November 2017 - NJ Lux Real Estate

December 2017 – NJ Events To Attend

Posted on November 30, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

New Jersey’s December calendar of events and festivals is full of distinct celebrations that make the state unique. December is usually a festive season for residents living in New Jersey as they look forward to the coming Christmas season. Visitors from other states enjoy coming to NJ to take part in these festivities in preparations to usher in the New Year in style. If you are planning to relocate to New Jersey this coming season, be sure to check the current property listings in the area. These are some of the upcoming December 2017 NJ events you should not miss.

Say It with Music: The Best of Irvin Berlin

Date: December 3

Venue: The Chase Room

Newark native and acclaimed vocalist Marlene VerPlanck will be singing the greatest Irving Berlin numbers. The all-time Irving’s classics like “ There is no business like show business”, “Heat Wave” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” will be some of the numbers the artist will be performing in a rousing tribute to celebrate the fallen musician. If you are an Irving fan, do not forget your dancing shoes and bring your loved one to enjoy a golden moment as you listen to great classics.

PAW Patrol Live!

Dates: December 9 – 10

Venue: Prudential Hall

Take your kids for an action-packed live tour based on the animated series PAW Patrol. This is their first ever live tour and it’s a day kids get to enjoy a great race between Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger and Bay’s Mayor Goodway. The PAW Patrol: Marshall, Zuma, Rocky, Rubble, Skye, Chase and their latest new pup, Everest, come to the rescue as always. Expect lots of laughter and kids will learn a lot of life lessons during this magical adventure.

NJPAC Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace

Date: December 16

Venue: NJPAC Center for Arts Education

The admission to this event is free. The event is organised to celebrate the NguzoSaba 19^th annual NJPAC Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace. The event will feature an arts and crafts village, music and dance activities. Visitors are invited to sing, dance and explore the rhythms and culture of the African Tradition. People who enjoy various arts and culture will learn a lot about the African tradition as they dance along to the native melodies.

Forces of Nature Dance Company

Date: December 16

Venue: Victoria Theatre

This event will be featuring special poets Sonia Sanchez and Ntozake Shange. These two forces of nature will combine elements of modern dance, hip-hop, ballet, West African movement and even martial arts to bring sizzling performances to the audience. This is an event that can be attended by both adults and kids who are looking to have a sensational time as they enjoy different dancing styles and movements. These movements are deemed artistic and so artist lovers will enjoy taking part in the event too.

These are just some of the events that you can attend if you want to celebrate the coming season differently from the usual Christmas events. If you are planning to relocate to New Jersey during this festive season, you can contact a seasoned realtor to help you locate an ideal property, whether you are looking to buy or rent.

Tis The Season To Be Jolly… In Northern New Jersey!

Posted on November 27, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

Northern New Jersey is always festive during the Christmas season. During this period, many visitors enjoy exploring NJ to discover the popular Christmas attractions and events like Christmas tree lighting, re-enactments of past Christmas events and carol singing. The Christmas holiday season usually starts the day after Thanksgiving and this is the time most people also prefer moving. If you are planning to move during this festive season, seek a professional realtor in NJ to help you find an ideal property for you. Check out these upcoming 2017 Christmas events in Northern New Jersey.

Swedish Christmas Fair

The Swedish Christmas Fair is planned to take place on Sunday, November 19^th from 10am – 4pm. It will be situated at the Commonwealth Club, 26 Northview Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ. This Swedish celebration will feature a great selection of gifts, crafts and food, making it the perfect event for a family outing. This event is organized by SWEA, a global non-profit organization, to promote Swedish tradition, history, culture and language. You don’t want to miss Swedish handicrafts like wooden items, linen and Christmas decoration that will be showcased in the event. You will also get a chance to sample some of the Swedish delicacies and their home baked goods. The famous Swedish spiced holiday drink known as Glogg will also be available.

Holiday Lights Spectacular

This event is planned to take place at the Turtle Back Zoo from November 17 – December 10. The event will then continue every night from December 11 – January 2 from 5pm to 9 pm. About 50 holiday and animal-themed figures are set to light up the winter nights at the Zoo. There will be spectacular light illuminations from different figures like elephants, tigers and bears, along with lights designed to look like winter scenes, stars and soldiers. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy several animal exhibits like the Reptile Building, Tropical Currents Aquarium, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Essex Farm and the Sea Lion Sound.

Festival of Trees “Deck The Halls”

Deck The Halls is a celebration organized to bring the nearby communities together to enjoy a spectacular display of holiday trees. The event is set to take place at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park, 100 North Road, Chester, NJ. The event will start from December 2 – 9 from 10am – 8pm, with hours of operation changing over the weekend. Families, civic organizations and businesses will be allowed to decorate individual trees displayed at the event. There will be local music talents to entertain the crowd and the proceeds will support the programs and activities of the Senior Resource Center.

The Snowflake Parade

This parade is set to take place from Holmes along Millburn Avenue to Spring Streets. The date will be Sunday, December 2 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. The streets will be filled with professional bands, costumed characters, and clowns. Refreshments will be offered after the parade. Take your loved ones to enjoy the great marching bands, Investors Bank Train, the Wells Fargo Horse, and more.

If you are planning to relocate to NJ, don’t miss any of these events. You and your family will have a chance to experience what New Jersey has to offer and allow you to learn more about the community. There are several property listings you can check out to find a place that will fit your budget.

Not Getting High Offers For Your New Jersey House? Find Out Why!

Posted on November 25, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

As a home seller, you must be aware that potential buyers will always be looking for the best deal that they can get on your home. Since you are selling your property, the final decision as to whether you will accept the offer or not still falls in your hands. However, you have to take note that there might be reasons that justify why you are not getting high offers for your New Jersey house. The following reasons explain why.

Right Property, Wrong Advertising

One of the main reasons behind why you are not getting high offers for your New Jersey house is the fact that your property might have been advertised in the wrong spot. Even if you have tried your best and undertaken efforts to make sure your property is saleable, the way it has been marketed out to potential buyers can still make or break your desired profit from the transaction. There is a big chance that the advertisement attracts only a few buyers. When this happens, contacting a licensed New Jersey real estate agent will be a good place to start.

A Bunch Of External Factors Can Also Be Cause For Low Offers

One of these factors are those that are considered seasonal in nature. Take note that buyers are less likely to look for a property that they want to buy when the weather is bad outside rather than when the sun is up and shining bright. Additionally, the number of buyers who are currently looking for properties right where you are selling your house can affect the price as well. Other factors include those that are not within your control.

Beating The Deadline

Having a set deadline to sell your property can both be an advantage and a disadvantage. There are times that interested buyers will grab the offer within the set deadline because they see your property as the home of their dreams. Others will look at it as a way for you to get rid of unwanted property because you are setting a timeframe. It is as if you are rushing to have it sold immediately. It is perfectly fine to set a deadline provided that it will put you and the buyer at an advantage. That way they will be able to give high offers on your property.

How Fast Are Homes Selling In Your Area?

This can be another factor that can affect the sale price of your property. The real estate market can be subdivided into two types according to the average sale time. One is the fast market where homes sell like hotcakes in as short as 30 days. The other type is the slow market where a property sells only after a few months. In a fast market, interested buyers will offer the highest possible price to be able to get the property. In a slow market scenario, on the other hand, buyers will haggle for the price.

If you feel like you are not getting high offers for your New Jersey house, it will be good to give us a call at 201-771-1969. You can also take a look at our most recent listings in New Jersey to get an idea of the types of properties our clients are most interested in.

Neighborhood Guide: West New York, NJ

Posted on November 21, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

West New York is a town that has a population of 49,708 and is located in the Hudson County, New Jersey. Over the years, West New York has grown to become one of the cities with high population densities, with most residents living in high-rise apartments. The town has well established public amenities and there are several recreational facilities both visitors and residents enjoy. Take a closer look to have a better understanding of West New York’s neighborhood:

Living in West New York, NJ

A big percentage of residents living in West New York are renters with the rest owning property. Residents in this town enjoy a lot of benefits like the 3 ½ % sales tax reduction. The town features a wide variety of entertainment options ranging from playhouses and lush parks to skyline views and local swim. The transportation system is excellent with most residents having access to various public transportation methods.Young and upcoming professionals choose West New York because of the many employment opportunities the town has to offer. West New York is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Pool bars, tapas lounges and nightclubs are just some of the options this scenic town offers its delightful residents.

Dining Spots

Brazeiro Churrascaria

Located on the 103 60^th Street, Brazeiro is a prime steak house that has an authentic rodizio style dining. The restaurant is set in a traditional Brazilian charm to capture the Gaucho cooking style. Diners experience a unique dining experience while enjoying a variety of meats on swords carved at the table side. The restaurant has an outdoor veranda where couples can enjoy their favorite drinks. While there, try out their signature Brazilian cocktail.

Ginger Grill

Have a taste for Japanese food? Head down to the Ginger Grill located on 5008 Bergenline Avenue. This restaurant offers a variety of Japanese delicacies all prepared using ginger. Ginger is known to help in digestion, calm the stomach and restore appetite which makes their dishes stand out from other restaurants. Their menu includes scrumptious meals like gyodon, yakisoba, and akonomiyaki.

Son Cubano Restaurant

Son Cubano Restaurant is a premier award-winning restaurant. This restaurant is located on 40-4 Riverwalk Place. It provides a service atmosphere dedicated to the 1950s Cuban era of heritage, entertainment, flavors, music, elegance and glamor. Diners enjoy the open air setting and vintage décor as they take in the full view of the Mahattan skyline. Meals to try out include calamares, Empanadas Mixtas and Coca Barcelona just to mention a few.

Points of Interest

Donnelly Memorial Park

Donnelly Memorial Park is a very well-deigned park that offers the best view of the Manhattan skyline. It has well-kept playgrounds for kids and there is plenty of shade and trees to enjoy a picnic with your family. The atmosphere at the park is also pet friendly and there are lots of trails to enjoy a walk.

West Point Museum

This museum stimulates interest in the military profession, the United States Army and United States Military Academy. Visitors are encouraged to tour the museum to view what is considered to be the largest and oldest diversified public collection of militaria in the western hemisphere.

If you are considering living in West New York, you have an option to rent or buy a house. Check out these luxury property listings today!

Why Should You Sell Your House During The Holidays?

Posted on November 19, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

Many people presume that selling a house will be best during the spring and summer. This is because of the fact that potential buyers tend to come out and make their home purchases during the warmer months. But that does not mean that no one will ever attempt to buy a home during other seasons of the year. The truth is you should sell your house during the holidays because of the following reasons.

There Is Lesser Competition In The Market

You are not alone when it comes to thinking that the holidays is not the best time to sell a property in the real estate market. With many of you having that mindset, don’t you think that the holidays, after all, is a great time to sell that house you have been wanting to sell all-year long? Come to think of it, there is definitely lesser competition by this time which means you can sell your home faster and at a price that will be most favorable to you as well.

Selling your house during the holidays simply means that there are only a few properties buyers will have to consider on their list. The chances that a buyer will include your home in that list will be higher than when you plan to sell your home by springtime or summertime next year. You just have to make sure that your home is ready for viewing at all times.

There Are A Lot Of Motivated Buyers During This Season

Many people would rather spend the holidays for fun than squeeze in anything else in their schedule. Therefore, if someone eyes to buy a house during the holidays then it means that the buyer means no less than business. He definitely is serious about getting the property at this time.

There may be some reasons behind why they are motivated to buy a new home during the holidays. It is either they are relocating in the new year for a new job or they do it for tax reasons. Some may also been house hunting all year long but have not found the right home for them yet. Take advantage of this fact. Make sure that your showing times are flexible so that buyers can come and take a look at the property when they are not busy. You should be ready to negotiate with them too during this season.

It Is The Perfect Time To Make Your Home Look Great

The holidays is a great time to add something new and cheery to your home. Make sure though that you stick to tasteful decorations that will not look so overwhelming for your buyer. Your choice of decorations should be good enough to highlight the best features in your home. When you do so, your buyer will have an idea of how it will feel like for them to celebrate next year’s holidays and the years thereafter in your house that will soon be theirs to keep.

Whether you are planning to list your property in Bergen County or elsewhere in New Jersey and sell your house during the holidays, you should consider seeking the help of a pro. Look for a reliable real estate agent in New Jersey and you will be sure your home will be sold even before the new year starts.

These Bergen County Communities Have The Best School Districts

Posted on November 17, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

Bergen County has the best family-friendly homes and is extremely popular among families with kids. One of the reasons most people with families choose to live Bergen County communities is because they feature the best school districts. Over a dozen school districts in the county received extremely high rankings, with most schools receiving A or A- grades. Most residents are happy with the standard of excellence achieved by some of the schools. Let’s take a look at New Jersey’s best school districts that received the highest possible grade in their 2018 rankings.

Northern Valley

The Northern Valley Regional High School District serves students from Norwood, Northvale, Harworth, Harrington Park, Demarest and Closter. The school district consists of two high schools which offer extracurricular activities and excel at preparing students for college. The teachers in this school district are ranked the 11^th best in all of New Jersey and reviewed as the 6^th best to teach in the state. Northern Valley school district is ranked as the second safest in Bergen County and 13^th safest in New Jersey.

Ridgewood

Ridgewood has held the longest standing reputation of being the best place to live and raise a family especially, for parents who want the best education for their children. Ridgewood has six elementary schools, two middle schools and Ridgewood High School, all which excelled at academics. These schools had an outstanding math and reading proficiency scores in the area. Public schools in Ridgewood are also said to be good at preparing students for college. Ridgewood High School was ranked as Bergen County’s fifth best public high school.

Fair Lawn

The school district at Fair Lawn has nine schools, all which are incredibly well reviewed. The Fair Lawn school district is praised for the excellent preparation for college, the positive influence teachers have over their students, and access to a wide range of clubs. A survey carried out in the schools showed students had positive comments about the growing diversity within the schools. The Fair Lawn High School was ranked the 9^th best high school in Bergen County. Overall, Fair Lawn school district is ranked 21^st in the state.

Pascack Valley

Pascack Valley school district is smaller compared to other school districts in Bergen County. This school district is notable for quality overall resources offered to students which include sports and clubs. According to Niche, Pascack Valley is ranked as the third best place in all of New Jersey to teach and 12^th best school district in Bergen County.

Tenafly

Tenafly school district has 6 public schools; all which are ranked high in several academic departments. These schools have exceptionally high SAT and reading proficiency scores. The student-teacher ratio in Tenafly public schools was favourable at 12:1 and the teachers received excellent ratings. The Tenafly High School was rated one of the best schools in Bergen County and was voted as the ninth best in New Jersey.

If you are looking for a family-friendly community with great schools in Bergen County, contact NJ Lux. For years, we have been the most trusted and successful real estate agency that has the knowledge to locate a home that is ideal for you.

Use Home Inspection To Negotiate A Lower Purchase Price

Posted on November 14, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

There are many essential steps every buyer should undertake before buying a new home. After looking into property listings in New Jersey or elsewhere in the US, the next vital step to do is have the home inspected by a trained professional. During home inspection, the expert can evaluate the home using a set of valuable criteria. After a thorough inspection of the property, there is a possibility you will be able to negotiate a lower purchase price for your dream home. How’s that possible?

Home Inspection Helps Spot Potential Problems

One of the advantages of doing a home inspection before purchasing a home is you will be able to spot any potentially dangerous problem you may encounter in the future. Inspections will help you know whether there are rotting walls, bad wirings or presence of molds in the property. Some of these may be less dangerous when compared to others but all can lead to problems later on. When the home inspector happens to spot them you can take it as a criteria to lower down your negotiating price for the purchase. Every problem can be a cause for bargaining on the purchase price.

In line with this, it is important that the contract will include an inspection contingency. This clause will allow you to make negotiations even after the entire process of buying has already started. With this, you can ask the seller to have any problem repaired or at least receive a credit in case you want to undertake the work yourself. In most cases, sellers will undertake the repair just to make sure they will not lose potential buyers.

Take It As A Chance To Make A Great Arrangement With The Other Party

In case the home inspector spots any of the problems mentioned above and all other possible issues that can lead you to haggling on the price offered by the seller, you have to make sure that you will also be ready for an amicable settlement with the other party. Take note that sellers will never want to lower down the price of their property and sometimes, they will not want to undertake the costly repairs. This just shows that you, as the buyer and that of the seller both want to enter a win-win situation. When this is the case, you should set aside your differences and come up with a plan that will be favorable to both sides.

A Home Inspection Also Acts As Your Protection

You can use it to protect you from any dangers that may arise in the future. It is either you ask for the price to be lowered down or let the seller take it upon themselves to have every issue – minor or major at that – repaired to make the property livable. Bargain the price only when the seller is not willing to undertake the additional expense but when he is more than willing then negotiate the price accordingly.

An expert real estate agent in New Jersey will help make sure that you will get the property that will give you the best value for your money. With that, you can be certain that the results of the home inspection will be most favorable on your part.

How To Identify The Best Real Estate Agent In Bergen County

Posted on November 10, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

The real estate market requires going through a lot of set factors to get the best results. It includes looking for homes that will give the best value for your money, spending time on researching for the right neighborhoods, making negotiations with the seller and having that level of commitment that will make you say yes to the purchase. With the many things that you should undertake, doing it all by yourself might be daunting and at the worse, horrifying.

Buying your dream home does not have to be that way though. With the help of the best real estate agent in Bergen County, house hunting in New Jersey will be well worth every money and effort you spend. The question now is: How can you spot the best among the rest? Here’s how.

Choose Someone You Can Trust

Choosing to work with a real estate agent in New Jersey will mean having a bond with your chosen agent. With that bond comes trust which will give you a more personal connection with the other party. Your agent must be able to look at you as a team member and you, on the other hand, must look at your agent as your partner. When you find out that you are at ease while talking to a real estate agent you are eyeing to hire then take it as a sign that it will be easy to trust him. Consider his reputation as well.

Ask Questions

From those questions, analyze their answers and how they answer each. This will dictate their knowledge of the real estate market. You have to take note that during initial stages of the process, that point where you have to interview an agent, it is you who will take the lead. From there onwards, your agent will have his time to take the lead. His answers to your questions will make you assess not only his ability but also his dedication to take on the job.

Can They Handle Difficult Tasks?

Will they be able to face the toughest situations? Real estate agents are expected to do most of the negotiations for you. They have to deal with the toughest sellers and other parties who can dictate the success of the entire process. Make sure that your agent will be willing to take down a deal because they know it will not give your money’s worth. When he only has your best interest in mind then you can be sure that he is the best person for the job.

Take Time Out To Call Their References

Real estate agents will always list persons that you can use as references to check on their abilities as a so-called expert in home buying. Take time to call these individuals or entities to know more about them. Do not forget to ask their previous clients if they are willing to work with this agent again in the future. If the answer is yes, then there is more than enough reason to believe you are working with the best real estate agent.

Want to make sure you are hiring the best real estate agent in Bergen County to help you get the home of your dreams? Give us a call or read through our pages. With our credentials, awards and certifications, you can be sure you have the best partner to work with.

Neighborhood Guide: Hoboken, NJ

Posted on November 7, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

Located in Hudson County, New Jersey, Hoboken is a small city that has a population of over 52,000 residents. The city may be small but it has a “big city” feel with “small town” vibes. Residents in Hoboken experience some of the best views in Manhattan along the waterfronts. The town has grown over the years to become one of the best cities to settle in New Jersey with 49% of the residents in Hoboken being homeowners. There are great recreational facilities and public amenities that have made this city a desirable destination for people looking to settle down and raise their families. Let’s take a look at what Hoboken is like as a neighborhood:

Living in Hoboken, NJ

Hoboken is located a stone’s throw away from Manhattan and has a great quality of life. While in every city you will find occasional partiers, this city is all about the family. It is considered a self-contained community with great amenities to start and raise a family. Despite the small size of the city, there is a lot to do. The city packs a big punch when it comes to entertainment and culture. Although most people in the city own cars, they do not need to use them often since most of the stores are located just a walking distance away. The properties in Hoboken are affordable and residents choose to rent or buy property depending on their budget.

Dining Spots

Amanda’s

Amanda’s has been in service for over 25 years and it was named as New Jersey’s Most Popular Restaurant by the Zagat Guide for décor, food and service. This restaurant’s popularity stems from the talented chefs, their warm décor, gracious service and comfortable elegance of their dining rooms. Amanda’s is a natural choice for many occasions: family brunch on Sunday, romantic dinner for couples or pre-theatre Early Dinners. Wine lovers will definitely love the monthly five-course wine dinners the restaurant has to offer.

Cucharamama

The Cucharamama is a pan-Latin name that literally means “mother spoon”. Located on 233 Clinton Street, the restaurant was named among the 25 best restaurants in New Jersey in 2016. Diners enjoy a variety of delicacies prepared by the restaurant’s award winning chef. You can order for dishes on the menu or have the chef work with you to tailor special dishes that fit your needs. The venue is perfect for private parties with a wine bar and a full cocktail.

Points of Interest

Hoboken Historical Museum

This museum is located in one of the oldest buildings near the waterfront. It holds a rich history about Hoboken city and how it came to be. There are exhibits set showcasing picture books with images of Hoboken’s past and present. There is a lot of history to be learned from this museum and history lovers will definitely enjoy their time here.

Hoboken Waterfront Walkway

Hoboken Waterfront Walkway is considered to be the best view at the Manhattan skyline. It is a great place to take a family stroll on a sunny Sunday afternoon. There are nice playgrounds for kids to blow off some steam as adults have a great time bonding.

Hoboken is a small city that not only has a lot offer its residents, but is one of the safest communities to live in New Jersey. Recently, the house sales and rentals have been on the rise due to the increased demand from people looking to settle in the area. Take a look at the latest Hoboken listings to find an ideal property.

Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Home Staging

Posted on November 3, 2017March 1, 2023 by njlux-admin

In the real estate world, there is such a term called home staging. This is the act by which a seller prepares his property before opening it for sale in the marketplace. The main goal of staging is to help a seller make his home very much appealing so that he can reach the highest possible number of potential buyers. It can also help the seller to sell the property in the fastest possible time for a higher price. With these benefits said, no one should ever underestimate the power of home staging. Here is how you can achieve the goals of this process.

Start By De-Cluttering The Home

Clutter can turn away any potential buyer off. This can make a large room look smaller and worse it can block the line of sight with which the buyer wants to see your home. If your closet is filled with a lot of things, you have to remove every unnecessary item inside it before opening your property for viewing. Otherwise, your buyer will feel there is no room for storage in your place. This can lead them to look for another property that will be well worth their money. You can rent a large storage space for any important item (big or small) that you need to bring with you to your move.

Check Every Item That Needs Repair

The last thing that your potential buyer wants is seeing cracks on walls, leaky faucets, destroyed chairs and all other items or parts in the home that need repair. When this is the case, they will either offer a lower price for the property or move on the next property that they have included in their list of prospects. As a seller, you have to do your part. Hire a handyman who can do the repair job before offering to sell your property in the real estate market.

Make Sure The House Is Spotless

One of the best ways to hike up the value of your property is to make sure that the house is clean before any potential buyer sees it. Every piece of furniture must be free from dust and linens should be fresh and clean as well. Make sure the laundry is not piled up and that the dishes have been washed, dried up and kept inside kitchen cupboards. In case you do not have the time to do the cleaning on your own, you can always hire a house help who can take charge of deep cleaning the property. Cleaning should be done before every showing.

Choose Your Paint Color Wisely

Buyers want a property that catches their eyes. You can be sure they will love your place once they see how the different colors blend well together. Using the same paint color in the kitchen, the dining area and any adjacent room will make the space look larger. Neutral colors are great choices too if you want to tone down the finishes in a room. Grey colors are very popular since they go well with most decors.

Update The Lighting

The lighting you choose for the house can either be inviting or disappointing to a potential buyer. If you want home staging to become effective for you, make sure you replace old light fixtures with the more modern options available in the market. It is important that the entire home is lit properly.

These are but some of the few things you should consider if you want home staging to be effective. Of course, for those of you who are selling your property within New Jersey, consulting a NJ real estate agent will help you actualize your dream of selling your house for the best price possible.