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Month: May 2017

June 2017 – NJ Events To Attend

New Jersey is more than just a home for a majority of its residents. NJ has proven itself to be a stellar place to have an adventure, explore, play, and much more. From hills and valleys to fine museums and historical sites, there is so much to see here. If you are visiting New Jersey for a short vacation or doing some house hunting, here are some of the top June 2017 NJ events you should check out. Find out more!

Ventnor City Farmers Market

When: June 1, 2017

Ventnor City is a mid-sized seashore community that usually gets pretty crowded during the summer months. It is located on Absecon Island between the City of Margate and Atlantic City. Ventnor boasts a vibrant downtown area, gorgeous beaches, and a renowned fishing pier and boardwalk. The Ventnor City Farmers Market will be held outside a lot that is adjacent to Holy Trinity Parish along Newport and Atlantic Avenues.

South Jersey Craft Beer, Food & Music Festival

When: June 3, 2017

Craft beer sampling, a delectable array of food to choose from, and great music to listen to, where can you find them? The SJ Craft Beer, Food & Music Festival of course! This festival features a home brew beer competition, various culinary demonstrations, craft beer from 10 breweries, and much more. That’s why you wouldn’t want to miss the two sessions, which is 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm. Be sure to mark SJ Craft Beer, Food & Music Festival on your calendar!

Brigantine Art Walk

When: June 10, 2017

This will be the second year for the Brigantine Art Walk, and it will be held on Saturdays from May 27, 2017 to September 2, 2017, at Haneman Park. If you are visiting New Jersey in June, be sure to check this out. At Brigantine Art Walk, you will witness first-hand the works of a community of local artists. What’s more, part of the proceeds from the Art Walk sales will be donated to a different local charity.

Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration

When: June 17 and 18. 2017

The Redhawk Native American Arts Council was founded and maintained by Native American artists and educators. This is a not for profit organization and it is dedicated to educating the general public about Native American heritage through various cultural forms of expression, works of art, theater, dance, and song. The council is also known to represent artists from Polynesian, Caribbean, Central American, North, and South Indigenous cultures.

Wildwood by the Sea Restaurant Week

When: June 18 to 23, 2017

If you haven’t heard of Wildwoods Downtown, you should know that they are the new happening place at the Jersey Shore. The place features an array of new and old bars, chic clothing stores, antique stores, coffee houses, restaurants, and more. During the Wildwood by the Sea Restaurant Week, you will be able to wine and dine in some of Wildwoods finest restaurants. Participating restaurants are offering a complete four course meal, including dessert, entrée, salad, and appetizer for an affordable price.

It seems that there are so many cool events happening in New Jersey every month. ‘Bored’ is one of those words you will rarely hear in this place. Hunting for a brand new property that you can call your home in NJ? Here are some of the most recent real estate options! For more information, you can email Josh@NJLux.com or call us at 201.568.5668.

Best Green Spaces in North Jersey For Drone Lovers

Thanks to the benefits that consumer drones provide, these fantastic products are growing at a rapid pace. From giving one’s photography business an edge to owning one for recreational purposes, this hot new technology is becoming much more useful than consumer computers were during their time period.

If you are planning to fly one in North Jersey, you need to take note of the drone no-fly zones here. Don’t worry. It is pretty easy to get carried away with the beauty of the northern part of the state. It offers endless landscape of natural treasures, lush lakes, and more. Without further ado, check out some of the top green spaces in North Jersey that are ideal for flying your drones.

Lake Hopatcong

Why: For starters, Lake Hopatcong has more than four square miles of acreage. This easily makes it the largest freshwater body in the entire state of New Jersey. Let’s not forget its all-natural beauty as plenty of breathtaking aerial videos have been successfully filmed here. You won’t have a single bit of trouble doing so.

Terrace Pond

Why: Terrace Pond is without a doubt a gorgeous pond area. It is enveloped by forests for as far as the naked eye can see. What’s more, you will be able to catch plenty of brave cliff jumpers in the act. Hey, it is a good opportunity to capture some breathtaking shots!

High Point State Park

Why: High Point State Park provides one of North Jersey’s more breathtaking sights by drone. With the 220-foot High Point State Park monument here, and greenery and lakes abound, everything is just perfect. At dusk, the lighting at the park is simply brilliant. That’s why it is so easy to take advantage of the majestic scene here.

Overpeck County Park

Why: Surprisingly, Overpeck County Park still feels like a peaceful oasis even though it is situated in a congested area. While you are flying your drone, you can even capture the sights of some leisurely boating action. That’s not all. There are ball fields that line the path along the waterfront and that’s why you will see lots of bikers and joggers moving along the edge of the creek.

Palisades Interstate Park

Why: This is a riverfront park with more than 2500 acres of natural beauty, cliffs, and hiking trails. You can find Palisades Interstate Park just about a half mile from the northeast border of NY and NJ. The main road will come to an end at a parking lot, which belongs to the park.

So, why not bring your drone along with you on your next property hunt? After checking out several real estate options, you can further explore North Jersey by checking out one of the above green spaces. Before you arrive, it is highly recommended that you engage an experienced realtor as he will be able to make your property hunting session a smooth one. Don’t know who to call? Feel free to contact NJLux today.

Neighborhood Guide: Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Englewood Cliffs is an affluent borough situated in south-eastern Bergen County. With a zip code of 07632, it has a total area of over 3.33 square miles and borders Tenafly, Fort Lee, Englewood, Manhattan, and The Bronx. One of Englewood Cliffs’ most prominent features is that it has a significant Korean-American population. Check out what Englewood Cliffs, NJ has to offer as a neighborhood:

Living in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Englewood Cliffs was incorporated from portions of the now-defunct Palisades Township and Englewood Township, in 1894. Residents have always enjoyed the benefits of being three minutes away from the George Washington Bridge. What’s more, the borough is home to several major conglomerates, including LG’s North America headquarters, CNBC headquarters, Ferrari’s North American headquarters, and more. The borough offers a positive suburban lifestyle, which is accompanied by an array of outstanding restaurants and fine retail outlets.

Englewood Cliffs was ranked as one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States by Forbes. You will be able to find a range of luxury properties here. In addition to that, the borough offers low property taxes, which has been attracting both businesses and residents alike. If you are looking for a relaxed borough that has a high ranking school system, Englewood Cliffs is an ideal option to consider.

Dining Spots

  • Cliffs Steakhouse

Located in 18 Sylvan Ave, Cliff’s Steakhouse is a charming and upscale restaurant that serves wonderfully prepared steaks (Skirt and porterhouse steak available here!), pasta, and a variety of seafood. Since its inception, it quickly became one of Englewood Cliffs’ most popular restaurants.

  • Mr BBQ

Located in 150 Sylvan Ave, Mr BBQ is a spacious Korean BBQ establishment that offers grill-your-own type of buffet. What’s more, Mr BBQ also operates on an all-you-can-eat concept, and serves an delightful mix of meats and sides that you can cook tableside. This barbecue restaurant also opens from 1130am to 11pm.

Points of Interest

  • The Cloisters

Located in the northern part of Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters is a museum that is features the gardens of medieval Europe, architecture, and art. Overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters present an evocative and harmonious setting for over 2,000 exceptional architectural elements and artworks that will leave you in awe. What’s more, it is open seven days a week.

  • Wave Hill

Located in the Hudson Hill section of Riverdale, Bronx, Wave Hill is a 28-acre estate that comprises of a cultural center and horticultural gardens that are open to the public. The estate overlooks the Hudson River, offering expansive views across the river. Wave Hill has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well. If you are visiting Wave Hill, be sure to check out Alpine House and Dry Garden, The Perennial Flower Garden, and more.

Check out the latest Englewood Cliffs listings that effortlessly represents what this interesting neighborhood stands for. From quality housing to an excellent school system, it is easy to see why the real estate market here is constantly booming.

Are You Trying To Attract The Millennial Property Buyer?

What type of property is most attractive to the millennial property buyer? Research from the National Association of Realtors has shown that although the average home buyer is about 44 years of age, more than 30 percent of those searching for a home are first time clients. They tend to be millennials born in the early to mid-1980s who have now matured and have the income to purchase their own properties. Understanding this group and their needs and desires is the key to successfully selling real estate to them.

Home Offices

The number of people working from home has continued to increase due to the adoption of smartphones, wireless technology, the internet and more affordable and robust computers. Therefore, there is a high demand among millennials for homes that have space which can be used for an office. Even those who do not work from home will want a space where they can study, read reports or fill out paper work.

Smart Homes Which Are Energy Efficient

As living and energy costs continue to increase, millennials are on the lookout for homes which are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Examples of such homes include those that have additional insulation or windows which are double paned. Other desirable features are floors which are refurbished and faucets which conserve water.

Millennials are also tech savvy and want homes that have keypads, thermostats that can be automatically adjusted, and an effective security system. Homes that incorporate advanced features will be hot in demand among this group. It also should be noted that many millennials were teenagers when the internet was first introduced which means they will use it extensively when searching for a property, meaning those that plan to sell to this group must actively use social media, classified ad websites, and other online sources.

Open Concept Houses

The open concept home has come in vogue in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that millennials care less about square footage than their parents and grandparents and instead place greater emphasis on how big the space feels to them. Open concept homes are popular because they promote relaxation in a sociable environment that encourages homeowners and their guests to move through a standard space. Flexibility is the primary appeal. Perhaps the greatest benefit of an open concept home is that the owner can reinvent it many times over as they see fit.

Remodeled Bathrooms And Kitchens

A large percentage of millennials do not want to be bothered with renovations, which means they place a premium on houses which have either bathrooms or kitchens which have already been updated. It is well known to anyone who owns a home that remodeling these areas is the most expensive part of the house. It is for this reason that many millennials, who will spend much of their money on the down payment, don’t want to be burdened with the additional expense of having to remodel these rooms.

Green Homes Explained

One of the hottest trends in construction today is green homes. These properties incorporate a number of features which make them more efficient and more cost effective. Demands for such homes have arisen out of the growing awareness of pollution, energy shortages, and other problems which threaten the environment. More people realize that traditional home design results in a tremendous amount of waste in terms of water, energy and other materials which cost huge sums of money over the long term.

How Exactly Are Green Residences Different?

These homes are designed in such a way where efficiency is maximized, not just in terms of energy, but in water. Air quality is also much better than homes that use older construction methods. As a consequence homeowners will save thousands of dollars each year on utility bills which translate to tens of thousands over a decade. Green houses are safe, efficient and healthier for families. They incorporate the newest materials and technologies to give you comfort as well as convenience.

What To Expect From A Green Property

The builder of the home should be able to explain to you how it is designed to be eco-friendly, as well as the features which were incorporated to make it efficient in terms of energy and water. Every home will require you to pay ongoing monthly costs for utilities and it is known that some properties have higher costs than others. Just as you want the best mortgage rate when looking to buy a home, you should also place the same importance on efficiency and how the building was constructed.

Each aspect of the home, from heating to appliances, cooling and filtration must be properly evaluated to ensure the home is comfortable, clean and aesthetic pleasing. Air quality has become a major issue in recent years as more people recognize allergens and the problems they cause. A green property will allow you to breathe much cleaner air while leaving more money in your pocket while supporting the environment.

The Role of Solar Energy In Green Properties

Solar energy is one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. However, it is still in its infancy and is relatively expensive (although costs continue to fall). Before implementing a solar energy system into your home there are a number of things you must consider. The first is the location, followed by where you intend to install the panels, the type of house you own, the amount of energy you will save, and whether you intend to own the panels or lease them.

You obviously want to be in an area that receives lots of sunlight. However, if you put the solar panels on the front of the home the value of the property will decline as in this location the property will not be aesthetically pleasing. Solar panels should be added to maximize your energy savings but don’t expect them to enhance the market value. While they could, this isn’t their primary function.

If you are looking for a green home in New Jersey, let us give you a helping hand today.

What’s Trending For Bathroom Decor In 2017?

Bathroom decor trends in 2017 incorporate a number of unique features which are suitable to homeowners of all tastes. Ambiance is very important in this area of the home, and if you’re looking to get rid of the outdated design that you currently have, here are some hot ideas you should consider.

Retro Tiles In Black And White

This design idea is a blast from the past. Retro tiles in black and white are a classic in bathrooms, and if you’re currently using a more neutral style, you will find that it adds zest of color which is not overdone. The sharp contrast between black and white and the infinite geometric patterns that can be derived from them make this one of the top bathroom design ideas this year.

French Doors On Showers

This particular design idea is the epiphany of both elegance and sophistication. Shower curtains are totally passé in 2017 and they are being replaced with this. The French doors will serve the same function as the shower curtains while being vastly sleeker; if you’re looking to impress visitors who use your bathroom French doors on the shower is one of the best ways to do it.

Vanity Mirrors With A Round Shape

Mirrors have always been a necessity in bathrooms, but vanity mirrors take things to whole new level. They are a low lift option for making your bathroom trendier and the circular shape will make a powerful statement, particularly when it’s combined with a sink that is rectangular.

Shower Surrounded By Plants

Placing plants around your shower provides a number of benefits, both designs wise and practical. If the shower receives lots of sunlight from a window or ceiling this will be beneficial to the plants, and the shower water can also be used to nourish them. Plants are also known to produce relaxation which is exactly what you want when bathing. It is also a nice touch for those who are environmentalists and like anything green and earthy.

Totally White Bathroom Color

White is the color of choice for bathroom design in 2017. It is a natural color for bathrooms due to its associations with purity, cleanliness and transcendence. Homeowner’s whose bathrooms already incorporate neutral space can use many of the top design ideas this year without having to spend lots of money on remodeling.

Borderless Showers

This bathroom design trend will be popular among those who enjoy using outdoor showers. For some it is quite refreshing to clean themselves in a room that is free of a ceiling. This design idea promotes the concept of freeing and allows a much larger space to be used for washing and shampooing. However, each surface must be covered by tile and you will need to wipe away the puddles when you’re done. The bathroom is without a doubt one of the most private rooms of the home. When designing it, you must keep this in mind while making it stylish, elegant and comfortable.

Neighborhood Guide: Englewood, NJ

Located in Bergen County, Englewood is a neighborhood that was incorporated from portions of Englewood Township and Ridgefield Township, in 1899. With a zip code of 07631, Englewood borders Tenafly, Teaneck, Leonia, Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs, and Bergenfield. What’s more, the neighborhood is home to several historic sites, including the Peter Westervelt House and Barn, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Garret Lydecker House, and more. All in all, Englewood, NJ is an interesting city to explore. Let’s take a closer look:

Living in Englewood, NJ

Englewood is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city and it offers a semi-urban lifestyle for its residents. In addition to that, you can easily find properties that are worth $100,000 or up to a million dollars. What’s more, celebrities are known to own multi-million dollar estates here. If you live in Englewood, you are assured a convenient commute most of the time. The neighborhood offers easy and quick access to the Big Apple and George Washington Bridge. If you are planning to unwind during the weekends, you can travel to Englewood’s lively downtown area, where you will find an array of restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment services. Planning to start a family here? Your kids will be able to attend Englewood’s very own public school system as well.

Dining Spots

  • Emma

Emma’s menu features a variety of Latin and American options. The dining spot offers an appealing atmosphere and its innovative cuisine easily fills a niche for something different. Emma serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and is usually open from Monday to Sunday. Business starts from 11am onwards.

  • Bennies

Bennies Restaurant brings healthy, pure, genuine home cooking to a whole new level. Since its inception, it has been creating authentic dining experiences in Mediterranean cuisine. Combined with great music and ambience, the restaurant hopes to create an unforgettable experience that caters to all their diners’ senses. You have to try dishes such as their shish kebob and Atlantic salmon!

Points of Interest

  • Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

The nature center is a preserve and education center established in 1973. It sits on 150-acres of land and has 3.6 miles of trails. As the natural woodland is one of Palisades Forest’s last remaining treasures, the nature center aims to preserve and maintain the lands as a natural sanctuary for animal and plant life. Another notable thing about Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is that it provides environmental education programs that are suitable for all ages. Alternatively, one can explore the network of self-guiding trails here. They lead to wildflower meadows, wetlands, a park, and more.

  • Bergen County Performing Arts Center

Bergen County Performing Arts Center is Englewood’s home of arts and education. It is also one of NJ’s busiest not-for-profit performing arts center that can accommodate more than 150,000 annually. What’s more, you will be able to enjoy world class performances at affordable prices. Since their inception, the arts center has been reaching out to thousands of families via their innovative arts and educational programs.

Check out these Englewood listings now. You will be able to find a wide range of properties, including luxurious ones.

Get Acquainted With Closing Costs In Bergen County!

It can take a considerable amount of time and energy to locate a home in New Jersey that suits your desires and budget, and this doesn’t include physically relocating your family and belongings. But in addition to these things you must also consider the closing costs in Bergen county. While most people focus primarily on the down payment, you should also consider the additional fees which are involved in these real estate transactions.

Bergen County Closing Costs

This particular county has some of the largest closing costs in the entire state of New Jersey. This is because its homes are luxurious and exclusive, which results in larger property taxes, insurance costs and legal fees. It isn’t unusual for the closing costs alone to be more than $10,000, and when doing your estimates you should plan for these costs to make up about 2.2 percent of the median price of the house.

Title Insurance And Search

In New Jersey it is mandatory for a title search and insurance to be performed. The purpose of the title search is to evaluate the property’s historical records to make sure the owner is legally authorized to sell the property. In some cases a piece of real estate can be dually owned, which can cause issues during a sale, and the title search also ensures that the house is located on the plot of land where it should be. Title insurance is a payment that protects both parties from disputes involving the property that occur once the title search has been completed. It usually costs from $250 to $500.

Appraisal Fee

This fee will be necessary for those who are buying their home with the aid of a mortgage loan. The lender wants to make sure that the home is worth what they’re lending you to pay for it. The appraisal will evaluate the home’s condition in comparison to other properties in the area, and the fee will usually be about $400.

Mansion Tax

This tax will be applied to those who are buying homes in Bergen County which are valued at $1 million or more. The rate will be 1 percent of the value of the home or $10,000 for a property that is appraised at $1 million.

Home Inspection

Although home inspections are not mandatory in New Jersey, they are highly recommended; especially when you consider the high costs that you will pay for the home itself as well as the closing fees. This procedure is of great importance when buying older properties, as they are subject to the ravages of time and may have foundational or structural problems that will need to be repaired. Identifying these problems can allow you to approach the seller to renegotiate the cost, so that you can factor in the amount you will have to pay for repairs. Closing costs can grow rapidly, which is why it is essential to hire a Bergen County real estate agent who is both experienced and reliable.

Is 2017 A Good Time To Sell Your Property?

There are a number of reasons you should sell your property in 2017. Timing is everything when it comes to selling real estate and there are numerous advantages sellers will gain from liquidating their properties this year.

Reduced Inventory

A lower supply of homes means that demand for them will be higher which means sellers can maximize their profits when selling. Before the recent housing market bubble and subsequent crash, there were roughly 4 million properties listed for sale in the U.S. By the end of 2016, this number dropped to 1.85 million, with the overall housing marking falling by over 50 percent since 2007.

Research also shows that the amount of time that a home is listed for sale before being purchased has dropped substantially over the last few years. This means that buyers are acquiring them at a faster rate. In the past sellers were concerned about their homes being listed on the market for many months before they would move, while today this is no longer the case. The average price for a home in the United States has also increased from $220,000 to $234,000 in little more than a year.

The Economy Is Becoming Stronger

Another factor which has made this a favorable market for home sellers is reduced unemployment and higher wages. This has resulted in greater consumer confidence which will inspire a larger number of buyers to enter the market.

The Impact Of Recent Politics

Democrats controlled the White House for 8 years and the 2016 election showed Americans were ready for a switch. Donald Trump emphasized the economy heavily during his presidential campaign and while no one is certain how things will turn out, research shows that many people are concerned about some of the reforms that have been presented by Republicans that will mandate that potential buyers pay larger down payments, which has prompted many to sell their properties.

Rent Is Becoming Increasingly Expensive

Gross rental prices in the United States averaged $1021 per month in 2015, and have continued to rise steadily. This has prompted many people to buy a home as oppose to continuing to shell out over $12,000 year for rent, granted they can cover the down payment and closing costs. One trend that is expected for 2017 is decreased demand for rent which has people placing their savings in homes instead. This is good news for those who wish to sell.

Mortgage Rates Are Low

Mortgage rates are important to buyers because the lower they are, the lower their monthly payment will be. Rates right now are quite reasonable which has prompted many people to buy a home sooner than they planned. Experts expect current rates to stay at about 4 percent for a longer time before increasing, and even then mortgage rates rarely increase in a straight line. This will place great demand on properties this year and will fuel purchases until the end of the year.

Going On A Weekend Getaway In The Tri-State Area?

The Tri-State area is simply wonderful as it is surrounded by great cities, mountains, farmland, and ocean. That’s why it has unlimited potential when it comes to weekend getaways. No matter if you are looking for a long-awaited family vacation, a romantic trip for two, or even a #YOLO spa relaxation themed event, you have abundant options. Here are some of the top spots you can consider visiting in the Tri-State area:

Cape May, New Jersey

Located at the Southern tips of NJ’s Cape May Peninsula, Cape May is a renowned city and seaside resort. When you step foot onto Cape May, you can’t miss the sights of the grand Victorian houses, including the Emlen Physick Estate. If you arrive in Cape May after the sun sets, don’t fret for you can start your day early the next day with a wonderful bed and breakfast experience. Next, you can take a tour of the beautiful streets to see those beautiful Victorian homes that were mentioned earlier.

Got a sweet tooth? Cape May has got your back. Simply check out Seaside Sweets, which is located on the corner of Ocean & Washington Street. There, you can find traditional salt water taffy. If you are looking for some heart-pounding outdoor action, you definitely do not want to miss parasailing at East Coast Parasail. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the historic Cape May lighthouse.

Ocean City, New Jersey

Ocean City is a popular summer destination that offers an array of beach and non-beach activities. For starters, trips to the beach can bring enormous fun, and you might want to bring a sand-free beach bag and pack some bug spray to ensure a wonderful experience. Since Ocean City is very much a town for families, there are various parks for your kids’ entertainment. For instance, they can check out Congo Falls Golf or Gillian’s Wonderland Pier amusement park. All in all, Ocean City is a very safe town and part of it is a “dry” town. Looking for an alcohol-free weekend getaway? Ocean City is the place you want to be at.

Branford, Connecticut

If you are looking for a fine beach escape, look no further than Branford. It is a town located along the Connecticut shore. The weather here is usually good, and when it is, make sure you head down to the back porch at Lenny’s. You will find the town’s famous waterfront seafood restaurant here. If you want to explore wooded hills, you will find some public trails and beaches at the corner of suburbia. What’s more, there is a thriving industry of commerce and various peaceful coves that await your exploration. If you have rented a cottage in Branford, it is recommended that you explore the woodlands via a boat ride and/or trolley ride.

Mohonk Mountain House, New York

Mohonk Mountain House is an upstate New Paltz mountain top resort that was built in 1869. The 250-room mountain top resort offers breathtaking views that can’t be missed. After appreciating and being awed by the resort’s private crystal clear lake, be sure to indulge in some year-round activities such as boating, lake swimming, ice skating, golf, hiking, or relaxing at some spa amenities. All in all, you can be sure that Mohonk Mountain House provides an excellent weekend bonding for both couples and families.

If you are looking for vacation recommendations in the Tri-state area, you have come to the right place. Looking for a particular property in New Jersey? We’ve got you covered too. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information!

Manson in night view

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