Banner Image

Month: October 2016

Learn To Spot A Property That Offers Excellent Resale Value!

While many first-time home buyers believe that they will never have a reason to sell their properties, time and circumstances do change. Even if you don’t intend to resell your property at any time in the foresee-able future, it is important to consider the resale value when buying a home, that way if you do decide to resell, you can get the best possible price. Here’s how you can spot a property that offers excellent resale value:

Think about the Location

When a home is chosen in a desirable location, there is a good chance that the location will remain popular. These types of places always draw in a larger selection of buyers. Even if you purchase an expensive home in a poor location, it is very unlikely you’ll be able to sell it profitably in the future as the selection of available buyers will always be small. Look for homes in quiet neighborhoods that are close to schools, shopping centers and parks, and have low crime rates.

Avoid Houses that Only Have Two Bedrooms

A home which has good resale value will almost always have more than two bedrooms. The reason is simply because many couples desire an office and or guest bedroom, and a house with only two bedrooms is too limited for their needs. Look for houses that have a minimum of three bedrooms as these provide sufficient space for a family.

Don’t Go for a One-Story House in a Mixed Neighborhood

Although many buyers these days prefer a home with one level, it will be in your disadvantage to go for a one-story home located in a neighborhood that has a mix of one and two-story houses. This should be avoided as the resale value will be poor when potential buyers make space considerations.

Seek a House with Multiple Bathrooms

A home that has more than one bathroom will almost always have a better resale value than a home with a single bathroom, for obvious reasons. Multiple bathrooms offer greater convenience and privacy, and while buyers will purchase a home that has a single bathroom, they will expect a much lower price tag.

Check Out Properties that Have Ample Family Space

Family space is defined as a large, informal room that can be used for the entertainment of guests, or where a group can congregate. Formal parlors and living rooms are no longer as popular as they used to be, and each area of a home is expected to be used for a specific purpose.

Buy a House with a Garage

Unless you plan to purchase a home in an urban location where most people rely on public transport, it is best to purchase a home with a garage. Not only does a garage give you a place to park your car, but if large enough, it can be used for extra storage as well as a place where you can use to pursue your other hobbies such as woodworking.

5 Interesting NJ Events Happening In November 2016

Part of the appeal of living in the New Jersey area is the fun atmosphere and the presence of exciting activities all year round. There is always something interesting going on in New Jersey. In November 2016, some of the interesting NJ events you can look out for include:

Elegant Bridal Show

Planning for your wedding soon? Or simply interested in wedding shows to sample the latest creative wedding trends? This event is held at the Hotel Woodbridge at Metropark on 120 Wood Avenue South. Patrons are presented with gifts at the door, and various wedding planners offer tips and tricks to make any wedding stand out. Vendors will be available for retail of wedding cakes, balloons, DJs, consultation services, formal wear and florist solutions. Discounts abound at the event, and there is the possibility of winning a honeymoon as well.

By the time you leave the Elegant Bridal Show, you can expect to have seen or even bought wedding items at great discounts, as well as found service providers to make your special day extra special. The show will be held on Wednesday November 2 2016 at 6:30pm.

Girls’ Night Out for Homefront NJ

This is held at the Rose Garden on 911 Arena Drive during the first week of November. The night out is a shopping event where proceeds go to the Homefront NJ. The event is unique with entrance by ticket only, and the list of vendors is carefully curated.

The Girls’ Night Out offers numerous vendors to get into contact with potential shoppers. As a savvy shopper, you get the opportunity to shop and buy unique items including fine art, glassware, clothing, fashion accessories, specialty soaps and candles. Most items are unusual; not what you would find in a typical store. Make a schedule to attend the Girls’ Night Out to buy interesting items, while at the same time helping to reduce poverty with Homefront NJ this coming month.

Your Heart’s Desire Fall & Christmas Show

Held on the first two weekends of November at the Silverton First Aid, this fall show provides an excellent opportunity to find perfect gifts for the festive season. Holiday themes featured include Thanksgiving, Christmas and Halloween. Food stalls will be available to offer excellent meals to revelers. You also get the opportunity to donate a dollar to the Silverton First Aid Squad, and stand a chance to win one of two gift baskets. These contain a gift from each of the crafters at the show.

Elderfest

Senior citizens get an opportunity to mingle with each other as well as participate in fun activities including bingo at Elderfest. Held at the Clarion Hotel, health and wellness screenings are also offered for those interested. You also get to win a $100 giveaway gift card every half hour. Save the date for 3rd November 2016 from 11AM for this!

Falls Arts and Crafts Festival

This event will be held at the Cape May Convention Hall. It showcases arts and crafts from more than 40 vendors. These are all handmade novelty items including decorations and gift items. The admission fee is only $2 so why not get into a creative mood this fall?

With so many NJ events happening every month, living in New Jersey will definitely give you many opportunities to unwind and have fun with family and friends. For advice about moving into the Garden State, do contact us today and let us tell you about the easiest way to find a NJ home and move in.

Seller Disclosure Tips That You Should Know

Seller disclosure is a serious issue, one that can get you sued if you don’t know how to navigate this intricate maze. Homeowners who have decided to put their property on the market may sometimes be reluctant to mention problems that may discourage buyers from purchasing it. However, a failure to do so can create a bunch of legal problems.

How Much Should You Disclose?

The tricky thing about seller disclosure laws is that they vary from one state to another. Sometimes, even cities within the same state will have disclosure laws which differ. While it is highly recommended to seek legal advice from a lawyer or local advice from a realtor when you’re ready to sell, here are some general guidelines that will help you decide what should be disclosed when putting your home up for sale.

Disclose Inspection Reports

Most states in the U.S. do not currently require home sellers to provide inspection reports, but it is highly recommended. House buyers would be wise to request it before shelling out cash for a property, but many will not. Providing an inspection report to a potential buyer can help you avoid a long and costly legal battle down the road. It covers you as the seller because once the potential buyer has them in their possession they can’t come back later and say they weren’t warned.

While many sellers think that it is a good idea to be Machiavellian and reveal as little as possible when selling their home, this mentality can backfire in a costly way. This is the one area where it is important to be transparent about the condition of the home, good or bad. Remember, if the home has issues, the price tag can always be adjusted to reflect it, but if you deceive the buyer, you may pay for it later on.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to selling your home. The problem with a legal battle is that it will be your word versus the buyers, and it can be difficult for the court to know what you did or did not know. For example, claiming ignorance about the termites in your home of the susceptibility to flooding in the basement may be difficult to sell in court, and even if you somehow win the case, you would still be hit with costly legal fees that could be crippling.

The best way to approach selling a home is to not play the ignorance card. Make it your responsibility to find out what issues exist with the home, and either get them resolved before selling the property or put it on the market with the full disclosure of what the problem is. Your transparency will actually work to your benefit, making many buyers interested in doing business with you due to your honesty. While there is a time where you should not reveal too much information to others, this is not a good idea when selling a home. You should essentially be an open book, as this is the best way to avoid litigation.

Top Reasons Why You Should Be Embracing Property Investment

There is a reason that property investment has endured the test of time, and this is because it works. There is something to be said about owning a physical piece of property, and a growing number of investors are recognizing the benefits. Below are some of the top reasons why property investment should be your number one priority.

Property Investment is Immune to Automation

Technology is advancing rapidly in a way where many jobs no longer require the physical labor of humans. The adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction; it is science fact. Property investment is one of the few industries that are almost completely immune, because as long as there are humans they will need a place to live, and most people don’t have the large sums necessary to buy their own homes in cash. This means rental properties will remain high demand for the foresee-able future irrespective of how advanced robots or automation becomes.

Property Investment Provides Steady Cash Flow

The reason most people never become rich is because they exchange dollars for hours. The richest people in the world don’t do this; they acquire assets that provide steady cash flow directly into their pockets. This means they make money automatically without having to clock in at a 9 to 5 job. Passive income is one of the top reasons people get into property investment.

Property Investment Provides Tax Advantages

Individuals who derive their income from property investment get to keep a greater share of their earnings than those that earn their income from other endeavors. The reason for this is because the government loves real estate investors, as they stimulate the economy by creating jobs and keeping the cash flowing. The self-employment tax is not applied to property investment income and you will also gain the benefit of depreciation.

The Tenants Can Pay Down Your Loan

In a simple illustration of how this works, let’s say you want to purchase a 5-unit apartment complex in the U.S. that costs $500,000, but you only have $250,000. You would approach the bank or mortgage company and do a deal where you’d put 50 percent down so you’d pay $250,000 up front. At 100 percent occupancy, each of the 5 tenants would pay you $1000 per month, which is $5,000 total.

$3,500 of this money would be used to pay down the remaining $250,000, while the other $1,500 would remain in your pocket. In less than 7 years (considering interest rates), the property would be paid off, all with the cash provided by the tenants, and then later $5,000 per month would go directly into your pockets. This is a simplified example but is essentially how the rental business works.

As you can see, this is great deal, and you also get depreciation, which is a fancy term that basically means that as you (technically your tenants) pay down the loan, the value of the property can increase. Remember, real estate is a commodity and as such can also be used as an inflationary hedge.

Neighborhood Guide: Demarest, NJ

Demarest is a borough in Bergen County, and is part of the New York City Metropolitan area. Located in the northeast region of New Jersey, the neighborhood came to existence by an act in the New Jersey legislature, where portions of Harrington Townships and Palisades Township were combined together. Demarest is known for being a quaint neighborhood with quality amenities for a relatively small population.

Living in Demarest, NJ

This is a small borough, but its popularity has increased over time. It has an element of coziness to it, making visitors feel comfortable almost instantly. The downtown region is small but offers ideal amenities for her residents. A handful of shops, a pizzeria, a bank, a nail salon and several other amenities can be found here, particularly on Hardenburgh Avenue. This well-planned city has excellent infrastructure. You can get to New York by driving or taking a bus easily, as the George Washington Bridge is only 8 miles away from the neighborhood. Many of Demarest’s residents are working in bustling New York, and they can easily come home to tranquil Demarest after a hectic day of work.

Dining Spots

Demarest Deli

Though a little hard to find, Demarest Deli is a small but particularly delightful joint. The family-friendly deli is simple in design and offers a variety of sandwiches, breakfast foods, coffee. You can even buy lottery tickets if you wanted one. Demarest Deli is known for serving the best sandwiches with a variety of cold cuts. Head over now to Demarest Deli for a quick, quality bite at pocket-friendly prices!

Demarest Pizzeria

Open since 1987, the Demarest Pizzeria is one of the dining gems that the residents love. Not only do they serve a wide variety of pizzas, you can also get many Italian dishes as well as other appetizers to munch. For those who are interested in throwing a pizza birthday party for your kids, you can also call in and make arrangements with the friendly owner!

Points of Interest

Demarest Farms

Open since 1886, Demarest Farms is a well known attraction in this borough. There’s a fresh produce store here, along with an ice-cream parlor, greenhouse dining facility, seasonal garden center, and much more for you to explore. It’s an ideal venue for a family day out so bring your whole family down today!

Demarest Nature Center

For those who are living in Demarest, you will definitely know that the Demarest Nature Center is home to a series of trails that offer a great time for strolls. The trails here are connected with the Closter trails, and you will find them in an excellently maintained condition. Animals that you may catch a glimpse of include ducks, egrets, deer, box turtles, and more.

All in all, Demarest is an excellent neighborhood which has a variety of amenities to those who desire a pretty neighborhood with ample privacy. Amenities are within easy reach and it’s no wonder that more new residents are flocking to Demarest in the recent years. If you want to find an ideal property in Demarest, do talk to us today!

Halloween Events Scheduled To Happen In Bergen County

Halloween is one of the most celebrated festivities in the country. New Jersey has a special way of marking this holiday, and this is of course through the long list of Halloween events that are scheduled across the state. Bergen County is no stranger to exciting Halloween activities so let’s find out what’s in store here!

Halloween at the Meadowlands

Normally held at the Richard W. DeKorte Park, Halloween at the Meadowlands is an annual event offering an excellent variety in activities. For example, the Creepy Creatures of Halloween Spooky Walk is particularly thrilling for adults and children. Games and crafts are available, as well as an assortment of other events especially towards the evening. The Witch’s Den is another popular point of interest during the event. As space is limited, you should register online to get yourself and your loved ones booked for this event.

Haunted Forest at Tenafly Nature Center

A Halloween event isn’t limited to trick-or-treating. New Jersey offers other ways to enjoy the holiday, and a stroll through the Haunted Forest at Tenafly Nature Center is an exciting and unique one. Patrons are advised to arrive at dusk to see live fauna adaptations. As it gets dark, a guided tour is offered to demonstrate the adaptation of the creatures to their environments as well as to changing light levels.

The trails are educational and entertaining for all ages and last up to 1.5 hours. Complimentary crafts and refreshments are offered. This is a hugely popular event and the venue has limited space so pre-registration is required.

Ramsey Halloween Parade and Costume Contest

This event starts at Finch Park and ends at the Ramsey High School. The parade showcases the creativity of different Halloween costumes and offers a way to socialize. Participants with the most creative and well-made costumes get to win a prize, and all other participants get various treats. This is an excellent opportunity to show your skill and creativity if you are good at making costumes. It could be part of your other Halloween activities planned for the holiday since it occurs in the morning.

The Edgewater Halloween Parade

This parade also offers you an opportunity to strut your stuff while helping society by fundraising for the Edgewater food pantry. The event starts at 9:30 am and starts at City Palace, 225 River Road. Entry fees for adults is $1 and $2 for children. Participants are required to come with non-perishable food as donations towards the food pantry.

The Emerson Halloween Parade

This is slated to happen on Saturday and starts at noon. The Fire Department annually organizes a Rag-a-Muffin parade from High Street to the Firehouse. A costume contest is held at the firehouse and the best costume owner receives a prize. This fun activity definitely provides a great chance for mingling with other Bergen County residents.

The Haunted Scarehouse

This is the largest of its kind when it comes to New Jersey’s haunted houses. The attraction is all indoors, so weather conditions won’t affect your experience. Special effects and movie-like props are used to create realistic scary scenes, some of which have won awards in the industry. This is open during Halloween all through to October 30th. Note that it is not recommended for children younger than 8.

Halloween and practically all other holidays and festivities are simply a lot of fun in New Jersey. Not yet a resident in NJ? Well, if you intend to settle down in Bergen County or anywhere else in New Jersey, get in touch with us today and let us guide you further!

5 Places In New Jersey With Great Downtown Features

When you choose to move to any new place, you obviously want to live in an environment that is not only comfortable but also fun as well. Downtown areas in major cities in the United States are well known for this. In New Jersey, there are certain places in New Jersey that have excellent downtown features. This will definitely ease the transition of your NJ move. Some of these areas include:

Princeton

Princeton College’s claim to fame is being one of the most prestigious colleges not only in the United States, but also in the world. This is not the only outstanding feature about its downtown area. If you are a history buff, you will find walking in the Princeton downtown area quite an experience. It has loads of old buildings and historic architecture, particularly on Nassau Street’s southern side.

The main commercial area between Hulfish Street, South Tulane Street and Palmer Square offers multiple areas for you to shop. The variety here caters to most tastes. Downtown Princeton also has a host of other places of interest such as libraries, quality restaurants and a generally active atmosphere.

Madison

The Madison downtown area is nicknamed The Rose City. If you are moving to New Jersey and want to live in an environment that is charming, attractive and a little quaint, Madison would be your best bet. This area was historically a center for growing roses on a commercial scale, and has a lot of architecture from the 19th and 20th century. The rustic architecture provides an excellent backdrop for the numerous cafes, retail centers and shops in Main Street and Waverly Place. If you are a jazz fan, the Shanghai Jazz Club is a spot you should definitely visit.

Ridgewood

If your idea of the perfect downtown area is marked by affluence and a chic environment, Ridgewood is definitely a place that you should consider settling down in. The downtown area is primarily located on the East Ridgewood Avenue and boasts a Whole Foods supermarket, Catholic and Methodist Churches, and the attractive Van Neste Park.

Morristown

This is well known as the capital of the American Revolution. Various town features show signs of this including the Morristown Green which was a military base and an execution site. Being historically relevant to the United States, Morristown features many statues and holds events in memory of significant historical events or people.

Hoboken

The downtown area of Hoboken is located just beside the Hudson River. Its claims to fame include being the origins of baseball and Frank Sinatra’s birth place. Historical buildings, memorials, streets and parks bear the names of famous people from this region. Walking along Hoboken gives you a sense of history due to the old architecture. The beautiful vistas and access to a variety of commercial and retail facilities makes it a modern downtown area as well.

If you are looking to move to New Jersey and need help in navigating the many NJ property options, simply call us at 201 568 5668 or email Josh@NJLux.com today.

Condo Amenities That Are Highly Sought After

Condo amenities are extremely important to buyers because they are a key factor which separates a quality property from a run of the mill apartment. The greater demand for condominiums throughout the world, particularly in major metropolitan areas, has led to a number of amenities which includes accommodation for pets, eco-friendly features and technological availability. Below are the top condo amenities that buyers are looking for today.

Gym and Fitness Facilities

In-house fitness centers have become wildly popular in condos, for a number of different reasons. People no longer have the desire to commute to gyms, particularly in major cities where traffic tends to be congested or where gas prices are high. In- house gyms make it convenient to get in shape since residents don’t have to pay separate fees to a gym across town or sit in traffic to get there.

Extra Space Outside with a Condo Pool

One downside to living in a condo over a house has always been the lack of extra space. Therefore, it should be no surprise that one of the most popular condo amenities is more space, especially that which contains a body of water such as a pool. Residents want a space where they can relax, barbecue, gather with friends or acquaintances and do a bit of swimming. The presence of water provides a number of psychological benefits and people will pay a much high price for properties that have access to it.

Quality WiFi Connectivity

The Internet is here to stay, and unlike cable television it is no longer merely a luxury. For many business people and students it is an absolute necessity, and not only should every condo offer it, it should be high in quality. Poor internet service which is slow or constantly disconnects is almost just as bad as having no internet service at all.

Pets Are Allowed

The days where pets were not allowed in condos has come to an end. While there are still condos that prohibit them, this regulation is falling out of favor with high net worth condo buyers. Few people who adore their pets are going to spend hundreds of thousands on a piece of property which bans them. Allowance for pets, particularly larger dog breeds, is one of the most popular and sought after condo amenities today.

Properties Which Are Energy Efficient

Many home buyers have greater environmental awareness, and are looking for condos which embrace this philosophy. Even homebuyers who are indifferent to environmental issues will often want energy efficient homes simply because it will lower their electric bill. Condos which are built using materials which are environmentally sound, or which have other green features are some of the most sought after properties on the market, and this is unlikely to change any time in the forseeable future.

Additional Storage Space

People these days have more stuff than ever before, and they’re not always in a rush to sell or get rid of it. This is why extra storage space is high in demand in condos. Of course, the more space a condo offers, the more desirable it will be but sometimes it can get expensive. That’s why people are opting for the next best thing – more storage space even though the condo might be small on size. This is one reasons why condo developers have started to explore more ways of building clever storage structures in new condominium developments.

Neighborhood Guide: Closter, NJ

Situated in Bergen County, Closter has a population of 8,300 according to a 2010 census. The city was incorporated in 1904 and administered by the Bergen Borough Council. It covers an area of 3 square miles. Closter borders Alpine, Demarest, Harrington Park, Norwood and Emerson Park.

Living in Closter, NJ

Closter is an attractive place to live, offering numerous community amenities and a well laid out city plan. The average house cost has recently been rising since many people want to settle in a community that offers this. Median home values for Closter is $622,000, and is predicted to increase over time. Excellent amenities, very low crime rates, excellent education facilities and high quality housing all contribute to it being a residential haven for many.

Restaurants in Closter, NJ

Buon Gusto Restaurant

This Italian restaurant features Italian favorites including Veal Marasala. The fact that it’s a BYOB restaurant means that you get to have your food with any drink you love, even if it’s not on the menu. The Buon Gusto restaurant has a fun vibe to it and is an ideal meeting point for catching up with people or simply relaxing with friends and family. You can also rent the restaurant for party events.

Locale Café & Bar

The Locale Café offers exquisite Italian dishes as well as drinks. You can opt to sit on the patio for a more relaxing time. The restaurant chef has a lot of experience working in many other restaurants before, so you can expect a stellar quality for the food. Locale can simply be described as swanky, so if you are thinking of proposing to your partner, it might be just right for you take advantage of the ambience here.

Mount Kisco

Offering Chinese cuisine, the Mount Kisco Restaurant brings an Asian perspective to the Closter restaurant scene. The menu is somewhat limited though but if you are just looking to get the common Chinese fare, then Mount Kisco will definitely not disappoint.

Points of Interest

World of Wings

This nature and science museum appeals to children and offers them an opportunity to get up close with nature. Facilities available include a live butterfly atrium, a bouncing castle, a bubble room, ball pit and more.

The Fountain Day Spa

Located on 1100 Route 17, this luxurious spa offers the ultimate in tranquility and relaxation. They offer one or two-hour full body massages as well as warm stone therapy, facials and a body wrap. The presence of a salon within the complex means that the ladies can also get their hair and nails done.

Gamers Paradise

Gamers will love spending their free time here at the Gamers Paradise. It offers a top of the range gaming lounge for hosting video game tournaments. Birthdays and other events can be held here as well. You can play a variety of video games from all the major industry players, so get some of your friends and enjoy a lazy afternoon of gaming.

Wide-ranging amenities, low crime rates, plenty of activities and an overall cheerful ambience makes this an attractive place to live in the long term. Get in touch with us if you want to find the best property in Closter, or have any question about the local real estate market.

Don’t Believe In These Open House Myths!

While some people think that the open house is an antiquated way of advertising your home, the fact is that this classical marketing method has evolved along with other aspects of the real estate business. Below are some common myths that you’ll encounter regarding the open house, and why such myths should be dismissed.

Myth – An Open House Can Be Hastily Put Together

A home has to be prepared for an open house, and this must be done in advance. It will need to be cleaned and any repairs which are needed should be carried out before the event. Both the seller as well as their realtor will play a key role in the open house process, and the seller must truly desire to prepare their home for the event while the realtor will need to do the planning and coordinating with potential buyers.

Myth – The Open House Is Too Old Fashioned

There is something timeless about giving a potential buyer a tour of your home and besides, the manner in which realtors advertise the open house has shifted dramatically in recent years. Due to the power of the internet realtors have an arsenal of tools and techniques they can use to find potential buyers. Including the option of an open house in your add will make it unique and those that take you up on the offer are serious prospects.

Myth – The Open House Is Ineffective

This myth is flat out wrong. Those that believe it often point out that if there is no offer then the ROI is zero. While this may be true, hosting an open house is the best way to interest potential buyers in making an offer. Those who visit the home can provide in-person feedback letting you know what they like and dislike about the property, and this data can be used by you and your realtor to modify the property for more events in the future.

Sooner or later buyers are going to want to see the physical property anyway, so why not host an open house? Giving a potential buyer a tour of the home will give them an up front and personal touch that is impossible to emulate with photos or even the new virtual tours that are being showcased on many real estate sites. Your realtor can also collect information on each visitor, and can use this to develop a more effective marketing strategy.

Myth – The Open House Will Attract Unwanted Neighbors

The truth is that you want as many people visiting your open house as possible. The more people that are present, the more likely you are to meet someone that is interesting in making an offer. Even if your neighbors are unlikely to buy your property themselves, there is a good chance they know someone who will, which is why networking is so important. While the open house doesn’t lead to offers every time, they should be seen as one of the many tools that can be used to find a prospective buyer.

Manson in night view

Follow Us On Social

@NJLux Joshua Baris

15,000+

SUBSCRIBERS

Join me on exclusive tours of our incredible properties.

@NJLux Joshua Baris

124,000+

FOLLOWERS

A look at my day to day life as a real estate professional.

@NJLux Joshua Baris

5,000+

FOLLOWERS

Make your day by following me here