-->

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Moving to Millburn: NJ Transit Parking Deck

Millburn Parking Deck Back on Schedule
Township offers update on the parking deck on Lot 2, at the intersection of Lackawanna Plaza and Essex Street.

By Craig McCarthy

Despite reports of delays in the work on the Millburn parking deck, the Millburn Township Committee reported work is indeed on schedule; which was originally slated for a June 2013 timeframe.

"We've had a few minor setbacks," Deputy Mayor Robert Tillotson said at last week’s meeting. Tillotson said workers discovered contaminated soil and a tank at the site, but “they (construction crews) have been able to continue work."

The township worked with the planning board last week to make sure the project stays on track, Business Administrator Tim Gordon said.

When the project is completed, there will be 400 parking spots, slightly more than twice what the former parking lot provided."
Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Moving to Short Hills/Millburn: The Earnest Money Deposit

The Earnest Money Deposit

Most offers to buy a house are accompanied by a check. This check is generally referred to as the "earnest money deposit." The basic reason for the deposit is to impress the seller that the buyer "earnestly" intends to purchase the property.

The amount of the deposit varies from purchase to purchase, depending on a variety of factors. If a property generates a lot of interest, a buyer may make a larger deposit to convince the seller that their offer is stronger than the others. During "hot" markets, deposits are generally larger than during slow markets.

The Earnest Money Deposit is traditionally deposited into the Buyer Agent's Office Escrow Account and is credited to the "cash" portion of the purchase price if a deal is agreed to--referred to as a "meeting of the minds"--refunded to the buyer if a deal can't be brokered or left in escrow if the buyer plans to continue working with the Buyer Agent/Agency in question for ease.

The Earnest Money check must be deposited within 3 days of its receipt by the Buyer Agent/Agency.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Rent v. Buy: Not even a question! An Average NYC rent can buy you a $400K Home before any tax benefits are applied!


According to area statistics compiled by the Wall Street Journal and edited by KCM, rents are on the rise with an accelerating pace due to market conditions for rentals in the NYC area.

So, if you were to spend the same about as the average rent in the above graphic, what kind of home could you buy?

As verification of how it would work, I used an online mortgage calculator (i like so much i traded out the one in my home search website for it) and tried to provide a reasonable approximation of actual home price, approximate taxes, home owners, etc. (referred to as PITI, principle, interest, taxes and insurance) for a home in the general area of Maplewood, South Orange, Livingston, West Orange, Montclair and Springfield and came up with the below calculation:

As you can see from the above graphic, the person renting the average NYC apartment for almost $3,000 per month could actually buy a $400,000 home in the Bedroom Communiities of NYC, and this is before any potential tax benefits are added into the equation.

So just How Many homes could you chose from?

There are 80 homes priced between $375,000 and $425,000 in the surrounding communities that fit the bill: Check them out

Or, go to Home Search to customize your search

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Columbia High School Moves up, Now Ranked in State's Top 50

Columbia High School Ranked in State's Top 50

CHS moves up in New Jersey Monthly survey.
By Carolyn Maynard-Parisi
August 22, 2012
Columbia High School (CHS) is the 47th best public high school in the state, according to the recently-released ranking of 328 public high schools by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Columbia, which serves students in both South Orange and Maplewood, has advanced steadily up in the biennial ranking, climbing from #89 in 2008 to #75 in 2010, and now to 47th. The ranking chart is attached as a PDF to this article.

“The entire community should be proud of CHS’s movement up the rankings and the accomplishment of our students that the rankings represent,” said Superintendent of Schools Brian G. Osborne in a statement released by the district. “The steady improvement comes from the commitment and professionalism of SOMSD educators and staff, and the enthusiastic support that the SOMA community gives its public schools. CHS is a fantastic place to go to high school, and we will work tirelessly to make it even better for all of our students.”

Columbia was ranked in 6th place for schools in Essex County, behind Millburn (which dropped from #1 to #8 in the state ranking), Glen Ridge, N. Caldwell, Livingston and W. Caldwell. New Providence High School jumped into 1st place in the state ranking.

NJ Monthly made changes to its methodology this year, including a new graduation-rate calculation, eliminating student/computer ratio as a factor and increasing the weighting for data on test results. The emphasis on test scores was intended to acknowledge student gains despite large decreases in state aid, according to the article.

For more information: Maplewood Patch

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Moving to Livingston: Commuting from Livingston to NYC

Livingston is a great community in Essex County with a great school system. They only challenge for buyers looking to move to Livingston, is to figure out how best to commute to NYC, if that is where they work. Well, Livingston residents now have a new alternative! NEW: JITNEY SERVICE TO SOUTH ORANGE TRAIN STATION

posted August 1, 2012

The Township of Livingston is working on a jitney service to the South Orange train station. It is expected to begin some time after Labor Day and will run weekdays from the Livingston Mall non-stop to South Orange. Parking at the Mall is free.

Morning hours in the morning are being finalized; either 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM or 6:00 to 10:00 AM. The hours in the evening will be 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There will be two round trips per each hour of operation. The bus schedule will be tied to the train schedule.

The fare will be $2.00 each way or commuters may buy a monthly pass for $70.00 round trip. "Add that to the price of the train ticket and you have the cheapest way to commute from Livingston, cheaper than the 77 bus and certainly less costly then driving either to a train station and parking or driving to the city," said Alan Karpas, chair of the Vision 20 Committee.

The details are being finalized; RFPs for a bus contractor are going out this week and are due back by August 17. "If all goes well we will be ready to operate sometime after labor day," said Karpas. He may be reached at alan.karpas@gmail.com.

There are also buses, etc.:

Community Coach 315 Howe Avenue Passaic, NJ (973) 473-5000 - (877) 200-0170 Fax: (973) 473-5972
Provides commuter service from Livingston into the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, as well as service to Atlantic City

Commuter parking passes for the South Mountain Arena in West Orange; for information, call Essex County Department of Parks, 973-268-3500

PATH Trains: Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Trans-Hudson Trains. Site includes map, timetable.fare and other information

Ferries from New Jersey to New York City:
New York Waterway
New York Water Taxi
NJ Transit: You may wish to ride the train to NYC from a nearby town, such as Millburn, South Orange, Chatham or Summit.
TUNNELS, BRIDGES & TERMINALS TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Click for the Port Authority update regarding lane closures, construction delays, and other transportation restrictions

Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York: this site lists fares, schedules and other information for New York City subways and buses, the Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North.

Taking the train to Washington or Boston? Visit the Amtrak website.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Additional Information about Public Transportation in New Jersey

NOTE: THE ESSEX COUNTY PARK AND RIDE PROGRAM has been permanently suspended. If you have any questions, please call 973-535-7966.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Livingston area home involves many steps and having an experienced Livingston New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Livingston/Essex County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Livingston Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Essex County home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

When you think of Summer, BBQ and Farmer's Markets come to Mind

When you think of Summer, there are some things that come to mind:
BBQ's Farmer's Markets
Town Pool
and
The Beach
Well, this coming Thursday, the Top 2 come together at the Livingston Farmer's Market

Rotary BBQ & Farmers Market This Thursday! The Rotary is cooking! Come eat and support the Livingston Sunrise Rotary and all the wonderful things they do in our community. BBQ goes on this Thursday from noon till 2pm!
The Village at Livingston, 277 Eisenhower Parkway

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Livingston area home involves many steps and having an experienced Livingston New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Livingston/Essex County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Livingston Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Essex County home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Keller Williams Ranked #1 for Buyers and Sellers from JD Powers 2012


The 2012 JD Powers and Associates ranked Keller Williams Realty #1 in Customer Satisfaction for BOTH Buyers and Sellers based on 2990 evaluations analyzed from March 2011-April 2012. This is the first time KW won both prestigious awards. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, KW was ranked #1 in Buyer Satisfaction and ranked highly in Seller Satisfaction, but not the highest.

Moreover, Keller Williams receives the highest scores in ALL factors across both segments, including agent/salesperson, which is the most important aspect of the customer experience for BOTH home buyers and sellers. Although for Sellers, the a key factor was selling the home closest to the listing price. On average, sellers report receiving 89% of the list price.

Christina Cooley of JD Power and Associates noted “As customers continue to feel anxious about the current housing market, it requires a combination of a high-performing company, process and resources along with a truly exceptional agent to put home buyers and sellers at ease. At the end of the day, real estate companies may best satisfy their customers by keeping them informed, educating them on comparable sales information and following up with them after the closing.” Antonio Atacan,Operating Principal of Keller Williams Center City confirmed this adding this is what we reinforce with our agents daily. The clients’ interests must come first, and that is the basis of our company’s mission statement:

Win-Win: or no deal, Integrity: do the right thing, Customers: always come first, Commitment: in all things Communication: seek first to understand, Creativity: ideas before results, Teamwork: together everyone achieves more Trust: starts with honesty, Success: results through people

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Friday, August 17, 2012

What in the Yuck is Muck Ruckus? Raising $ for MS

I was driving from West Orange to Millburn yesterday and happened upon a lot of dirt piles and signs featuring the words "muck ruckus."
So, if you want to know what "muck ruckus" is, look no further: It’s dirty work ending MS, Multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis information can be found at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks ... MuckRuckus MS™ is the toughest, muckiest event you’ll ever experience. And best of all, it’s for a good cause. Whether you participate with a team, or fulfill a personal goal, you’ll have a blast tackling this challenge course featuring miles of water, mud, and muck, and will be rewarded with much more than a finish line. It’s for the active and the outgoing, as well as amateur and recreational athletes. It’s a good time, and above all, it raises awareness and funds to move us toward a world free of MS. Don’t miss this chance to have a blast sloshing, swinging and slipping through 5 miles of menacing challenges while raising critical funds and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. You can participate in the Recreation (non-competitive) Division or the Competitive Division. Muck Ruckus Video WHEN: Saturday, August 18th, 2012 muckrucks ms northeastEssex County's South Mountain Reservation West Orange, NJ 5 Mile Course (With a short cut option)
Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

South Orange Blues Fest-Sept


Come to the 2012 South Orange International Bluesfestival this coming September 9 from 11AM till 8PM

Essex County South Mountain Reservation Cherry Lane
Performers:

Michael Hill's Blues Mob
Vernon Reid
Living Colour
Eliza Neals
Saron Crenshaw
Al Gold and the SRK Allstars
Dean Shot
Michael Packer
Rosalyn McClore
Dave Keyes & Bob Devow

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Making the Bread

From focaccia and fluffy dinner rolls to crusty Italian loaves and beautiful baguettes, nothing compliments a magnificent meal like a bountiful bread basket. Atkins advocates might want to avoid this week's Yelp issue, 'cause we're delivering the absolute ultimate in carby delights right to your table! "If you want crusty, chewy bread made from nothing more than flour, yeast, and salt," then Daniel C asserts, Calandra's in Newark "is the place." Meanwhile in Hoboken, Alison C hits up Food Network feature Antique Bakery. Even though it was late in the day, her wheat roll "was still soft, doughy, and could not be finished in one serving." Did you know the famed Balthazar in NYC indeed sources their bread from Balthazar Bakery in Englewood? Priscilla K tips an early morning visit: "Your nose flares on reflex from the glorious smell of yeast, sugar, fruit and other crucial ingredients." Say carbe diem with Dom's! They go "beyond your standard baguette," says Lorenzo T, with coal oven-baked "onion and olive loaves, several different varieties of focaccia, and garlic bread sticks." The early bird catches the stuffed breads from Pecoraro Bakery, where Jason S loves that these greasy pleasures are "shockingly heavy, perhaps because they are somehow loaded with enough oil to make a paper bag translucent by the time you get home." Contrastingly, up the street, Denise C satisfies all her cravings with Second Street Bakery's sausage bread that, to her surprise, was "not greasy at all and had big chunks of sausage inside." The pan de sal delivers at Jersey City's Philippine Bread House, where Deborah D declares that "these mini, freshly baked, buttery rolls will change your life. They're slightly sweet and complement savory dishes, sweet jellies," or can be just "eaten plain, right out of the bag." Michael K "could live on the proverbial diet of bread and water" as long as that bread was the Russian Rye from Harrison's Pechters M Bread, while Rachel P's challah haven is Zadies. "Standing in line is half the experience" – no amount of pushy Jewish grandmothers can keep her from that chocolate babka! Let's not forget one of my favorites==Arturo's==where they back their own artisnal bread for their sandwiches, etc. Located in Maplewood Village.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Moving to Montclair=NJ Transit Stations and Schedules

If you are thinking of moving to Montclair and need to commute to NYC, you need to know where the stations are relative to the homes you are looking at and also the schedules that are available to you at each station. SO, here is the most current schedule and the map with the station locations, please keep in mind that schedules to change from time to time, so it is best to contact njtransit.com to verify when you are close to making a decision or have made your move to Montclair.

and here is the legend for the map

and the schedules

and the actual LINE legend

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Montclair/Glen Ridge area home involves many steps and having an experienced Montclair New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Montclair/Glen Ridge/Essex County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Montclair and Glen Ridge area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

A Short Sale Accomplished with Olympian-like effort and a note of thanks!


I haven't ever posted any of my client testimonials on my blog, but this deal and the amount of effort that went into dealing with a short sale with two different banks and then some, merits additional attention in my book.

"Nailah Bernard Maplewood, NJ July, 2012",br>
"Where do I start? Six months before Mark got the listing for my house I had another Realtor representing the sale. During that six month period there wasn’t a single offer made on the home…really not one. Within 18 days of Mark having the listing, an offer was made on the house."

"This was no easy transaction. Mark worked with two banks, eager buyers and divorced sellers to make this deal come to fruition. That was no easy feat. I received updates via email, phone and notes left in my mail box regularly."

"Mark’s approach was professional and personal. Professional enough that I felt reassured that he knew the market and what it would take to close the deal…but personal enough to know he cared about how the affects of the sale, possible delays and outcomes would affect my life…I still live in Maplewood. Mark worked with all parties involved and saw the deal to the end."

"I would highly recommend Mark to anyone selling or buying a home. Thank you Mark."

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Moving to Maplewood: House Calls


So many people think the agent's job is done when the client has finished signing their mortgage and transaction docs at the closing table. Well, that just isn't true for some of us.

Today, I received a call from clients because they were experiencing a leak in their attic and garage after some very heavy rains just one week after closing. While not as quick at a "State Farm Agent Jingle," I turned around to see what was up. As it turned out, the water in the garage was mostly water that was coming from their car having just driven through a rain storm. We ended up proving this buy using a dog's ball to see just which way the garage floor was slanted and how water might actually move.

We weren't as luck with the attic where it appears the flashing around the chimney may have given way a touch to allow water to drip into their attic. Luckily, the drip was over the garage area and not a room with wood floors or a nice ceiling. And more fortunate is the hope that this will simply be a minor handy man quick fix.

One of my favorite "House Calls" were the time a client and friend called, they always appear to call me in their 2nd week of home ownership, to tell me his wife had taken the only set of keys to work in Brooklyn and he didn't know how to get out of his home, drop their child off at day care and get to work himself. He wanted me to meet him in his driveway and he proposed handing me down his child and he would then jump out. Obviously, my new friend was so flummoxed by the key situation he failed to remember he had a deck off his kitchen. I walked around, knocked on his kitchen window and the minute he spotted me, he started laughing. Problem solved.

My other favorite "House Call" was the week after a closing where the seller was not very civil (i'm being polite). So, when my clients went to use their clothes washer and it didn't "work," I got the call. I had to remind them that washing machines need two things--electric for power and water to wash. Apparently, these clients, still remembering the poor behavior of the seller, forgot to turn the water lever to the ON position. Problem Solved; except it wasn't, because a few days later the same clients then called again to tell me their basement was flooded from the washing machine. Once again, I ran over. The moral of this story is: Not to put your laundry bag in the slop sink where the washing machine drains out, as they covered the drain and displaced the volume in the sink, forcing a load's worth of water to run over the sides of the slop sink and into their floor.

My long time area friends are always in amazement that I respond to these calls and I always take exception to their point of view. My business model is to provide top notch service to my clients and hopefully new found friends, so when they have any type of needs, recommendations, concerns, they know they can call me and i will be there for them. This often leads to referrals which make a Realtors life so much easier and more enjoyable.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Simple way to decide to go Short, Deed-in-lieu or Foreclose


The above graphic provides a quick overview as to your options when you are under-water as the expression goes.

Having closed 4 short sale transactions in the past 3 weeks with one more pending next week, i can tell you that Short Sales are the preferred way to go in this area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Moving to Maplewood: Mortgage Rates, a Great Time to Buy


It's hard to believe that in the past year, mortgage rates have dropped almost a full point, especially when experts had originally predicted they would go up a point, not down as they did.

What does a 1% difference in rate mean to you? If you are were to buy a $500,000 home in Maplewood with about $15,000 in taxes, you would pay about $3,893 per month for Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance +PMI if you have a mortgage at 4.66%.


However, at today's rates, currently trending about a full point lower at 3.66%, your monthly PITI will be $3,631, as savings of about $260.00 per month and, over the time of your 30 year mortgage, a $50,000 difference in total paid.


If you don't believe me, or if you want to play around with numbers that correspond to your own specific needs, please feel free to go to my website: www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com and use my mortgage calculator, or click HERE and click on the MORTGAGE TAB.

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes

Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.