Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Money-Saving Energy Tips for Your Millburn-Short Hills Home!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a New Jersey resident spends an average of $3,834.13 a year on combined energy costs. While there isn't much we can do about utility rates or cold winters, there are easy, cost-effective ways to reduce the energy consumption in our homes! Here are some tips I put together from Energy.gov:

1. Allow sunlight through your windows during the day. Even a few hours of natural sunlight can help keep your home warmer. At night, shut curtains and blinds to help trap in heat.

2. Use seasonal window treatments. In the winter, make use of heavy drapes and blinds that close tightly. 

3. Use foam weather stripping inside of door frames to prevent drafts.

4. Drafty windows should be caulked, or sealed with a clear plastic sheet around the interior frame.

5. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless you have a fire going. Check the seal around the damper to make sure it closes snugly. If you have a fireplace that you never use, plug and seal the chimney flue.

6. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. A hot water temperature of 120 degrees should be adequate for household use. Heating your water can account for 14% to 25% of the energy use in your Millburn-Short Hills home!

7. Turn back the thermostat by 5 or 10 degrees while you are sleeping, and whenever you plan to be away from home for a few hours.

8. When cooking, avoid the temptation to repeatedly open the oven door and check on the progress of your dish. Set timers and use meat thermometers to cut down on the peek-and-guess cooking method.

9. Install water-saving shower heads.

10. If you're not already using them, replace your standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs. CFL's have come a long way since their beginnings and use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I'm happy to share these money-saving energy tips for your home! And whenever you are thinking of buying or selling a home, I'll be happy to help you! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience give you the advantage in our real estate market!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

How the "Fiscal Cliff" Could Affect Home Buyers in Millburn-Short Hills

If you have plans to buy a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home in the upcoming year, you may be a bit concerned about the "fiscal cliff" debate that has been going on in Washington D.C.  While there is still hope for a compromise between lawmakers, if there is no deal before January 1st, 2013, a ream of automatic tax increases and Federal budget cuts will occur.

These could affect home buyers in Millburn-Short Hills and  Summit, NJ in several ways. Most immediately, payroll tax withholding will go up, which will affect wage earners across the board. Next, your income tax filing in 2014, for the tax year 2013, could result in fewer deductions and a potentially higher tax bracket. These changes won't directly prevent you from buying a home, but it could mean changes to your budget.

I'm sharing this infographic from Bankrate.com, which explains the impact of the fiscal cliff to individual taxpayers.


It should also be mentioned that if you sell your Millburn-Short Hills home any changes to capital gains tax rates will not change the allowed exemptions. For example, if you have lived in the home at least 2 out of the past 5 years, the first $250,000 in profit is exempt for single filers. If you are married filling jointly, that exemption becomes $500,000. So far, nothing in the budget debate affects this.

Naturally, all this information could change if a new Federal budget deal is approved in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, this gives you a basic guideline so you can discuss any concerns you may have with your professional tax preparer.

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I can help you buy or sell a home no matter the market conditions! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How to Sell Your Millburn-Short Hills Home During the Holidays!



There are strategic advantages to selling your Millburn-Short Hills home during the holidays. Serious buyers are home shopping, and inventory is lower. The holidays are a popular time for vacations, and you could have buyers from around the country, or the world, looking for homes right here in Millburn-Short Hills! Your home interior may also look its best this time of year.   

If you have your Millburn-Short Hills home on the market during the holidays, make the most of the unique opportunities of the season by following these simple steps!

1. Decorate tastefully. A large, decorated tree can make a room appear smaller. Too many decorations can overwhelm a buyer’s senses and distract them. 

2. Minimize or remove religious decorations prior to a home showing. This is a personal decision on your part; keep in mind that you want buyers of all walks of life to feel welcome. This doesn't mean you can't display a nativity scene, but perhaps a small display in the house is better than a large, plastic, light-up scene in the front yard.

3. Keep clutter under control. Shopping bags and rolls of gift wrap should be out of sight. Clean up the kitchen promptly after baking projects. Keep plenty of open space visible on the kitchen counters.

4. Keep your home clean and be ready for short-notice showings. Buyers may have vacation time during the holidays, but that time is limited.  If they are interested in your home, be flattered, instead of feeling inconvenienced. 

Another great way to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home is by letting me help you! As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale. Real estate is a four-season business and I can help you sell your home any time of year, in any market!  

Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Pricing Advice for Millburn-Short Hills Home Sellers

Getting ready to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home in 2013? You're not alone! Real estate surveys conducted during 2012 indicated that many homeowners are waiting until 2013 or later to sell. The reason? A common expectation of higher home prices.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a profit, or recover equity. However, the surveys also revealed that some would-be sellers have unrealistic expectations. For example, 32% of homeowners said they would list their homes for a higher price than what the market comparisons suggested.

Here is why over-pricing a home usually backfires:

1. Most home buyers need mortgages, and mortgages require appraisals. If you find a buyer who will accept your price, the appraiser is still going to use market comparisons to determine value. If the appraisal falls short, there's no mortgage, and no sale.

2. Thanks to the internet, buyers can compare your home to others in the same price range, in a matter of seconds. During those few seconds, they will make quick decisions based on price and photos. If your home doesn't appear to measure up for the money, they will discard it from consideration.

3. The first 30 days on the market are critical. Homes that are priced correctly create "buzz" in the market and receive attention from home buyers and real estate professionals. The more interest, the more showings, and the better chance of a good offer in a short period of time.

4. An over-priced home will be avoided and linger on the market. Eventually you are compelled to reduce the price. Even then, your home will not draw strong interest nor strong offers, as the extended days on market have created negative assumptions about the property.

The good news is, you can sell your Millburn-Short Hills home for top dollar, by understanding what "top dollar" is in our market! I will help you, by providing a comparative market analysis, along with details about recent home sales in your neighborhood. I will also provide proven marketing strategies for results!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I will provide the expert guidance you need for a successful home sale! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience be your market advantage!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Enjoy Holiday Fun in Millburn-Short Hills NJ!

Ready or not, the holiday season is here again! If you need a boost for your seasonal spirit, or you're looking for holiday fun for the family, take some time for these Millburn-Short Hills events!

Bring the whole family and your friends to the 29th Annual Snowflake Parade in downtown Millburn on Sunday, December 2nd! The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. from Millburn Avenue and State Street.

Stick around after the parade for refreshments with Santa in the courtyard. There will also be collection boxes for the "Toys for Tots" donation drive at Millburn Avenue and State Street, so please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for a needy child.

Enjoy the soaring, uplifting melodies of "The Sound of Music" at the Paper Mill Playhouse. This classic musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein was inspired by the true story of the von Trapp family in the late 1930's. It continues to delight audiences of all ages with its humor, charm and message of hope. Performances are scheduled through December 30th.

Create your own holiday decorations using natural materials at the Greenwood Gardens Holiday Greens Workshop, December 4th & 5th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. You will learn how to create garland and wreaths using the natural materials supplied by Greenwood. Registration fee includes all materials. There is another holiday workshop on December 12 teaching turn-of-the-century natural designs using greenery, fruit, nuts, and berries. See their website for registration fees and details.

Take a break from the mall this holiday season and enjoy the hometown events we have in Millburn! As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate professional, I'm happy to share examples of our community spirit and quality of life.

Whenever you are thinking of buying or selling a home, I'll be happy to help you! Contact me today, and let my 18 years of experience give you the advantage in our real estate market!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

7 Steps to Home Ownership in Millburn-Short Hills NJ!


By now, you've heard of all the great reasons for buying a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home. Mortgage interest rates are low and home prices are reasonable, while rents continue to increase. Home ownership with a fixed-rate mortgage is your best defense against rising housing costs!

Yet for too many would-be home buyers, buying a home seems overwhelming. It's a big decision and it involves being financially prepared. I want you to know that home ownership in Millburn-Short Hills and  Summit, NJ is attainable, and I've put together these 7 steps to help you!  

1. Choose the type of home you want. Condo? Single-family home? If you enjoy the convenience of apartment living, but want the benefits of ownership and the tax breaks, you might prefer a condo. Think long-term about your family needs and the room you'll require.

2. Know where you want to be. This is a combination of lifestyle and necessity. Is being close to your child's school important? Do you need a shorter commute? Do you spend more free time shopping, dining out, or at the park?

3. Prioritize. Narrow down the "want" list to what you truly need - and be willing to consider fewer amenities, if necessary, in order to find an affordable home in your preferred location.

4. Prepare your credit. Pull a free copy of your credit history from AnnualCreditReport.com. Get your credit score from MyFico.com. Contact the reporting agencies about any errors or discrepancies.

5. Prepare your down payment. You may be able to qualify for an FHA mortgage with as little as 5% down! If you have nothing put aside yet, start a practical budget that includes regular contributions to savings.

6. Talk to a mortgage lender about your financing options, and fine-tune your home ownership plans.

7. Work with me!  As a real estate professional with over 18 years of experience, I can help you succeed with your home ownership goals!

Contact me today, and let me help you with your home buying goals!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me

Friday, November 9, 2012

Summit, NJ Farmers Market

There are a wide variety of reasons people want to live in a Summit, NJ home. Quality of life, local school districts, and a strong community are all commonly named. Today I'm going to focus on a recurring local event that adds to the community fabric of Summit, NJ. Get excited to learn all there is to know about the Summit, NJ Farmers Market!

The Summit, NJ Farmers Market takes place at the intersection of Maple Avenue and DeForest Avenue. The market opens in spring and stays open until November 18th. What does that mean? You have two more chances to visit the Summit, NJ Farmers Market in 2012 before it closes up shop for winter. The Farmers Market occurs twice per week--each Sunday from 8 am - 1 pm.

What can you expect to find at the Summit, NJ Farmers Market? A little bit of everything, including locally grown organic produce, plants, flowers, and specialty items like breads, cheeses, coffee, and more. Several Summit, NJ restaurants are generally present at the Farmers Market offering up samples as well.

Sunday, November 11th marks a special day for the Farmers Market because there will be a special guest organization present--Home For Good Dog Rescue. This organization is a non-profit animal rescue. They will have volunteers and adoptable dogs with them on site. If you want to adopt, foster, or volunteer with dogs, the Farmers Market will be a great way to get more information. (You may also visit their website by clicking here.)

If you go to the Summit, NJ Farmers Market this month, have fun! Also know that if there are any local events you'd like me to write about, I'd love to hear about them in the comments. And, as always, do not hesitate to contact me if you need help buying or selling a Summit, NJ home. Have a great weekend!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Questions to ask when buying a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home

So you're decided to buy a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home. Hooray! Millburn-Short Hills, NJ is a fantastic place to live. It is good for families, and many people say they enjoying living here because of the good school districts and a strong sense of community. You want to make sure you pick the perfect Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home for you so living in it will be enjoyable for years to come. Here are questions to ask while buying a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home:

Ask questions related to the price of the home.
How much did the seller pay for the home, and how many years ago? How much does the seller still owe on the home? How much have similar homes sold for in the neighborhood recently? Some of the answers to these you will be able to find out on your own, but it's still worth asking questions just to get as much information as possible. If the owner owes more than they're selling the house for, then it could be a short sale. While you don't need to know what the seller paid for the home in the past, you might want to know how much the value of the home has increased over time.

Ask questions about the location of the home.
How close are the nearest schools? Stores? Transit stops? Parks? Churches? Restaurants? What is the crime rate in the area? Is there anything nearby that makes loud noises that can be heard from inside the house? Many of these answers can be found through online research, but again, it's good to ask. You never know what important piece of information the seller might mention.

Ask questions about the condition of the home.
What type of foundation does the house have? Is the attic insulated? How old is the roof? When were the appliances last replaced? Feel free to ask questions about anything--plumbing, electric, remodeling, etc. Not everything can be determined from just looking around. The more questions you ask, the more information you'll have. The more information you have, the better you can estimate how much you'll have to spend on repairs and maintenance in the future.

Hopefully these tips help you as you search for the perfect Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home for you. If you have any further questions or would like to hire me to provide professional help, please contact me.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Down the Block: A Millburn-Short Hills, NJ non-profit

As a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home owner, you might be wondering how you can donate in a way that will benefit the local community. Today I'm going to spotlight one local non-profit that is right here in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ. Down the Block is an organization that helps out local Millburn-Short Hills, NJ residents.

What does Down the Block do?

Down the block provides money to benefit Millburn-Short Hills, NJ residents going through rough times. The money is used for basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, heat or electricity, etc. Down the Block provides a way for Millburn-Short Hills, NJ residents needing help to get it discretely.

How do I know the money is being used properly?

Each applicant requesting help from Down the Block is screened. Once they are chosen as recipients of Down the Block's help, the money is given directly to the service provider and not to those being helped. That means a person will have their heating bill paid so it can stay turned on during the winter rather than be given cash.

Who can apply for short-term assistance?

Residents of Millburn-Short Hills, NJ who are over eighteen are eligible to apply for assistance. They must submit an application and meet with someone in person to discuss the situation. Requests for smaller amounts of money are more likely to be funded.

Where do I get more information?

For more information on donating or requesting assistance, visit the Down the Block website by clicking here.

Thank you for readng about this local non-profit that helps keep Millburn-Short Hills, NJ a strong community. If there are other non-profits in the area that you think I should spotlight, please let me know in the comments. Have a great week!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Maintaining your Short Hills, NJ home

There are many reasons people opt to become home owners. Maybe you bought your Short Hills, NJ home because you enjoy the location and want to stay here permanently or for a long time. Maybe you wanted the security of owning as you raise a family. Investing is usually a component of buying a home. If you don't pay attention to the maintenance of your Short Hills, NJ home, you are not properly protecting your investment. You could risk expensive repairs later that could be prevented by doing some basic tasks each year or so. Here is a list of eight quick things you can do to maintain your Short Hills, NJ home and keep your investment protected:


  1. Each year in late spring or early summer, check out the air conditioning. See if any small parts need to be repaired or replaced. Clean or replace the air filters.
  2. Each year before winter, check out your heating system in the same manner. Replace filters and vacuum ducts as necessary.
  3. Pressure wash your siding and wood porches or decks. This could be done every-other-year depending on the level of build-up. Keeping things very clean like this will not only make your home look better, it will also make the materials last longer.
  4. Check your roof for broken or missing shingles and gutter problems. Replace or reattach as necessary. Trim any tree branches touching the roof as they can cause problems later.
  5. Clean out your chimney and make sure there are no leaves, dead animals, nests, or other debris in there. If you have a fireplace, clean that. Make sure everything is properly ventilated and that screens are in place where needed.
  6. Check all smoke detectors are operable and replace batteries as needed. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher and make sure it's filled and in working order.
  7. Replace or patch screens in doors and windows. Replace broken panels of glass. Check to ensure windows are sealed properly and add caulk when necessary.
  8. Check faucets in bathrooms, utility rooms, the kitchen, and even outdoor spigots for leaks or other problems. Take care of small issues before they become larger.
Hopefully these simple tips help you better care for your Short Hills, NJ home. If you have any questions about home maintenance or buying or selling a Short Hills, NJ home, do not hesitate to contact me. Have a good week!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Halloween in Millburn, NJ

There are many Halloween events that Millburn, NJ home owners can enjoy. Families and children of all ages--from tiny tots to teens--will find something fun to do this Halloween in the Millburn, NJ area.

Check out 2012 Millburn, NJ area Halloween events:

Pumpkin Patch at Wyoming Presbyterian Church
Throughout the rest of the month of October, there will be at pumpkin patch at Wyoming Presbyterian Church in Millburn, NJ. It will be open from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, 10 am - 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and noon - 5:30 pm on Sundays. Proceeds go to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey. For more information, click here.

Newcomers and Neighbors Adult Social Halloween Party
On Friday, October 19th at 7 pm, there will be a Halloween Party for adults only in Short Hills, NJ. Tickets cost $35 and the party will keep going until 11 pm. It takes place at the Racquets Club of Short Hills. For more information, click here.

62nd Annual Millburn Halloween Parade
On Sunday, October 28th there will be a lot of fun from 11 am to 3 pm in Taylor Park, at 100 Main Street in Millburn, NJ. In addition to a parade, there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, and pumpkins for picking. Kids under age 15 in costume may have a free hot dog; other food will be on sale for everyone else. For more information, click here.

Wyoming Club Halloween Party
There will be games and food at this Halloween Party for kids. It will take place on Sunday, October 28th, at 2 pm at the Wyoming Club. For more information, click here.


Pre-School Trick or Treat
This trick-or-treat event is specifically for the pre-schoolers and will take place in downtown Millburn, NJ on Wednesday, October 31st. For more information, click here.

Have a fantastic fall season and Halloween holiday in Millburn, NJ this year! If you have any questions about the local community or real estate opportunities, be sure to contact me.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Are you ready to buy a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home?

So you're considering buying your first home and are thinking of Millburn-Short Hills, NJ. Congratulations! You're in the right place. Millburn-Short Hills, NJ is a popular place to move because of its many amenities and strong sense of community. Buying your first home--here or anywhere--is a major decision. You want to ask yourself many questions before taking that big step. Here are questions that will help you determine if you are ready to purchase a home in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ:

Will you stay put for while?

In order to make the investment worth your while, you probably want to stay in the home you buy for several years before you resell it. If you cannot imagine staying in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ for the next five years or so, it is probably not a good time for you to buy a home.

Is your life fairly stable?

Of course unpredictable things happen all of the time, but take a moment to think about potential major changes you can foresee. Is your job secure, or are you at risk of losing it? Is your marriage rocky, or going strong? Could you see yourself quitting work to go back to school in the near future? These are all things that should be taken into consideration before making a decision about buying a home.

Do you have good credit?

Perfect credit is not necessary for buying a home. That said, if you very bad credit, you do not want to start home shopping until you've cleaned it up. Having items in collections or loans that have defaulted will not help you when you're looking for a mortgage.

Can you afford what you want to buy?

Take an honest assessment of your financial situation and determine whether or not you can afford what you want to buy. Look at what you have saved for a down payment, what you estimate repairs, utilities, and property taxes will cost, and from there calculate the amount you can afford to pay each month. Is this enough to buy you the house you want to live in for the next several years?

Hopefully this post has helped you as you contemplate buying your first Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home. If you do decide to buy a home now, do not hesitate to contact me for professional help with finding the perfect home for you and negotiating a reasonable price.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me
 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Fall Events in Summit, NJ

Being a Summit, NJ home owner is rewarding for many reasons. One of them is that there are a variety of events to choose from in the Summit, NJ area. Here are a couple fun events that should appeal both to adults and children alike. These are affordable, entertaining, and probably not like what most residents do everyday. Check out some upcoming Summit, NJ events:

Fall Festival Fun Family Event

The Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, October 13th at 11 am until 3 pm. This free event will be at Jefferson Elementary School, 110 Ashwood Avenue in Summit, NJ. There will be a variety of activities that will delight children and adults. Activities will include pony rides, crafts, games, an obstacle course, a raffle, a cakewalk, a food and bake sale, pumpkin decorating, and more. For more information, click here.

Second Annual Beefsteak Dinner

Last year's Beefsteak Dinner was so fun, they decided to do it again! This event is put on by the Millburn PBA Local 34 at Knights of Columbus at 60 Shurnpike Road in Summit, NJ. It takes place on Saturday, October 13th at 6 pm. This is a charity dinner and the proceeds benefit PBA Local 34 and the charities they support.  There will be entertainment provided by DJ Tony Batelli and door prizes will be awarded to winning guests. The cost is $50 per person and that includes all-you-can-eat beefsteak, beer, wine, and soda. For more information, click here.

Hopefully these events help make your October a little more fun. If you have any Summit, NJ events you'd like me to write about in the future, or if you have any questions about local real estate, feel free to contact me. Have a great week!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Visit My Website
See My Listings
Become My Fan on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Add Me to Your Circle
Contact Me