November 2016 - NJ Lux Real Estate

5 Interesting NJ Events Happening In December 2016

Posted on November 30, 2016February 8, 2023 by njlux-admin

Can you believe that time is moving so fast that 2016 is coming to a close? The last month of the year is always a special time for reflection and preparation for celebrating a brand new year. From cool and cozy winter to countless year-end celebrations, December sure has a lot to offer. If you are new in New Jersey, you should get to know that there are innumerable December NJ events coming up, and you have plenty of opportunities to spend some quality time with your friends. Let’s find out more!

The King’s Singers

Held at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, The King’s Singers is a world acclaimed vocal ensemble that is well known for their charm, life-affirming energy and virtuosity. If you are free on the first of December, you should definitely check out and be part of The King’s Singers Holiday Tour. At the performance, you and your entire family can enjoy timeless classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Carol of the Bells,” and more!

Victorian Holiday Celebration

The location of the Victorian Holiday Celebration event will be held at Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton NJ 08060. It’s happening on the fourth of December from noon right up to 6pm in the evening. Whether it’s rain or shine, the show will go on! The festivities in this annual event include tours of well-decorated Smithville Mansions, carolers and carriage rides. What’s more, there is plenty of entertainment for all ages. You can expect your little ones to have a blast at the Victorian Holiday Celebration too. Don’t forget to shop at the holiday marketplace!

Breakfast with Santa

Happening on the 18^th of December, Breakfast with Santa is a delightful event that will be taking place at the Liberty Hall Museum. The event starts from 9am in the morning and all are welcome. To fill your growling tummies, a hot breakfast buffet is available. So eat up! Coupled with some lively Christmas cheer, you will get into the holiday spirit in no time. At Breakfast with Santa, there are photo opportunities with the jolly old man himself, in the ever-popular Santa’s sleigh. As reservations are required, do remember to RSVP by December 12.

A Very Electric Christmas

The Lightwire Theater wants to brighten up your holiday season and that’s why you should attend this family-friendly event for “A Very Electric Christmas.” From the 27^th to 30^th of December, this awesome theatre performance is produced by Lightwire Theater and features eye-catching neon lights, graceful movements and catchy music. The talented team of dancers and puppeteers are sure to bring you a magical experience like no other.

Petrykivka Folk Art Workshop

On the 8^th of December, you should definitely head down to St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church if your schedule is clear! There will be a workshop called Petrykivka Folk Art Workshop and it features Petrykivka folk art that originated in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine. You will be able to learn flower patterns and traditional designs from the 17^th century. What’s more, all materials are included and you will be able to take your art home upon completion.

With so many exciting NJ events being held in December, each year, it’s pretty easy to see why people prefer the NJ lifestyle. If you are on a property hunt in New Jersey, it’s recommended that you look for a local real estate agent who can help you uncover the best property deals on the NJ real estate market.

Learn To Spot A Property That Offers Excellent Resale Value!

Posted on November 27, 2016November 10, 2017 by njlux-admin

While many first time house buyers believe that they will never have a reason to sell their properties, time and circumstances change. Even if you don’t intend to resell your property at any time in the foreseeable 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.

Choose The Location Wisely

When a home is chosen in a desirable location there is a good chance that location will remain popular. These types of places always draw in a larger selection of buyers. Likewise, if you purchase a cheap 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 which 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.

Look For A Home That Has One Level

Two story homes were popular fifty years ago, but times have changed. Even when considering yard space, many buyers these days prefer a home with one level, or a home with two levels where the master bedroom is located on the first floor. However, if the one level home is located in a neighborhood that has a mix of one and two story houses it should be avoided as the resale value will be poor.

Look For 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.

Look For Houses With 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 place where you can set up equipment to perform maintenance on your car.

Are You Ready To Downsize Your Property?

Posted on November 24, 2016December 21, 2022 by njlux-admin

Downsizing is considered a wise move especially if your motive is to save money via real estate. There are different reasons that can make a homeowner start thinking of downsizing. Some of these reasons include kids moving out, parents thinking of traveling more and simply because one wants to become more frugal. As much as downsizing is considered a good move, you need to take time and think about what you are about to do. Here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you go ahead and downsize your property:

Will I actually save money?

You need to sit down and work out how much exactly you will get to save once you decide to downsize. Downsizing to save money at the expense of your comfort does not really count. You need to ensure that after downsizing, you are able to save money and also maintain a comfortable life for you and family.

Can I cope with small spaces?

It’s one thing to think of downsizing and another thing to move and have to deal with smaller spaces than you are used to. Ask yourself whether you are ready to move to a smaller place and if you will be comfortable with the changes. You should check out local listings and go for a property viewing so that you can get the exact picture of what you will be moving to. If you find that you are comfortable with the change then you can go ahead with downsizing.

Would renting or subleasing be a better option?

Before downsizing, know that you have the option of renting or subleasing part if your house to make some extra income. If you are really tight on your budget and you feel downsizing is the only solution, talk to a real estate agent and ask them to help you find a tenant. You need to calculate whether the amount of rent money will be enough to meet your needs as you pay your mortgage.

Should I sell my house or downsize?

You should answer this question by being honest as to why you need to a change of environment in the first place. Downsizing assures you that you will still have a home even after the change but selling the house may not guarantee you that. For people seeking to relocate to different cities, it would be wise if they opted to sell rather than downsizing.

Will I have dependents who will demand more space in the future?

Make sure that you will not have to regret your decision in future when some of your descendants need to rely on you. If your children are all grown up and independent, you can rest assured that chances of them moving back are minimal. To be on the safe side, plan to downsize to a space that can allow you to accommodate any extra company you may have in future.

If you are not really sure whether you should downsize your property, contact an NJ real estate agent to advise you whether it’s the best move or if there are any better options available.

Neighborhood Guide: Haworth, NJ

Posted on November 21, 2016December 20, 2022 by njlux-admin

Located in Bergen County, Haworth is a borough that is recognized as the third-best residential suburb in the United States. The zip code for Haworth is 07641. One of the most prominent features of the borough is its highly rated school system. Parents have no problems helping their kids find good schools to continue and further their education.

What’s more, the Borough of Haworth is just a few minutes away from boroughs such as Oradell, Dumont, Demarest and Closter. Haworth is served by the New Jersey Transit bus route 167 and 186, which makes daily commute to work easy though it is slightly longer. Its excellent geographical location is also one of the reasons why property buyers choose to settle down here.

Living in Haworth, NJ

The properties in Haworth have a consistent track record of ranking among the most expensive homes in the country. Many executives and white-collar job holders choose Haworth as their home. Haworth is a very small borough with a population of less than 3,500. However, the bond between neighbors is close knit, which complements the natural cozy feel that Haworth exudes.

The borough is also home to many artists who have shaped Haworth’s character. These artists and designers work in the media industry. You can say that Haworth is home to urban sophisticates who love traveling, reading and are advocates of quality education. As a relatively ethnically-diverse borough, Haworth is indeed a pleasant place to live in.

Dining Spots

Andiamo Restaurant

Andiamo Restaurant is a family owned restaurant and bar that has been running for more than two decades. Andiamo offers a comfortable bar and a space where diners can indulge in delectable food in a casual atmosphere. After meals, diners can unwind and treat themselves to a tantalizing mix of signature cocktails. With uniquely designed dining rooms, it is easy to find your own favorite spot in the eatery. What’s more, their chef comes up with a new special menu on a weekly basis.

Alessandro’s Trattoria E Pizzeria

Alessandro’s offer a delectable mix of salads, pastas, pizzas and traditional Italian dishes. The pizzeria is recognized for cooking their food in a traditional rustic southern Italian style. When you dine at Alessandro’s, you are recommended to try out appetizers like their Clams & Escargot Posillipo. If you are ready for mains, dinner specials such as their Country Chicken and Orecchiette a la Barese are must-tries.

Points of Interest

Haworth Memorial Field

If you want to spend a sunny weekend afternoon outdoors with your family and loved ones, Haworth Memorial Field is a great place to visit. What’s more, there are plenty of sports and recreation amenities to keep your little ones and yourself entertained. Nothing like getting some good old’ exercise during your rest days.

Haworth Country Club

Want a shot at scoring a hole in one at Haworth’s very own green ‘backyard’? Head on down to Haworth Country Club. Whether you need to socialize or relax, you will love having a country club within close proximity to your home.

Whether you are just married or starting your family with kids, you will find that Haworth, NJ is a truly interesting suburban neighborhood to live in. With quality housing and education, it is not surprising to see house rentals and sales rising constantly. Check out the latest Haworth listings today!

Seller Disclosure Tips That You Should Know

Posted on November 18, 2016December 21, 2022 by njlux-admin

Seller disclosure is a serious issue, one that can get you sued if you don’t know how to navigate it. 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 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 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 sell.

Disclose Inspection Reports

Most states in the U.S. do not currently require home sellers to provide inspection reports, but it is highly recommended. 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.

Understanding Mortgage Insurance

Posted on November 15, 2016December 22, 2022 by njlux-admin

Applying for a mortgage is a lengthy process that involves a lot of paper work. It is sad to note that not so many people are familiar with the terms used in a mortgage agreement and therefore get lost in the translation. Some of the common terms used in the mortgage process include credit score, loan term, interest rates and mortgage insurance. Not many people are sure what mortgage insurance is and what it entails. If you ever find yourself in a position where you do not understand the terms of your mortgage agreement, ask your realtor to help translate what some of these terms mean. Read on to find out more on mortgage insurance!

What is mortgage insurance for?

When you are applying for a mortgage, most lenders require one to make a deposit of 20% of the property value. However, lenders do understand that not everyone is able to pay the deposit all at once and this is where mortgage insurance comes in. Mortgage insurance protects the lender against losses when a borrower is unable to repay their loan and still the equity in the home is not enough to cover the amount owed.

Mortgage insurance is not only for the lender’s protection but it also allows borrowers who cannot make the 20% deposit to get a loan. There are different factors that determine the mortgage insurance payments. The lender usually looks at the borrower’s LTV profile and his credit to determine the level of the credit risk. If your lender thinks you are a high credit risk then the cost of mortgage insurance will increase.

Can mortgage insurance be canceled?

Mortgage insurance taken from FHA or any government-operated institution cannot be canceled. On the other hand, private mortgage insurance can be canceled and allows a borrower to save a considerable amount of money during the loan repayment term. Lenders are required to cancel your mortgage insurance once your LTV (Loan to Value Ratio) drops below 78%. For example, let’s say you have a $100,000 loan and you pay $50,000. This means your LTV is 50% and this allows you to cancel your mortgage insurance.

How to reduce overall mortgage costs

Financial advisers encourage one to plan ahead before applying for a mortgage. What most people don’t realize is that your credit score determines how much you are going to pay for your mortgage. Ensure that you clear your monthly credit card payments and any other loan you have to increase your credit score. This way, lenders are able to give you a loan with low interest rates. If you have a bad credit score, you don’t need to worry since you can still apply for a mortgage loan. Look for lenders who are willing to negotiate on your repayment plan before signing up with them.

Get a good real estate agent to help with mortgage insurance

The whole process of obtaining a mortgage can be overwhelming to some people. In this case, you can look for a real estate agent to help you identify your dream home and help you with the process of a mortgage application.

How House Buyers Should Tackle Property Viewing

Posted on November 12, 2016December 18, 2022 by njlux-admin

Buying a house is one of the most important decisions that some of us have to make at one point in our lives. This is where family memories are made, and where we live defines our lives in a major way. This is why you need to carefully choose and take the time to view a property before making the final decision. One of the main reasons why you need to take time doing the property viewing is to avoid missing important details that may cost you dearly in the long run. If you are a new homeowner looking to purchase your dream home, these are some of the tips for successful property viewing:

Never Go to a Property Viewing Alone

Whether you are getting a house for yourself or your family, you should never go for property viewing alone. We all see things differently and interpret things differently. Having someone beside you as you view the property helps you to have an open mind. You can bring along a spouse, friend or family member ensuring that you listen keenly to any concerns they may raise about the property.

Take Time Viewing the Property

It is advisable to give yourself enough time; at least 45 minutes to view a house. Take the first 25 minutes to check the house interior and use the rest of the 20 minutes checking the exterior. Discuss with your estate agent about how long you intend to take viewing the house so that he or she does not rush you through the process. Use this time to ask all the questions you have about the house and make estimates on how much it can cost you if you’d need to make any changes.

Schedule Viewings at Different Times

You should never be satisfied with only one viewing of the prospective house – especially if you are ready to put your money down on that particular house. Talk to your real estate agent and arrange for different times for the viewings. Your first viewing can be during the day to help you see the house features clearly. Schedule the second viewing at night so that you can see how the lighting is and also how the neighborhood lights up during the night. Doing this ensures that you don’t miss crucial details to help you make the right choice.

Don’t Visualize It as Your Home Yet

One mistake many people make when viewing houses for sale is that they immediately start to visualize it as their own. Don’t get this the wrong way; there’s nothing wrong picturing yourself in that particular setting but try not to do this on the first viewing since you will end up willing yourself to like the house and this may cloud your judgment. Try to see the house as a lifelong investment and make an objective opinion about it. It helps to have an experienced real estate agent to help you make the right decisions based on the right points so that you don’t make a decision based on emotional attachments.

Neighborhood Guide: Norwood, NJ

Posted on November 9, 2016December 21, 2022 by njlux-admin

Located in Bergen County, Norwood is a northeastern neighborhood in the state of New Jersey. The zip code for Norwood is 07648 and it is bordered by other boroughs such as Rockleigh, Alpine, Closter and more. County Route 501 and County Route 505 pass through Norwood, and this makes traveling to and from this neighborhood easy. Norwood is a truly pleasant borough to settle down and has a solid education system in place. It is easy to see why many people choose Norwood as their place of residence.

Living in Norwood, NJ

For starters, the affluent and picturesque Norwood, NJ is just a short distance away from the Palisades. Norwood is widely recognized for having a well-planned, friendly and quiet community, ensuring maximum privacy to all its happy residents. Many have praised the neighborhood as a great place to live and raise a family. That’s why we can safely say that Norwood’s got it all.

Dining Spots

Blue Moon Mexican Cafe

Located at 595 Broadway, Norwood, NJ, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe is a great place you and your family can drop by for authentic Mexican food. The cafe offers excellent service and on some occasions, kids get to dine free too! From grilled burrito platters to Aztec steaks, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe offers a huge menu of delicious food. It is like heading to Mexico to dine without the cost of air fare. The cafe does not only offer dine-in opportunities as they offer catering services for rehearsal dinners, baby showers and even weddings too! Want to unwind after a long day at work? Head down to their bar to enjoy a few drinks and some live music.

Dimora Ristorante

Norwood also offers Italian cuisine and it can be found at Dimora. The brainchild of Chef Gino, the restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Italian meals that are made with the finest and freshest ingredients. Coupled with excellent imported wines, the restaurant offers a homely feel. It’s great place to unwind too!

Points of Interest

Huylers Beach

Spending your weekends in Norwood will be splendid as the neighborhood offers a range of beaches, including Huylers Beach. The warmth from the Sun, the soothing sounds of crashing waves, a weekend trip to the beach will definitely lift your mood and boost your health.

Alpine Camp

Love to camp? You should definitely consider camping at Alpine Camp in Norwood. Camping is undoubtedly a fantastic activity that provides hours of enjoyment, opportunities to connect with your loved ones, as well as nature. If you are lucky, you can even squeeze in some exercise while you are camping.

Hiram Bauvelt Wildlife Art Museum

Established in 1957, The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum is currently owned by the Blauvelt-Demarest Foundation. It was built to honor the late Hiram Blauvelt who was a collector, conservationist and philanthropist. Hiram Blauvelt actively promoted the cultural value of wildlife art and the need to converse it. That’s why he made heavy contributions of his private wildlife art and big game collections.

You can see that Norwood is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Bergen County, and it is a place you easily call home. If you are starting your family with kids, there are great schools located here and the amenities will keep everyone entertained. Start checking out the latest Norwood property listings!

6 Bergen County Museums For Your Day Trips

Posted on November 6, 2016December 16, 2022 by njlux-admin

Perhaps you have seen a recent brochure featuring plenty of opportunities for a day trip in Bergen County. Ready to plan a day trip next? When you plan your own day trip, just remember to keep things simple. Things does not have to get complicated. Bergen County is a great destination as it is home to hundreds of arts and history organizations. Thereare also vast areas of parklands and other stellar entertainment destinations to explore.

Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or discover some American culture and history from a first-hand perspective, Bergen County has a lot to offer. If the latter piques your interest, below are some of the top Bergen County museums you can consider. Let’s find out more!

African Art Museum

Located in Tenafly, African Art Museum is one of the five museums (around the world) that is proactively maintained and founded by the Society of African Missions. It is established in 1980. This Tenafly museum showcases the beautiful art pieces – great for those who want to know more about the African arts. If you have always been a fan of religion, folklore, decorative arts, traditional costumes, sub-Saharan sculpture, etc., this rare museum is a must visit.

Fritz Behnke Historical Museum

Located in Paramus, Fritz Behnke Historical Museum offers an experience like no other. You will be able to take a walk-through yesteryear and discover how life was lived many years ago. From replicas of an old school room to life-like furnishings of a traditional farmhouse, there are lots to see. The sights you take in will definitely get you thinking at how far people in rural America have progressed and kept up with the growth of time.

Westwood Heritage Society Museum

Westwood Heritage Society Museum serves as an exhibit gallery for a great array of prestigious artifacts of Westwood’s rich history. It is located in the Westwood Train Station building. The museum was established in 2002 and its grand opening took place in 2002. The museum is also no stranger to rotating its exhibits. It has once paid tribute to the military service of the borough’s residents by exhibiting a special display of military memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Hopper-Goetschlus House Museum

Having a rich history that dates back to the late 1730s, the museum is situated in the Hopper-Goetschius House. It is built on the corner of East Saddle River Road and Lake Street. As you have guessed it, the house and museum is built by the Hopper family. In fact, it is the oldest remaining house in Upper Saddle River! Each year, special events held here include a spring concert, a harvest fair and an Old Time Holiday open house (usually at the end of the year). That’s why the museum plays host to more than 2,000 visitors annually.

Belskie Museum of Art & Science

The Belskie Museum of Art and Science was established in Closter to preserve and celebrate the many works of Abram Belski. Abram Belski was not only a resident of Closter but a medical illustrator and sculptor too.The museum’s construction was completed in 1993. It was subsequently donated to the Borough of Closter. Currently, the museum exhibits approximately ten shows annually. You can also find a collection of works that were donated by exhibiting artists.

New Jersey Children’s Museum

Looking for a museum in Paramus that can guarantee a thrilled, satisfied and exhausted kid? The New Jersey Children’s Museum is the perfect museum to start. It is considered as the ultimate indoor playground for kids. What’s more, it hosts more than 30 exhibits including the special Baby Nook and Housekeeping exhibits, science and technology exhibits and more.

As you can see, there is so much to explore when it comes to museums in Bergen County. With so many things to do and entertainment venues to visit, it’s no wonder why many people choose to stay in this county. If you happen to be property hunting in New Jersey, you can email Josh@NJLux.com for help. Alternatively, call 201.568.5668 to get us to help you narrow down your real estate options in Bergen County!

How Fast Can You Sell Your Property In New Jersey?

Posted on November 3, 2016December 17, 2022 by njlux-admin

New Jersey is a vibrant city with so much to offer to its residents. This also means that the NJ real estate market is considered competitive by national standards. If you live in NJ and you wish to sell your house, there are a few things that you need to consider before listing your house. You need to predict how fast your house will sell for you to make the necessary arrangements involved. Nobody wants their house to stay in the market forever but you also need ample time to vacate and make sure the house is in order before the new owner moves in. Here are some factors that will help you predict how fast your home will sell.

Negotiating Prowess

The reason most houses stay in the market for long is because most owners are not willing to sell them at any other price other than the asking price. You should not be one of those sellers who are not willing to negotiate with their buyers. You can actually take a risk and go slightly lower than the property value. How is this helpful you ask? Asking a lower price for your house grabs buyers’ attention and this encourages a bidding war. There have been several cases where homeowners ended up selling their property higher than the asking price.

The Pricing

Before setting an asking price for your house, ensure that you know the exact property value. Check the local listings in your area and see how much houses are going for to ensure you make the right estimate. Make sure that you set a competitive price for your home compared to other similar properties in your area. it is wise to work with a high-profile New jersey estate agent to help you price your property, since such a realtor already know the competitive rates in your area and which clientele to target.

Property Photos

How well you take your house photos determines how long your house will sit in the market. You need to invest in a professional photographer to take pictures of your home. It is best to accentuate the special features around your home to make it stand out. Take photos of the interior and exterior of the house. The first impression your property photos give will determine the number of potential buyers you will hear from. If you don’t have clear photos of your home, chances are high that you will get very minimal inquiries.

Capabilities of Your Real Estate Agent

It is vital that you pick a qualified real estate agent since he or she will determine how long your house stays in the market. First of all, if you live in the NJ then you obviously need to work with an estate agent who is reputable and is familiar with New Jersey real estate or a specific area in the Garden State. A good and experienced real estate agent will go to great lengths to ensure that you not only sell your house as fast as possible but that you also get a good price for it. Contact us today if you are looking for the perfect realtor to help you sell your property in New Jersey fast!