cannot afford to overhaul your bathroom, you can make simple changes in your bathroom to make it feel cozy. You can instead invest in new items like shower curtains and floor mats. It may sound too simple but it helps to have new stuff in your bathroom once in a while. You can have your bathroom painted in cool colors to give it a more relaxed feeling. Light scented candles as you soak in your tub while listening to music.

Not satisfied still?

Of course, if you truly want to achieve a luxury bathroom that will give you the best retreat each day to pamper yourself in a spa-like setting, it’s easy to go for something built already than making changes later on. Many properties in New Jersey feature stunning bathrooms – if you are already thinking of embarking on a property hunt, why not look out for an ideal property that comes with beautiful luxury bathrooms? Get started now!

Is Your NJ Property Ready For The Fall Season?

Do you own a home in NJ? Nothing beats visiting New Jersey in summer time. Everyone looks forward to summer and this is the time that most outdoor activities are done. It is advisable to carry out your yearly home repair and maintenance projects during summer. This is because you should make sure that your property is well maintained and undertake any repairs if necessary before the fall season arrives. Here are some of the ways you can prepare your NJ property for autumn:

Clean the roof gutters

You need a stable ladder to clean the roof gutters. Clear out any leaves and debris that is accumulated in the gutters. Wear a glove to pick leaves to avoid pricking yourself.  Run hose water in the gutters to wash off dust and small particles. Run the water a little bit longer along the gutters to check for holes. If holes are present in the gutters, then you need to get the right equipment to seal off the holes before they become worse.  Check for bees and wasps nest along the gutters and take the necessary precautions to avoid injuries.

Paint your exteriors

You don’t have to repaint the whole exterior of your home every year. Check which part of the house needs a touch-up and work on it. Most people prefer adding a fresh coat of paint on their door frames. Painting the door really improves the image of the house. You can go ahead and use the remaining paint to touch up on the window seals. Ensure that your lawn furniture is also painted and polished to keep a new look.

Driveway maintenance

Summer is usually the best time to seal up your driveway before the winter season. Snow and ice water can cause damage to driveways. Sealing the driveways in time minimizes the effect of erosion. It is best to use penetrating sealant which is more durable and protects your driveway from any type of weather. Most families go away during winter and so you need to do this during summer.

Reseal your deck

Work on your deck preferably before the last days of summer. This is because decks get affected by summer heat. First of all, clean the deck by scraping off the dirt in between the creases. Use a soft brush to clear dust and small particles from the surface. Use appropriate detergent to clean the surface and let it dry. Apply a waterproof sealer to provide layers of protection from snow and rain.

One advantage of keeping your NJ property well maintained at all times is that it saves you a lot of work when you need to sell it. Potential buyers rely on the first impression they get from a house before they decide to inquire more about it. Also, real estate agents in New Jersey do more than just sell and buy homes and they can help you acquire the best maintenance services you may need in your home, so keep in touch with your realtor as they can help to point you to the right contractors for your home maintenance needs.

Neighborhood Guide: Tenafly, NJ

Located in Bergen County, Tenafly can often be found in lists that celebrate the best places to live in New Jersey. The zip code for Tenafly is 07670. One of the most prominent features of living in Tenafly is the access to fine schools, coupled with the presence of quality recreational facilities have made this borough a desirable destination for property buyers to settle down here. It isn’t far from the Big Apple (just six miles away from the George Washington Bridge) so its geographical location is another resident magnet in itself. Let’s find out what Tenafly is like as a neighborhood:

Living in Tenafly, NJ

Home to plenty of urban sophisticates, Tenafly is a safe neighborhood with a low crime rate. This has attracted many young families to this borough. What’s more, the public school district is reputable and there are excellent schools in and around Tenafly for your kids to attend. If you choose to live in Tenafly, you will find that many of your neighbors are college-educated, meaning academic success will be a common binding factor for the community. The most common type of property you can find in Tenafly is the single-family homes. You will also live in an ethnically diverse community as the minority residents here include Asians, Russians, Italian, and more.

Dining Spots

Tenafly Classic Diner

The Tenafly Classic Diner is the go-to dining spot for many Tenafly residents, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have an extensive menu and always serve up tasty meals with a prompt service. The atmosphere is cozy, and because the diner is located near the local shopping places, you can easily grab a meal and then then do a little shopping right after.

Axia

Established in a modern and sleek setting, Axia is a Greek restaurant that has won the praises of many Tenafly locals. You can enjoy a suburban dining experience while you tuck into familiar dishes such as Moussaka, Kolokithakia, and more. They are open every day so drop by if you are in Tenafly!

Points of Interest

African Art Museum

One of the unique museums in Tenafly and in the entire United States, the African Art Museum gives you an insight into the African art. It was established in 1980, and today, it features exhibitions that highlight costumes, painting, sculptures, and more.

Tenafly Nature Center

If you are a nature lover, then you should try the trail at the Tenafly Nature Center where you and your family can take a relaxing walk in lush greenery. This nature center also holds many events and have regular educational programs in store, such as family-friendly scavenger hunts, school field trips, and vacation camps.

Knickerbocker Country Club

Featuring the only golf course in Tenafly, you can go for a hole-in-one here with this fantastic 18-hole course that has often been ranked among the best golf courses in Bergen County. The club also has other facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pool, and more.

All in all, Tenafly is really an interesting suburban neighborhood that you should live in, especially if you are just starting your family with kids. With great schools, lots of amenities, quality housing, and close proximity to New York, it’s no wonder why both house sales and rentals are on the rise here. Check out the latest Tenafly listings!

Learn How You Can Sell Your House Before Summer Is Over!

Selling a house can sometimes prove to be a daunting task. You don’t have to dread the dos and don’ts that accompany selling a house. Get a reputable real estate agent to help you sell your house as fast as possible and get the best deal from it while you are at it. One important aspect of selling a house is to stage the house. Seasons affect how you can stage your house to attract more offers and this article will give you tips on how to sell your house during the summer.

Ensure the landscape is lush and beautiful 

Summer brings out the best in nature and the gardens are green and lush. You should take care of your lawn to ensure that it is at its best all the time. You just need to water your plants and apply fertilizers so that they appear healthy. The first thing a potential buyer notices when he walks in your homestead is the landscape around it. Keep it simple but alluring.

Ensure the A/C is working

Summer is a time that everyone wants to spend time outside due to high temperatures. Make sure that your A/C is always on during summer in case of surprise visits from potential buyers. Nobody wants to stick long enough in a house that has no A/C during summer. Your potential buyers should be comfortable as they check out the property without feeling rushed.

Don’t switch off the lights

During summer, people tend to switch off lights in a bid to reduce the heat in the house. This should not be your case. Make sure that drapes and blinds are fully opened during daytime to let in all the natural light. You should leave your lights on to accentuate the best features in the house and make it bright. The lights should stay on in the house and also around the porch area.

Ensure ceiling fans are operating at optimum

Ceiling fans tend to gather dust so fast during summer and you should make sure they are always clean. They should be in a good working condition. Leave them on when potential buyers walk in to give a cool feeling. Ensure the blades are moving in a counterclockwise direction to give a windchill effect in a room.

Outdoor living should be highlighted

Homeowners are now realizing that they can turn lawns into extra living spaces. You can add special features like grills, bar and eating areas to make the backyard more interesting. If you own a pool and sauna, this will be an added advantage. Make sure that the grills and furniture are clean and sweep off the backyard to clear leaves and debris. The pool and sauna should be clean at all times.

These are just but a few tips on how you can make your home more alluring to potential buyers. You should work with a capable real estate agent to give you more tips on how to make your house the hottest property around the neighborhood.

Manson in night view

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