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Month: June 2017

July 2017 – NJ Events To Attend

Are you visiting New Jersey soon? Already made the necessary travel arrangements, but don’t know where to go or what to do? Don’t worry as we have got you covered. New Jersey is known for hosting a great array of interesting events throughout the year and that’s why there is never a dull moment here. Check out some of the July 2017 NJ events!

Wine Growers Barrel Trail Weekend

From July 15-17, 2017, the Garden State Wine Growers Association will be organizing a wine growers barrel trail weekend for the masses. You will be able to get a first-hand look inside the barrel rooms of some notable NJ wineries. What’s more, you can taste future vintages right from the barrel while winemakers guide you through the wine making process.

Joan Pamboukes’ Beneath Such Dreamy Moments

Before July 31, 2017 arrives, be sure to join Joan Pamboukes as she investigates the effects of media and how we interact with it in today’s society. Beneath Such Dreamy Moments is a site-specific installation and was inspired by Newark Museum’s historic Ballantine House. This exhibition is curated by Shlomit Dror, and draws upon Pamboukes’ fragmented and distorted depiction of the theme. You can expect the domestic scene to contain equal parts of fantastic and imaginary. The exhibition’s location is at Paul Robeson Galleries.

Indivisible: Vaughn Spann

Located at Engelhard Hall, in Newark’s 190 University Avenue, this site-specific installation is the perfect place for art lovers to congregate. This exhibition is the brainchild of Vaughn Spann, who is an artist that has participated in a number of exhibitions including shows at RushArts, The Reginald Lewis Museum. Aferro Gallery, Rupert Ravens Contemporary, and more. The main feature of the event, a mural, is commissioned by the Rutgers University Office of Admissions.

State Fair Meadowlands

Held next to Met Life Stadium, at State Fair Meadowlands Fairgrounds, State Fair Meadowlands is an annual event and a fair that features the largest Kiddieland in the state. From live animal shows to thrilling white-knuckle rides (suitable for both older children and adults), there are tons of activities for you to enjoy. Do not forget to indulge in delicious new foods, catch daring acrobats in action, shop, and more!

Fourth of July Celebration at Ocean City

If you are visiting Ocean City Music Pier on the 4th of July, be sure to participate in the ongoing celebrations! There will be numerous entertainment options for you to enjoy and even a kite flying competition for interested individuals. The evening will end with a bang, with a spectacular boardwalk fireworks display.

27th Annual Oceanfest

Held at Long Branch Promenade, the 27th Annual Oceanfest is Jersey Shore’s biggest seasonal event that you just have to check out. The Independence Day celebration is a family-friendly event and features many interesting sights and sounds that complement the summer season.

As you can see, there are a lot of interesting events happening in the Garden State. Whether you love NJ for the fact that it was the hometown of numerous famous celebrities or that it has the many noteworthy shopping malls, New Jersey has lots to offer for its residents. Are you looking for the latest NJ real estate options? We’ve got your back. Do not hesitate to email Josh@NJLux.com or call us at 201.568.5668 today.

Is It Hard To Get Approved For A Home Mortgage?

This is so exciting – You’re ready to buy your first home! Chances are, however, that you’re not going to plop down a big wad of cash with which to pay it all off. Most home buyers will end up looking for a home mortgage. But there can be more to buying a home than just considering the flat out sticker price. Will you need to modify, paint, renovate or improve it in any way just to make it livable? Will this home increase in value through the years, or will it be something you will lose money on if and when you sell? These questions could end up making a difference in the procurement of a mortgage and how much the loan should be for.

Are You a First-Time Home Buyer in NJ?

Even if you can put a major down payment on a home, you will need a mortgage to assist with the paying off of the rest of the price of the home. One of the best things you can do before actually starting to look at homes is to seek preapproval for that mortgage. Some individuals aren’t even aware that this possibility exists. Here’s why you should look into it:

  • With financial backing that is solid and already approved, sellers will find you far more appealing.
  • You can streamline the process of property searches knowing ahead of time what you can afford or the amount that you are preapproved for.
  • Knowing in advance what your mortgage payments will be and how much money you’re going to get from a lender will help you more accurately plan for your future as a homeowner.

The New Jersey area has all sorts of homes in various shapes, sizes, conditions, locations. Some with luxurious settings and amenities, others with bare essentials, and houses that fall somewhere in between. First-time buyers may find it difficult to get preapproved. You’ll need to be on top of your game. So what can you do to make the process run more smoothly? Read on to find out.

Have You Saved Up for a Down Payment?

If not, better get a move on! Offering the largest down payment possible to a seller is an excellent way to start the whole process off. You can achieve a better mortgage interest rate, avoid buying private insurance on your mortgage and have less to pay off in the long run if you can offer a 20% or more down payment.

Time to Set up a Budget

You are going to need to establish a budget once you have figured out what your monthly expenses and monthly income are. Every month, you’re going to need to come up with mortgage payments – how much can you realistically afford? Whether you’re going to be facing bad times or good times, the mortgage payment will not wait and is going to last for a good number of years. As a rule of thumb, some advisers suggest that the absolute maximum your mortgage should be is around 35% of your income monthly. Hopefully, this leaves you enough money to take care of all your other expenses.

How is Your Monthly Cash Flow?

This is a comparison between your monthly expenses and your monthly income. If a huge part of your monthly income is already going toward a car payment or student loans, that is going to leave you a lot less to devote to a mortgage. Your financial health will be assessed by a lender who is going to execute a detailed examination of your debts as they relate to your income.

Before seeking approval for a mortgage, you must first make sure that your credit is in excellent shape. Then ensure that as many debts as possible are paid off. Additionally, if you have income that fluctuates for some reason or if you are self-employed, a lender may want more involved proof of income such as tax returns from the last couple of years.

Once you are preapproved and are ready to start shopping for that perfect first home, choose NJLux.com and let us assist you in your search. We know just where to find the home of your dreams!

Neighborhood Guide: Fort Lee, NJ

Fort Lee is a borough located in Bergen County. Incorporated in 1904, it was named after General Charles Lee, who came with his troops to defend New York City whilst camping at Mount Constitution during the Revolutionary War. With a population of over 35,000, Fort Lee is one of the most populous towns in the county. The borough’s zip code is 07024 and has a rich history of film-making. That’s why it also has the name – Hollywood of the Hudson. In addition, the borough features a prominent downtown, which comprises of a melting pot of cultures. If you wish to find out what Fort Lee, NJ is like as a neighborhood, you have come to the right place!

Living in Fort Lee, NJ

Fort Lee is a great place to live as it is within close proximity to New York – thanks to the George Washington Bridge. If you are a foodie, you will love the fact that Fort Lee has plenty of food in town and many shops located in the surrounding towns are open 24 hours. Next, the borough has a very diverse make up, a reputable school system, and its housing market offers an array of co-ops, luxury condominiums, duplexes, and single-family homes.

Since Fort Lee is so near to George Washington Bridge, you will enjoy easy access to almost every major highway in northern NJ. What’s more, a commute into the city (without traffic) takes less than 2 minutes to the Bronx and Northern Manhattan! Now, let’s not forget about the magnificent views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. If you are looking to start a family in a quiet, suburban town that still has a touch of metropolitan-ness, Fort Lee is an excellent choice.

Dining Spots

  • Prime & Beyond

Prime and Beyond is a family-run steakhouse and butcher shop located in 501 Main St, Fort Lee. It offers diners and its customers the highest quality meat like USDA Prime meat. Aside from offering a unique steakhouse experience, it also serves up a delectable selection of Korean dishes. Come and enjoy the most flavorful and meticulously prepared steak in the borough!

  • Menya Sandaime

If you wish to dine at a Japanese joint that serves ramen and gyoza, be sure to check out Menya Sandaime. It is located at 1638 Parker Ave, Fort Lee, NJ and features a cozy, wood-lined interior with traditional accents. Did you know that ramen noodles were originally introduced to Japan from China? This happened during the Edo Period.

Points of Interest

  • Fort Lee Historic Park

Situated in Hudson Terrace, this is a 33-acre park area that features a visitor center, a restored Revolutionary War encampment, and an array of scenic overlooks. If you are visiting the park, do remember that bicycles and pets are not permitted. You may consider exploring the northern end of the historic park as there are two overlooks that offer spectacular views of Upper Manhattan’s skyline, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge.

  • George Washington Bridge

Also known as GW Bridge, George Washington Bridge is a marvel of engineering. It was first opened to traffic in 1931 and was soon used by over five million vehicles.

Can’t wait to explore Fort Lee? That’s understandable. With lots of amenities, reputable schools, and quality housing, it is one of the finest places in NJ to start a family. Start checking out the latest Tenafly listings today!

Schools In Saddle River & Upper Saddle River

You may be planning to move or have already moved into New Jersey. Before your move, you have already familiarized yourself with NJ’s many awesome amenities, points of interest, and dining destinations. What’s next? If you have kids, you definitely need to check out the schools in the neighborhood. In this post, we are featuring schools in Saddle River and Upper Saddle River for those who are buying property in these two communities.

Available Schools in Saddle River

In Saddle River, you will be able to find two primary and secondary schools. The Saddle River School District is in charge of the public schools in Saddle River. Other neighboring school districts include Northern Highlands Regional High School District and Ho-Ho-Kus School District.

  • Saddle River Day School

Saddle River Day is a private school that was established in 1957, by John C. Alford. It teaches over 300 students that come from communities in Morris, Passaic, Essex, and Bergen County. Its first senior class successfully graduated in 1960. Saddle River Day School comprises of three divisions, namely the lower division, the middle division, and the upper division. The student-teacher ratio here is 7:1. Students attending the school are assured to receive complete education, which helps them achieve personal and academic excellence and become an ethical and caring contributor to society.

  • Wandell Elementary School

Wandell is a public elementary school that is located in the heart of downtown Saddle River. As a PK – Grade 5 school, a student count of over 220 attend Wandell Elementary School. Its motto is ‘Knowledge is Power’ and has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. Since its inception, Wandell has been educating their students to become independent problem solvers and thinkers so that they acquire the necessary skills to achieve success and become empowered whilst overcoming the challenges of tomorrow’s emerging world community. Wandell Elementary School is also supported by the Board of Education.

Available Schools in Upper Saddle River

In Upper Saddle River, parents can find four primary and secondary schools. Each school has and maintains high ratings, and that’s why parents can rest assured that the Upper Saddle River School and Northern Highlands Regional High School districts perform better than nearby districts.

  • Robert D. Reynolds Elementary School

With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, Robert D. Reynolds Elementary School provides dynamic educational experiences for its students. Whether you are looking to enroll your child into a full-day kindergarten program or pre-school class, Robert D. Reynolds Elementary can help. This is a child-centered school so you can expect your child to learn how to take an active approach to learning. They will also be encouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning and be a good team player.

  • Northern Highlands Reg High School

Over 1,300 students attend the Northern Highlands Reg High School, and the one teacher is often assigned to handle 11 students. As a regional public high school, Northern Highlands Reg provides education for students from Grades 9 through 12. During the 1986 and 1987 school year, the school was awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence.

  • Edith A. Bogert Elementary School

Bogert is a school of about 455 students, from Grades 3 through 5. The school bridges the transition at two junctures, i.e., from primary grades to upper-elementary and then from upper-elementary grades to middle school. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, Bogert aims to foster a passion for learning and discovery in their students. In addition, their curriculum is designed to promote higher order thinking, problem solving, and literacy in all subjects.

  • Emil A. Cavallini Middle School

Emil A. Cavallini is a public middle school that ranks No.1 within the Upper Saddle River School District. Over 470 students attend Emil A. Cavallini and the school has a 10:1 student-teacher arrangement. Parents that have children attending this school can rest assured that they are taught by some of the best teachers in New Jersey.

If you are having trouble finding a suitable home in Saddle River or Upper Saddle River that are nearby the reputable schools, do not hesitate to consult an experienced realtor. You can contact us at NJLux for more information.

How To Score An Excellent Property Purchase

As important and easy as it is to be excited about your new property purchase, letting emotion get the better of you is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make. You should be happy about the fact that you are buying a new home, but you have to be careful as well. You’re going to be investing a lot of money into this property purchase, so you want it to match up as closely as possible with the ideas that you have in your head regarding the perfect choice of location, yard, house, amenities, etc.

Avoiding some of the following common mistakes will mean that you stand a better chance of landing the kind of property and abode that you’ve always dreamed of.

Take It Easy on That Offer

When you find a place that you truly love, it’s easy to get overly excited and either offer way too much to begin with, or fall into a pricey bidding war. Here is the problem with that. You may end up paying too much for the house and property. Then, when it’s time for you to sell, depending on the market and any improvements you may have made, you could end up losing money on the deal.

Secondly, you may not be able to get the loan for that pricey offer you made. If the bank doesn’t think the home is worth that kind of money, it will never approve a mortgage for such an excessive amount. Even if you can come up with the cash, if the bank doesn’t think that property is worth that kind of money – you may want to listen to them. They are not emotionally invested.

Be Selective But Don’t Wait Too Long

This is a double-edged sword. You never want to make a hasty decision, but neither do you want to drag your feet. You should always sleep on a decision of this magnitude and wait at least 24 hours or more before putting in an offer. Then again, if there is a lot of competition for this particular property, you don’t want to wait too long to make that offer, and risk losing it altogether.

There is a fine line here, and it needs to be walked very carefully. Your realtor may be able to give you some idea as to how in-demand this place is and whether or not they think it’s worth what the seller is asking. Should you wheel and deal? Should you simply make an offer? Should you play hardball? So many decisions.

And jumping in too soon can mean that you stop looking. Once you stop looking, you may pass up the perfect property without even knowing it. Before you make an offer, you must decide whether or not this is absolutely what you’ve always dreamed of, or is there may be something better down the line (or down the street).

Do Not Overlook the Obvious

Not everyone decides to have potential home purchases inspected. But it’s a good idea. Not only will it give you a better picture of how much work you’re going to have to do on this new home, but it can also be a determining factor in how much wiggle room you have with the seller. If there are obvious flaws in the home, do not overlook them thinking that you can fix them in the future. They may matter more than you know.

And do not overestimate your abilities as a do-it-yourselfer. A small problem can become a big issue in a heartbeat – particularly if you aren’t quite as handy as you thought you were. Fixing things wrong, or not fixing them at all, will affect the value of your home when it’s time for you to sell. There is likely something a little bit (or a lot) better out there if you will just take the time and the effort to look for it. Unless the entire point of your property search is to find the ideal fixer-upper, get something that’s already updated and in prime living condition.

And don’t make the mistake of falling in love with something that you absolutely cannot fit into your budget. It is essential that you set up a budget before you begin looking for a home. And, getting pre-approval for your mortgage is another smart move before you start your property search. Join forces with a reliable realtor that can assist you in finding a property that supplies you with everything you need and want. We can be that realtor. We know the area and how to help you score that perfect property!

Neighborhood Guide: Cliffside Park, NJ

One of the boroughs you can find in Bergen County is Cliffside Park. The zip code for Cliffside Park is 07010 and it was incorporated from portions of Ridgefield Township in 1895. Thanks to its ideal location between the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel, many New York City professionals that seek a suburban lifestyle come to live in Cliffside Park. If you are looking to move to Cliffside Park, NJ and want to know more about the neighborhood in general, look no further than here for we have the answers you seek:

Living in Cliffside Park, NJ

Dubbed as New Jersey’s Gold Coast, Cliffside Park is just a stone’s throw away from Hoboken and Jersey City. As it also close vicinity to shopping, restaurants, and waterfront walkways, all the convenience you can wish to enjoy in a neighborhood are just minutes away. With a population of approximately 24,000, Cliffside Park is one of the most densely populated boroughs in the Garden State. You do not have to worry about Cliffside Park being tightly packed because it offers a wide variety of housing options, including single family homes, duplex’s, high-rise condominiums, and more. What’s more, the borough is home to an independent public school system that serves students of up to 12th grade.

Dining Spots

  • Avo’s Grill

Avo’s Grill is Cliffside Park’s premier destination for New American cuisine with culinary influences from the Near East and Mediterranean. Located at 720 Anderson Ave, Avo’s Grill can cater to even the most demanding palate. Whether you are dining with your family or on a date, Avo’s Grill has got you covered with delicious dishes that are bursting with flavor and freshness.

  • Cinar Turkish Restaurant

Looking to dine at a restaurant that serves authentic Turkish Food? Look no further than Cinar Turkish Restaurant. The restaurant is known for its high quality, fresh, and clean food as they are approved by both the owner and the chef. Although the restaurant is small, it offers a large menu, including hot and cold appetizers, fish, home style food, kebabs, homemade baklava and Turkish coffee or tea, desserts, and more. Adana Kebab is their signature dish that you should try!

Points of Interest

  • Apollo Theater

The famous Apollo Theater has made significant contributions to America’s music landscape since its inception. The theater was established in 1934 and was the hot spot for African-American music culture. Apollo Theater is an excellent place for both established artists and artists who wish to make a name for themselves.

  • Church of the Epiphany

Located at 247 Knox Ave, the Church of the Epiphany was established over a century ago. Since its inception in 1916, the Church of the Epiphany has always been the center of the local community, and has been serving the Catholic Christian faithful of southern Bergen County for many years. The church warmly welcomes everyone, whether they are a newcomer or an old friend.

Having plans to settle down in Cliffside Park? You will be pleased to know that you can find a large selection of housing options here in this borough. Contact us today if you are looking for real estate in Cliffside Park, NJ.

Ideas For Your Summer Home Renovation

Let’s take a look at some of the summer home renovation ideas that can not only help to beautify your home but increase its value. Improvements can be as simple or as involved as you want. They can be quick and inexpensive, or something that you may have been saving up for. If budget is less of a concern, you can also go the mile to hire a home designer to inspire your summer home improvement project.

Spruce Up the Outside With a Coat of Paint

The warmer weather of summer is the perfect time to tackle outdoor projects like painting the outside of your home. Visitors, neighbors, friends, and family will all revel in the improved look. Your entire property will take on a whole new aesthetic appeal. Don’t forget to caulk any holes and around windows, replace damaged wood, repair masonry, and repair and replace metal as needed before you start painting.

Make the Driveway More Attractive

Do you have a gravel driveway, dirt driveway, or a paved driveway that has seen better days? Summer is the time to repave. Heavy machinery is going to be a must here so make sure that your yard can stand the weight and that there is room for all of this machinery to maneuver. Check with your local paving contractor to see what else you’ll need to do ahead of time. Once the driveway is done, you may want to concentrate on sidewalks, walkways, paths, etc.

Refresh And Energy Proof Your Windows Inside and Out

There are two ways of looking at this:

  • Pull out those old, leaky, drafty windows and install new, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient windows. You’re going to be amazed at how your energy bills change once these windows are installed. And that goes for summer months as well as winter months.
  • Install beautiful but energy-efficient window treatments on the inside of your windows. These can provide a plethora of benefits from letting in just the right amount of light to keeping out the cold and wind, and everything in between. At the same time, new window treatments will beautify the inside of your home and make a statement that completes the decor and ambiance of the room.

If you can only afford to do one of these now and then the other at a later point in time, this summer, go with switching out the windows themselves. The weather is perfect for such an endeavor. You can always take care of the interior window treatments once the weather has turned a bit cooler and you have saved up a little more cash.

Add a Bathroom or Improve an Existing One

If you have the room, add a half bath or another full bath to really increase the value of your home and improve its general sense of convenience. Even if it’s just the two of you, there is no harm in having an extra bathroom – ask any married couple that has been married for a while. Visiting friends and family will appreciate this as well. But if you just want to beautify the bathroom that you have, there are unlimited improvements that can be made. Take out outdated tiles, cracked mirrors, and grimy fixtures and install new, shiny, state-of-the-art models. Old tubs can give way to new and improved shower stalls. Single vanities can be replaced with his and hers vanities. And make sure that when replacing fixtures you use new, water saving, energy-efficient replacements.

Beautify That Backyard

If you have a green thumb, this is a great do-it-yourself project for the summer. If not, there are more landscaping contractors out there than you can even imagine. Consider adding a patio, grilling area, fire pit, pool, serenity garden, sprinkler system, lighting, pathways, and more. Not only will this be nice for you and your family but your neighbors and visiting friends will eagerly await each and every opportunity for a backyard cookout.

If you’re in the neighborhood to buy a new house with lots of yard space that you can landscape and beautify, contact a top real estate agent today. Perhaps you’re looking for a fixer-upper. Whatever the case, we can take into consideration what’s important to you and match you up with the perfect home.

Advice For Luxury Home Buyers

We all want a nice house. But there are those of us who want, can have, and should have a luxury home. Extravagance, lavishness and exceptional amenities are what luxury home buyers are looking for – among other things. Top-of-the-line detailing, all-inclusive entertainment areas, saunas, pools, tennis courts – this is what a luxury home is made of. Those are extremely specific details. Let’s take a look at the top characteristics that should be considered when you are shopping for your new luxury home.

Prime Location

One of the most important aspects of the ownership of a home can be location. You may want something that’s going to insure your privacy (possibly back from the road a ways) and is in a picture-perfect neighborhood with tree-lined streets and beautiful homes. When in your home, you don’t want to have a care in the world. Wanted to be your private getaway. A little slice of heaven. What is the ideal kindest time location for you? An expansive ranch-style home? A historic home? Possibly a waterfront spread complete with beach and private pier.

Decked With Today’s Technology

A luxury home would be far less luxurious without only the modern, high-tech conveniences that the technology industry currently has to offer. You would be lost without your smartphone, so why should you live anything less than a smart home? Is no longer any need to fall around with the thermostat in the lighting because each room can be controlled from your laptop or your phone. Set the security alarm, lock the doors, close the draperies, turn off the coffee pot – all with the touch of a button. You will be far more likely to be able to focus on the things that matter most in life if you no longer have to worry about the security of your home.

The Space That Suits You Best

Frequently, these kinds of poems include enough of a yard to offer future development and enough space between the road, other homes, and the house itself to assure a feeling of privacy. Garages and storage buildings can come in handy for storing heirlooms, cars, boats; you name it. More specifically, something along the lines of an estate could even offer a guest house, swimming pool, pool house, basketball court, tennis court, boat house, etc. at the very least, magnificent trees and exquisite landscaping is a must.

Feature Galore Inside

Let’s take a look at a few rooms that could and probably should be included in your layout:

  • Pool house – this could include changing rooms, restrooms, showers, sauna, and an area in which the pool controls are housed.
  • Outdoor kitchen – this will, of course, be fully stocked, weather-friendly, and covered in the case of inclement weather.
  • Exercise room – you’ll want all of the finest, most high-tech equipment so that you can keep that swimsuit body at the ready.
  • In-home theater – an entertainment center that has a massive-screen TV, surround sound, popcorn popper, cushy seating, blackout window treatments, etc. and a large selection of movies from which to choose.
  • Game room – this could include everything from the latest play-on-your-TV console games to pinball machines, pool tables, arcade games, air hockey, and more.
  • Professional grade, fully stocked kitchen – this will give your family many special moments and holiday celebrations with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, lots of storage space, and energy-efficient everything.

And of course, the bedroom in which you wake up in every morning needs to be as luxurious as the rest of the house. This is where you will start and end every day, so the condition of your surroundings here are important. Walk-in closets and a celebrity styled, well-lit vanity are a must. The bedroom extends to the master bath so that should be equally as luxurious. Features with which to spoil yourself here could beat all warmers, radiant heat, standing shower, soaker tub – generally a spa-inspired setting.

Are you ready to make the move to a luxury home in New Jersey? If you would like to speak to an experienced realtor about it, give us a call. We would love to help you find your lavish dream house.

How To Design Library Walls For Your House

Even if you aren’t into old school books – you know the kind that one actually has to turn pages on and can feel the weight of in one’s hand – you have to love the character and richness of a room with a custom-designed home library with shelf after shelf of natural wood. There are so many finishes, stains, and wood types to choose from that it boggles the mind. Can you picture a decadent, self-designed library in your home? Just imagine how it will increase the value of your home.

If you are considering installing a custom-made, wood shelved library in your home; you may want to consider all the styles of library walls and designs before making that final decision. Are you going for a more modern atmosphere that has a casual feel with lighter wood? Or will your library involve a dark wood façade that is more traditional? Whatever your choice, you want people to feel like they just need to run their hand along the surface, or sit in the nearest comfy chair and immerse themselves into one of the books, when they see this incredible library that you have designed.

On the Lighter Side

As luxurious, elegant, and rich as a dark wood library appears, some homeowners would rather keep things light. Paler stains or wood such as clear pine, white oak or other blonde woods could be the answer. Families and those looking for a feminine touch may feel that this is a perfect choice for their custom, luxury, modern home library.

Traditional and Classic

For a cozy yet opulent feel, take a hint from old England and couple hardwood floors with wall treatments that are dark and classy. There are a variety of trees that can supply you with solid wood choices in this category: maple, walnut, cherry, white oak, red oak, or a weathered, reclaimed wood.

There are also exotic woods (i.e. African crotch mahogany, Australian beeswing eucalyptus, the Central Africa located wenge tree, African cherry, etc.); chosen by many homeowners going for a more self-indulgent, expensive feel. These come in a variety of designs, patterns, and hues. They also have fewer knots and defects because they have fewer branches and grow taller than other trees.

Extras and Additions

Not only will you need to decide on wood and stain to go on the shelves and walls, but you also have to think about what stain or color you want for the finish of the façade. Will you use a rubbed wax finish or an oil finish?

Will the walls have wainscoting, bead boarding, be smooth or flat, a combination of these, or something entirely never seen before. If you install high, double stacked shelving, an exquisite addition to any library is the rolling library ladder. These can be mounted on tracking that is curved in order to keep going around turns as sharp as 90°.

These are all little, finishing touches that you will use to make the library uniquely your own.

Whether you have a luxury estate home in the suburbs or a modern apartment in the prime district, a home library is an excellent addition to not only make your property a more comfortable and livable home space but can also serve to make your home more desirable when you choose to sell. If  you would like to buy a new home with a library already installed, reputable real estate agents can help you find the perfect home in the ideal location. Contact us today if you are in the New Jersey market for the kind of property you’ve always dreamed of – library included.

Society Looks At Real Estate Agents Similarly To Used Car Salesmen

At first, I chose to refrain myself from writing this post. I felt that my message could potentially be misconstrued. However, I then realized, since when do I feel the need to filter myself due to the perception of others. So here it goes…

Society typically looks at many real estate agents similarly to the way they view the stereotypical used car salesman

We have a reputation that we are here to make money and that we do not necessarily care about anything or anyone else other than our commissions. That we are a dime a dozen. That we do do not bring real value to the client. That we do nothing other than show properties then ultimately collect a commission check at the closing. Unfortunately, there are way too many agents who do care more about themselves than they do about others. Hence the reason, our industry has been labeled in the manner expressed above.

However, on the flip side, there are so many extraordinary real estate agents. These same agents work extremely hard for their clients and help provide a better reputation for our industry as a whole. They are knowledgeable and honorable. They are dedicated to educating sellers and buyers, while guiding them through what may be one of life’s largest financial transactions. A major contributor to my success is an extremely simple one, it’s called the Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule; do to others what you want them to do to you…

I always try my best to put the needs of others before my own. The same goes for putting people before money. I am fortunate enough to have learned at a very young age (from my parents) that if I continue to treat people the way I wish to be treated, success will follow. When I entered into the wonderful world of real estate, I made a conscious decision to practice what my parents had always preached to me. That being to put people first and the money will someday follow. This way of doing business has reciprocated financial rewards to myself and to my family.

As an industry, we must work extremely hard to prove the value that we bring to the table. Most importantly, we must work together with our fellow real estate agents to provide one another with the same respect we wish for in return. I would like to take a moment to describe what my day was like today.

The day in the life of a real estate agent…

I had a showing scheduled for this morning at 11:00 AM. This showing was confirmed yesterday with the real estate agent to bring her client to my listing today at 11:00 AM and the owner of the property was going to open the door for them. At 11:47 AM my client texted me asking when the other agent was planning to arrive? Apparently they had yet to show up. In return, I immediately texted the other agent the following message. “######, you had a showing this morning confirmed for 11:00 AM and you are still not at the house, are you going to be there soon? They are waiting for you.” Her response was, “Yes – sorry meant for 12.” Later that day we had another showing scheduled for 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM. At 3:16 PM I received the following text message from yet another agent, “Sorry but need to cancel the showing, Last minute change.”

Later that day, I waited with another agent at one of my listings for almost 30 minutes as his buyer was running late. This agent was extremely apologetic and genuinely felt bad with regards to his clients’ tardiness. I expressed to him not to worry as it’s all part of the job and we need to work “together” as agents to help each other instead of making it even more difficult for one another. That’s when he told me a story about how he made a mistake when scheduling an appointment yesterday. Accidentally, he had scheduled a showing for the wrong day. He called and texted the other agent to apologize and instead of accepting his multiple and sincere apologies the other agent basically scolded him over the phone and told him that he was reporting him to his broker.

The day MUST go on…

Of course, my day had been thrown off quite a bit from this pervious showing. I texted the buyer’s agent for my next showing apologizing that unfortunately, I will be running about 10 minutes behind. This agent was extremely understanding and accommodating. Upon my arrival, I realized I did not have the key to the house with me. Not only was I now 10 minutes late but I had no access to the house. I actually decided to climb through a window in order to help get the other agent’s buyer into see my listing. Yes, we all make mistakes and yes, I climbed through a kitchen window to open the house up for her buyers. 🙂 This extra effort was taken because I wanted to ensure that other agent’s buyers would be able to view my listing today as I had originally promised to them.

Shortly thereafter, I was on my way to my confirmed 5:30 PM showing at one of my other listings when I texted the buyer’s agent that unfortunately, I would be arriving a few minutes late. Knowing earlier that I was running behind schedule, I had my amazing assistant (who was home sick in bed) drive to this property in order to turn on all of the 93 light switches, including 25 crystal chandeliers. Yes, that’s right, 25 crystal chandeliers! At 5:31 PM I received the following text message from the buyer’s agent, “Where are you? Sorry They can’t wait.” I arrived for the showing only 4 minutes late at 5:34 PM.
The agent and her buyers had already decided not to wait for me and left the property before I arrived.

Sometimes it just surprises me that many agents lack the professional courtesy to treat others the way they wish to be treated. How difficult would it have been for those two initial agents to have texted me prior to their scheduled showing to say they were running behind schedule? Instead they chose to make the owner of the property wait for them. This type of behavior is the perfect example as to why we are frowned upon as an industry. Instead of a text message saying, “Sorry they can’t wait,” how difficult would it have been to wait 2 minutes to personally tell me that the house did not work for them and that they decided to leave?

The subtle difference between having professional courtesy towards others versus completely having no respect for other people’s time is simply mind boggling. The way I reacted when the agent sincerely apologized for their buyers tardiness, or the way the other buyer’s agent reacted when I apologized for running 10 minutes behind schedule, or the way I climbed through a window in order to accommodate that very same agent, is simply having a mutual respect for others in our profession.

I truly appreciate anyone who has chosen to read this long winded post in its entirety. I wanted to take this opportunity to hopefully help open up the eyes for some of the newer agents who may wish to learn from my experiences. We must remember that we all real estate agents working together in a difficult industry. We are all able to control the most important part of our business, that being our reputation. Therefore, isn’t it easier to work together versus working against one another? Our lives can be so much easier if we remember the “Golden Rule” and live by it day in, and day out, in our industry and in our every day lives. Make it a great day!

Manson in night view

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