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Month: August 2017

September 2017 – NJ Events To Attend

One of the best things about living in New Jersey is that famous buildings and structures such as the Liberty Bell and the Empire State Building are basically in your backyard! What’s more, NJ is home to unbeatable skyline views that create an exceptional backdrop for engagement photos, riverfront dining, and more. If you are planning to visit the state and wondering whether or not there are any interesting September 2017 NJ events, you will not be disappointed. Here are some upcoming NJ events to keep in mind:

The 46th Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

When: September 1 to 3, 2017

Where: Salem County Fairgrounds, 725 Route 40, Pilesgrove Township, NJ

This is a family-friendly music festival that features southern Appalachian bluegrass and old-time music styles. If you are bringing your kids along with you to the event, be sure to check out the Children’s Stage as well. The great thing about the festival site is that there is plenty of room for both RVers and tenters. You will not be charged for camping if you are a weekend ticket holder!

Chowderfest Weekend

When: September 30, 2017

Where: Taylor Avenue ball field at Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall at the Chowderfest Weekend. The event and celebration is suitable for the entire family and features the annual Chowder Cook Off Classic (includes unlimited Chowder tasting), a variety of kids’ activities, and live music.

Toy World!

When: Until September 10, 2017

Where: New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, NJ

Before September 10, 2017 arrives, make sure that you see this amazing toy exhibition in person. From the 1880s to 1970s, New Jersey was a manufacturing center for toys! With that said, you can expect both young and mature event-goers to enjoy the exhibition that features more than 75 historic toys, including tin toys, Flexible Flyers, Colorforms, Tyco trains, and more. What’s more, there is an interactive play area for kids!

Hoboken Food & Culture Tour

When: Until March 31, 2018

Where: River Street & Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ

The Hoboken Food & Culture Tour is officially nine years old. The food and culture tour focuses on NJ businesses that are family-owned. Compare to the food tours in the Big Apple, this food tour offers a more authentic experience. Some of the featured businesses in the event include Hoboken’s wholesale Italian bread bakeries and Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop.

Jersey Shore Beach N Boat Fishing Tournament

When: Until November 30, 2017

Where: 9 Mansion Hill Drive, West Trenton, NJ

Are you a fishing enthusiast? If the answer is yes, you would not want to give this special NJ saltwater fishing tournament a miss. The season-long and statewide fishing tournament is open to anglers of all age levels and skill. What’s more, cash and other cool prizes are to be won. You will be able to fish from a canoe, jetty, boat, or the beach, and catch fishes such as sea bass, tog, kingfish, bluefish, black drum, weakfish, fluke, and stripers!

As you can see, New Jersey is home to many cool events every month. It is no wonder many locals and visitors find the Garden State an excellent place to stay and visit. If you are searching for a new home in NJ, why not engage a local real estate agent to gain information about the best properties on the NJ market today?

Secrets To Selling Your Luxury Home In Bergen County

Selling a property is ranked as one of the most stressful moments in anyone’s life, and together with moving it can make a big impression on any future thoughts of buying and selling. One of the major worries for potential sellers is how long should their property be on the market, or has it been on too long? Then there is the worry about the price, or being overpriced in the market. Here, we give you a few tips on how to sell your luxury home in Bergen County as quickly as possible.

Research The Bergen County Estate Market And Sit Tight

The first thing you need to understand is the local market place, when it comes to selling your luxury home in Bergen County. There is no point merely putting it straight onto the market without researching your location first. You may have lived there for many years, but don’t forget, this may be the first time you have tried to sell. First, you have to understand that even though Bergen County is a fantastic place to live, with key amenities, privacy and of course, luxury houses, it doesn’t mean there is queue of people wishing to buy. And this is where the problem is: there aren’t always a huge number of buyers in any one market, so you need to be patient. You must make sure that in your plans to move you allow for any delays, to relieve any stress if your house does not sell as quickly as you would like.

List Your Home In Warmer Months

If you truly want to get ahead when it comes to selling your property, the best time is when there is the most light. First impressions count and may potential buyers fall in love with properties at first sight of the exterior. You don’t want them looking at your house in the dark, winter months; they need to see it in the light. In New Jersey, this is always the summer months or late spring. With most luxury homes, the attention to detail comes in manicured lawns and flowering landscaped gardens, or a pool glinting in the sunshine. Snow covered lawns and leaves all over your property will do your home no favors.

Marketing Your Home Well

If you want to sell your luxury home in Bergen County promptly, thus by-passing that stressful delay, then it is important you market it to as many potential customers as possible. It is also important that people that are looking for a sale in such a high-regarded area, are aware of your home hitting the market. A good, experienced and well-regarded realtor will ensure that you get maximum exposure to the right people.

Pricing Your Home Correctly

It is important that your home is priced appropriately as you do not wish to be sitting on the market for too long. By finding a Bergen County realtor who has your best interests in mind and who will list your Bergen County home at the right price level, you will find that you have greater potential to sell. They should be able to analyze current market trends in real estate to ensure that you are not out-priced while pitching the correct price to the potential market.

Neighborhood Guide: Ridgewood, NJ

Located in Bergen County, Ridgewood is a village with the zip code 07450, and it has been recognized by the Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in the United States. Ridgewood is one of the highest earning towns in the country as well. This community has a lot to offer to both locals and tourists. Whether you want to spend time with your family or unwind via solo activities, Ridgewood has it all. If you want to explore the village and get to know it better, here is a simple guide to get started:

Living in Ridgewood, NJ

For starters, Ridgewood is home to an array of elegant architecture and high-end restaurants that are within walking distance. Residents have praised Ridgewood for how walkable it is. Running errands on a daily basis can be done with exceptional ease. If you live in Ridgewood, you are also ensured a convenient commute. The Ridgewood Train Station takes you to locations such as Port Jervis, Suffern, and Hoboken Terminal. You can also make use of the bus services on the 752, 722, 175, 164, 163, and 148 routes. If you plan to raise your kids in Ridgewood, you can rest assured that quality schools are located in the village. There are nine public schools that your children can enroll in.

Dining Spots

Latour

Owned by Michael Latour, the French-American grill concept dining spot has been around for the past decade. With his culinary experience in some of New York’s finest hotels, diners are assured an exceptional dining experience every single time. How does some lump crabmeat strudel, braised boneless short ribs, or pan roasted duck breast sound?

Sakura Bana

Sakura Bana is a family-friendly, traditional Japanese restaurant located in 43 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood. The restaurant is spearheaded by Sushi Chef Ken Kuriki and his dedicated team. You can expect to find a large selection of sashimi, sushi and other traditional Japanese specialties for both lunch and dinner. If you are in a rush, take out service is available as well.

Points of Interest

Archibald Vroom House

Located in the Central Business District of Ridgewood, the Archibald Vroom House is one of the rare buildings one can find in the village. The building actually housed the oldest hospital in the town building as well as the oldest retail store on Ridgewood Avenue. The Vroom House is so notable that it also has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Garret Mountain Reservation

The Garret Mountain Reservation features a 568-acre park and is Passaic County’s major recreational area. Visitors often come for the picnic areas, basketball courts, walking and running trails, and grass fields for various activities. In addition, there is an Equestrian Center that provides horseback riding lessons. If you are an avid angler, do check out the Barbour’s Pond as it is state stocked with fish.

If you have plans to buy real estate in Ridgewood, you can rest assured that NJLux has the best luxury properties for your consideration. Browse through the latest Ridgewood listings today.

Pricing Your Property Like A Pro

It goes without saying, that if you want your property to sell successfully, then you need to make sure it is priced correctly. Many a potential home buyer has walked into a home and fallen in love with it, only to balk at the overpriced value of the property. This is a guaranteed way to ensure your home stays on the market longer than it should, and this is why pricing your property needs much thought.

Too High?

Of course, we all want to get maximum value out of a home we have cherished over the years, both for sentimental reasons and profit. However, if you overprice your property, there is a good chance it will sit idle on the market, for a while. If you plan to set the price high, so you can negotiate a lower price (that is still above your expectations) then it may backfire. Remember, the longer your home sits idle in the market, the harder it is to sell. A home that has not managed to sell starts questions being asked. What’s wrong with it? Why does no one else want it? And if everyone else has let it go, do I want to be stuck with it? Finally, what occurs is you actually end up selling it for less than you wanted, just to move it.

Too Low?

At times, some homeowners go the other way and set the selling price of their home to low. Of course, this means there is a better chance of getting a quick sale, while not being left with no interested parties. However, you are also losing out on your home’s potential market value, with a knock-on effect being that your capital for your next house is much reduced. Also, it should be noted that a house under potential market value also arouses suspicion. You may well tell a potential purchaser that you are just after a quick sale, but it will beg the question: I wonder why?

What’s An Accurate Value?

Firstly, there is no point in you pulling numbers out of the air, as to what you believe your home is worth. Get a home appraisal done so you can set its price correctly. One major benefit is you instantly set yourself up as a competitor in your market. Those homes that are priced too high, or low, will now sit idle as your home garners all the attention. You will find that you are contacted by a greater number of serious purchasers, wishing to walk around your home to check out whether they can afford, and like, your property.

As it then becomes a numbers game, you have greater potential to sell as more people are now looking at your home. Finally, it will also drive competition from the buyers that are interested in your home, which can turn into competitive bids that push your home price even higher. Don’t forget, the real estate agent that completes your home appraisal knows the local market and they are there to ensure you get a quick and clean sale.

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips For The Summer Season

There is nothing better on a hot summer’s day than dipping into your swimming pool to relax and cool down, and here in Bergen County, there are plenty of homes with pools to enjoy. However, there is also nothing worse than diving into an unkempt pool, and that is why swimming pool maintenance is so important. When it comes to summer time you do not want to be sitting, staring, at your covered pool because you have not looked after it. Read our article on how to keep your pool clean, healthy and ready for summer.

Get Your Pool A Vacuum

This really is a must if you want to be serious about pool upkeep. Not only does it reach the dead leaves and other bits of rubbish at the bottom of your pool, but it will also clean it too. If you want to get a step ahead get a remote vacuum that does the job for you, while you complete other maintenance tasks. With an automated vacuum, you chose the schedule and let it do its work for you. So, if you are away for a weekend in the middle of fall, you can rest assured the pool is being cleaned while you are not home. Don’t forget a clean pool means you don’t have to continually use chemicals to keep the water clean.

Keep The Pool Filter Clean

You will find you have one of the following types of pool filters: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE) or cartridge. Different maintenance techniques need to be applied to each one, but you should always remember to keep your pool filter clean. By not retaining a clean filter your pool water will start to look murky as the filter cannot trap the debris properly. You will also note the flow of your water changing too. It’s a simple task that merely involves turning the valve to backwash and doing one of the following:

  • Cartridge: Remove and give it a good hose down
  • DE: make sure you empty the filter bag every second week
  • Sand: Not so popular these days so replace with one of the other two

Make Sure The pH Level Is Maintained

The pH scale is there to measure the acidity of the pool. The last thing you want is your family or your guests to be injured or get sick either by a dirty pool or too many chemicals in the water. Ideally, your pool should sit in the pH range between 7.2 and 7.8, meaning it is safe for swimmers and the water is clean. To ensure you get a correct reading, you should always have a testing kit on hand, to measure the pool water. If you find the pool is outside these readings, then you should balance it appropriately with the correct chemicals. Soda ash will bring the pH value up, while muriatic ash will push it up.

Check For Leaks And Repair Immediately

Before summer hits your back yard and the swimming is about to get maximum use, you should always check for any leaks. This will make it easier to notice any problems even without any use of the pool (as opposed to people always in it) displacing water.

If a swimming pool is a prerequisite for your new home, then make sure you contact one of the most reliable real estate agents in Bergen County. Many of our property listings feature swimming pools so you will never run out of excellent choices in this regard.

Neighborhood Guide: Franklin Lakes, NJ

Franklin Lakes, NJ is located in Bergen County and is a borough with the zip codes 07417 and 07481. The borough was formed from portions of Franklin Township in 1922 and was also named after William Franklin. One of the most prominent features of Franklin Lakes is the modern and upscale homes situated along hillside sites. The extravagant landscapes that each home possesses are simply eye-catching. If you are planning to visit Franklin Lakes and explore the pleasant neighborhood, here’s a useful guide you can make use of:

Living in Franklin Lakes, NJ

A majority of new residents move into the NJ borough of Franklin Lakes to settle in for the long term. The community in Franklin Lakes also exudes a unique ambience that can’t be found in other neighborhoods in the NJ state. With a median home price of over $1.1 million, you can expect to find many luxurious homes and estates that suit your taste when it comes to real estate. Home to a large number of successful entrepreneurs, the residents here are still very industrious, and you can even meet like-minded individuals who are philanthropic. There is no shortage of local charities to support. What’s more, the average commute time is less than 30 minutes. Traveling to and from Franklin Lakes is convenient and easy. All in all, the positive vibes that the neighborhood feature will make you feel right at home from the get-go.

Dining Spots

The Chef’s Table

Located at 754 Franklin Avenue, The Chef’s Table is a stellar dining spot that will pleasure your palette with authentic French Cuisine. If you are looking to get a fine dining experience, come down and enjoy some delicious food and wine! Some notable main courses on their dinner menu include Barely Touched Smoked Atlantic Salmon and the Classic Roasted Duck a L’Orange.

Uncle Louie’s Pizza

At Uncle Louie’s, you and your family will be able to enjoy home style cooking and a range of recipes that have been down from their Italian family members, from generation to generation. Your choices include fresh seafood, pasta dishes, pizza specialties, and more. Uncle Louie’s Pizza also provides catering services as well!

Points of Interest

Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve

Located at 1196 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve is a public nature reserve that was once used as a reservoir. Today, it is one of the best spots for fishing in New Jersey. But you will need a fishing license. Other activities include bird watching, small boating, jogging, canoeing, kayaking, picnics, and hiking.

High Mountain Park

At Reservoir Drive, High Mountain Park Preserve is one of the largest tracts of forested land in NJ’s Piedmont region. Established in 1993, High Mountain Park is a natural oasis amid urban sprawl. It offers 11.5 miles of rolling and often steep terrain that is perfect for hiking. The location also offers stunning views from the summit, which allows visitors to see the Big Apple and a large part of northern NJ.

Franklin Lakes is without a doubt an interesting neighborhood to check out and even live in. If you are planning to buy real estate here, be sure to check out the top Franklin Lakes listings!

How To Score A Summer Property Sale

It is safe to say that selling a property in the summer months has more chance of being a success than if you pitched your home to the property market in the winter. Potential buyers are more likely to venture out in the sun than the wind, rain and even snow. Dark winter nights or stormy evenings will do your exterior outlook no good, nor will your lawns with leaves strewn all over the place. Here are our tips on how to ensure your house looks good for summer, while more importantly, getting that summer property sale.

First Impressions

It’s all about curb appeal and fine looking exteriors in Bergen County, so if you want your property to stand out in the sun, you need to ensure it is clean and tidy looking. Most purchasers will imagine that the exterior of your home reflects the interior, so a grubby, tacky exterior is enough to warrant potential buyers driving past. Aesthetically you change its appearance almost instantly, with a bit of hard labor. Make sure you mow the lawns, even down to manicured status, while trimming all shrubs and bushes. Tidy up those flower beds and add mulch to give a clean, fresh appearance. Make sure your paintwork is looking good, or touch it up with a spot of paint. Perhaps you could even change the front door to make your house look up to date and trendy.

Showcase Your Exterior Living Areas

We tend to spend more time out of doors these days, and our entertainment areas are as good as our indoor spaces. With covered areas complete with down-lighting and fans, louvered roofs and outdoor kitchens, now is the time to make your potential buyers put themselves in these areas in summer. Make sure they are aware of your outside fireplace, where you entertain guests on colder nights. Your outdoor area is an extension of your house, and many people see this as more space that can be utilized. So, make sure you showcase it.

Declutter

So many potential sales can be lost when someone interested in your property walks into your home, only to find your clutter everywhere. First impressions are of how you can live like this, and it puts people’s backs up; they suddenly miss all that is good about your home. Make sure it is the features that stand out, not your daughters school report stuck to the fridge. Ensure the interior is spotless when people are due to view your home, it could be the difference to you selling your home.

Get Your Price Right

Make sure your property is on the market at the correct price. A real estate professional will help you get this right, as it is one of the major factors for a sale. You don’t want your property on the market, doing nothing, as the darker nights get closer. Nor do you want it underpriced with potential buyers cautious as to why it is so much cheaper than the competition.

Get To Know 2017 Summer Landscaping Trends

It is a common understanding that homeowners want their landscape to look at their best for the entire summer and into next summer, and so on. If you are looking for landscaping inspirations for your yard, you have come to the right place. Here are some of the top 2017 summer landscaping trends that you can consider.

Smart LED Lighting Systems and Fixtures

Traditional LED lighting systems bring energy efficiency to a homeowner’s landscape. Smart LED lighting offers more convenience when it comes to control. Nearly half of the homeowners, who participated in the recent landscaping trends studies, have stated that they have updated their lighting to smart LED versions during their last outdoor renovation. If you like the idea of controlling your lighting via your computer or mobile device, this is a trend you would want to follow.

Edible Landscapes

The difference between an edible landscape and a traditional one is the omission of non-edible plants. Edible landscapes often combine trees that produce nuts or fruit with ornamental plants, edible flowers, vegetables, herbs, and berry bushes. Today, Americans are more open to the idea of growing their own food. This is due to the fact that it can help families reduce their carbon footprint, stay free from industrial farming, and consume foods that didn’t travel thousands of miles to their table. If you are seeking low-maintenance landscaping, a good idea is to opt for container gardening with edibles, rather than a full blown one.

Colorful Landscapes

Nowadays, it is fairly easy to bring color into one’s landscapes with plants. That’s why colorful landscapes are on the rise. The trick lies in understanding how colors work together and how to combine them to make your summer landscape shine. With that said, having seasonal colors in the right places make all the difference. You may even consider planting plants that are specific to your region. Native plants come with less upkeep, such as keeping water and pruning prices down. Remember, plants are not the only elements to add to your landscape. You can incorporate vibrant colors with containers, unique lighting, and other hardscape colors and textures. This will help liven up your space in no time.

Elements of Sustainability

Another major trend for outdoor areas one should know about is sustainability. The concept can be implemented in all aspects of a summer landscape installation. As mentioned, the interest in incorporating native plants has seen a significant increase over the years. More landscapes are realizing the importance of enhancing the environmental benefits of urban landscapes, and restore any habitats that have been damaged by commerce or industry back to their original and natural states.

Speaking of sustainability, there is also increased attention on the importance of pollinators. An increasing number of homeowners are now developing landscapes and gardens that specifically attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees.

If you are looking for real estate in New Jersey that features a versatile landscape, you have come to the right place. You can rely on an experienced real estate agent can help you locate a property with gorgeous landscaping features too good to ignore!

north-jersey-s-best-day-spas

After facing the harsh elements over the colder months, it is always great to relax and unwind in the summer. One of the best ways to replenish your skin and reward your body is at a spa, and North Jersey has many places for you and your friends to pamper yourselves. Let the professionals use their magic to turn your tired body but into the vibrant you, ready to enjoy the summer months. Here are just some of the best day spas in North Jersey.

Ramsey: The Fountain Spa

This spa has been voted the best in Bergen County, and it is easy to understand why. If you want a truly luxurious experience, surrounded by tranquility while enjoying the relaxation, then this is the spa for you. The massages, body treatments, and facials excel, while the deluxe enhancements with their flower acid peels are second to none. With a makeup studio and nail salon on site, this is the ultimate pampering experience. Try out The Fountain Spa’s two-hour flotation rendezvous for relaxation out of this world.

Hamburg: The Spas At Crystal Springs Resort

You have the luxury of two spas at the Crystal Springs Resort: Reflections Spa at Grand Cascades Lounge and Minerals Resort. With an array of luxury packages tailored to your every need, there is much on offer at these two excellent spas. From body treatments, massages, skin care, facials, manicure/pedicure, waxing and a host of other treatments, you will not be disappointed at Crystal Springs Resort. Expect pink champagne and chocolates at Reflections, while Elements offer a complimentary rose petal foot soak, complete with essential oils.

South Orange: Indulgence Day Spa

Indulgence boasts its owner having been a nail technician at New York’s Fashion week, where she used her skills on the models of designers Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Nicole Miller and much more. A beautifully designed spa, you can relax while having a coconut mint sugar scrub pedicure, or perhaps the Gua She candle massage sounds more to your liking. With many packages on offer, this is the place to be of you want high-end therapeutic manicures, pedicures, massages and facials.

Montclair: Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa

This is sheer class and luxury and was recently feature in Elle Magazine as one of America’s Top 100 salons while also being voted best suburban spa in Essex. It uses the latest non-surgical medicals, like injectables, while you can also just relax under one of their stress-relieving massages. A popular treatment is Bangz’s Blueberry soy slimming full body wrap while anti-aging hand therapy is another most requested massage.

Caldwell: Harmony Day Spa

If you are looking for therapeutic massage that includes neuromuscular, hot stone, Swedish or prenatal, then Harmony is for you. With over 20-years-experience working in the skin care business, this team knows what they are doing. You can expect to walk out feeling like a new person, rejuvenated and fresh. Their micro current rejuvenation facial is much sought after and definitely one to try.

With some of the best day spas in North Jersey, you can enjoy a perfect lifestyle by moving to the area. If you are interested in buying property in North Jersey, talk to us today.

Buying Property Near Best Schools In Jersey City

Looking for reputable schools for your children is a task many parents do while they are searching for and buying real estate. In most cases, the education system in the city or state plays a major role in influencing the home buyer’s decision. If you are a concerned parent who has kids of school-going age, you have come to the right place. Here is a look at some of the top-notch schools in Jersey City:

Dr Ronald McNair High School

This is a magnet public high school that was named after Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who was a scientists and astronaut. Since 1979, Dr Ronald McNair High School has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. With more than 700 students enrolled in the school, the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and teaches student ninth through twelfth grade. Some of the school’s notable achievement includes the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence.

St. Peters Preparatory School

Also known as St. Peter’s Prep, St. Peter’s Preparatory School is a private college-preparatory school that operates as part of the Jesuits’ New York Province. There are about 940 students in the school. In terms of academics, students are required to take one year of Latin, three years of mathematics, four years of religion, three recommended years of modern language (Italian, German, French, and Spanish), four years of English, two years of science, and three years of history. A notable feature of the school is its John E. Browning, S.J., ’46, Learning Center. The center offers resources for individual learning and more.

Cornelia F. Bradford School

Cornelia F. Bradford School is a public elementary school located in Jersey City. More than 350 students attend the school and the student to teacher ratio is 9:1. The nearest elementary school is Our Lady of Czestochowa. The school is reputed for focusing on Language Arts and Math and assigns the right amount of homework to reinforce the various concepts taught in the school.

Our Lady of Czestochowa

Our Lady of Czestochowa School is a Catholic elementary school in Jersey City that provides quality education on the waterfront. Since their inception, they have been striving to create a learning environment that allows every child to grow as a physically fit, social, emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual person. The school enjoys success at helping each child build the foundations needed to become a lifelong learner and to work with others in a cohesive manner. About 435 students attend the school and the student to teacher ratio is 9:1.

Academy I

Located in Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, Academy I is a public middle school that is attended by over 470 students. The school has a student to teacher ratio of 7:1 and many students felt that A1 is a stellar stepping stone for them to enroll in reputable high schools such as McNair and High Tech County Prep.

At NJLux, we can give you more information about quality schools when you are buying real estate in Jersey City. Do not hesitate to schedule an initial consultation to learn more about the ideal listings that suit your real estate criteria.

Manson in night view

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