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
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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
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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
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