Love to Live in Maplewood/South Orange
A blog for The Bedroom Communities of New York City: Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn/Short Hills and Montclair, etc. for Area Residents, for future residents and for home buyers and sellers in New Jersey. Provides information on housing trends, tips for sellers and buyers, mortgage information events and happenings around town and the regional area. Local contributions are welcomed!
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
508 Rosewood Dr # 508 Union Twp., NJ 07083
Thursday, July 4, 2024
The West Orange Year-To-Date Real Estate Market Is Showing Incredible Results in 2024
I view one of the most important aspects of my job as a Realtor is to provide my clients with the most up to date information on the real estate market. I make it a practice to analyze the market on a weekly basis and publish statistics to that people can be in the know and have been tracking stats for the past several years.
I have to say that while we have experienced the upward pressure on pricing in most of the area's towns, due to limited inventory and a tremendous amount of pent up buyers, that this year West Orange stands out as one of the most dramatic changes in the area.
![](https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/21748/20240704/103554/styles/raw/public/processed_images/West Orange Market Snap 6.30.24.jpg)
For the Year-to-date--meaning houses listed only as of January 1, 2024 and then also closing since the start of the year--West Orange is showing an average sale price of $682,695. Equally important is the trend when comparing asking prices to sale prices and we are witnessing a huge leap over 2023's 8.5% with 2024 tracking at 12.5% over asking. That is almost a 50% improvement over the year before.
The same can be said for witnessing the increases in average price sold. We ended the year of 2023 with an average sale price of $642,659 and this year we are trending at $682,695. This represents an increase in average price 24 v. 23 of 6% over the previous year.
The only "down" figure would be the number of units sold, which is now trending at a 13.7% decrease in units. Explained further, in 2023 West Orange had a total of 417 sales of single family homes according to the GSMLS whereas, we have only closed 180 units through the end of June and if you double that we project about 360 units will be sold in 2024.
So the market couldn't be much more favorable to someone contemplating the sale of their current property. That being said, The Mark Slade Homes Team at Keller Williams likes to add a little more food for thought to such a scenario as we bested the market trend by a spread of 10% more than that recorded for the averages in 2023; The Mark Slade Homes Team sold their West Orange clients' listings for almost 19% Over Asking when the average for the town was 8.5%.
![](https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/21748/20240704/103809/styles/raw/public/processed_images/West Orange Score card 2023.jpg)
Want to learn more about the market? Call or Text Mark at 917-797-5059
Want to get a copy of Mark's book for Sellers (click here): www.SladeTeamSellersBook.com
The Mark Slade Homes Team is proud to say that they have closed about $One-Half Billion in lifetime team sales. They have been so successful with their efforts to get their sellers the best results, they have recently taken to applying for both a copyright and a trademark for their recently branded listing system--SMART RE-SULTS. Want to learn more, call/text us at 917-797-5059
![](https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/21748/20240704/105516/styles/raw/public/processed_images/smart results.jpg)
Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/West Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced 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 chosen 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.
![](https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/21748/20240704/105850/styles/raw/public/processed_images/8 How to sell for more book no background.png)
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), 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
![](https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/21748/20240704/110113/styles/raw/public/processed_images/lux homes insert for pre listings.jpg)
I am also a Luxury specialist (CLHMS), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying and selling process. Not only does this extra training help me better understand this upper echelon in real estate, its benefit include a special luxury website: www.njluxhomes.com and a corresponding worldwide luxury network that helps to put luxury buyers and sellers together.
As your Maplewood/South Orange/ West Orange New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the West Orange, 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 County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority. Don’t forget These Helpful Sites:
www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com
www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
Friday, June 28, 2024
A Few Minutes with Lisa Lofdahl, Metalworker and Owner of LLM(etalworks)
A Few Minutes with Lisa Lofdahl, Metalworker and Owner of LLM(etalworks)
I have had the pleasure of knowing Lisa for many years. I first met her when I was helping her buy a home in South Orange. She chose the specific home as the garage was expected to be a perfect place, noise-wise, etc., to create a metalwork shop. A shop, she outgrew after a few years. LLM is now found around the back of 31 Cordier St., in Irvington, sharing space with Real Antique Wood.
Here are some of the pics of her new shop and a video featuring Lisa, discussing the range of products she creates, and more.
Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/West Orange 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 (ABR), 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
I am also a Luxury specialist
(CLHMS), I have received special training to
guide and educate you through the entire home buying and selling process. Not
only does this extra training help me better understand this upper echelon in
real estate, its benefit include a special luxury website: www.njluxhomes.com and a corresponding worldwide luxury network that helps to
put luxury buyers and sellers together.
As your Maplewood/South Orange/ West Orange New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the West Orange, 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 County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority. Don’t forget These Helpful Sites:
www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com
www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com
www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com
Let's work together to find you find your Dream Home!
A picturesque town in Essex County, Maplewood is located on the
East Branch of the Rahway River. Originally consisting of farms, mills and
orchards, Maplewood is now a great mix of residential and commercial areas,
culminating in the jewel of a downtown village and coming together to create a
charming, tight-knit and diversified community. Maplewood has predominantly
Colonial and Tudor style homes with sprawling porches and ample greenery, but
you can also find some Victorians and a range of more modern style construction
on its beautiful tree lined streets. Maplewood is a diverse town with 6
elementary schools and prominent municipal building designed by famous
architects, Guilbert and Betelle. In the center of town, famed landscape
architects, the Olmstead Brothers, created the breathtaking Memorial Park; not
to be overlooked is Ricalton Square, nestled between the train station and the
downtown shopping; this area is frequently used for events including a
Halloween Parade with hayrides and petting zoos, as well as featuring replica
homes during the Winter Holiday Season. The town offers many activities to its
residents from camps in the summer, arts and crafts classes, a public pool
(with 4 pools ranging from a “baby” pool to toddler pool to large lap pool and
a diving tank) and a farmers market when in season. There is even an annual
musicalpalooza--Maplewoodstock—featuring a variety of bands and musical styles,
showcasing local and national bands with booths for local businesses to set up.
The Village, also known as Maplewood Center, is a quaint, downtown shopping
district with everything from restaurants with foods from all over the world,
bakeries, dance studios, gyms, bookstores, a movie theater and bookstores. With
its large variety of cuisines to choose from, Maplewood recently started a
yearly town-wide Restaurant Week with over 30 eateries participating. Easily
accessible by its throughways and the New Jersey Transit, it's no surprise
Maplewood has been ranked several times as one of the most desirable places to
live in America by a number of surveys. Let's work together to find you your
Dream Home!
HOME.COMMUNITY.GIVING.GRATITUDE
Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in New Jersey 2024 in Essex and Union County, New Jersey
There’s nothing quite like cozying up and watching a fireworks display on a warm summer night. A little less than a month out from the Fourth of July, Montclair and its surrounding towns are gearing up for some pretty extravagant celebrations. There’s no need to travel far this year — town-wide displays and parties are happening in Montclair, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Livingston, and more Northern New Jersey spots for fireworks. Keep reading for a complete guide to 4th of July fireworks for 2024’s Independence Day celebrations in the North Jersey area.
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Montclair/Bloomfield
Brookdale Park, Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield
Wednesday, July 3rd
The Infernos will be performing at Bloomfield + Montclair’s 4th of July celebration on Wednesday, July 3rd, followed by a fireworks show. Learn more here.
Read More: NJ Announces Free Admission All Summer to These NJ State Parks
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Fireworks Display | Panther Park, 118 West Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove
Monday, July 1st
The 2024 Cedar Grove fireworks display will be held at Panther Park. Learn more here.
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Livingston
Livingston July 4th Celebration | Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive, Livingston
Thursday, July 4th | All Day
Livingston’s 4th of July celebration includes children’s programs, food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and a car show — starting in the AM. From 7:30PM – 9PM, there will be a performance by “We May Be Right”, a Billy Joel Cover Band. At 9PM, the fireworks show will start. More information on this event can be found here.
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Millburn + Short Hills
Millburn-Short Hills | Millburn High School, 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
Thursday, July 4th | Fireworks at 9:30AM
This celebration will have both a morning and night program, with fireworks at dark. A DJ will provide music, a magic show, face painting, a train to ride around the park, food and ice cream trucks will provide sustenance while waiting for the fireworks to begin. The fireworks will begin at 9:30PM. You can click here to learn more.
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Newark
Branch Brook Park, Park Avenue + Lake Street, Newark
Friday, June 28th
The New Jersey Symphony will be performing at Newark’s 4th of July celebration on Friday, June 28th, followed by a fireworks show. Learn more here.
Newark | Weequahic Park, Elizabeth + Meeker Avenues, Newark
Tuesday, July 2nd
The Men of Soul will be performing at Newark’s 4th of July celebration on Tuesday, July 2nd, followed by a fireworks show. Learn more here.
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Verona
Verona Fireworks | Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Friday, June 28th | 7PM
This Verona event will take place prior to July 4th on the weekend — starting at 7PM with a DJ, dancing, and entertainment. Fireworks will follow at dusk, at around 9:15PM. In case of bad weather, there’s a rain date of June 29th.
Bergen County NJ Fireworks 2024
Where to Watch Fireworks in Allendale
4th of July | Crestwood Lake, Allendale
July 4th
This holiday observance will begin at 7AM with a flag-raising ceremony and memorial salute. From 8AM to 12PM, the town will host a Field Day competition. An All-Star baseball and softball game will take place from 1PM to 4PM. Fireworks-related activities will start at 7:30PM beginning with a performance by the Community Band of Waldwick, and the fireworks show will begin at 9PM. Please note tickets are required to enter the park, and are only available for Allendale residents.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn Fireworks | Memorial Park, Berdan Avenue and 1st Street, Fairlawn
June 27th
Fair Lawn will host its fireworks show on Thursday, June 27th at Memorial Park. The celebrations start at 6:45PM, and the fireworks begin at 9:00PM. Vendors will sell food and drinks, and live music will be performed by the band Asbury Fever. Tickets can be purchased during the presale or at the gate during the event day. To find out more, click here. The rain date for the fireworks will be July 1st, 2024.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Paramus
Paramus Fireworks | Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex, Paramus
June 30th
The fun begins at 3PM on Sunday, June 30th at the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex in Paramus. The event will feature live music, food trucks, and the annual softball game between teams from the Paramus Fire Department and the Paramus Police Department. The fireworks will kick off at dusk. There will also be a parade in Paramus on July 4th, beginning at 9AM at at the intersection of Farview Avenue and E. Century Road.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Ramsey
Ramsey Fireworks | Finch Park, 194 Church Street, Ramsey
July 6th
The town of Ramsey will celebrate Independence Day on July 6th with a community fireworks show. The festivities begin at 6:30PM at Finch Park.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Ridgewood
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration | Veteran’s Field, North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
July 4th
The town of Ridgewood will celebrate the 4th of July by starting the day with a flag-raising ceremony at Wilsey Square at 9AM. From there, the town parade will kick off at 10AM. Starting at 6PM, live music, food trucks, a beer garden and more will lead up to the main event, the fireworks show, which will begin at dusk.
See More: These 10 North Jersey Parks Allow Grilling
Where to Watch Fireworks in East Rutherford
State Fair Meadowlands | 1 Metlife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
July 3rd + 4th
This fireworks show, which takes place on both July 3rd and July 4th, is two celebrations in one since it takes place at the New Jersey State Fair. Parking at the fair is free, and the fireworks can be seen from anywhere on the fairgrounds. The fireworks will begin after dark.
In Union County, NJ: